e celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day last Sunday at Hillside Christian Church. A wonderful crowd shared the service and a marvelous meal afterward. It was a great day to thank God for the fellowship we share in Christ. Our congregation is rich in blessings from the Father. God is indeed good. He truly cares for the sheep of His pasture.

We studied from fifth chapter of Peter's first book Sunday morning. In the first few verses he gives instructions to the elders in the church concerning how to approach the work before them. Among other instructions in this section he tells them to lead by example. Church leaders do most of their teaching when they aren't saying anything. The values of Christ are taught either rightly or wrongly by example. Peter promises that the Chief Shepherd will reward those who model Christ in their lives when He appears. Regardless of the sectarian name attached, church leaders have to shepherd the flock. After all, Jesus was the Chief Shepherd. To be like Him means to be a shepherd.

The leader in the family at home has a similar role. The flock may be smaller but the importance of the job is still great. We may all have different sized flocks, but we all have sheep. When we abdicate our roles bad things happen to the sheep. In John chapter ten Jesus says that He is the "good shepherd" because He lays down His life for His sheep. He made the ultimate provision for His flock. He guaranteed their safety in eternity with God by shedding His own blood in place of theirs. We have an obligation to look around in our lives and identify who our sheep are. We also have an obligation to care for them like Christ does His own.

This coming Sunday the congregation will vote on adding more space to the south end of our building. This extra room is vitally needed for youth activities and educational purposes. God has blessed us with increased growth and we intend to build to meet that need. Both our youth group and adult Bible studies have outgrown their present facilities and we praise God for it.

Remember to keep the Children's Fall Festival on October 31st in your plans. It promises to be a great, safe time.