It seems like we've practiced a thousand times what we would say to our Woodlawn family as we prepare for another stage in our lives.  As you know, Julie, Riley, and I will be leaving for Salem, Oregon this Tuesday (August 31) to begin work in growing a new congregation in an area with few Christians.

The reality is that words cannot fully express the love and appreciation we feel for each and every one of you.  As family, you have celebrated with us during the seasons of blessing, but you have also stood with us when the road seemed difficult and unclear.  You have been nothing less than our close family - our "very heart" (Philemon 12) - who continually refresh and renew us as we journey in Christian faith together.

However, there is something very tangible that you have given us: Vision.  It has been said that vision is the ability to see what should be in the midst of a world that is not.  You have given us a vision for loving people.  You have given us a vision to restore God's intended purposes in the world.  And now, you have given us a vision for growing God's kingdom by his grace and mercy.  Thank you.  Thank you for walking with us and for enabling us to grow.  Thank you for showing us Christ and for guiding us to show Christ to others.  Thank you, Woodlawn, for Godly vision.

God has worked in all our lives in very powerful ways, and we are confident that he will continue to faithfully use us for his purposes.  We are confident in what God will do through us in a region that is hurting without the Gospel in the Northwest.  But we are also confident that God will work in and through the Woodlawn community of faith.  In the same way that we are eager to share God's activity through us, we are also eager to hear how God works through you.  We are confident that God will raise up individuals and families in our absence, and that the next Involvement Minister will be a faithful man of God who loves God and loves people.

Thank you, Woodlawn, for your faithfulness in striving for Godly vision and for the way that you live out the Gospel.

Because God is Love,
Dwayne, Julie, & Riley Hilty

Important!  If you were a coordinator for MNFTM last session, please attend a meeting at 4 p.m. today in the Small Auditorium...

We have one more week to collect Tall Kitchen Bags for Medina Children's Home.  Please bring your donation to the boxes in the foyer by next Sunday and their truck will be here the week following Labor Day.

All ladies of the congregation are reminded that the weekly Ladies' Bible Class will begin its Fall session Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. in Room 19.  Please plan to join us for study and fellowship.

The family of Homer and Yvonne Lee invite you to attend a celebration of their 50 years of marriage, Wednesday, September 1, 2004, in the Fellowship Hall after evening Bible Study.  A card basket will be provided.

The family of Flora Bruton would like to invite you all the Woodlawn church family to join in the celebration of her 90th Birthday on Saturday, September 11, 2004, in the Woodlawn Fellowship Hall.  This party will be "Come and Go" from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. with lots of cake and punch.  Please come by to visit with Flora and her family.  "No Gifts, Please!"

Today is our Coins for Kidz Day.  Please turn in your cans today (to Barbara or one of the elders).  There is still a little time.  If you forgot today, bring it with you next week or drop it by the office!

STATISTICS FOR AUGUST 22, 2004