Welcome to worship.

Naomi and I are glad to be back from vacation this weekend. During our break this last couple of weeks, we enjoyed time with our adult children and their spouses, as well as hiking, biking, walking, dancing, reading, resting. Thanks to Pastors Brett and Paul for speaking over the last two weekends.

I want to give you a heads up about our Missions Weekend happening on September 11 and 12. Our speaker will be Don Richardson, a former missionary who is now a best-selling author and ambassador for missions all over the world. If you are interested in learning more about Don, go to our website. Don will talk about “God’s Mandate for Missions” during his weekend with us. I know you’ll walk away challenged and encouraged.

On Sunday night, September 12, the Missions Committee would like to invite everyone to the Missions Dinner from 5 to 7 PM. You’ll be sharing a meal with many of the missionaries Lighthouse supports. You’ll get a chance to hear stories of how God called them to serve and where the Lord has been working in their ministries over the last year. The Missions Team will also be sharing about the upcoming mission trip to Ethiopia scheduled for August 2011. All are welcome and there is no cost for the evening. Childcare is available. You can register at our website—it’s so easy even I can do it—or use a Welcome Card.

I am excited about all that God is doing at Lighthouse and the ministries that are beginning soon. Please keep an eye on the bulletin for what’s starting and when. Remember as well that we are now sending a monthly e-News to your e-mail. We sent the September e-News a few days ago, so check your in-basket!

Also, remember to check out our website (www.lighthousehome.org) for the latest updates on various ministries. There are some awesome new videos from our Faith in Action weekend. Also check out the youth pages and look for a great video showing Youth Quake, 2010.

One last thing. If you’ve been wanting to become a part of a small group, check out GroupConnect on Friday, September 17. It’s like speed-matching for groups. You’ll meet people face-to-face, have dinner together and then be able to choose the people with whom you’d like to form a group. Again—I know I’m a broken record—check it out on the web!

Blessings! Pastor Art