It's been a good weekend and a good day of worship. As I wait to return to church for this evenings NEXT service I am thinking about 3 celebrations that Cindy and I have shared this weekend. There was a celebration of life, an anniversary celebration and a celebration of new beginnings. Yesterday Cindy and I drove to Willard, Mo. (just north of Springfield) for the celebration of life for Rev. Jack Montgomery. Jack was a second career United Methodist pastor who I attended seminary with. Actually there were three of us who attended seminary, served churches near one another and drove back and forth each day. Jack had a great testimony that included an adult conversion experience, the victory of sobriety, and a call to preach. Jack was a great encourager and was instrumental in 10 people hearing and responding to a call to ministry. He was a friend and a person I deeply respected. His was truly a celebration of a life well lived. This afternoon Cindy and I joined with a number of people in the anniversary celebration for Bill and Jean Ohlhausen. Bill and Jean were married in June 1954. Their life together is an inspiration for all who know them. The steady stream of people and the full Memorial Hall are testimony to Bill and Jean and their service in Platte County. It is a great joy to share in an anniversary celebration where we are able to witness the joy of marriage and life together. Bill, Jean and their family are true blessings. The third celebration came this morning as we introduced Jake Schneider and Kyle Butler as our new associate pastors. Their presence in our church represents the celebration of a new beginning. Jake has been serving two churches in Fayette, Mo. and now comes to lead NEXT and our mission program. We celebrate his new beginning and the new opportunities he will bring. Kyle has most recently been serving as an associate pastor in Kearney, Mo. He comes to us to give leadership to our Intentional Faith Development ministries. Kyle will build on the work that has brought us to where we are and provide a new beginning in our discipleship process. So you see it's been a full weekend. A weekend filled with celebrations of faith. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve