The Cold Weather has Arrived!

Ah, winter.......isn't it wonderful? We had quite a frigid night last night. The temperature was in the teens (17, I believe was the last temp. I heard). Quite chilly to say the least! But during this Christmas season, let's replace the frigidity outside with warmth and love in our hearts for Christ and His blessings. Let's also replace the cold with that same warmth and love for our fellow man. That means showing kindness both to those that travel in the same "circle" as we do and to those that are not as fortunate as we are. I don't think any of us can say that God has not been good to us during the course of this year or any year. Things may not go as we want them to all the time, but all things work for good in them that love the Lord!

I encourage everyone to take the time to drop a few dollars into the red bucket of the Salvation Army. Give to the local shelters, etc. to help those in need. Give back a little of what we have been so graciously blessed with. I received an email this morning that spoke of remembering our troops during this holiday season. We should send up prayers for them not only during this Christmas season, but every day.

This post today is to also say "Thank you" to our men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. It is to thank those who deliver our mail, newspapers, packages and such. It is to thank those who collect the trash on a weekly basis. For those brave men and women who make sure our electricity works properly, the water is safe for us to drink, bathe and cook with. For those that serve and protect on the police forces, fire departments, paramedics, and first responders. Teachers who strive to make sure our children are equipped with the knowledge necessary to grow into thriving and prosperous adults. The doctors and nurses who work long hours with little sleep. The list could go on and on as we all know. I just want to say how much each of you are appreciated and how thankful we are for you!

Remember to keep them all in your prayers during this Christmas season as well as the rest of the year. We never know what someone else may be going through and it's important to treat others as you would want to be treated. So, before you say or do something you may regret later, pray about it and allow God to guide you in the best way to handle something. This is how we can carry the warmth, love and hope of Christmas with us each and every day! By allowing His light to shine through each of us!

I hope and pray that this Christmas season will be a blessed one for you and your families. Take time to say "I love you" and do something nice for someone. Do it and don't expect anything in return. Much love to each of you!


Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

P.S. Don't forget about the Children's Christmas program tomorrow evening at 6pm. Refreshments in the fellowship hall after the program! Hope to see you there!

Joy to the World....

the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king! Praise the Lord that He has come and will come again. Christmas has to be my favorite time of year. It was as a child and even more so as an adult. The Christmas season reminds me of the hope and love that Jesus Christ brings to the world. We should praise and honor Him not only during the Christmas season, but all year long. He blesses us each and every day and we owe it to Him to honor and praise Him each and every day as well. So, in keeping with the Christmas spirit, I encourage everyone to allow Christ's love to shine in and through us not only during the Christmas season, but all year long.

I also want to say how beautiful the sanctuary is with the decorations. We have such a beautiful church and it becomes even more beautiful this time of year. Many thanks to those on the decorating committee for doing such a fine job (as always). The poinsettias will soon be on display and will add to the beauty of it all. Come and share in the beauty, not only the beauty of the decorations, but the beauty of all the Lord has done for us!

XYZ: don't forget about your upcoming outing this Friday evening. You will be leaving the church at 6pm, Dec. 8th and will be going to the Chestnut Grill in Orangeburg. Following the meal, you will then go to New Hope Baptist Church to view the "Life of Christ" performance. Please make sure your name is on the sign up sheet in the vestibule in order to confirm supper reservations. You are sure to receive a blessing!

The gym will be open this Sat., Dec. 9th from 7-10pm for children grades 5 and up. Come and bring a friend.

The children will be taking a trip to Riverbanks Zoo to see the "Lights Before Christmas", Thursday, Dec. 21st. Children grades 1-6 are invited to attend. The group will be leaving the church at 6pm and should arrrive back around 9:30pm. Money for food and $5.00 for zoo admission is needed.

On Tuesday, Dec. 12th there will be an outing just for toddlers. Please meet at church at 5:30pm so you will be able to leave with the rest of the group at 6pm. If anyone would like to meet the group there, they will be arriving at Riverbanks Zoo at 6:40pm. You sure to be in for a treat! You will be going to see the "Lights Before Christmas".

We have begun our study of the celebration of Advent "Sharing the Christmas Story". We will continue this study through Sunday, Dec. 24th. Advent means waiting and we are indeed waiting............waiting on the return of our Lord and Savior. Come and hear what the Lord has placed on our pastor's heart to share with us during this Advent season.

The children have been working very hard on their upcoming Christmas program. It will be held this Sunday, Dec. 10th at 6pm. There will be refreshments in the fellowship hall following the performance. The title for this year's Christmas musical is "Baby Jesus, We Love You". It will be performed by the Preschool Praiser's and God's Kids. It will portray the events that led up to the birth of Christ through the eyes of children. The children kicked it off with a special announcement of their own Sunday morning. Just a little glimpse of what is in store for us next Sunday evening. Everyone is invited. Come and bring a friend!
**Note: there will be a dress rehearsal this Sat, Dec. 9th at 1pm in the sanctuary.**

The adult choir (now known as the Chancel Choir) has also been preparing for our Christmas cantata. It is entitled "The Promise of a King", A Christmas Proclamation of Hope". It will be held Sunday, Dec. 17th at 6pm. Now I am sure some are wondering "What is a chancel choir?". The chancel choir is a SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir that provides the music during most Sunday services. Everyone is also invited to this performance as well. Hope to see you there!
**Note: the adult choir will practice next Sat., Dec. 16th. Practice will begin at 4pm, we will stop for a break at 6pm and then practice again until 8pm.**

Don't forget...there will be no evening services Sunday, Dec. 24th (Christmas eve). There will be a New Year's Eve service Sunday, Dec. 31st at 6pm with communion and candlelighting.

The young people have started delivering Christmas cards. Many thanks to the young people participating in this and to those who are over-seeing it. There is a great deal of work that goes on behind the scenes in a church and the Lord told His people to work til Jesus comes. Let's be busy about the work of Lord and our church. Doing those things that Christ would have us do is a good way to allow Christ's love to shine in and through us.

Let's also remember those who are sick, bereaved, recovering from surgery, etc. in our prayers. Even though their names are not mentioned here, God knows who they are, and every need will be met according to His will and in His time. We may not understand the reason why, but God does and that's what counts! May His blessings continue to fall on you and yours during this Christmas season!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Highlights for December.............

Hello and good Friday evening. Hope everyone had a good week. We are gearing up for a busy holiday season. Lots of good things to help us remember the meaning of Christmas. Remember to mark the dates on your calendar so you don't miss anything.

First of all, our pastor has some wonderful topics planned for us for the morning worship hour. We are studying the Advent. The theme is "Sharing the Christmas Story". The morning messages will be as follows:

Dec. 3rd: "Lessons from the Prophets"
Dec. 10th: "Lessons from the Life of Mary"
Dec. 17th: "Lessons from the Shepherds"
Dec. 24th: "Lessons from the Magi"

These should be very interesting and insightful. Hope to see you during the morning worship hour.

The children have been working hard on their annual Christmas program. It will be performed by the "Preschool Praiser's" and "God's Kids". It will be held on Sunday, December 10th at 6pm. The title of this year's program is "Baby Jesus, We Love You". It will depict the events that led up to the birth of Christ through the eyes of children. Reception and refreshments will be provided in the Fellowship Hall following the performance. Everyone is invited to attend!

The adult choir is also working on their annual cantata. It is entitled "The Promise of a King" A Christmas Proclamation of Hope. It will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17th at 6pm. Everyone is invited to this event as well.

There will be no evening services on Sunday, Dec. 24th (Christmas Eve). Remember to take time with those who are near and dear to you.

There will be a special New Year's Eve service Sunday, Dec. 31st at 6pm. During this time we will have communion and candlelighting. This will be a special event to be a part of. Come out and bring a friend!

Beginning Sunday, January 14th at 5pm, we will kick-off a 6 week discipleship series that will enable to face life's six most common phobias. It is a 40 day experiences entitled "Know Fear". The 40 day experience will include a DVD-driven Bible stude that will meet 7 times in the fellowship hall. There will be a student book that includes daily reading and the Bible study guide. The evening worship service will focus on the theme of the Bible study to help enforce the 40 day study experience. I am looking forward to this and I hope you are too!

A contemporary Christiam music ministry team base in Simpsonville, SC will be appearing at North FBC on Sunday, Jan. 7th at 6pm. Their group is called "Commandment 11". Mark the date on your calendar and invite someone to join you.

As you can see, we have a lot coming up in the next few weeks and to start off the new year. What better way to end this year and start the new than by worshiping our Lord and Savior!

Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Attention Parents of Toddlers..........

on Tuesday, Dec. 12th there will be an outing just for toddlers. Please meet at church at 5:30pm so you will be able to leave with the rest of the group at 6pm. If anyone would like to meet the group there, they will be arriving at Riverbanks Zoo at 6:40pm. I'm sure you will be in for a treat! You will be going to see the "Lights Before Christmas". For more information, or if you need the name of the person to contact, please email me at nricha4903@hotmail.com.

Take care and have a blessed week!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Busy Time of Year

Well, here we are in the midst of the busiest time of year. Things seem to pick up rapidly during the month of December. Today was a busy day in and of itself. We had a wonderful time of worship this morning. The title of this morning's message was "Sharing the Christmas Story. Understanding Advent". Advent is the time leading up to Christ's coming. In this day and age, we are awaiting His second coming. The return of Christ to come and take His people home! Praise the Lord!

Today was the deadline for 2 very important events in our church. The West Virginia Christmas program and the ordering of the poinsettias. I hope everyone was able to participate as he or she felt led. We all have been blessed beyond measure and participating in things like the West Virginia program is one way we can give back.

Our annual North Christmas parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony was this afternoon as well. We had a terrific turnout for the festivities. The fireworks following the tree lighting ceremony were spectacular. The guest speaker encourage each of us to remember to give to those who are less fortunate than we are. There are many across the world who are in need, but the giving needs to start at home. We can improve our little part of the world by being the people God would have us to be. Putting ourselves in another person's shoes and acting as Jesus would act in a situation, rather than being so self-centered. We never know what another is going through and should really think before we speak. Extending a Christian hand of love by welcoming that new person who has come to our church, or by smiling and treating others the way we would want to be treated is a good way to display our Christian actions.

The youth Christmas card delivery started today. The cost of delivery for each card is $0.25 each. This ministry by the youth will end on Dec. 17th.

XYZ: don't forget to sign up in the vestibule for your Christmas gathering on Dec. 8th. You will meet at the church at 6pm on Dec. 8th and will go to Chestnut Grill in Orangeburg. After the meal, you will head for New Hope Baptist Church to view the Life of Christ performance. I have been fortunate enough to go to both Chestnut Grill and New Hope Baptist Church for the performance. You will receive a blessing indeed!

The children are working on their Christmas program. It will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10th at 6pm. They always do a fantastic job. Come on out and bring a friend or two. We always have a great turnout for this event. Let's make this year even better!

Speaking of Christmas programs, the adult choir is also working on their cantata. It will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17th at 6pm. The music is absolutely beautiful. Remember to mark the date on your calendar and invite all your family, friends and neighbors!

Nothing else comes to mind at the present time. If I have neglected to mention something, please email me at nricha4903@hotmail.com. I am always glad to post upcoming events or church news.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Much to be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving! The day is almost over, but the thanks should never end. We should always take time to be thankful for that which God has so richly blessed us with. I hope everyone had a wonderful day filled with family, friends and don't forget the turkey!

Last night's Community Service was a blessing. The refreshments that followed were delicious! Many thanks to those that helped prepare the spread that was available. It was a time of coming together in God's house to let Him know with our fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ how truly thankful we are. I am thankful for a family that loves me (both at home and at church). I am thankful for a job to go to everyday and the abilities that God has blessed me with. I am thankful for the house I live in and the car I drive. I am thankful for the friends I have. I am thankful for the pets I have that love me unconditionally (they melt my heart). Most of all, I am thankful for a God who loves me beyond all measure!

I want to remind each of you of the upcoming Christmas parade and Tree Lighting ceremony this Sunday (Nov. 26th). The parade begins at 4pm. If you wish to ride on the church float, please meet at the church at 3:30pm. Everyone is invited to attend the tree lighting at 5pm. Our music minister has invited everyone to participate in the community choir for the tree lighting service. He is also leading the music for the tree lighting ceremony. There will be a fireworks display immediately following the tree lighting ceremony. In light of the upcoming events on Sunday, Discipleship training has been cancelled for the evening. We will have our evening worship service immediately following the festivities Sunday. Hope to see you there!

Don't forget to have your boxes ready for the West Virginia Christmas Program. The deadline is Sunday, Nov. 26th. Please bring the boxes or items to fill boxes to the fellowship hall. Remember, no money in boxes, please; and make sure you label each shoe box with age and gender. If you are putting together a cold kit, please make sure to place those items in a large freezer bag.

Youth Christmas card delivery will begin this Sunday, Nov. 26th as well. It will continue through Dec. 17th. The cost of each card is $0.25. The youth always do a terrific job with this. Keep up the good work! :-)

Also, if you would like to place an order for a poinsettia(s), the deadline for this is this Sunday, Nov. 26th. The cost of each flower is $12.00. Please make sure you indicate who the flower is placed by and who it is in memory or honor of. The poinsettias will be placed in the church Sat., Dec. 16th. Please give money and order forms (which are in your bulletin) to someone on the flower committee.

The children are preparing for their Christmas program. It will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10th during the evening worship hour. Everyone is invited to attend. They always do a wonderful job. Many thanks to their faithful director and all the hard work she puts into the Children's Choir! :-)

The adult choir is also preparing for our cantata. It will be held Sunday, Dec. 17th during the evening worship hour. Everyone is invited to attend this event as well!

As you can see, this Sunday will be a busy day. In the end, the display of Christian kindness (W. Va. Christmas program), the community coming together to worship and ring in the Christmas season, as well as our normal Sunday activities of Sunday School, worship and choir practice, are all something to be thankful for!

For anyone traveling this Thanksgiving weekend, I pray for traveling mercies for you and yours. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Hello and good Monday evening to you! I hope you had a productive day and didn't allow too many things to stress or worry you too much. Our pastor has been bringing some wonderful messages on stress, anxiety, depression and worry. There aren't many people who don't do those things. We can all certainly stand to learn how to not allow those things to control us and interfere with the blessings God has in store for us. I know I worry over things that I have no control over. There is no need to complain or worry. What good will it do? Our Lord and Savior asks that we lay our burdens at the cross. We need to allow Him to work through us and in us. Those things don't allow that blessing to happen. Satan will surely tempt us at every corner, but he can only do what he is allowed to do. We have to remember to put on our armor on every day and ward off those fiery darts he throws our way. We also need to remember that others see our actions in the workplace, in a grocery store, driving down the road.......we never know who is watching and being discouraged from our actions. It is hard not to allow certain things to bother us, but we have to keep in mind that things can only go as far as we allow them. Satan only has as much power as we allow him to have. No other is as strong as the Lord Himself!

We have many things taking place this week and in the weeks to come. The community Thanksgiving Service is Wed., Nov. 22nd. The service begins at 7am and is being held at North FBC this year. Refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. Choir members have been asked to meet at 6:30 to practice the song for the special that evening. Several folks on the fellowship committee are meeting at the fellowship hall that afternoon to prepare the refreshments. Everyone is invited to attend. The pastor from North United Methodist Church as well as the pastor from North Pentecostal Holiness are scheduled to speak. Come and share in this time of praise and thanksgiving!

Toddler Time was held tonight in the gym from 6:30-8pm. I am not sure if this will be a weekly event. I will post more details on this as I receive them.

The annual North Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony is being held this Sunday. If you wish to ride on the float and represent North FBC, please meet at the church Sunday afternoon (Nov. 26th) at 3:30pm. The lighting ceremony will be at 5pm. Our Minister of Music will be leading the songs for the evening. There will be no discipeship training due to the tree lighting ceremony. Our evening service will begin immediately following the ceremony and fireworks. We encourage everyone to come out and participate.

The youth will begin delivering Christmas cards. The cost of delivery per card is $0.25. The time frame for this is from Sunday, Nov. 26th until Sunday, Dec. 17th. They always do such a terrific job in delivering the cards. Remember to have your cards ready between the dates mentioned above.

The deadline for the West Virginia Christmas Program is next Sunday (Nov. 26th). There are four different options available. Food box, shoe box list, adult cold kits and bed clothes. Please bring the boxes or items to fill boxes to the fellowship hall. Remember: no clothes this time, at the request of the churches, we will NOT be including the $5.00 love gift. If you are helping with the cold kits, please remember to place items in a large freezer bag. No money in boxes and remember to label each box with age and gender for the shoe boxes. This is always a wonderful form of giving for our church. We have been greatly blessed and that blessing needs to be shared with others!

Also, the deadline for accepting orders for Poinsettias to be placed in honor or memory of is next Sunday (Nov. 26th). The cost is $12.00 per flower. Remember to write down who is placing the flower and the name(s) of the person(s) the flower is being placed in memory or in honor of.

XYZ will be having a get-together Dec. 12th. There is a sign up sheet in the vestibule of the church. Remember to sign up soon so reversations can be made accordingly!

The Children's Choir will be performing their annual Christmas program. It will be held on Sunday evening, Dec. 10th. We always have a tremendous response to the program and invite everyone to attend. The service begins at 6pm.

The Adult Choir will be performing our Christmas cantata Sunday, Dec. 17th during the evening worship hour. Everyone is encourage to attend this event as well.

I think that covers about all I have for now. Many thanks to our former Youth and Children's leader as well. She has done a terrific job with the youth and children. It's not an easy task, I am sure! With her busy schedule with being a full-time Kindergarten teacher as well as studying for her Master's Degree, she has had to relinquish the position of Youth and Children's leader. We appreciate and applaud her for a job well done! May God continue to bless her exceedinly and abundantly!

I hope to see you at the Community Service on Wed. evening. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

It's hard to believe that November will soon be over. Thanksgiving is next week and then preparations for Christmas will begin. I have noticed on my way to and from work, some folks have already started putting up Christmas decorations. I am beginning to feel the itch myself. I love the decorations and how warm and inviting they make everything. As we all know, it is very important to remember the reason for the season and not let it get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

I wanted to remind you of some things that will be taking place in the next few days. Men's breakfast will be tomorrow morning at 8am in the fellowship hall. If you haven't already made plans to attend, you are encouraged to join in a great time of food, fellowship and rejoicing with fellow brothers-in-Christ.

Community Thanksgiving dinner and service will be next Wednesday, Nov. 22nd. Come out and bring a friend!

Don't forget about choir practice Sunday evenings at 7pm. We would love to have anyone who has thought about joining the choir to come and join us. We have started working on the Christmas cantata. Hope to see you there!

That's about all I have for now. I wish each of you a safe and blessed Thanksgiving. We do have so much to be thankful for! Take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Homecoming Pictures

Hello! I hope your week went well. I have a couple of pictures from Homecoming that I thought you would like to see. The gentlemen in the picture have been kind enough to grant permission to have their picture posted on our website. Thanks to both of you! I hope you enjoy them!



Rev. Larry Shull (left) and Rev. Brett Mask (right).

Exercise Your Right

Tomorrow is election day. If you are a registered voter, please make sure you take the time to vote. We have some pretty big items on the docket this year and we need to vote wisely. One thing I do wish when it comes to politics, is that the candidates would spend less time bashing each other and more time talking about what they intend to do when they are elected to serve. I have grown very tired of listening to each of them speak lowly of the other, and it is not appealing. In my opinion, when they make a promise of accomplishing something while in office, please follow through with that promise. I am fully aware that in politics there will always be a certain amount of "mudslinging", but enough is enough.

To be perfectly honest, and I am sure that most would agree, until God is put back in His rightful place in this country, we can continue to expect these types of behaviors. In short, voting is one way we can make our voices be heard. I encourage everyone is a registered voter to vote. If we don't vote, then we have no right to complain about what a poor job so and so did, etc.

Anyway, that's enough of that. Remember to vote tomorrow, Nov. 6th! Remember to take your voter's registration card with you. If aren't registered to vote yet, please take the time to become a registered voter.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Nothing Like Home!

"There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home." A famous quote from a very famous movie. Loved by big kids and small. And a statement that rang very true today for many. We had an incredible turn-out today for homecoming. It was a delight to see those familiar faces. It was also wonderful to see our former pastor and his family as well. Homecoming has always been one of my favorite events at church. And before I forget, hats off to those that helped decorate the fellowship in preparation for today. It was absolutely beautiful! Many thanks to those that lended a hand, from those that serve on the fellowship committee, to those that helped out just to be helping (especially those young men who helped so willingly). It is very appreciated!! Did I mention how wonderful the food was??!! Scrumptous. The desserts were delightful!!

The XYZ will have their Thanksgiving banquet this Friday night, Nov. 10th at 6:30pm in the fellowship hall. A meal will be provided. The Dixie Dewdrops will be performing as well. Come join in a wonderful time of food and fellowship.

Don't forget to bring your donations for the West Virginia Christmas Program along with your donations for school supplies (to help local schools) and canned goods (to assist those in need in our community).

If you are part of the Instrumental Group, please remember to meet in the sanctuary next Sunday morning (Nov. 12th) at 9am. We look forward to hearing the beautiful music you play!

Now is the time for you to join the Adult Choir. We have started rehearsing the Christmas cantata. Even if you only participate for the Christmas season, it will give you the opportunity to see if this is something you wish to continue. Join us. We'd love to see you there!

I think that covers all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Something for Everyone!

Good Sunday afternoon. I hope you have had a wonderful day so far. We have lots of things going on this week in our church. Remember to make note of the upcoming activities so you won't miss anything!

First is the Fall Festival this Tuesday, Oct. 31st. There will be a pumpkin carving contest (please have your pumpkins on the table at 6:30 that evening for judging). There will also be a cake walk and games for everyone. A costume contest is in order for the best Bible character. A few things will be a little different than in previous years.....the games for the toddlers (birth to 5 years), cake walk and food will be in the fellowship hall. Games for children ages 6 and above will be held in the youth gym. Activities begin at 6:30 and will end at 8pm. (If you are interested in helping with any of the activities or in the clean-up aferward, please see our Children's and Youth Leader). Prizes and candy will also be available. Make plans to be there!

Wednesday night (Nov. 1st) the fellowship committee will meet after prayer meeting to set up tables and decorate for Homecoming on Sunday, Nov. 5th. If you are on the fellowship committee and are able to come and help, your assistance is greatly appreciated!

Speaking of preparing for Homecoming next Sunday, there will be a church-wide clean-up Sat., Nov. 4th. Those who are willing and able to help, please meet at the church Sat. morning at 8am. A list of needed supplies has been handed out. If you didn't receive one, then some of the items are as follows: brooms, rakes, pitchforks, pressure washer, waterhose, cleaning utensils, cleaning supplies, extender rods, ladders, leaf blowers, vacuums, pails/buckets, and cleaning rags. Let's all do our part to help make our church ready for Homecoming!

Homecoming is next Sunday, Nov. 5th. Remember that our former pastor and his family will be in attendance. He will also be the guest speaker for the worship service. Everyone brings their best dish and there is enough food for everyone. Would love to see you there!

**Remember....there will be NO evening services next Sunday night due to Homecoming.**

The Women on Mission have been busy collecting items for local schools. Some items that are needed are pencils, markers, colored pencils, and three ring binders.

We are also preparing for our annual West Virginia Christmas Program. Four different options are available this year. At the request of the churches, we will NOT be including the $5.00 love gift. If you are helping with cold kits, please place items in a large freezer bag. The deadline for our church is Sunday, November 26th. This is always a good form of ministry for our church. Let's strive to make this year even better! Some of the items that are needed are listed below:

Food box list: sugar, flour, rice, shortening, dried beans, soup, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, box meal, vegetables, dessert, cookies, crackers, cereal, canned meat.

Shoe box list: toys, school supplies, candy, toiletries, gloves, hats, games, etc. **(NO MONEY in boxes and please label each box with age and gender)**

Adult cold kits: Vitamin C, chicken soup, stocking hat, Tang, cough drops, Tylenol.

Bed clothes: quilts, blankets, comforters.

It has also been mentioned that NO CLOTHES be sent this time. Please allow God to speak to you and allow to assist in this ministry in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Ladies: The deadline is fast approaching for the Beth Moore Seminar in April 2007. The deadline is Nov. 1st and the cost of the tickets is $55.00. Please make sure you have your name and money turned in on time so you won't miss this wonderful opportunity. The seminar is Friday, April 13th from 7-9:30pm and Saturday, April 14th from 8:30am to noon. All ladies are encouraged to attend. Please see insert in your bulletin for the contact person in charge of this.

Also, don't forget to bring your canned good on Wednesday nights to help those in need in our community. This is the time of year to be thankful and what better way to show God's love than by giving to those in need.

The Instrumental group is rehearsing for another performance. They will be playing for us once again in November. They did such a terrific job last time, I am so looking forward to hearing them play again!

The adult choir has started practicing for the Christmas cantata. It will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17th at 6pm. If you wish to participate in the cantata, the choir practices each Sunday immediately following the evening worship service. We would love for you to join us.

Before I forget, the Senior Adults (XYZ) will have their Thanksgiving banquet Friday, Nov. 10th. A meal will be provided. Come and join in the food, fun and fellowship that evening beginning at 6:30pm.

I believe that covers everything (or most everything) I have for now. I hope your week is blessed. Take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Reminders............

Hello and good Friday evening to each of you. I hope your week went well. Mine was kind of crazy. I spent most of the day yesterday helping a computer technician install new computers, etc. at work. Needless to say by the time we were done, I was very tired! All in all everything went though. Still have a few kinks to work out, but nothing too drastic.

I just wanted to remind you of a few things that are happening this weekend and over the next week. First of all, don't forget to set your clocks back 1 hour tomorrow night (Sat., Oct. 28th). You don't want to miss anything important!

Youth: you will have a clean-up time tomorrow evening beginning at 5:30pm. As a reward for your hard work, you will go midnight bowling afterward. Make plans to come and lend an extra hand.

Deacons: don't forget about the Deacon's meeting this Sunday. It is being held a week early due to Homecoming next Sunday (Nov. 5th). It's hard to believe that it will soon be November! Where has the time gone?

The annual Fall Festival will be next Tuesday, Oct. 31st from 6:30-8:00pm. There will be games and other activities available for all age groups. Don't miss out on this fun event!

Ladies: The deadline is fast approaching for the Living Proof Live conference featuring Beth Moore. November 1st is the deadline. If you are thinking about attending this event, you will receive a blessing. I have heard many wonderful things about Mrs. Moore and am sure it will be well worth participating in. The cost for the two days is $55.00.

Hopefully I haven't overlooked anything. I hope you have a great weekend. Take care and until next time, may you receive many showers of blessing!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Looking for Something to do?

Look no further. We have lots of activities coming up over the next few weeks to keep you busy! Remember to mark them on your calendar so you don't miss anything.

First of all, we have the Associational Meeting this Thursday, Oct. 26th. The fellowhsip meal begins at 6pm. The Celebration Service begins at 7pm in the sanctuary. If you are on the fellowship committee, we will be setting up tables, etc. on Wednesday immediately following Prayer Meeting. If you are able to help on Thursday, please meet at the fellowship hall at 5:30pm.

The Orangeburg-Calhoun Baptist Association is holding revival this week as well at St. George Baptist Church in Orangeburg. The guest speaker is the pastor of Rock Springs Baptist Church of Easley, SC. Services began tonight and run through Wednesday night (25th) at 7pm each night.

The Fall Festival is next Tuesday night, Oct. 31st from 6:30-8pm. Lots of activities are in store for everyone!

Don't forget to bring your donations of school supplies and canned goods on Wednesday evenings. Speaking of donations, we are starting to prepare for our annual West Virginia Christmas program. Four different options are available. A request has been made to NOT include the $5.00 love gift. If you are helping with the Cold Kits, please place items in a large freezer bag. The deadline for our church is Sunday, November 26th. The different categories are Food Box list, shoe box list (please make sure you label each box with age and gender), adult cold kits and bed clothes. There are many items that are needed. I will be glad to post them all, but will do so in a separate entry.

Ladies: if you are interested in attending the Beth Moore conference coming up in April 2007, please make note that the deadline is Nov. 1st and the cost of the 2 day conference is $55.00. I have heard lots of great things about Mrs. Moore and it promises to be a worthwhile event. I have 2 books that I intend to start reading some time soon (I hope) that have been written by her. Make plans to be in attendance and invite a friend!

Homecoming is right around the corner! Our former pastor and his family will be in attendance that day. He will also be the guest speaker. Bring your best dish and make plans to join us for a wonderful time of worship, food and fellowship!

Our Sunday School class (The Truthseekers) is continuing our study of "Fear No Evil". The book talks about the difference between moral and spiritual suffering. So far, it has been quite interesting. Our pastor is also bringing some thought-provoking messages to us. He started a study this morning on bitterness, depression and anger. This evening he started a 2 week study on "The Value of a Biblical Marriage". I encourage everyone to be in attendance and take part in what the Lord is bringing to us through our pastor.

I believe that's all I have for now. Oh no, I was getting ready to forget.......

Deacons: you are scheduled for a deacon's meeting next Sunday at 8am. It has been moved up one week due to Homecoming on November 5th.

If you are interested in joining the choir, now is the time to do so. We just started rehearsing for the cantata tonight and the music is absolutely beautiful. We would love to have you join us! Practice is at 7pm each Sunday night (except for Homecoming day) immediately following the evening worship service.

Our Discipleship Training class just completed a study tonight on the Ten Commandments. It was a very interesting and enlightening study. If you aren't currently involved in a DT class, I encourage you to join one. We have classes available for everyone. Classes start at 5pm Sunday evenings.

Ok, I think that's got it this time! I hope you have a blessed week! Take care and God bless.

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Happy Monday!

Greetings to all! I hope your Monday went well. All in all I had a pretty decent day. I also hope that you took a moment to let your boss or bosses know how much you appreciate them. Yes, it was National Boss Day today. As employees, we all like to feel appreciated now and then. But what about our employers. Sure they can rub us the wrong way and at times make decisions that make us scratch our heads in wonder and amazement.....but they can also be a blessing. I am very fortunate to have 2 great bosses. They are both Christians and love the Lord. For that, I am truly thankful! Hats off to all the bosses out there and many thanks for all you do!

We have a lot going on in the upcoming weeks at North FBC. I hope you have made note on your calendars of the events taking place. If not, you will want to do so in order to make sure you don't miss out on the fun and fellowship!

First of all, Ebeneze United Methodist Church (located at Hwy. 178 and Hwy. 3) will be having revival this week. It started last night and ends Wednesday, Oct. 18th. Services begin each night at 7pm. Their guest speaker for this week is the pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Orangeburg. Everyone is invited to attend!

Women on Mission will meet this Wednesday, Oct. 18th at 7pm. Remember to bring your school supplies. As I have mentioned before, some items that are needed are: pencils, markers, colored pencils and 3 ring binders. Am sure other items will be greatly appreciated as well.

Don't forget to bring your canned goods on Wednesday nights as well. These items will aid in meeting some of the needs of others in the community. We have been richly blessed with what we have and this is just a small way to give back some of what God has given us!

The instrumental group has resumed their practice on Sunday afternoons. They are preparing another musical selection for November. They did a fantastic job with their last performance and I know we are all looking forward to hearing them play for us again!

The choir is about to begin work on the cantata. It is slated for Sunday, Dec. 17th during the evening worship hour (6pm). If you are planning to join the choir, please come join us next Sunday. Practice is immediately following the evening worship service.

The youth will be cleaning and preparing for the upcoming Fall Festival. Their clean up day will be Saturday, Oct. 28th. They need to meet at the church at 5pm that day. After their hard work, they will go midnight bowling.

Church-wide clean up is Saturday, Nov. 4th. Everyone is encouraged to help clean up around the church in order to prepare for Homecoming that Sunday (Nov. 5th). Homecoming is always an exciting time. We all look forward every year to seeing those old familiar faces. Remember to bring your best dish. But most of all, just make plans to be in attendance that day!

I think that covers all I have for now. I hope the remainder of your week is wonderfully blessed!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Happy Tuesday! My week kind of started out on a rocky note. I know it is because I missed church on Sunday. Each time I do, the week doesn't go as well. Somebody must be trying to tell me something!

There are a few items on the agenda I wanted to share with you. They are:

There will be a Personnel Committee meeting immediately following prayer meeting Wed., Oct. 11th.

The XYZ will be meeting on Friday, Oct. 13th. A meal will be provided. It will also be bingo night. So be sure to bring a wrapped item for a bingo prize!

We will be partaking of the Lord's Supper this Sunday, Oct. 15th. The deacons need to meet with the pastor in the sanctuary at 9:30am.

The Music Committee will have a meeting Sunday, Oct. 15th at 3pm in the choir room in the fellowship hall.

Also, don't forget to bring your canned goods on Wednesday nights to help those that are in need in our community. This is a small way we can give back to the community and be a witness for Christ.

The WMU is collecting school supplies to be shared with the local schools. Items that are needed are: pencils, markers, three ring binders and colored pencils. Your donations will be greatly appreciated!

There is a new flower calendar posted outside the counting room. If you wish to participate in putting fresh flowers in the church, please make sure your name is on the list!

That's all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!


Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Thinkin' Cap Time

Hello and good Monday evening to you! Hope your week got off to a good start. As many of you are aware, the annual Fall Festival is coming up. In years past, Sunday School classes have been asked to sponsor booth(s). It is my understand that will be the case again this year. So, it is time to put our thinking caps on and decide what type of game(s)we would like to sponsor/be in charge of. The festival will be held Tuesday, Oct. 31st from 6:30-8pm. There will be lots of activities for everyone to enjoy. Things like pumpkin carving, cake walk (with delicious cakes being given away), games and candy for the children. There will also be a special area for toddlers/preschoolers. Each year there is a good turn-out. Let's strive to help make this year a success as well!

As a reminder: North FBC will be hosting the Associational Fall Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 26th. The choir and musicians will minister in music before and during the evening service. The fellowship meal begins at 6pm. If you would like to take part in the fellowship meal, please contact the church office no later than noon on Friday, Oct.13th. The Celebration Service will begin at 7pm that evening. If you are able to attend, it is encouraged that you do so. You will receive a blessing!

The O-C Baptist Association is holding revival Oct. 22-25 nightly at 7pm. Revival will be held at St. George Baptist in Orangeburg. There will be a guest speaker from Rock Springs Baptist Church of Easley, SC.

Ladies: Don't forget about the upcoming Living Proof Live conference featuring Beth Moore. This event will take place at the Colonial Center in Columbia. Tickets are $55.00 for both Friday, April 13th (7-9:30pm) and Saturday, April 14th (8:30am-12pm). It has been asked that those interested in attending let the individual in charge of this function know by Wed., Nov. 1st. I have heard many good things about Mrs. Moore. If you or someone you know is interested in attending, you will be glad you did!

For more information on any of the above mentioned items, please refer to your newsletter or the weekly bulletin or this website. I will try and keep you as up-to-date as I can. If you know of any information that you would like to have posted here, please let me know.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Good Sunday afternoon to each of you. I hope that you are having a wonderful day of fellowship, rest and relaxation. This is another time of year when things really pick up around our church. Our pastor is bringing messages to us about prayer and Jesus among other gods. The messages on prayer are in the morning and the ones on "Jesus and other gods" are in the evening. Both promise to be rewarding and educational. Our Sunday School class has discussed from time to time other beliefs and it will be interesting to hear what the messages will teach us as the Lord speaks through our pastor to enrich and enlighten us. I encourage everyone to be in attendance. Am sure each person will be blessed.

The First Baptist Chamber Orchestra made their debut this morning. Admist a nervous group and leader, everyone did a fabulous job! It takes a great amount of courage to commit to such a group. Especially if you have never played an instrument or it has been a while since playing. Hats off to each and everyone who participated. We look forward to hearing you play again! It is for God's glory and His alone that we sing, play, teach and preach!

Some other items on the agenda that will be coming up in the weeks to follow are:

There will be a Children's Committee Meeting today at 4pm and a Youth Committee meeting at 4:30pm in the gym.

The Orangeburg-Calhoun Baptist Association will be holding revival on Oct. 22-25th beginning at 7pm. Revival will be held at St. George Baptist Church in Orangeburg. There will be a guest evangelist coming from Rock Springs Baptist Church of Easley, SC.

North FBC will host the Associational Fall Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 26th. The choir of FBC will minister in music before and during the evening service. The fellowship meal will begin at 6pm. If anyone would like to take part in the fellowship meal, please contact the church office no later than noon on Friday, Oct. 13th. The Celebration Service begins at 7pm.

The annual Fall Festival will be Tuesday, Oct. 31st at FBC from 6:30-8pm. Activites of pumpkin carving, cake walk, games and candy will be in order. There will be a special area for toddlers/preschoolers.

Mark your calendars and remember to tell past and present members that Homecoming is Sunday, November 5th. Our former pastor and his wife will be in attendance, as he will be the guest speaker that day. Remember to bring your best dishes and come and join in the time of worship and fellowship!

The 9th Annual North Day of Prayer is slated for Sunday, Nov. 12 from 3-4:30pm. It will be hosted by North FBC. Everyone is invited to attend. The Master of Ceremonies will be our own church moderator!

Living Proof Live featuring Beth Moore (a Christian writer) will be held at the Colonial Center in Columbia, Friday, April 13th from 7-9:30pm and Sat. 14th from 8:30am-12pm. If you or someone you know is interested in attending, please refer to your church newsletter for the contact info. The cost to attend is $55.00/ticket for both days. I haven't heard Mrs. Moore personally, but a friend of mine has, and she thoroughly enjoyed her lecture/presentation. I am getting ready to start reading a couple of her books and am looking forward to the journey.

Also, don't forget about the projects the WOM have going on. If you know of anyone who is new to the area, please let the church office know so that the appropriate parties can be made aware. Remember to bring your baskets to be filled! The WOM is also collecting school supplies. Items that are needed are pencils, markers, colored pencils and three ring binders.

On Wed. nights, there will be a collection point to collect canned goods to help meet some of the needs of others in our community. Please remember to bring your canned goods and know that they will be greatly appreciated!

There is a new flower calendar posted outside the counting room. This is for those that wish to put fresh flowers in the church. If you want to participate, please sign up as soon as possible!

Whew, that's a lot of stuff! As I said before, we have a lot that will be coming up in the next few weeks or so. Please remember to refer to your church newsletter, bulletin or this website to help keep you posted.

Let's remember to keep those who are sick, bereaved; missionaries, etc. in our prayers. When we aren't able to do anything else, prayer is always a good thing. It is a very powerful tool and has been given to us along with the love of a Savior who would do anything and has done anything for us. It may seem like a weak statement when someone says, "I will keep them in my prayers." But for those that know the power of prayer, we know how strong those words can be and that the outcome will be the design of our Lord. He always knows what's best for us even when we don't understand it ourselves! Thank heavens for that!!

Until next time, keep on pressing toward the upward way. God loves you and so do I!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Attention Deacons.........

there will be a deacon's meeting Sunday, Oct. 1st at 8am. I apologize for not mentioning it in the last post I made. Take care and hope to see you tomorrow!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Autumn is Here!

Well, autumn has arrived. The first official of the fall season began Saturday, Sept. 23rd. I have been feeling the change in the air for the past few weeks. As much as I like summer, I am glad it is beginning to cool off.

I hope everyone is having a good week. I wanted to take a few minutes and update you on some things that are happening or are about to happen in our church. This past Sunday our newly elected deacon(s) were ordained. Being a deacon carries a great deal of respect and responsibility. I know that each gentleman that was elected will strive to do the best he can in the position he was nominated. Let's remember to keep them all in our prayers!

The instrumental group will be making their debut this Sunday, Oct.1st. Our Minister of Music has been working with them very diligently and I look forward to seeing and hearing them. I admire each and everyone of them for committing to such a wonderful form of ministry and I know that we will receive a blessing!

The Season of Prayer continues for state missions. The work missionaries do is very important to the growth of God's kingdom. It is our duty to help support them and inable them to continue the work that he or she has been called to do.

Don't forget that the Women on Mission have started working on a project to "Welcome" new folks to the North area. If you know of anyone who is looking for a church home, please let the church office know so that they can notify the appropriate parties. WOM are also collecting school supplies to be shared with the local schools. Items that are needed include markers, pencils, colored markers and three ring binders. Your donations are greatly appreciated!

You will also to make note that on Wednesday nights, there will be a collection point to receive your canned goods that will be shared with those that are less fortunate in our community. This is a good way to extend a hand of Christian fellowship and love.

Parents and grandparents of toddlers: there will be spaghetti lunch immediately following the morning service Sunday, Oct. 1st. This will be a kick-off for the new toddler program and is for toddlers ages 18 months - 5 years.

Attention deacons: there will be a supper for you on Saturday, Sept. 30th at 7pm in the youth building.

It has also come to my attention that there will be a Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 31st. It will run from 6:30-8pm. There will be food, games, a cake walk, candy, and a pumpkin carving contest (for adults). Sunday School classes will be asked to participate by sponsoring game tables. You don't want to miss this time of fun and fellowship.

I believe that just about covers everything I have for now. As always, if you know of anything that needs to be posted on our blog, please let me know. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Hello and good Tuesday evening to each of you. I trust that your week is going well so far. Mine has been pretty good. I think I am getting sick and I hope I can avoid it. Some of my family members have been sick for the past few days and I certainly don't want to get it myself.

In more exciting news, we have a lot of good things taking place this week and in the week's to come in our church. The children (grades 1-6) will have an outing this Thursday, Sept. 21st. They will venture out on a skating adventure. Permission slips will be available tomorrow night. Am sure they will have a fun time of skating and fellowship.

There will also be a question and answer period immediately following prayer meeting tomorrow night (Sept. 21st). This session is for any questions regarding pending changes to the Constitution and By-laws of our church. If you have any questions, this is the time to have them answered!

Parents and grandparents: there will be a spaghetti lunch on Sunday, Oct. 1st right after the morning services. This lunch will be for toddlers ages 18 months-5 years and will be the kick-off for the upcoming toddler program. Please come out and show your support!

Don't forget this is the time of year for the Janie Chapman offering for State Missions.

Our Sunday School class, the Truthseekers, is getting ready to start a 12 week study on a new book. It is entitled "Fear No Evil". It seems as though it will be a very rewarding and thought-provoking study. The first chapter speaks on suffering. Does God allow suffering to occur. I am excited about it and am looking forward to receiving the blessing I know God has in store for us during this period of study.

As a reminder, if you know of anyone (family,etc.) that is new to the North area, please contact the church office so the appropriate parties can be notified. The Women on Mission are working on a project to "Welcome" new folks to the area. Any assistance with this is greatly appreciated!

I believe that is all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Can you feel it?

Can you feel how the weather is beginning to change? It's hard to believe that fall will be here next Saturday (Sept. 23rd). As I have gotten older, spring and fall have become my favorite seasons. Summer is ok, and winter is just too cold. It is something that must occur though. The seasons of the weather change, much like the seasons of our lives. Changes must take place in order for us grow into the people God would have us to be. And thankfully God created us all differently, otherwise, things would get quite boring!

I wanted to remind the men of Men's breakfast this Sunday, Sept. 17th. All men of the church are invited to attend. Breakfast is served at 8am. Come and join in this wonderful time of fellowship with other brothers-in-Christ. Bring a friend!

Women on Mission will be meeting this Wed., Sept. 20th right after supper. All ladies of the church are invited to attend. As stated in my previous update, WOM are working on project to "Welcome" new folks to our area. If anyone knows of anyone who is new to North, please let the church office know and the folks in charge of this will be notified. Please help make this outreach a success!

Don't forget............there will be a question and answer period following prayer meeting this Wed., Sept. 20th as well. Everyone is encouraged to attend and have any and all questions answered regarding the changes to the Constitution and By-laws.

The children will be having an outing this Thursday, Sept. 21st. Don't forget to mark your calendars!

I hope everyone's week went well. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Exciting Times

Good Sunday evening to each of you. Just got in from choir practice and boy what a work out! We are preparing some wonderful songs and are excited about performing them! All for the glory of God and His kingdom.

We have some exciting things happening around our church in the upcoming weeks. I hope you will make note of them on your calendar(s) if you haven't already. First, there is the "Season of Prayer" for State Missions: The Janie Chapman offering. This particular offering will run from Sept. 1-30. It is for state missions, missions education and empowering kingdom growth. Our personal church goal is $2,500.00 and the state goal is $1,790,700.00. Declare with boldness. We all know how important missions work is and it's important that we help support our missionaries here and abroad so that they might be able to do the work God has called them to do. Allow God to lead you and give from the heart!

The Women on Mission are working on a project to "Welcome" new members to our community. This is an exciting endeavor! Anyone who happens to know of a new family, etc. that has moved into our community, please notify the church office and the appropriate individuals will be notified. Let's help reach those who might be looking for a church home!

There will be a question and answer period regarding the Constitution and By-laws, Wednesday, Sept. 20th in the fellowship hall immediately following prayer meeting. Make plans to be in attendance so that any questions you may have can be addressed.

We are drawing to close on our Sunday evening study of the "End Times". This has been an exciting and enlightening time of study and worship. The pastor will be ending the discussion next week. There will be a time of question and answer. He has asked that any questions you may have be submitted to him by next Sunday. This way he will have ample time to study the questions and supply the answers that are needed. If you haven't been able to attend, I encourage to come and hear the messages he has been bringing. We are certainly drawing closer to the time when Jesus will come again and I praise God for that glorious day!

I hope and pray that God will continue to heal those who are bereaved, sick, homebound, etc. It is His touch and His touch only that can bring the healing that is needed.

We missed those that weren't in attendance today. We hope to see you back next week. Every child of God is vital to the work of the church and you are greatly missed when you aren't there. Come and join us next week and bring a friend (or two).

I pray that each of you will have a blessed week. Before I forget, you don't want to miss the debut performance of the instrumental group on Sunday morning, Oct. 1st. They have been hard at work and I encourage you to come out and support them. I know we will receive a blessing! Take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

The Refiner's Fire

A very dear friend shared this in an email. I wanted to share it with you as well. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did!


Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at the next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot;then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it"

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them.
And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.
"Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."

Fruits of our Labor

Hello and good Sunday evening. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Sunday. Tomorrow is Labor Day. For many of us, we know the meaning behind Labor Day and what it represents. For those that are just joining the workforce, this is a holiday that simply means a time to recognize those that contribute to the economic strength, well-being and prosperity of our country. The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5th, 1882, in New York City in accordance to plans of the Central Labor Union. Simply stated, it is a time to recognize and show appreciation for those that have contributed to the workforce whether past, present or future. It typically falls on the first Monday of the month of September.

We have been told in the Bible to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Now, this doesn't mean that God intends for us to be careless in what we are so fortunate enough to have. We have worked and toiled for what we have and through our hardwork, we can rest easy knowing that we have earned the privilege to celebrate the fruits of our labor. We should always keep in mind that if it weren't for God's grace and blessing, we would not have the nice homes, cars, etc. that we have. It is by His will that we have been blessed in such a way. Taking the time to remember to thank Him for His part in our fruitfulness. For without Him, none of it would be possible.

I hope that each of you will have a blessed and safe Labor Day tomorrow.



News of the church:

Tonight the youth went on a fun adventure. They went bowling in Columbia. Other activities planned for the evening were eating out and stopping by Krispy Kreme for a doughnut. I LOVE Krispy Kreme doughnuts and I hope they enjoyed every minute of it! I am sure they had a fun time not only while bowling, but also while enjoying the fellowship of other Christian young people!

The XYZ will meet on Friday, September 8th at 7pm. Come out and join in the food, fellowship and special music in store for you that evening. I know you will be blessed!

The Season of Prayer for State Missions is September 1-30. It is the Janie Chapman offering for state missions, missions education and empowering Kingdom growth. The theme for this year's offering is "Declare with Boldness". The state goal is $1,790,700.00. Our church goal is $2,500.00. Allow the Lord to guide you in this time of furthering our missions.

There will be a special meeting Wednesday, September 13th immediately following the supper and prayer meeting. During this meeting, changes that have been made to the Church Constitution adn By-Laws will be discussed. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

The instrumental group has been hard at work preparing for their performance Sunday, September 24th during the evening service. I urge everyone to be in attendance that night. You are in for a treat!

Well, I hope your week will be wonderful! Until next time, take care and God bless.



Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Attention Parents.........

and youth and children:

This Sunday after church, the youth will be going on an outing that will include lunch, bowling, donuts and other fun stuff! If you wish to participate in this fun time, make sure you are in church Sunday. You don't want to miss it!


Children:

You will be having a skate night coming up on Thursday, Sept. 21st. I don't have the time yet, but will provide it when I do. Am sure it will be lots and lots of fun!


I hope your week is coming along well. The rain has definitely been nice. Would have been a great day to sleep in, but duty called! Thank the good Lord for the rain and the ability to work!

I hope the remainder of your week is blessed. I also pray that you will have a safe Labor day weekend.

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Weathering the Storm

Well, it looks like another tropical storm is headed our way. I pray that God will keep us safe and secure. It always strikes me as being funny when weathermen/women give the percentage of rain, etc. To me, it always has a 50/50 chance. I understand the reasoning behind the madness, but it is just funny. We always seem to try and predict what God is going to do, when we would be a lot better off just trusting in Him to do as He promises. People have a tendency to forget that God is in control. Always has been and always will be. When we doubt in His ability, it is almost like saying we doubt what Christ did for us on the cross. Everything happens for a reason according to God's perfect will. We don't have to agree or disagree with it, we just need to accept it. He loves us enough that He sent His son to die on the cross for us and that should simply be enough! He will protect from any storm that comes our way. Regardless if it is the storms of nature or the storms of life!

We have a lot of exciting things taking plan coming up in September. I hope to be back in church this Sunday. Haven't been feeling well and have missed being in God's house with God's people! It certainly feels like something is missing when I am not there.

As for the upcoming activities, first and foremost, The "Season of Prayer" for state missions and the "Janie Chapman Offering" is September 10-17. Our church goal is $2,500.00 and the state goal is $1,790,700.00. Missions is a very important part of God's work and our support is greatly needed in this area. There are many people in the world without God and without our support (through giving, through prayer, etc), we can help our mission workers to do the work God has set them in place to do. Please be prayerful about what God have you to give in this area and give with a willing heart!

The nursery is now open every Sunday night from 5-7pm. It is being kept open by volunteers and anyone wishing to help, your generosity will be greatly appreciated!

There will be a deacon's meeting this Sunday at 8pm. Your attendance is appreciated.

The XYZ will meet on Friday, September 8th. A meal will be provided. Remember to mark the date on your calendar and come and join in the time of food and fellowship.

We also need to remember those that are sick or bereaved in our community as well as other parts of the country/world. Our world leaders also need our continued prayers. We sometimes complain about how difficult our jobs can be, but think of how much they carry each day trying to make the best decision possible. We don't always agree with their tactics, but the one thing we can do is pray for them. Pray that God will grant them the ability to do the thing He would have them to do!

I believe that covers all I have for now. I hope the remainder of your week is wonderfully blessed! Take care and will talk with you later!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Beautiful Day

Hello and good Saturday morning to each of you. I just wanted to take a moment to note just how beautiful it is outside today. If you haven't been out yet, stop what you are doing and go enjoy the fresh air! Delight in the day that the Lord has created for us!

Have an absolutely blessed day!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

It's official. School has begun. Teachers and students are getting back into the daily routine after having a few months of rest and relaxation. If you are in school (whether teacher, student, etc, I hope that your year has started off on a positive note. Education is so important. It is something that can't be taken away from you. I encourage you to make this year the best year it possibly can be. Working toward good grades and striving to be a positive influence on those around you. What better way for others to see the light inside that to let others see Jesus in you!

We have several items on the agenda in church business. First off, the nursery is now open every Sunday night from 5-7pm. It is being kept by volunteers. Anyone willing to help is encouraged to do so. All help is greatly appreciated! Take advantage of this opportunity and join a Discipleship training class and continue to grow in Christ.

If you wish to NOT be a deacon in the coming church year. A written letter stating this is being requested by next Sunday, August 27th. Please notify the Chairman of Deacons before the deadline. If you don't submit a letter, then it will be assumed you wish to serve as a deacon if elected.

The gym will be open Saturday, August 26th from 7-10pm for the youth. Come and join in this time of fun and fellowship. Bring a friend!

I pray that the rest of your week will be blessed.

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Hello! I hope everyone's week got off to a good start. The first day of the work week for me was pretty good. Not too many bumps in the road. We have several items that will be taking place in the next few weeks in our church. I hope you will make plans to attend.

The young boys of our church will be participating in a lock-in Friday, August 18th. From what I have been told, they need to be in the gym at 5:30 that afternoon. The doors will be closed and you will be in for a night of fun and fellowship. Our youth group always had so much fun when we had lock-ins. The lack of sleep was well worth the memories.

Women on Mission will be meeting this Wednesday, August 16th at 7pm. All the ladies of the church are invited to attend. The meeting will be held in the old choir room in the church.

Men's breakfast will next Sunday, August 20th. Breakfast will be served at 8am. All the men are invited to attend.

The deadline for next month's newsletter is Friday, August 18th. Please be sure to have any items you would like mentioned in the newsletter in the church office by 1pm Friday!

Choir members: don't forget choir practice has started again. We meet at the regular time immediately following the evening worship service. Would love to have you join us!

I believe that covers all I have for this time. If you have anything you would like to have posted on our website, please let me know. Will be glad to do so!

Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

All Good Things Must End

Well, it's official. Summer is almost at an end. Not the actual season, but the moments of freedom that students and teachers shared for the past few months. I remember this time of year when I was still in school. The feeling of excitement of seeing your school buddies again and the disappointment that the summer never seemed long enough. I also remember going to help my mom prepare her room each to welcome the students. I always enjoyed doing that. Now, some may say "Why didn't you become a teacher?". It wasn't something I felt compelled to do. I watched my mom year after year and just decided it wasn't for me. It can be a very rewarding field, but it takes a special person to teach. And they aren't paid what they are worth!! Especially with some of the things they have to put up with day in and day out. My hat is off to the teachers of this world. We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for you!

We have a lot of exciting things going on around our church in the next few weeks. Please remember mark the dates on your calendar so you don't miss out!

The young boys will be having a lock-in Friday, August 18th until Saturday, August 19th. Make plans to be there and bring a friend. I am sure you will have a marvelous time!

The gym will be open for the youth Saturday, August 12 from 7-10pm. Come on out for a great time of fun and fellowship.

Secret Power for teen girls starts Sunday, August 13th. See our youth and children's leader for more details!

North Elementary and High schools will resume classes on Monday, August 14th. I hope that each student and teacher will have a very rewarding year!

Don't forget to contact the church office with any prayer requests you may have. Please also remember to contact the office again to remove name(s). Your patience and assistance with this is greatly appreciated!

Men: don't forget about Men's Prayer Garden every Friday. Weather permitting, you will meet in the prayer garden or in the church sanctuary. All men are invited and encourage to attend.

Adult choir practice has started once again. This is your chance to come and join in the fun. We would love to have you join us. Practice begins immediately following the evening worship service. We meet in the choir room in the fellowship hall. Hope to see you there!

It has also come to my attention that if you are wishing to join a disciplship training class, we now have someone who will take care of the little ones for us during that hour from 5-6pm each Sunday. Then during the worship service, they will be having their own choir practice. Would love to have you join us during that time of learning and fellowship as well.

I believe that about covers all I have for now. I hope I didn't leave anything out or misquote anything. I pray that you will have a wonderfully blessed week. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

The Heat is On!

Hot! That's all I can say. It is just plain hot!! The scorching weather we have been having lately can also be viewed as the way Satan turns up the heat when he tempts us to do things that aren't pleasing to God. Temptation can lead to a very uncomfortable situation, not only for the folks around the person, but for the person in general. Satan likes to see us squirm. We have to remember to keep our cool and allow God to work through us. By doing so, we allow God to be in control and by His loving grace, He puts the flames out. The only fire we should ever have going is the one that sets us on fire for Jesus!

I have some information regarding the 30 hour famine the youth participated in last weekend. So far they have raised $250.00. I don't have to total calculations yet, but will update you when I do. Story has it that they had a wonderful time. Not eating for a while was a little difficult, but they pulled through and did a marvelous job! All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me. He never gives us more than we can handle. Much applause again to the youth and all those involved with this mission for world hunger!

Next Sunday promises to be a busy day. The deacons will start their Sunday morning with a deacon's meeting at 8am. Remember to mark it on your calendar.

Also, the children's and youth committees will meet next Sunday, Aug. 6th. Children's committee meeting will begin at 4pm followed immediately by the youth committee meeting at 4:30.

We should also keep in mind that the nominating committee is hard at work trying to find folks to fill positions in our church. Please allow the Lord to speak to you and find the right place for you to do His work in our church. There is a job for everyone!

I hope your week has been wonderful. Please remember to keep those that are sick, bereaved, shut-in, in our military and positions of leadership in our country in your prayers. We should also remember to keep our pastor and his family in our prayers as well. Moving is never a fun and easy thing to do. I hope they (as well as our former pastor and his wife) are getting all settled in.

May God continue to bless each and everyone of you. Take care and enjoy the rest of your week!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Turning up the Heat

Hello! I don't know about the rest of you, but I am sure you would agree.........it has been mighty hot lately. And the next few days are going to be even more hot! I am thankful for the rain (even the smallest amount) that we get. We certainly need it.

I hope your week has started off on the right track. Have had a few bumps in the road in my direction, but what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger!

I just wanted to take a few minutes to update you on some happenings in our church:

The youth have completed their 30 hour famine for world hunger. I don't have all the details as of this moment, but will post more once I have them.

There will be a Children's and Youth committee meeting this Sunday, August 6th. The children's committee meeting will begin at 4pm. The youth committee will meet at 4:30pm.

The deacons of our church are scheduled to have a meeting this Sunday, August 6th. The meeting will begin at 8pm.

If you are participating in First Place, remember to mark it on your calendar. Weigh-in starts at 6:30 and the meeting begins at 7pm.

The children will be having a back to school movie day this Saturday, August 5th. Speaking of which, it won't be long before our students and teachers will be heading back to school. It seems as though the summer gets shorter and shorter each year. All good things must come to an end! North Elementary and high schools are to begin the new year on Monday, August 14th. So, soak up all the "fun-in-the-sun" while you can. It will soon be back to business!

Secret Power for teen girls starts Sunday, August 13th. For more details, please see our children's and youth leader.

Many thanks to those that help keep the prayer list current. Please contact the church office to add or remove someone. If noone is available, please leave a message. Your help is greatly appreciated!

I hope the rest of your week goes smoothly. Keep on standing on the promises of God!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

30 Hour Famine

Hello! I wanted to remind everyone of the upcoming event the youth will be participating in this weekend. They are preparing for their 30-hours of fasting for world hunger. This is a huge task they will be undertaking. I encourage everyone to remember them in your thoughts and prayers. Below are some events that will be taking place during those 30 hours:

Youth will meet at the church at 4:30am Saturday morning for a trip to IHOP. The 30 hours will begin at 6am Saturday, July 29th. The fast will end Sunday, July 30th at noon. During the hours of 10am-12noon on Saturday, the youth will be hosting a "Long-Drive" out behind St. Mark's United Methodist Church. Bring your own equipment. Cost to participate is $3.00 per ball (you may purchase as many as you like). First, second and third place prizes will be scrumptous cakes baked by some of the ladies of FBC. YUMMY!! All proceeds will go to the 30 hour famine for world hunger.

I am proud of our youth for taking on this important task. I am sure as time draws closer to this event, the more nervous they become. All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me. You are sure to blessed!

Please remember to keep them in your prayers and let them know how proud we are of them for being a part of this! Take care and hope to see you Sunday!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

New Link

Hello to each of you! Hope you are having a great week. Just wanted to update you on a new website our church has. It is for the youth. Check it out when you have time. It is www.northfbcyouth.blogspot.com. I took a look at it today and I have to say it is very awesome and encouraging. I hope I can keep up! :-) Tis never a competition when it is for the Lord! Amen! Things only get better.

We are fortunate to have such talented folks in our church. We have so much to be thankful for. I was just watching a program on TV and the host had several different reporters on there today. They were discussing some of the interviews/stories they have covered over the years. Some of them are pretty terrifying. We must realize as a nation and as Christians the amount of tragedy that is in the world. Satan works his power in ways that only he can. He tests us and it is ultimately up to us as to whether we follow his tauntings.

America as a whole is very lucky. We do forget the men and women who have fought for our freedom and that we will have to answer to God one day for the things we have done. Life is so very short and we must be prepared for when that final day comes. We will all stand in front of our judge and jury and we will be held accountable. Let us take advantage of the opportunities that He places in front of us.

I hear some people say that it isn't up to us to win people to Christ. That upsets me. How else do they hear about Jesus? It is up to us as Christians to spread the good news. The final decision is up to the person we might be witnessing to, but it is our job as Christians to tell others of the loving Savior who died on the cross to save us from our sins. We can either sit back and look the other way, or we can take a moment to show the benefits of living a life for Jesus. Not everyone is as fortunate as most of us have been to be raised in a Christian atmosphere. We are blessed for having the opportunity.

I am thankful each and every day for the loving family I have (both at home and at church) as well as the wonderful friends I have been blessed with. We should grab onto the moments we have in life to let others know how much we care about them. When we criticize others, not only are we hurting ourselves, but we are also taking away from God. Each and everyone holds a special place with God and noone is beneath him.

When we do find ourselves passing judgement, we should remember the passage of scripture that tells not to judge and not to forget about the plank in our own eye. I have had some things laid upon my heart this week and they are causing me to reflect on the Christian that I am. I want to continue growing in Christ and improving in ways that only He can make happen. We have to meet God in the middle. We shouldn't expect Him to do all the work. He allows us to make the choices we make in order to draw us closer to Him.

I encourage us all to remember to take the time to smile or say a kind word to someone. We never know what kind of day someone may be having. The kind word we speak or the door we hold open for someone may just be the thing that brightens that person's day and leads him or her to Christ.

I hope and pray that the rest of your week is truly blessed.

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

The Long Drive

As we are all aware, the youth of our church will be participating in a 30 hour famine this Saturday, July 29th-30th. They will be fasting for 30 hours in order to raise money for world hunger. As part of this event, they will be holding a Long Drive Contest (golf) from 10am-12noon on Saturday, July 29th. This will take place behing St. Mark's United Methodist Church on the outskirts of North heading toward Orangeburg. You must bring your own equipment. Cost to participate is $3.00 per ball and you may purchase as many as you would like. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be cakes donated by ladies of FBC. Trust me, they will be scrumptous!!! All proceeds will go to the 30 hour famine for world hunger. Remember to keep our youth in your prayers as they draw closer to the time of this event. World hunger is a serious problem and I am proud that they will be participating in such an important mission.

**The youth are asking for donations of popsicles with fruit juice in them, orange juice or fruit juices to help keep them hydrated during the 30 hour famine. Am sure water and Gatorade would be appreciated as well! They are also asking that if you wish to donate any of these items, please bring them to the fellowship hall this Wednesday evening (July 26th).**

We had a wonderful time at our covered dish and pounding for our new pastor and his wife today. The food was delicious as always, but the fellowship was even better. I enjoyed every moment of it and I hope you did too! The message this morning was on unity. We, as Christians, should and need to be united. When we aren't, it allows Satan to stand even taller and be even bolder to his bidding. If he finds any way to gain entrance, he will take full advantage of that opportunity. When we as Christians say negative things about other people (and we are ALL guilty of this at some point), it only allows Satan to be stronger.

I am finding that along with the messages we have been hearing in church lately, along with the reading of "The Purpose Driven Life" and even some comments made to me by some very dear friends of mine, I really have some issues in my life I need to work on. I know it will be hard, and I know with God's guidance I can do this. As I said, it will be hard. Old habits are hard to break!

I hope each of you will have a blessed Sunday! Take care and until next time, God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Good Saturday afternoon to each of you. I hope that your week went well. Tomorrow will be the first day for our new pastor. We will have a pounding and covered dish lunch immediately following the morning service. I encourage each you to come out and enjoy us in this time of food, fellowship and join us in welcoming our new pastor and his family. Hope to see you there!

The youth are preparing for their 30 hour famine on July 29-30. They will start at 6am on the 29th after a trip to IHOP that morning. There will be some events going on that weekend for the church. I will post them here once I have all the details. Please remember to keep all the youth in your prayers as they close in on this coming weekend. This is an important step in their Christian walk and I know they will be blessed.

Secret Power seminar will be held Monday, July 24th through Wednesday, July 26th. Please see our youth and children's leader for more details.

First Place is being held on Monday nights. Weigh-in is at 6:30pm and the meeting starts at 7pm.

Please remember to contact the church office when name(s) need to be added or removed from the church prayer list. Your help is greatly appreciated in keeping this information as current as possible. If no one answers, please leave a message!

Also, let's continue to remember those that are in our military, serving in positions of leadership in our country and those that are in need right here in our own community in our prayers. God does answer prayer!

I hope your Saturday is as wonderful as can be and I hope to see you tomorrow at church!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

P.S. As always, if there is something you would like to have posted on the blog to share with others, please let me know. Am always glad to do so! :-)

Happenings..........

Hello and good Wednesday to each of you. I hope your week is going well. I have just a few things I wanted to mention to you today.

First, we will be welcoming our new pastor and his family this Sunday, July 23rd. Let's remember to keep them in our prayers as they begin their new lives here in North and as they are traveling here Thursday. I pray that God will keep his hand upon them and grant them traveling mercies. There will be a covered dish lunch immediately following the morning service. Remember to bring your best dish or dishes and come and join in the fellowship!

First Place has resumed its normal meeting time on Mondays. Weigh-in begins at 6:30 and the sessions start at 7pm. The first session was on Monday, July 17th.

The Secret Power seminar for our youth girls is scheduled for Monday, July 24th through Wednesday, July 26th. For more information, please see our youth and children's leader.

Men: don't forget about Men's Prayer time each Friday morning in the Prayer Garden at 7am. If the weather is rainy, etc. then the prayer group moves inside the church sanctuary. Come and join your brothers in Christ for a time of prayer and fellowship.

I am thankful for the number of folks who were in attendance Sunday night. I know that our former pastor and his wife are appreciative as well. Let's also remember to keep them in our prayers as they begin a new life in their new home. They will forever be in our hearts. We have been blessed to have had them with us for the past 12 years.

That covers all that I have for now. I encourage each of you to be in attendance Sunday to help welcome our new pastor and his family. Come out and bring a friend. Have a great week. See you Sunday!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Also, let me share this with you. It was given to me by a beloved friend and sister in Christ.

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium with rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt.

Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.

This class would not pray during the commencements---not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.

The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.

The speeches were nice, but they were routine---until the final speech received a standing ovation.

A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!

The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said, "GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!" And he walked off stage...

The audience exploded into applause. The graduating class found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.

GOD BLESS YOU!!!

In God We Trust, United We Stand.

This is a true story; happened at the University of Maryland. It's inspiring.

(God always finds a way to make Himself known. He shouldn't be hidden under a barrel or anything else. We should allow His light to shine. He doesn't have anything to be ashamed of. We do! He came and died for our sins that we might be free and have everlasting life in Him. For that, we should praise Him!)

Friends

Happy Friday to each of you. I trust that everyone had a good week! My week was ok. I went back to work after being on vacation last week. It's always hard to go back when you've had time off. I am thankful that I have a job to go back to! The week was eventful so say the least. My second day back at work, I slipped down the ramp at my Mom's house (what fun!) and apparently felt the need to spill my drink twice in one day! Then I dropped the beeper that we have at work in water the night I was on call with one of the doctors. I am happy to say that it finally dried out enough to work again! Those are just some highlights of the fun week I have had. Could have been worse though!

In keeping with the happenings around our church, I am sad to say that this Sunday will be our beloved pastor's last Sunday with us. He and his wife will be greatly missed by everyone. They have come to mean so much to each of us. I know that God will continue to bless them in their journey and I trust that each of us will continue to remember them in thought and prayer. I noticed that the title of this Sunday evening's service is "Friends are Friends Forever" and it made me remember this song.

"Friends" - Michael W Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "never"
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends

With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

This song has many meanings for me. It is a treasured one for me and many of my close, personal friends and I feel it appropriate to share at this chapter of life as well.

I encourage and remind the men of the church to be in attendance this Sunday for Men's breakfast. I am sure it will be one that won't quickly be forgotten. Breakfast is served at 8am. Please make plans to be in attendance!

The deadline for next month's newsletter is Tuesday, July 18th at 9am. If you have any items you wish to have included, please remember to have them at the church office in time!

Secret Power Seminar for youth girls will be held July 24-26. For more information regarding this event, please see our youth and children's leader!

That about covers all I have for this time. I would like to say a special thank you to the pastor and his family for a terrific job over the years and many thanks for everything you have done! You will not be forgotten! And truly, a friend's a friend forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them! Amen!!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Happenings for this week.........

Good Wednesday evening to each of you. I hope everyone had a safe and blessed 4th. Here are some current happenings for our church:


Men: Don't forget about Men's Prayer Time each Friday morning at 7am.

Children & Youth: Children's Day Camp will be held Monday, July 10th through Thursday, July 13th.

Youth girls: The Secret Power seminar that had been rescheduled will be held Mondah, July 24th through Wednesday, July 26th. Make plans to be there. If you haven't already signed up, please be sure to see our Youth and Children's leader.

First Place will resume sessions on Monday, July 17th. Weigh-in begins at 6:30 and the meeting will start at 7pm. If you are interested, please be sure to sign up soon!

There will also be a Deacon's meeting this Sunday, July 9th at 8am. A quarterly church conference is scheduled for this Sunday immediately following the morning service. I encourage everyone to be in attendance to participate in the business of the church.

Our Sunday School class is holding a social this Saturday. We hope to get some folks that have been missing out on the time of learning and fellowship to join us there and have them become a part of our class. We want to keep growing for God's kingdom! I am looking forward to the wonderful time of food and fellowship.

That about covers all I have for now. Also, don't forget that the choir won't be having practice after the evening service during the month of July. We will resume normal practice time again in August. If you are interested in joining, please do so. We are very glad to have you there!

I hope the rest of your week is great. Take care and will see you Sunday!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Happy Fourth of July!

This year sure is flying by. It's hard to believe we are already in the month of July! Our children made it back safe and sound from their weekend at White Oak. Last night they presented us with some of the songs they learned, some of the experiences they had while they were there as well as a slide show of some of the activities they participated in. They also shared some of the craft work they did while at camp. May I say that we have some talented young people in our midst! Canoeing took first place with all of the young people. Seems they had a blast doing that! I always enjoyed the times our youth group went to places like that. It allowed us experience a lot of different things and grow in ways that we will never forget! Lots of fun.

We are celebrating our independence tomorrow. Many thanks to those men and women who have served and are still serving in the armed forces. We will never be able to show our gratitude for the things you have done and the sacrifices you have made. We also thank the family members of each of you for allowing you to hold such an important position and for the continued support that they show you! Please know you are greatly appreciated and loved!! May God continue to bless each of you in a mighty and powerful way, as only He can! Praise God for you and keep up the good work.

I hope each of you reading this blog will have a safe and blessed 4th. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)