Dear First Family,

Got a minute? Just wanted to share a couple of important things with you. So, I’ll get right to it.

THANK YOU – You guys did a great job at reaching out and inviting people to join you at church last Sunday. THANK YOU for your dedicated effort. I had such a great time meeting many new people, and it was because you dared to pray for them, and then risked inviting them to experience a worship service at Salem 1st. There were people here who did some significant SPIRITUAL BUSINESS WITH GOD. So, I want to encourage you to keep it up. Of all the people I met, they all came because someone had invited them. I didn’t meet a single person who came because of the Yellow Pages, or even our Website.  The power of inviting someone is still strong. Let’s capitalize on it as we head into the Holiday season.

LIGHTING ENHANCEMENTS AND SECOND SERVICE CHANGES – Some of you have noticed and remarked about some of the new equipment and screens in the Sanctuary. They are part of an upgrade designed to enhance the lighting in both worship services, as well as provide a significant improvement to our display capabilities in the second hour. The goal for our two distinct worship services has always been to provide the very best experience possible for those attending our church. With five generations currently in attendance the challenges are considerable. One of those challenges is reaching younger generations that are much more visually oriented. Fortunately for us, one of our oldest and largest Nazarene churches, Bethany First Church (Oklahoma City), has already been leading the way in responding to these challenges. After visiting with their team this past Easter we began to prepare for changes in the second service we felt would better connect us with the people that are the future of our church. It's our hope over the next few weeks we'll have everything in place and working. One of the benefits, long-term, will be the introduction of many new students and young adults to our worship, sound, and front-door ministries. While we still need a major renovation of lights, sound, and power supply in the Sanctuary this will serve us well short-term. Additionally, some of this equipment can be used later in the New Addition.

NOVEMBER – What a month this is going to be around Salem First. We kick off the month with a SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEKEND. As you know RAY VANDERLAAN will be with us NOVEMBER 5-7. I hope you’ve secured your tickets. Don’t put this off. For all of those who attend, your heart will be so touched and you’ll make significant spiritual headway. What a great way for our Church Family to move forward in our walk with God. This is a great invite event. Please be praying for this important weekend, and make plans to be a part of it.

NOVEMBER 14, I’ll be taking the morning to give a detailed update about the STATE OF THE CHURCH. With the “finish line” in sight, we have much to celebrate and much to consider as we look at our future. Plan for a great morning.

THIS SUNDAY – Pastor Keith Ritter will be speaking in both service. Come expecting an outstanding morning. Thanks for being such a great Church Family. I’m thanking God for you today!

All My Love,

Pastor Dave