What a great summer so far. I can hardly contain my excitement even as I write this "blog". Whoever came up with that name must have been on something. I don't always have the time on Sunday morning, though I try, to inform you of all the things that are going on. Having three services also makes it hard for you to "experience" the work of God in our church.

First, thank you for the warm welcome given to Pastor Steve and Laura at their "Meet and Greet" Sunday. We had several hundred attend and over 70 youth were present which is more than we have had in about a year. Pastor Steve already has much of the year planned out and the youth workers are as excited as I have ever seen them.

Second, on July 19th, we had 55 people walk forward to receive Christ as their personal Savior. People in the second and third services said they had never felt anything close to what the Holy Spirit did that day. A lifetime friend I grew up with and went to school with from kindergarten through graduation came forward to receive Christ.

Third, Last Sunday, August 2nd, we baptized 37 people and had a very moving time during the Lord's Supper in all three services.

Fourth, on Sunday, July 26th, we had the largest single Guest Dinner we have ever had. 97 people attended and that night 33 people came to Membership 101. We have had an average of 14 new families from the county visiting each week since the first of June.

Fifth, last Sunday, we were back to around 1,100 in attendance when you add the children's ministry to the Sunday morning attendance.

Sixth, even though the economy is still rough and all churches are experiencing a drop in offerings, yes, even Gulf to Lake, you gave $3,000 to supply children with back to school supplies. Tyler Burns and help from mom, Pam, and Marla, will be coordinating the distribution. We are going to help Rock Crusher, Lecanto, Crystal River, and Forest Ridge schools; and possibly Crystal River Middle.

Last, but not least, Marla and the children's ministry has done an unbelievable job this summer. She has had something for the kids two to three times each week. We have numerous new families with kids because they heard about all that was happening in the children's ministry. By the way, things are going to change in the children's ministry but we are not saying yet. It will be a BIG surprise.

What can you say but "Praise God"? We are going to keep doing what we are doing and praising the Lord in the process and counting on his continued mercy and grace. He is absolutely sovereign and in control; and sometimes puts us through a "pruning" process to put us in a situation to receive all that He has for us. I love you and I would not want to be anywhere else but serving with you. Until the next "blog".

^{Pastor Lloyd}