October has been quite a month for our part of the family of God.

The month began with ten of our folks traveling to New Orleans to support the work of Global Maritime Ministries. We assisted GMM with their annual fundraising banquet/silent auction and fed and built friendships with seafarers at the center. We also managed to find time for lots of laughter, plenty of good seafood, and a visit to the National Worl War II Museum.

Later in the month two of our older adult Sunday School classes combined forces to prepare a meal and serve about 75 guests at MUST Ministries.

Last Thursday 28 of us traveled to Blue Ridge to enjoy the fall scenery, grab some apples, and enjoy food and fellowship. This was our largest group ever for this outing!

Saturday night 45... or was it 48? youth and friends enjoyed a night at
Cagle's Dairy Farm as we wandered in the corn maze and enjoyed the hayride and bonfire.

Last night's Fall Family Fun Fair was a huge success. Around 200-225 children and families enjoyed a great night of activities and food.

Now, none of these "successes" change the facts that our giving is substantially below budget needs, attendance has been so-so in October, and we have critical leadership needs to be filled. But they do remind me that-
*real fellowship occurs as we share life in service
*others may do things "bigger" but not necessarily "better" and "glitz" can't hold a candle to "genuine"
*we have a tremdous collection of talented and energetic people who love serving
*I love being called "pastor" by this family of faith!