It's hard to believe that in a few short weeks we will be celebrating Easter! For me it is a time of reflection. A time to remember that our Lord and Saviour came to earth to save us from our sins. He bore the pain and anguish of all our transgressions that we may have eternal life. It is so hard for me to comprehend that someone would say there is no God. When you look at the beautiful sunrises/sunsets that we are able to see or you hear the birds singing, how could one ever believe there is no God? While Easter is a somber time, let it also be a happy time. A happy time in knowing that when we leave this earth, we will live forever with our Father in Heaven!
In light of the upcoming events surrounding Easter, we have many things happening in our church and around our community. Please make note of them on your calendar. You don't want to miss these wonderful times of fellowship. They are as follows:
Our adult choir has been faithfully practicing for their upcoming Easter cantata. It is entitled "Behold the Darkness". It will be held on Sunday, April 9th at 6pm (Palm Sunday).
Easter Sunrise Community Service will be held at North Pentecostal Holiness Church, Sunday, April 16th at 7am. Our beloved pastor will be speaking at this service.
The youth and children's committees will be meeting this Sunday, April 2nd. Children's committee will meet at 3:30pm and the youth committee will meet at 4:00 in the youth building. (will keep you updated should these times change!)
Boys & girls: Don't forget about the sports program available for you. Sessions begin at 2pm on Sunday afternoons (beginning with Bible study for 45 min.). This promises to be a fun time for all in attendance. Come out and be a part of something will help teach you to be a good sport both on and off the playing field!
Gardening Sessions are being held in the Fellowship Hall each Monday at 2pm. Sessions are free and open to the public!
Deacons: Don't forget about the upcoming Deacon's meeting this Sunday (April 2nd) at 8am.
REMINDER: Daylight savings time begins Sunday, April 2nd. Remember to "spring your clocks forward" Saturday night so you won't be late for church on Sunday morning!
Also, if you would like to place an Easter Lily in the sanctuary in honor or memory of someone, the cost is $12.00 per flower. The deadline is Monday, April 10th. If you have any questions pertaining to this, please notify someone on the flower committee. Flowers will be placed in the church prior to Easter Sunday and can be taken home following the Easter Sunday morning service. (you will also need to include who the flower has been placed by and the number of flowers you are purchasing).
As you can see, we have a lot going on! You don't want to miss these blessed opportunities to worship with fellow believers! I will keep you posted on any changes that need to be made or of any other events I am made aware of. As always, keep on pressing on the upward way! My love to each of you! God bless!!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Happy Spring!!
Sure doesn't feel like spring, but I am glad it is here!! As I have gotten older I have to come to love spring and fall more than any other time of year. For me, it is a time of reflection and I love to see everything blooming and all the beautiful colors God paints everything. How anyone could ever say there is no God, I have no idea. Who else could paint the sky with the beautiful sunrises and sunsets we see! Certainly not man. We fall short every time.
In reporting the business of our church I am pleased to announce that the youth were able to raise $534 from this past Sunday's spaghetti dinner/talent show. It is always a blessing to see our young people working for the Lord!
I also want to apologize for not mentioning the Men's breakfast that was held last Sunday. Was truly an oversight on my part. When I realized I had neglected to mention it, I felt terrible. Please forgive me!!
In other news, our director of Vacation Bible School is looking for willing teachers to help with the upcoming VBS time this year. If you would like to teach or assist in teaching a class, please let her know. You will truly be blessed!
Don't forget about First Place on Monday nights. Weigh in starts at 6:30 and the session begins at 7pm. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow and learn how to become more spiritually and physically sound.
Children and parents: remember the children will be going to the zoo and Finlay Park Saturday, March 25th. If I remember correctly, they will be gone from 9-3 that day. I will double-check and post if it is a different time than I recall.
Let us remember those that are sick, bereaved or otherwise in need of prayer. We should also remember our President, military and their families, and other leaders.
That covers all that I have for now. I hope the remainder of your week is wonderfully blessed. Take care and my love to each of you!
Love in Christ,
Tina :-)
In reporting the business of our church I am pleased to announce that the youth were able to raise $534 from this past Sunday's spaghetti dinner/talent show. It is always a blessing to see our young people working for the Lord!
I also want to apologize for not mentioning the Men's breakfast that was held last Sunday. Was truly an oversight on my part. When I realized I had neglected to mention it, I felt terrible. Please forgive me!!
In other news, our director of Vacation Bible School is looking for willing teachers to help with the upcoming VBS time this year. If you would like to teach or assist in teaching a class, please let her know. You will truly be blessed!
Don't forget about First Place on Monday nights. Weigh in starts at 6:30 and the session begins at 7pm. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow and learn how to become more spiritually and physically sound.
Children and parents: remember the children will be going to the zoo and Finlay Park Saturday, March 25th. If I remember correctly, they will be gone from 9-3 that day. I will double-check and post if it is a different time than I recall.
Let us remember those that are sick, bereaved or otherwise in need of prayer. We should also remember our President, military and their families, and other leaders.
That covers all that I have for now. I hope the remainder of your week is wonderfully blessed. Take care and my love to each of you!
Love in Christ,
Tina :-)
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Talent Abounding!
The spaghetti dinner/talent show was a big success! We are fortunate to have so many talented folks in our church. Talents that were on display ranged from vocal stylings, to guitar or trombone playing, yo-yo tricks and clogging. Everyone did a fabulous job!! The grand prize was a red velvet cake made by one of the ladies of our church and it was awarded to a father and son team for their talents with a yo-yo.
Everyone who participated is a winner. It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of a group and perform. Several folks tried to coax me into joining the clogging group that performed, but I bowed out! As I said before, everyone did a great job and my hat is off to each person who participated!
Kudos to the youth who did a terrific job preparing the meal (along with the adults who helped them) and serving. I know the judging of the talent show wasn't easy, but you did a fine job there as well. Everything was delicious and I am proud of all of you! Keep up the good work!
Everyone who participated is a winner. It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of a group and perform. Several folks tried to coax me into joining the clogging group that performed, but I bowed out! As I said before, everyone did a great job and my hat is off to each person who participated!
Kudos to the youth who did a terrific job preparing the meal (along with the adults who helped them) and serving. I know the judging of the talent show wasn't easy, but you did a fine job there as well. Everything was delicious and I am proud of all of you! Keep up the good work!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
You've Got Skills!!
Attention boys and girls:
There is a new and exciting activity available for you! If you are interested in learning more about a sport you are already involved in or if you wish to learn more about another, then look no further. The answer is here!!
One of our talented men has started a new activity that involves 45 minutes of Bible study followed by learning more about the rules and skills of a particular sport. This promises to be a great learning experience for all involved. You will also learn how to become a better team player. It is important to be a positive part of the team. It only takes one bad banana to ruin the whole bunch.
These sessions are held every Sunday between from 2-4:30. I encourage you to come out and be a part of this great time of Bible study and sportsmanship.
And before I forget: the adult choir is working on an Palm Sunday cantata. If you would like to be a part of this wonderful experience, please come and join us for choir practice this Sunday immediately following the evening worship service. We would love to have you there!!
Also, the youth are having a spaghetti lunch following the morning worship service tomorrow. There will also be a talent contest. Our youth will be doing the judging. Come on out and join us for a great time of food and fellowship and see what wonderful talent our church has been blessed with!
Until next time, take care and God bless!!
There is a new and exciting activity available for you! If you are interested in learning more about a sport you are already involved in or if you wish to learn more about another, then look no further. The answer is here!!
One of our talented men has started a new activity that involves 45 minutes of Bible study followed by learning more about the rules and skills of a particular sport. This promises to be a great learning experience for all involved. You will also learn how to become a better team player. It is important to be a positive part of the team. It only takes one bad banana to ruin the whole bunch.
These sessions are held every Sunday between from 2-4:30. I encourage you to come out and be a part of this great time of Bible study and sportsmanship.
And before I forget: the adult choir is working on an Palm Sunday cantata. If you would like to be a part of this wonderful experience, please come and join us for choir practice this Sunday immediately following the evening worship service. We would love to have you there!!
Also, the youth are having a spaghetti lunch following the morning worship service tomorrow. There will also be a talent contest. Our youth will be doing the judging. Come on out and join us for a great time of food and fellowship and see what wonderful talent our church has been blessed with!
Until next time, take care and God bless!!
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Items of Interest
Happy Thursday to each of you! Hope everyone is doing well. We have several items on the agenda that I wanted to let you know about.
To start, our children, ages 4 to 2nd grade, are working on a Spring musical entitled "I am a Promise", delivering a message of obedience. Choir practice (followed by play time) is held each Sunday in the educational building during the evening worship service. If you have a child or children who would like to participate or if you know of other children who might like to be a part of this, I am sure they are more than welcome to join. The children's choir leader always does a fabulous job with them and we are blessed to have her.
The Youth will have a St. Patrick's Day party Saturday, March 18th at 6:30pm. Youth will need to meet in the youth building. You may have this date on your calendars for Friday, but it has been changed to Saturday, so please make note of this change! You don't want to miss the fun!!
The Youth will also be holding a spaghetti dinner/talent show following the morning worship service Sunday, March 19th. If you wish to participate in the talent show, please sign up in the vestibule. You might even be able to contact the church office and have them add you before Sunday. The judging of the talents will be done by our youth. Come on out and join us for a fun time of food and fellowship!
I have also been informed that the gym will be open this Saturday for the children from 2-5pm. Will be a good time of fellowship for the children and I know they will have as much fun as they always do!!
The children are doing to the zoo and Finlay park Saturday, March 25th. More info to come regarding this event.
Tis the time of year for our Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions. Our national goal is $56million. Our personal church goal is $3,500.00. The theme for this year is "Tell His Story". Please contribute to this wonderful mission so that His story can reach many who need to hear about Christ!
Spring is in the air and gardening will soon be starting. Don't forget about Gardening sessions the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Sessions begin at 2pm in the fellowship hall. All sessions are free and open to the public!
Also, First Place began Monday, March 6th. This program is designed to help you get fit not only physically but spiritually. The fee for this program is $33 if you have no materials from a previous course. If you do have the materials, then the fee is $20.00. Weigh-in begins at 6:30 and the session begins at 7pm. Come out and be a part of something that promises to enrich your life!
Men, remember Prayer Garden each Friday at 7am. Prayer time is held either in the prayer garden or in the church (depending on the weather). Come join your brothers-in-Christ for a time of prayer and brotherly fellowship.
As always, take care and God bless! My love to each of you! :-)
To start, our children, ages 4 to 2nd grade, are working on a Spring musical entitled "I am a Promise", delivering a message of obedience. Choir practice (followed by play time) is held each Sunday in the educational building during the evening worship service. If you have a child or children who would like to participate or if you know of other children who might like to be a part of this, I am sure they are more than welcome to join. The children's choir leader always does a fabulous job with them and we are blessed to have her.
The Youth will have a St. Patrick's Day party Saturday, March 18th at 6:30pm. Youth will need to meet in the youth building. You may have this date on your calendars for Friday, but it has been changed to Saturday, so please make note of this change! You don't want to miss the fun!!
The Youth will also be holding a spaghetti dinner/talent show following the morning worship service Sunday, March 19th. If you wish to participate in the talent show, please sign up in the vestibule. You might even be able to contact the church office and have them add you before Sunday. The judging of the talents will be done by our youth. Come on out and join us for a fun time of food and fellowship!
I have also been informed that the gym will be open this Saturday for the children from 2-5pm. Will be a good time of fellowship for the children and I know they will have as much fun as they always do!!
The children are doing to the zoo and Finlay park Saturday, March 25th. More info to come regarding this event.
Tis the time of year for our Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions. Our national goal is $56million. Our personal church goal is $3,500.00. The theme for this year is "Tell His Story". Please contribute to this wonderful mission so that His story can reach many who need to hear about Christ!
Spring is in the air and gardening will soon be starting. Don't forget about Gardening sessions the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Sessions begin at 2pm in the fellowship hall. All sessions are free and open to the public!
Also, First Place began Monday, March 6th. This program is designed to help you get fit not only physically but spiritually. The fee for this program is $33 if you have no materials from a previous course. If you do have the materials, then the fee is $20.00. Weigh-in begins at 6:30 and the session begins at 7pm. Come out and be a part of something that promises to enrich your life!
Men, remember Prayer Garden each Friday at 7am. Prayer time is held either in the prayer garden or in the church (depending on the weather). Come join your brothers-in-Christ for a time of prayer and brotherly fellowship.
As always, take care and God bless! My love to each of you! :-)
Saturday, March 11, 2006
News! News! News!
Hello and good morning to all. I hope everyone had a wonderfully blessed week and you are enjoying your weekend thus far. I wanted to take a few minutes to update you on some things that are going on around our church.
First off, our Sunday School class (the Truthseekers) is about to complete our study on Revelations. It has been a very interesting study and I feel that we have learned a great deal. I encourage you to come and join us if you aren't already involved in a class. Everyone is welcome and we would love to have you be a part of our group!
First Place started Monday, March 6th. This course is designed to change your life not only physically but spiritually. It has nine commitments that will help you draw closer to God and aid in establishing a solid, consistent and healthy Christian life. It lasts for 13 weeks. Weigh-in is starts at 6:30pm and the meeting begins at 7. Materials for the course will be about $33.00 unless you already have materials from a previous course, then it will be about $20.00. For more general information about the program go to www.firstplace.org.
Don't forget about Gardening sessions the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Sessions begin at 2pm and are free and open to the public. Come on out and grow in the Lord!
Vacation Bible School is in the air. It will begin on June 4th and end on June 8th. It's theme is "The Arctic Edge--Where Adventure meets Courage". There are classes available for all ages. You don't want to miss being a part of this exciting time. Be strong! Be courageous! Follow Jesus!
We are beginning the "Annie Armstrong Easter Offering" for North American Missions. The national goal is $56 milliom. Our personal church goal is $3,500.00. The theme for this year is "Tell His Story". This is a wonderful way to help reach those who need to hear about Christ.
And last but certainly not least. Our pastor since 1994 has given his resignation for retirement. We have come to love him, his wife and family very much. They have been a part of our church for a long time now and will be greatly missed. His last day will be June 10th, but he has graciously agreed to stay on until we find someone else. Tis never an easy thing for a church to seek a new pastor, but we must trust that God has someone as special as our current pastor and He will lead him to us. This was not an easy decision for him to make and he and his family need our support and prayers. We wish them all the best and love them very much!
That about covers everything I have for now. If I overlooked something, please let me know. Am always glad to add things. Take care and enjoy your Saturday. God bless! :-)
First off, our Sunday School class (the Truthseekers) is about to complete our study on Revelations. It has been a very interesting study and I feel that we have learned a great deal. I encourage you to come and join us if you aren't already involved in a class. Everyone is welcome and we would love to have you be a part of our group!
First Place started Monday, March 6th. This course is designed to change your life not only physically but spiritually. It has nine commitments that will help you draw closer to God and aid in establishing a solid, consistent and healthy Christian life. It lasts for 13 weeks. Weigh-in is starts at 6:30pm and the meeting begins at 7. Materials for the course will be about $33.00 unless you already have materials from a previous course, then it will be about $20.00. For more general information about the program go to www.firstplace.org.
Don't forget about Gardening sessions the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Sessions begin at 2pm and are free and open to the public. Come on out and grow in the Lord!
Vacation Bible School is in the air. It will begin on June 4th and end on June 8th. It's theme is "The Arctic Edge--Where Adventure meets Courage". There are classes available for all ages. You don't want to miss being a part of this exciting time. Be strong! Be courageous! Follow Jesus!
We are beginning the "Annie Armstrong Easter Offering" for North American Missions. The national goal is $56 milliom. Our personal church goal is $3,500.00. The theme for this year is "Tell His Story". This is a wonderful way to help reach those who need to hear about Christ.
And last but certainly not least. Our pastor since 1994 has given his resignation for retirement. We have come to love him, his wife and family very much. They have been a part of our church for a long time now and will be greatly missed. His last day will be June 10th, but he has graciously agreed to stay on until we find someone else. Tis never an easy thing for a church to seek a new pastor, but we must trust that God has someone as special as our current pastor and He will lead him to us. This was not an easy decision for him to make and he and his family need our support and prayers. We wish them all the best and love them very much!
That about covers everything I have for now. If I overlooked something, please let me know. Am always glad to add things. Take care and enjoy your Saturday. God bless! :-)
Thursday, March 02, 2006
God is so good!!
Hello everyone. I trust that everyone is having a wonderfully blessed week. My week has been going by quite well. I reconnected with an old friend yesterday and we had lunch today. It was certainly good to visit with her. God brings people into our lives for various reasons and He has certainly blessed me with some awesome friends. I don't know what I would do without them. What makes it even better is rekindling those old friendships. For them, I am truly thankful!
As for the activities in and around our church, I think you will find there is something for everyone.
Youth Community Service day is Saturday, March 4th. Our youth will be in town collecting donations for Hurricane Katrina victims. Items they will be collecting are sweatshirts, blankets, canned food, teddy bears, and hygiene products. We are so fortunate to have been spared from such an ordeal, and as Christians we need to reach out to those that are need. We must share some of that glorious feeling that we get from knowing Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Please keep our youth in your prayers that this endeavor will be a success!
Also the Youth & Children's committees will be meeting this Sunday, March 5th. Children's committee will meet at 3:30 and youth committee will meet at 4pm. Our youth and children's leader is doing a fabulous job and continuously needs our prayers. Tis not an easy job when dealing with young people and it takes a special person to fill that need. Keep up the good work!
It has also been brought to my attention that the XYZ will be meeting on Friday, March 10th. If you are involved in the XYZ or know of someone who enjoy this time of fellowship, please let them know. They are asking those who are planning on attending to bring a covered dish with them for everyone to enjoy!
Don't forget about the Gardening sessions that are being held the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month at 2pm. All sessions are free and open to the public!
First Place begins Monday, March 6th from 6:30 to 8pm. In these sessions, you will learn how scripture, exercise and healthy eating habits will help make you a new creature! Please be sure to sign up in the vestibule of the church.
Men, don't forget about Men's prayer group every Friday. Depending on the weather, each prayer time will either be held in the prayer garden inside the church. Prayer group time is at 7am.
Choir practice is every Sunday immediately following the evening worship service. Would love to have those of you who wish to participate join us in praising the Lord in song!
Remember that the times for evening services will soon be changing. I will keep you informed as to when the change occurs.
I believe that about covers all I have for now. Be sure to get outside some this week and enjoy this beautiful weather we have been blessed with. It certainly is giving me a good case of spring fever. Spring and fall are my favorite times of year. I like the summer too, but with spring and fall the weather is just right! Not too hot and not too cold.
I will close for now, but until next time, keep on pressing toward the kingdom of God.
Love in Christ,
Tina :-)
Also, let's remember those in who are in need in our prayers. We never know when we might be the one in need!
As for the activities in and around our church, I think you will find there is something for everyone.
Youth Community Service day is Saturday, March 4th. Our youth will be in town collecting donations for Hurricane Katrina victims. Items they will be collecting are sweatshirts, blankets, canned food, teddy bears, and hygiene products. We are so fortunate to have been spared from such an ordeal, and as Christians we need to reach out to those that are need. We must share some of that glorious feeling that we get from knowing Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Please keep our youth in your prayers that this endeavor will be a success!
Also the Youth & Children's committees will be meeting this Sunday, March 5th. Children's committee will meet at 3:30 and youth committee will meet at 4pm. Our youth and children's leader is doing a fabulous job and continuously needs our prayers. Tis not an easy job when dealing with young people and it takes a special person to fill that need. Keep up the good work!
It has also been brought to my attention that the XYZ will be meeting on Friday, March 10th. If you are involved in the XYZ or know of someone who enjoy this time of fellowship, please let them know. They are asking those who are planning on attending to bring a covered dish with them for everyone to enjoy!
Don't forget about the Gardening sessions that are being held the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month at 2pm. All sessions are free and open to the public!
First Place begins Monday, March 6th from 6:30 to 8pm. In these sessions, you will learn how scripture, exercise and healthy eating habits will help make you a new creature! Please be sure to sign up in the vestibule of the church.
Men, don't forget about Men's prayer group every Friday. Depending on the weather, each prayer time will either be held in the prayer garden inside the church. Prayer group time is at 7am.
Choir practice is every Sunday immediately following the evening worship service. Would love to have those of you who wish to participate join us in praising the Lord in song!
Remember that the times for evening services will soon be changing. I will keep you informed as to when the change occurs.
I believe that about covers all I have for now. Be sure to get outside some this week and enjoy this beautiful weather we have been blessed with. It certainly is giving me a good case of spring fever. Spring and fall are my favorite times of year. I like the summer too, but with spring and fall the weather is just right! Not too hot and not too cold.
I will close for now, but until next time, keep on pressing toward the kingdom of God.
Love in Christ,
Tina :-)
Also, let's remember those in who are in need in our prayers. We never know when we might be the one in need!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
FBC Happenings
Hello! Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I wanted to update you on some of the things going on in our church. If anyone knows of anything taking place and would like for me to post it here, please let me know.
Here are some of the items on the agenda:
Parents remember that the gym will be open on Friday, Feb. 24th from 6-8pm for children.
The youth will be going to the WinterJam concert, Friday, Feb. 24th. The concert is in Columbia. The church van will leave from the church at 5pm. I remember when I was in the youth, we always had so much fun going to things like this. It is so important to keep our young people and children involved in positive things. Especially this day and age when so many things are at their disposal and can lead them down some very bad avenues.
Youth Community Service Day is Saturday, March 4th. The youth will be in town collecting donations for hurricane victims. Items they will be collecting are sweatshirts, blankets, canned food, teddy bears and hygiene products (i.e. toothpaste, toothbrushes, toiletries and such). We have so much to be thankful for and the people that are affected by the damage done by the hurricane will have a long road ahead of them. We need to, as Christians, show how loving and caring we are by extending acts of kindness such as this to those in need. Come out and support our youth and this worthwhile cause!
Also, if you would like to donate $10 for a t-shirt for the youth to wear that day, please drop it in the offering plate and mark the envelope "t-shirt". I am sure the youth will appreciate the donations.
Don't forget about the Gardening sessions being held the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Sessions begin at 2pm and are free and open to the public.
There is also a new program that will begin Momday, March 6th from 6:30-8pm. This program is designed to not only change your physical life, but your spiritual life as well. During these sessions, you will learn how scripture, exercise and healthy eating habits will help you become a new creature! If you are interested, there is a sign up sheet in the church foyer.
Vacation Bible School is already in the works. I am sure those in charge have been busy already with choosing which program to use this year. It is entitled "Arctic Edge--Where Adventure meets Courage". VBS will begin on June 4th and ends on June 8th. The motto for this year is "Be strong! Be courageous! Follow Jesus". Classes will begin at 6pm each night and end at 9pm. Come on out and bring a friend!
Please remember those that are sick, bereaved, etc. in your prayers. We never know when it will be one of us needing those same prayers!
Also, happy birthday or anniversary to those of you that are having a birthday or anniversary this week. Here's to many more happy years!
Tis all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!
Here are some of the items on the agenda:
Parents remember that the gym will be open on Friday, Feb. 24th from 6-8pm for children.
The youth will be going to the WinterJam concert, Friday, Feb. 24th. The concert is in Columbia. The church van will leave from the church at 5pm. I remember when I was in the youth, we always had so much fun going to things like this. It is so important to keep our young people and children involved in positive things. Especially this day and age when so many things are at their disposal and can lead them down some very bad avenues.
Youth Community Service Day is Saturday, March 4th. The youth will be in town collecting donations for hurricane victims. Items they will be collecting are sweatshirts, blankets, canned food, teddy bears and hygiene products (i.e. toothpaste, toothbrushes, toiletries and such). We have so much to be thankful for and the people that are affected by the damage done by the hurricane will have a long road ahead of them. We need to, as Christians, show how loving and caring we are by extending acts of kindness such as this to those in need. Come out and support our youth and this worthwhile cause!
Also, if you would like to donate $10 for a t-shirt for the youth to wear that day, please drop it in the offering plate and mark the envelope "t-shirt". I am sure the youth will appreciate the donations.
Don't forget about the Gardening sessions being held the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Sessions begin at 2pm and are free and open to the public.
There is also a new program that will begin Momday, March 6th from 6:30-8pm. This program is designed to not only change your physical life, but your spiritual life as well. During these sessions, you will learn how scripture, exercise and healthy eating habits will help you become a new creature! If you are interested, there is a sign up sheet in the church foyer.
Vacation Bible School is already in the works. I am sure those in charge have been busy already with choosing which program to use this year. It is entitled "Arctic Edge--Where Adventure meets Courage". VBS will begin on June 4th and ends on June 8th. The motto for this year is "Be strong! Be courageous! Follow Jesus". Classes will begin at 6pm each night and end at 9pm. Come on out and bring a friend!
Please remember those that are sick, bereaved, etc. in your prayers. We never know when it will be one of us needing those same prayers!
Also, happy birthday or anniversary to those of you that are having a birthday or anniversary this week. Here's to many more happy years!
Tis all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Love is in the Air
Happy Monday to each of you. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. As I stated in the previous entry, Valentine's Day is approaching (will be here tomorrow). Remember to take a minute to let those you love know how much they mean to you. In light of our pastor's motivating messages yesterday, tis also a good time to extend a Christian hand to someone in need. We don't need to save our expressions of love and thankfulness for special days only, we need to make sure we continue it all year long. If you missed yesterday's services, you missed some wonderful messages on being a good neighbor and loving your church. God expects us to do our part, both in the church and around our community. I urge you to become an active part of your church, if you aren't already. Take the time to become involved in things going on around the community (i.e. Town meetings--held the 2nd Monday of each month in the town hall at 7pm). When we see someone in need, hold the door open for him or her; help them reach something that is too high up on a shelf; or simply smile and say hello. I never mean for anyone to put themselves in harm's way by treating others the way we want to be treated. We must remember to take time from our busy lives to do for others. After all, no-one is busier than God and HE always makes time for us!
Here are some things happening in our church:
Youth & Children:
The children enjoyed making the Valentine's for the Shut-Ins,but weren't able to deliver them due to the weather. Hopefully someone will be able to deliver them today or tomorrow.
Parent's Date Night is Friday, February 18th from 6pm-10pm. This is a fundraiser for the youth and they will be collecting donations. This is to help send them to youth camp. We ask that only children who are walking well attend and dinner will be provided.
The youth will be attending the WinterJam concert on February 24. The van will leave the church at 5pm and the concert is at the Colonial Center in Columbia.
The children will have open gym time on Friday, February the 24th while the youth are at the concert. The gym will be open from 6-8pm.
March 4th: Youth Community Service. More information to come later!
Men's Breakfast is Sunday, February 19th at 8am. This is always a wonderful time of fellowship for the men of our church. If you haven't been able to attend before, I encourage you to join them this Sunday. Bring a friend or two! If you know of any men who are new to our community, please invite them.
The XYZ Valentine banquet was a success! Everyone in attendance enjoyed the performance by the Livingston United Methodist Church Choir. Tis always a blessing to come together with fellow believers in our community.
Don't forget: Gardening sessions are being held the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. These sessions are free and open to the public!
Remember God loves you and so do I! Have a happy and blessed Valentine's day!
Here are some things happening in our church:
Youth & Children:
The children enjoyed making the Valentine's for the Shut-Ins,but weren't able to deliver them due to the weather. Hopefully someone will be able to deliver them today or tomorrow.
Parent's Date Night is Friday, February 18th from 6pm-10pm. This is a fundraiser for the youth and they will be collecting donations. This is to help send them to youth camp. We ask that only children who are walking well attend and dinner will be provided.
The youth will be attending the WinterJam concert on February 24. The van will leave the church at 5pm and the concert is at the Colonial Center in Columbia.
The children will have open gym time on Friday, February the 24th while the youth are at the concert. The gym will be open from 6-8pm.
March 4th: Youth Community Service. More information to come later!
Men's Breakfast is Sunday, February 19th at 8am. This is always a wonderful time of fellowship for the men of our church. If you haven't been able to attend before, I encourage you to join them this Sunday. Bring a friend or two! If you know of any men who are new to our community, please invite them.
The XYZ Valentine banquet was a success! Everyone in attendance enjoyed the performance by the Livingston United Methodist Church Choir. Tis always a blessing to come together with fellow believers in our community.
Don't forget: Gardening sessions are being held the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. These sessions are free and open to the public!
Remember God loves you and so do I! Have a happy and blessed Valentine's day!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Current H appenings
Hello to all. Hope your week is going well. I wanted to take a moment to update you on some of the things happening in our church this week.
First of all, the XYZ Valentine banquet will be held on Friday, Feb. 10th at 7pm in the fellowship hall. The choir from Livingston United Methosdist Church will be performing and a meal will be provided for those in attendance. Come on out and bring a friend or two!
Women On Mission will be meeting next Wed., Feb. 15th at 7pm immediately following supper in the fellowship hall at 6pm.
Gardening Sessions have started as of Mon., Feb. 6th. Classes are at 2pm the first and third Monday's of each month. All sessions are open and free to the public!
Youth: Progressive Valentine's dinner Sat., Feb. 11th from 6pm-until.
Children: Remember the gym will be open during choir practice on Sundays as well as Wed. before and after Wed. night service. The children will also be delivering Valentine's to our shut-ins Sat. Feb. 11th. I know that each of them will appreciate the cards as well as a visit from our children. Little ones bring so much joy to so many people!
Don't forget to make sure you do something extra special for your sweetie on Valentine's Day (Tues., Feb. 14th). It's always nice to be reminded of what we mean to those we love.
Newsletter deadline is Fri., Feb. 17th. A special thank you to those who do such a fabulous job with our church newsletter each month! It isn't always easy to find things to put in a newsletter (I speak from experience of having written our newsletter at work for a while). Can be quite a challenge!
That's about all I have for now. Til next time, keep on keeping on and God Bless!
First of all, the XYZ Valentine banquet will be held on Friday, Feb. 10th at 7pm in the fellowship hall. The choir from Livingston United Methosdist Church will be performing and a meal will be provided for those in attendance. Come on out and bring a friend or two!
Women On Mission will be meeting next Wed., Feb. 15th at 7pm immediately following supper in the fellowship hall at 6pm.
Gardening Sessions have started as of Mon., Feb. 6th. Classes are at 2pm the first and third Monday's of each month. All sessions are open and free to the public!
Youth: Progressive Valentine's dinner Sat., Feb. 11th from 6pm-until.
Children: Remember the gym will be open during choir practice on Sundays as well as Wed. before and after Wed. night service. The children will also be delivering Valentine's to our shut-ins Sat. Feb. 11th. I know that each of them will appreciate the cards as well as a visit from our children. Little ones bring so much joy to so many people!
Don't forget to make sure you do something extra special for your sweetie on Valentine's Day (Tues., Feb. 14th). It's always nice to be reminded of what we mean to those we love.
Newsletter deadline is Fri., Feb. 17th. A special thank you to those who do such a fabulous job with our church newsletter each month! It isn't always easy to find things to put in a newsletter (I speak from experience of having written our newsletter at work for a while). Can be quite a challenge!
That's about all I have for now. Til next time, keep on keeping on and God Bless!
Saturday, February 04, 2006
The Big Game
Greetings to all! Hope you had a wonderful week and are enjoying your weekend. Just wanted to take a minute for a quick update.
As you all know, the big game is tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 5th). Tis a huge moment in sports history. While we may enjoy watching the game, we mustn't forget about an even bigger game.....the game of life and what we have to look forward to in the end. We should continue to sprint toward our goal line and strive to make the touchdown for Jesus by reaching those that are lost for Him! He is our coach and cheerleader and without Him nothing is possible.
Some upcoming events in our church:
Deacon's meeting Sunday morning, Feb. 5th (at 8am I believe).
XYZ meeting (will fill you in on more details later)on Friday, Feb. 10th.
The youth will be taking up "Souper Bowl" donations to help aid those in need in our community on Sunday, Feb. 5th.
Choir practice will be held at 5pm Sunday, Feb. 5th with evening worship immediately following at 6pm.
Don't forget about supper on Wednesday night at 6pm and Prayer Meeting and other organizational meetings at 7pm.
Youth: don't forget about your Superbowl Party after church services on Feb. 5th.
I also would like to mention that we had some new faces in our congregation last Sunday. It is always a blessing to see new people in our church and to watch our numbers grow for Christ! I look forward to getting to know them!
That is about all I have for now. Will keep you informed as new info. becomes available. Take care, stay warm and God bless!
As you all know, the big game is tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 5th). Tis a huge moment in sports history. While we may enjoy watching the game, we mustn't forget about an even bigger game.....the game of life and what we have to look forward to in the end. We should continue to sprint toward our goal line and strive to make the touchdown for Jesus by reaching those that are lost for Him! He is our coach and cheerleader and without Him nothing is possible.
Some upcoming events in our church:
Deacon's meeting Sunday morning, Feb. 5th (at 8am I believe).
XYZ meeting (will fill you in on more details later)on Friday, Feb. 10th.
The youth will be taking up "Souper Bowl" donations to help aid those in need in our community on Sunday, Feb. 5th.
Choir practice will be held at 5pm Sunday, Feb. 5th with evening worship immediately following at 6pm.
Don't forget about supper on Wednesday night at 6pm and Prayer Meeting and other organizational meetings at 7pm.
Youth: don't forget about your Superbowl Party after church services on Feb. 5th.
I also would like to mention that we had some new faces in our congregation last Sunday. It is always a blessing to see new people in our church and to watch our numbers grow for Christ! I look forward to getting to know them!
That is about all I have for now. Will keep you informed as new info. becomes available. Take care, stay warm and God bless!
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Upcoming Events
Hello! I trust everyone is having a good weekend so far. We had a beautiful day today, don't you think?! God is so good to us all the time!
As mentioned a few days ago, the youth and children have quite a few activities going on, so I though I would take a minute to mention some of them here. I encourage any children or youth in our community to come and join the groups that we have available for our young people. We have a new children's and youth leader and she is very excited about the opportunity she has to witness and grow with the young people. You won't be disappointed!
Children: The gym is open during choir practice on Sunday nights (7-8pm) as well as on Wednesday evenings before and after the Wednesday night service. Don't forget supper starts at 6pm! The children will also be delivering Valentine's to our shut-ins on Saturday, February 11th from 1-5pm (a good way to not only spread our love but God's love as well!). "Parents Date Night" is on Saturday, Feb. 18th from 6-10pm.
Youth: Superbowl party after church services on Feb. 5th (this is bound to be an exciting game!). Progressive Valentine's dinner Saturday, Feb. 11th from 6pm-until. "Parents Date Night" Saturday, Feb. 18th from 6-10pm. Winter Jam concert on Friday, Feb. 24th at 7pm (will provide more details on this when I have them available).
So, children and youth, come on out and bring a friend!
Don't forget about the upcoming Gardening sessions beginning on Feb. 6th at 2pm. The sessions will be on the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. All sessions are FREE and are open to the public. We are never too old to learn something new!
Before I forget.....our wonderful church secretary and faithful pastor recently brought some updated numbers to my attention regarding the trip to West Virginia. They are as follows: Nine Pastors received a food box and a love gift of $90 each. 611 shoe boxes, 127 food boxes, 57 senior adult cold kits, 104 comforter sets, 110 blankets, 12 afgans, 72 baby blankets, 15 bags of winter clothes and 134 towel sets were donated. This is a wonderful ministry and I am sure that all donations were very needed and appreciated. We have so much to be thankful for and it's important to share with others when we can. We never know when we might be the one(s)in need. Tis a good way to share the love of Christ with others.
That's about all I have for now. As always, keep on keeping on and may God continue to bless each of you! :-)
P.S. Our Sunday School class (The Truth Seekers) started a new study on "Revelations". I have missed a few of the sessions (due to not feeling well), but the one(s) I have attended have been very good. Our adult Discipleship Training class is studying the book of "Daniel", a study that was left to us by the former teacher of the class. It has been very educational as well (the one(s) I have been able to attend). I encourage you to come out and join us. We would love to have you there!
As mentioned a few days ago, the youth and children have quite a few activities going on, so I though I would take a minute to mention some of them here. I encourage any children or youth in our community to come and join the groups that we have available for our young people. We have a new children's and youth leader and she is very excited about the opportunity she has to witness and grow with the young people. You won't be disappointed!
Children: The gym is open during choir practice on Sunday nights (7-8pm) as well as on Wednesday evenings before and after the Wednesday night service. Don't forget supper starts at 6pm! The children will also be delivering Valentine's to our shut-ins on Saturday, February 11th from 1-5pm (a good way to not only spread our love but God's love as well!). "Parents Date Night" is on Saturday, Feb. 18th from 6-10pm.
Youth: Superbowl party after church services on Feb. 5th (this is bound to be an exciting game!). Progressive Valentine's dinner Saturday, Feb. 11th from 6pm-until. "Parents Date Night" Saturday, Feb. 18th from 6-10pm. Winter Jam concert on Friday, Feb. 24th at 7pm (will provide more details on this when I have them available).
So, children and youth, come on out and bring a friend!
Don't forget about the upcoming Gardening sessions beginning on Feb. 6th at 2pm. The sessions will be on the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. All sessions are FREE and are open to the public. We are never too old to learn something new!
Before I forget.....our wonderful church secretary and faithful pastor recently brought some updated numbers to my attention regarding the trip to West Virginia. They are as follows: Nine Pastors received a food box and a love gift of $90 each. 611 shoe boxes, 127 food boxes, 57 senior adult cold kits, 104 comforter sets, 110 blankets, 12 afgans, 72 baby blankets, 15 bags of winter clothes and 134 towel sets were donated. This is a wonderful ministry and I am sure that all donations were very needed and appreciated. We have so much to be thankful for and it's important to share with others when we can. We never know when we might be the one(s)in need. Tis a good way to share the love of Christ with others.
That's about all I have for now. As always, keep on keeping on and may God continue to bless each of you! :-)
P.S. Our Sunday School class (The Truth Seekers) started a new study on "Revelations". I have missed a few of the sessions (due to not feeling well), but the one(s) I have attended have been very good. Our adult Discipleship Training class is studying the book of "Daniel", a study that was left to us by the former teacher of the class. It has been very educational as well (the one(s) I have been able to attend). I encourage you to come out and join us. We would love to have you there!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Let the Gardening Begin!
Now that is a statement that can have many meanings! Beginning February 6th at 2pm, one of knowledgeable church members will be leading gardening sessions. All sessions are open to the public and are FREE! There will be two sessions each month, falling on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. I encourage those of you who are able to attend to do so. It promises to be very inciteful. I wish that I could attend, but I have to work most Mondays. Come on out and join in the fun!
I also understand that the youth have quite a bit going on. If you are a young person and are looking for a church to call home, come and join the gang! It is always such a blessing to see young people in our congregation.
Ladies: Don't forget...if you haven't signed up yet, you should do so. If you are interested in having a mammogram on the Mammography Van on Tuesday, Feb. 7th, you need to sign as up soon as possible. I am not sure of the cut off date, but if you are interested I am sure you can find answers to your questions by contacting the church office. This is an important procedure as you well know, so if you haven't signed up, please do so.
That is all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!
P.S. If you know if any activities going on in our church that you would like to have posted here, please let me know.
I also understand that the youth have quite a bit going on. If you are a young person and are looking for a church to call home, come and join the gang! It is always such a blessing to see young people in our congregation.
Ladies: Don't forget...if you haven't signed up yet, you should do so. If you are interested in having a mammogram on the Mammography Van on Tuesday, Feb. 7th, you need to sign as up soon as possible. I am not sure of the cut off date, but if you are interested I am sure you can find answers to your questions by contacting the church office. This is an important procedure as you well know, so if you haven't signed up, please do so.
That is all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!
P.S. If you know if any activities going on in our church that you would like to have posted here, please let me know.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Baptist Men's Day
The men of our church led the morning worship service today. It was a grand time for all who were able to attend. I always look forward to this service every year to see what treats the men have for us. As always, they did a marvelous job. From the Moments with the Children, to the anthem the men's choir sang, the soloists, musicians that performed and speakers. Each one participating had a story to be told either in song or words. It is wonderful to see God's glory in the talent we have in our church. I understand that our church moderator was the speaker this morning at the Men's breakfast and he bestowed some challenges upon each of them. Much applause and appreciation to each of you for sharing your talents with us!
In keeping with the theme the men have going for this day...we each have a calling, some of us have entered into that calling or are about to enter. Rest assured that whatever it is God has in store for you, you will not be taking that road alone. I feel blessed to be a part of such a loving church family and know that if I needed something, they would help in any way they could. I encourage those of you who might be reading this that if you are looking for a church to call home, please come and be a part of our church family. The Lord Jesus Christ is our employer and He provides much more than a weekly paycheck and the benefits are abundant!
In keeping with the theme the men have going for this day...we each have a calling, some of us have entered into that calling or are about to enter. Rest assured that whatever it is God has in store for you, you will not be taking that road alone. I feel blessed to be a part of such a loving church family and know that if I needed something, they would help in any way they could. I encourage those of you who might be reading this that if you are looking for a church to call home, please come and be a part of our church family. The Lord Jesus Christ is our employer and He provides much more than a weekly paycheck and the benefits are abundant!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
January Happenings
Hello! Welcome to 2006. Sorry it has taken me a little while to post again. Just went back to work after being off all last week and it takes a little time to get back in the routine of things. Here are a few of the activities that will be going on this month around our church.
Wednesday night suppers will resume their normal time this week. I have not been able to attend as of yet, but I understand they have been wonderful. Prayer meeting immediately follows in the fellowship hall. Other organizations meet in their regular places. In case you have forgotten or are new to the area and are looking for a church to attend, the suppers begin at 6pm. Come on out and join everyone for a great time of worship and fellowship.
Men don't forget about the Prayer group on Fridays. Meeting time is at 7am. Speaking of men's activities....the men of our church will be in the spotlight on Sunday, January 15th for Baptist Men's Day. The day will start with breakfast/fellowship at 8am and the men will be leading the morning worship service. There will also be a men's choir that day. If you wish to participate, please meet at the front of the church immediately following this Sunday mornings service. There will be a short practice (lasting about 15min or so). Plan to be a part of something truly inspiring.
XYZ and Senior Adults will be having a fish fry on Friday, January 13th at 7pm. If you wish to participate, please sign up in the vestibule. I have been told that it is quite a fun time and I know they would love to have as many as possible to attend. If you know of someone who would like to be a part of this event, let them know about it and sign them up!
Youth and Children's committees will meet Sunday, January 8th (children at 3:30 and youth at 4pm).
Jr. Kid's Church volunteers will meet Sunday, January 8th at 3pm in the youth gym for a brief overview of the program. If you wish to participate in this program, Sunday is the day to volunteer!
Youth don't forget about "Hang Time" in the gym on Fridays from 7-10pm. Come out and bring a friend or two!
As you can see things are quite busy. What better way to start off a new year than with a bustle of activity. If you are looking for a great church to be a part of, I encourage you to come and join us. We have classes and activities for all age groups. Until next time, take care and God bless!
Wednesday night suppers will resume their normal time this week. I have not been able to attend as of yet, but I understand they have been wonderful. Prayer meeting immediately follows in the fellowship hall. Other organizations meet in their regular places. In case you have forgotten or are new to the area and are looking for a church to attend, the suppers begin at 6pm. Come on out and join everyone for a great time of worship and fellowship.
Men don't forget about the Prayer group on Fridays. Meeting time is at 7am. Speaking of men's activities....the men of our church will be in the spotlight on Sunday, January 15th for Baptist Men's Day. The day will start with breakfast/fellowship at 8am and the men will be leading the morning worship service. There will also be a men's choir that day. If you wish to participate, please meet at the front of the church immediately following this Sunday mornings service. There will be a short practice (lasting about 15min or so). Plan to be a part of something truly inspiring.
XYZ and Senior Adults will be having a fish fry on Friday, January 13th at 7pm. If you wish to participate, please sign up in the vestibule. I have been told that it is quite a fun time and I know they would love to have as many as possible to attend. If you know of someone who would like to be a part of this event, let them know about it and sign them up!
Youth and Children's committees will meet Sunday, January 8th (children at 3:30 and youth at 4pm).
Jr. Kid's Church volunteers will meet Sunday, January 8th at 3pm in the youth gym for a brief overview of the program. If you wish to participate in this program, Sunday is the day to volunteer!
Youth don't forget about "Hang Time" in the gym on Fridays from 7-10pm. Come out and bring a friend or two!
As you can see things are quite busy. What better way to start off a new year than with a bustle of activity. If you are looking for a great church to be a part of, I encourage you to come and join us. We have classes and activities for all age groups. Until next time, take care and God bless!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Update
Hello everyone! Hope each of you had a nice Christmas. The special service on Sunday was quite lovely. Gave us a time to reflect on where we are in our lives. It's almost a shame that it's time for the decorations and pointsettias to come down. Soon we will be on the eve of a new year. Twill be the dawning of a new day, time for starting over. This time of year always makes me reflect on things I need to work on both personally and spiritually. With the guide of His loving hand, I will strive to become more like the person God wants me to be.
Just to mention a few things going on in our church. As always we encourage each of you to join us each Sunday for Sunday School (starts at 9:45am). There are classes for everyone. Would love to have you become a part of one of our classes.
Don't forget that Wednesday night and Sunday activities will ge back to their regular times. This means: Wednesday night suppers will resume their normal time at 6pm with Prayer Meeting following in the fellowship hall. Sunday activities will remain the same for the most part, the only change is the choir will go back to having practice at 7pm following the evening worship service. We also encourage you to come out and join us on Wednesday night and become a part of one of our organizations (Prayer Meeting, RA's, GA's, Mission Friends, and WOM --which meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month).
In light of WOM....they will be hosting a Prayer Tea for the women of the Muslim world on Tuesday, January 3rd at 7pm. As stated in the bulletin, "God's precious gift of prayer allows us as Christian women to touch the lives of Muslim women across the street or around the world for God's glory. Sharing a cup of tea allows us to identify with Muslim women and the hospitality they value. Plan to bring a scarf to cover your head and a bath towel to use as a prayer rug (scarves and prayer rug are optional)".
We would also like to say "Welcome to Our World" to those who have new additions to their families. Also "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary" to those who are celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.
That is about all I have for now. I would also like to thank those who have commented on this website. Thanks for the encouraging words. Please let me know of any activities, etc. you would like to have mentioned here. Will be glad to do so. Until next time, take care and God bless!
Just to mention a few things going on in our church. As always we encourage each of you to join us each Sunday for Sunday School (starts at 9:45am). There are classes for everyone. Would love to have you become a part of one of our classes.
Don't forget that Wednesday night and Sunday activities will ge back to their regular times. This means: Wednesday night suppers will resume their normal time at 6pm with Prayer Meeting following in the fellowship hall. Sunday activities will remain the same for the most part, the only change is the choir will go back to having practice at 7pm following the evening worship service. We also encourage you to come out and join us on Wednesday night and become a part of one of our organizations (Prayer Meeting, RA's, GA's, Mission Friends, and WOM --which meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month).
In light of WOM....they will be hosting a Prayer Tea for the women of the Muslim world on Tuesday, January 3rd at 7pm. As stated in the bulletin, "God's precious gift of prayer allows us as Christian women to touch the lives of Muslim women across the street or around the world for God's glory. Sharing a cup of tea allows us to identify with Muslim women and the hospitality they value. Plan to bring a scarf to cover your head and a bath towel to use as a prayer rug (scarves and prayer rug are optional)".
We would also like to say "Welcome to Our World" to those who have new additions to their families. Also "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary" to those who are celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.
That is about all I have for now. I would also like to thank those who have commented on this website. Thanks for the encouraging words. Please let me know of any activities, etc. you would like to have mentioned here. Will be glad to do so. Until next time, take care and God bless!
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Happy birthday Jesus! You came to us many years ago in the form of a baby and grew to be a man. You died on the cross to save us from our sins. You are the reason for the season. Without you there would be no Christmas. All you have done for us gets lost in the hustle and bustle of trying to find the right gift, going to all the holiday festivities, etc. Let us not overlook the true meaning of this glorious day. Remember to join us this morning at 11am for a special Christmas worship service. We will be observing the Lord's Supper during this service. Once again, Happy birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Merry Christmas!!
Only 2 more days til Christmas. Where does the time go? Seems like yesterday it was only January 1, 2005. We have so much to look back on and be thankful for. This has been a year of many events throughout the country and the world. As for our little part of the world, we have many things going on around us. This past Sunday the adult choir performed the annual Christmas cantata. Being a member of the choir, I am very pleased with all the hard work our faithful conductor put into leading us. He and his wife have truly been a blessing to our church and I am very thankful for them. The cantata (both musically and setting wise) was very beautiful. A special thank you to those who helped with the lights and sound as well the actors that participated. It would not have been the same without them.
Not that I am biased or anything, but I have always loved our sanctuary and its beauty. It is especially beautiful this time of year with the lighted garland, wreaths and lovely poinsettias. All in all, if you weren't there, you missed quite a treat.
In other news around our church, we have a special Christmas service planned this Sunday. There will be no Sunday School or evening services. We will only have worship at 11am Sunday morning with the Lord's Supper. A very special way to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour.
I want to remind and encourage those of you who might be looking for a Sunday School class to join, we have classes available for folks of all ages. Come and join us and bring a friend or two. We also have classes for everyone for Discipleship Training at 5pm Sunday nights.
At this moment, I can't think of anything else. I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. Remember to pray for those in need as well as the folks in the armed forces. Tis a difficult time of year for those who have loved ones serving. Will close for now. Til next time, take care and God bless!
Not that I am biased or anything, but I have always loved our sanctuary and its beauty. It is especially beautiful this time of year with the lighted garland, wreaths and lovely poinsettias. All in all, if you weren't there, you missed quite a treat.
In other news around our church, we have a special Christmas service planned this Sunday. There will be no Sunday School or evening services. We will only have worship at 11am Sunday morning with the Lord's Supper. A very special way to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour.
I want to remind and encourage those of you who might be looking for a Sunday School class to join, we have classes available for folks of all ages. Come and join us and bring a friend or two. We also have classes for everyone for Discipleship Training at 5pm Sunday nights.
At this moment, I can't think of anything else. I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. Remember to pray for those in need as well as the folks in the armed forces. Tis a difficult time of year for those who have loved ones serving. Will close for now. Til next time, take care and God bless!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Happenings at North FBC
What a busy time of year it is for everyone! All the hustle and bustle of trying to get all the shopping done, planning of family or work gatherings, decorating, etc. I urge each of us not to forget the true meaning and reason for this blessed time of year. It can so easily get lost in all the rushing around. Here are just a few things that are happening in our little part of the world.
Christmas card deadline is Sunday, Dec. 18th. The plans are to have them all delivered by next Sunday, Dec. 25th. The youth have been doing a fantastic job of delivering the cards they have received, as always. Remember, they are for members who attend on a regular basis and are 25 cents per card! I also understand that $700 or so dollars was donated at the lunch the youth hosted last Sunday. What a blessing for them!
The children's choir did a marvelous job with their program Sunday night. It takes lots of hard work from all involved to make it all come together. We appreciate and applaud all who participated. It's always wonderful to see God's little angels perform in His name!
Men.....don't forget...Men's breakfast is this Sunday (Dec. 18th). As always, all men are invited to attend and bring a friend. Breakfast starts at 8am and I have been told on many occasions it is a great time of fellowship. If you have not been attending, I encourage you to do so. Am sure you will enjoy it!
Thanks to the help of our faithful church secretary, here is an update of the trip the pastor and his wife made to West Virginia with the shoeboxes. FBC sent 72 shoeboxes, 1 food box, 13 blankets and a number of afghans. An estimated total of all who contributed: 585 shoe boxes, 88 food boxes, 7 pastor boxes, $680 for Pastors, a number of cases of food items, hundreds of comforters/blankets and a number of afghans. This is truly a Christmas blessing for those in need in that area.
Don't forget to bring your donations for the children who are in need in our community as well as the items that are needed for food baskets for folks in our community. Tis far better to give than to receive.
Also, the adult choir will be performing "The Christmas Light" this Sunday, Dec. 18th at 6pm. I encourage you to be in attendance. It is sure to touch your heart.
I think that just about covers things for now. Don't forget to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. Take care, stay safe and God bless!
Christmas card deadline is Sunday, Dec. 18th. The plans are to have them all delivered by next Sunday, Dec. 25th. The youth have been doing a fantastic job of delivering the cards they have received, as always. Remember, they are for members who attend on a regular basis and are 25 cents per card! I also understand that $700 or so dollars was donated at the lunch the youth hosted last Sunday. What a blessing for them!
The children's choir did a marvelous job with their program Sunday night. It takes lots of hard work from all involved to make it all come together. We appreciate and applaud all who participated. It's always wonderful to see God's little angels perform in His name!
Men.....don't forget...Men's breakfast is this Sunday (Dec. 18th). As always, all men are invited to attend and bring a friend. Breakfast starts at 8am and I have been told on many occasions it is a great time of fellowship. If you have not been attending, I encourage you to do so. Am sure you will enjoy it!
Thanks to the help of our faithful church secretary, here is an update of the trip the pastor and his wife made to West Virginia with the shoeboxes. FBC sent 72 shoeboxes, 1 food box, 13 blankets and a number of afghans. An estimated total of all who contributed: 585 shoe boxes, 88 food boxes, 7 pastor boxes, $680 for Pastors, a number of cases of food items, hundreds of comforters/blankets and a number of afghans. This is truly a Christmas blessing for those in need in that area.
Don't forget to bring your donations for the children who are in need in our community as well as the items that are needed for food baskets for folks in our community. Tis far better to give than to receive.
Also, the adult choir will be performing "The Christmas Light" this Sunday, Dec. 18th at 6pm. I encourage you to be in attendance. It is sure to touch your heart.
I think that just about covers things for now. Don't forget to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. Take care, stay safe and God bless!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Weekly News
Hello everyone! I trust that each of you are having a blessed week thus far. We have many things happening in the life of our church. Some of items on the agenda are as follows:
Sunday, December 11th at 6pm, the Children's Choir will be performing their Christmas program entitled "The Christmas S.O.C.C.E.R. Team". Make plans to be there and bring a friend or two. It is always a blessing to see the children perform. I know they will do a grand job this year as they always do!
Also, the XYZ will be going out to eat Friday, December 9th at the Cracker Barrel in Orangeburg. They will meet at the chruch at 6pm and ride together in the church van. If you haven't signed up to attend, you might still be able to contact the church office and let them know if you wish to join them for a fun evening of fellowship.
A reminder about the Christmas poinsettias....the deadline is Sunday, Dec. 11th. Please fill out the order form found in the bulletin and remember to include if the flower is in memory of, in honor of, who it is placed by, etc. The cost of the flowers is 12.00 each. Contact a member of the Flower Committee if you have any other questions, etc.
Some other items are: the WOM organization is still taking up donations for food baskets for the North Cooperative Ministry. You can find a list of the items in the bulletin insert. An example of some the things that are needed are: Sunday, Dec. 11th Grits/Rice; Sunday, Dec. 18th canned meat, stew beef, salmon, tuna or chicken. I know these items will be welcomed and are needed. Beginning Sunday, Dec. 11th, the WOM will also be putting together baskets for children who are in need in our community. Some of the items they are requesting are sweatshirts with football logos on them, teddy bears, Barbie dolls, baby dolls, trucks, crayons, coloring books, puzzles and board games. They are also accepting Bibles, Bible story books, underwear and socks. What better way to extend a Christian hand and share a Christmas blessing!
Don't forget to get your Christmas cards ready for the youth to hand out at church. They are being handed out to members who attend regularly. The cost per card is 25 cents. Help support our youth!
It has also been brought to my attention that there will be a special covered dish supper on Wednesday, Dec. 21st at 6:30pm. There will be no RA's, GA's, Mission Friends or prayer meeting that evening. Remember to mark your calendars and make plans to be there. It is sure to be a great time of worship and fellowship. Another item of importance is there will be no Sunday School or evening services on Sunday, Dec. 25th. There will be a special worship service that day at 11am with the Lord's Supper and will truly be a blessed event. I can't ever remember having church on Christmas day, but am so looking forward to it this year!
It is also the time of year to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. If you are unable to find the special envelopes located in the pews, simply mark the regular offering envelopes with your name, dollar amount and Lottie Moon Christmas offering. If you wish to give to an organization, in memory of, in honor of, etc. please remember to include your name, dollar amount and to what area you wish to have this given.
Before I forget, the youth will be hosting a chili and baked potato lunch immediately following the worship service this Sunday (Dec. 11th). Donations are accepted.
I believe this just about covers all the activites for now. The adult choir is still practicing for their Christmas cantata. It will be on Sunday, Dec. 18th at 6pm. I encourage you to come and be a part of this. Bring a friend.
We also need to remember the pastor and his wife as they travel to West Virginia to take the Christmas baskets. They left out early today. This is always a wonderful time of sharing and caring. Let's keep them in our prayers for a safe trip there and back home.
If you have any other items that you would like to have posted here, please let me know. Will be glad to do so. Take care and God bless!
Sunday, December 11th at 6pm, the Children's Choir will be performing their Christmas program entitled "The Christmas S.O.C.C.E.R. Team". Make plans to be there and bring a friend or two. It is always a blessing to see the children perform. I know they will do a grand job this year as they always do!
Also, the XYZ will be going out to eat Friday, December 9th at the Cracker Barrel in Orangeburg. They will meet at the chruch at 6pm and ride together in the church van. If you haven't signed up to attend, you might still be able to contact the church office and let them know if you wish to join them for a fun evening of fellowship.
A reminder about the Christmas poinsettias....the deadline is Sunday, Dec. 11th. Please fill out the order form found in the bulletin and remember to include if the flower is in memory of, in honor of, who it is placed by, etc. The cost of the flowers is 12.00 each. Contact a member of the Flower Committee if you have any other questions, etc.
Some other items are: the WOM organization is still taking up donations for food baskets for the North Cooperative Ministry. You can find a list of the items in the bulletin insert. An example of some the things that are needed are: Sunday, Dec. 11th Grits/Rice; Sunday, Dec. 18th canned meat, stew beef, salmon, tuna or chicken. I know these items will be welcomed and are needed. Beginning Sunday, Dec. 11th, the WOM will also be putting together baskets for children who are in need in our community. Some of the items they are requesting are sweatshirts with football logos on them, teddy bears, Barbie dolls, baby dolls, trucks, crayons, coloring books, puzzles and board games. They are also accepting Bibles, Bible story books, underwear and socks. What better way to extend a Christian hand and share a Christmas blessing!
Don't forget to get your Christmas cards ready for the youth to hand out at church. They are being handed out to members who attend regularly. The cost per card is 25 cents. Help support our youth!
It has also been brought to my attention that there will be a special covered dish supper on Wednesday, Dec. 21st at 6:30pm. There will be no RA's, GA's, Mission Friends or prayer meeting that evening. Remember to mark your calendars and make plans to be there. It is sure to be a great time of worship and fellowship. Another item of importance is there will be no Sunday School or evening services on Sunday, Dec. 25th. There will be a special worship service that day at 11am with the Lord's Supper and will truly be a blessed event. I can't ever remember having church on Christmas day, but am so looking forward to it this year!
It is also the time of year to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. If you are unable to find the special envelopes located in the pews, simply mark the regular offering envelopes with your name, dollar amount and Lottie Moon Christmas offering. If you wish to give to an organization, in memory of, in honor of, etc. please remember to include your name, dollar amount and to what area you wish to have this given.
Before I forget, the youth will be hosting a chili and baked potato lunch immediately following the worship service this Sunday (Dec. 11th). Donations are accepted.
I believe this just about covers all the activites for now. The adult choir is still practicing for their Christmas cantata. It will be on Sunday, Dec. 18th at 6pm. I encourage you to come and be a part of this. Bring a friend.
We also need to remember the pastor and his wife as they travel to West Virginia to take the Christmas baskets. They left out early today. This is always a wonderful time of sharing and caring. Let's keep them in our prayers for a safe trip there and back home.
If you have any other items that you would like to have posted here, please let me know. Will be glad to do so. Take care and God bless!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Hello to all!
Hello everyone! Hope you are all having a good week. I have never done anything like this before, so please bear with me. I hated to see this website end and have decided to take it on. I will try to do my best and strive to make this a positive form of communication for our church. I feel this can be a wonderful form of ministry and is a good means to help keep our church family and friends as up-to-date as possible. Currently the children's and adult choir are working on their respective Christmas program/cantata. I always look forward to these events. The youth are delivering Christmas cards to members that attend on a regular basis and as always they do a wonderful job with this. The flower committee will be taking orders for poinsettias, so remember to let them know if you wish to have one placed in the sanctuary (the cost is $12.00 per flower). They also need to know if the flower is in memory, in honor of, etc. The WOM is also taking up donations every week for supplies that are needed for the North Cooperative Ministries (please refer to bulletin insert for items that are needed for each week). I know these items will be very much appreciated. As you can see, we are very busy and have many things going on. I know I haven't mentioned them all. I do ask that if there are any activities, etc. that you would like to have posted, please let me know and I will be glad to do so. Also, a quick word before I close, we had a great turn out for the Christmas parade and tree lighting festivities on Sunday. It was a great time of praise and fellowship. It's always nice to see people come together and remember the reason for the season. Until next time, take care and God bless!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
SAD NEWS!
Yes, I have sad news to report to the church family tonight! Pastor Donny, our children and youth minister since June 1 will be leaving our staff as of December 11. We did enjoy having Donny on our church staff, and thank him for the excellent job which he did. I was especially happy to have my oldest son here in the same church with Carolyn and myself, and we were very proud of how Donny handled himself in that special position. Working with teen agers is a most difficult task, and one that takes a lot of help from the parents and the church members in order to have an effective ministry. But the expectations of members of the church, and several of the parents, and some of the youth, made it almost impossible to establish a strong youth program. Perhaps the Lord will send someone who will satisfy and please all the members of the church, I pray that He will.
Along the same line, Carolyn and I have decided to spend some time ministering with our other son, David, who is pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church in Pinehill community. We are blessed to have two sons in the ministry, and for some months I was at Fellowship Baptist Church helping Donny when he was pastor there, so now I feel that I can help David in his great work at Double Branch church.As many of you know, I have been having a lot of medical problems, and had to slow down some.But as long as my health and stength hold out, I will try to serve the Lord as He leads me.
A few weeks ago I resigned from North FBC as minister of education/administration and am giving up the discipleship training class each Sunday night. Susan Gleaton is an outstanding teacher and I am proud to return the class back into her faithful hands.
Now, one of the final things. I have been writing this blog since April of 2004, and tried to make it sort of a journal of activities of the church. But now since I will be away quite a bit, I will not know of all the activities. So, is there someone out there who reads this blog that would be willing to pick it up and keep it going? It would be a matter of writing some of the weekly events in the life of the church. If not, then it will just stop here. The past blogs will remain on line for sometime, but they will not be current. This would be a good ministry for someone who can do this. Let me know, I will give you the password and show you how to do it all.
So, God bless you...Please pray for us as we seek the Lord's leading and serving in the Double Branch Baptist church with our son and grandson..
Bye, God loves you, and so do I.
Along the same line, Carolyn and I have decided to spend some time ministering with our other son, David, who is pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church in Pinehill community. We are blessed to have two sons in the ministry, and for some months I was at Fellowship Baptist Church helping Donny when he was pastor there, so now I feel that I can help David in his great work at Double Branch church.As many of you know, I have been having a lot of medical problems, and had to slow down some.But as long as my health and stength hold out, I will try to serve the Lord as He leads me.
A few weeks ago I resigned from North FBC as minister of education/administration and am giving up the discipleship training class each Sunday night. Susan Gleaton is an outstanding teacher and I am proud to return the class back into her faithful hands.
Now, one of the final things. I have been writing this blog since April of 2004, and tried to make it sort of a journal of activities of the church. But now since I will be away quite a bit, I will not know of all the activities. So, is there someone out there who reads this blog that would be willing to pick it up and keep it going? It would be a matter of writing some of the weekly events in the life of the church. If not, then it will just stop here. The past blogs will remain on line for sometime, but they will not be current. This would be a good ministry for someone who can do this. Let me know, I will give you the password and show you how to do it all.
So, God bless you...Please pray for us as we seek the Lord's leading and serving in the Double Branch Baptist church with our son and grandson..
Bye, God loves you, and so do I.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
CATCHING UP!
Since I have retired from the staff of the church I have not had much to say in the blog department. Our church is going well, and we enjoyed a great time of Homecoming and fellowship on November 6. Rev. James Watterson, pastor of this church in the mid-70's, was our guest speaker.
This week our pastor is attending the annual SC Baptist Convention in Columbia, and a good crowd of pastors and church members of all our SC churches will be in attendance. I have not been in years, because there is a lot of standing and walking and with my knee problems, and now a back problem, I do not enjoy going any longer. Carolyn and I used to go every year, and we would meet and talk with our preacher friends and visit with each other for a time. But, now, all the pastors seem so young! I do not known very many of them, and all of us older pastors are sort of fading away. Guess that is the price of getting older.
Pastor Donny and wife Sondra are to be away this week attending the National Youth Ministers meeting in Nashville, TN. We wish them a safe trip and a good meeting there in Nashville. Donny will come back all fired up with youth and children ideas I am sure!
It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week. And that the football season is almost over. I used to hear older folks say that time really did go fast when you got into the golden years, but this is unbelieveable! Days pile upon days, and months upon months, and how fast they do go. Sunday to Wednesday to Sunday seems to just dart by anymore. So after next week, we can look forward to Christmas, the choir is working on the cantata, everyone is busy getting food baskets and health baskets and shoebox gifts ready to go to West Virginia, and of course, trying to get in that Christmas shopping. And, praise the Lord, we are having some cooler weather and sweaters and long sleeves are the mode these days. Can we even get a glimmer of hope for any snow this year?
By the way, for those of our church family who read this blog from time to time, If you would like to post a blog, or make an announcement, or just write a column once in a while, let me know, and I will show you how to post the blog. I didn't intend this blog to be mine when I started, but it is the news of the church and church members. Let me know. Help me out and I will appreciate it very much.
Also, as a matter of information, I now have a new email address, drr@tds.net, since we were able to go to DSL. The old address, royster@aikenelectric.net is no longer any good.
See you Sunday if not before, bye for now.
This week our pastor is attending the annual SC Baptist Convention in Columbia, and a good crowd of pastors and church members of all our SC churches will be in attendance. I have not been in years, because there is a lot of standing and walking and with my knee problems, and now a back problem, I do not enjoy going any longer. Carolyn and I used to go every year, and we would meet and talk with our preacher friends and visit with each other for a time. But, now, all the pastors seem so young! I do not known very many of them, and all of us older pastors are sort of fading away. Guess that is the price of getting older.
Pastor Donny and wife Sondra are to be away this week attending the National Youth Ministers meeting in Nashville, TN. We wish them a safe trip and a good meeting there in Nashville. Donny will come back all fired up with youth and children ideas I am sure!
It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week. And that the football season is almost over. I used to hear older folks say that time really did go fast when you got into the golden years, but this is unbelieveable! Days pile upon days, and months upon months, and how fast they do go. Sunday to Wednesday to Sunday seems to just dart by anymore. So after next week, we can look forward to Christmas, the choir is working on the cantata, everyone is busy getting food baskets and health baskets and shoebox gifts ready to go to West Virginia, and of course, trying to get in that Christmas shopping. And, praise the Lord, we are having some cooler weather and sweaters and long sleeves are the mode these days. Can we even get a glimmer of hope for any snow this year?
By the way, for those of our church family who read this blog from time to time, If you would like to post a blog, or make an announcement, or just write a column once in a while, let me know, and I will show you how to post the blog. I didn't intend this blog to be mine when I started, but it is the news of the church and church members. Let me know. Help me out and I will appreciate it very much.
Also, as a matter of information, I now have a new email address, drr@tds.net, since we were able to go to DSL. The old address, royster@aikenelectric.net is no longer any good.
See you Sunday if not before, bye for now.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Pictures from around the church
From time to time I will be inserting some of the various pictures which I have taken around the church in the past several years. I hope these pictures will please you, and will give our blog visitors an idea of the type of church family we have here in North.
We started passing out the new church directories last Sunday, and most everyone has now received their copy. If you were pictured in the directory, then you are to receive one free copy. Please call the church office if you haven't picked up your copy yet. I think they turned out fairly well, though I am somewhat disappointed at the photography of the family members. And I do apologize to those who find errors in the spelling of their names or addresses. We tried to proof read the directory before it was printed, and asked for any member of the church family to stop by and help us, which some of you did, and still we find some names mispelled. Sorry about that.It is always very difficult when you are working with hundreds of names and addresses, and even though we corrected some of the mistakes on the proof copy, they missed some at the publishers. Anyhow, it is a historical record of our church, and a treasure for the future.
Looking ahead, we are getting prepared for the annual Homecoming Day celebration and "dinner-on-the-grounds" on Sunday, November 6, 2005. Rev. Watterson will return to preach in the morning services. He is a former pastor from many years ago. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this great day. Bring will filled covered dishes and we will enjoy the combined fellowship meal.Invite former members and friends of the church family to come and help us celebrate.
Speaking of meals at the church, we have started a Wednesday night meal at the church, so that working folks will be able to come directly to church and eat supper before the Wednesday night activities. We will have the Bible study and prayer meeting in the fellowship hall also. There is no charge for the meal, however you may make a donation if you would like. The meal starts at 6:00 PM.
Lots going on in our church, come and be a part of it. God Bless YOU...
We started passing out the new church directories last Sunday, and most everyone has now received their copy. If you were pictured in the directory, then you are to receive one free copy. Please call the church office if you haven't picked up your copy yet. I think they turned out fairly well, though I am somewhat disappointed at the photography of the family members. And I do apologize to those who find errors in the spelling of their names or addresses. We tried to proof read the directory before it was printed, and asked for any member of the church family to stop by and help us, which some of you did, and still we find some names mispelled. Sorry about that.It is always very difficult when you are working with hundreds of names and addresses, and even though we corrected some of the mistakes on the proof copy, they missed some at the publishers. Anyhow, it is a historical record of our church, and a treasure for the future.
Looking ahead, we are getting prepared for the annual Homecoming Day celebration and "dinner-on-the-grounds" on Sunday, November 6, 2005. Rev. Watterson will return to preach in the morning services. He is a former pastor from many years ago. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this great day. Bring will filled covered dishes and we will enjoy the combined fellowship meal.Invite former members and friends of the church family to come and help us celebrate.
Speaking of meals at the church, we have started a Wednesday night meal at the church, so that working folks will be able to come directly to church and eat supper before the Wednesday night activities. We will have the Bible study and prayer meeting in the fellowship hall also. There is no charge for the meal, however you may make a donation if you would like. The meal starts at 6:00 PM.
Lots going on in our church, come and be a part of it. God Bless YOU...
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
A GREAT DAY IN THE LORD!
We enjoyed a great day Sunday as we had such beautiful weather and there seemed to be a lively spirit in our fellowship. The choir is doing an outstanding job, and our music director, Adam Stich is doing an excellent job. We enjoyed the singing of the newly formed trio of Linda Gunter, Lori Creech and Adam Stich. We do have some great talent in our church family.
I had the privilege of preaching in the morning service, and son Donny led in the evening hour. Pastor Larry and his wife were away on a brief vacation and we did miss having them with us, but we are assured that they will be here on Wednesday night.
Our church directories are in, and I plan on passing them out tomorrow night, Wednesday, at the supper and Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. They turned out very well, but lots of folks think their pictures don’t look like them! We just have to be satisfied with what God has made of us, and know that someday in heaven we will all be beautiful, inside and outside. We had about 85 families that had pictures made for the directory, the first one since 1998, and there have been many changes of course. This directory is loose-leaf and will be easy to update with new pictures and names and addresses of new members who join with us in the days to come. My appreciation to Joan Buckheister, the church ministry assistant, for all the work she did in helping me get this directory prepared and distributed.
So much for now, will share more later. Keep on keeping on, and if you are participating in the Faith Cometh by Hearing campaign to listen to the complete Old Testament on tape or CD which ends on Christmas Day, I hope you are still on schedule. Don’t quit, even if you don’t finish on time, just keep on listening each day. You will be blessed.
I had the privilege of preaching in the morning service, and son Donny led in the evening hour. Pastor Larry and his wife were away on a brief vacation and we did miss having them with us, but we are assured that they will be here on Wednesday night.
Our church directories are in, and I plan on passing them out tomorrow night, Wednesday, at the supper and Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. They turned out very well, but lots of folks think their pictures don’t look like them! We just have to be satisfied with what God has made of us, and know that someday in heaven we will all be beautiful, inside and outside. We had about 85 families that had pictures made for the directory, the first one since 1998, and there have been many changes of course. This directory is loose-leaf and will be easy to update with new pictures and names and addresses of new members who join with us in the days to come. My appreciation to Joan Buckheister, the church ministry assistant, for all the work she did in helping me get this directory prepared and distributed.
So much for now, will share more later. Keep on keeping on, and if you are participating in the Faith Cometh by Hearing campaign to listen to the complete Old Testament on tape or CD which ends on Christmas Day, I hope you are still on schedule. Don’t quit, even if you don’t finish on time, just keep on listening each day. You will be blessed.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
General Information
Dear Church Family and friends of the church,
I am so grateful to each of you for allowing me to be your Minister of Education and Administration for the past 18 months or so. But as you know, I have had to give up my position due to my health, and am now just a regular member! of the church. I still will help out as I am able, but not as a paid staff member. I hope to be able to do some things from home on my own computer, and help the church and secretary each week with the necessary paper work that we generate.
You might change my email address if you think about it. I have had the new DSL installed at home, and my new email address is drr@tds.net if you would like to change it on your address book.
We are beginning today our On Celebration Missions Conference with Rev. Joel Flowers, Director of Missions in Kokomo, Indiana as our morning guest, and we will have different missionaries each night through Wednesday. It promises to be a great time of Missions emphasis, and we are asking all of our members to come and bring a friend or two.
Time to stop, more later, God loves YOU, and so do I!
I am so grateful to each of you for allowing me to be your Minister of Education and Administration for the past 18 months or so. But as you know, I have had to give up my position due to my health, and am now just a regular member! of the church. I still will help out as I am able, but not as a paid staff member. I hope to be able to do some things from home on my own computer, and help the church and secretary each week with the necessary paper work that we generate.
You might change my email address if you think about it. I have had the new DSL installed at home, and my new email address is drr@tds.net if you would like to change it on your address book.
We are beginning today our On Celebration Missions Conference with Rev. Joel Flowers, Director of Missions in Kokomo, Indiana as our morning guest, and we will have different missionaries each night through Wednesday. It promises to be a great time of Missions emphasis, and we are asking all of our members to come and bring a friend or two.
Time to stop, more later, God loves YOU, and so do I!
Friday, September 16, 2005
Time to Quit!
Greetings to all who read this blog. I trust that you are having a great late summer and now that we are into football season, that cooler weather will make us all feel a lot better,until it gets really cold!
As the title of this post indicates, it is time for me to quit my position at the church as minister of education and administration. For some time, as you know if you have been reading these blogs, I have been having all sorts of problems with my health, and just recently spent 4 days in the Richland Hospital in Columbia with a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot in my lungs. I am happy to say that a subsequent CT scan has indicated that the clot is gone, apparently broken up by my immune system. I am still having a lot of trouble with headaches and shortness of breath. It really takes all my breath to go from one room to the other at home. Doctors don't know what might be causing it, but I am going to have to stop working for a while and just take it easy until we can find what is causing this. At the moment that are looking at my sleep apnea and thinking that the CPAP machine which I use at night might be giving me the problems. I did turn in my resignation to the church last week, and will be vacating my position as of Sunday, September 25th. My son Donny, who is our Minister of Youth and Children, will probably pick up a lot of what I have been doing. As for me, I will be just a regular member of the church, and will continue to lead my Discipleship Training Class each Sunday night. Other than that, I will do what I can as a volunteer member of the church. As for this blog, I probably will continue sharing with you as time permits, and letting you know what is happening around the old North Church!
So until the next time, may God bless you in many ways...sincerely, in Christ...Bro. Don
As the title of this post indicates, it is time for me to quit my position at the church as minister of education and administration. For some time, as you know if you have been reading these blogs, I have been having all sorts of problems with my health, and just recently spent 4 days in the Richland Hospital in Columbia with a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot in my lungs. I am happy to say that a subsequent CT scan has indicated that the clot is gone, apparently broken up by my immune system. I am still having a lot of trouble with headaches and shortness of breath. It really takes all my breath to go from one room to the other at home. Doctors don't know what might be causing it, but I am going to have to stop working for a while and just take it easy until we can find what is causing this. At the moment that are looking at my sleep apnea and thinking that the CPAP machine which I use at night might be giving me the problems. I did turn in my resignation to the church last week, and will be vacating my position as of Sunday, September 25th. My son Donny, who is our Minister of Youth and Children, will probably pick up a lot of what I have been doing. As for me, I will be just a regular member of the church, and will continue to lead my Discipleship Training Class each Sunday night. Other than that, I will do what I can as a volunteer member of the church. As for this blog, I probably will continue sharing with you as time permits, and letting you know what is happening around the old North Church!
So until the next time, may God bless you in many ways...sincerely, in Christ...Bro. Don
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
North UPdate
We are having some October weather this week in North, and does it feel good! I just wanted to give you an update on some of the church activities for North FBC. First of all, we have Ms. Hannah Nelson, TV personality coming on Friday night at 7:00 PM to speak at our covered dish supper. There was some doubt if Hannah would be able to come due to the Katrina hurricane. Hannah's family is in Mississippi, and she spent several days in Mississippi with them during the terrible devastation along the gulf coast. But she was on TV this morning from WIS-TV in Columbia, so I am assuming she is back on schedule. We are so happy to have her come and share with us.
Another big emphasis is our On-Missions Celebration which we will have October 1-5. We will have a number of visiting missionaries who will rotate among our churches and share with us. Each church will host one missionary, and provide them a place to stay and food to eat, and transportation to the different churches. Our missionary will be the Reverend Joe Flowers, who is an associational missionary and church planter from Kokomo, Indiana. We are still in the process of finding him a place to stay. We have been talking about putting furniture in the Min.of Youth house, and allowing him to stay there. When the Celebration is over, then Adam and Ashley Stich can use the house when they come on Sunday to work with the choirs and lead the worship. We also need drivers to carry Joe Flowers around to the churches he will be speaking in each night. These are Norway, Neeses, Calvary, and Salem.
The church family will be electing six new deacons next Sunday, and if you are able, please come and vote your choices. In addition, the Church Budget proposal for the coming church year will be presented, and the report of the Nominating Committee will be received. Necessary church business as we start a new church year October 1.
Another big emphasis is our On-Missions Celebration which we will have October 1-5. We will have a number of visiting missionaries who will rotate among our churches and share with us. Each church will host one missionary, and provide them a place to stay and food to eat, and transportation to the different churches. Our missionary will be the Reverend Joe Flowers, who is an associational missionary and church planter from Kokomo, Indiana. We are still in the process of finding him a place to stay. We have been talking about putting furniture in the Min.of Youth house, and allowing him to stay there. When the Celebration is over, then Adam and Ashley Stich can use the house when they come on Sunday to work with the choirs and lead the worship. We also need drivers to carry Joe Flowers around to the churches he will be speaking in each night. These are Norway, Neeses, Calvary, and Salem.
The church family will be electing six new deacons next Sunday, and if you are able, please come and vote your choices. In addition, the Church Budget proposal for the coming church year will be presented, and the report of the Nominating Committee will be received. Necessary church business as we start a new church year October 1.
Friday, September 02, 2005
A New Church Year
Yep, it is September and a new church year is beginning in our church. We are busy with the report of the nominating committee, and will be voting on the officers on Sunday, September 11. Also, our Budget will be presented, and our church will nominate and elect 6 deacons to serve for the next two years. And, our USC Gamecocks won their first football game last night, but it was more of a struggle than anyone had anticipated. Now if the Clemson Tigers can just get off to a good start!
I thought it would be a shot of cold air if I added a picture of our church when it was covered with snow! In a rare snow storm several years ago, Brenda Shull took this picture, and it really does stand out in our different publications. We have used it as a picture for the cover of our church directory, plus in the bulletin from time to time. Perhaps we will get another snow fall this winter!
In more serious matters, we are all praying for the trials and tribulations which our Gulf Coast states are facing as a result of hurricane Katrina roaring in and leaving the area in a great devastation. We are encouraging our church family to help in any way that they can. And our Southern Baptist Convention has help already in the area and are asking for additional funds to help these distressed friends and loved ones.
A REMINDER TO OUR DEACONS:
The regular meeting of the active deacons will not be held on Sunday morning coming, but will meet on Wednesday night after the Bible study and prayer time. Tell all the deacons you see about this change.
FRIDAY NIGHT: September 9th at 7:00 PM is our Covered Dish fellowship meal, with our guest speaker Ms. Hannah Nelson coming to share with us. Please tell all the church family to come and bring covered dishes and enjoy the meal and fellowship.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Back To School Days
There is a feeling in the air that summer is rapidly fading away! No, the temperatures are still in the high 90's and upward with the heat index, but still, what with school back in session, football season already upon us,the baseball world series coming in a short while, and the new church year coming soon, there really is a feeling that good things are going to be happening in the next few months. We are excited around our church because we have a World Missions Conference coming our way the first week in October. This is where a number of missionaries come to our association and visit the churches, with a different missionary each worship service. Lots of good teaching and preaching, and seeing a 'real live missionary'!
More details about that a bit later.
We are having a local TV news person come on Friday, September 9, 2005 at 7:00PM to speak to us. This is Hannah Nelson, a very familiar face to most all of the TV watchers, as she is on the news reports daily. Hannah is a committed Christian and we are looking forward to having her.
We have been working on the new church directory all summer long, and finally have the proof set ready to be sent to the printer for final print. What with my sickness and hospital trips and such, and with having to correct many mistakes in the proof copy, it just seemed to take time. Anyhow, I will be glad to get it back to the directory people. At the moment, I am working on a tri-fold brochure about our church, and this will also be in color and printed by the directory people. We will ge a 1000 copies of the brochure, which we can use to witness to others about our church.
The Nominating Committee has completed their task of finding willing workers and officers for our church programs for the coming year. We will vote on their nominations at the September church conference. We will also be selecting new deacons for the next two years at that meeting. Plan on coming and participating in the business affairs of your church.
More later, have a great day, and pray for the soon coming of our Lord!
More details about that a bit later.
We are having a local TV news person come on Friday, September 9, 2005 at 7:00PM to speak to us. This is Hannah Nelson, a very familiar face to most all of the TV watchers, as she is on the news reports daily. Hannah is a committed Christian and we are looking forward to having her.
We have been working on the new church directory all summer long, and finally have the proof set ready to be sent to the printer for final print. What with my sickness and hospital trips and such, and with having to correct many mistakes in the proof copy, it just seemed to take time. Anyhow, I will be glad to get it back to the directory people. At the moment, I am working on a tri-fold brochure about our church, and this will also be in color and printed by the directory people. We will ge a 1000 copies of the brochure, which we can use to witness to others about our church.
The Nominating Committee has completed their task of finding willing workers and officers for our church programs for the coming year. We will vote on their nominations at the September church conference. We will also be selecting new deacons for the next two years at that meeting. Plan on coming and participating in the business affairs of your church.
More later, have a great day, and pray for the soon coming of our Lord!
Saturday, August 13, 2005
FELLOWSHIP MEAL PLANNED
A reminder to all our church family and friends, that tomorrow, Sunday, August 13, 2005 we will have the after church fellowship meal to officially welcome Adam and Ashley Stich to our church family and staff. As you know, we have called Adam as our music man and worship director, and he is already doing a great job. The meal will be a covered dish luncheon furnished by the members of the church. Everyone is invited to attend.
Of course, you are all invited to the regular Sunday worship and Bible study activities in our church. We have a Bible class for every age group, and a place for the children. Be sure to invite a neighbor or friend to come with you. Let us see how many we can have in Sunday school and worship services each Lord’s Day.
I would like to report that I came home from the hospital last Tuesday, was able to go to the office and do some work on Thursday, and had to spend a good portion of Friday in the doctor’s office getting my blood tested. But, and praise the Lord for this, I am feeling much better. Thank you for your prayers and concern.
Of course, you are all invited to the regular Sunday worship and Bible study activities in our church. We have a Bible class for every age group, and a place for the children. Be sure to invite a neighbor or friend to come with you. Let us see how many we can have in Sunday school and worship services each Lord’s Day.
I would like to report that I came home from the hospital last Tuesday, was able to go to the office and do some work on Thursday, and had to spend a good portion of Friday in the doctor’s office getting my blood tested. But, and praise the Lord for this, I am feeling much better. Thank you for your prayers and concern.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
HOSPITAL REPORT
Well, as I write this blog spot today, I am in the Richland Hospital in Columbia, SC, where I have been since last Thursday. Seems as if my problem for the past several weeks has been a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot in my lungs. By the grace of our Lord, I am doing well, and should be able to go home on Tuesday. The clot is still there, but the medications, which they are pumping into me, have made a great deal of improvement, and I feel very good today. The doctors claim that I “missed a bullet” this time, but I know that it is the healing power of the Lord in response to many prayers and much faith. I should be back on duty at the church soon, but will have to go back and forth to the lab for many days to keep a close check on something they call the INR which tells how the clotting is doing. Thanks for your prayers and concerns, and I do really appreciate it very much.
On hold right now is the finishing up of the Church Directory, which I should be able to get to the first of the week. It only needs to be sent to the printer and we should have it back in final form in a few weeks or so. I appreciate having a good pastor, as Pastor
Shull has visited with me several times in my stay here in the hospital. You know, us pastors are not used to having a pastor, and I am blessed to have a gooood pastor! And I am also blessed to have two pastor sons, Donny and David, who minister to me also. Of course, Miz Carolyn takes such good care of me. She wouldn’t take no for an answer when she insisted that I come see the doctor last week. As usual, she was right. Once the doctor saw me, I was hustled off to the hospital!
So, that is it for this time, will add more later from home and the office. Will look forward to seeing many of you next Sunday, if not before. Depends on the doctor’s instructions, of course. But, praise the Lord, I feel much much better.
On hold right now is the finishing up of the Church Directory, which I should be able to get to the first of the week. It only needs to be sent to the printer and we should have it back in final form in a few weeks or so. I appreciate having a good pastor, as Pastor
Shull has visited with me several times in my stay here in the hospital. You know, us pastors are not used to having a pastor, and I am blessed to have a gooood pastor! And I am also blessed to have two pastor sons, Donny and David, who minister to me also. Of course, Miz Carolyn takes such good care of me. She wouldn’t take no for an answer when she insisted that I come see the doctor last week. As usual, she was right. Once the doctor saw me, I was hustled off to the hospital!
So, that is it for this time, will add more later from home and the office. Will look forward to seeing many of you next Sunday, if not before. Depends on the doctor’s instructions, of course. But, praise the Lord, I feel much much better.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
AUGUST IS A GREAT MONTH!
Yes, August is a great month, one that I have come to love and appreciate for nearly 73 years, since I have been in the world since August, 1932. Imagine, being that old! And the Lord is still using me! And I have found myself in a church family like this! I am so blessed, and praise God for it. You are my church family, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and I love you all. You have really blessed Carolyn and me with your expressions of concern, love and fellowship during these past 5 years. God is soooo Good! All the time!
What a fresh spirit we felt in our worship services last Sunday. Having Adam Stich come on board as our worship director has really been a blessing for us. You could just feel that the congregation was enjoying the singing, and the choir did an outstanding job. We are blessed to have Adam here, and he and Ashley are the answers to the many prayers we have made over the past year or so.
Pastor Donny and the Children's Spot during the morning worship service received an ovation of applause as he led them in marching forward for the Lord. You had to be there to appreciate it. Donny has brought a sense of excitement to our church also, as he leads the Children and Youth.
Looking ahead to August 14, all church members and friends are reminded that we will have a covered dish luncheon in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the morning worship hour to officially welcome Adam and Ashley Stich to our church family. You know us Baptists, we celebrate everything we do by eating! Come and bring a friend.
That is all for now, remember who loves you....
Bro. Don
What a fresh spirit we felt in our worship services last Sunday. Having Adam Stich come on board as our worship director has really been a blessing for us. You could just feel that the congregation was enjoying the singing, and the choir did an outstanding job. We are blessed to have Adam here, and he and Ashley are the answers to the many prayers we have made over the past year or so.
Pastor Donny and the Children's Spot during the morning worship service received an ovation of applause as he led them in marching forward for the Lord. You had to be there to appreciate it. Donny has brought a sense of excitement to our church also, as he leads the Children and Youth.
Looking ahead to August 14, all church members and friends are reminded that we will have a covered dish luncheon in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the morning worship hour to officially welcome Adam and Ashley Stich to our church family. You know us Baptists, we celebrate everything we do by eating! Come and bring a friend.
That is all for now, remember who loves you....
Bro. Don
Friday, July 29, 2005
Music Is In The Air!
OUR NEW MINISTER OF MUSIC IS ON THE JOB:
Adam Stich has accepted the position of Minister of Music for our church, and will be starting immediately. Adam and his wife Ashley will be sharing in our ministry and we are very happy to have them come here to serve.
Adam is a graduate of Rollins College, Winter Park, FL, and has a Masters of Music degree from USC. He will be teaching music at the Pelion Middle School this year.
Ashley is a student at USC majoring in elementary education. They live in Lexington, SC, and will be commuting back and forth to work with us. Adam’s family lives in Georgia, where his father is a Baptist minister. Adam most recently completed serving the St. David Lutheran Church as coordinator of music ministries for three years. Please join the church family in welcoming Adam and Ashley to our church.
NOTE: Adam pronounces his last name as “Steek.”
Many thanks to our Personnel Committee as they have worked so hard in searching for the right person for this job. We now have a full staff of ministers and are praying that the Lord will allow us to grow a greater work here in North.
The church family is involved in listening to the Old Testament these days. We have a large group who have committed to listening to the OT for 20 minutes each day until Christmas day. I have had many good comments from folks who say, "I didn't know that was in the Bible!" What a joy to listen to God's Word, read by someone with perfect diction and proper pronunciation of the names and places. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Try it. If you need cassette tapes of the OT, I have some available for you to use. Just let me know.
Speaking of cassette tapes, I am sure that many of you are aware of the ministry we have in our church of taking cassette tapes to our homebound and shut-in members, or to those who miss Sunday School from time to time. We are blessed to have Mrs. Iris Cade and Mrs. Nellie Lu Reed to pick-up and deliver the tapes each week. They usually deliver about 30 or so tapes, of the TEL Sunday School Class, the Sunday morning and evening services, and other special tapes that we make from time to time. We have a cassette duplicator that has worked very well for a long time, but last week it gave out, so we had to order a replacement copier. We are now back in business with a brand new machine. If you need copies, please let me know and I will try to get them for you. We save the master tapes for about six months, so if you want to find a particular sermon, we probably will have it.
Pastor Donny has really been doing things with our Youth and Children these days. What with a trip to Atlanta to a Bible Conference, to the Braves baseball game, to the Six Flags Over Georgia park, and just yesterday, a large group went to Carowinds park for the day. And what a hot day it was! We have a place for everyone and invite all the Children and Youth of the community to come and enjoy the fellowship and fun. The Youth Building is also open each weekend for games and such, so check it out!
That's all for now, please pray for me as I continue to fight the anemia which the doctor's say that I have. What we called "tired blood" years ago. I do feel it too!
Adam Stich has accepted the position of Minister of Music for our church, and will be starting immediately. Adam and his wife Ashley will be sharing in our ministry and we are very happy to have them come here to serve.
Adam is a graduate of Rollins College, Winter Park, FL, and has a Masters of Music degree from USC. He will be teaching music at the Pelion Middle School this year.
Ashley is a student at USC majoring in elementary education. They live in Lexington, SC, and will be commuting back and forth to work with us. Adam’s family lives in Georgia, where his father is a Baptist minister. Adam most recently completed serving the St. David Lutheran Church as coordinator of music ministries for three years. Please join the church family in welcoming Adam and Ashley to our church.
NOTE: Adam pronounces his last name as “Steek.”
Many thanks to our Personnel Committee as they have worked so hard in searching for the right person for this job. We now have a full staff of ministers and are praying that the Lord will allow us to grow a greater work here in North.
The church family is involved in listening to the Old Testament these days. We have a large group who have committed to listening to the OT for 20 minutes each day until Christmas day. I have had many good comments from folks who say, "I didn't know that was in the Bible!" What a joy to listen to God's Word, read by someone with perfect diction and proper pronunciation of the names and places. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Try it. If you need cassette tapes of the OT, I have some available for you to use. Just let me know.
Speaking of cassette tapes, I am sure that many of you are aware of the ministry we have in our church of taking cassette tapes to our homebound and shut-in members, or to those who miss Sunday School from time to time. We are blessed to have Mrs. Iris Cade and Mrs. Nellie Lu Reed to pick-up and deliver the tapes each week. They usually deliver about 30 or so tapes, of the TEL Sunday School Class, the Sunday morning and evening services, and other special tapes that we make from time to time. We have a cassette duplicator that has worked very well for a long time, but last week it gave out, so we had to order a replacement copier. We are now back in business with a brand new machine. If you need copies, please let me know and I will try to get them for you. We save the master tapes for about six months, so if you want to find a particular sermon, we probably will have it.
Pastor Donny has really been doing things with our Youth and Children these days. What with a trip to Atlanta to a Bible Conference, to the Braves baseball game, to the Six Flags Over Georgia park, and just yesterday, a large group went to Carowinds park for the day. And what a hot day it was! We have a place for everyone and invite all the Children and Youth of the community to come and enjoy the fellowship and fun. The Youth Building is also open each weekend for games and such, so check it out!
That's all for now, please pray for me as I continue to fight the anemia which the doctor's say that I have. What we called "tired blood" years ago. I do feel it too!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Summer is here and is it HOT!
Hello to the FBC family and our friends. Summer is here, and wow, is it hot!! Just a few posts ago, I was writing about how cold it was, or how rainy, and now, is it hot! Are we ever satisfied with the weather? No. But the only thing we can be satisfied with is Jesus, or Lord and Savior. And how He is working these days in our church. Of course, we are in the summer slump, with lots of vacationing members, in the mountains and at the lakes and the beach. But, we are still having exciting worship services and good attendance to the activities of our church. It is good to have faithful church members who continue to come and support the ministry of our church.
Our pastor brought two outstanding messages to us last Sunday. We are privileged to have such a good preacher and pastor to lead us. Please continue to pray for Larry and Brenda as they lead us during these days. We are blessed!
Pastor Donny has taken over the Sunday Morning Seminary Class which I started several years ago. This is a great discussion class, and he is a capable leader. If you are not involved in Sunday School, or just looking for a change of pace, visit the Fellowship Hall classroom next Sunday morning at 9:45 AM and check it out. We want you to be involved in Sunday School, and if you would like to change classes, you are welcome to do so. We just want everyone to be where they want to be.
And speaking of Sunday School, Michael Ann Bolin will be the new Sunday School director for the coming church year. Please pray for Michael Ann, and support her with your attendance each week. One of her desires is for each class to have an active outreach program, to seek out new members and involve them in the life of our church. Invite your friends and neighbors to come to Sunday School with you. I believe they will enjoy it, and have a good time with us.
I covet your continued prayers as I have been having some very difficult health problems lately. It seems that, even though I am as big as a house, and healthly looking for a man who is coming up on 73 years in August, that I am anemic! Can you imagine? With all the red meat that I consume, I still am not getting enough iron in my system. I take heavy doses of iron each day, but my body does not absorb it, so all the blood tests show that I am anemic. Thank you for your prayers; that the Lord will give me an infusion of spiritual iron and I can get back to doing the work that He has called me to do.
Our pastor brought two outstanding messages to us last Sunday. We are privileged to have such a good preacher and pastor to lead us. Please continue to pray for Larry and Brenda as they lead us during these days. We are blessed!
Pastor Donny has taken over the Sunday Morning Seminary Class which I started several years ago. This is a great discussion class, and he is a capable leader. If you are not involved in Sunday School, or just looking for a change of pace, visit the Fellowship Hall classroom next Sunday morning at 9:45 AM and check it out. We want you to be involved in Sunday School, and if you would like to change classes, you are welcome to do so. We just want everyone to be where they want to be.
And speaking of Sunday School, Michael Ann Bolin will be the new Sunday School director for the coming church year. Please pray for Michael Ann, and support her with your attendance each week. One of her desires is for each class to have an active outreach program, to seek out new members and involve them in the life of our church. Invite your friends and neighbors to come to Sunday School with you. I believe they will enjoy it, and have a good time with us.
I covet your continued prayers as I have been having some very difficult health problems lately. It seems that, even though I am as big as a house, and healthly looking for a man who is coming up on 73 years in August, that I am anemic! Can you imagine? With all the red meat that I consume, I still am not getting enough iron in my system. I take heavy doses of iron each day, but my body does not absorb it, so all the blood tests show that I am anemic. Thank you for your prayers; that the Lord will give me an infusion of spiritual iron and I can get back to doing the work that He has called me to do.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
What a Great Time to Be ALIVE!
Here it is, the middle of July, and it is hot, and humid and rainy all this week, but what a great day to be alive and serving the Lord! I trust that you are doing well and all your problems are small and insignificant these days. I pray for you, and for your health problems, and also for the other areas of our lives that press us so hard.
our church family is doing well, most of our sick are home from the hospital, and the biggest problem we are having now is in the summer slump! Vacation, beach, mountains, golf, travel, all sorts of interruptions and our attendance really shows it. But we realize that we all need to get away from time to time for recreation;re-creation.Check that word out, it means a re--creation...a renewal, and that is what recreation is supposed to do for us. But you know, I feel re-created each time I enter the house of the Lord for worship and fellowship. There is something special about being with my church family.
Had a nice interview with a young man and his wife that we are asking to be our new minister of music. He is much in prayer now about this part-time position, and is actively seeking God's will in this matter. Please join the personnel committee in prayer about this need. When we fill that space, we will have a full staff, with senior pastor, min. of education, min. of youth and students, and a minister of music and worship. Surely the Lord is blessing our church and getting us ready for something exciting to happen! I cannot wait to see what the Lord is doing each day here in North. We have so much to offer the North community, with in-depth Bible preaching and teaching,worship services filled with God's music; great buildings and facilities, outstanding leadership, all sorts and types of activities for all ages. And, we have a church family that is eager to see God work here in our place of service. Talk up our church. Invite folks to come and see. Be a witness for our Lord and urge them to come and visit with us.
Don't hestitate to call on anyone in the church family or on the staff for any need that you might have. We care for you, and want only to help you. Please pray faithfully for each member of your church staff that we will be able to do the work that God would have us to do.
And for those who are away and read these words, remember that our thoughts and prayers are with you and know that each time you check into this Web Blog you will be reaching out and touching us in a special way. God loves you, and so do we!
our church family is doing well, most of our sick are home from the hospital, and the biggest problem we are having now is in the summer slump! Vacation, beach, mountains, golf, travel, all sorts of interruptions and our attendance really shows it. But we realize that we all need to get away from time to time for recreation;re-creation.Check that word out, it means a re--creation...a renewal, and that is what recreation is supposed to do for us. But you know, I feel re-created each time I enter the house of the Lord for worship and fellowship. There is something special about being with my church family.
Had a nice interview with a young man and his wife that we are asking to be our new minister of music. He is much in prayer now about this part-time position, and is actively seeking God's will in this matter. Please join the personnel committee in prayer about this need. When we fill that space, we will have a full staff, with senior pastor, min. of education, min. of youth and students, and a minister of music and worship. Surely the Lord is blessing our church and getting us ready for something exciting to happen! I cannot wait to see what the Lord is doing each day here in North. We have so much to offer the North community, with in-depth Bible preaching and teaching,worship services filled with God's music; great buildings and facilities, outstanding leadership, all sorts and types of activities for all ages. And, we have a church family that is eager to see God work here in our place of service. Talk up our church. Invite folks to come and see. Be a witness for our Lord and urge them to come and visit with us.
Don't hestitate to call on anyone in the church family or on the staff for any need that you might have. We care for you, and want only to help you. Please pray faithfully for each member of your church staff that we will be able to do the work that God would have us to do.
And for those who are away and read these words, remember that our thoughts and prayers are with you and know that each time you check into this Web Blog you will be reaching out and touching us in a special way. God loves you, and so do we!
Friday, July 01, 2005
CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE
WOW! Is it really the weekend of July 4th already? What happened to the spring? Now we are here in the hot summer days and anxiously looking ahead to the cooler days of fall. Are we ever satisfied with the weather?
Well, we finished VBS with a good turnout, and now we are looking into the summer activities for our youth and children, and a continuing program for our church family. As I mentioned in the last post, we are in the process of interviewing a prospective minister of music, and are praying that the Lord will send us the right person soon.
We have been having some great discussions in both the Sunday Morning Seminary class which I lead during the Sunday School hour, and also in the Adult Discipleship Training Class which we have on Sunday nights at 6:00PM. Both classes are discussion type programs, and we really teach one another. We have covered all areas such as other denominational beliefs, what we believe as Southern Baptists, the end time prophecies, the rapture, Spiritual Warfare, and on and on. We are especially interested now in the creation account in the Bible, as opposed to the worldly view of evolution. I have been praying that the Lord will lead some of our church members who are not coming to Sunday School of Discipleship Training to come in and join with us, and perhaps we will see some new folks coming in from time to time.
We are living in exciting days! There seems to me to be a sense of impending activity in the spiritual realm, an excitement that the day of the Lord is drawing closer and closer. We can study the Scriptures and make a pretty good case that the Lord is coming soon. I am waiting for the rapture of the church with great anticipation. Looking for that "Blessed Hope." How about you? Are you Ready??
The proof copy of the Church Pictorial Directory is in, and I am asking several of our church family to come, take a look at it, and help correct the inevitable errors and typos that are there. Come by the church office and either Joan or I will show you the book and let you eyeball it. As soon as we finish the corrections and mail it back, the finished directory will be sent to us.I believe that it will be a real treasure and keepsake for our church members, and a historical document as well. The directory is in a loose-leaf notebook format, and we will be adding pages from time to time in order to keep it fairly current.
Well, we finished VBS with a good turnout, and now we are looking into the summer activities for our youth and children, and a continuing program for our church family. As I mentioned in the last post, we are in the process of interviewing a prospective minister of music, and are praying that the Lord will send us the right person soon.
We have been having some great discussions in both the Sunday Morning Seminary class which I lead during the Sunday School hour, and also in the Adult Discipleship Training Class which we have on Sunday nights at 6:00PM. Both classes are discussion type programs, and we really teach one another. We have covered all areas such as other denominational beliefs, what we believe as Southern Baptists, the end time prophecies, the rapture, Spiritual Warfare, and on and on. We are especially interested now in the creation account in the Bible, as opposed to the worldly view of evolution. I have been praying that the Lord will lead some of our church members who are not coming to Sunday School of Discipleship Training to come in and join with us, and perhaps we will see some new folks coming in from time to time.
We are living in exciting days! There seems to me to be a sense of impending activity in the spiritual realm, an excitement that the day of the Lord is drawing closer and closer. We can study the Scriptures and make a pretty good case that the Lord is coming soon. I am waiting for the rapture of the church with great anticipation. Looking for that "Blessed Hope." How about you? Are you Ready??
The proof copy of the Church Pictorial Directory is in, and I am asking several of our church family to come, take a look at it, and help correct the inevitable errors and typos that are there. Come by the church office and either Joan or I will show you the book and let you eyeball it. As soon as we finish the corrections and mail it back, the finished directory will be sent to us.I believe that it will be a real treasure and keepsake for our church members, and a historical document as well. The directory is in a loose-leaf notebook format, and we will be adding pages from time to time in order to keep it fairly current.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Ramblin' Road Trip
We are in the midst of VBS this week, and having a great time. We have been having more than 100 students, both children and adult, and enjoying a great time of fellowship and fun.
Time does move right along, doesn't it? Here we are halfway through 2005 and wondering where the time went. Did you realize that it is almost football time again? The season starts in August for some schools, and that is just around the corner.Then our annual rivalry around the church is between the Clemson Tigers and the SC Gamecocks. As always, us SC supporters are hoping that THIS WILL BE THE YEAR!
Joan and I have been busy trying to put the finishing touches on the Church Directory which will be distributed soon. We are making some corrections, adding some pictures, and trying to present a beautiful, as well as historical, document. I think the pictures look very good, and it will be a keepsake for many of our church family. More details later. Each family who sat for the pictures will receive one Directory for free. If you would like to have an extra, they are 5 dollars each, and must be ordered ahead of time. Once we get the Directory, it will be too late to order more. Will have more to say about this in the church bulletin each week.
As many of you know, we are still searching for a part time minister of music. We did have one applicant who called this week, and our Personnel Committee is in the process of setting up an interview, and also having the young man come and work with our choir and lead in the worship services perhaps on the 10th of July. Please be much in prayer for this person, that he will be the man the Lord has prepared for us.
With our new Minister of Students and Youth, our church seems to have a more exciting attitude these days. Our young people are stirred up and eager to go and do and we are eager to help them. We will be having special activities for the younger children also. Our Youth will be leading the missions action at the nearby Santee State Park for one week in July. God is so good to us!!
Time does move right along, doesn't it? Here we are halfway through 2005 and wondering where the time went. Did you realize that it is almost football time again? The season starts in August for some schools, and that is just around the corner.Then our annual rivalry around the church is between the Clemson Tigers and the SC Gamecocks. As always, us SC supporters are hoping that THIS WILL BE THE YEAR!
Joan and I have been busy trying to put the finishing touches on the Church Directory which will be distributed soon. We are making some corrections, adding some pictures, and trying to present a beautiful, as well as historical, document. I think the pictures look very good, and it will be a keepsake for many of our church family. More details later. Each family who sat for the pictures will receive one Directory for free. If you would like to have an extra, they are 5 dollars each, and must be ordered ahead of time. Once we get the Directory, it will be too late to order more. Will have more to say about this in the church bulletin each week.
As many of you know, we are still searching for a part time minister of music. We did have one applicant who called this week, and our Personnel Committee is in the process of setting up an interview, and also having the young man come and work with our choir and lead in the worship services perhaps on the 10th of July. Please be much in prayer for this person, that he will be the man the Lord has prepared for us.
With our new Minister of Students and Youth, our church seems to have a more exciting attitude these days. Our young people are stirred up and eager to go and do and we are eager to help them. We will be having special activities for the younger children also. Our Youth will be leading the missions action at the nearby Santee State Park for one week in July. God is so good to us!!
Friday, June 24, 2005
"PRAYER WORKS....HAVE YOU TRIED IT?"
Good day to all the blogspot readers. Here it is, Friday again, and lots to things going on in North First Baptist Church. We are getting excited about Vacation Bible School which commences Sunday evening at 6:00 PM with a light meal. We have classes for all age groups, and are expecting a good crowd of students. I am teaching the adults again this year. A special thanks to Lori Creech and to Sarah Wannamaker for all the work they have done, and for those willing workers who helped them. You know, VBS has developed into a theme based emphasis, and this year, we are going on a "Rambling Road Trip". So, the fellowship hall and the classrooms are decorated with road signs, travel signs, traffic lights and such, to really give you an impression of going on a trip. Sounds like a fun week each night next week through Thursday.
Pastor Donny and the Youth got away to their conference on Thursday morning. Donny called me from Gainesville, GA in the PM and said the brakes on the church van had gone out, so he was at a Firestone store waiting for them to repair the brakes. He was able to safely deposit the Youth at their motel before the repair job was necessary. Sondra had followed along behind the van on the trip, so they had transportation until the van was repaired. I did not hear back, so I am assuming they were all able to attend the night session of the Youth Conference last night. Now today, according to his schedule, they will spend from 10 AM to 4 PM at Six Flags over Atlanta, and then from 6:30PM until 11:00PM at the Conference again. Tomorrow, Saturday, they will check out of th motel and go to Turner Stadium for the Braves baseball game. Following that, they will be on I-20 heading back to North. I know some folks who are going to be tired out, but won't they have a good time!
We are into the first week of Listening To The Old Testament audio tapes, and having a good time in the Word of God. We will be doing this for six months at 20 minutes each day, but most listeners are already so far ahead of the planned schedule that they will finish much sooner. What a great way to spend 20 minutes each day.
Pastor Larry and wife Brenda are returning from the annual Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville this weekend. We are looking forward to seeing them, and hearing all about the Convention activities.
Well, that is about all I can think of for this post, just a few announcements and thoughts concerning our church and the programs we are trying to enjoy. We are looking ahead to Sunday and the great time of worship we have. I always try to say that "we are God's people, in God's House, doing God's things, in God's way." It all should focus God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Someday, soon perhaps very soon, we will hear the voice and the shout and the trumpet, and we will be changed and raptured? What a day that will be!
Pastor Donny and the Youth got away to their conference on Thursday morning. Donny called me from Gainesville, GA in the PM and said the brakes on the church van had gone out, so he was at a Firestone store waiting for them to repair the brakes. He was able to safely deposit the Youth at their motel before the repair job was necessary. Sondra had followed along behind the van on the trip, so they had transportation until the van was repaired. I did not hear back, so I am assuming they were all able to attend the night session of the Youth Conference last night. Now today, according to his schedule, they will spend from 10 AM to 4 PM at Six Flags over Atlanta, and then from 6:30PM until 11:00PM at the Conference again. Tomorrow, Saturday, they will check out of th motel and go to Turner Stadium for the Braves baseball game. Following that, they will be on I-20 heading back to North. I know some folks who are going to be tired out, but won't they have a good time!
We are into the first week of Listening To The Old Testament audio tapes, and having a good time in the Word of God. We will be doing this for six months at 20 minutes each day, but most listeners are already so far ahead of the planned schedule that they will finish much sooner. What a great way to spend 20 minutes each day.
Pastor Larry and wife Brenda are returning from the annual Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville this weekend. We are looking forward to seeing them, and hearing all about the Convention activities.
Well, that is about all I can think of for this post, just a few announcements and thoughts concerning our church and the programs we are trying to enjoy. We are looking ahead to Sunday and the great time of worship we have. I always try to say that "we are God's people, in God's House, doing God's things, in God's way." It all should focus God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Someday, soon perhaps very soon, we will hear the voice and the shout and the trumpet, and we will be changed and raptured? What a day that will be!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
GOD IS SO GOOD....ALL THE TIME!
HELLO ALL: I pray that you are having a great day in the Lord and that you are praising the Lord for it. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I just wanted to post a few comments about the activities of the FBC of North and help to keep you informed of the things that are either going on or that are planned. Of course our big interest now is this coming Sunday, which is Father's Day. We are thankful for our Fathers and for the leadership they provide in their Christian homes. I will be preaching the morning sermon in the absence of our pastor, who will be away to the SBC convention in Nashville. The title of the message is "A man is a man. . ." and is using the text of Psalm 8:1-9 to get us started. A man is really a man,and only a REAL man, when he is a man in Christ. For the evening service, Donny will be speaking for his first time as our minister of children and youth. We look forward to that.
Donny will be taking the Youth on a trip to Atlanta this next week, with a Youth Rally in Gainesville, GA, followed by a visit to see the Braves baseball team play, and an exciting day at Six Flags over Georgia. After three days of that, the youth will be ready to come home!
I am still seeking Bible Listeners as we start our Old Testament Listening program on Father's Day, and extend it through the Old Testament at twenty minutes each day until Christmas Day. What a blessing it will be to hear the Old Testament come alive with the narration of skilled and eloquent speakers reading each precious word. I hope that you will participate along with the others who have committed to do this. Let me know if you need to purchase the tapes, or if you have tapes already. Don't wait too long to start, because it will be difficult to catch up.
More later..don't forget to pray for your church family, and remember that God loves you...and so do we!
I just wanted to post a few comments about the activities of the FBC of North and help to keep you informed of the things that are either going on or that are planned. Of course our big interest now is this coming Sunday, which is Father's Day. We are thankful for our Fathers and for the leadership they provide in their Christian homes. I will be preaching the morning sermon in the absence of our pastor, who will be away to the SBC convention in Nashville. The title of the message is "A man is a man. . ." and is using the text of Psalm 8:1-9 to get us started. A man is really a man,and only a REAL man, when he is a man in Christ. For the evening service, Donny will be speaking for his first time as our minister of children and youth. We look forward to that.
Donny will be taking the Youth on a trip to Atlanta this next week, with a Youth Rally in Gainesville, GA, followed by a visit to see the Braves baseball team play, and an exciting day at Six Flags over Georgia. After three days of that, the youth will be ready to come home!
I am still seeking Bible Listeners as we start our Old Testament Listening program on Father's Day, and extend it through the Old Testament at twenty minutes each day until Christmas Day. What a blessing it will be to hear the Old Testament come alive with the narration of skilled and eloquent speakers reading each precious word. I hope that you will participate along with the others who have committed to do this. Let me know if you need to purchase the tapes, or if you have tapes already. Don't wait too long to start, because it will be difficult to catch up.
More later..don't forget to pray for your church family, and remember that God loves you...and so do we!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
BUSY SUMMER APPROACHING!
Yes, we are planning an exciting summer of activities for our church family, especially the Youth. Now that Donny is on board, the children and youth can expect a busy summer. Already this month a trip is planned to Atlanta to see the Braves baseball game with the Baltimore Orioles, and then to an all day trip to Six Flags. Of course, there is also a Youth Bible Conference going on that they will spend most of their time attending. Sounds like a great time for all.
Our new roof on the Fellowship hall is still in progress. The shingles should be installed soon, and then the leak problem will be solved, we pray! Plans are to add a storage building to the rear of the Youth building to hold the sports equipment and such.
We are getting ready to start the Faith Comes By Hearing Bible listening program as we listen to the Old Testament each day for six months. The program stretches from Father's Day, June 19th, to December 25th and asks that folks listen to the Bible for 20 minutes each day. We just finished the New Testament, and now we can get deep into the Old Testament. Not as many of our church family are committing to this program, probably because it requires such a long period of time. I try to encourage our listeners to try each day, and not get behind, because it is easy to do. The main interest is in listening every day, at work, at home, on the way to work, etc.
Also, Vacation Bible school is here again, starting June 26 and going through the 30th. We had a great time last year, and pray for an even better VBS this year. If you can come, please do. We have classes for every age, and I will be teaching the Adult VBS section again this year, and am looking forward to it very much.
Please remember to pray for pastor Larry and his wife, Brenda, as they attend the annual Southern Baptist Convention this month in Nashville, TN. In our pastor's absence, I will be preaching the Father's Day sermon and Donny will preach in the evening service. Come and share with us. This will be the first time most of our church family has heard Donny preach.
Thank you for taking the time to read these ramblings from time to time. I just wanted you to be kept fairly up to date about the activities of your church, and remember that as I write these notes, I have you in my mind and heart. You are a grand church family, and I do praise the Lord that I am able to serve you in some way as your staff member. And I do especially want those who are away from North to know that we love you and pray for you. Let us know how you are doing.
By the way, you can leave a comment on any of these pages by clicking on the red star beside the minister of education tag on these pages. Try it and send me a note.
Thanks again, and my God Bless you in special ways.
Our new roof on the Fellowship hall is still in progress. The shingles should be installed soon, and then the leak problem will be solved, we pray! Plans are to add a storage building to the rear of the Youth building to hold the sports equipment and such.
We are getting ready to start the Faith Comes By Hearing Bible listening program as we listen to the Old Testament each day for six months. The program stretches from Father's Day, June 19th, to December 25th and asks that folks listen to the Bible for 20 minutes each day. We just finished the New Testament, and now we can get deep into the Old Testament. Not as many of our church family are committing to this program, probably because it requires such a long period of time. I try to encourage our listeners to try each day, and not get behind, because it is easy to do. The main interest is in listening every day, at work, at home, on the way to work, etc.
Also, Vacation Bible school is here again, starting June 26 and going through the 30th. We had a great time last year, and pray for an even better VBS this year. If you can come, please do. We have classes for every age, and I will be teaching the Adult VBS section again this year, and am looking forward to it very much.
Please remember to pray for pastor Larry and his wife, Brenda, as they attend the annual Southern Baptist Convention this month in Nashville, TN. In our pastor's absence, I will be preaching the Father's Day sermon and Donny will preach in the evening service. Come and share with us. This will be the first time most of our church family has heard Donny preach.
Thank you for taking the time to read these ramblings from time to time. I just wanted you to be kept fairly up to date about the activities of your church, and remember that as I write these notes, I have you in my mind and heart. You are a grand church family, and I do praise the Lord that I am able to serve you in some way as your staff member. And I do especially want those who are away from North to know that we love you and pray for you. Let us know how you are doing.
By the way, you can leave a comment on any of these pages by clicking on the red star beside the minister of education tag on these pages. Try it and send me a note.
Thanks again, and my God Bless you in special ways.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
SUNDAY MEET, GREET AND EAT!
A special notice to all our church members who might check this site from time to time. Next Sunday, June 5, following the morning worship service, we will have a covered dish luncheon in the fellowship hall to celebrate the addition to our church staff of Rev. and Mrs. Donny Royster, our new Minister of Youth. All members are urged to bring covered dishes and we will share in this great time of meeting, greeting and eating! You are urged to attend this important event in the ministry of our church.
Work is coming along very nicely on the new roof building on the fellowship hall. This will be a nice addition to the appearance of the building, plus it will stop the frequent rain leaks we have been having in the building.
As for the covered walkways, the new cement walkway between the church building and the educational building is in, and now we are waiting for the installation of the covered walkway. Soon you will be able to go from building to building and stay out of the rain. There will be a drive-in arrangement also so that a car can drive under the covered walkway and discharge passengers out of the rain.
We do praise the Lord for all that He is doing for the First Baptist Church and the church family.
Work is coming along very nicely on the new roof building on the fellowship hall. This will be a nice addition to the appearance of the building, plus it will stop the frequent rain leaks we have been having in the building.
As for the covered walkways, the new cement walkway between the church building and the educational building is in, and now we are waiting for the installation of the covered walkway. Soon you will be able to go from building to building and stay out of the rain. There will be a drive-in arrangement also so that a car can drive under the covered walkway and discharge passengers out of the rain.
We do praise the Lord for all that He is doing for the First Baptist Church and the church family.
Friday, May 27, 2005
REVIVAL REPORT
Just a brief note to share with all that the Drawing People to Jesus revival was a great four days of renewal for many of us. Rev. Dan Gardner, and his wife Judy, brought a powerful word picture and also an artistic picture to our meetings and it was outstanding. We had a number of our church family and friends who responded to the public invitation, and I believe that many hearts and lives were touched. I do heartily recommend Bro. Gardner to any church group that is seeking something different.Check out his web page at www.drawingpeopletojesus.com for his schedule and look at some of the pictures he has drawn.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MINISTER OF YOUTH!
It is our joy and privilege to announce that the Reverend Donald P. “Donny” Royster will be added to our church staff beginning on June 1. Donny will be the new Minister of Children and Youth, and will be working in this area full-time.
He has stated that his desire is “to develop and lead a well-organized, high energy, exciting, growing educational program for children and youth at a large church. He offers maturity to lead, yet young enough to get on the floor with the kids, enthusiasm, and modern training to bring about a relevant and cutting edge program.”
Donny has been the bi-vocational pastor of nearby Fellowship Baptist Church for the past eight years, and served the First Baptist Church of Cope for four years prior to that. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, and Columbia Biblical Seminary and Graduate School of Missions and has a Master’s degree in Christian Education. His most recent position was on the teaching/administrative staff at the Seminary.
Donny is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Donald R. Royster, and is retired from the US Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer after 21 years of active service. For most of his early years, he was active in his dad’s churches, working in a number of positions, and while in the Navy was active in the chaplain program.
He and his wife Sondra, live in the Pine Hill community.
Sondra is a teacher in the Edisto Primary School, and has a Master’s Degree in early childhood education. They have two children, Michelle and Rebecca, both of whom live in Cope, and have three grandchildren.
Please add them to your personal prayer list that the Lord may bless our church with Donny’s faithful leadership in the years to come.
A PERSONAL NOTE: As a proud parent, I am thankful and excited about the opportunity to work with my eldest son on the staff here at FBC. What a rich blessing that promises to be.
He has stated that his desire is “to develop and lead a well-organized, high energy, exciting, growing educational program for children and youth at a large church. He offers maturity to lead, yet young enough to get on the floor with the kids, enthusiasm, and modern training to bring about a relevant and cutting edge program.”
Donny has been the bi-vocational pastor of nearby Fellowship Baptist Church for the past eight years, and served the First Baptist Church of Cope for four years prior to that. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, and Columbia Biblical Seminary and Graduate School of Missions and has a Master’s degree in Christian Education. His most recent position was on the teaching/administrative staff at the Seminary.
Donny is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Donald R. Royster, and is retired from the US Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer after 21 years of active service. For most of his early years, he was active in his dad’s churches, working in a number of positions, and while in the Navy was active in the chaplain program.
He and his wife Sondra, live in the Pine Hill community.
Sondra is a teacher in the Edisto Primary School, and has a Master’s Degree in early childhood education. They have two children, Michelle and Rebecca, both of whom live in Cope, and have three grandchildren.
Please add them to your personal prayer list that the Lord may bless our church with Donny’s faithful leadership in the years to come.
A PERSONAL NOTE: As a proud parent, I am thankful and excited about the opportunity to work with my eldest son on the staff here at FBC. What a rich blessing that promises to be.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
REVIVAL
Spring means REVIVAL....and it is here, along with Mother's Day! Sunday morning, May 8, we will recognize our mothers in the morning worship service,we will dedicate three babies, and then start our revival in the evening service. The revival will extend each evening from Sunday through Wednesday, with Rev. Dan Gardner, chalk artist and evangelist as our speaker. We are looking forward to having a great time, and urge you to attend if you can, and bring some friends. Casual dress, informal services, and good fellowship.
We are getting ready to begin our Old Testament listening to the Word. The plan is to get all our tapes or CDs ready, and start listening to the entire Old Testament on Father's Day, going through Christmas Day. Six months of listening, at 20 minutes each day will do it. Sounds like a lot, but ask those who did the New Testament for 28 minutes a day how easy it is, and what a blessing it is. If you are not a part of our church family, but would like to participate with us, let me know. Reember, Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the Word of God. More on this later.
I have been asked to return to a former church on Sunday morning, May 15, for their annual Senior Adult Sunday. What a blessing it is to go back to my former churches and meet with old friends once again. I served as pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church for nearly nine years, and it does seem as if we are going home again. The only thing is that for those years I had the duty of asking old ministers to come and speak, and now I am one of the old ministers!! Time has a way of marching on, doesn't it? I used to be one of the youngest men in the church, and now I am one of the oldest. What happened? All my friends sure do look old now these days. Oh well, God is so good to allow us to live these many years we have.
I notice that a few folks check into this blog each day, according to the counter, and I do appreciate them coming by and checking out these ramblings. We are just trying to make our presence known by this blog, and hopefully to keep our church family computer users informed about church activities.
Pray for us....
We are getting ready to begin our Old Testament listening to the Word. The plan is to get all our tapes or CDs ready, and start listening to the entire Old Testament on Father's Day, going through Christmas Day. Six months of listening, at 20 minutes each day will do it. Sounds like a lot, but ask those who did the New Testament for 28 minutes a day how easy it is, and what a blessing it is. If you are not a part of our church family, but would like to participate with us, let me know. Reember, Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the Word of God. More on this later.
I have been asked to return to a former church on Sunday morning, May 15, for their annual Senior Adult Sunday. What a blessing it is to go back to my former churches and meet with old friends once again. I served as pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church for nearly nine years, and it does seem as if we are going home again. The only thing is that for those years I had the duty of asking old ministers to come and speak, and now I am one of the old ministers!! Time has a way of marching on, doesn't it? I used to be one of the youngest men in the church, and now I am one of the oldest. What happened? All my friends sure do look old now these days. Oh well, God is so good to allow us to live these many years we have.
I notice that a few folks check into this blog each day, according to the counter, and I do appreciate them coming by and checking out these ramblings. We are just trying to make our presence known by this blog, and hopefully to keep our church family computer users informed about church activities.
Pray for us....
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Spring means busy around North FBC
Yes, spring does mean we begin to get busy around our church. Summer plans are being made for Vacation Bible School, children's activities, Youth trips, a revival meeting in early May, and just so much to do with so little time to do it!
Well, not that busy, but it is keeping us going.
We are in the interview process of seeking a Minister of Music and Youth, as you know from reading the past posts on this page. We have had a large number of applications, but so many have failed to respond to our emails and phone calls. Nevertheless, we have had successful interviews with some good prospects, and we are waiting for the Lord to direct the right one to us, and us to him/her.
Our church directory is in the final production process, and we should have the completed Directory back within the next few months. I do appreciate all who took time to get their photos taken, and for those who helped in the directory program.
A special thanks also to those who participated in the Faith Cometh by Hearing program which we completed on Easter Sunday. We are blessed that a good number of our people committed to listening to the New Testament for 28 minutes a day for 40 days. BUT NOW....soon I will be asking you to listen to the Old Testament! I don't have the details yet, but this promises to be a great time of Bible Listening as you hear the Word of God spoken by the outstanding narrators on these tapes. And for those who choose the dramatic versions, it is just like being on the scene in Bible times. Will have more details later.
In our services this next Sunday, May 1, we will have a Gideon speaker in the morning service, and I will be speaking for the evening. Our pastor will be away that weekend performing a wedding for former church members.
REVIVAL: On Mother's Day evening at 7 PM, we will begin a three day revival with a bit of a different method of preaching the Gospel. We will have Rev. Dan Gardner, a chalk artist, who will be speaking and drawing. Using colored chalk on a large chalkboard, and using blacklighting techniques, the message is presented in a powerful way. Please plan on coming, bring some friends, and enjoying this time of revival. May 8-11 at 7 PM each evening.
Well, not that busy, but it is keeping us going.
We are in the interview process of seeking a Minister of Music and Youth, as you know from reading the past posts on this page. We have had a large number of applications, but so many have failed to respond to our emails and phone calls. Nevertheless, we have had successful interviews with some good prospects, and we are waiting for the Lord to direct the right one to us, and us to him/her.
Our church directory is in the final production process, and we should have the completed Directory back within the next few months. I do appreciate all who took time to get their photos taken, and for those who helped in the directory program.
A special thanks also to those who participated in the Faith Cometh by Hearing program which we completed on Easter Sunday. We are blessed that a good number of our people committed to listening to the New Testament for 28 minutes a day for 40 days. BUT NOW....soon I will be asking you to listen to the Old Testament! I don't have the details yet, but this promises to be a great time of Bible Listening as you hear the Word of God spoken by the outstanding narrators on these tapes. And for those who choose the dramatic versions, it is just like being on the scene in Bible times. Will have more details later.
In our services this next Sunday, May 1, we will have a Gideon speaker in the morning service, and I will be speaking for the evening. Our pastor will be away that weekend performing a wedding for former church members.
REVIVAL: On Mother's Day evening at 7 PM, we will begin a three day revival with a bit of a different method of preaching the Gospel. We will have Rev. Dan Gardner, a chalk artist, who will be speaking and drawing. Using colored chalk on a large chalkboard, and using blacklighting techniques, the message is presented in a powerful way. Please plan on coming, bring some friends, and enjoying this time of revival. May 8-11 at 7 PM each evening.
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