The First Baptist Evangel

Transcription

1 The First Baptist Evangel November 4, 2018 First Baptist Church of West Point is seeking to be a caring community of faith under the leadership of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Celebrating the presence and love of God in Worship, Nourishing persons in faith and discipleship, and Reaching Out to the community with Christ s unconditional Love.

2 Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001, 2006 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Unless otherwise stated.) CCLI # Hearing assistance devices are available for your use. Ask for one at the sound booth.

3 Welcome We welcome you to worship at First Baptist this morning. Please help us be more faithful in our ministry to you, and get to know you better, by taking the time to put your name on the attendance pad found on your pew. Visitors, please feel free to leave as little or as much of the information requested on the pad. We promise to only contact you if you ask us to, and to only send information as you request. Members, if you have had a change to your mailing address, , or telephone number please let us know by supplying that information on the pad. Please Especially Note for Today The Christmas Ministry offering starts today. See page 12 for details. The November bulletin boards this month are interactive! We need everyone to cooperate. See page 11 for details. The Mission: Dignity offering was a great success. We exceeded our goal, collecting $1,475. Thank you for continuing to care for ministers and their widows. Handbells will practice this afternoon; Joyful Noise at 4:00 and Adults at 4:45. No handbell practice on November 11 th. WMU will meet at the church on Monday, November 5 th at 6:00 PM. We will be cooking for our shut-ins on Saturday, November 10 th. Our Meals on Wheels ministry continues. Volunteers are needed to pick up and deliver meals in December. PEW ministry & Nursery schedules are available in the KIDS Corner. Remember volunteers are now doing Nursery & PEW together. Join us for Family Night Wednesdays, at 6:00 PM. Reservations for dinner can be made via sign-up sheets located in the Vestibule and Adult Sunday School class, or by calling the church office. Hearing assistance devices are now available for your individual benefit. If you would like to try one speak with Robert or David at the sound booth.

4 Ministry Leaders Weekly Schedule of Activities Nursery/PEW Ministry Leaders Today: Jerri Bolton & Payem Next Sunday: Jeri Smith & Payem November 18: Jane Abercrombie & Payem Offertory Prayer Leader Today: Ann Kerr Next Sunday: Phoebe Graben November 18: George Hester Sunday, November 4 th 9:30 Worship 10:45 Sunday School 11:30 Choir practice 4:00 Joyful Noise 4:45 Adult Handbells Monday, November 5 th 11:00 Meals on Wheels (Janice Dallas) 6:00 WOM meets at the church Wednesday, November 7 th 10:00 Prayer time at the Scannells 11:00 Meals on Wheels (Ann Adams) 6:00 Family Night Supper Menu: Turkey & dressing 6:30 Team Kid Youth 4/12 Chuck Smith is responsible for the opening and closing of the church during the month of November followed by Joe Hill in December. Friday, November 9 th 11:00 Meals on Wheels (Jane Abercrombie) Sunday, November 11 th 9:30 Worship 10:45 Sunday School 11:30 Choir Practice 2

5 And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:4 5 3

6 Celebrating the Presence and Love of God in Worship November 4, :30 AM PRELUDE For your meditation: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. THE CHIMING OF THE HOUR PREPARING FOR WORSHIP RANDALL SMITH Philippians 1:21 HANDBELLS ENTERING INTO GOD S PRESENCE 4 CALL TO WORSHIP ANN KERR Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; there is no end to his greatness. One generation shall praise your works to another and shall declare your power. All your works praise you, Lord, and your faithful servants bless you. They make known the glory of your kingdom and speak of your power. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: Let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. based on Psalm 145:3-4, 10-11, 21 PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR BAPTISM God s Invitation and Promises And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:18 20 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12 13 The Response of Faith Minister: Having heard God s gracious promises to us in Christ, do you desire to be baptized? Candidates for baptism: I do.

7 Minister: Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of evil that rebel against God? Candidates: I renounce them! Minister: Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? Candidates: I renounce them! Minister: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his grace and love? Candidates: Yes! I trust in him as my Lord and Savior. Minister: Do you intend to be Christ s faithful disciple, trusting his promises, obeying his Word, honoring his church, and showing his love, as long as you live? Candidates: Yes, by God s grace. Minister: Do you believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth? Candidates: I do. Minister: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; Who on the third day rose again from the dead, ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty from whence he will come to judge the living and the dead? Candidates: I do. Minister: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting? Candidates: I do. Minister: Will you devote yourself to the church s teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers? Candidates: I will, with God s help. Congregation: And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of Jesus. HYMN OF PRAISE (#2) NICAEA Holy, Holy, Holy INVOCATION JOE DOWNS GREETING THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAINTS ANN ADAMS To those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their 5

8 Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:2 3 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us greet one another in the Lord. HOLY BAPTISM The Meaning of Baptism Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3 4 Prayer of Thanksgiving and Blessing The Administration of Baptism Leianne Cowart, Scott Frazer, Ansely McLain, Kaitlyn Smalley, Charles Smith, Owen Tucker Congregational Welcome Minister: You have been buried with Christ. Congregation: You have been raised to walk in newness of life. Minister: Brothers and sisters, we now receive into Christ s church. I charge you to nurture and love him/her, and to assist him/her to be Christ s faithful disciple. Congregation: With joy and thanksgiving, we now welcome you into Christ s church, for we are all one in Christ. We promise to love, encourage, and support you and to help you know and follow Christ. Intercessory Prayer SONG OF PRAISE PSALM NEWTON, TOMLIN & GIGLIO Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) Psalm 34:1 10, 22 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. JOE DOWNS 6

9 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 22 The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. HYMN #350 AURELIA The Church s One Foundation LAMENT AND THANKSGIVING Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 On this day we remember the members of our congregation who have gone ahead of us into the heavenly presence of the Lord: William Breedlove, Paul Fiquette, and Grace Scott Silent Prayer And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them! Revelation 14:13 Prayer of Thanksgiving O Lord our God, we thank you for William, Paul, and Grace and and how you blessed our lives and this church through them; for their love and devotion; for their faith and witness; for the gifts they shared and the time they committed. For your love and faithfulness we will at all times praise your name. 7

10 O Lord our God, we thank you for many people throughout the ages who have followed your way of life joyfully: for the many saints and martyrs, men and women, who have offered up their very lives so that your life abundant may become manifest and your kingdom may advance. For your love and faithfulness we will at all times praise your name. O Lord, we thank you for those who chose the way of your Son, our brother Jesus Christ. In the midst of trial, they held out hope; in the midst of hatred, they kindled love; in the midst of persecutions, they witnessed to your power; in the midst of despair, they clung to your promise. For your love and faithfulness we will at all times praise your name. O Lord, we thank you for the truth they learned and passed on to us: that it is by giving that we shall receive; it is by becoming weak that we shall be strong; it is by loving others that we shall be loved; it is by offering ourselves that the kingdom will unfold; it is by dying that we shall inherit life everlasting. Lord, give us courage to follow your way of life. For your love and faithfulness we will at all times praise your name. Amen. OFFERTORY HYMN (#355) SINE NOMINE For All the Saints OFFERTORY PRAYER OFFERTORY ANN KERR RANDALL SMITH OFFERTORY RESPONSE Doxology OLD 100 TH Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. (Children ages 3-5 may leave for PEW Ministry during this hymn.) 8

11 GOD S WORD PROCLAIMED PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION THE SCRIPTURE LESSON JOE DOWNS John 3: Now a discussion arose between some of John s disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him. 27 John answered, A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. SERMON The Joy of John the Baptist MEDITATION ON THE WORD PROCLAIMED AFFIRMATION OF FAITH LINDA COMBS & CONGREGATION I believe in God the Father Almighty Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. The Apostles Creed SONG OF RESPONSE In Christ Alone GETTY & TOWNEND 9

12 THE LORD S SUPPER WORDS OF INSTITUTION 1 Corinthians 11: For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & THE LORD S PRAYER Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. PREPARING THE BREAD AND THE CUP OBSERVANCE OF HOLY COMMUNION (We welcome all baptized Christians who have professed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and are members of congregations that proclaim the gospel to receive holy communion with us. If you are not able to receive communion, please use this time to pray and to consider the Lord s call to follow Him.) HYMN OF THANKSGIVING (#387, V.1) DENNIS Blest Be the Tie THE CHARGE Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15 17 BENEDICTION The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2Corinthians 13:14 POSTLUDE RANDALL SMITH 10

13 Nourishing Persons in Faith and Discipleship Caring for One Another As you intercede for others this week please lift up these particular concerns from here in our own congregation Mildred Shaver Margaret Breedlove Margaret Bartlett Mary Clark Richard & Pat Kemp George Hester Justin Graben Roger Hales Jackie Jones Vi Hudmon Howard & Suzanne Bryan Johnie & Debra Johnson Family of Beverly Boehm Chuck, Noelle & Elliott Peek Jana Lanham Callie Adams Donny Bolton Chuck & Jeri Smith Prayer for the Week MERCIFUL FATHER, You call us by name and promise to each of us Your unfailing love. Watch over Your children: Leianne Cowart, Scott Frazer, Ansely McLain, Kaitlyn Smalley, Charles Smith, and Owen Tucker. Deepen their understanding of the gospel. Strengthen their commitment to following Christ. Make the Risen Lord their abiding joy. Establish them in the faith and communion of Your church. Increase their love for You and for others. Keep them from temptation and the snares of the devil. Send them into the world in witness to Your grace and love, and bring them to the fullness of Your peace and glory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The month of November we are going to have interactive bulletin boards. A basket will be place near each of the bulletin boards in the Sunday School hallway and in the Café. Beside the baskets will be colored leaves and pens. Please write something that you are thankful for on a leaf and place it in the basket. Your Thank You leaves will appear on the boards for all of us to read and think about. You can add leaves each Sunday as we reflect on our blessings. Hopefully, by Thanksgiving, our bulletin boards will be running over with gratitude for all that God has blessed us with! We d like 100% participation. Youth and children s Sunday School classes could do this as a project in Sunday School! 11

14 Reaching Out with Christ s Unconditional Love The Christmas Ministry Fund Offering is an annual event at First Baptist Church. Each year we raise funds in hopes of helping to provide Christmas gifts to those in need. For many Christmases now we have been able to express the joy of Christ through gifts to the Georgia Baptist Children s Homes Meansville Campus and Good Shepherd Riding Academy as well as to some local families. The Georgia Baptist Children s Homes Meansville Campus not only provides a home to foster and orphaned children, but they also have a ministry helping women and their children who are without a home due to domestic violence. Our goal is set at $2,500 which is not a great amount when considering the number of children who are involved in these various ministries. So let s dig deep and give sacrificially in order to bless the lives of those in need this Christmas season. When donating please designate your contribution for the Christmas Ministry Fund on the memo line of your check or outside of an envelope. The deadline for donations. is November 25 th. 12

15 The Bulletin Board Fall Happenings: November 5th WOM meeting November 10th Cooking for Shut-ins November Birthdays 6 Mohammed Gardi 7 Michael Hill 11 Lea Suleman 23 Debra Downs 23 Jeri Smith 24 Richard Kemp 25 Linda Combs 27 Catherine Curry 30 Althea Head Sarah Auler will be our guest next Sunday, November 11th

16 Church Staff Dr. Thomas J. Tucker, Pastor Mrs. Patti Scalf, Church Secretary Mrs. Jane Abercrombie, Financial Secretary Mr. Randall Smith, Church Accompanist P.O. Box E 8 th Street West Point, GA 31833