There are many books about cancer, but now there’s a Bible study that delves deeper to confront the personal issues of cancer from a spiritual perspective. Dawson will host this four-week Bible study taught by the author, Karen Allen. Each week, a special guest will also share. On September 19, Dr. Susan B. Winchester, Surgeon St. Vincent's Birmingham, will be our special guest. Come for yourself or attend so you can help others during their journey. Invite those you know who have been touched by cancer. Learn more about the study by visiting the author’s website: www.confrontingcancerwithfaith.com.

Begins Wednesday, September 8, at 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

This 6-week study is for mothers of daughters age preschool through college graduate. Moms will receive practical advice on how to talk with daughters about sensitive issues in a godly way. Led by Penny Kimrey, the class will meet on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and at 6:00 p.m. Choose the time that works best for you. Workbook and registration is available at first session. Room 256 North

Moms & More is a monthly Bible study for moms of young children. This study meets the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. (Social Hall) and 6:30 p.m. (Room 252 North). Alta Faye Fenton leads the Bible study for both meetings. Our first Moms & More is Tuesday, September 14. The morning session also provides a life-skills session. Sheri Morrison will lead the September Life-skill focusing on raising responsible children. Childcare is provided by reservation. Contact Donna Allan (871-7324 or donna.allan@dawsonchurch.org) by September 8 to make childcare reservations. For further information, contact Jan Jones.

A new year of Monday Men’s Bible Study will begin on September 13. The group will meet every Monday from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. in Social Hall. The morning will start with a light breakfast followed by an in-depth study of the book of Romans led by Dr. Neal Schooley. A study guide will be available for purchase at each meeting.

You are invited to K.E.Y. Bible Study, a systematic approach to studying the Bible that equips participants with basic scriptural truth. This fall, Dr. Gary Fenton and Dr. Bill Johnston are teaching on the book of Acts. Each session concludes with a ten-minute segment of systematic theology, helping connect the themes of Acts with the overall themes of the Bible.

Men, bring your friends and co-workers on the third Thursday of each month to enjoy lunch and a Bible study led by Dr. Gary Fenton. Lunch is served between 11:45 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. The Bible study will begin at 12:05 p.m. and conclude by 12:45 p.m. Please contact Jim Averett to reserve lunch. 

How can Christians respond through Scripture, prayer, and action to the injustices of the world? Tom Davis, author of Red Letters and Fields of the Fatherless, takes up the cause of the oppressed through his new book, Priceless: A Novel on the Edge of the World. While written as a fiction novel, the story-line is all too real for 1.2 million children trafficked every year, in addition to those already held in captivity. How should the church respond? This five-week course will be led by David Lee.

If you are beginning your career as a young professional and are looking for other young people engaging in relevant Bible study and serving the community, join the Dawson Young Professionals! This Bible study group meets at 9:40 a.m. in the Family Recreation Center, Room 22.

Dawson's handbell choir for adults rehearses on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Under the direction of David Vaughan, the bell choir will ring several times in Sunday morning worship and will participate in special music programs as well. Participants must be able to read music. Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 8. To learn more, contact the Music Office or attend the first rehearsal.

Fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students will experience a unique presentation of the plan of salvation using a geode during Sunday School on September 12.  Each student will receive a geode to take home and share with a family member or friend how the brokenness of a geode reflects beauty and illustrates the gift of grace through redemption in Christ. Parents, this will be a great opportunity to initiate discussion about salvation with your child. Visit the preteen webpage for more excellent tools and resources for sharing specifics with your child.  Also, our Sunday School leadership, Wednesday Night leadership, and Children’s Ministers are more than willing to talk individually with your child about the most important decision he or she will ever make.  Church family, thank you for your support and specific prayers for our preteens as they seek God's will for their lives.

On Sunday, September 12, Bibles will be given to Dawson's first graders in all five morning worship services. A Family Brunch will follow at 10:30 a.m. and noon to celebrate this special time in the life of our first graders. 

Finally...the moment you've all been waiting for! The 2010-2011 Student Ministry Calendar will be released on Sunday, September 12, following the evening worship service in the Chapel. High school students, middle school students, and parents are invited to come see what's in store for the upcoming year. Dates, deadlines, destinations, and costs will be given. The much anticipated Chapel Choir Tour destination will also be released. You do not want to miss this event!  

Have you ever said the following words? "All I want is a good night's sleep!" or "Why am I always so tired?" Insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome are just a few of the many disorders that could deprive you of sleep.  You are invited to attend an educational program taught by Dr. Vernon Pegram, co-founder of Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama. Dr. Pegram serves as an educator for medical professionals as well as the public. Attend this program and learn what you can do to get a good night's sleep.

Adult Sunday School teachers and prayer leaders are invited to learn effective ways to encourage prayer support. This learning session will provide practical methods and training for distributing prayer needs and announcements online. All class leaders are encouraged to attend.

Volunteers are needed to teach and provide transportation for Dawson's two "English as a Second Language" ministries. Each Tuesday night and Thursday morning, dozens of internationals attend these classes. If you are interested in teaching or driving a van, please contact Loretta Smith or Carolyn Herr.

The Dawson Weekday Program is looking for part-time substitutes to work in the morning and afternoon classes for ages 18 months to 4 years of age. Please call the Weekday Office for more information. 

The KidScan Security Team needs you! Volunteers help parents in the preschool area use the KidScan kiosks and assist in getting preschoolers checked in for Sunday School. If you are able to serve one hour per month (during 8:30 a.m. or 9:40 a.m. Sunday School) and are familiar with computers, please contact Keith Vinson.

The Medical Apartment Ministry has an ongong need for paper towels, toilet tissue, kitchen garbage bags, and quart-size and sandwich-size plastic bags. Please place items in the collection box across from the receptionist's desk in the North Building any time between Wednesday, September 8, and Sunday, September 19.

Colton Samuel VanVoorhis, son of Lena and Rich VanVoorhis, will participate with his family in dedication this Sunday during the 11:00 a.m. worship service.  Colton was born on April 10, 2010.  His grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Robin Stevenson of Tahlequah, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Allan McDuffie of Lincoln, AL; and Mr. and Mrs. Rick VanVoorhis of Tulsa, OK.  His great-grandparents are Mrs. Eunice Brown of Montgomery, AL; Mrs. Hazel VanVoorhis of Pryor, OK; and Mrs. Eleanor Clinkscales of Ragland, AL. 

The beautiful flowers in the Sanctuary today are given in loving memory of Jamie Grisham by her husband, Robert Grisham, and their children and grandchildren.

Sandi and Josh Meeks on the birth of their baby girl, Leah Mae Meeks, on August 17, 2010

Doris Atchison ~ August 18, 2010

Eloise Brasseale ~ August 20, 2010

Ray Atchison in the death of his wife, Doris Atchison; and Linda and Paul Atchison and family in the death of Paul's mother

Donna and David Frey-Keeton and Sam Brasseale in the death of Donna and Sam's mother, Eloise Brasseale; Sarah and Jason Frey and family, Sammy Brasseale, Blake Brasseale, and Russell Thomas Brasseale in the death of Jason, Sammy, Blake, and Russell's grandmother; and Kitty Watts in the death of her sister.

In recent conversations I have been asked the following questions:

How is our Legacy of Faith financial campaign doing? It has been an exciting summer for the Legacy of Faith emphasis as pledges have continued to come in. Not only do we have approximately $5.4 million committed, but also over $1.1 million has already been given. The brief delay in the design process has also worked in the church’s advantage as a sub committee of the church Finance Committee has been negotiating for construction loans, and the interest rates are more favorable now than earlier. This is the most building fund money we have ever had on-hand before beginning construction, which will save the church future interest.

Did the downturn in the economy impact our summer mission emphasis in any way? Our church led the most aggressive summer mission program yet. We had more people involved in more places doing more things than ever, from Peru to Ukraine to Hawaii to Florida; from New Orleans to Sudan to Brunswick, Georgia, to Coy, Alabama, and many other places. Our volunteers conducted medical clinics, taught Vacation Bible School, sang for a number of groups, repaired homes, built churches, trained pastors, led sports camps, worked in rescue shelters, fed the hungry, and prayed with and for thousands of folks.

What should I be doing this coming Sunday morning?

Your Pastor,

Gary Fenton