Sunday, December 6, 2009

I trust you had a great Thanksgiving weekend. I am sorry I did not update this with a new posting last week, but I was fairly busy as you can see from these pictures: We enjoyed family time together in Indiana, and it was great.

Now we turn our thoughts and efforts to December activities, which are many. Our business meeting this past Wednesday evening went very well and I appreciate all who participated in the "business" life of the church. The 2010 budget and proposed officers all passed almost unanimously. To our Deacon group we are thankful Jeff Sheldon will serve for a second term, and we welcome Dan Oreskovic as a new deacon. Dennis McMichael has served well for two terms (six years) and must go off, but we don't keep him too far away. In fact, we plan to recommend him to our church body as an elder next year (following our training time.)

This Sunday our ministries are as follows:

9:30 AM - Sunday School and 4 Adult Bible Fellowships meet as usual. But we trust the learning will be UNUSUAL and beneficial.

10:45 AM - We will sing together and concentrate on our Communion Service. Whether or not you have seen "Cardboard Testimonies" somewhere, you will be blest by seeing them. And then YOU can participate in our own "3 x 5 Card Testimonies" by noting briefly what you once were and how Jesus Christ has changed your life. That will be our theme for the service, "Transformation" which comes by the Truth of God's Word and Spirit. Be thinking about how Christ has TRANSFORMED your life either recently or over the years and prepare to share it briefly. Please note that we will receive our Benevolent Fund offering which is in great need as we have had more requests for help among our own people recently. A lot of needs are among us, but your loving generosity will meet needs and encourage hearts. I can't wait to hear of testimonies along this line in the future.

4:45 PM - our choir practice continues for the soon coming cantata, "Joy Came Down" which will be featured in our morning service on Sunday, December 20 at 10:45 AM. Not too far away, so don't miss the practice.

6:00 PM - Our AWANA kids will learn from God's Word and join in some fun games. This Sunday features "Sprawl Night" where you wear warm p.j.'s or sweats and bring a blanket and pillow. Hmmmm, sounds like an easy night for the leaders!!

Also at this time our Adults and Students in grades 7 - 12 will meet together to hear a report from our own missionary to Nicaragua, Shelley Grimm. She will tell us and show us what God has been doing through her in the ministry there to children, single mothers, and other women through the local church. If you would like to give to help in her home ministry travels, use an envelope and mark "Shelley" on it and we will get it to her. Also, if you were not able to give to Pastor Igor Bagirov's ministry last Sunday evening and wanted to, mark a giving envelope "Igor" and we will get that to him.

"The Great Cookie Bake" which is a wonderful ministry to our local businesses. We have done it for the past four years or so and have made a real seasonal impact in the lives of secretaries, business owners, store clerks, etc. They can't believe we would take the time to bake homemade cookies and bring them to them in the busy days leading up to Christmas. It is just one more way to show kindness in the name of Christ in a world that needs it desperately. There is a sign up sheet at church if you want to participate, or see Debbie Mace if you have questions.

Our annual adult Christmas Banquet is coming on Saturday, December 12 at 6:00 PM. This is a great time every year, including a wonderful catered buffet, fellowship in fun, song, and God's Word. The cost is $14.50 per couple, plus an optional gift to exchange ($5.00 to $10.00). This year Pastor Drew Carroll (and Megan) will be here to bring a short devotional. If you know any folks from their church, please give them a special invitation to attend with us. We have also invited their church to join for our annual Christmas Eve Service which is sure to be a blessing.

Remember that our year end "Gifts for Christ" offering will be given to the ministries of Skyview Ranch. They have had some financial difficulties as many ministries have, so we want to help. We appreciate their camps and retreats for our kids and many others and we want to see the camp continue. So, use the special offering envelope in your packet or mark one "Gifts for Christ" to give. Thank you.

UPWARD basketball registrations are in full swing, and are in fact due this weekend to get the early discount of $55 (later will be $65.) We have distributed more flyers than ever before around Streetsboro, Aurora, Northfield, and the surrounding area. We expect a great response, BUT WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP! Please sign up as we need more COACHES and REFEREES, as well as general help. Training is available, and it is not hard. This ministry is done in cooperation with First Baptist, Aurora and was a great success last year. We are praying for an even greater impact this year in the lives of kids and families and YOU can be a big part of it. Please sign up this week to help, and to register your kid(s).

To turn your thoughts to Communion and Christ's transforming sacrifice for us, meditate on these words of a blessed, old hymn:

Love brought my Savior here to die on Calvary,

For such a sinful wretch as I, how can it be?

Love bridged the gulf ’twixt me and Heav’n, taught me to pray,

I am redeemed, set free, forgiv’n, love found a way.

(refrain) Love found a way, to redeem my soul,

Love found a way, that could make me whole.

Love sent my Lord to the cross of shame,

Love found a way, O praise His holy Name!

(here is where you can hear the tune: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/f/lfoundaw.htm ) Wow, do I miss those days!

God bless you, see you Sunday!

Pastor Don Workman http://www.faithbaptiststreetsboro.org/