This past Monday I had the opportunity to sit through the jury selection process for a particular difficult case regarding child sexual abuse.  I sat with seventy one other folks as the Assistant DA asked many questions to ascertain who he might want on the jury, and who he would not.  One questions was troubling, and revealing, and left me very sad at the responses.  The Assistant DA wanted to know if anyone in the jury pool had even been abused personally, or had a family member who had.  10-11 people spoke out loud with a "yes", sharing their experience, while 8-9 wanted to approach the bench and share in private.  Of the seventy two people sitting there, close to 30% had abuse happen to them personally, or someone they love in their family.

I left (after the defendance chose to plead guilty when he learned the minor would actually testify against him) deeply saddened, and reflecting on the brokenness in our world, and in the people around us.  How can we share a testimony of hope and love to so many that feel anything but loved and hopeful?  We cross paths with them every day, and never know how our experience with God can change their life.

This is our call as Christians.  But we can only share what we know.  If we haven't experienced the overwhelming love of God personally, and the joy which comes from a relationships with Him, how can we give a testimony to others?  My sincere prayer for each of you reading this is simple: may God's love be real to you, and the joy which comes from Him be available in your life.  Then, go share it with others.  All around you are people in need of what you have.  Don't hoard it!  Give it away!
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We are aggressively moving forward with our school building renovation!  We have over $50,000 in cash-on-hand and are going to be able to pay CASH for all the work currently being done, and to be done soon.  You may see some of the changes when you drive in Sabbath, as there is new paint already on the trim and overhangs of the school, and tomorrow the church.  We will also be adding new larger gutters to help alleviate the flooding possibilities within the church building.  Colors have been chosen for the interior, and contracts being signed this week for various parts of the labor needed to finish the project in a timely manner.  It's going to be AMAZING!!!

Our capital campaign is still going on.  I ask you to consider how God wants to use your gifts to bless our school and students.  While many have given already for this project, allowing us to raise over $25,000 in cash already, plus another $21,500 in pledges to be fulfilled in the near future, I know there are still many praying about what commitment God is asking them to make.  We have an additional $100,000 to raise to fulfill the KSCS capital campaign, and we will also be raising money to pay for the renovations within the church building in the near future.

If you are ready to give your gift, please do so through the tithe envelope, with KSCS Capital Campaign marked on the envelope, give directly to Clare, or make check out toe KSCS and write Capital Campaign on the memo.  You may give your check directly to Lee Murray.  Whichever way you choose to give, all gifts are tax-deductible, and will change the lives of students in the future!!!!

As a pastor, and person, I seek to listen to all who take a moment to share their concerns, and I don't want that to be any different in my relationship with each of you as members of LSDA.  I would like to know your perspective on the above question, so please take a moment to click one of the answers above to let me know your perspectives about where we are headed as a church right now.   Also take a moment to answer the question below, helping me as your pastor adjust to the needs of each congregation member.  Your input matters.

Thanks for taking a moment to answer.  No one else will see your answers...  But by doing so it helps me make adjustments and serve you better.  I love being here with each of you, and want to serve effectively while I am with LSDA.
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You don't want to miss the sermon this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!  

See you then!

Dean