This weekend I’ll be in New York City to cheer on my son, Caleb, as he runs in the NYC Marathon.  He has worked and trained very hard for this event, and we want to be there as his family to support him.  Ruffin Alphin, my dear friend and a friend of FBC, will be preaching in my stead, from Psalm 98 on the subject, “Praise The Lord – Why?”  Our congregation always enjoys hearing Ruffin expound the Word. 

This past Sunday, it was a delight to give a report on another fantastic “Trunk or Treat.”  Again, many thanks to those of you who volunteered and gave!  There was much love flowing in our parking lot last Friday night, as some 1500 people gathered.  There was lots of kindness, lots of gospel conversations, and lots of invitations to Christ and His church.  It is a wonderful thing to see families out together in an environment where Christian love is so present. 

The pastor on our staff who has a big hand in making Trunk or Treat “go” is Wilson Caldwell.  This past Sunday, our church prayed for he and Brittany and their precious girls, Karis and Kadence, as Wilson takes a Sabbatical in Nov-Dec.  It’s hard to believe, but this is Wilson’s seventh (Sabbatical) year with us at FBC.  He is doing an awesome job and has built a great team that will keep our children’s and student ministries rolling over the next couple of months.

We are so thankful that our church loves her pastors in this way, and so thankful for your many expressions of love to all of us during Pastor Appreciation month and at the luncheon this past Sunday.  It is a joy to serve the Lord with such a sweet congregation!

By His Grace, For His Glory, To the Nations,

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.