Sunday morning Jim mentioned the “Hymn Festival” scheduled for August 15 at First Baptist downtown. This will be a great evening of music our choir along with the choir from First Baptist and a few special guest will lead us in worship as we sing some great hymns together. Mark your calendar and make sure you join us Sunday evening, August 15.

I also want you to know that we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper during our morning worship service on August 8th. We’ll observe the Supper again on Sunday evening, October 24 and then Sunday morning, December 12.

I look forward to seeing you and your family as we gather for worship this coming Lord’s Day.

Rod

I want you to know about a great opportunity this coming Sunday, July 25. We will have as our guest Tracy Singleton who serves with Action Zambia. Tracy will speak during the Sunday School hour in the worship center. His presentation will begin at 9:45 and wrap up about 10:30. He will be sharing about the work of Action Zambia, his calling to work with the African people and about Zambian culture in general. We are inviting all our youth and adult classes to this presentation. You will meet at your regular time in your class for announcements and attendance then move to the worship center by 9:45. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear about what God is doing in Zambia.

Don’t forget, if you signed up to bring food for camp that needs to be here by Sunday evening. I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

I’ve also thought about my failures and shortcomings. As I’ve thought about nearly 20 years of ministry at Trinity I’ve reached a few conclusions. I know there are better men to serve you as pastor. I’m certain there are more gifted evangelists and better preachers. But I’m not sure there is anyone who could love you more. I cannot express the honor and pride I feel in being your pastor. I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve so many of you who help shape and mold my life. For a lot longer than I’ve been your pastor you’ve loved me, prayed for me, supported me emotionally, spiritually and financially. You’ve put up with a lot. You’ve overlooked my faults and I am grateful. I trust I’ve been an encouragement to you. I pray that I have pointed you to Christ and have contributed to your spiritual development.

Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. Please know of my great love for you. I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

• July 11, 2010: Emptiness, from Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.
• July 18, 2010: A Fool’s Errand, from Ecclesiastes 1:12-18.

I saw it when he worked late hours after going in early so he could drive 2.5 hours one way to watch a ball game my brother was playing in. I saw it when I turned from my seat on the bench during my game and I could see in his face my game was just as important as the one my brother stared in. I witnessed it every third Sunday night of the month when I stood to preach at the Meridian Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City and there he was, Bible in hand, waiting for me to open the Word of God.

I saw it every time his eyes lit up at the sight of my children. I witnessed it every time he “happened by the house” and asked if anyone wanted to, “go see a man about a dog?” My kids piled in his car and they were off to Braum’s. I close my eyes and I see his smile and I hear his laugh. And I think, “Thank you Pappy for teaching me that while it is important to provide for your family – life is far more than food, shelter and clothing. While it is important to see that your children are educated – life lessons are taught by example. They are lessons absorbed through time spent together. Thank you for teaching me to laugh and to love. Thank you for teaching me the value of simple things. Thanks for teaching me how to be a dad.”

Happy Fathers Day. I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod