We are looking forward to the start of something great this fall.  This time of the year is filled with firsts.  The first day of school, the first frost, the first colored leaf.  I am looking forward to our first Sunday together on September 12th.  I am excited about what God has done, is doing, and will do in the life of Mount Vernon First!  We are very excited about being a part of this special family.  As we look towards the fall we are planning some exciting events that will allow our community to know that we care about them.

One of our great outreah events is Upward Basketball and Cheerleading.  I hope that you will help us minister to our community by being a part of Upward in some way.  We will need people just to show up on game days and help people find their way around the facility.  We will need volunteers to help Bev Stevens out in many different areas as we reach out to families in our community.  Please be praying about what your role can be in this ministry.  We want families to know that Mount Vernon First is a place that cares about them.

The Father's Table is another great avenue of ministry for us as we reach out to our community with a meal on Saturday mornings.  If you have never been a part of this ministry let me encourage you to take a Saturday and come see what Kim Bradley is doing to make a difference in our community.

We are in the very early stages of planning a big event to bring our community onto our grounds.  Trunk or Treat is an event that will minister to families that will be both safe and fun.  We will need a LARGE number of volunteers to make this event successful.  You will be hearing much more about this event in the coming weeks.  Please plan now to sign up to help us reach our community for Jesus.

We need to be thankful that God specializes in new beginnings.  As we move into these days together I commit to you as your pastor that I will always seek to know how to follow the will of God in my life personally as well as where I lead as the shepherd of this great church.  Please pray for me and my family as we pray for you and your family.

Looking forward to great beginnings,

Pastor Gumm