Dan Cooper's Blog

In recent weeks several people (both members and people from afar) have asked me, “Are you guys going to build a new church building or plant a new church? And, if you are building a new church building, why are you going to a church planting seminar?”  Assumptions frequently lead to big misunderstandings.

Actually, we are doing both!  Let me explain.  Our immediate goal and pressing challenge is building a new church building.  (By the way, financing charges and building materials have dropped significantly over the last twelve months. Thank you, God!)  We hope to break ground on that major project later this year.  So, yes, we are building a new building to seat 400 to 500.

But later, we are planning to plant a new congregation once we fill that new auditorium.  The church plant will come in God’s time, likely several years from now, and we’ve attended the Church Planting Workshop so that we are prepared for that when the time comes.  A new building is our short-term objective and a new church plant is our long-term goal.        - Dan                  

Religion has a bad rep these days.  Deservedly so!  Too much religion is filled with hypocrisy!  ...with “political correctness!”  ... and with excessive emphasis on money. 

But, pure religion is another matter.  Pure religion takes care of orphans and widows.  Pure religion practices pure, clean, moral living.  Pure religion is not contaminated by the world (James 1:27). 

Where can I find pure religion?  Right here at this church.  The body of believers that call themselves the Pitman Church of Christ and meet at 115 East Holly Avenue is serious about practicing pure religion.  We are not perfect, but we are serious about taking care of widows and others who are easily overlooked.  We are a group of individuals who are concerned about moral living.

Remember this my friends, our world is attracted to a church that practices pure religion.  Desperately wanting to be pure and practice pure religion!
-Dan                    

From the first time I met him in the late 1980’s, his health was in decline.  Declining health in his autumn years would make many a man hard and bitter.  Not Lee!  In fact, it was his deteriorating health that ultimately helped turn him back to God.  Praise God.  He grew old gracefully!

I admired Lee Smith…
-for his unspeakable sacrifices for my freedom.
-for looking out for orphaned Japanese children.
-for honoring his marriage vows, no matter what.
-for financially providing for his family.
-for investing time in his kids and grandkids.
-for volunteering time as a Boy Scout leader.
-for being concerned about forgiveness of sins.
-for coming back to church after he had strayed.
-for not loving money, and supporting our church.
-for his delightful sense of humor, to the very end.

What will people remember about you and me when we are gone? I’m deciding right now!
Dan