Dear Church Family,

As we approach the Fourth of July, a day that holds great significance for our nation, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of this occasion and its relevance to our lives as members of the body of beleavers and America.

Independence Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a document that declared the United States' separation from British rule and laid the foundation for the birth of a new nation. This day offers us an opportunity to celebrate the values and ideals that our country was founded upon—liberty, equality, and justice for all.

As we come together as a congregation, I believe it is important to remember that our celebration of the Fourth of July goes beyond mere festivities and fireworks. It is a time to reflect on the blessings we enjoy as Americans, as well as our responsibilities to uphold and promote the principles of freedom and justice that our forefathers fought so hard to secure.

We can offer prayers of thanksgiving for the men and women in our armed forces, first responders, and all those who serve our communities and nation selflessly.As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to seek the well-being of others.

This Independence Day, let us extend this love and compassion to all those around us, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. We can reach out to our neighbors, foster unity, and engage in acts of service that promote the common good, for it is in our unity that we find strength.

As we celebrate our freedom, let us not forget to pray for our nation's leaders. They bear the weighty responsibility of guiding our country with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Through prayer, we can support them in making decisions that promote justice, equality, and the well-being of all people.

On this Fourth of July, let us also remember that true freedom is not solely a political or social construct, but it begins in our hearts and souls. Let us seek the freedom that comes from knowing Christ and living in accordance with His teachings. May our celebration of independence be a reminder of the ultimate freedom we find in Him, and may it inspire us to live lives that reflect His love and grace.

May this Fourth of July be a time of joy, unity, and renewed commitment to the well-being of our nation and its people.

With warm regards and blessings,

Bill Doane

 Dear Church Family,

I write to you today with a heart filled with joy and a burning desire to remind our church family of the profound truth that Christ is Supreme.

In a world that constantly bombards us with distractions, ideologies, and competing voices, it is crucial that we, as believers, hold fast to the central truth of our faith: that Jesus Christ is above all and in all. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.

In the letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul beautifully expresses the supremacy of Christ. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul writes, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

As a church, it is vital that we continually seek to exalt Christ above all else. We must make Him the center of our worship, our ministries, and our daily lives. When we gather for worship, let our focus be on exalting His name, declaring His glory, and surrendering ourselves to His lordship. Let us remember that our purpose as a church is to bring honor and glory to Christ, reflecting His love, grace, and truth to a broken and hurting world.

May the Lord continue to bless and guide our church as we strive to honor and magnify the name of Jesus Christ, the Supreme Lord.

With deep love and appreciation,

[Bill]

 Dear Church Family

As we approach the upcoming Father's Day, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of this occasion and express my gratitude for the fathers and father figures within our church community.

Father's Day serves as an opportunity to honor and appreciate the incredible role that fathers play in our lives. It is a time when we can come together as a community and acknowledge the significant impact that fathers have on their families, children, and society as a whole. Fathers provide guidance, love, support, and stability, shaping the lives of their children and helping them grow into responsible and compassionate individuals.

Within our church, we are fortunate to have many exemplary fathers who serve as role models and pillars of strength. Their dedication to their families, their commitment to raising their children in faith, and their unwavering love is truly inspiring. On this special day, it is important that we recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of these fathers, expressing our gratitude for their selfless devotion.

In addition to celebrating the fathers among us, let us also remember those who may find Father's Day to be a difficult time. There are individuals within our congregation who may have lost their fathers or may be estranged from them. It is crucial that we extend our love, support, and compassion to these individuals, offering them solace and understanding during this time. Let us ensure that they feel included and embraced within our church family, providing a source of comfort and strength.

Furthermore, I encourage members of our church to take the initiative to reach out to fathers and father figures within the community who may not be part of our congregation. We can extend invitations to them, inviting them to join us in our Father's Day celebration, thus strengthening our ties and fostering a sense of unity within our broader community.

Let us use this Fathers day as an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate their presence and influence, while also extending our support to those who may be experiencing difficulties. Together, we can make this Father's Day a memorable and meaningful event within our church.

May God bless all the fathers and father figures among us, and may He grant them wisdom, strength, and abundant love in their journey of fatherhood.

Yours faithfully,

[Bill Doane]

 Dear Church Family,

I am writing to express my deep appreciation for the recognition of children as a blessing within our church community. I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of cherishing and nurturing the precious gift of children in our congregation.

Children are undeniably a gift from God. They bring boundless joy, laughter, and love into our lives. Their innocence and genuine faith serve as a reminder of the beauty and purity of God's creation. As the Scriptures affirm, "(Psalm 127:3)."Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward."

Within the church, it is essential that we create an environment where children feel welcomed, loved, and valued. They are not merely the future of our faith; they are active members of our community with unique perspectives and gifts to share. Their presence in our worship services, Sunday school classes, and youth activities enriches the spiritual tapestry of our congregation and strengthens our collective faith.

Jesus Himself emphasized the significance of children in His teachings. He lovingly embraced them, saying, (Matthew 19:14).But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven

Jesus recognized their value and reminded us of the importance of embracing childlike faith.

As a church, we have a responsibility to support families in raising their children in the ways of the Lord. Providing resources, guidance, and opportunities for spiritual growth equips parents and guardians to nurture their children's faith. It is through our collective efforts that we can help children develop a strong foundation in Christ and empower them to become the future leaders and ambassadors of our faith.

I want to express my gratitude for the church's acknowledgment of children as a blessing. As we embrace and cherish the children within our congregation, let us remember that they are not only the recipients of God's love but also the vessels through which His love shines brightly. Their presence reminds us of the immense blessings that God bestows upon us all.

May we continue to support and nurture the children in our church, recognizing their inherent value and celebrating the unique ways in which they contribute to our faith community.

Congratulations Class 2023 We are so PROUD of you. My God Bless and Kepp you Always.

Bill Doane