The Wedding is Over

The wedding is over and the marriage begins. We had a great weekend as Jana and David exchanged wedding vows before each of their families and most importantly before the Lord this past Saturday. We are grateful for how well things went for them.

Thanks again for all the prayers and support. They were blessed with so many gifts and words of encouragement. Most of all they have a wonderful church family in which to grow and serve.

Jan and I enjoyed having most of our family members in town for the ocassion. It was great to see them all. We really have wonderful families who are so supportive of each other. What a blessing.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving week.

The Ride

The final countdown has now begun for Jana and David's wedding this coming Saturday. We spent much of the day getting things ready at the church and doing some last minute shopping. Not only are we putting the finishing touches on the wedding plans, but also preparing for family members who will be coming in for the weekend.

Tonight, Jana and I took a final motorcycle ride as daddy and (unmarried) daughter. This is something that we have planned for a long time. Throughout the years riding the motorcycle has been one thing that Jana and I have consistently done together. We have logged many miles and countless hours just letting the wind blow across our faces and chatting about anything and everything. So this ride tonight was special. Since my motorcycle got critically ill and was sold to the mailman I had to borrow a Harley from Ron Bennett. Boy, does that thing have power! One day . . . just maybe, I will have one like it. But for tonight it was enough to ride a borrowed bike through the cold air with my youngest.

I'm sure we will ride again in the future. But it was special to take that final ride together before she enters this exciting new world of marriage and of establishing her own family.

Wedding Bells

Wedding bells are beginning to ring around our house. We are now less than one week away from Jana and David's wedding. The pre-marital counseling is finished, the dress has been altered, the tuxedos ordered, the reception planned, the flowers are being arranged and hearts are beginning to beat a little faster. Once again I will have the great pleasure of being the father of the bride. We are so proud of Jana and are delighted that she is about to enter a brand new phase of her life. David has already become an important part of our family and we are thrilled to have him as a son-in-law. Thanks for your prayers for us during the next few very busy days.

Signs of Life

Looking for signs of life at HDBC? One good place to start would be to hang out in the MAC and Cafe Mac on Wednesday nights. Boy those areas are hopping. Kids, students and adults are enjoying the freedom offered in those spaces. Basketballs are being shot, footballs are flying across the gym and the sounds of joy and happiness are everywhere.

Now, this not the only place to find signs of life at HDBC. They can also be seen on Sunday mornings and evenings throughout the building as well as at other times. The good news is that the heartbeat of the church is strong and the future looks great.

Please remember to pray for your staff as we continue to look for ways to handle all the growth that always comes to a healthy, alive church.

A Servant's Heart

We started a brand new sermon series on Sunday called "Improving Your Serve." Our focus was on the attitude of a servant. Let me remind you of the keys that we discovered in Philippians 2:3-8.

We must check our motives.

We must conquer pride.

We must value others.

We must imitate Christ.

Not ready for all four? Just pick one and get started!

Then join us this coming Sunday as we again focus our attention on "Improving our Serve."

The Colors of the Season

I'm a fall and winter kind of guy. I love it when the temperatures begin to drop and the breeze picks up. I love watching the brilliantly colored leaves float to the ground. I love the approaching seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love cold nights and brisk days. I even love it when it snows. If you are a spring and summer person, just bundle up and try to enjoy the next few months. Your turn will be here soon enough.

Who would have thought of having four distinct seasons each year so that we could enjoy variety and change. God did and I am so glad he did.

Praise and Worship

Sunday night was a great night of worship and praise. It was so great to sense the Spirit of God as we lifted up our voices of praise to the Lord. It was such a joy to see the choir combine with the praise team as they led in worship Sunday night. Here are a few quotes from some of the responses that we have received this morning.

"Last night's worship service was OUTSTANDING! Very well done. I believe the Lord was very pleased with the worship service and I truly felt His presence."

"What a wonderful worship service last night."

"I for one was blessed greatly and lifted up tonight. It was truly a blessed time with the Lord."

Thanks not only to all who made Sunday night special, but for all who lead us in worship each week during all three of our worship celebrations.