No, I was not gone last weekend because the Raiders beat the Broncos the week before. I can handle it. Besides, I have some new body armor especially designed to protect me from Raiders fans! HA.

Seriously, I was gone in order to spend some extended time in study as we prepare for 2017, which is right around the corner. While we plan our message series out a year at a time, I try to carve out some time to work on the specifics for each message several months out. Our Children’s ministry teams develop their lessons based on what we’re doing in “big church” so you, as a family, can all discuss the same thing after a weekend service.

To put it simply, the time in the desert this past week was very productive…and beautiful.

Thank you always for your prayers and support.

Thanks also to Mikel who did a great job teaching in my absence.

And, by the way, Michelle and I also had an opportunity to visit a church in Indian Wells. It was good…but, it was NOT Community. So, I can’t wait to see you all this weekend!