A Week Filled With Giving Thanks!

Last week was very busy @ BPC filled with Giving Thanks!

On Sunday Nov. 23rd Steve McGranahan "The World's Strongest Redneck" was with us. Steve wove the gospel message through a very funny presentation & incredible feats of hand strength bending & twisting various objects communicating Christ's love. (a horseshoe into a heart...amazing!) Steve also challenged each of us to pursue God & use our God given gifts for the Lords glory. 70 were in attendance & many responded to the the alters desiring to use their gifts & talents for God!

On Tuesday afternoon Nov. 25th Francie & I were invited to an all school assembly at St. Edmund's Academy Elementary School in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of PGH. During the month of November 250 students in grades 1 - 8 worked together collecting various food items filling over 40 midsized boxes with enough food for one Thanksgiving dinner to be given to those who may have little or nothing to eat this Thanksgiving. It was during the assembly that Francie & I shared the vision of BPC & told the students 2 or 3 Real Life stories of people who will be receiving the food they worked so hard to collect. Then, in a very moving presentation the 8th graders presented us with the food. (I don't believe i saw a dry eye in the house!) Thanks so much to the students, faculty & administration of St. Edmund's for their willingness to give & their great hearts of compassion!

On Wednesday evening Nov. 26th over 30 people attended our very 1st Thanksgiving Eve service. After worship we heard incredible testimonies from people expressing gratefulness & thanks to God. PTL...for freedom from anger, drugs, emotional unrest & alcohol. PTL...for restored relationships, peace & an overwhelming sense of God's love. I then challenged each of us to cultivate a heart of Thanksgiving throughout the entire year. Thanks so much to everyone who brought a pie for all to enjoy...they were delicious!

On Thursday Nov. 27th Thanksgiving Day, we offered a Thanksgiving Dinner from 3-5pm for 25 people! BPC'ers as well a few who came for the 1st time gathered to serve & enjoy Thanksgiving 2008. A number who attended were without family this year so we were blessed as the family of God to share in great tasting food & fabulous conversation! Thanks again to everyone who prepared a side dish. Before, during and afterwards I gave out the boxes of food donated by the students of St. Edmund's Academy to quite number of individuals and families!

On Sunday Nov.30th during our service we held BPC's 1st Baby Dedication. Family, friends & over 80 people gathered as I had the honor of dedicating Alexis Rose, just 4 months old, to the Lord! The worship lead us into a moving prayer time & during the message I encouraged each one to Center their lives on Christ & live in the moment for Him! Afterwards Great Grandma Rose & Grandma Paula prepared a wonderful lunch for everyone to enjoy.

It sure was a week filled with Giving Thanks. Now I'd like to to express my gratefulness & thanks to...
Jesus for saving & calling me (I can't make it without You!), my wonderful & loving wife Francie (you are truly THE BEST!), my 2 fabulous kids Alexandra & Gregory (can't wait to have you guys home for Christmas!) and the best church family ever (Francie & I just love all you BPC'ers & love serving the Lord with you!)

Now...onto Christmas!!