Dear Friends, As I write this, I’m still basking in the glow of another successful Spring for Kidz Carnival a few days ago. About three hundred people showed up and, judging from the feedback, they all had a great time! Financially it was a success as well. While I am of course very pleased about this success, what impressed me the most was the hard work of so many of you who came together to make this event happen in the first place! A special “Thank You!” to Oressa Campbell

Dear Friends, In an article entitled “Eleven Characteristics of Effective Smaller Churches,” David R. Ray states that there are faithful and exceptional qualities that effective smaller churches have that make them successful. Among these are: worship, taking advantage of your size, a family spirit, have fun, commit to mission, find your distinctive niche, pastoral leadership, effectiveness of laity, using resources wisely, “Thrive! Don’t just survive,” and nurturing a passio