Dear First Pres,

     I'm very excited to introduce you to Margie Nunez. Margie will be our new Children's Ministry Director, starting next week!  She's been a long time member and recent staff member of University Presbyterian Church, a church with whom we've had a long and healthy relationship.  I'm sure you'll quickly notice, as you get to know Margie, that she has a deep love for Jesus and a strong heart for kids and their families.  My hope is to introduce Margie to you in worship soon.  Meanwhile, we praise God that He has provided this wonderful new staff person.

     We also praise God for the great stories that are coming from the Community Group gatherings last week.  Our total participation continues to be strong, and the sense of mission and purpose in each group is growing. I especially loved hearing how the groups were praying together for their part of the city.  Way to go, First Pres; I'm grateful for your willingness to enter this new territory.

      As we move toward the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I want to encourage you to begin praying specifically for the people in your life who do not know Jesus. This can be a wonderful season to talk with them about your hope in Jesus or invite them to a church gathering. Will you pray that God would open their hearts?  Will you pray that God will open the opportunity for spiritual conversation? Will you pray that God will give you the courage to follow His lead when those opportunities present themselves?  The fact is that God is working to draw people in your life to faith. I'm praying that your eyes and hearts will be open to each opportunity to participate in that process.  

Blessings,