Two weeks ago the church overwhelmingly  approved Scott Solimine as associate minister.   Scott will focus on ministry with students and young adults.   He is also helping me with ideas for overall outreach and planning.   Over the past few months he and his wife Valery have volunteered in our ongoing youth programs.  It has been a delight getting to know them.  Our current youth worker, Andrew Sbarra,  is confident that Scott will bring the youth to the next level of growth.  Andrew will continue working with Scott in ministering to the youth as long as he can  (With full time school and a wedding next summer). He wants to stay on with our current core bunch of kids until graduation.  Andrew and Scott make a great team.  Andrew has a keen ability for planning events.  Scott is skilled in reaching out and engaging young people.   He enjoys talking with kids about their beliefs and challenging them to think through their faith.  We are excited about the growth opportunities this allows us. 

I’m preparing for our trip to Hawaii.  My son, Justin, is stationed there.  My daughter, Marissa, will be going with Mely and me.  We are excited about enjoying that tropical paradise together.   Then the three of us will be off to Indianapolis for the North American Christian Convention.  Andrew and Scott will preach the Sundays I am away.

My initial reaction to the federal circuit ruling in Wisconsin: “Must not be much to do in Wisconsin.”  God fearing people gathering in public spaces to express good will for their country; inviting government officials to demonstrate moral and spiritual support, calling on God for guidance and wisdom is so threatening to democracy that a judge needs to rule against it?  Am I reading my modern history wrong? I thought the fascist states of the 1940’s were the ones offended (read threatened) by free expression of faith.   I thought the protectors of the proletariat were threatened, but surely not a democracy. 

Tomorrow, as I pray for our nation and its leaders, I will also be praying for our circuit judges.  I will ask God to grant them wisdom.  May they seek justice above personal gain (Prov. 29:4).  May God grant them the grace to remember the mistakes of past governments?  May we move forward as a people rather than backward?

Jeremiah 29:7
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." TNIV

Dave