Worship Services

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

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

Life Groups

 8:25 a.m. & 9:40 a.m.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:1-2

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:21

I have always thought stewardship was important and certainly scriptural, but I used to think that it didn’t matter if my heart was in it or not. I realized over the past few years that it does matter if your heart is in it. I have tithed for years and had given my time and money out of duty, rather than thankfulness. The problem with this mentality was I started harboring bitterness over the giving of my time and resources. I was lacking a giving heart, a thankful heart. I decided that my heart needed to change.  

I started a “Thankful Jar” one January.  Every day I wrote down something I was thankful for and my goal was to do this for a year. I thought these notes would be neat to read after 365 days, but little did I know, I needed them more often than I thought. That year had its ups and downs, as all years do. There were days I needed to dump the notes out and read them one by one. On those days I was totally broken and by the time I read the last note and put it back in the jar, my heart was filled with peace and thankfulness that only God could provide. God has taught me to open my eyes and to look for Him in the every day. He has taught me to remember His faithfulness and goodness in every part of my life.  

As God changed my heart, He changed the way I see my belongings and the things I have in my life. He changed the way I spend my time and money.  I started focusing on what the Lord has given to me, instead of what was expected of me. It brings me joy to give and I can see why He asks us to. The freedom that comes from giving, giving from the heart, is the way God intended it. He gives us everything we have. He wants us to rely on Him and give back what has been given to us. God is the only one that can change your heart, but once He does, it’s impossible not to be thankful. Commitment Cards will be collected November 3 through December 31 or you can make your commitment online at dawsonchurch.org/commitment. Stewardship Team Member

Sunday, October 27, 6:00 p.m., Chapel

Each year, Dawson elects faithful servants within the church family to serve a three-year term on the Board of Deacons. This year, four of those elected members will be ordained. The service will take place in the Chapel at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27. Please join us for a time of celebration and commitment.

Through changes in pastors, music ministers, church staff, facilities, volunteers, and services, Lynda Little’s ministry has been the constant soundtrack to our discipleship. With over 7,000 worship services, rehearsals, and special programs under her fingers, her music has touched hundreds of thousands of people all around the globe.

Earlier this year, Lynda shared with me her plans to retire from Dawson, the realization of a ministry of more than four decades at our church. As we celebrate Lynda’s ministry, we’ll gather together in the Sanctuary on Sunday evening, January 12 at 6:00 p.m. for “Lynda & Friends.” This will be a special time of worship guided by the piano, and the finale of Lynda’s ministry on the Music & Worship Team.

I know you join me in giving thanks to God for the continued blessing of Lynda Little, and I look forward to seeing the ways her music will continue to enliven our song in the weeks to come.

Together,

John Woods

Thanks to the power of a simple shoebox, millions of children have experienced the love of God and have heard the Gospel. You can be a part of reaching the goal of 100 million children by packing a shoebox. In preparation for this year’s Operation Christmas Child ministry, you can stop by the table in the foyer to pick up a brochure and flat shoebox starting on Sunday, October 27. You can also pick up brochures and boxes at the Church Office desk on weekdays between October 27 and November 17. All prepared shoeboxes must be turned in at the display table in the Sanctuary Foyer on or before November 17.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to pick up a brochure on campus, you can print one from the Samaritan’s Purse website at samaritanspurse.org.

Friday, October 25, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., FRC

Dawson’s annual Family Fall Festival is truly a family favorite, and you will not want to miss it this Friday, October 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Put on your best costume (mom and dad, that includes you!), have dinner with us, and enjoy train rides, games, inflatables, and more! It’s also not too late to sign up to serve. To volunteer, please contact Kasey Hagen at khagen@dawsonchurch.org.

Tuesday, November 5, 9:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., FRC Craft Room

Come play in the mud with us as we make “Chrismon” ornaments from porcelain clay. Joann Brown, retired Edgewood art teacher will be facilitating the fun. Women of all ages are welcome, and this is a great opportunity to invite your neighbors, friends, and co-workers! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost is $20 per person, per session. Childcare is available. Please visit dawsonchurch.org/handmade for more information and to register.

Monday, October 21, 9:30 a.m., Social Hall

Please join us on Monday, October 21, for a time of refreshments and fellowship beginning at 9:30 a.m. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Social Hall. There has been a change in the program, and Louise Barbour will review The Story of Martha Myers by Barbara Joiner.

Wednesday, October 23, 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Foyer

This is an ideal class for parents, grandparents, babysitters and all who work with infants and children. Please contact Debbie Moss at dmoss@dawsonchurch.org for more information.

November 8–November 10, Camp McDowell

Dawson Student Ministry’s Girls Retreat is November 8–10 at Camp McDowell. This will be a great weekend of worship, teaching, small groups, and fun! Amy Byrd, Director of Girls Ministry at Hunter Street Baptist Church, will be teaching, and Shayla Carter and Megan Brown will be leading worship. All 6th–12th grade girls as well as moms are invited to attend. Your registration fee ($145) covers all food, lodging, programming, and transportation. Please make sure to sign up online at dawsonchurch.org/students by October 23. 

Saturday, November 9, 9:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and are dreading the upcoming holidays, we invite you to attend this FREE event on Saturday, November 9 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon in the Fellowship Hall. You will learn practical ways to find hope for and cope with life’s celebrations. Our keynote speaker is Steve Sweatt, LPC/LMFT, Clinical Director at Community Grief Support  A light breakfast will be served. Please reserve your spot with Community Grief Support by registering at 205-870-8667.

Dawson’s Recreation Ministry is excited to announce that the D1 Fitness classes at Dawson have started! As a part of this new program, we are offering unlimited D1 Fitness classes for just $35 a month. TotalFit (a boot camp style class) kicks off at 6:00 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and D1 Strength (a weight lifting class upstairs) begins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, please visit dawsonchurch.org/D1Fitness.

The FRC front entrance will be closed from October 28 until November 8, including Sunday, November 3, while new sidewalks are being installed.  Please use the Dale Avenue Entrance (on the East side) to enter the FRC throughout this time.

Family and friends of Larry Bryant.

Larry Bryant ~ October 7, 2019

Liz and Jacob Glenn on the birth of their son, Oakes Wil Glenn, on October 7, 2019.

Julie Stone on the birth of her son, Tyler Matthew Stone, on October 10, 2019.

Becca and John Lee on the birth of their daughter, Eleanor Frances Lee, October 11, 2019.

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