It doesn’t always happen, but I like taking Monday as my one day off. But if you get a 911 call, you must respond.

I was home yesterday when the phone rang with a voice on the other end saying the church bus broke down at the Wild Life Park and the children from the preschool were stranded. My first thoughts were, how many cars do we need to get together to rescue the children, teachers and parents. Then I was asked if I could call another church and see if they would be willing to let us borrow their bus. I only knew of one other church that owned a bus, and they had just finished a Friday–Sunday Family conference. I thought, I can’t call them – they are recouping from a very busy weekend.

But my options were few, since renting a charter bus at the last minute was going to be very expensive. I called my recently new pastor friend who had just given me his cell number the week before. (I hope he doesn’t regret that decision.) Without hesitation he said, “Not a problem.” Within minutes the Senior Pastor, his associate and their bus driver were on their way to pick me up and go rescue the children. Not only did they provide transportation, but they brought bottled water, juice, crackers and cookies for the children, knowing they had been waiting there for a couple extra hours.

When you find yourself in a difficult situation, it’s good to have friends you can count on. That’s why we encourage people to get plugged in to a small group – so people can do life together. Don’t be left stranded with no one you can call on for help.

Thank you Russ, Chris and Barry, for going beyond the call of duty and helping us answer the 911 call.

Pastor Donald Calder

Not your typical town hall meeting.

I experienced my first ‘church town hall’ meeting last night. WOW!

I admit; I walked in with some trepidation. The future can sometimes be unsettling if you don’t already know the outcome. (For those who are tempted to email me that I shouldn’t fear the future because it is in God’s hands… I already know… I am working on that area of my life.)

Town Hall meetings can be very helpful and informative or they can have the ingredients to be explosive. When people have concerns and share them with a spirit of grace, their character shines through. What I witnessed last night was a room full of gracious people.

I love this church, and I love the people that attend this church, even the ones I don’t always see eye to eye with on certain things. No church is filled with perfect people… but I think we come close. (Ha.)

Thanks to everyone who attended last night’s meeting, and for your input. If you missed it, we plan to have another town hall meeting in the fall, but if you feel you have a burning question that can’t wait that long, by all means, send it along to our church board via srfboard@srfconnect.com.

Pastor Donald Calder