This is a season of significant events.

Last week we celebrated the graduation of Rachel Burkhart, a high school senior. In a moving ceremony we asked the family, including parents, grandmother and aunt, to come forward and lay hands on Rachel as I prayed that God would protect her as she makes the transition to adulthood. She has been an outstanding example of Christian values throughout her life. May this good foundation be a springboard for the future.

On Sunday we celebrated another significant event. Our daughter, Ashley became the wife of Dr. Ryan Berlin. I asked the congregation of almost 300 family and friends why weddings are such important events. The answer is that marriage is the cornerstone of civilization. Marriage has instilled more discipline than any army, done more to educate than any school, healed more than any hospital and taught more virtue than most churches. It reflects the oneness of God and is used as a type of our relationship with God.

This Saturday evening a group of eight people, most from our congregation, will be leaving for India for two weeks to serve in an outreach project. They will team with the congregation in India that is the host group. Our young adults will observe Pentecost with the congregation, work at an orphanage, participate in a baptism and attend a wedding while there. They will be sending regular updates via email to keep us informed of their activities. None of these young adults have ever been to India. Each has raised his own funds for the trip. It will be a new environment with challenges they have never faced. Your prayers for a safe and inspiring trip are much appreciated.

The following week, on Sunday June 8^th we will observe the Day of Pentecost. There will be two services on Pentecost at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm. Church will meet at the Wingate Inn located at 7500 Tyler's Place Blvd in West Chester. Take I-75 north to the Tylersville Road exit #22. Turn left at the traffic light at the top of the ramp and go to the 3^rd traffic light, Tyler's Place Blvd. and turn right. The Wingate Inn is just past the fire station about 1 mile down on the right.

In a few minutes I will be leaving for Tennessee to spend the Sabbath with a congregation very similar to our own. It is the Church of God Messenger located in Lexington, Tennessee and they're invited me to speak at a 5^th Sabbath Celebration. I'm flattered by the invitation and excited to extend our connections to other free congregations within the Church of God.

Until next time,