Sunday, September 2, 2007

Last week I was not able to get this note to you because I had to deliver Joshua and Leah to BBC to begin their new school year. Joshua is a senior and Leah a sophmore, and they both anticipate a good year. Beth and I always miss them, but are grateful for God's continued leading in their lives - please pray for them.

Also this past week Beth began her 14th year teaching the 4 year old "kindergarten prep" class at Northfield Christian School with about 16 students. Please pray for her as well. (her traditional "first day of school" picture)

On my way home last week I was able to bring back Beth's "heirloom" - the family antique pump organ (and yes, it works.) I got it back safely and it is now displayed in our living room: Thanks to Mike and Ben Cobb who came over at midnight to help unload it! I think Beth now feels that things are "settled."

We also appreciated your prayers in regards to our stove situation (it caught on fire last month and is ruined.) Just this past week I was able to find a good used one that works for $100: Thanks to Bud Kean for helping me get and move it and to Jim Horley for making sure it was safely hooked up. Thanks to some of you who unexpectedly gave to help us in this need. And obviously to the Lord for bringing it our way.

Well, this is Labor Day weekend and it looks to be a beautiful one! We will have our regular classes at 9:30 am for all kids and adults. And in our 10:45 am worship service we will be looking at 2 Corinthians 12:1 - 10 in our continuing study. This week the talk will be about "Our Adversities and God's Answer" from this familiar passage about Paul's "thorn in the flesh." Often we feel we can identify with Paul in this, but I am not so sure. Pray for me as I strive to carefully explain it from Paul's perspective and what this means to each of us today. As with Paul, God is faithful in helping us through our times of adversity and trials in life, even if ours are not necessarily "messengers from Satan."

Due to the holiday weekend we will NOT be holding our 6:00 pm service or other activities. This has been our pattern for the past many years and has served us well. We really get into our new season the following Sunday, September 9 as we begin our AWANA program and student ministries. And for all adults we will have our monthly Communion service - plan to come and testify to God's goodness in your life recently.

On Sunday evening, Sept. 16 we will begin Andy Stanley's video series, "The Best Question Ever" for adults. This will be a great study to help you live more effectively for the Lord guided by His Word and Spirit. If you desire a study guide please let me know by signing up for one in the lobby or emailing your request to me.

Also, don't forget to get your workbooks for the upcoming Ladies ABF on "Seeking Him" and the "Men's Fraternity" ABF - sign up or email us to order yours if you have not done so yet. These ABF's, as well as our senior adults and a general, mixed ABF will begin at 9:30 am on September 9 - be sure to attend!

Some of you inside and outside our church knew Rev. Paul Schenck and that he has been suffering with cancer. Just yesterday the Lord Jesus gave him a very peaceful and gracious welcome to his heavenly home. The calling hours will be held this Sunday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at the Johnson - Romito Funeral Home on Rt. 82 in Northfield. The service will be 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 4 at the Northfield Baptist Church. Pray for his family in the coming days.

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday, but if you are traveling, please be safe and find a church where you can worship. Prepare spiritually to sing to God and hear from Him in His Word. Pray that some will come to know Christ as Savior - we praise God that a 20 year old young man named Frank trusted Christ here this past Sunday! It was wonderful to pray with him and see his commitment mean something. May the Lord work in all our hearts as we give this Sunday morning completely to HIM.

Don Workman, pastor (and Beth and Nicholas)