Here is the conclusion of my recollections for the year and a compelling reason to be grateful to God.
“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21).
July
Pastor Rigsby’s sermons are like Lays Potato Chips. Do you remember their commercial jingle? “You can’t eat just one.” Do you know how difficult it is to choose just one from an entire year of sermons? My choice for this year’s Most Memorable Sermon came in two parts: “What About Hell?” You just can’t pick one! Rocio Garcia (from the Spanish congregation) serves with InterVarsity Fellowhip of UCLA and Los Angeles Urban Project tutoring and teaching Bible lessons over the summer. Clint and Julia (Thomas) Cook welcome the birth of their son, Elijah Thomas, very (prematurely) early, July 14th. Jayson Jun (from the Korean congregation) also serves with InterVaristy Fellowship of UCLA in the country of Turkey. Pastor Emilio Núñez passes all four parts of his comprehensive doctoral exams. Jonathan and Jessica Cowan are married in Van Nuys July 22nd. Jeff and Naomi Palmer, having finished their training and having sufficient provision from the Lord leave for Indonesia with New Tribes Mission. John and Kerry Rigsby welcome the arrival of their daughter, Anna Ruth, July 27th. What a special anniversary gift!
August
A man we never had the privilege of meeting (except through his family, the legacy he leaves behind), Henry Siemsen, is welcomed into the presence of his Lord. Paul and Christa Thomas are married, August 26th in South Dakota. Let the book signing begin! The long awaited run-away best seller “The Dummy in the Middle” empties the shelves of every Wal-Mart in all of Lee County, Kentucky. When Bill Holeman says he’s going to sell a million (and sign every copy, too), I believe him.
September
After a long period of convalescence and a short illness, Johanna Csema is now at home with her Savior. Commemorating the 65th anniversary of her 25th birthday, Monnie Dailey’s children invite her family and friends to share in this momentous occasion with a meal at Embassy Suites. Yes, Monnie is still driving the one and only car she has ever owned.
October
Jeff and Leah Klingsporn welcome the birth of their third son, Nathan, born October 9th. Julia Connell sings “Ten Thousand Angels” two weeks after her 90th birthday. She’s still got it! The baby not expected to survive to birth entered this world kicking and screaming October 14th and apparently single-handedly pushed the US population over 300 million! Gabriel and Jamie Frees are very proud of their son, Kaleb Martin. Little sister, Casey, is still a little skeptical.
November
The year ends with an act of kindness and generosity that cannot begin to be described. The Spanish and Korean congregations seeing the English congregation’s lack took the initiative and assumed the English congregation’s portion of the shared expenses. I could say their desire was prompted by our lack, but that would conceal their ultimate motivation. Here is a wonderful contemporary example of living that is not according to the flesh, by our strength or ability. By contrast, this response to God’s grace is Spirit empowered and enabled according to what Jesus Christ called the first and second great commandments: “to love the Lord your God with all your heart…and to love one another as yourself.”
“Thank You, Lord. Would You give us the desire and power to glorify who You are by reflecting Your holiness? Would You enable us to respond gratefully for all You have done and for what You will do in and through us? Amen.”
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