There are many ways to grow a church. Prayer, good facilities, great preaching and teaching, ad campaigns, small groups, and the most effective of all: personal invitation. Statistically speaking, one in four Americans would attend church this Sunday if a friend simply invited them. Roman Catholics have historically also grown churches in part through “procreation.” A lack of rhythm can have life changing and making results!

We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest “church member” at First Church! Kathryn Rose Leininger was born on February 6 (Kirk’s birthday) at 9:23am at Baptist Hospital. Proud first-time parents are Matt and Jennie Leininger! Katie weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs., 3 oz. and 20.5 inches long. Kirk and I had the privilege of meeting Katie Rose yesterday afternoon and visiting with Matt and Jennie. We have been praying for her for eight months, so it was a special privilege to meet her in person. Katie is now experiencing a whole new world full of color, faces, new sounds, lights, etc. Cliff and Cheryl Critchfield were also there following her arrival (don’t tell him, but I think Cliff is jealous of Katie’s full head of hair!).

New life is always exciting! The word of the day by Dad, Mom and all was “amazing!” God truly is amazing. Children are a blessing from Him. This Sunday I’m going to be speaking about new life in Christ and how we can know – beyond a shadow of doubt – that we are saved and Heaven-bound one day! I was so pleased to see so many of you at yesterday morning’s and last night’s Ash Wednesday Services. We distributed Lenten Prayer cards and I invited all present to write down three names of people they would commit to pray for daily during Lent to come to know Christ personally. New life begins with prayer. I hope you’ll join us in this new prayer initiative and maybe take a risk and invite someone you know and love to church this Sunday!

Yours for The Kingdom!

In Christ’s Love,
Mark

P.S. I wholeheartedly welcome all “Catholics” to First Church and others eager to grow! See you Sunday!