Sunday, May 18, 2008

The past week and a half has been quite out of the ordinary for our family, but has been great. That is part of the reason I did not get this note out to you last week before Mother's Day. My parents flew in from Florida on May 6 to enjoy the last warm day we had here in Northeast Ohio, so they and we have been chilly since then. We left the following Thursday to go to BBC to attend Joshua and Emily's college graduation on Friday (he made it - we were never worried about Emily!!) Their wedding will take place on June 7, so that is the next big event to anticipate for our family. We are thrilled that Jon and Hannah will be able to fly in from Oregon for it, pray for their safety.

While all this went on here, our daughter in Indiana, Sarah, participated on a mission trip to Haiti for 10 days with a group from her church and some Purdue University students. Though she has been on several previous mission trips, this one was unique in that her particular ministry was serving as a "dental assistant." Here she is with instruments in a patient's mouth - yikes! if he only knew she had no technical training in dentistry!! But she did well. She also ministered by giving her testimony and helping in any other way she could. Nicholas and Sam were glad when she returned home last Saturday.

This past Monday over 60 ladies enjoyed our Mother / Daughter Hawaiian Luau Banquet here at our church. It sounded like a lot of fun and blessing; it was special to have my mother and sister attend it with Beth. Thanks to Debbie Mace and our Women's Ministry for hosting it. (sorry, I did not get any pictures of it, but I am sure some will be available at church this week.)

This Sunday should be "normal" for us in that we have all our regular services and ministries at their appointed times: 9:30 AM, 10:45 AM, and 6:00 PM. In our morning worship service we will continue our study on Worship by considering "What the Bible Shows Us Our Worship Is" from various scripture passages. You can read John 2, John 12:4 - 8, Luke 10:38 - 42 and John 17 to prepare your heart for what we will see.

In our 6:00 PM time we will have our AWANA for kids program, which this week features the "store" time if I remember correctly. For teens and adults we will meet and continue our study on "Rewards and Crowns" which has been helpful for many as we look to eternity and what some of it may be like.

For all members of Faith, please remember that we will vote during our morning service on an item we presented to you two weeks ago concerning the reallocation of some of our missions support money. We are proposing that we take some funds that became available (the Lounsbrough and Oana support, both totaling about $250 monthly) and move it to three different missionary families with whom we have had contact before (Michael Banks and Michael Bliss, both with ABWE, for $100 monthly each) and one we currently support and would like to increase (Steve Fulks, Baptist Mid Missions) to $200 monthly. We will vote by ballot on each individually. Please contact me if you have questions prior to our voting time this Sunday morning.

Though not a voting issue, please remember that we are planning a summer "hiatus" from our regular 6:00 PM services and ministries from June 15 (Father's Day) through August 7 (our annual "Dinner on the Grounds" Day.) This will give a much needed break to many who go "full bore" for most of the year. There will most likely be some small group meetings in homes or at church for Bible study and fellowship, we will let you know more of that in the future. They will resume on Sunday evening, September 14.

For our Deacons, please remember that we changed our next meeting to Thursday, May 22 at 5:30 PM. Please email any agenda items you may wish to discuss. And remember to bring your own drink, dinner will be provided.

Our Vacation Bible School will be held this year the week of July 20 - 24, and as always we need MUCH HELP from you to make it happen. Sandi Goodrich is looking for teachers and helpers for all areas, so please jot her a note to let her know of your availability. It is in the evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and is always a good time. Plan NOW to attend and help.

Note below a couple of websites that I think you will find helpful and interesting. I will add more to them as I find others that may broadly appeal to us all and be helpful in our growth / walk with Christ. Check them out.

As we worship the Lord this Sunday, pray that God will have His way in all our hearts. I represent every pastor out there when I ask you to pray for me as I plan and prepare to handle God's Word in an accurate way. May it all come together with our singing to acceptably worship our great God Who is worthy of everything we can give Him.

Pastor Don Workman

http://www.faithbaptiststreetsboro.org

(also on http://www.facebook.com)