Dear Family of God,

Wow! What a year so far! Truly, we have much to be thankful for. Together, we have seen so much progress, we have implemented a careful and strategic plan and pattern for change, all the while ensuring all voices are heard and all perspectives carefully considered. Perhaps the greatest reward for me-that for which I am probably most thankful-would be the evidence on faces, in voices and in the congregational atmosphere that shouts out, "dreaming is allowed - gifts are solicited - participation is encouraged." Have you seen it? Its showing up everywhere:

• In joy-filled assemblies and worship!
• In the beautiful cacophony and bedlam of dozens of little voices in our assemblies, most of whom weren't here a year ago!
• In the faces of dozens of little "wee worshipers" being given a culture of praise!
• In the faces of parents who are beginning to believe that we genuinely care about them and their children!
• In the faces of adults working with them reminding us, "what good is it if we don't pass it on?".
• In the lives and actions of those same parents who were challenged by the older members to step-up and make this a kid-friendly place; well, by-george, they have! And they're planning more!
• In a celebration of Christian life called the "First Annual Fall Festival" - with a whole bunch of other first's being imagined and planned! Yea!
• In the fact that we had musical instruments, in worship, on the grounds and the world didn't end! ;-) Come on...you gotta laugh!
• In all the new faces that have joined our family - some who used to be here and have returned to us - many who are new; all who are here because a vision is growing and being shared, that God is doing something special here! Faces that convict us that we really do have something here to share - something that can touch and change lives. Thank You!
• In the faces of Seniors whose homes and hearts have been ministered to and loved.
• In a "sticktuative-sticktogetherative-compassionative" (Martha - I'm an English teacher's nightmare) handling of challenges that will always confront bold visionary faith-life!
• In the willingness to give an eccentric, rather-less-than-traditional preacher/pastor a place to give voice and experiment to that which hasn't been tried much! I HOPE THAT YOU SEE THE LOVE AND APPRECIATION IN HIS FACE. IF NOT, ASK HIM...HE'LL TELL YOU!
• In the burgeoning eccentricities of others who are saying things like: "You know, I've always wondered about..." or "I wonder if someday we might be able to try..." or "I'm really starting to ask myself what God wants of me here; does God have a place for my gifts?" This is the stuff that leads to explosive growth .

Well, on and on I could go! I wanted you all to know, that regardless of all the challenges that I/we face, I believe that I/we are blessed beyond measure. Specifically, I want you to know that I have never worked with better people, nor felt more love than here with you. Jack Scott is very Thankful for the Family of God, in Ardmore!

I Love You Brethren

Jack