Cyber-communicating with members and friends of the church. E-Mail to: fbcnorth@tds.net CHURCH STAFF: Rev. Sam Fordham, Pastor; Criss Harris, Worship Leader; Mrs. Joan Buckheister,Ministry Assistant.
Friday, October 15, 2004
COOL AIR HITS NORTH!
Several things on my mind today, especially the Sunday activities here at our church. First of all, we are having the monthly Men and Boys Breakfast at 8:00 AM, with Rev. Dr. Kimmett Lott, pastor of nearby Providence Baptist Church as our guest speaker. We try to encourage our men and boys to attend regularly, and have different speakers and programs. It is always good to enjoy the fellowship around the breakfast table.
Sunday afternoon, we are hosting the annual Blood Drive for the American Red Cross. Sign-ups have been very slow this year, but we are praying for a good turnout to provide the needed blood for the Red Cross. I would that folks would turn out to give their blood as well as they did Thursday at the Health Center to get the influenza shot. What a crowd, old and young, lined up to receive the injection. I was one of the several hundred that were lined up at 9 AM. And, was very grateful to be able to get it. The wife and I are both in the elderly category, somewhat past 65 years, so we qualifed, but I am afraid that many will not be able to get the protection they need for this flu season. Please pray for those who may wind up with the flu.
OCTOBER FESTIVAL TIME: We are busy getting ready for the Fall Festival this year, which will be held on Sunday night, October 31st, in the Youth Building. John Mew, our Minister of Students and Children has proposed a great program, with lots of food, fun and games. I trust that all our church family, as well as friends in the community, will come and share with us. More details later.
I wanted to thank all those who worked out the moving and setting up of my new office in the church. For sometime I was in with Joan, our ministry assistant, and it was a bit crowded. I know Joan was glad to see me move down the hallway and around the corner to office space of my own. I share this room with the Sunday School and Discipleship Training general officers on Sunday, but during the week, it is all mine alone! So once I get it arranged as I would like it, I will be very happy. Doesn't take much to make an old preacher happy!!
So long for now, I pray for the readers of these ramblings, and trust that you will feel that someone is praying for you..
Monday, October 11, 2004
A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY IN CENTRAL SOUTH CAROLINA
I spoke to a group of children in church yesterday, and told them that in a few short years from now, they would be saying that the early days of the 21st Century would be the best days of their lives! Especially if they give these days to the Lord and begin now to live for Him.
Back to the present, we had a great day for the Lord on Sunday. We had 99 in Sunday School, and a larger number for the morning worship hour. We celebrated the Lord's Supper, and remembered Jesus as we confessed our sins and failures, and asked Him to use us in a special way in the days to come. Our pastor closed out the day with an in-depth look in Revelation. In the afternoon, Mz. Carolyn and I traveled to nearby Fellowship Baptist Church, where our son, Donnie is pastor, as that church celebrated Homecoming with Dinner on the Grounds. It was good to see all our friends there, and to see our children, granddaughters, and our great grands. There is nothing finer than to fellowship with a group of Christian brothers and sisters.
Lots of things going on at FBC, we are hosting a Red Cross blood drive next Sunday. We also have our monthly Men and Boys breakfast, wtih Rev. Kimmett Lott, pastor of Providence Baptist Church as our guest speaker. More later, God Loves YOU...
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
CURRENT EVENTS AT FBC NORTH
Our pastor, Bro. Larry Shull, added the topping in his evening sermon from Revelation. Do you believe that we are in the last days of God's earthly plan. Signs are on every hand. How exciting it is to see prophecies fulfilled right before our eyes. Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!
Sent most of you a special note today about the Red Cross Blood Drive, which we are hosting on Sunday, October 17 from 1-6 PM. Sign up sheets in the vestibule, or you may call us in the church office, 247-2711 and we will schedule you. We can take two donors per hour. If you drop in, I am sure that you can be worked in. Please pray about this, even if you cannot give, pray that others will be led to give. In my confinement in the hospital with five operations on my knee, I received 5 units of blood, and I appreciate those who gave for me. I needed it..
As I write these notes from time to time, most of the time with my laptop on my lap, I try to picture the faces of those who are on my email list. I want to personally direct these thoughts to you, because are always in my thoughts, in my prayers, and in my heart. I pray that our Father will continue to bless you in countless ways.
Time to stop for now, but remember your church and Christian brethren in your prayers.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
The Sound of Music
What is your idea of a theme for our church family? For the first thirty years of my ministry, I used the theme, "Preaching the Old Fashioned Gospel to a New Fashioned World." It worked for me. As I was thinking of the old days, I thought, why not a theme for us? Can you think of something we might use? Email me at fbcnorth@tds.net if you have an idea.Think about it.
Our monthly newsletter, The Messenger, is in the mail for our church members. If you would like to keep up with our church, and not currently on the mailing list, drop us a line, email or snail, and we will add you to the list.
First Baptist Church
PO Box 189
North, SC 29112
So long for now...God loves you, and so do I.
Monday, September 27, 2004
CAN YOU HELP US?
Sunday, September 26, 2004
God Loves YOU and so do I......
We have recently elected seven new deacons for the next two years, and have been blessed by having experienced deacons available to serve. So, these are a few of the things I have missed sharing with you, but promise that I will add more to this in the next few days. Support your church, pray for one another, sing praises to the Lord, minister to the lost and disciple the saved, and see what our God has in store for us. For all who read these words, 'remember who loves you, God plus me...
Bye for the moment....
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Sad Day at Church last Sunday [tongue in cheek]
We did have a great time of worship last Sunday, with Sunday School attendance of 103, lots of enthusiam in our singing and preaching time, and just plain good fellowship around the church. Our services were full, and we even had a church conference and passed on the Budget for next year, elected seven new deacons, and approved the Nominating Commitee report on new officers for the new church year.
Thanks to all of our church family who make our church an exciting place. We do love and appreciate you and all that you do...
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Another Exciting Lord's Day!
During the morning service, Rev. Charles Hoblitz spoke to the church family and continued to share many experiences and needs for his field of service. Our church was pleased to share with them, and to share also financially with them in their work. We are surely aware that we should be very grateful to Almighty God that we live as free men and women in this wonderful country of the United States of America. Brother Hoblitz extended an invitation to all of us to come to Russia and visit with them, and spend a week with them in their ministry and in their Bible School. Sounds like an interesting trip, and one that I would like to make. According to reports, the cost round trip to St. Petersburg is about $750. Charles said that if we could pay our airfare, that they would take care of housing and feeding us while we are there. Anyone interested in going? Let me know.
Lots of activities going on this week. We have a special program for the senior adults as we have a lady who has been here before who impersonates "Minnie Pearl." I understand that she is very good. The senior group, called the XYZ Club, will meet on Friday night at 7:00 PM for a covered dish meal, and then entertainment to follow.
John has the youth and children doing many things, and we are proud of our youngsters.
Still searching for a minister of music for our church, and have started advertising in the local area and also in the state Baptist Courier newspaper. Please join us in prayer that the Lord will send the right person for our church.
God bless each reader of these words, and know that you are in our prayers. If our church can be of any help to you, please let us know. Our email address is fbcnorth@tds.net
and we will be very happy to share with you in prayer.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
All Tied Up....
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
COMING ATTRACTIONS
We copy and send out audio cassettes of the Sunday sermons, and the Sunday school lesson. In this way, we can minister to several groups of our homebound friends. But, sometimes the recorder fails and the process misses a great sermon.
Ice Cream supper on Sunday, August 29th, immediately following the evening worship service. This service will be led by the Truth, our church Youth group, with contemporary music, and a message by John Mew, or Minister to Students and Children. We appreciate the great job that John is doing with our youth.
On Sunday, September 5th, it will be my privilege to preach in both services . Please remember me in prayer as I prepare to preach to the church family. It is always a joy to preach to the fine folk of North FBC, and see your happy faces and hear the good singing.
Also, on that same Sunday, remember that we will pass out a list of our men for you to examine and pray over, then to come on the following Sunday, Sept 12th, to select 7 men of good report to be deacons for the next two years.
We are still praying for a music minister/worship leader to serve our church in a part-time capacity. If you know of anyone in the immediate area who might be interested and available, please have them contact me by phone or email or regular mail.
Today is Wednesday, and we look forward anxiously to another great time of prayer and Bible study in the church sanctuary. We pray for many people, and you are included in our prayers, as we designate a portion of our prayer list to what we call unspoken requests, meaning that we don't name anyone, but we pray for the needs of those who are asking and receiving of God.
See you later here on these pages, and at church, I hope.....God Bless...
DOG DAYS?
Meaning: Very hot days.
Origin:The ancient Romans noticed that the hottest days of the year, i.e. in late July and early August, co-incided with the Dog Star (aka Sirius, aka The Great Dog) being in the same part of the sky as the Sun. They thought the star contributed to the heat of the day.
I found this in a web site at: http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/bulletin_board/6/messages/229.html
This site is good for finding explanations for all sorts of phrases we use in every day speech. Check it out.
Friday, August 20, 2004
Ready for Sunday
The Messenger, or monthly newsletter, is ready to be mailed and will go out next week. Please notice all the announcements about the many activities of our church. And don't forget to attend as many as you are able.
Have received several new email addresses in response to my requests in the weekly
bulletin and the newsletter. Also am sending out an email Messenger once in a while, and we call it the E-Messenger. As I have said before, I am still learning how to get all this together and out to you. Please share this page address to your friends and ask them to view our writings and pray for our church family.
Happenings next month include:
- First meeting of the new church year for the Senior Group, the XYZ [Extra Years of Zest] on Friday night, September 10 at 7:00 PM. Our special guest will be "Minnie Pearl," whom you will remember from some time ago. All seniors are urged to attend and bring well filled covered dishes for the fellowship meal.
- Deacon election: a list of eligible men will be provided to the church in business conference the first Sunday in September, and election will be the following Sunday. Seven deacons will be replaced.
- Homebound Members Sunday School lesson will be recorded and delivered to each shut-in by the Sunday School each week. The ladies Sunday School class will tape and deliver these lessons on cassette tape.
- We also have a preaching tape of both services each Sunday that is delivered to our folks who are sick at home, or shut-in.
- A great number of Children and Youth activities going on in our church. John Mew, our Youth Director is doing a great job.
- We will start a pre-school children's church the first Sunday in September, also a new Sunday School class for Grades 6-8 for boys and girls will start.
So, thank you for reading these ramblings, and please pray for us. Remember, God loves you, and so do we!
Sunday, August 15, 2004
SUNDAY REPORT August 15 2004
Sunday school numbered 97 today, with some of our regulars away for the final trip of the summer. We have a good time in these classes, and urge those who are not in our S.School to come and get involved. There is a class for all ages. We have started two new classes this year, and plan on a new class of 6th-8th graders in the coming year which will begin in October. Also, in the planning, is a pre-school worship service for all the little ones starting soon. If you are interested in helping with these classes, please talk to John Mew. We really do need helpers from the church family.Pastor Larry Shull brought an exciting and thought provoking message from 1 John about seeking to live a perfect life for the Lord. If you are not attending the preaching services, then you are missing a blessing. Pastor Shull is an outstanding preacher who clearly exposes the Word of God for all who are willing to hear.
This is being written on Sunday afternoon and my wife Carolyn and I have just returned from the 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration for Sidney and Mildred Livingston. Sidney is our Chairman of Deacons, and Mildred is one of our faithful leaders. Their children gave them the drop-in reception at the Calhoun County Country Club in St. Matthews, SC. We are very proud of Sidney and Mildred, and wish them many additional years of joy together. And we are very appreciative of their children for sharing this moment with the North church family and Carolyn and me.
Now, we are getting ready for our Discipleship Training Class, and in starting a new
subject of study tonight. We are getting into "Godlessness In The Last Days," based on events as outlined in 1 and 2 Timothy, among others. It is my joy to be a part of that class as we share and discuss biblical ideas and doctrines.
Following that, we will go into the evening worship hour and continue our study of the Great Tribulation events in Revelation, led by our pastor. God is so good to us here in North, SC, as I pray that He is wherever you are.
More chatter later, just know that God loves you, and so do we....
Sincerely, In Christ
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE!!
We are always excited here on Wednesdays, as we prepare for the mid-week prayer and Bible study time tonight. Our pastor leads is to consider the prayer needs of our church family and friends, and then shares an insightful time of Bible study. We have a great time, and then the choir remains and practices for the Sunday services.
My hearts desire is to see our church as full on Wednesday night as it is on the Sunday meeting times.
Here is an interesting link for you, if you are concerned about the voting rules and procedures this year. You might have already seen the article in the current Baptist Courier about this. It is an interesting site, just go to www.ivotevalues.com and check it out. Many people are confused as to exactly what we can do, legally, in the matter of public elections.
God Bless and Keep You.....
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
GOD IS SO GOOD!
GYM OPEN: please remember that the gym will be open each Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM for basketball [ages 14 and up, including adults.]
PRE-SCHOOL WORSHIP SERVICES: We are planning to start a Preschool Worship Service for our little ones soon. John Mew, our Children's Director, is asking that all who are interested in helping with this new project come to a covered dish luncheon immediately following the services Sunday, Aug 22. Please bring covered dishes, share them with others, and discuss the beginning of this class. Let John know, 247-2711, if you can come.
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR 6th to 8th graders, starting on September 5th. John Mew will be the lead teacher.
We have started several new Sunday School classes during the past church year, and all seem to be doing very well. Our appreciation to Sarah Wannamaker for her leadership in the Sunday School ministry.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Reminder...don't forget the Fifth Sunday Ice Cream Fellowship on the 29th of this month. Home churned cream and good fellowship as we enjoy this special treat on warm [hot] summer evening after church. Come and bring a friend.
Our church office is in the process of searching for a new copy machine. Due to the lightning storm several weeks ago, we lost two circuit boards in the old copier. The problem is that they are so old that replacement is not available. So we are taking bids on a new machine. As you can imagine, this is a difficult decison to make, so we ask you to join us in prayer that we will make the right decision. The copy machine is a valuable tool in the ministry of our church and we are seeking one that we feel is the right one. We never consider anything without bathing it in prayer.
Our Youth Group has a new name, TRUTH. You will be seeing that name more and more in our news items and youwill know that it is the name of a faithful group of dedicated youth, led by John and Karla Mew. Please pray for the TRUTH group in our church.
Enough for this time, remember, God loves you, and so do I. Will see you in Sunday School and church. Call your church staff if we can help you in any way...
Monday, August 02, 2004
Let me know of any email addresses which you would like to be included in the E-Messenger newsletter which we will be sending out from time to time.
To our church family, don't miss the last Sunday of this month as we have An Ice Cream Social following the evening worship hour. Home churned or purchased, there will be ice cream for every taste. Come and invite a friend.
God Bless for now...
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
I have been trying to collect email addresses from anyone that is even remotely interested in the ministry of the North First Baptist church, so if you have someone you would like to be on our E-Messenger e-mail mailing list, please send me a note at
fbcnorth@tds.net or royster@aikenelectric.net.
Also interested in having input to this Blog Page, so if there is anything, within reason, that you would like to see published here, send it along, and I will try to use it. Our plan is to make this a two-way communication tool, and as soon as I learn a bit more, I hope to have a comment section here on the page, so you can leave your message and comments. But, I am still learning….
Sermon titles for Sunday, August 1 are:
AM: “Did You Know That You Can Be Forgiven For Anything?” 1 John 1:8-10
PM: “The Day It All Breaks Loose.” Rev. 9:1-12
You are urged to attend and hear Brother Larry Shull, our pastor, as he preaches the Word to us.
Remember: “Jesus Christ is Lord now and forever! Glory to His Precious Name!
Friday, July 23, 2004
STILL LOOKING FOR ADDRESSES:
Send me your email addresses of those who are interested in the North Baptist Church activities, and I will add them to the mailing list.
PASTOR CELEBRATES TENTH YEAR:
Bro. Larry Shull has been the pastor of this church for ten years this month and we have been blessed under his ministry and leadership. What a precious family they are, Larry and Brenda and" little Larry" and how thankful we are to have them. Be sure and greet them and tell them how much you love and appreciate them each Sunday.
YOUTH AT EDISTO BEACH:
John Mew has had our church youth at the beach all this week and we are anxiously awaiting their return. The purpose of the trip was evangelism, and we a praying that they had many professions of faith for their efforts. We should hear all about it on Sunday.
SEE YOU IN CHURCH? I pray that we will. God Bless.

