The end of this month brings about a change in the staff of the church. As the personnel committee brought proposals to the session that moved toward a full time position in Christian Education, it became necessary for the positions of Director of Children's Ministries and Youth Ministries to be rolled into that job description. At the time of that decision, the position of Children's Ministry was vacant. Michelle Oglesby was the Director of Youth Ministry and July 31 will be her final day as a paid member of the church staff. Michelle has worked tirelessly and given selflessly to the youth program. Our youth and their families are indebted to Michelle and her enthusiastic dedication to her work. Please take time to speak your words of appreciation to Michelle for her work.

Our search for a Director of Christian Education continues. But the work of Christian Education in the Church does not wait. September will bring about a new year in the education of our people here in Alabaster. To that end, I want to encourage any of you who sense the call of God upon you to teach a Sunday School class or volunteer in our children's or youth ministries to answer that call in a positive manner. The abundance of gifts in this congregation are amazing. Be trusting and faithful in your use of the gifts God has given you!

One last new item about which to give praise. The elders have been in discussion over the past two months about the gifted people in the family of believers who are capable of serving as elders and deacons. We have four elders to replace and two deacons. Dan Gillis, Bob Hicks, Diana Miller ( who was fulfilling one year of Nancy Laack's unexpired term ), and Pat Yancy, who has offered her resignation as an active elder, are the elders to be replaced. There are two years remaining on Pat's unexpired term. The deacons who will be rotating off the active diaconate are Henry Raymond and Shirley Moe. Make sure you express your gratitude to these six servants for their faithful work in God's kingdom.

At a congregational meeting on August 22^nd the congregation will vote to accept Pat Yancy's resignation and then the following names will be placed in nomination for the office of elder: Nancy Gillis, Tim Blackmon, and Diana Miller to serve three year terms, and Angie Lindbloom to fill the two year unexpired term of Pat Yancy. The following names will be placed in nomination for the office of deacon: Anita Davenport and Chad Yancy, both to serve three year terms.

God continues to call and gift people for service in this congregation. We will continue to be made richer and deeper by the grace and love of God at work in these women and men.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Mark