Sunday February 8, 2009

When I peruse church websites I often like to look at who is the pastor there. On a lot of these sites they will give a psuedo "interview" so you can get to know him through answers to random questions like: "who is your favorite team?" "what kind of pizza/ice cream/etc. do you like best?" and one of my favorites, "what is playing right now on your iPod?" Shows their "coolness." Well, if you sense my jealousy you are right, because if I even HAD an iPod, the song playing on it regularly would be this one (click on the video link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f34F7e3d0_Y&feature=related If you ever wondered what I use in addition to the Bible and that prayer book, "The Valley of Vision" in my own spiritual walk, it is songs like this that make me think about God and my relationship to Him. Maybe the music isn't your style, but I have found I can worship God personally through things like this in addition to good hymns and often sacred classical music. I hope you find what "works for you" and use it regularly in your time with God.

While on that site I also found a link to a song that we will be learning and singing here at Faith in the next few weeks. You can get to know it ahead of time by clicking on this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yVAYuK7YE0&feature=related Of course our version is different from the one recorded, but in "making it our own" you will find it to be a blessing. Practice it now.

In mentioning music and worship, I want to thank Pastor Tom for leading and putting together our music for all our services. We will sing some good ones this Sunday at 10:45 AM as we lift our hearts to God in worship of Him and His greatness. We will then continue our study in the book of Ezra this week looking at chapter 3 to see how "Your Perspective Shapes Your Perception of Things." In this chapter we will share in the excitement of the ancient Israelites as they begin in earnest to reestablish their system of worship in their land after several generations in exile to Babylon. But there is a surprise ending to the chapter that makes us go, "hmmmmm . . . " A lot of room for application to us today, come ready to interact with God's Word and His Spirit.

Don't forget that our day begins at 9:30 AM with our classes and fellowships for learning and interaction with one another in God's Word. There is a class for all ages and several for adults from which to choose.

All our regular ministries for the family continue at 6:00 PM, don't miss this time. For kids in AWANA don't forget your "Valentine for Jesus" as well as your special offering for our AWANA missionaries which we are collecting all month long. Our teens will enjoy fellowship and games together as well as a study in Mark 12:27-42 and 66-72 about Peter's denials of Christ - study these passages ahead to prepare. And our Adults will continue their study of "God Our Father" by answering some objections by some of this view of God, and then see what this relationship implies.

Ladies, this Monday is the Heart Sister Banquet at 6:30 PM. Please pay your $5 to Debbie Mace this Sunday and don't forget the items you are to bring with you (batteries, tissues, etc.) This is always a special time annually for our ladies, we encourage you to be involved in this important ministry that lasts all year.

For Teens, the Skyview Winter Blast retreat will be coming at the end of the month - see Dennis if you plan to go. This is always a "blast" and is not to be missed. There is also a Team Meeting for kids and their parents who are part of the missions trip to Japan this summer right after our morning service, please don't forget as this is an important meeting. And one of the training meetings will be on Monday, Feb. 16 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM, be sure to put that on your calendar.

This Sunday you will receive an insert in the bulletin regarding financial updates. To give you a peek, our General Fund giving is healthy and ahead of budget so far, but our Faith Promise for Missions giving is a little bit behind. Please continue to give strongly to both, it is encouraging to see where we are in the midst of the cold winter months.

As you prepare for Sunday, be sure to review our memory verse from Proverbs 16:9 in the NASB. Pray for our Upward basketball games tomorrow (Saturday) and as I speak for a few minutes to the kids and parents at halftime from Luke 9:25. I will do this 5 times for 5 different groups tomorrow, so I am excited.

I hope you are excited in the Lord as well. It will be "warm" this Sunday (around 50 degrees) so hopefully nothing will hold you back. See you then.

Pastor Don Workman

www.faithbaptiststreetsboro.org