Slideshow image

Dear Shiloh Family,

When was the last time you attended a large sporting event, conference, concert, etc.? I'm sure memories, both good and bad, rush in like a flood. Recently, Anita and I made the trek southward to Truist Park to cheer on the Atlanta Braves. We enjoyed our time together, and the ambiance was as expected. However, one inevitable experience nearly drives me to stay home and watch from the comforts of my recliner - lines, long lines.

It began with never ending traffic lines, lines to the parking garage, and serpentine lines to enter the stadium. Has anyone else walked the entire circumference of an event searching for the shortest entrance line? Yep, we found the shortest line to get in, but we could have been in our seats 30 minutes earlier, and we sure wasted a lot of energy. There were lines to the concession stands, lines to the gift shops, lines to photo booths, and most importantly, lines to the restrooms. 

As I get older, the restrooms get further away, and hallways to relief get longer. And, even though I have the gift of gab, I'm still not quite sure what you talk about while waiting for a stall, and where to avert your gaze. Thank goodness for the wall posters. By the time you return to your seat, you have them all memorized. 

I know this is humorous, but we are facing some of the same issues during events at Shiloh. We no longer do anything small. All our events are growing in number, especially in the FLC (Family Life Center, Gym, Fellowship Hall). While our crowds and ministries are enlarging, our facilities have remained the same. We have one restroom for women and one for men, each with one stall respectively. Attendees are forced to wait in line or make the long haul to the main building. A guest might have a tendency to feel unwelcome or unappreciated. The situation could also present security issues as well.
 
I'm so excited that we are in a position to improve the Lord's house and better accommodate His children. Each year, we have a Chest of Joash Day. This Sunday is set aside for special offering and prayer for the future of God's facilities. This year all of our Joash offering will go toward building new women's and men's restrooms adjacent to the FLC. Hopefully, this is only the first phase of the soon to be completed, much anticipated wing of our church campus. 

As part of our worship service this Sunday, we will be given the opportunity to come up front, drop a gift in the chest, and pray for the building program. It will be a great time to come as a family and teach your children about giving and praying. However, we understand if you do not choose to come up front. We will have ushers in the back as you exit, and there will be a QR code on the screen for those who prefer to give online. 

Many of us have pledged to give monthly to the building program (above the regular tithes). Anita and I will continue that pledge for another year and we encourage you to do the same. 
 
Please, pray and ask the Lord what he would have you give. Your generous gift will create enthusiasm throughout our church body, and it will benefit you and your family as well.
 
You are the most giving people of which I've ever been associated. Thank you for your generous hearts. I pray that God gives you a double portion of love and blessings of what you give to Him. 

God has blessed us beyond human expectations. He is changing lives in this place. Let's return our appreciation and help continue his work.

Psalm 40:5: 5 Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. NKJV

The world sees our actions. Heaven knows our hearts. 

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell