Hey, got a minute? Wanted to tell you something I’ve had on my heart. I love my church. I really do. God changed my life through the local church. I believe that what the church does matters and I have given my life to it.

When we say we love Jesus but don’t love the church we are basically booing the bride at the wedding…something the Groom won’t tolerate! Yes, the church is full of jacked up, hypocritical people…and there is room for more! There is not a perfect church! BUT…the church is HIS. He said in Matthew 16:18 that He would build it…and…He is! The church was SO important to Him that He gave His life for it, established it and now sits at the head of it. Now, if all of that is true then IT MATTERS! We’re not called to just attend a church…we’re called to belong to one! I think we need to make some changes from membership to ownership. Here’s why: a member has RIGHTS; an owner has RESPONSIBILITIES!

Sometimes the church finds itself in such a condition that we don’t really want to attend. It happens. And when it does, we basically have 2 options: go somewhere else, or stay and help fix the issues. The church ought to be a place of real celebration, because “once I was LOST, but now I am FOUND”! When that happens – it ought to cause us to get happy. The potential of the church is AMAZING…and Salem First, if God has done great things and been faithful for 98 years, then what could the next number of years look like? God didn’t die on a cross to raise an audience but rather to raise an army…and an army is willing to do whatever it takes to win!

I want to ask each of you to make a serious commitment with me. Between now and OCTOBER 10, I’d like to have you identify 10 people that you know who are not yet into the Kingdom. I’d like to have you commit to pray daily and diligently for their salvation every day. And later in September, I’d like you to invite them to attend church with you on OCTOBER 10. On that Sunday, we will have an unforgettable morning, and an invitation will be made asking them to invite Jesus into their life. It could be/will be an unforgettable day in the life of our church.

On August 15 we begin a brand new series, 24 – A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JESUS. It’s going to be great!

Are you aware that we’re putting forth a great effort to create a new CHURCH DIRECTORY? I need you to stop by and get a quick picture taken. No sales pitch, no special attire, just you – and your family if you have one. We’ll make it quick and easy. You can slip into Room 112 starting this Sunday, August 8, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm, or 5:00 –7:00 pm, and at the same times the following Sunday, August 15. We will also have photo sessions on Wednesday, August 11, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and at the same times the following Wednesday, August 18. Thanks for your participation!

One more thing First Family…I really do LOVE MY CHURCH – enough to help us get healthier, reach new people, enjoy a great environment of worship, and connect with people who are regular folks but love Jesus. The challenges are real, and at times there seems to be no shortage, but Jerri and I are here -- we aren’t hopping from church to church every few years. We’ve bought in! Not because everything is perfect. But because we believe that it’s still God’s answer for changing the world. It’s still got great potential for a compelling future. Your faithfulness, commitment, servant heart, and generous spirit always touch me, not to mention your phenomenal flexibility during our building project.

I love this church…and am so thankful for those of you who have taken ownership and invested time and treasure into this place and have been a part of what God is doing!  I love my church…and I love you guys. Thanks for allowing me the honor of serving you as pastor! We’ve had some amazing times these past 10 years…but THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!

Blessed By God and you,

Pastor Dave

P.S. For those who would like an Israel Update – I’ve asked Jerri to give a report this SUNDAY EVENING AT 6:00 pm on her recent trip to Washington D.C. and the Christians United for Israel gathering. I hope you’ll join us!