If you don’t run an anti-virus software program on your computer (like McAfee, Trend, AVG or Norton/Symantec), Microsoft has released a free AV program that is available for download today.

As a disclaimer, I haven’t used this yet. My understanding is that it’s not as full featured as some of the other more professional (read “not free”) AV programs, but it’s targeted towards those who aren’t currently running any AV program at all (like, say, ME!).

Here’s the link: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials

If you install it, be sure to stop back and let me know how you like it.

One other thing: MS claims that this will NOT slow down your computer – and we all know that everything that Microsoft promises is true! (Yes, that is extremely facetious!)

August 9, 2009 will be my last day as Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church. I’m going to post an email below (slightly edited) that I sent to my siblings and parents. I appreciate your prayers as our family moves on.

Below is my resignation letter given to our Leadership Team and then read to the congregation:

July 24, 2009

Dear Leadership Team and church family at Cornerstone Baptist,

This is a very difficult note to write. Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Lititz PA.

The Lord has made it very clear to me that this is His will at this time. Please understand and believe that I’m not stepping down because I’m discouraged over things at the church, nor am I frustrated with anyone in the congregation. On the contrary, this has been a hard decision because I love this work and all the people that make up Cornerstone. I’m excited about what the Lord’s doing here, the new families that have been attending, the excitement for outreach and the unity in this body. Our church isn’t perfect, but there’s a love here that transcends human ability.

However, the Lord has made it clear that my family has needs that I can’t fulfill while being a pastor. As my children have grown, I’ve seen areas in our family calling for attention, yet I’m unable to focus on those while serving in this role. The saddest emotion in life is regret, and I don’t want to look back in ten years and think, “If only I’d acted when the Lord told me to do something.”

Because I’m resigning as Senior Pastor, my family and I will attend another church. Many men have tried remaining in the church they used to pastor, only to find that they hurt the church’s health. The congregation needs to move on from my leadership, and that’s hard to do if I’m still here. I also believe that I personally won’t be able to effectively accomplish my family goals if I remain at Cornerstone. This is undoubtedly the hardest part of this decision. I’ve served a third of my life with this church, and I love the people here deeply.

Our last Sunday at Cornerstone will be August 9, 2009. Until that time, I’ll help the Leadership Team in whichever way they deem most appropriate to make this as smooth a transition as possible. Please pray for them, for my family and for the congregation. This will be a difficult time all around.

I’m not sure exactly where the Lord is leading all of us, but I know that the only successful choice is to obey Him.

Much love in Christ,

Brian Volpone

Senior Pastor

Cornerstone Baptist Church

This will be a new chapter in our lives. I expect we will do some grieving, but ultimately I’m convinced that we’re obeying the Lord. Again, thanks for your prayers for our family and for our church.

Not to speak ill of the dead, but I liked Billy Mays a lot more than I liked Michael Jackson.

I’ve been pretty absent lately. If my phone would send texts as email, I could at least update my pulse, but it doesn’t seem to do that.

Anyway, if someone can’t be around much, is it better to update your blog or comment on other people’s blogs?

harhar