Hello and good Saturday evening to each of you. I hope your week went well. May your weekend be restful and blessed!

I received our church newsletter in the mail this morning and was pleasantly surprised about the context of it. My point in saying that would be I have been struggling with some things lately and they have been consuming my thoughts. Most people who know me and have known me for quite some time know and understand my little quirks. I have always been pretty straightforward. I am reminded more times than not about watching what I say, how I say and to whom it is said. Doing so has caused me to be a little more agitated than I wish to be. One should never have to completely change or be the sole party in trying to correct a situation.

This thought process leads me to the note our pastor has in the April newsletter. He couldn't have selected a better time for that note. Unity is not only important in church, sports, and things of that nature. Unity also needs to be practiced on the job, in the home, in the day-to-day happenings with people in general. When a united front is not presented, it allows for chaos and confusion that can lead to hurt feelings.

When we act of our own accord, without putting God in control, we are allowing Satan to have a stronger hold on us. He doesn't need any more power than he already has.

Our Minister of Students also had a thought-provoking note in April's newsletter. His topic centered on refueling/recharging the "batteries". We all need to be encouraged and lifted up. No matter where, when or how. A quiet time away from the world spent in communion with our Lord and Savior is a very vital part of our walk with Christ. When we go astray it most always ends in discord and disappointment.

My prayer for each of you is that we all strive harder to work together and present a united front whether it's in the midst of adversity or not.

All of this leads me to our upcoming revival. It will be held the week of April 20-23. Services will begin Sunday night, April 20th at 6pm and the following evenings service will begin at 7pm. The guest speaker will be the pastor of Northside Baptist Church in West Columbia. Please be in prayer for our guest speaker as well lifting up our revival services. May God speak to us and we will be refueled/recharged; eager to do His work!

Tomorrow evening will bring a special evening service. Troy Widener will be performing at 6pm in the sanctuary. I haven't had the opportunity hear this young man, but it is my understanding that those who have have been blessed! God works in so many ways and through so many people. It is encouraging to see them using their talents for God's glory!

We will observe the Lord's Supper on Sunday, April 6th. Everyone is invited and encouraged to be in attendance to observe this special time of worship and reflection.

The April birthday celebration will take place on Wed., April 9th. If you or someone you know is having a birthday in April, invite them to join in the food and fellowship!

Our quarterly church conference will be held on Sunday, April 13th. One of the items of business will be electing our Nominating Committee and our Trustees!

The Women on Mission will meet on Wed., April 16th. All the ladies of our church are invited and encouraged to attend.

The XYZ club will have their monthly meeting on Friday, April 18th in the fellowship hall. The meeting will begin at 6:30pm in the fellowship hall. Those in attendance will be playing the fun game of BINGO! It is requested that those who are taking part in the fellowship, food and fun bring along a wrapped BINGO orize.

Vacation Bible School will be held June 8th-12th. If you are interested in or area willing to assist/teach a class, please refer to your newsletter or contact the church office to know who to contact.

The youth and children have a busy month ahead! The Children's Ministry consists of the following:

Kid's open gym on Saturday, April 5th from 10am-12pm. They also have a putt-putt trip scheduled for Sat., April 12th from 11am-3pm.

The youth activities are as follows:

Open gym on Friday, April 4th from 6-9pm.
SNAC will be held on Sunday, April 20th following the evening service.
Youth bowling trip on Friday, April 18th.
Lasagna fundraiser on Monday, April 21st.

Youth and Children's Committee meetings are as follows:

Children's Committee Meeting: Sat., April 5th during open gym.
Youth Committee Meeting: Sunday, April 6th beginning at 3:30pm.

Other items of interest are the Associational Meeting being held at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Thursday, April 17th. The evening meal will be served at 6pm and the meeting begins at 6:45pm.

Men's breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, April 20th. All the men of our church are invited and encouraged to attend.

I believe that covers all I have for now. May you have a restful evening. Take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)