Dear Church,
Since last year's Mother's Day, 40 babies have been born to or adopted by young couples in this church.  That's probably a record.  (On an average year we may have 18-20.)  That's 40 children who will be growing up through our nursery, our children's ministry, our youth ministry, and who will one day be the teachers, choir members, and leaders in this congregation.  This is surely something to celebrate.  Add these 40 to those children who are already growing up in our church, and it is even more exciting.  It is truly a positive time for this congregation and for our future.  This Sunday, Mother's Day, we will present most of these children and their parents before the congregation so that we might all see and be thankful.

On Sunday, May 18, we will recognize and celebrate our graduation high school seniors.  This year we have a total of 25 graduates, and I hope most of them will be present so that we might congratulate them and pray for them as they move beyond this stage in their lives to the future God has for them.  I am grateful to Chris Burns for the stability and leadership he has provided our high school students in these past three years.  His love for our students as well as their families is obvious and heartfelt.

Today I want to thank all of you who are not only sincere, individual Christians trying to live out your lives by the teachings of our Lord but who also value the larger body of Christ and are committed to working together as one in Christ.

I'll see you Sunday.
Your friend and pastor,

Bill Coates