Sunday, August 24, 2008

Beth and I had a great vacation trip to Oregon seeing Hannah and Jon and having them show us all around the western part of the state. The scenery of God's creation is beautiful, especially the places we visited - here are only a few:

The Columbia River Gorge (that's the state of Washington over there.)
Mount Hood - almost 12,000 feet high.
Us at about 7,500 feet up! Only 2,500 more to go!!

At the Multnomah Falls.
Elk in the field near Elkton, OR (of course.)
The coast near Hannah's home in Brookings, OR

And at the NIKE headquarters in Beaverton, OR

Beth and I also celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary at the end of our trip with a special dinner at sunset on the northern California Pacific shore.

On our return we immediately had to pick up Leah in western Ohio (she was with Sarah, Sam, and Nicholas while we were gone.) After packing her up, we got her to Baptist Bible College last Friday to begin her junior year. She is on the Student Leadership Council this year, so she had to be back early. Pray for all our college students who begin classes next week. Also our local students and teachers begin next week as well, pray for them all.

This Sunday our ABF's continue with studies in: Job's life, John 3:16 from Max Lucado's book, and others. It all begins at 9:30 AM and includes our Sunday School for kids and youth.

In our 10:45 AM Worship time we have some good songs and a special by the "Goodrich Trio" - it is nice to have Jessica back north and with us. I plan to talk from 2 Timothy 2:15 (and other passages) about "Let's Be Sure to Cut It Straight." Sounds strange, but is supremely important to our interpretation and view of Scripture. It will give us a good reminder of the basis of our doctrine and theology from God's Word. Please pray for me as I strive to make this subject clear and that God's Spirit will apply it to all our hearts for life change.

Remember that we continue some of our Small Groups on Sunday evening. I continue to hear good reports from the groups meeting at the Sterner's and Mace's homes. Their times have been beneficial to not only study in God's Word, but also prayer and fellowship. You can still take part before it is over for the summer.

Next Sunday AM we plan to have our Communion service which is always a special time. A special blessing to Beth and me will be a visit from the best man in our wedding who now lives in Tacoma, WA. We saw Keven while in Oregon, and now will see him for the second time in a month after not seeing each other for about 27 years. I plan to have him share a little by way of testimony, it will be a blessing.

Plan to attend our annual "Dinner on the Grounds" day on Sept. 7. There will be sign up sheets for food and we hope to have some games for kids and maybe some for adults. After our morning services we will eat together and then gather for an early afternoon service which will feature a talk by Mr. Richard Mook who will testify how God supported and strengthened him in his life of many losses. You will be blest and encouraged, and if you bring someone with you who needs uplifting, they will be blest as well.

And then on Sunday, Sept. 14 we are pleased to have Dr. Jim Jefferey, president at BBC here to speak in our morning service. He and his team will be here the Saturday evening before for a BBC Alumni and friends banquet which will be held at our church and Beth and I will host. See me if you would like to attend the banquet time, or if you can help to set up, serve, or clean up. You can register to attend the banquet by clicking here.

Well, we have a lot going on and coming up, and I wanted you to know now so that you can plan to be involved. As I close let me say that it is good to be back, I have missed you. Please pray for me and our services this Sunday that all will be honoring to God. And know that we are under budget in our giving by several thousand dollars. This prohibits some ministry things we would like to do, not to mention the concern it brings to those in charge of our church finances. Please remember to give and help make up our deficit - thanks.

Stay safe and have a great summer weekend honoring God in all things!

Pastor Don Workman

www.faithbaptiststreetsboro.org