Dear Buffalo Covenant,

Today in my devotions I read several chapters from Hebrews. In particular, I came across this famous passage in Hebrews 10:24-25:

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

This is an important passage; especially as we anticipate our big weekend here at Buffalo Covenant Church. On September 9th - 11th, we have our Kick-off Weekend for the new ministry year. There are a lot of things happening, but the most important of them is the one that is always happening here:  We will be gathering to worship King Jesus!  

This passage tells us that we should not as Christians skip this weekly meeting to do other things. Meeting together is important because we are not only worshipping the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but we are doing it TOGETHER; that's the way God likes it! That is why He commanded us to gather for worship. So we gather, and we worship, and we learn, and we encourage each other, men & women, teens and children, all together, praising God. It is a beautiful thing!  

So on September 9th thru 11th, here is what is happening at BCC:

• Friday night - Young Marrieds Volleyball & Cookout 

(If you are under 35, married, and want to participate, give me a call; the Young Marrieds Bible Study, which Melodie and I have been leading, along with Mick & Wendy Ling, is hosting this fun event for young couples.)

• Small Group Leaders 2011 Launch Meeting, Saturday, 9:30-11:30am 

This is coordinated by Oliver & Mary Blosser and Carmen Wyatt. I will be teaching at this also. If you are a small group leader, we need you to be here as we launch our year of ministry together. This is especially important this year as we are engaged in Operation Fishnet, and we will be talking about the opportunity to do some coordinated study.

• Men's "Forged for Battle" Launch Event, Saturday, 3-6:30pm

If you were in church last week, and smelled the bacon, you probably know what this is about. Men, join us as we expand our offerings for you to address the needs for men related to Spiritual, Social, Service opportunities at BCC. This event will include a hog roast!

• Women's Beth Moore Simulcast, Saturday, 8:30am, at Riverside Church, contact Jessica Pack for this one.
• SS & Youth Group Kickoff , Sunday, Sept. 11th - SS & Youth Group starts up for your kids.  By the way, you have registered your 4 year old thru 5th grader for SS right? 

• ALL CHURCH PICNIC - SUNDAY, 12:15PM right after 3rd service.  Pork Producers will be grilling pork chops. (Man, it is a great weekend to be a man at BCC; you get hot roast on Saturday, and pork chops on Sunday!)  Bring a dish to share, Last names: A-L, side dish; Last names: M-Z, Dessert (lotsa chocolate please!)

Hey, if that is not enough for you for one weekend, there will also be a Community 9-11 Memorial Service at the Performing Arts Center at 4pm.  (I'll be there, so if you come, please say 'hi' to me, so I know somebody :)

Wow!  It will be a great weekend.

Plan on being there!

For Christ,

Pastor Bill