As always, I want to thank you for taking the time to read these updates! I deeply appreciate your friendship, fellowship, and prayers for me and my family and my ministry! I am thankful that the LORD has blessed me through another week in which I have enjoyed good health and the opportunities to serve HIM and HIS people.

Like many – if not most – weeks, this past week had some really great “ups” and one really sad “down.”

On the upside, I enjoyed my sermon and Bible Study preparation and my opportunities to spend time cleaning and realigning pews in our sanctuary as the ceiling repair and repainting was being done. Thankfully, that part of our renovation is complete, and it looks really great!

Another “up” was that on Tuesday after catching up on church work (and after a bit of flurries) I drove down to Lake Shelbyville (again!) and hiked the 2.66-mile General Dacy Trail. I really enjoy both the drive and the time in the woods!

Midweek Prayer Meeting and Bible Study was a blessing. I really enjoy these times together as we fellowship, pray, and study together! These are a spiritually mature and knowledgeable people and our discussions through the Books of the Bible are a truly happy experience for me!

The biggest “ups” of my week were related to family! My Grandson Austin and his wife Jadan were in for their Christmas leave and I was able to be with them twice including their “Christmas” with us! It is always a joy to be with my daughter Becky and her husband Tim and their son Aric! Thankfully Austin and Jadan are safely back home in North Carolina.

I also get to spend some time with my son Dan most mornings and on this past Friday – like almost every Friday – my son Tim called me on his way home from work in Wisconsin.

The “down” for the week was driving to Peotone, Illinois to conduct the funeral of my dear friend, fellow airman, and former church member Paul Madoni. He and his late wife Mary’s families have always been – and are – a blessing to me. Paul and Mary loved the LORD and their Pastor.

Paul’s multiple year battle with MS is now over and he is with the LORD he loved and served and the wife he loved more than life!

Sunday was pure joy in our Sunday School class and our Christmas worship service! I dearly appreciate our beloved and faithful members who attend, support, and serve JESUS through our Church!

Someone once told me, “there is no such thing as a bad short sermon” and this was likely the shortest sermon I have preached in a long time! (I will not make this a habit…)

Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement in my life!