Pastor's Pen- July
Are you worn out yet from a busy summer when we are barely half way through it? We had a fast and furious week of Vacation Bible School on Sunday night through Thursday night, June 1-5. Everyday, multiple volunteers made possible Bible Stories, music, crafts, snacks, recreation, and clear gospel presentations, with a fabulous celebration on family night, where each class sang for parents and grandparents, then got to take home everything they made all week, to help reinforce the lessons.
That weekend, we celebrated with Lupe and Betty Herrera, their 30th Anniversary Renewal of Vows. Alicia and I got on the road that same Saturday night to start our trip to the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas, including the annual Pastor’s Conference that Sunday evening, and all day on Monday. The actual business meeting of the SBC ran on Tuesday morning through Wednesday, sprinkled with opportunities to join with others across the nation in praise and worship, hearings sermons, and reports from all of our Southern Baptist entities, including groups like our seminaries and missionary sending agencies. Highlights included appointment of brand new missionaries to key places around the world. The energy and excitement was absolutely thrilling. Thursday presented an excellent opportunity for Alicia and I to tour Southwestern Seminary and it’s many changes since my time there, and to get all the way back to Pecos.
Truthfully, the motions and resolutions are always difficult and hard work for all of this. We know that this is no vacation, it is a church business trip that requires work, but is filled with opportunities to meet and pray for old friends and new acquaintances. Alicia and I want to thank the church for voting for us to go as messengers and paying for the trip by use of my business expense line item.
Ironically, Alicia spent the very next week in the same hotel, on a conference for her position as principal of Austin Elementary. Has your summer been this busy, in both your job and personal life? If we are not careful, the summer calendar will never be the relaxing time we know we need to stay deep in God’s Word and prayer, and maybe take a trip or two in the beauty of the great outdoors. No matter how busy your work, family responsibilities, or even vacation opportunities, make time first and foremost to be alone with God, maintaining that sacred relationship ought to be our highest priority.
Just recently, we celebrated the baptism of Nicoli Nathaniel Cisneros, followed by a celebration luncheon in the fellowship hall. Please allow me to thank our great meat cooks: Lupe and Betty, and the decorators and organizers: Jeanine Ivy and Jeanne Holt. Each of their spouses, Jim and EC, worked hard in the kitchen, along with Sheela Francis, Buffy Pharaoh, and a whole host of other helpers. If you see Haylee Hill, please congratulate her on her Baptism at the recent Marks Family FCA All Star Games. Al Pell and Bruce Mussey are gone now to FCA camp at Hardin-Simmons in Abilene, and may be back before you read this letter.
Don’t miss our Patriotic Service and Lord’s Supper Celebration on Sunday morning, June 29th. On July 6th our Community-wide Revival Service will be held at First Baptist Church, with Mike Pharaoh leading the singing and doing a solo. Our own, Jim Ivy, a deacon at First Baptist, will be preaching the sermon. Please come out and enjoy what God lays on Jim’s heart as we continue prayers for revival. Paisano Baptist Encampment will be held this year on Sunday evening July 20th through Friday morning July 25th. Remember, Louis Acosta worked hard to build the homemade tables on display in the entry and assembly area.
Please stay involved in at least one small group Bible Study throughout the summer to help you grow in discipleship and fellowship. It won’t be long before you turn around and discover that yet another summer is gone and over. It is up to each of us to use ours well and wisely, in service to God, making a difference for Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God.
In God’s Holy Name
And Precious Love,
Pastor Kevin