A Note from the Pastor
Dear West Lawn,
August has always been a unique month in the life of the church. The pace slows just a bit as families enjoy vacations, children savor the final weeks of summer break, and many of us take a deep breath before the busy rhythms of fall return after Labor Day. While our calendar may be a little quieter, God's work never takes a vacation, and there is much to celebrate as we look ahead.
We begin the month by welcoming home our Carolina Rebuilding Ministries Team, on August 2. Thank you to each volunteer who gave of their time, talents, and energy to be the hands and feet of Christ. We look forward to hearing the stories of lives touched, relationships formed, and the ways God worked through our team during the week.
On August 9, we will conclude our summer sermon series "From 30,000 Feet," exploring the New Testament. Together we have traced God's unfolding plan through the life of Jesus, the birth of the Church, the missionary journeys of Paul, and the hope found in the final pages of Scripture. My prayer is that this journey has deepened your understanding of God's Word and leads you to read the scriptures.
Later in the month, our church will once again host the Faithful Friends Consignment Sale on August 14–15. This wonderful ministry has become a blessing to countless families by providing quality children's clothing, toys, and equipment at affordable prices. Thank you to the many volunteers whose countless hours make this outreach possible.
One of the highlights of August comes on Saturday, August 22, when we host our annual Back-to-School Backpack Event. Families from throughout our community will be welcomed to our campus where children can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, enjoy a free haircut or hairstyle, and simply have a fun day with caring people who want them to know they are loved. This event is about far more than backpacks—it is an opportunity to extend Christ's hospitality and encouragement as students begin a new school year. I hope you'll be praying for every child and family who visits our campus, and if you're able, consider volunteering to help make the day a memorable one.
Although August may feel like an "in-between" season, God often uses these quieter moments to prepare us for what lies ahead. Soon our choirs, small groups, children's and youth ministries, Bible studies, and fall programs will begin anew. I encourage you to use these remaining summer days to rest, reconnect with family, spend time in God's Word, and prepare your heart for the exciting season of ministry that awaits us.
Thank you for being such a faithful and caring church family. Whether you are traveling, relaxing at home, or serving others this summer, know that you remain in my prayers. I look forward to worshiping with you throughout August and to all that God has in store for West Lawn in the months ahead.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
August has always been a unique month in the life of the church. The pace slows just a bit as families enjoy vacations, children savor the final weeks of summer break, and many of us take a deep breath before the busy rhythms of fall return after Labor Day. While our calendar may be a little quieter, God's work never takes a vacation, and there is much to celebrate as we look ahead.
We begin the month by welcoming home our Carolina Rebuilding Ministries Team, on August 2. Thank you to each volunteer who gave of their time, talents, and energy to be the hands and feet of Christ. We look forward to hearing the stories of lives touched, relationships formed, and the ways God worked through our team during the week.
On August 9, we will conclude our summer sermon series "From 30,000 Feet," exploring the New Testament. Together we have traced God's unfolding plan through the life of Jesus, the birth of the Church, the missionary journeys of Paul, and the hope found in the final pages of Scripture. My prayer is that this journey has deepened your understanding of God's Word and leads you to read the scriptures.
Later in the month, our church will once again host the Faithful Friends Consignment Sale on August 14–15. This wonderful ministry has become a blessing to countless families by providing quality children's clothing, toys, and equipment at affordable prices. Thank you to the many volunteers whose countless hours make this outreach possible.
One of the highlights of August comes on Saturday, August 22, when we host our annual Back-to-School Backpack Event. Families from throughout our community will be welcomed to our campus where children can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, enjoy a free haircut or hairstyle, and simply have a fun day with caring people who want them to know they are loved. This event is about far more than backpacks—it is an opportunity to extend Christ's hospitality and encouragement as students begin a new school year. I hope you'll be praying for every child and family who visits our campus, and if you're able, consider volunteering to help make the day a memorable one.
Although August may feel like an "in-between" season, God often uses these quieter moments to prepare us for what lies ahead. Soon our choirs, small groups, children's and youth ministries, Bible studies, and fall programs will begin anew. I encourage you to use these remaining summer days to rest, reconnect with family, spend time in God's Word, and prepare your heart for the exciting season of ministry that awaits us.
Thank you for being such a faithful and caring church family. Whether you are traveling, relaxing at home, or serving others this summer, know that you remain in my prayers. I look forward to worshiping with you throughout August and to all that God has in store for West Lawn in the months ahead.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
