Dear Friends:

        October was a busy month and we owe gratitude to so many for going the extra mile to make certain that our events were a joyful success.  Homecoming was such a pleasure because Janet Oliver and the Kitchen Committee worked extra hard.  J.D Millis and the Addison Hewlett Class did their usual fantastic job with the lemonade.  Our choir’s music was simply fantastic.  The following weekend Tim Roberts made his debut as concert promoter and brought Mitch McVicker to our sanctuary.  Mitch’s songs delighted our ears and moved our hearts.  Compassion International and the local First Fruit Ministries split an $1,100 love offering.  Additionally a few children were sponsored for a year.  See the announcement in the newsletter regarding a blanket, coat and sock drive to help First Fruit minister to Wilmington’s homeless during the winter months.  This past weekend the rich, tight harmonies of the Zambian Vocal group filled our sanctuary.  Prior to the concert we were treated to a delicious chicken dinner thanks to Gary Pope.  Credit goes to the youth and their parents for setting up and cleaning up for the evening.  We received a love offering totaling more than $1,500 to help with the group’s ministry to orphaned children in Zambia.  It was a double blessing to hear the music and help the hurting.

        There is a lot more mission and caring going on at Masonboro.  See Keith Croom’s “thank you” note for the items sent to our troops in Afghanistan. In September 20 volunteers worked on a Habitat House and this month we prepare lunch for another group of volunteers.  Our Children’s Ministry collected more than $785 in gift cards to provide gifts for children receiving treatment at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital over Christmas.  Two weeks ago Chad and Cheryl Hartwell organized us to host our Interfaith Hospitality Network guests.  Last weekend many of you stood at Food Lion collecting food for Mother Hubbard’s cupboard.  Two truckloads of emergency food were gathered to help Wilmington’s hungry.  This Friday will be the TRUNK OR TREAT that will provide a safe and fun alternative to Halloween for our community’s children and their families.  On November 16 we gather the Operation Christmas Child boxes for kids around the world.  As the song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”  Thank you for this overwhelming demonstration of Christ’s love for others.     

        We are a religiously pluralistic nation.  If we are going to help people understand the more excellent truth of God’s revelation of himself in Jesus Christ and engage people with respect and competence it is important to be informed about the religious movements going on around us.  On Wednesday, November 3rd and 10th at 6:15 Billy Hurst will present surveys of the Islamic and Mormon faith.  Make a dinner reservation and join these enlightening presentations.   

Pastor Gordon