Our summer preaching series will be a topical study of majestic biblical truths called “Cedars of Lebanon.” The cedars of Lebanon were the most prized building material of the ancient world. These majestic evergreen trees grew up to 130 feet (40m) with trunks up to 8 feet in diameter (2.5m). The wood was prized for fragrance and durability. The resin content preserved the trees from rot and worms. Kings across the ancient Near East harvested these cedars to build palaces and temples. In 1 Kings 5-6, Solomon uses the cedars to build the Lord’s house in Jerusalem.

Just as the cedars of Lebanon support the structure of God’s dwelling place, the house of Christian faith is built upon strong, load-bearing truths. We will explore these enduring truths through a series of important questions. These questions have formed the major topics of Christian theology over the centuries. What is God like? What is humanity? What is sin? Who is Jesus Christ? What is the atonement? What is election? What are justification and adoption? What are

sanctification and perseverance? What is the church? What will happen when Christ returns? What is the final judgment? What are the new heavens and the new earth?

My prayer for this series is that we would be built more strongly together into a house of faith. Christianity should never be defined by social issues or personal preferences, but by faith in Christ and the great truths of God’s Word. These truths give structure to our lives, direction for our mission

in the world, and endurance for the task before us. May the hope of Psalm 92:12-13 be fulfilled among us this summer: “the righteous will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

EcclesiaCedars of Lebanon: Load-Bearing Truths to Build a House of Faith

Summer 2015

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY AND GOD’S WORK AT KENWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH

Summer Sermon Series

Psalm 92:12-15“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Beans and Rice Week Yields Joy and Donations Over the week of May 3–9, the Kenwood family minimized food expenses, eating Beans and Rice or what was already on hand. Individuals, couples, families, small groups and Sunday School Classes used this time to identify with those budgeting food expenses, and to increase their thankfulness of God’s many blessings. Beans and Rice Week served as a unique time of worship and raised over $6,500 in just one week to minister to food insecure people in Deer Park, through the NEEDS pantry, and Childhood Food Solutions which covers school lunches over the summer vacation. Shown at left is a Friday night pot luck featuring beans and rice, pantry foods and shared by a small group.

It’s been a privilege to lead a ministry to prisoners at Lebanon Correctional over the past nine years. We are affiliated with Prison Fellowship, an international ministry, which seeks to bring the reconciling gospel of Christ to prisoners and their families. We provide a weekly Bible study, fellowship and prayer for 10-20 inmates. Several Kenwood people have served on our team through teaching, sharing testimonies, leading small groups and writing letters. God has been incredibly faithful as we have seen him strengthen the faith of many prisoners and deepen their knowledge of the Word of God.

One such brother, Dale, exhibited great zeal for the Lord and hunger to understand and proclaim God’s Word. He left Lebanon five years ago for a lower security prison. But two years ago, God sent Dale back to Lebanon after a major moral fall and six months in solitary confinement. He was broken, grieved and confused because of his failure. We assured him that we loved him and that God had brought him back to Lebanon for a purpose. Over many months, we saw God graciously restore Dale and begin to impact other inmates for Christ through him. A few months ago, with a mixture of sadness and joy, we said “good-bye” to Dale a second time as men testified to how he had touched their lives. We praise

God as he continues to “bind up the broken hearted and set prisoners free” through Prison Fellowship Lebanon.

Our volunteers are men and women of various ages, ethnicity, life experience and church affiliation who serve prisoners at a weekly Bible study through teaching, leading small groups , welcoming, listening, counseling and praying. Occasionally we have a need for pen pals as well. After 16 years of ministering in prisons and almost 10 years at Lebanon Correctional, I believe more than ever that the gospel of Jesus Christ clearly proclaimed and lovingly displayed through caring relationships changes peoples lives no matter who they are or what they have done.

Kenwood’s Prison Ministry Restores the BrokenMember Bill Artzt Leads Small Group for Incarcerated

Prison Ministry Coordinator Bill Artzt

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with Prison Fellowship Lebanon Correctional please contact Bill Artzt 513-505-6043 or bilartzt@ hotmail.com.

Joe Rigney Event Overflows Chapel to Fill Fellowship Hall.It was exciting to see over 70 people participate in “The Things Of Earth” conference with Joe Rigney, Associate Professor of Theology and Worldview at Bethlehem College and Seminary. Joe taught Biblical truths of enjoying God’s creation here on earth while valuing God supremely. He challenged us to “value things according to their worth” and seek God in the midst his creation. In a spirit of thankfulness Joe shared a quote by G.K. Chesterton. “You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.” Joe lectured and preached over the weekend of April 17.

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” 1 Timothy 4:4

Thank you for the warm welcome you extended to me and my family. It was great to worship with you, and begin getting to know the church. We are looking forward to getting settled and truly becoming a part of the Kenwood family. The complete story of how God led us to Kenwood doesn’t fit in an article. In many ways, God began uprooting us from Boone, NC about two years ago. Boone is, and always will be, a special place to us. Carol and I met there, three of our five kids were born there, and we are leaving a host of friends and special places. While leaving will not be without tears, God’s work and leading have become clearer and clearer to us as we have continued to follow Him and put one foot in front of the other.

Joining in God’s work in Cincinnati is an exciting opportunity. I am honored to join you in loving and reaching the city, for the glory of God and the good of others. My life verse is John 3:30 “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” This is my goal in every area of my life, and it

will serve as my guide as I lead, serve, teach, and love all of you. Please pray for us in the weeks ahead. Pray that our house would sell quickly and profitably. Pray that we would turn to Christ for peace when things are stressful. Pray that we would keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and find ways to care for each other as a family in transition. May God bless and use Kenwood in the weeks to come! We will join you soon!

Grace and Peace,Pastor Scott

Kenwood Welcomes Associate Pastor Scott Burns

Ecclesia

A group of concerned members has endeavored to establish a ministry specifically for individuals with disabilities and special needs. The name One Flock, One Shepherd (drawn from John 10:14-16) has been chosen for the ministry name to emphasize the inclusiveness of the Kingdom of God. The purpose of this new initiative is to support the meaningful participation of individuals with disabilities and their families in the life of the church.

Approximately 20% of Americans have a disability. “Disability touches nearly every family in some way” says ministry coordinator David Fenton. “Family members are born with special needs, become disabled through health conditions or calamity and, let’s face it, aging

brings on a variety of disabling conditions”. Sadly, persons with disabilities disproportionately do not attend church. Barriers to participation include issues related to church architecture, attitudes, communication, programming and liturgy.

The goal of One Flock, One Shepherd is to facilitate access in all areas of our church for persons with disabilities. An intake process for persons with special needs is complete and volunteers are currently being solicited. You can participate in this exciting new ministry in a variety of ways. Please contact David Fenton or a member of the pastoral staff to get connected!

Associate Pastor Scott Burns and family. Carol, Caleb, Scott, Zach, Paige, McKenzie, and Lauren.

New Ministry for Special Needs: One Flock, One Shepherd

Pastor Scott will help shepherd and attend to spiritual development of his congregation through intentional discipleship, lead in the assimilation of new members, and develop small group ministry.

Kenwood member Connor Fenton may have special needs, but never misses fun and fellowship at Kenwood.

You’re InvitedJune 7 – August 30 Summer Sermon Series

Cedars of Lebanon: Load Bearing Truths

June 3 Final Wednesday Night Celebration Celebrate what God has done for us this spring through the Acts series and particularly through the Wednesday Night ministry. Dinner is at 6:00 pm at the Shelter House. We’ll have the grill fired up! Over dessert we’ll have a short time of shared testimonies followed by a bonfire.

June 22–26 Club Quest Soccer Camp 6:00 – 8:00 pm Kindergarten – 6th Grade. Sign up your children and invite other children in your neighborhood to join us for this, week-long, evening summer camp. $20 per child, T-shirt included!

June 22–26 Preschool VBS 6:00-8:00 pm Chapel. Sign-up your children and invite others in your neighborhood to join for this, week-long, evening summer camp “Jungle Safari.”

August 7–9 Deer Park Days in the Park We have been blessed to be a part of the Deer Park Days in the Park at Chamberlin Park since 2010. We pray that our church family will continue to build relationships with our neighbors in Deer Park by working in booths alongside them at the festival. Please pray about YOUR involvement in this festival, our closest mission trip!

August 22 SEEDS Family Worship SEEDS Family Worship is coming to Kenwood Baptist Church to help us celebrate the end of summer and kick-off the fall ministry year with an open house and SEEDS family worship event.

August 23 Hog Roast Music, games and lots of fellowship for you, your family, neighbors and friends–who can you invite?

8341 Kenwood Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236 513.791.0355 www.kenwoodbaptist.org

Ecclesia

For details go to www.kenwoodbaptist.org or call 513-791-0355.

Summer Soccer Camp and Vacation Bible School make a great summer!

Members, friends and the community are welcome to enroll elementary children in our popular “Club Quest” summer soccer clinic. Our beautiful back fields allow for all skill levels. And our “Jungle Safari” Vacation Bible School (VBS) is being offered for 3 years old to Kindergarten. Contact the church for more details.

Kindergarten through 6th graders are invited to participate in Club Quest Soccer Camp June 22-26.