Sunday, February 24, 2008

A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening to the little ones chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own hearts. Their eyes would always light up with awe, but she never got a response equal to four-year old David's comment.
Gently she tucked the stethoscope into his ears and placed the disk over his heart. "Listen", she said..........."What do you suppose that is?"

He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked up as if lost in the mystery of the strange tap - tap - tapping deep in his chest. Then his face broke out in a wondrous grin and he asked, "Is that Jesus knocking?"

I hope that little story will encourage every Nursery worker, Sunday School and Children's Church / Ministry teacher as they prepare for imparting truth to little ones again this Sunday. What a wonderful privilege you have!

It all begins this Sunday in many of our churches, for us it is at 9:30 AM for our classes for all children, teens, and adults. Our Adult Bible Fellowships will finish up their current studies this Sunday and then begin a new season next Sunday by offering 3 ABF's in addition to our Membership Class. Plan to attend one.

At our 10:45 AM worship service we will plan to wrap up our study about "Our Divine Navigation System" by seeing how God's Will and our Circumstances line up. Jonah 4 will be our passage of study, and though it may be familiar to you, read it over again in preparation.

In our 6:00 PM service our Adults will continue their study in "Our Heavenly Rewards." (2 Corinthians 5:10) This will hopefully give us motivation to live for the Lord more deeply while we can. Our Student / Teen group will meet with adults since most of them will be getting back from a weekend retreat at Skyview Ranch about 2:00 PM on Sunday afternoon. Parents, please be on time to pick them up. Our AWANA children will have one more chance to give in the special offering for our AWANA state missionaries as well as revel in the results of the Grand Prix. Remember that the Grand Prix will take place on Saturday all day.

Looking ahead, on Sunday March 2 in the evening service we will participate in our monthly Communion service. We will also begin receiving our annual Easter Offering, which this year will go toward a fund to replace the old windows in our original building. Approximate estimates are around $20,000 so you can see we have a lot to do. Pray that God will meet this need in a great way soon.

Don't forget that our Ohio Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 4. We hope to again offer our special breads, etc. for those who come to vote. Please see Beth Workman if you can provide bread or cans of coffee. This ministry has had a very positive effect on our community and our church, thanks for being part of it.

The winter storm on Friday knocked out the plans Beth and I had to run out to BBC for the final two regular season games, both significant to the final standings in the conference. Might be just as well for me as I have had a tremendously uncomfortable stiff neck and shoulder muscles that I cannot shake. The heating pad on "high" right now helps, but not cures it. I'd appreciate your prayers.

What do you think about the Cleveland Cavs blockbuster trade one minute before the deadline yesterday?? I didn't hear you say, "What??" did I? My reaction has been the same as all the sports talk show pundits, in that we don't quite know what to think. But I am guardedly optomistic about it all. You can read all about it at: http://www.cavs.com/

And how about the Cleveland Browns signing running back Jamal Lewis to a new contract? Yes, it seems to have been a good day for Cleveland sports. Now if the Indians can just sign C. C.

By the way, are you on "Facebook"? Again, if you said, "What??" then you aren't. But if so (or if you would like to join it), look me up, "friend request" me and Ron Hazlett, and then let's start our own Faith Baptist group. It offers one more way for us all to stay in touch. (click on the blue "f" above to go to Facebook.com)

The best way to stay in touch is to attend our services this Sunday. Most of all, stay in touch with the Lord leading up to Sunday and you will get more from it. Thanks for your prayers for our services that God would be glorified and some would trust Christ as Savior - one man did just that last Sunday! I have met with him a couple of times already and he is an encouragement to me to see his enthusiasm for Christ. Pray for more like him in all our churches this Sunday.

Pastor Don Workman

http://www.faithbaptiststreetsboro.org/

Here is Nicholas trying out a basketball headband. He didn't seem to mind it.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Begin with a smile:

A local priest and pastor stood by the side of the road holding up a sign that said, "The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!" They planned to hold up the sign to each passing car.
"Leave us alone, you religious nuts!" yelled the first driver as he sped by.
From around the curve they heard a big splash.
"Do you think," said one clergy to the other, "we should just put up a sign that says 'bridge out' instead?"

We have had an eventful week weather-wise, I trust you have been warm and safe. Leigh Beouy and Debbie Carroll have had an eventful week in another way: Drew and Megan Carroll have made them grandmothers (Debbie's first; Leigh's again). We rejoice in the birth of Meredith Grace, she is beautiful (I verified that personally.) Mom and Meredith are doing great.

Last Saturday about 10 supporters from our church went up to Buffalo to see Josh Workman and the BBC team play D'Youville College and come away with a close victory. It was a fun time and we thank the Lord for a safe trip and good weather. We thank all of those who went and cheered.

Beth and I plan to again drive to BBC for the "Senior / Parents" special day. It will be our privilege to walk out before the game with Joshua, then see them play Keuka College from New York. BBC won by ten up at their place earlier in the season, hopefully there will be another win. The season is winding down, BBC is currently 13 - 8, and we look forward to a good showing in the conference tournament and then hopefully the NCAA tournament ("March Madness" Yeah!)

This Sunday I have arranged to have Mr. Mike McLaughlin here in the 9:30 AM ABF and 10:45 AM worship service in the event I am not here. Mike is a former pastor here in Portage County and is now our area representative for the Shepherd's Ministries which gives compassionate Christian care for adults with mental disabilities. He will speak at both times about Shepherd's Ministries and from the Word of God. We would like to receive and special offering for this ministry on Sunday, please plan to give by marking a giving envelope "Shepherds." It is a very worthwhile ministry.

At 6:00 PM we have all our regular ministries: AWANA for kids (don't forget, it is "Inside Out" night), Student ministries which will begin the video series, "The Best Question Ever" with Andy Stanley. This is the same series our adults viewed in the fall, and many adults said they wished they knew these principles as teens. So, ours will. Our Adults will also meet for fellowship and a study from God's Word led by Pastor Tom. Be sure to bring your whole family to this time.

Next weekend is the teens "Winter BLAST!" at Skyview Ranch. If you have questions, see Dennis this Sunday. Also, next Saturday is the AWANA Grand Prix - have your cars prepared and ready to race. It should be a great time!

Thank you to many who visibly showed their support to Beth and me last Sunday as we began our 17th year of ministry here. Your coming up front did puzzle me, though - I was wondering what I said in the sermon to bring about such a "revival" among such mature believers! It was very heartwarming to us, and well appreciated by us. May God give us many more times of blessing.

Next Sunday I hope to continue our study from Jonah about "Our Divine Navigation System" by looking at Jonah 4 - read it ahead to prepare. And we will continue in our evening service on Feb. 24 in our study of "Our Heavenly Rewards."

Thank you to all who help serve in our Nursery and Children's Church ministries. These are vital to our services, please don't forget if you are "on" for this Sunday. Your ministry does not go unnoticed.

Pray and prepare for the services this Sunday, whether here at Faith or for many of you in your own church. It is amazing to think that as we sing and worship about the same time of the day, that God hears us all! Honor Him this Sunday together.

With prayers for your blessing,

Pastor Don Workman

www.faithbaptiststreetsboro.org

Here is Nicholas watching one of his favorite cartoons, "Dora the Explorer." This is how "zoned in" he gets, which for some reason Beth does not care for. Papa says he just has "good concentration."

Sunday, February 10, 2008

I have talked with some people over the years who are at times embarrassed about their extended family. It is interesting to me because I have found that almost ALL families are a little strange in some ways. Can you relate to this story along those lines?:

During a phone conversation, my nephew mentioned that he was taking a psychology course at the university.
"Oh, great," I said. "Now you'll be analyzing everyone in the family."
"No, no," he replied. "I don't take abnormal psychology until next semester."

Yeah, that's us. Now maybe we can all breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy life a little more.

Wasn't last Sunday's Super Bowl game exciting? I went to our evening Communion service, even stayed afterward to watch a short video, fellowshipped with some, then went home, showered and still saw part of the halftime show and all the second half. I guess they said over 93 million people watched it - and that eTrade commercial of the "banking baby" doing so well in the stock market that he "rented a clown" was my favorite! (Click on the picture to see the commercial, the second one down on their right side menu. Then click BACK to this page.)

Speaking of babies and the Super Bowl, here is Nicholas and daddy watching the game: It didn't last long with Nicholas, and playing with his farm toys won out in the end: Maybe if the Colts were in it he would have watched longer!

This Sunday we have our full order of services all day. 9:30 AM begins our Sunday School and Adult Bible Fellowships - including our new member orientation in my office. This is for anyone who desires membership in our church, as well as anyone who just wants to find out more about us before officially joining. Please come on time, you are invited.

At 10:45 AM we have a great service planned featuring uplifting music which includes a duet by Tom and Sandi. We will continue in our series, "Our Divine Navigation System" by looking at Jonah 3 and seeing "The Blessings of Our Submission to God's Will." Knowing God's will, and doing God's will are two different things, and I hope we can bring both together in your life this Sunday.

At 6:00 PM our AWANA kids are reminded to bring Valentines to exchange - and don't forget your Bibles and lesson books. Our student ministry will meet and continue a careful study this month on Biblical sexuality, a study that is repeated about every four years with parents consent. Pray for them. Our adults will meet and continue to look at what the Bible says about our "Heavenly Rewards" that can be ours if we live faithfully for God.

Our "Missions Commission" plans to meet at 4:45 PM this Sunday, all members please be there. If you have missions related questions or suggestions, please let me know and I will take it to them.

Don't forget our regular Wednesday evening and Thursday morning prayer, sharing, and Bible times together. These are special times for growth and fellowship.

Our Women's Ministry "Heart Sister Banquet" is this Monday at 6:15 PM. It is a time to eat, share, and reveal who your Heart Sister was for last year and have opportunity to get a new one for 2008. This is an annual highlight for our ladies, don't miss it.

Our Men's Ministry is going through a time of renewal, and if you have interest in being a part of it please sign up on the sheet in the lobby or drop me an email note that you want to find out more.

Beth and I are grateful to be able to be present at Joshua's BBC basketball game last Saturday as they won, and he was able to score his 1,000th career point (which is a milestone if you are not familiar with it.) It was a complete surprise to him, and it showed on his face when they stopped the game to honor him and present the game ball to him. I made a short video of it on my "Facebook" account, hopefully you can access it here: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=23186677032 (I am not sure if you need a "facebook" account to get it, but give it a try.) We all rejoice with him in this accomplishment!

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Come with your heart prepared (through confession of sin, and physical rest) to learn from God's Word, and to worship Him from your heart. May others see this and come to faith or have their faith increased by being part of our time together! (1 Corinthians 14:25)

Pastor Don Workman

http://www.faithbaptiststreetsboro.org/

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Most who are reading this went through the winter storm that came through the midwest to northeast on Friday. Hopefully all survived it with no problems. Some rejoiced in having no school, while others (Beth) did have school, much to their chagrin. Our Sarah sent some pictures of the fun they had with school called off, and Sam stayed home to have some time of fun together. The result was Nicholas' first "big" snowman: but he didn't quite understand it all at first. Here he was suppose to help put the snowman's carrott nose on, but he thought it was time to eat! At least they had fun.

Please pray for Beth and me as we plan to make a whirlwind trip to Baptist Bible College of PA on Saturday for one of Joshua's games. We plan to drive out and back the same day and evening and then be here for Sunday. Pray for our safety and good weather to travel - thank you!

I plan to hold the first class in our new membership orientation this Sunday at 9:30 AM in my office. If you are interested in finding out more about membership or baptism, please come. This class is for older teens and adults, possibly we will hold a baptismal class for older children in the near future. Also meeting at this time will be our regular Adult Bible Fellowships and Sunday school for all ages.

At our 10:45 AM worship service we will continue our look at "Our Divine Navigation System" that is addressing the subject of God's Will in our lives using the book of Jonah as our base. Please read Jonah 2, as well as Isaiah 58:1 - 12 as we consider the next important step in Navigating God's Will for our lives, and that is the "Importance of Prayer and Fasting." This will be an interesting talk, and one which will prompt us to action in this important area. You may also listen to the previous sermons in this series through our podcast at: http://fbcstreetsboro.podbean.com/ Thanks, Dan for getting them up on there.

In our 6:00 PM activities our AWANA childrens' ministry will continue with Bible time, games, and other fun activities. Our teens and adults will meet together in the worship center for our monthly Communion Service. This is always one of our best attended evening services due to the testimonies given, songs sung, and our remembering what Jesus has done for us by participating in the elements. I know it is Super Bowl time, but we will be out early enough to get you home about the end of the first quarter. In fact, last year I saw most of the first quarter, and I don't run right out after the service. Give God His rightful place in your life this Sunday.

Review last week's "Looking Toward Sunday" (archives list to you right) for upcoming activities and announcements, as many of them are the same.

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read these weekly updates and to enjoy with me the growth of our grandson, Nicholas. Pray for good services this Sunday, and remember to pray for those of your friends and family who attend other good churches. Through it all may the Lord Jesus be glorified in all we do.

Pastor Don Workman
www.faithbaptiststreetsboro.org