10.20.08
November Newsletter article
Believers have the responsibility to daily present themselves to God to be used in loving people to faith in him. However, there are events coming up at Seaford where we can work together to do this. Primarily, our weekly worship service is the most consistent opportunity. You can be involved in helping someone to Christ simply by consistently inviting friends to worship. Churches that grow tend to have very high percentages of their church body that do this weekly. Second, upward basketball season is fast approaching and there are many ways to be involved in that ministry. Third, our Christmas musical is always a great opportunity to invite guests.
In October, the personnel committee filled two positions based on the decisions of the church body in the August business meetings. They hired Kathi Hodge as the interim worship director and Lloyd Wiggins as the facility maintenance coordinator. Kathi is new to Seaford; Lloyd is an active member having joined Seaford in 2004. In addition to this action, the committee has completed work on a new personnel manual and will be introducing that to the full church staff in mid November.
The church health team has launched a church health survey, as requested by the pastor search committee. This survey will provide critical information to the search committee as well as provide important data to the current pastoral staff and other church leaders as we seek to follow God’s direction for our church. You can find out more information about this by reading the lead article in the October newsletter. You can also find that at There is a link to the survey on the main page of the church’s web site. www.sbc-va.org
The pastors are beginning a message series on the book of Nehemiah on Sunday, October 26th that will run through the end of November. There are fascinating themes in this book that parallel much of what is transpiring during this season at Seaford: specifically prayer, leadership, facing challenges proactively, engaging everyone in ministry, and worship.
The pastor search committee will be leading a church family forum during the mid week service on Nov. 12th. They are planning a highly interactive event with a combination of guided small discussion as well as large group collaboration. The purpose of this forum will be to discuss the new pastor profile.
We have had many first and second time guests over the course of the fall. It is everyone’s responsibility to help create a welcoming and nurturing environment for these guests whom God has entrusted to us. No one visits a church by accident, least of all Seaford. Aaron recently offered new training for greeters and is actively seeking to expand that ministry. We need greeters at every entrance and in the parking lot to assist in caring for those God is bringing to us. Please contact Aaron at the church office (898-5384) or by email awest@sbc-va.org if you would be interested in serving in this ministry.
Finally, after a three and half year wait, Kat and I leave for China on November 4th, to bring home our adopted daughter, Noelle Meiyuan. Thanks to so many of you who have prayed for us and encouraged us through this time.
Gene
