Hey everyone!

October is one of the greatest months of the year in Las Vegas — for several reasons:

1 - The weather. Everyone gets to break out their favorite sweater or scarf, but it's also not so cold that you want to run right back inside when the wind chill hits your face.

2 - Sports. All the sports. Baseball playoffs, College AND Pro Football, Hockey is back, even basketball is getting started. A sports lover's dream!

3 - Pumpkin Spice. My wife gives me a hard time about my pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, but I don't even care, they're soooo good.

4 - It’s Pastor’s Appreciation Month. It feels like it’s a gift from God Himself that it happens in October.

You guys have always gone above and beyond in making sure your pastors are appreciated. Our whole team is so fortunate to have the kind of church that loves us, accepts us, and cares for us.

You guys really do live out the passage in 1 Timothy 5:17 — “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”

Since you asked, here are three amazing ways you guys show appreciation to the pastors of Meadows (and I’m speaking for our whole staff, not just the Senior Pastors):

     A - Specific thank you’s.

A pastor isn’t in it for the atta-boys (or girls), but they do go a long way, especially a specific encouragement, like “I loved what you said about _____”, or “Thank you for what you did with the youth last week” or “I see you working hard in the area of ______, it means a lot to me.”  

And we love it when the encouragement is not couched with “I don’t want to puff up your ego, but…” Believe me, a pastor is almost always more under-encouraged then over-inflated. The constant feeling of failure and not being enough seems to be part of the job. And you guys do an awesome job of showing support and specific encouragement.

    B - Prayer.

I know that we have dozens of people that pray for us every week. You mention us specifically in your prayers to God. I love that we have a team of people who come early on Sundays and cover us in prayer before each service. It’s amazing.

Pastor Ron calls the prayer warriors the “Cinderellas” of the church: the quiet, unnoticed group that does the hard work without fanfare, and all the while they’re the real beauties of the church. Your prayers carry us!

     C - Making our job easy.

You’re life-givers, not life-suckers. You honor us, follow us, trust us. You roll with the mistakes and fumbles, and you don’t create problems. You lovingly give feedback and insight, while still loving the church unendingly and unconditionally.

You come early to church. You welcome new-comers. You sit toward the front —and in the middle of the aisle — so there’s room for everyone. You serve in ministries, you worship, and you love people well. I love this church!


The staff will have a box out this Sunday if you’d like to drop a note or a card or an avocado for Pastor’s Appreciation Day. And please know that we appreciate your appreciation!

 

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:


Saturday, October 12: Men’s Breakfast
Men of all ages are invited to this potluck-style breakfast, where the brand-new grill will be put to use as well: freshly made eggs, potatoes, and more will be prepared on the spot! Seriously, don’t miss this one, guys. Starts at 8 AM.


Sunday, October 27: Annual Church Business Meeting
All Square One members are invited to our annual Church Business Meeting, where we’ll open the books, talk about the past year, and vote in new Church Council members. Starts at 3 PM.


Sunday, November 3: CELEBRATION SUNDAY!
A Meadows favorite. We’ll spend the whole Sunday celebrating as a church family: we’ll take Communion together, dedicate babies, and celebrate baptisms. Then, tacos for all.

Want to get baptized? Click here.
Want to dedicate your baby? Click here.
 

This Sunday, we’ll continue our series on the life of David: A Heart for God.

After David is anointed king and retrieves the Ark of the Covenant, he settles into a nice season, where God gives him rest from his enemies, and Israel is enjoying a peaceful and fruitful time. And David thinks to himself: “Things are going so nicely for me right now, I think I’ll do something nice for God. I’m going to build Him a house.”

It’s an admirable gesture, no doubt. But God, in His wisdom and kindness, takes this opportunity to reveal to David just what kind of God He is: and what His plan is for David’s life. It’s stunning. And humbling. And prophetic.

2 Samuel 7 might be the most important chapter in the entire David story, one that ties everything together, New AND Old Testament, from David to Jesus. It’s an amazing chapter, and we’ll take a close look at it this Sunday.

Join us this week for Part 9 - House-Building.

Looking forward to seeing you on the walkway!

Pastor Nate