January

      We've had an exciting and encouraging start to the new year at Lakeshore.  All of our regular attenders came out the first week for our Vision Sunday, and most have continued faithfully every Sunday.  People have begun to enjoy looking forward to seeing each other from week to week, and they stay to talk and fellowship well after services have ended.  This past week we celebrated a birthday at our Fellowship Meal and enjoyed a full room with hardly space to walk around.  What a wonderful problem to have!   

      We've also had a few more firsts this month.  Our first missionary speaker Larry Pieri joined us for a mid-week service, and his daugher Faith spoke to our children's group. As well, our Lakeshore Ladies met for our first Crafter's Night Out, enjoying a devotion and demonstration from Cherie Curtis.  What is most exciting is to see the commitment and involvement in the church from our local attenders.  We are truly becoming a body of believers.

Happy Holidays

     The holidays always seem to fly by.  We were so busy enjoying ours, that I neglected our December posting -- my apologies.  Our family celebrated the season this year with three children's programs, two school parties, AWANA parties, and multiple family get-togethers.  Then we wrapped it all up with a wonderful Christmas morning service with our new family at Lakeshore Baptist. 

     We are so thankful this year for all of God's blessing, and can't believe all that has happened since last Christmas!  Our own family is healthy and growing up too quickly.  Joseph is seven, Megan is five, Makayla is three, and Titus just turned one.  Ray's parents are a supportive and active part of the church in Kewaunee, and Tiffany's parents have taken us into their home since our house sold in October.  The kids love living with Grandma and Grandpa and the arrangement has been a blessing.  Nonetheless . . . we continue to pray for God to provide a house  in Kewaunee, as we wait for our offer to be accepted. 

     It is such a unique opportunity right now, to be a part of two church families.  Our new congregation at Lakeshore has been growing in numbers, but also in becoming a close family of believers.  As well, we have been able to participate in many activities and services at Bay City while we live in town.  We praise the LORD for His salvation and provision this year and every year!