2009 is quickly coming to a close. 2010 lies ahead of us, waiting patiently for the dawn of January 1st. We have experienced many changes in 2009 at St. Andrews Road. We have grown and will continue to grow in number, in grace, in love, in fellowship, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we are nourished by the word of God (Matthew 4:4), as we put into practice what we are taught (James 1:22), and as we wait patiently on God to fulfill His promises (Galatians 6:9-10).

Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 3:6 concerning growth. “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” Indeed God has answered our prayers with a harvest of new brothers and sisters in Christ. Just this past Sunday evening God blessed the church with three new members. Tammy Badgett made the good confession that was baptized into Christ. Her finance’ Steve Hawn also decided to commit his life to Christ and be baptized. Their wedding is planned for this month. Please make sure you meet them and let them know how happy we are to have them with us at St. Andrews Road. We also welcome Angela Davis, Hannibal Davis’ mom to the church at St. Andrews Road. Sister Davis has been worshiping with us for several weeks and just this week decided to work under the oversight of our elders.

This has been a challenging year financially for some of our families. A few of our brothers and sisters lost their jobs this year. Some of them are working again. Others are still prayerfully and patiently waiting for work. Even in these troublesome times we have met all our financial obligations and have exceeded our budget for the year. God is good to us. To Him we give all glory, honor, and praise for the rich blessings that we enjoy.

Take a look around our facilities. Walk into the auditorium and you will see new updates. Walk through the lobby and see the new paint. Walk into our restrooms and note the positive changes. God has blessed us.

The renovations to our classrooms, offices, and fellowship hall, as well as our halls, restrooms and conference rooms continue and will be completed in just a few short weeks. God continues to bless us as we labor together in harmony and unity in His name. May we always put His kingdom and His righteousness first in our lives! Jesus said that when we put first things first “all these things will be added to us” (Matthew 6:33).

Our Sunday morning sermon series “About Our Father’s Business” continues this Sunday. Jesus was always about His Father’s business. His mission was to preach, serve, live, die, and rise again so that the whole world could be saved by grace through faith. He lived to honor His Father. He brought glory to His Father by fulfilling His Father’s will. He finished the work that His Father gave Him to do (John 17:1-5). Think about it. Jesus “business” was and is people. His Father’s business is “people.” We too must be about people: our family and friends, the saved and the lost, the thirsty, the hungry, the naked, the stranger, the sick, and those in prison, even our enemies. If you would like to read ahead, read Luke 4:14-21.

This Sunday evening we will look at “Understanding Growth.” Balance is vital to our growth. A positive mental attitude is also a key to understanding growth. Every action is influenced by the way the think. We must not allow circumstances, people, things, or feelings to direct our thinking. Our thinking and then our decisions are influenced and directed by God’s word.

I look forward to sharing these lessons from the word of God with you.