Family Recap for June 8, 2009

Our Meditation verse for this week is the second verse in the first Characteristic (Love) for growing in Christlikeness: 1 John 3:18 (NIV) “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

When you came in on Sunday you were met with a surprise. The front of the sanctuary was transformed into a cabin in the Bayou country. I think it appropriate to extend a word of thanks especially to two folks (Mike N and Heather H) who did the work to make this setting one in which the kids will feel the full impact VBS. Naturally there are a host of others who work hard to ensure this is a week that will make a difference for eternity, to you and for you I praise God.

A couple of those willing servants are our special guests for the week. Dwayne and Rhonda Emberson, missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators are joining us and lending a great hand. Dwayne spoke Sunday morning and shared with us the incredible vision God has laid before Wycliffe to see that every language group on the planet has the Word of God in their language by 2045. That is a huge undertaking especially when you consider many of those languages are not even in written form. But with God nothing is impossible.

I remember years ago a person came up to me after a missionary, who worked as an accountant in Korea, had spoken in the church I was pasturing and said “I didn’t know that accountants could be missionaries.” To this person a missionary was the person who peddled a bike in the back country with a knapsack filled with Bibles. For sure there are those faithful servants still on the field, but who is it that translates that Bible, who is it that prints and distributes it? Bottom line is that there is room in carrying out the Great Commission for all of us. Dwayne mentioned on Sunday that there are 100 teachers needed every year to teach in missionary schools all around the world so that the missionary can stay on the field.

A second thought that came to me, I shared on Sunday after Dwayne was this – Matt 24:14 says “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to All nations, and then the end will come.” We are rapidly approaching the return of Jesus Christ and the paramount question is “Are you ready?” Is everyone in your home and family ready? Because as the game I used to play as a child would say “Ready or not here I come.” This September I have decided to take us on a journey into the fascinating book of Revelation. I hope you will join us.

Something to chew on

New Feature – Over these next few issues of the “Recap” I want to lay some foundation on one of the two ordinances we practice as a church – that of Baptism. In this segment I want to address the Motive for being baptized and then in subsequent issues we’ll look at the Method in being baptized followed by the Meaning of Baptism. Our reason for being baptised comes from three factors: First is obedience. The Great Commission of Matt 28 commands we be baptized. Truth is - you cannot grow in your Christian life if you are unwilling to be obedient. Second is the area of love for Jesus Christ. John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commandments.” As any parent knows, obedienced and love go together. The third reason for being baptized is that of personal joy. Look up Acts 8:35-39 and read of the joy experienced by one who was baptised. Questions? Give me a call!

What’s goin’ On?

New – Blood Mobile - The Blood Mobile will be here next Monday afternoon from 3-7 pm. Here’s the chance to give the gift of life. Call Tania McVean at 721-4028 to make an appointment.

Update – Vacation Bible School –If you didn’t know by now that VBS is going on this week, then I have failed as your Pastor – we are indeed in the midst of it – Pray for those leading that they may present the love of Jesus Christ clearly, especially on Wednesday night. Pray for stamina for the week for both leader and child as VBS demands a lot of energy. Pray for the hearts of each child that the seed of the message would find fertile ground and bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.

Revised – Mid-week study Wednesday – 6:30 pm - We are looking at this second major command Christ gave the church – the great commission. How did Jesus train his followers to take on such a task? We cannot claim to be followers of Jesus Christ if we are not involved in making disciples. Need help in understanding how Jesus did it? Then come and join us for a look at “Jesus Christ – Disciplemaker.”

Repeat – Father’s Day – “Called to Hunt” - Come dressed as you would to go hunting (if you’re a hunter) – come with an appetite of a hunter – come to learn how to hunt (especially with a bow) – Kids will be going on a big game safari This is a service for the in your life!

New – Baptism Planned - A brunch is planned for a round-table discussion on Sat, June 20^th, 10 am to be held at the home of Diane Holmes. Reservations are needed.

Repeat – Book Discussion of “Deadline” - A brunch is planned for a round-table discussion on Sat, June 20^th, 10 am to be held at the home of Diane Holmes. Reservations are needed.

Repeat – Photo Album - We are in the process of putting together a photo album of the church family so don’t be surprised if you are tapped on the shoulder by either Ron or John and asked if they can take your picture.

Revised – Ladies Summer Mini Seminar - The first of two Ladies mini retreats is Beth Moore’s “Measureless Love” and will be held on Sat June 27^th here at the chapel beginning at 10 am. RSVP by called Anne 721-3359 or gajohns@fcchapel.net.