We welcome Mark & Samjung Hamilton and their children to Monterey today.  Mark will speak in our morning assemblies, and both of them will be part of the Shaping Faith in a New World event from noon-2 p.m.  Their presentations are geared toward adult and children’s Bible class teachers.  Both Mark and Samjung teach at Abilene Christian University, and we look forward to the blessing they will be to our teachers today.

April will be a busy time for numerous ministries at Monterey.  Please be aware of the following opportunities during the month:

• This Wednesday, April 9th, Best Friends from Lubbock Christian University will sing during our evening gathering.  Several of our Wednesday adult classes concluded a series this past Wednesday night, so we encourage you to hear Best Friends at 7 p.m. in the Worship Center.  The College-Age Class, and both the Middle School and High School Classes will also meet in the Worship Center.  It will be a great evening!
• Next Sunday, April 13th, I will begin a seven-week sermon series titled Love Is A Decision.  Messages in the series will focus on the commitment God calls us to bring to marriage, family, and parenting.  I encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors to join us for this important series of lessons.
• A session of Café Monterey will begin on Wednesday, April 16th.  I will  lead this particular Café session titled Hugs For The Heart: He Loves Forever.  These Wednesday evenings are always marvelous opportunities for study, conversation, and worship with coffee and dessert.  Please invite friends and neighbors to join us beginning April 16th.
• Our annual Family Commitment Sunday is scheduled for Sunday,
  April 20th.  This Sunday provides an opportunity for us to extend special blessings to families who have experienced the birth of children during the past year!
• On Sunday evening, April 20th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. we will enjoy an All-Church Family Picnic and Game Night on our campus with activities both in and outside the building.  We encourage all of you to plan to be here that evening for a time of food, fellowship, games, and just plain fun with each other!
• Our Prayer and Spiritual Growth Ministry is hosting a special Prayer Conference on Saturday, April 26th, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. called Discover A Fresh Encounter With God.  The $18 registration fee covers materials and lunch.  Brochures with registration information are available at the Welcome Center.

There are other activities scheduled during May, including high school, middle school, and pre-teen retreats.  It’s going to be a great month to focus on our spiritual walks with God, to reach out to others, and to just enjoy being part of a church family that loves God and each other!

It was a blessing to have Kenny and Jennifer Lewis with us again this past Sunday.  The target date for their transition to Lubbock is at the end of their school year.  If you’d like to drop them a note of encouragement, their address is:  244 Flores Way; Jacksonville, FL 32259.

—Barry Stephens