June 2019

Dear Friends,

​School is out for some of our students and will be out soon for the rest of them.  That means that we are heading into the summer season for the congregation which includes Vacation Bible School in the Albion Park June 10-13, Kids’ Camp, Teen Camp, and Family Camp at Mt. Chestnut, District Conventions, Country Campout (August 16-18), and our annual baptism service at Raccoon Park (see below). 

Pastor’s Connie, Tonya, and I are just completing the sermon series “Ancient Words—Ever True” on your favorite Old Testament Bible stories.  We have learned many lessons from these interesting and inspirational stories.  As I look at how I can best prepare our congregation for the upcoming pastoral transition (after October 2019), I am looking at preaching sermons on the New Testament instructions for the church and how it is to function.  We will be looking at such topics as Christ being the head of the church, the church functioning as the Body of Christ, and the church being united in mission. 
Please join with me in prayer for 3 things:

1.That God will use these last 5 months that I am your pastor to prepare our congregation for the transition that will be happening following my retirement;
2.That God will guide the Church Board and the church members as they determine God’s will for who the next pastor will be;
3.That God will be preparing the next pastor (and their family, if applicable) for their transition to this wonderful congregation at Albion Nazarene.

God has wonderful plans for the future on Albion Nazarene and I am confident in this congregation that you will discern what steps need to be taken to bring those plans about.

Last September we really enjoyed Back to Church Sunday when the theme was “You Belong Here.”  We will be participating in this nationwide outreach event again this year on September 15th.  The theme this year is “Together” and will focus on encouraging people to go back to church to experience doing life together with other people of faith and who are searching for faith and meaning in their lives.
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The date for Back to Church Sunday is the day after the Albion Fair finishes which give us a wonderful opportunity to invite people and promote the event at our fair booth.  T-shirts will again be available and we will soon have a sample for you to see and place your order.  Begin now to pray for TOGETHER on September 15th!

Another annual favorite Sunday for our congregation is when we gather for Sunday School classes and Worship Service at Raccoon Park so that we can have our baptism service at Lake Erie.  This is currently in the planning stage, but you can notify me now if you are interested in being baptized.  I already have a couple of individuals who want to proclaim their faith in Christ through their baptism.  I would love to add you to the list.       
                 
Have a wonderful summer!  See you in church.  
     
In Christ’s Love,                                                                                                                      Pastor Wayne

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