Good morning! I am writing this to you from Celina, Ohio. I am sitting at the kitchen table where I have shared many a breakfast with my wife's family. I'm reminded of the very first time I made the trip to Celina, before Mary Kay and I were married. The plate of bacon was passed first to me, as the guest, and I ignorantly piled on 4 slices. Mary Kay later explained to me that no one ever took more than 2 slices. One pound of bacon had to feed 7 siblings, Mom and Dad... and now one young, hungry suitor. This was not the way to make a great first impression!
I want the church to know that Mary Kay and I are heading for home at noon today and we intend to see all of you tonight at Church Requel. We cannot begin to tell you how very much we both look forward to our time together this evening. You all did such a wonderful job being the church this past week during our absence. I am still marveling that you fed so many hungry people over Thanksgiving! Tonight we will give you some time to share stories of giving meals away.
We also will begin our sermon series from Romans 8 with the first topic: "I Am Not Condemned." This was the sermon I had intended to share with you last weekend. We will talk about WHY we can KNOW we are not condemned as Christ-followers. We'll talk about the reality, the reason, the route, and the result of our freedom in Christ. We will also watch a brief, dramatic movie that will help you know for certain that you are not condemned. Here's the YouVersion sermon outline for tonight.
From the bottom of both of our hearts, Mary Kay and I thank you for the loving support you have provided us during our week of grief. We know how much you love us. Your acts of love toward us this week have helped more than you could ever know.
With great affection, Pastor Mark
