2006 Minister's Meeting

On Friday evening, October 6, and Saturday morning, October 7, the Rocky Mountain Region Minister's Meeting covenened at the Valley View Church of God in Englewood, Colorado. What a delight to meet and mingle with the ministers of this beautiful region. I am so impressed by the visionary leadership and camaraderie of the ministers. Interacting with each one gives me the opportunity to hear the hearts and get a pulsebeat for your passion and mission for your community.

Why is Minister's Meeting important? I believe it affords us the opportunity to focus on the following components (THRIVE):

• TEAM: Ministry support system and network building
• HEART: Spiritual renewal and spiritual emphasis
• RELATIONSHIP: Connect or reconnect
• INFORMATION: Tools for ministry
• VISION CASTING: Planning to be effective
• EVANGELISM: Always remembering to look outside our walls to those that need the gospel message

Friend Day at North Hills

Sunday, October 29, 2006, I was the guest of Pastor and Linda Hammonds at the North Hills Church of God in Thornton, Colorado for "Friend Day." Mayor Noel Busck of Thornton was present and addressed the congregation. What a great crowd because so many of the congregation had invited their friend to attend. Pastor Hammonds had initiated and organized this campaign over a 10-12 week period with the support of a planning committee.

As you can see, following the service their was a plentiful bounty of food to enjoy. The fellowship hall was brimming was with excited people and buzzing with the sounds of fellowship and friendship.

Russian Pastor invites Bishop to a Russian Meal

Pastor Ruslan Pshichenko invited Rhonda and me to his home for a Russian meal on Tuesday, October 10, 2006. His wife, Kate, prepared the traditional Borscht and other delicious side dishes. They have a beautiful family of two children. Gector is 9 and Anna is 16 months old. They are expecting another daughter in January.

Alex (pictured on the far right in picture below) is a tremendous help in the church to Pastor Ruslan and congregation. Presently, his wife and 6 children are still in Russia.

I look forward to ministering in their church in the month of November. This will be my first time to preach with a Russian interpreter. Presently, this congregation is worshippng at 3:00 p.m. at the Valley View Church of God in Englewood.

Dave Crowley Newly Appointed Pastor at Jubilee Family Church

Pastor Dave Crowley and his wife, Verla, moved the first weekend in September to Grand Junction, Colorado. This was a sixty-mile trek for them from their home in Montrose where Pastor Crowley had served the Abundant Life Church as senior pastor for the last four years.

Pastor Crowley relates that he is believing for a time of "Jubilee" for the Jubilee Family Church. He states that, "I am believing for a time of celebration, victory, forgiveness of debt, and release of captives as we engage ourselves in wholehearted obedience and service to the Lord."