Cheryl and I would like to invite you, at least 46 of you, to join us for a very
special evening at War Memorial Auditorium this Saturday, November 15th
at 7:00 p.m. as Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family presents a very
special program, “Bringing Home the Prodigals” with Rob Parsons. This program
originated in England and has had tremendous impact on families and
communities wherever it has been presented. It has its origins in Luke 15 and the
parable of the prodigal son. The focus is on relationships that need to be
reconciled. The program will include wonderful music and inspirational preaching.
Tickets at the door are $13.00 each, but we have 46 tickets that we will give free
of charge to the first folks who ask for them. In addition, we will provide
transportation from the church parking lot at 6:15 PM to those who prefer not to
drive to the event. Again, tickets will be given on a first come, first served basis.
Please call the church office at 299-1913 to reserve your space. We look forward
to sharing this special time with many of you.

A portion of the parable of the prodigal son is applicable to our fifth
stewardship emphasis: the letter “E” in G-R-A-C-E, “extravagant generosity.”
Consider the father in the parable. He grants the son his inheritance when he
demands it and then eagerly awaits the son’s return with an open heart and open
arms. When the wayward child does eventually come home, he asks to become a
slave in his father’s house; but the father puts rings on his fingers, clothes him with
the finest garments and invites friends and neighbors to join in a feast to
celebrate the lost child who is now found. The father provides extravagantly for
this child he never stops loving.

Our God has extended His “extravagant generosity” to the whole world.
He graciously and generously provides daily provision and gives His very best –
His only begotten Son – so that you and I might be reconciled to God by Jesus’
sacrifice. God’s “extravagant generosity” allows us all to come home. The life of
the good steward acknowledges God’s generosity and in thanksgiving and love
responds with a generous heart. God is pleased and honored by His children who
give as their response to His grace. May all of us know His holy affirmation as we
strive to follow Jesus’ example and practice “extravagant generosity.”

Hope to see you Saturday and Sunday,
Jock