september 13th - first baptist church, lumberton nc...offering plate or fax or e-mail nominations...
TRANSCRIPT
August 27, 2015 Volume LII, No. 8
Preparing for Sunday. . .
“A Heart Matter” Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Jesus may surprise our sensibilities about
common hygiene in this Sunday’s text as
he debates a group of Pharisees about
washing hands before eating. The
Pharisees ask Jesus why he allows some
of his disciples to eat without washing but
their question was not actually about food
safety. It was about keeping a Jewish
tradition. Jesus sees through the charade
and redirects the conversation to what’s
most important. He says that a person is
not defiled by what or how they eat. It’s
from within, Jesus says, from the human
heart that evil intentions come.
Throughout Jesus’ teaching he explains
that living well in the eyes of God is first
of all A Heart Matter. We must keep the
laws of our faith, but unless the heart is
being shaped by God we will miss the
mark.
SEPTEMBER 13TH 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
FBC Parking Lot
Games for all ages, Dunking
Booth, Bounce House, and a
Corn-hole tournament.
Corn-hole teams please
sign up at the Senior
Adult Bulletin Board.
I began a six week study entitled Understanding Islam
this past Wednesday night and I hope you will join in.
This study was requested by one of our church
members who was concerned by what we hear and read
in the news these days in regard to Muslims and Islam. Stories of
Islamic extremism and terrorism are indeed worthy of our concern
and attention, but there are other reasons why we need to know the
Muslims. First, they are our neighbors. Our church is located less
than a half mile from an Islamic center and it is quite likely that the
people who pray and worship at the Lumberton Islamic Center live
in your neighborhood. Islam originated in the Middle East, but it
has spread worldwide and is the fastest growing religion in the
world today. A second reason for the study is that what I will call
a “clash of evangelism.” Muslims believe Islam is the one true
religion and that everyone should adhere to its teachings. As
Christians, we believe Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life
and that he lived, died and rose for us all. Muslims and Christians,
therefore, have the same goal of evangelizing the world with their
message. This brings me to a third reason for the study. A great
benefit of studying other religions is that it prompts us to examine
what we believe and why. As we learn the story of Islam we will
make comparisons to our Christian faith and this, I assure you, will
strengthen our love for and commitment to Christ.
As I stated above, I started the study this past Wednesday. I gave
an introduction in which I elaborated on the reasons for the study
and I offered a few basic definitions. I also gave everyone a “True/
False Pre-test” on the history and growth of Islam. I’ll be glad to
share my notes with anyone who’d like a copy. Here’s a schedule
for the weeks ahead…
September 2 – Muhammad and Leadership
September 9 – The Qu’ran and Teachings
September 16 – Diversity within Islam (Sunni and Shi’a)
September 23 – Peace and Jihad
September 30 – Christian Response and Dialogue
Let me close with a disclaimer. I am in no way an authority on
Islam. To be perfectly honest, this is the first time I have studied
Islamic thought and practice. As we finished the study last night,
several folks shared their experiences with Muslims with me and I
realized that some of you know much more about this than I do. I
will be studying along the way and I hope you will offer your
thoughts and questions as we try to understand Islam.
Grace and Peace,
David
A friend in ministry recently asked me the question,
“what’s your favorite time of year?” I instantly answered,
“Fall, because of the cooler weather and energy of the new school year.” It may still be hot outside, but in regards to
church activities, fall has arrived! All schools have started for the year, and regular Wednesday night activities
resumed this week. In many ways, this time of year feels like a reunion, as families who have traveled various places
over the summer come back together and settle into a familiar routine with school and church activities. I’ve had
numerous parents tell me that their kids have been excitedly asking, “Do we get to go to church tonight?” and finally,
the answer is “Yes!”
That’s a great question: do we GET to go to church? Not “have to” or “need to,” but “get to!” It communicates an
enthusiasm for coming to spend time with the church community and learn about God. And if you’ve ever spent time
in either Music Munchkins or Wednesday Night Live on a Wednesday night, you know that our kids are never lacking
enthusiasm! Taking a break over the summer is helpful to accommodate travel schedules and allow for volunteer rest,
but it also helps make the fall return even sweeter when activities begin again and friends are reunited.
So, yes, regular children’s activities are back, and we’re looking forward to a great year. I hope we GET to see you on
an upcoming Sunday or Wednesday!
Erin
Children’s Corner
In certain situations, tipping is required. When you go out
to eat for example, 15% for adequate service and 20% for
very good service is standard. As Dave Ramsey and many
others have pointed out, if you cannot afford to tip properly
you cannot afford to go out.
From speaking with friends (mostly Christian) who have waited
tables, Christians are notoriously poor tippers. If anyone deserves
our generosity, the working poor and single moms (such as many
waitresses) certainly rise to the top of the list. Jesus commands it.
Parking attendants, guides, taxi drivers, and pizza delivery workers
all rely heavily on tips as well. Each situation is different, so
occasionally there is a need to inquire if tipping is appropriate. So
this summer when I asked our rafting guide at Whitewater USA
about tipping protocol, I was saddened but not surprised when he
answered, “I’ve never had a church group offer to tip before.”
Sometimes we make Christianity more complicated than we should.
What is more important to God? That you have all the right answers
and interpretations of theological questions? Or that you loved your
Lord with all your strength and loved your neighbor as yourself?
Ask yourself how you are treating your neighbor. Do you tip
properly or maybe even go the extra mile? Do you pick up your trash
and perhaps even trash left by others? These may seem like little
things but they reveal the heart. Who are you sharing your time and
money with? If your church, your children, and the poor aren’t high
on that list you may want to reexamine your life. Then, go and live
the life you were called to lead.
Doug
Senior Adult Covered Dish Luncheon
Thursday, September 24th @ Noon
Cherry Fellowship Hall
David Ramsaur, Speaker
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
Please remember Operation Christmas
Child and prayerfully consider donating
school supplies and other items. Your
donations make a huge difference!
Our shoebox packing days this year
are September 26th and October 17th.
For the Record
Budgeted 2015 ......................... $775,000.00
Needed per week ...................... $14,903.85
Received 8/23/15 ........................ $15,057.00
Yearly need to date ................. $456,730.77
Received to date ...................... $456,605.60
Over (Under) Budget............... ($50,125.17)
Sunday School Attendance—270
September 26, 2015
Project sign-ups will be starting soon.
Watch First Baptist News
for more information!
Fun & Fellowship meets in the Activity Building at 11:00 a.m. on the 2nd Thursday each month
beginning September 10, 2015. Our program for September will be presented by Rev. Tim Little and lunch will be served. Please bring school supplies.
Deacon Nominations Please fill out the name(s) of your choices for Deacon below and return to the church no later than August 31, 2015. You may nominate as many as you would like and turn in as many nominations as you would like during the month of August. (There is no need to nominate the same person more than once.) In accordance with our bylaws, those eligible must be at least 21 years of age and resident members of First Baptist Church for at least one year.
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Listed below are the names of persons elected in
2010-2014 as Deacons of this church. Do not nominate any of these persons. They are ineligible for re-election at this time.
Nominees will be reviewed for eligibility according to the bylaws of First Baptist Church. Eligible nominees will be contacted by the elections committee to assure their willingness to serve if elected. Deacon Election will take place the 1st Sunday of October 2015. You may place your nominations in the offering plate or fax or e-mail nominations during the week to the church office at (910) 739-7858 or [email protected].
Sam Britt, II (2018)
Barbara Andrews (2014)
Joe Butler (2014)
Danny Cook (2015)
Jim Driscoll (2015)
Michele Fanning (2017)
Dan Floyd (2018)
Tommy Forrest (2016)
Jeff Frederick (2015)
Melinda Frederick (2018)
Phyllis Gibson (2016)
Kim Gore (2018)
Eric Harper (2017)
Bruce Huggins (2015)
James Johnson (2017)
Charles Kinlaw (2014)
George Lawson (2015)
Jerry Long (2014)
Malcolm McLean (2017)
Regg McIntyre (2016)
David Ramsaur (2015)
Kenneth Rust (2016)
Randy Rust (2014)
Johnny Smith (2016)
Jeremy Strickland (2018)
Johnny Strickland (2017)
Theresa Thomas (2017)
Ralph Ussery (2014)
Billy Wilson (2018)
Baptist Women’s Luncheon
Monday, September 14
11:45 a.m.
FBC Activity Building
Kenneth Rust will make a
presentation on an Archaeological
Dig in Israel.
Please bring money to support the
Backpack Kids Ministry.
First Baptist Church of Lumberton, NC
P O Box 938
Lumberton, NC 28359 - 0938
(910) 739-4336
The FIRST BAPTIST NEWS (USPS 192-260)
published monthly by First Baptist Church,
602 N. Walnut Street, Lumberton, NC 28358
Periodical Postage Paid at Lumberton, NC
Family Night Supper Menus
September 2015
September 2—Red Ticket: Stew Beef, Rice & Gravy,
Sweet Peas, Biscuits, Salad, Chocolate Cake or
Sugar-free Apple Pie
Blue Ticket: Pizza, Chips, Fruit
September 9— Red Ticket: Barbecue, Slaw, French
Fries, Baked Beans, Salad, Cheesecake or Sugar
Free Peach Pie
Blue Ticket: Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Fruit
September 16— Spaghetti, String Beans, Texas Toast,
Salad, Apple Tarts w/Ice Cream, or Sugar-Free
Banana Cream Pie
September 23—Red Ticket: Barbecue Chicken,
Baked Beans, String Beans, Rolls, Salad, Sugar-free
Cheesecake
Blue Ticket: Pizza, Chips, Fruit
September 30—Hamburgers, French Fries, Baked
Beans, Salad, Sugar-free Fruit Pies, Ice Cream
CHURCH STAFF
Contact us at 739Contact us at 739Contact us at 739---4336 or [email protected] 4336 or [email protected] 4336 or [email protected] www.fbclumbertonnc.orgwww.fbclumbertonnc.orgwww.fbclumbertonnc.org
Mrs. Nancy Bass Mrs. Nancy Bass Mrs. Nancy Bass ———Financial Coordinator Financial Coordinator Financial Coordinator
Rev. Erin CollierRev. Erin CollierRev. Erin Collier———Minister to ChildrenMinister to ChildrenMinister to Children
Dr. David ElksDr. David ElksDr. David Elks———PastorPastorPastor
Mrs. Daphne Fletcher Mrs. Daphne Fletcher Mrs. Daphne Fletcher ——— Church SecretaryChurch SecretaryChurch Secretary
Ms. Dorothy HuntMs. Dorothy HuntMs. Dorothy Hunt———Building SuperintendentBuilding SuperintendentBuilding Superintendent
Rev. Tim LittleRev. Tim LittleRev. Tim Little———Minister of MusicMinister of MusicMinister of Music
Mrs. Kandace RamseyMrs. Kandace RamseyMrs. Kandace Ramsey———ReceptionistReceptionistReceptionist
Rev. Doug ReedyRev. Doug ReedyRev. Doug Reedy———Minister of YouthMinister of YouthMinister of Youth
Memorial Gifts—July 26—August 16
The Endowment Trust
In memory of LeRoy Townsend given by:
Robert Mason
Margaret & David Townsend
Mr. & Mrs. Frank E. Driscoll
Donald Harley
Todd & Charlotte Robbins
The General Fund Memorial
In memory of Charles Owings given by:
Beverly Townsend
In memory of Magdalene Hardin given by:
Beverly Townsend
In memory of Franklin Ivey given by:
Tony & Becky Thompson
In memory of Esther Jackson given by:
The Ladies Fellowship Class
The Friends of Jesus Class
In memory of Nigel Powers given by:
Beverly Townsend
In memory of Franklin Ivey given by:
Shirley Johnson
Save the Date!
First Baptist Church First Baptist Church
160th Anniversary 160th Anniversary
Celebration & HomecomingCelebration & Homecoming October 11, 2015 Our former pastor, Dr. Kevin Head, will be our guest preacher.