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Gloria Dei ( Glory to God )
3711 Ridge Road
Highland, Indiana

As I compose this Report to the Congregation, I am remembering the words of my Grandmother Doris who on my 21st birthday said, “ David, time as you know it will never be the same!” Boy was my Mother’s Mother right about that – because of my Grandmother and her wonderful lessons – she is truly one of the Saints who I want to rejoin when I get called from this place.

It is hard to believe it’s been three years since you have put your trust in me to help lead this Congregation at Gloria Dei. For the most part – the ride for me has been pretty smooth because in my style I try to “lead” in a manner in which I don't put myself in front of anyone – or anything as I work. (At least I hope that's how my work has been viewed.)

The work of Jesus’ Church does not happen on the back of one person – it is accomplished when many come together to work the fields – to share the Good News – to open their hearts to the love shown by our Saviour – Jesus – and to share that love. I have seen firsthand the dedication and love for Christ that our members have that have enabled them to share in their talents – and treasures – to keep this Lampstand open for all people who want to come and worship God!

As we enter this New Year – this new period of time given to us by God to move forward on His Earth – what are we called to do – to what should we give our time and to whom should we really give our thanks and devotion?

I’m sure we all know that God is our Creator Father – the One who deserves our thanks and praise. But what is one of the best ways to show God our love? First by learning more deeply what God's Son – Jesus has asked us to do. And where is one of the best places to learn more about our responsibilities – and all the promises God makes for His Children? Right here – at Gloria Dei – at God's Church!

What I’ve been able to experience over the past few years – is the evidence of God’s Word being shared in Worship – and by His children right here in this place. I’ve come to know some really special people at Gloria Dei – and I believe Diane would also chime in with the same feeling. We both have found loving and caring followers of Christ who teach us on a regular basis how Jesus would like us to live – to follow His way.

If we really think about the plan that God has put into motion for all of His creation – forming the world – guiding the seasons – creating nature for His children to live from – water – plants – animals for food – and then sending His Son to save us – can we expect that God thinks our attention to Him should be a short lived experience? Once a week (maybe) – twice a year at Easter and Christmas (maybe) – when babies are baptized – when family gets married or buried?

I think not!

Our responsibility – and that’s my position on this matter – is to try to learn as much about being a true follower of God through Jesus. Believe me I have a loooooooonnnnnnngggg way to go – and I trust God will give me the opportunity to learn how to live in Jesus’ way because I want to be called a good and faithful servant when I am finally called from this Earth. I plan to keep learning and experiencing God's love through the Sisters and Brothers I have come to know at this Church made through Jesus' actions thousands of years ago.

In this New Year – and for so many more to come – let us work to keep Gloria Dei the warm and loving Lampstand that God uses – through us His children – to know His way – to learn of His promises and to share all that Good News with the world we live in.

Thank you to all the members of this Lampstand — Gloria Dei — where we give Glory to God.

May the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones in 2012 and forevermore.

Dave Adams — January 10, 2012