DB's Dabblings

Most churches have a summer slump, and maybe we are experiencing a bit of one ourselves. Here are some things you can do to help. Attend as often as you can, but if your family is going to be away on vacation, make sure you emphasize worship while you travel. While you may have to be flexible in how you worship, you don't want to send the message to your children that it is unimportant. Remember the expenses of the church family continue even while you are away, so your contribution is still needed. Let those in charge of ministries know you will be absent so a substitute can be found. And since so many will be gone during the summer months be willing to step in and help out to fill those vacant spots. While a bit of a summer slump is to be expected, let's not let it interfere with our mission as a church family.

As for an update on our merger discussions with Mid-County, I don't have much to report, other than the Elders and Ministers are continuing to meet and pray. Let me address one question that I have heard often lately, "Why is it taking so long to make a decision?" This is a good question, but there are good reasons not to rush. Let me give you a few I thought of:

1. Because it is an important and far reaching decision. It is about doing God's will and Kingdom business, reaching the lost, building up the Body of Christ, and the ramifications will last for eternity.

2. Because it is based on vital questions about our ability to use our diversity in a united mission to work together for greater good than we could independently.

3. Because you want answers. While at some point we will have to take a step of faith not knowing all the details if we merge, there are many details that you would want the leadership to explain how it would work if that's the decision. At the same time, if we should decide not to merge, you will want to know the reasons why. You deserve answers, but it takes time.

4. Because both churches have developed their own identities, cultures, methodologies, and personalities. While diversity is good and can be used to reach a greater diversity of people, there must be unity in diversity. It takes time to figure out how to use the diversity in a united cause.

Keep praying and God will help us reach a decision soon.