This week we kicked of our Fall '08 Growth Groups. Sunday night our college group met at our home led by Patrick Knorr (he's the guy...well, I guess you can figure out who he is in the pic). We had a great meeting and then we had the Hargrove/Riggs group meet at our home Tuesday night. Again, another wonderful evening. My vision for Ridgeview even before we had our first worship service was to see our church meet throughout the community in small group Bible studies. I love what we do with our groups by not only having a time of Bible study but also these groups are serving once a month on Sunday and once a month in the community. Next up- single mom's oil change. Spiritual growth happens by taking in the word and giving out as well through service. A Christ-follower needs both in his or her life. I know I do!

Today I paid an $80 fine at the Greer municipal traffic court for allowing my decal to expire. I was guilty and I had no ground to stand on. It kind of reminded me of the guilty verdict God renders towards my sin. I am guilty. Fortunately for me and all people, God "demonstrates His own love for us, while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)." That's good news!

Last Friday a reporter from the Greenville News Greer edition called me about an article they were going to do about O'Neal Village and our church that is going in there. It was published on Tuesday. I thought they did a great job on the article. I am very excited about the direction we are headed!