Christmas Eve, 2009

This early edition of "Looking Toward Sunday" reminds us all of our special Candlelight Christmas Eve service here at Faith. It begins at 7:00 PM and will end about an hour later, leaving much time for family get togethers. This service features all the special songs and readings of the season. I hope you will make a special effort to attend, whether it is ours here, or yours at your church. We have invited the congregation from First Baptist in Aurora to attend and minister with us, so we look forward to welcoming them.

Please invite someone to attend and enjoy this service with you! It may make a real difference in their lives now and forever.

We will have our regular Sunday School and Adult Bible Fellowships this Sunday at 9:30 AM. We will then worship together at 10:45 AM featuring some special music from our cantata last Sunday as well as other Christmas songs. I will speak about "Our Blessings in Christ's Coming to Earth" from Hebrews 2:5 - 18, a great passage not always associated with Christmas. Read it over to prepare your heart and spirit for the day.

Note that there are NO services or other meetings for any groups this Sunday. Also there are NO midweek meetings next week, as well as NO service, etc. on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

We are planning to have our Communion service in the morning service on Sunday, January 3 so please plan for that. And our teens will be having their annual New Year's Eve "All Nighter" party which is safely planned and executed by Dennis and Barb McMichael. After 20 years they are "pros" at this kind of thing, so ask them any questions you have.

Please keep all our families who are traveling this week in prayer. I also hope that as you remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior that this season will be full of meaning and joy. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Pastor Don Workman

http://www.faithbaptiststreetsboro.org/ (we are having difficulty with our website but hope to fix it soon.)

Sunday, December 20, 2009

How is your Christmas shopping going? Only 7 more shopping days left. I read about a lady who, when fumbling through her purse to get her wallet, the store clerk noticed a TV remote control she was carrying.

"So, do you always carry your TV remote around with you?" the clerk asked.

"No" the lady replied, "but my husband refused to come Christmas shopping with me, and I figured this was the most evil thing I could legally do to him for not coming and helping."

Fair warning to all us men!

This Sunday is annually a big day for us here at Faith Baptist - you won't want to miss any of it:

9:45 AM - continuing learning and living through our Sunday School and Adult Bible Fellowships. Classes for all ages and four ABF's from which to choose.

10:45 AM - Christmas celebration through songs of the season and then the presentation of our adult choir cantata, "Joy Came Down." Through songs new and old, as well as Biblical readings we will all be reminded of the unique birth of Jesus the God - man into the world. Come rejoice together.

6:00 PM - Our children and students will present their program, "Ready for Christmas." Through this musical/drama you will be blest by the ministry and hard work our kids have put into this program. They are excited to do it, please come share in their excitement!

As I mention these two events, please remember adult choir that the dress rehearsal is this Friday (tomorrow night) at 7:00 pm. Bring a snack to share at the break time.

And parents, please have your kids here early for their dress rehearsal on Saturday from 9:00 am to noon. Please be here early for pick up as well.

Our youth group will have their annual Christmas shopping outing from 1:00 - 7:00 pm this Saturday. Again, be here early and ready to go. Any questions, call Dennis McMichael.

Our annual Candlelight Christmas Eve service is always a special blessing. It will take place here at 7:00 PM and will last approximately an hour, not too long to add to your family Christmas tradition. We hope to be joined by some folks from First Baptist in Aurora, which will make it an extra special evening. Introspective Christmas carols and rehearsing the story through readings will give us all a deeper appreciation for Christ's birth. Don 't miss this special time.

Our UPWARD basketball ministry for kids is in full swing. We are completing the evaluations this evening (Thursday), but if you missed it please see Dan Kieta to arrange a time for your child. This promises to be another exciting time of basketball and ministry in the lives of kids and families. Brochures are all over the place in our church for information, and I hope to get it on our website soon. Again, if you can help by coaching or referreeing please sign up soon. Pray for this ministry as we are in the organizing stage for the coming year.

We have begun to tell you about the "Weekend of Outreach and Worship" (WOW) that will take place on January 16 and 17, 2010 and will be a joint effort between our church and First Baptist, Aurora. More information is on our website as well as in our bulletin this week. Please be praying about who you can invite to this special time of comedy, song, challenge, and worship. It will be a great time, plan to attend.

Well, in listening to the "Messiah" everyday in my office I am trying to get my mind in a proper mood for this season. The "Hallelujah Chorus" just came on, so I must go now to sing it. God bless you as you prepare for this Sunday.

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

Nicholas (age 3) had one of his first experiences with Santa Clause where he could remember and recognize him. After receiving a candy cane from a Santa in a store, Nicholas saw another Santa the next day in another store. As the Santa tried to say who he was to Nicholas, Nic said, "I know - you gave me a candy cane, remember?" I think Santa #2 bumbled his way out of that one. Sarah said they went to another store the next day where there was a "group" of Santas for some reason, but she veered Nicholas away from that encounter - it would be too much for a 3 year old to comprehend!

As for Jonathon (9 months), his only concern in life is "where is my mommy?" and that is OK.

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/

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Though Veteran's Day is just past, here is a story with which some veterans can relate:

While working as a Navy nurse in a military hospital's emergency room, I was required to introduce myself by my rank and full name. I usually refer to myself as Ensign Mike Payne, but one busy day I rushed into a patient's room and blurted, "Hi, I'm Ensign Payne."

"Hi," the patient responded. "I'm in some pain too."

And then I read this one which hits a little closer to home for me:

"The human brain is a wonderful thing: it starts working the moment you are born, and never stops until you stand up to speak in public."

I have had to work hard at this and still do, always hoping for the best - not for me, but for my listeners.

As you attend church services this Sunday, I hope that in addition to listening that you will also participate fully in all ways. For us here at Faith in Streetsboro we have the following for your blessing and growth:

9:30 AM - classes for all ages including four Adult Bible Fellowships ("1 Thessalonians," "Colossians," "The Life of David," and "Fighting Spiritual Battles.")

10:45 AM - Worship service with great songs of praise, an opportunity to give, and hearing from God's Word from 1 John 2:18 - 27 as we consider, "Correct Doctrine, Our Safeguard Against Error."

4:45 PM - Choir practice for the upcoming Christmas cantata. (note that practice for the children & teen Christmas program is during the second half of the morning service.)

6:00 PM - in the service for Adults, Jeff Sheldon will be sharing from God's Word along the lines of Thanksgiving to prepare our hearts for the holiday. Our Student Ministry will fellowship together in games, food, and learning about "Transferring the Title" of your heart to Christ. And our AWANA kids will enjoy their club time of learning and fun. The special activity for them this week is to bring your favorite stuffed animal to show, so don't forget.

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday this week please note that there will be NO midweek services on either Wedsnesday or Thursday. And our offices will be closed after Tuesday. My family would appreciate your prayers for us as Joshua, Emily, and Leah travel here on Tuesday, then all of us will travel to Indiana to spend several days with Sarah, Sam, and our Grandboys we are looking forward to this time together. (oops! I mistakenly inserted the wrong picture of Sarah with Jonathon - since he is already in one with Sam, I must be "fair" and include Nicholas, you know? And I cannot figure out how to delete a picture that once gets posted in this blog - any help??)

In my absence next Sunday a friend, Pastor Bob Kuhns will be speaking in our morning service. Bob recently retired from a long term ministry at Brown Street Baptist Church in Akron, OH and is available for speaking engagements such as ours. In the evening service next Sunday our friend, Pastor Igor Bagirov will be updating us on his ministry with the Beth - El Congregation in Cleveland and will bring a message from God's Word. Please plan to give a love offering to him for his ministry. He always enjoys coming to our church, I am sorry to miss him this time.

Our annual church business meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 PM. This is the meeting when we vote to affirm proposed officers and a new budget for 2010. Both a list of officers and the budget will be posted this Sunday on the bulletin board for your review and prayer. If you are a member this is one of those obligations you have to be a part of the life of our church; we need you there. We will also give any updates on ministries as well as progress on the informal merger talks we have mentioned in our services the past two weeks.

Our UPWARD basketball registration is in full swing! See the display in the lobby to pick up a brochure, and if you will help us distribute brochures, put a sign in your yard, or help get the word out in other ways we would appreciate it. We also need more to volunteer to be coaches, referees, and concession workers, as well as financial aid sponsors for needy children. You can sign up in the lobby as well as see me or Dan Kieta about sponsorship.

For the most part we are thankful for good health in our congregation overall in the midst of the flu season. I understand from news reports that the swine flu "epidemic" seems to have hit it's peak and is on the way out. I certainly hope so, but I also encourage us all to continue to use caution and common sense in healthy cleanliness.

May God bless you as you pray and prepare for His services on Sunday. And if you attend a church other than ours here at Faith, jot me a comment (below on this page) letting us all rejoice with you in the activities of your church and the blessings God gives through its' ministries.

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

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Where were you in the great days of summer, 1971? Well, as usual, I was heading to a week of basketball camp with our high school team. Man, did we ever look COOL! You will have to look over this picture carefully to figure out which one I am. And thanks to my friend, Rick, for discovering and sending me this and several other pictures. I particularly appreciate the ones of my father who drove us to the camp at Grace College in Indiana. In our recent phone discussion, he said he was 38 years old at that time. Now he is twice that age. But I am NOT twice the age I was in 1971 - funny how numbers work the way they do.

Well, our numbers for this week are as follows:

9:30 AM, 10:45 AM, 4:45 PM, 6:00 PM. If you are a regular reader of these weekly notes, you know that these numbers represent our regular services that we offer to you each Sunday. Classes and worship experiences are always worthwhile and encouraging for your spiritual growth. This Sunday in our worship service we will continue to look in 1 John 2:12 - 17 regarding the "Results of Our Good Spiritual Health." Read the passage again in preparation. And remember the choir practice for our Christmas cantata for all adults. Parents, please have your children here on Sunday AM when they will practice for their Christmas program part way through our worship service.

Don't forget that our AWANA kids (6:00 PM) are collecting food for the Streetsboro Christian Cupboard and this is the last night for it. Our Teens will meet at this time for their activity and study time from Psalm 139, and our Adults will sing and fellowship together and then hear from our own Dan Oreskovic who will share a message from Acts 17:1 - 10 regarding "How Can I Be Used By God To Change The World?" Encourage Dan and Jyll by your prayers and presence.

We also have our regular mid weekly times for Prayer and Bible study on Weds. at 7:10 PM and Thursday at 11:00 AM. And for our Board members, remember our regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 PM.

Mark December 12 (Saturday) on your calendars for our Annual Adult Christmas Banquet. This is always a highlight of our year together and a great way to enter the Christmas holiday time. Details on ticket prices, etc. will be forthcoming.

We have available registration forms for the upcoming UPWARD basketball program for kids ages 4 through grade 6. Early fee is $55, but after December 6 it will be $65 so register early. For families with multiple kids involved we may be able to offer financial help, please contact me or Dan Kieta about this. And if you are able and willing to sponsor one or more children to help, let Dan or myself know that, too. Evaluations will be held at our church between 6:00 and 7:30 PM on Monday, Dec. 14 and Thursday, Dec. 17 so please sign up early. This is our joint venture with First Baptist Church in Aurora; please keep this ministry in prayer.

I will talk about the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 with my ABF this Sunday, and in particular I will point out this quote by Pastor Kent Hughes which is good for us all to consider:

"Though Lot was revolted by Sodom, Sodom was in his soul. It is possible, then, for a believer to be distressed by the world while willfully clinging to the world."

Meditate on this, and if applicable, consider how you can change this pattern in your own life. God bless you as you do, and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

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

Sunday, November 8, 2009

With the cooler weather this week (and even some wet snowflakes here yesterday) the fall season is certainly upon us. Though I love the fall, I am always sad to see summer depart because of the outdoor activities I enjoy. But cutting grass is NOT one of those activities, so when our lawnmower broke earlier this summer I didn't mind, but Beth kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed.

But somehow I always had other things to take care of first such as fishing, or arranging my tackle box, or messing around with my little aluminum boat, etc. These things were more important to me than cutting grass.

So finally, Beth thought of a clever way to make her point: when I arrived home one day (from church or fishing, I don't recall) I found her seated in the tall grass in the front yard busily snipping away with her sewing scissors. I silently watched her from the sidewalk for a short time, then went into the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush and said: "When you finish cutting the grass, please be sure to sweep the sidewalk."

The doctors say that I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.

(haha - got you! This is copied from an email one of you sent to me earlier this week. Maybe next week I will share more!)

For this Sunday we have our full line up of services and activities:

9:30 AM - Sunday school for kids and teens and four ABF's for adults.

10:45 AM - A great opportunity for Worship including our continuing series in First John, this time 2:12 - 17 where we will consider the "Results of Our Good Spiritual Health." Remember that our Children's church time will consist of practice for the upcoming Christmas program, so parents, if you want your kids (up through 8th grade) in the program, they need to be here for practice.

Don't forget that this Sunday after our morning service will be our "Soup, Chili, and Bread" Social. We have these a few times a year and they are always a hit - especially during the cold months. Watch the Food Network or look through that section in the Saturday paper to get ideas for what kind of soup to bring. But I have to say, Pumpkin soup doesn't sound so great to me, but Beth would love it.

4:45 PM - Choir practice for the Adult Christmas Cantata.

6:00 PM - Part six (final video) in our series, "When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box." This has been a helpful series to us all. This video is: "The King Has One More Move" and will challenge us that the only trophy that lasts eternally is delighting in the heart of God.

Also at 6:00 PM will be our AWANA kids time featuring "Crazy Hair Night" (watch out!) And our Student Ministries will continue their series in "My Heart, Christ's Home" by looking at the "Bedroom" this week. Proverbs 5:15 - 21 is the passage.

Ladies, don't forget our Women's Ministry meeting on Monday at 6:30 PM. This meeting will be a time for "Thanksgiving" so come prepared to share of God's goodness in your life. A sharing of favorite desserts will also be featured, so be sure to sign up to let us know you are coming and what dessert you will bring. And as pastor I am the "ex officio" member of all ministries, so I may pull that card on Monday so I can sample the desserts!!

Don't forget that our annual meeting for Election of Officers and Budget Ratification will be held on Weds. December 2 at 7:00 PM. Your involvement is appreciated as you Nominate officers ahead of time, so please use the sheets on the lobby tables and deposit them this Sunday in the box on the missions table. And please put this important meeting on your schedule.

Last year we had a great Upward Basketball season and it is time to organize for this coming year. We will have some sign up sheets available soon for coaches, referees, concessions workers, and other general help. Please consider being involved in this fun ministry.

Our ministries can't happen without your volunteering and leadership, and I want to say Thank You to Bill and Debbie Mace and all their helpers for making our recent "Trunk or Treat" another success! Also for the Mace's as they represented our church in the city "Trunk or Treat" at WalMart. And I want to thank those who helped in the kitchen and parking lot this past Tuesday during Election Day. Also thanks to all who supplied bread, coffee, etc. for us to be able to give away to our neighbors who came to vote. This continues to be a great annual "Ministry of Kindness" which has positive impact on our community for the cause of Christ.

It seems like this never slow down around here, but I think I wouldn't want it any other way. It is wonderful to serve the Lord together with you, and I look forward to this Sunday as well as the special things in the coming months of the holiday season. Please be involved, I know that God will bless you for it.

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

Though Nicholas celebrated his 3rd birthday in September, his main gift came this past week when his parents took him to a live production from the "Imagination Movers", a favorite of all preschool age children. He could hardly believe they were there in person, and he had a wonderful time. Jonathon kind of enjoyed it, but I understand he fell asleep halfway through the show. I hope he doesn't do that during one of Papa's sermons! It was a wonderful but tiring time for little boys.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

This weekend is the one where we "Fall BACK" by turning our clocks BACK an hour on Saturday night before going to bed. I know, I know - the change doesn't really take place until 2:00 AM, and if you want to do it then to be accurate, well that is up to you. But I hope to see you this Sunday on time. Otherwise you will be an hour early, and that is fine as well - you can stay for ABF's and Sunday School!

Speaking of that, we have a full complement of services this Sunday:

9:30 AM - all classes and ABF's will meet.

10:45 AM - Worship Service which will include a new song, "Praise Adonai." We will continue our series through First John by looking at 2:3 - 11 and see "Our Obedience to God's Word and Love for One Another Pleases God." Read through it again to prepare.

4:45 PM - Choir practice for the Christmas Cantata.

6:00 PM - AWANA for kids age 4 through grade 6, they will begin collecting their "Food Drive" - please help.

6:00 PM - All Adults and Teens will meet together to observe the Baptism of several new members and to hear testimony of some others who are officially joining our church. Following that special time and a few songs will be our regular Communion Service which always features testimonies of God's goodness and activity in your life recently. Our Benevolent Fund collection will conclude the service, please come prepared in every way.

Don't forget that this Saturday, October 31 will be our "Trunk or Treat" community ministry from 3:30 - 6:00 PM. Come to participate, help, or just see how it works. Pray for good connections with some in our immediate community. And pray that the weather will cooperate - but if not, we thank the Lord that we have a gym into which we can move things.

As we think of Community activity, remember that next Tuesday, November 2 we will host four voting precincts in our gym for Election Day. We can use helpers in the kitchen as well as parking directors to make things run more smoothly. This was a blessing last year and a real testimony to all whom came to vote and worked at the polls. Please sign up to let us know you can help this year; and if you have any kind of safety equipment (orange flashlights, cones, vests, etc.) we can really use it and return it.

One of the main issues on the ballot this year is Issue 3 regarding an amendment to the state constitution legalizing casino gambling in Ohio. We urge you to vote "NO" on Issue 3; go to http://www.votenocasinos.com/ and http://www.aproundtable.org/ for much more information.

A couple of things to plan for coming soon:

1. Youth ministry will have a "Harvest Campfire and Games" on Saturday evening, November 7 from 6:30 - 9:00 PM. It will be held at the Jordan's home and will cost $3.00 each. Sign up this Sunday.

2. Another All Church "Soup, Chili, and Bread" Social following our morning service on Sunday, November 8. This is one of our favorite socials as we sample each others' homemade soups, chilis, breads, and desserts. Drinks will be provided, bring your own table service and some friends with you. Sign up this Sunday.

It seems so far that the CAVS are sputtering, but LeBron and Shaq are doing GREAT! I trust the rest of the team gets in line with them very soon, and I think they will. It is a long season - thankfully!

Anybody into or excited about the World Series? Yeah, I didn't think so!

As you prepare your heart for Communion this Sunday, meditate on the blessings of Hebrews 10:10, ". . . we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Reading it in context will give you even greater blessings! Thank God for His marvelous plan of salvation!

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