Open Letter to Gerald and Imodel Dacus, The people of Columbus Street Baptist Church, First Southern Bakersfield) have many fond memories of your service with us here. Many have sent their congratulations in separate letters and cards. As you know, I have been documenting life at the Church through a monthly column in our newsletter titled “Senior Moments by Grandpa Dick”. For such a wonderful milestone of marriage, I thought you might be interested in seeing again some of the articles, especially about the people you love and , I might add, that you continue to minister to. So I have gone through my article archives and selected a few to include here. I have also included some articles that include my family, which may also be of interest. Now, for me and my family, I simply want to say how much we all love you and appreciate so much the impact you have made on our lives. In fact, people everywhere have been infected by the “Dacus Spirit.” We continue to serve our risen Lord here. Kurt and Phil are Deacons. Phil is on Budget and Finance and heads up the bus ministry. Kurt is in the orchestra and teaches in Youth. Janie is Minister to children and nursery, and Joy is Nursery Coordinator and teaches Sunday School with Kurt. Caleb is in youth choir and helps teach the younger ones in AWANA, and Kari, now 10, is in AWANA and children’s choir. Bev is in Sunday School and choir, and I am volunteer business administrator, in choir, AWANA, and church photographer, historian, and web administrator. Bev’s Mom, Florence is 91, and still lives with us, and is in pretty good health. We love you and wish God’s blessings on you as you continue your ministry to everyone. Grandpa Dick and Bev Laughman, Kurt, Joy, Caleb and Kari Hill, Phil and Janie Medlen, and Granny King

Blink, Blink, Bling!! WOW, I must have blinked. Wasn’t it just yesterday that Michelle and Mike Rowland, Jonathan Sadler, Jennifer Taylor (Mykytiuk), and Stephanie Rodgers (Rowland) were in Youth Group? Now right before our eyes, these kids, along with Jennifer’s husband Aaron Mykytiuk, Byron Hensen and Pastor Elmer Ponce, were adult counselors on our Youth Group’s trip to the State Youth Conference. And what a glorious time they had. We received wonderful reports of their Christian experiences while there. And there was no “monkey” business on this trip, because these counselors know all the tricks, having tried a few in their youth. They say it takes a whole village to raise up a child. Our congregation has done its part and is watching with loving care and praising God about how this bunch turned out. A couple of our Church’s Grandparents are busting their buttons. Mary Bratcher, who is now 68 and Jonathan Sadler’s Grandmother, has changed most of these kid’s diapers. Although her memory is fading, she will always be proud of her Grandson. I talked to Vela Cooper, Jennifer’s Grandmother. She said she is so very blessed to have Jennifer as a Granddaughter. Yes, as Parents, Grandparents, and Great grandparents we have much to be proud of. We have had a hand in the development of several generations. We have steered our kids along God’s path toward adult- hood. Sometimes they strayed from the right way, but is wasn’t because we didn’t give it our very best effort. We can’t control the choices our adult children make. We have had to let them go and put them in God’s hands. The bible says we should rejoice together in God’s handiwork. (Isaiah 65:18). So join me in honoring this group of emerging adult leaders. But don’t blink, because before you know it, another batch of young leaders will appear. Grandpa Dick

OAKIE GIRL!! A recent Sunday bulletin displayed a note of appreciation to Diane Horton. It read, ”We would like to thank you for your many years of committed service as Executive Secretary to the Church.” Diane’s resignation is a great loss for me. As a volunteer Sunday School Director working full time outside the Church, I rely heavily on the church office staff to help me do my church job. I could call Diane with an assignment, and she would take care of it. She would keep me advised of everything I needed to know and shield me from the rest. It is said that a Church Secretary lasts about six months. Diane beat that 20 fold, withstanding the constant flow of congregation concerns, and shielding staff members as she diplomatically handled each complaint according to its content and source. She had a gift of handling these things with a sweet spirit and calm under-standing. The title she held was “Office Administrator”, but Diane was much more than that. Virtually every member of this Church was helped in some way during her tenure here. She could relate to all ages. She could act like a teenager when in fellowship with our youth. She has the grandmother’s touch as a teacher of children. She could present a lesson or small group study to adults that was both stimulating and understandable. Our Senior Adults love Diane. She had a way of treating each of us that made us feel special. She handled benevolent and bereavement situations with caring efficiency. As a Deacon’s wife, she was always ready to help in time of need. Need a group meal prepared? She could do it. I talked to Pastor Ken about Diane. He said “she was an outstanding personal assistant, and an asset that will be hard to replace”. I like to think of her as the “Church glue”. She kept everything from custodial services to church computer systems working smoothly., Diane and Rick have an Oklahoma homestead with a new ranch house that is almost ready. They have been waiting for the right time to retire to their haven. We wanted that time to be later, but we have to realize that that time is here. Yes, we miss Diane, but we also know that the Lord will guide us to new and exciting times with a yet to be found new office Administra-tor. (ref. Phil.4:19) Will she be a Diane? No! Diane was a unique and multifaceted gem not easily replaced. But I am confident that God will send us a competent proper replacement so that our work of spreading the Good News across Bakersfield will con- tinue to grow and prosper as He leads. Diane and Rick, keep the coffee pot on, cause we plan to stop by someday. Grandpa Dick