But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   Romans 5:8

 Worship Services

    8:25 a.m., 9:40 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary

  11:00 a.m. - Journey, The Loft

  11:00 a.m. - Hispanic Service, Chapel

  Bible Study

    8:25 a.m. & 9:40 a.m. 

They come from all walks of life and all corners of the globe to meet and socialize with the locals of their adopted community. On Tuesday nights and Thursday mornings, the corridors and classrooms of Dawson are filled with people speaking different languages. But Dawson’s ESL (English as a Second Language) Ministry, the city’s original ESL program, makes everyone feel at home.

Upon arrival, many through a bus service provided by the ministry, students are warmly greeted by ESL volunteers. The handshakes and hugs tell them that no matter their cultural or religious background, they are welcome here.

Students have their language skills assessed and then are placed in classes appropriate to their skill levels. Second languages are learned in the same manner as first languages, so beginner classes rely heavily on visual aids and simple words and phrases to get them started. The advanced classes add more complex vocabulary and grammar. In all the classes, the focus is on developing fluency and on the ability to speak clearly and understand the language. At the end of the day’s session, students are given pointers about how to improve on their skills until the next class.

Throughout the course of a teaching year (September-May), the volunteers can’t help but take a personal interest in the student’s welfare, willingly acting as advocates and friends. God is at work in this ministry, bringing students from all over the world to Dawson where they can experience first-hand what it means to be touched by the love of Christ.

If you are interested in volunteering with Dawson’s ESL Ministry for the new school year in August, please contact Ben Hale at 871-7324 or bhale@dawsonchurch.org for more information.

Saturday, May 3, 6:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., Coy, Alabama

Volunteers are needed to help with clothing ministry, food service, art projects, teaching, and field day  activities.  This is a great opportunity for families to serve together.   (It is recommended that children volunteers be 3rd graders or older).  Please contact David and Denise Bivin at dbivin@charter.net for more information.

Sunday, April 27, Sanctuary Foyer

The booklet entitled What On Earth Am I Here For answers some of life’s most important questions: The question of existence..."Why am I alive?" The question of significance..."Does my life really matter?" The question of purpose..."What on earth am I here for?" On Sunday, April 27, these booklets will be available in the Sanctuary Foyer. Please pick up one and share. (One per person, please.)

The Nominating Team has distributed information to Dawson members requesting input as they begin the process of nominating Deacons, Church Officers, and Standing Team Members for 2015. Names of people to be considered for these positions should be submitted to the Church Office by Sunday, May 4. You may submit names by emailing your nominations to nominate@dawsonchurch.org, completing your forms by hand and either returning them to the Church Office or dropping them in the offering plate during one of the Sunday morning worship services, or visiting the church’s website. To vote online...

1. Go to www.dawsonchurch.org/nominate

2. Click the link “Nominate Now,” and read the description.

3. Click the link “2015 Leadership Positions” to bring up the online form.

4. In the form, type the names you wish to suggest for the various positions (you do not have to submit names for all positions).

5. When finished, click “send,” and your suggestions will be emailed to the Church Office.

Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 p.m., 255 North

Some days life can feel like a giant pressure cooker.  The easy response is to just open whatever valve will release the pressure, but too often those valves release the pent-up steam of sin, frustration, harsh words, and inappropriate actions.  Pressure Points, a 4-week study on the book of James, will show us how to keep those pressures from ruining our lives and hurting those around us regarding these 6 pressure points: trials, temptations, partiality, words, conflict, and retaliation. Workbook ($5)  

As managers of God’s money, every Christian needs to understand how to stay out of debt and, if they are in debt, how to get out.  Come learn practical answers to your debt questions.  Classes meet on Wednesdays, April 30 and May 7 at 6:15 p.m. in Room 256 North.

Monday-Friday, June 2-6, 9:00 a.m.-Noon

KidLife Week is an exciting week of fun and learning! Children participate in Bible stories, crafts, recreation, snacks, and praise time. The KidLife theme this year is "God’s Forever Promises!" Children 4 years old (by September 1, 2014) through grade 5 (completed) are invited to attend. Invite your friends now to be a part of KidLife Week at Dawson! Many volunteers are needed to help with KidLife Week. Please contact Brooke Gibson (Preschool) or Danielle Bell (Children) to find out how you can get involved. Online registration begins May 1 at www.dawsonchurch.org/KidLife. Come and be a part of this unforgettable ministry at Dawson!

Saturday, April 26, 10:30 a.m., Sanctuary

You are invited to attend the Dawson Ballet Spring Recital on Saturday, April 26, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Girls ages 3 to 13 will worship through dance as they present "The Joy of the Lord." Registration for new students for the fall semester of Dawson Ballet will open at the recital.

Sunday, April 27, 12:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

We will be hosting a Business Innovator Luncheon on Sunday, April 27, at 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  Dale Partridge, is a serial entrepreneur and Founder of Sevenly.org, a 40+ person socially conscious e-commerce company based in Los Angeles, California.

Each week Sevenly partners with one qualified nonprofit and donates $7 from every product sold to support that charity’s cause. Since its launch in June 2011, Mashable, the Los Angeles Times, and Forbes have named Sevenly one of the fastest growing social good start-ups in the country. In less than two years, Sevenly has given over $2.8 million in $7 donations to charities across the globe. 

Bill Stevens will be leading our time with Dale.  Lunch is free, but please RSVP to mbowens@dawsonchurch.org.

On Saturday, 45 members of the Dawsonaires Choir departed for a three-day ministry tour to Jackson, Vicksburg, and Natchez, Mississippi. The choir will sing for the residents of the Sunnybrook Estates Christian Retirement Community in Jackson and the Magnolia House in Natchez. The choir will also lead in worship for the Immanuel Baptist Church in Vicksburg. Along the way, the choir will visit the historic Vicksburg National Cemetery and tour several beautiful antebellum homes in Natchez. Please pray for the Dawsonaires this week as they travel and minister together.

The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 1. We invite and encourage everyone to participate! The theme this year is ONE VOICE, UNITED IN PRAYER. Psalm 55:17 says, "Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice." We will meet in the Chapel at 7:00 a.m., noon, and 6:00 p.m. as we unite in corporate prayer, small group prayer, and prayer stations to pray specifically for our leaders. Please feel free to come and go as needed. (Snacks and bottled water will be available.) 

Sunday, May 4, 9:40 a.m., Fellowship Hall

This special two-hour welcome session provides the opportunity for new members and guests to connect with the Dawson Family of Faith.  In a casual, small group setting, staff members share information about Dawson - its ministry, vision, mission opportunities, and facilities.  Refreshments are served and reservations are not required, but please let us know of your interest.  We look forward to helping you "discover" Dawson. 

The dawson kids Ministry would like to congratulate Ainsley Hulsey for completing 25 sermon notes. We are so proud that she is listening and taking notes during Journey! Sermon notes for "dawson kids" are available in all worship services and are a pale yellow bulletin with a white insert that follows along with that day’s sermon. Once completed, they can be returned to the offering plate, the "dawson kids" greeter stand, or the Church Office. A name is drawn each week, and Miss Danielle and Miss Sarah eat lunch with that child at his or her school.

Sunday, May 4, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Homewood Park

Bring a blanket, an appetite, and a few bucks, and join us at the Homewood Park Amphitheater for a special presentation of The StoryTellin’ Man by Dawson’s 1st through 5th grade Children’s Choirs. The "Cantina on Wheels" Food Truck will be on site for you to purchase dinner, so please come hungry and be ready for a blessing!

Wednesday, April 30, 4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Social Hall

"My son required so many transfusions when he was sick with Leukemia. I don't know what we would have done without blood donors like you. Reagan is now a sophomore at Auburn. I plan to give at Dawson's Blood Drive. Will you join me?" ~ Stephen Keith

Thursday, May 1, 5:30 p.m., 100 West

Andrea Mullins served with others who shared the gospel at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Everyone is invited to hear her report as well as enjoy an "icy" treat. Supper is at 5:30 p.m. and, the report begins at 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7, 3:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Social Hall

Free screening is provided by Dr. Julie Harper; Rebecca Edwards, CRNP; and Jennifer Hewitt, PA from Dermatology and Skin Care Center of Birmingham. Appointments are required. Please call 871-7324 to make your appointment.

Wednesday, May 7, 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m., The Loft

Parents, our annual Beach Breakaway meeting is Wednesday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m. in The Loft. Please join us for a brief overview on what to expect and the details of our trip.

If you still need to register your child for Beach Breakaway, Middle Schoolers can register at www.dawsonchurch.org/middleschool, and High Schoolers can register at www.dawsonchurch.org/highschool. Please visit our Dawson Student Ministry webpage or our Facebook groups for more information.

Thursday, May 8, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Many people know someone who has been affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. Not only does it impact the person suffering from it, but it can also affect their relationships with their loved ones. You are invited to attend this informative program that will cover two topics: "My Parent Has Alzheimer’s Disease – What Are My Chances?" and "Communication Do’s And Don’ts When Someone Has Dementia." Our guest speakers will be Carla Mason, Certified Genetic Counselor and Miller Piggot, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. Box lunches will be provided. Reservations are required by May 6. Please call the Church Office at 871-7324 to make your reservation.

Tuesday, May 20, 11:00 a.m., LaGrange, GA

Experience the Explorations In Antiquity Center, a museum of daily life in Biblical times, with us in LaGrange, GA, on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. The tour includes full scale archaeological replicas from antiquity, a time tunnel, life of the village, Passover celebration, biblical meal, life of the farmer, life of the shepherd, and more. Please see the brochures posted on the bulletin boards on the 1st and 2nd Floors in the West Building. Note: There will be walking on uneven ground that can be managed with a cane or walker.

The price per person is $55 and includes a sack lunch at departure (11:00 a.m.), coach transportation, admission, guide, and a Passover and Hebrew meal. To reserve your spot, please pre-pay the full amount and complete a brief form at the Church Office. The deadline to reserve or cancel is May 7.  This event is open to Dawson members of any age.

Read "Fenton's Friday Five" for observations and insights about being faithful at www.dawsonchurch.org/fridayfive.

Tricia and Charles Felgner in the death of Charles’s mother

Cyndi and George Gammill in the death of George’s sister

Treva and Pete Graham in the death of Treva’s brother

Ann and Jim Kaiser and family in the death of Jim’s brother

Erin and Christopher Lambert in the death of Erin’s father

Allison and Trey Woodruff on the birth of their son, Colin Garner Woodruff, on April 17

Carly Rae Hawkins

David & Jennifer Ratliff

Everett Ratliff

Marshall Riley

Sunday sermons, by Dr. Gary Fenton, are available on CD in the Marketplace (located in the Foyer) immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service ($4 each). 

Dawson’s 11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service is broadcast (one week delayed) on CBS 42, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.