Praise You In This Storm. In Any Season, I Will Praise You!

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1 The Trumpet Volume 52 Issue 3 March 2014 Praise You In This Storm Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2-4 Mark Your Calendar In Any Season, I Will Praise You! Come join our Easter Choir! In preparing for this article I kept asking God, what should I write about, that I have experience in, that may touch those that read this article? Practice Wednesday s 6:30 pm Praise Band Practice Thursday s 7pm Stations of The Cross Good Friday 6pm The Choir will be presenting: The Story Musical Easter Sunday 10:30 am By Sallyann Brittain As many times before, when I call upon the Lord, a song keeps playing in my mind. It is, I will Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns. Many of you may be going through storms in your life, and all of us know someone who is. What do we do when we are in it? What do we do when we see someone else in a storm? Let me share the words of the song with you: Continued page 6 Lesson of the Seed 2 The Most High Does Not Live in Houses Made by Men... 3 Pre School News 4 Women s Ministry 5 Praise You in this Storm 6 Our Heartbeat Calendar 7 8

2 Page 2 Lesson of the Seed We ve all noticed the unorthodox early budding of plants and blooming of flowering trees. This phenomena has nothing directly to do with the warm temperatures of the air, but instead the indirect warming of the soil. When the soil temperature reaches 50 o Fahrenheit, it triggers a magical response in plants and trees that it s time to sprout, bud, and blossom. Farmers are well aware of this. Those that plant in the early spring are already preparing fields and sowing seeds. As I was contemplating this, a parable Jesus told came to mind. It s recorded in Matthew 13 and appropriately called the parable of the sower. A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop a hundred, sixty or thirty Vs 3-9 times what was sown. The seed, of course, is the word of God the message of salvation, and the different places where the seed fell are different types of people who hear the word and how they respond. The seed that fell on the path never took root. The path represents those who may hear the gospel but are not interested. Rocky places describes thin soil atop hard rock. Here the seed sprouted but could not get enough root to grow. It describes those who get excited about the gospel, but their faith dies out under the first sign of trouble or hardship. The thorns represent those who hear and accept the gospel, but are more concerned about the issues of life, so things like career, etc., overcome the things of God. The good soil represents those who hear, understand and apply the word of God to their lives. They are the growing, producing believers. I want us to think about the sower a moment. Did you notice that he does not concern himself with where the seed falls? He simply sows. He realizes that he is not the cause of growth. That is God s realm. His role is simply to sow. The sower also understands the importance of numbers. He doesn t sow a little, he sows a lot. How does this apply to you and me? We have been commissioned by Jesus to be sowers of the gospel. We are to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28). We are anointed by His Spirit to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). That being said, our responsibility is to sow and sow a lot, not worrying about the soil of the heart on which our gospel seed falls. Now let me give you an illustration of how impacting this can be for us and our church using just the six Sunday morning adult Bible classes. Using very conservative numbers, here s what it would look like... Roena s class with 5 consistently attending Scott s class with 15 consistently attending Tenille s class with 5 consistently attending Connie s class with 12 consistently attending Ivory s class with 5 consistently attending Terri s class with 10 consistently attending If each member of each class invited only 3 people each week, the results would be... Roena s class 15 a week invited Scott s class 45 a week invited Tenille s class 15 a week invited Connie s class 36 a week invited Ivory s class 15 a week invited Terri s class 30 a week invited Total invited each week: 156 If only one in ten responded and came to church, the numbers (rounded down) would look like this... Roena s class 1 coming each week Scott s class 4 coming each week Tenille s class 1 coming each week Connie s class 3 coming each week Ivory s class 1 coming each week Terri s class 3 coming each week Total coming each week: 13 If those numbers were consistent throughout the year, we would have 676 people coming after 52 weeks. If only half of those stayed, we would have grown by 338. If we had only 10% stay, we will have grown by 67. Can you see the significance of each of us getting past ourselves and simply sowing? Simply inviting as many as we can every day? Let me give you a challenge. Each day you go out from home put a special coin or token or marble or something in your pocket. Once you invite someone to church, move it to your other pocket. And here s the catch don t go home until you have moved it from one pocket to the other. One more thing. In the same way plants and trees respond to the growing temperature of the soil, when you invite, people will respond to your passion. Be excited about our church. Be excited about our Have you ever recommended a movie or a restaurant? God is far better. Try recommending Him. Try recommending meeting Him at our church. Blessings, Bill

3 Page 3 the Most High does not live in houses made by men Acts 7:48 When you need God, where do you expect to find Him? In the house of someone special down the street? At the church on the corner? In your Bible study on Wednesday evening? In the sanctuary as you attend church on Sunday morning? Where exactly do you expect Him to be? Based on the scripture above regarding God being spirit (John 4:24) and the fact that we are one with Him if we ve called upon Him for salvation, we can safely conclude that God s spirit lives within us. He hears our prayers and He never leaves us. Unlike humanity, God does not live in a dwelling, He is Spirit (John 4:24). Therefore, there is no place or building that could ever contain Him. Additionally, there s nothing the Lord doesn t see because He keeps watch over all events within the world. He s everywhere (Proverbs 15:3). So back to the question: When you need God, where do you expect to find Him? If you haven t accepted Jesus as your Savior, He s not far away. He s waiting to hear your request, asking for forgiveness, expressing a need for salvation (Acts 2:21). He requires you to stick with the decision you ve made to follow Jesus throughout the remainder of your life (Matthew 24:13). He wants you to believe that His Son, Jesus, died for you, paying the eternal consequences for your sin (Romans 5:11). He wants you to acknowledge your need for something greater than what the world has to offer, eternal life (Romans 6:23). Those who haven t called upon Him to be saved are living a life filled with unforgiven sin. That unforgiven sin equates a barrier being erected that keeps their voices and prayers from God s ears (Isaiah 59:2). So when you need God, where do you expect to find Him? First you must ask yourself if you ve humbled yourself to the point of admitting your need for a Savior. If the answer is yes, and you ve called upon the name of the Lord (accepted Jesus) then God is as close as your next breath. 1 Corinthians 6:17 says But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. WOW! What a gift. It s almost indescribable. In fact, it IS indescribable (2 Corinthians 9:15). The blessing of God s presence in our lives as believers is beyond description. The fact that His spirit could be anywhere and is not bound by space, but chooses to live within our hearts is amazing. Oh no, wait a minute. You might be thinking, if He sees everything that happens, both good and bad (Proverbs 15:3), and His eyes are looking all over the earth looking for those who REALLY are committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9), I could be in trouble with little areas that I haven t really committed or turned over to Him. I thank God for the way He works in our lives, bringing things to mind that need attention. We need to re-examine our lives on a daily basis because God always has room to refine our lives just a little further. The Holy Spirit and the gospel are powerful and convicting (1 Timothy 1:5). If we try to ignore the sensitivity and forward focus of God s spirit, we will end up as dull as an old kitchen knife. Our hearts will be callus and the outcome will be an unhappy, stagnant, pseudo Christian who s always wondering why it doesn t work for me. God wants to live inside a vibrant vivacious pulsating person who responds to the presence of His guiding spirit each and every day. Someone who s fully committed to Him. Is that you? Blessings, Scott

4 Page 4 Here Comes Spring! We hope this newsletter finds you all in good health as there has been a wave of colds and flu going around the community. Make sure and send your children to school in warm clothes and a spare set to change into if needed. A good night's sleep and nutritious meals will go a long way toward keeping your little ones in good health. Look out for rashes, possibly chicken pox which was seen at a neighboring church... Thankfully we have not had any cases. We are doing our part and we need your help. We are cleaning after all services and taking extra measures so our kids and teachers stay well, but we ask you to please be extra cautious! If your child does not look well, do not bring him or her to church. Wash your child s hands and faces frequently (yours too), especially after going to the store, restaurants, etc. We want to protect our children and prevent the spread of any disease. Please remember that if your teacher thinks your child is not completely well, she will refuse to accept him/her into the classroom. We miss your little ones when they are not in the class, but staying healthy is important. Next month our preschoolers will participate in the Palm Sunday Church service on April 13th. Children will need to be in the classroom no later than 10:15 to prepare for the service. If you arrive after this time please take your child with you to service. On Easter Sunday the children will attend service with their families. There will be no extended care on Easter Sunday. Once again this year we will be having Good Friday Service on Friday April 18th. This is a time to reflect and prepare your heart for the joyous celebration of Jesus resurrection from the grave. I am looking for 2 adult volunteers to help with child care for the evening. if you can help, please contact me (Kim Stinson) at or kim@elcaminobaptist.org. Thank you. Blessings, Miss Kim

5 Page 5 Women s Ministry SATURDAY March 8th 11:00 3:00 FELLOWSHIP HALL Ladies, you don t want to miss this time to share, nibble some good refreshments, and supply our kitchen with much needed items. We will have fun with some shower games, then off to the kitchen to replace the items you loving donated. If you need a wish list contact Theresa Wright (916)

6 Page 6 This song is so moving. It intensifies meaning to me when I am going through something that seems a little more than I feel capable of having control over. I have included lists of scripture to go to in times of need or stress. These specific scriptures have really helped me bring my focus to the Lord, during my times of need, instead of myself. I pray that His word will help you praise Him in your storm. Sallyann Brittain Minister of Music Praise You In the Storm Casting Crowns I was sure by now God you would have reached down And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day But once again, I say Amen, and it s still raining As the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain I m with you And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Isaiah 40: 30,31 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Philippians 4:6,7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 5: 6,7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Psalm 103: 1-5 Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle s. Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Matthew 11: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Psalm 9: 9,10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 16: 8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 46: 1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and mountains quake and with their surging. Chorus: I ll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am Every tear I ve cried You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry You raised me up again My strength is almost gone How can I carry on If I can t find You As the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain I m with you And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away Bridge I lift my eyes unto the hills Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord The Maker of Heaven and Earth Psalm 36: 3-6 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Proverbs 3:5,6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

7 Church Life Our Heartbeat Page 7 Paul s Testimony of Thanks Philippians 4: 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. Click That was Easy! Secure Online Donation Worship Attendance 15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. 18 At the moment I have all I need and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. $9,000 $8,000 $7,000 $6,000 $5,000 $4,000 $3,000 $2,000 1,000 February Tithes Week $25, $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 Week Avg Feb Average Attendance YTD 159 Bible Study Attendance Week Avg Feb Average Attendance YTD 90 Prayer Service Week Avg Feb Average Attendance YTD 13 Income & Expense... $3, Monthly Goal Missions YTD Cooperative Program 1, Sacramento Bapt Region Network 1, California Family Council World Hunger Heart of Ukraine 0 California Missions 0 Lottie Moon 0 Tithe Income Expenses Over/Under Expense Budget Over/ Under Budget January 19, , , , , February 18, , , , , YTD 38, , , , , Annie Armstrong 0 Disaster Relief 0 ECBC Missions Total Mission Gifts 3,428.94

8 Website La Roca Ministries "Serving Jesus Christ in Tijuana Mexico" El Camino Baptist Church s Mission s Team is planning a Mission Trip this summer to Tijuana Mexico to partner with La Roca Ministries El Camino Ave Sacramento CA We have an for Sunday scheduled Worship 10:30 am for anyone who may be interested in going. Join us in the Senior Center right after church. Church Calendar About La Roca Ministries... 4:00 pm Family Movie Night Fellowship Hall :30 am Purity Ceremony & Joint Service with Mission Hispana :00 am Kitchen Shower Fellowship Hall :00 pm La Roca Mission Trip Info Meeting - Suite C 3-9 2:00 pm All Bible Fellowship Group Teacher s Meeting Suite C :00 pm Arden-Arcade Community Prayer Service Worship Center 3-1 La Roca Ministries reaches out to touch people s lives that are devastated by poverty, neglect and despair. These people find themselves enslaved to drugs and alcohol and living in the streets of Tijuana, Mexico. Our desire is to mirror Christ s compassion and concern to these people. It has been said, give a person a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a life. We believed in teaching people how to fish. We want to see lives transformed and we believe that comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our program seeks to help rebuild lives by making disciples; raising up men, women and teens as future leaders and missionaries, and sending them forth to advance the Kingdom of God on earth. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. You are making a difference today and for eternity! For More Information Visit our website at