Now that we have the 4th of July behind us, we are moving quickly toward the occupation of the educational part of our expansion and our new schedule beginning September 10.

This week our contractors will be finishing up the connectors to our present preschool and children’s hallways. That will allow us to start getting those areas ready for adult Bible Fellowship Groups.

Next week will also be the beginning of the “finishing touches” for the education expansion. We are moving quickly toward finally having adequate educational space for our church.

This will be the first time in my 28 years at FBC that we have actually had extra classrooms to meet growing Bible Fellowship Group attendance.

Let me tell you about something for which I am truly proud, amazed, and joyful.

It’s because of the enthusiasm for which much of the church has responded to the large responsibility God has given us. We have asked for you to see the coming new building as an opportunity for us to welcome new people to a knowledge of God and to His church. We have seen many volunteers who want to serve as greeters and workers.

We all know that we must take our hospitality to a new level. We must all look for people who need a smile, a greeting, and encouragement.

I was particularly encouraged when one of our teenagers asked last week if people his age would be able to help in this way. This is an encouraging sign.

We are going to have a “First Impressions Seminar” January 19 and 20 with a specialist in this kind of ministry.

I hope you will write down the dates and set them apart. The more people who attend the more we will be able to welcome our community.

Please look for these opportunities for motivation and training in this essential ministry.