From the Senior Minister (June 10, 2024)

When I headed to lunch a few weeks ago, I was greeted by a delightful surprise that brought an unexpected moment of joy. As I walked out the church’s front door, the steeple bells had just begun to chime, marking the arrival of noon. Their familiar, resonant sound filled the air, but on this particular day, another joyful but unusual sound accompanied the steeple bells. Curious, I glanced around and spotted a small hand reaching out of the window of an SUV, ringing a bell with infectious enthusiasm! Intrigued and delighted by this sight, I couldn’t resist walking over.

As I approached, I met Jackson Little, who attends the First Baptist Day School. Jackson’s parents had come to pick him up, and as it turns out, he loves the steeple bells. Most days after his parents collect him from the day school, Jackson wants to come to the parking lot to ring his bell along with the steeple bells! Seeing Jackson’s face light up with delight as he rang his bell was such a sweet gift; it brought me such joy that I had to share it with you! It reminded me of Psalm 100’s call to make a joyful noise to the Lord:

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
Serve the LORD with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
With joy and gratitude for the wonders of ministry in this place,

—Carol McEntyre