SANDSTSON BAPTIST CHURCH

Transcription

1 SANDSTSON BAPTIST CHURCH His Last Command, Our First Concern Matthew 28:18-20 Volume 44, Issue 2 In my role as consultant, strategist and coach for pastors and churches, I get reminded often how blessed I am and have been to serve at Sandston Baptist Church. While it goes without saying that we have had our share of struggles and have experienced growing pains over the years, we have not only survived but we have thrived! Quarterly Business Meeting February 6 at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary The By-Laws Revision Committee will have an update that night to share with you. They have also scheduled two information sessions for any questions regarding the proposed changes. These sessions are scheduled for February 13 and 27 at 6:30 pm in the Earl Gerheart SS classroom. February 2019 As I consider the alarming statistics on church mortality in the U.S., I am more than thankful we are standing strong. Church researchers suggest that 3,500-4,500 churches close their doors (or die) each year. If true, since 1991, when I became pastor, around 112,000 churches have died! There are many reasons for local churches ceasing to exist (demographics, resistance to change, doctrine, personality conflicts and many things that are simply unavoidable). I suspect that even in our technology driven age the reasons are relatively similar to years gone by. Here are some things that could kill our church or any church if left unchecked: One of the biggest killers of the local church is waning attendance. In an increasingly busy culture many people simply can t find the time to attend public/corporate worship. I wonder what our lives would be like if our Heavenly Father gave us as much time as we give Him? Have you ever been to church in a driving rainstorm? If the answer is no then you are not alone. We have become a culture of fair-weather Christians, only attending when everything is going just right. When the storms of life hit we get mad at God and the church. Homicide investigations often begin with those who have said negative things about the victim. When a church dies, you can be sure that there will be plenty of fault finders. They can spot a problem, but rarely solve a problem. Many take on a renters mentality and take no ownership in church; therefore, never take a leadership role. The flip side of this coin is those who get mad when they are not appointed to their favorite leadership position. The result of this is either a church full of followers that don t want to lead and is ready to die or a church full of those who struggle with pride and want to run everything. A sure sign of the church dying is one that has major meetings-after-the-meeting. In other words, there is no useful insight given at the real meeting but lots of meetings in the parking lot. Hold on to your gifts, both spiritual and material. The Body of Christ cannot function with health unless the members of the body do their part. The primary purpose of the church is to introduce people to Jesus. Everyone must take ownership of this fact. Jackie Adams Frances Brown Abigail Mitchell This year around 4,000 churches will close or die in America. I listed some of the reasons and there are more. May we covenant together to avoid being one of them. I m thankful that this is primarily information for Sandston Baptist Church and not symptoms! You are great! See you on Sunday, Karl For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

2 As I ve looked over the messages I have delivered on Sunday mornings, most of them urged us to be Jesus hands and feet in our community. How do we do that? Well, this column (my annual focus on our home town mission projects) lists opportunities we have to do just that; to be Jesus hands and feet right here. Here are some of them: Notes From Mark OPERATION INASMUCH: Operation Inasmuch (OIAM) lets folks in Sandston, Varina, Highland Springs and the rest of eastern Henrico County see Jesus. FALL FESTIVAL: We provide a family-friendly, safe place for families to trick or treat, play games and enjoy time with each other and with us. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: During a week in the summer, children of all ages learn about Jesus, see adults excited about Jesus, and see Him worshipped and praised. SHOW (Stop Hunger of Weekends): Children attending three area elementary schools are given food items they can eat on the weekends. OREGON HILL BAPTIST CENTER BREAKFASTS: Our Brotherhood prepares and serves breakfast once a quarter for the homeless who gather at the Oregon Hill Baptist Center. VISITS TO THE SITTER- BARFOOT FACILITY AT MCGUIRE VA HOSPITAL: Our men go to the Sitter-Barfoot facility quarterly to visit with the veterans and share coffee, donuts & fellowship. EASTERN HENRICO COUNTY FISH: Through financial contributions as well as contributions of food items, we help FISH assist people in our community facing various crisis situations. FISH also welcomes volunteers to assist with receiving telephone requests for assistance and to work in their food pantry & clothes closet. WMU PROJECTS: Our WMU engages in many local projects including assisting the Henrico Christmas Mother through the Mitten Tree, supporting the Hilliard House and so much more. PRISON MINISTRY AND TOOL BOX MINISTRY: Some of our men visit the Powhatan Correctional Center monthly. Others assist people in our community in need of handyman services. QUILTERS: A number of our women create quilts that local hospitals give to families of babies born prematurely. These women also make lap quilts for shut-ins and fleece throws for chemo patients. This list is incomplete, but it s clear from this list that we are involved in many local mission activities. Are there others we should be involved in as Sandston Baptist Church -- a family of believers -- that can make a positive impact in our neighborhoods; that can help people in our community; that can allow us to be the hands and feet of Jesus right here; that can serve as a strong and positive witness for the Good News of Jesus Christ? If you have ideas, please let our Mission Committee know. I urge you not to be timid about sharing your material wealth with others, about devoting your time helping others, about praying for others needs, about seeking out new and innovative ways to serve our community. We all need to step out in a big way and let others see Jesus in you, in me, in all of us!!! So, how will you be Jesus hands and feet this year? Under His Direction, Mark EASTERN HENRICO COUNTY FISH During the month of February, we will collect microwavable oatmeal and instant milk (in individual envelopes) for Eastern Henrico County FISH. MUSIC PROGRAM IN APRIL On Sunday afternoon, April 14, our adult choir will present a special program entitled Come to the Cross. Please put this program on your calendar and then join us in the sanctuary that afternoon.

3 SBC Children and Families February Newsletter From Jodi Bailey February Dinner Menus February 06 fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans February 13 Valentine Italian Buffet February 20 chicken potpie, fruit February 27 meatballs, roasted potatoes, vegetable Do you love this time of year? How about the snow and cold weather? Or what about the bare trees and lack of flowers? Ok, so I am stretching it a bit, but I enjoy the slower pace slowly watching daylight extend itself each day. I also get excited thinking about spring as it is approaching and the beauty and rest that God gives us, no matter where we are. Rest is pivotal to all of God s creations, including you, your family, and all of the outdoor creations. Be sure to honor His word and take the needed time to rest. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 We have some exciting events planned for children and families, so be sure to mark your calendars and invite friends and neighbors to join us. A marriage retreat has been scheduled for February 15 and 16, 2019! The sign-up sheet is in the hallway. Please be in prayer for this outreach ministry as we embark on God s word with many couples and families. F.U.N. Night - March 15th will be out next night where Families Unite as Neighbors. This will be an outreach project where we will go and serve dinner at The Doorways. There are many ways to help with this project and more details will be sent out by mid- March. check this OUT! ATTENTION QUILTERS AND CCW MEMBERS You have a new name! It s the Quilters and Crafters. Anyone may attend. Meetings will continue to be the 4th Thursday of the month starting at 10 am in the Bosher-Gray building. Bring a bag lunch or you can get lunch from one of the local restaurants. YOUTH NEWS From Justin Blunt We had a great January Youth Retreat at Camp Piankatank January 9 and 10! 30 Youth attended and we did some team building, climbed up into trees, had a nerf war, and learned, as it says in Ephesians 5:1-2, the importance and meaning of imitating God. As I write this article, we are preparing to have our annual Brunswick Stew. Thank you in advance for all who purchased stew and helped in making it on January 26th! The money we raise is a great help to our youth program to help fund some of our bigger activities like our retreats, D-Now and our mission trip in July. More information on our summer mission trip will be coming out soon. We will be going to Jones County, North Carolina with ImpactVA the week of July 14 through 20 (Sunday -Saturday). Our Disciple Now this year is the weekend of March 22-24! More details for this event will be in next months newsletter. Sign-up is available now. See Justin if you need help or info on where to sign-up. Also, if you want to help out in any way (like serving as a host home, helping volunteer for our Saturday mission project, helping with decorations, or food prep), please Justin at sbcyouth.info@gmail.com or jbluntsbc@gmail.com or check our youth Facebook page for the link to register. For all other events or updates look on our youth Facebook page (SBC Fusion) or our Twitter/Instagram

4 Brotherhood News WORKS OF LOVE Fortunately, men who follow Christ do not hibernate in winter. There is an abundance of evidence in SBC men that they do not hibernate year around. There are those who prepare hundreds of quarts of Brunswick stew providing funds for Youth events and ministries, those who teach or lead Bible studies, those who deliver weekend food packages for elementary school children, those who deliver SBC faithful contributions to FISH each month, those who perform house repairs for those in need or simply as acts of love, those who put up ramps for those in handicapped or medical needs, those who serve meals to veterans and homeless persons, those devoted to GA, RA, and other youth endeavors, and those who provide security, usher, greet members and guests, sing in the choir, and so much more. IS THERE MORE MEN CAN DO? The example that Christ demonstrated on Earth was a continuous endeavor to seek, save, and serve the needs of others. But how can we do it all? Men can participate in as many ministries as does not jeopardize responsibilities to family, their purposeful jobs, or even whole selves. They can say, like Isaiah, send me. They can spread the load to assure that collectively men can perform Christ-like ministries. Together as men we can seek others who know nothing of Jesus s promises. BROTHERHOOD MEETING AND UPCOMING MINISTRIES The next monthly meeting of the Brotherhood will be on February 14 th at the Pine Street Baptist Church following the completion of the morning Oregon Hill Homeless Breakfast (see below). As February 14 th is Valentine s Day, there should be no, or less, conflict for guys with wives or gals that day. This may be challenging for men having conflicts with jobs. If you can attend, Brotherhood meetings is where we seek ways we can seek, save, and serve those in need of Christ s love especially those who do not know Jesus. If you cannot attend the breakfast but you could attend the meeting, the meeting should start around 11:00 to 11:15 in a classroom near the kitchen at the historic Pine Street Baptist Church. OREGON HILL HOMELESS BREAKFAST Men can start Valentine s Day by joining others in preparing breakfast for upwards to 100+ homeless persons as part of an overall River City Faith Network (formerly RBA) ministry that seeks to meet those seeking employment with a mailing address, lockers for clean, neat clothes, clothing, personal hygiene items, medical needs, and counseling. SITTER & BARFOOT Join this quarterly ministry (in its 5 th year), blend in with veteran cooks and kitchen helpers and serve the food to appreciative persons (on cold winter day). Too many cooks? No, we can step aside to assist elsewhere in this ministry or let you see more of this comprehensive ministry. (And you could go look at the historic sanctuary a unique balcony seating (typical at one time in history), and you could venture a guess as to why there is one unique seat at the end of a pew toward the front. We meet in the Pickett Ave. parking lot at 8:15 a.m. Be there at least a few minutes earlier as the church bus taillights will be on the way to Pine Street Baptist Church at 8:30! You could drive there yourself, but why miss the church bus fellowship? Visit with veterans in VA Hospital nursing home will be in March at date to be determined. This is a repetitive and rewarding ministry over coffee & doughnuts. More details to be announced later. Questions: talk to Greg Martin, Mike Edwards or Bob Rainey.

5 Activities Calendar SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT EVERY SUNDAY 8:30 Contemporary Worship 9:30 Bible Study 1 2 8:00 Seaons Women s Conference with Sue Duffield 10:30 Traditional Worship 3 8:30 & 10:30 Jr. Church (grades 1/2/3) 5:30 Prison Ministry 4 2:00 Lowder Group 6:30 Men s Basketball 5 10:00 Lutie Suddith Group 2:00 VanLear Group 7:00 Williamson Group 6 5:30 Dinner 6:30 Activities for Preschool, Children, Youth Quarterly Business Meeting 7:30 Adult Choir 7 6:30 Singles Meeting 6:30 HIS Group Bible Study :15 RA and GA Meetings 11:30 OIAM Planning Meeting 11 6:30 Men s Basketball :30 Dinner 6:30 Activities for Preschool, Children, Youth and Adults By-Laws Info Session 7:30 Adult Choir 14 5:30 Brotherhood Meeting 6:30 HIS Group Bible Study 15 Marriage Retreat 16 Marriage Retreat 17 8:30 & 10:30 Jr. Church (grades 1/2/3) 18 6:30 Men s Basketball :30 Dinner 6:30 Activities for Preschool, Children, Youth and Adults 7:30 Adult Choir 21 10:30 Friendly Club Meeting 6:30 HIS Group Bible Study 7:00 Compassionate Friends Mtg :30 Men s Basketball :30 Dinner 6:30 Activities for Preschool, Children, Youth and Adults By-Laws Info Session 7:30 Adult Choir 28 10:00 Quilters and Crafters 6:30 HIS Group Bible Study

6 Birthday Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Jeff Dawes Mark Massey Matthew Watts 2 Nada Askew Ruth Ann Barden Hayden Loving 3 Kennedy Blunt Ronald Green Lindsay Payne Cheryl Slayton 4 Marie Byron Joan Linkous 5 Meloney Bandy Reba Gilliam Myra Westerman 6 Jimmy Vanscyoc 7 Hooper Loscomb Dwight Messer Allen Murphey Ami Mulligan Shirley Tate 8 Sylvia Davis Calyn Stanley Martha Walton 9 Ryleigh Donkle Lowell Marlowe Bill Osby Linda Shuck Fred Taylor Pam Wood 10 Lindsay Horne Kevin Madison 11 Tom Lobrano 12 Billy Fisher Masaki Nakagawa 13 Jack Maynard Alan Milby 14 Susan Blunt Kyle Gurney Cameron Watson 15 David Dryden Angela Larsen Linda Shobe 16 Victoria Stevens 17 Alyson Beacham Stephanie Campbell Jennifer Tomes 18 Edith Cannon Brian Dail Michael Johnson Howard Linkous 19 Vickie Blunt Angela Hale Jean Meredith Vickie Willis 20 Michael Bottari Frances Corker Emma Harlow Jason Madison Michael O Neil Rosie Palmer Gavin Stevens Michael Tanner 21 Brandon Bowe Joyce Eberly Karen Leyda Dawn McKay Rita Strath 22 Andrew Blunt Ronald Drudge Tracey Groome 23 Zoe Davies Keith Oliver 24 Kelly Harding 25 Sarah Gray Robert Starr 26 Morgan Jaquez 27 Margaret Goswick Amanda Talley Cynthia Tate Abigail Wallace 28 Rudy Adickes (29) Robert Brooks Brandon Chinault

7 Sunday School News Last month I shared some thoughts from Henrietta Mears book What the Bible is All About. This month I will share some interesting thoughts on the Gospels from that same book. Gospel means good news. The good news concerning Jesus, the Son of God, is recorded for us by four writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. So when we speak of the Gospel of Matthew, or any of the others, we must keep in mind that it means the good news of Christ as recorded by that writer. There is one gospel with four presentations, four pictures of one Christ. That might raise the question, Why four? Why not one straightforward narrative? FRIENDLY CLUB MEETING Thursday, Feb. 21 At 10:30 a.m. In the Bosher-Gray Building Amy Ladd will be here that morning to share some musical favorites with us. Bring a bag lunch with you. Perhaps the reason is that one perspective would not have given us a complete picture of the life of Christ. Each gospel portrays a different aspect of Jesus life and ministry and is aimed at a different audience. Matthew portrays Him as King and writes primarily to the Jews. Mark depicts Jesus as a Servant and writes to a Roman audience. Luke speaks of His humanity and presents Him as the Son of Man as he addresses the Greeks. John portrays Jesus as the Son of God with the purpose of leading to Christ all who will believe. All four gospels are bound to the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Can you connect these gospel portrayals to the words of the Old Testament prophets (Isa.52:13-53:12, Jer. 23:5, Zech. 9:9) or find Jesus in Genesis (Gen. 3:15 or 22:1-19) or Psalms (Ps.22:1-18 or Ps. 72)? I am sure that some of you are thinking, We already know this. But maybe there are a few who are yet unfamiliar with the wonders of this book we call the Bible, and will be inspired to look further. For those who already know, maybe it will inspire you to dig a little deeper. No greater tragedy can befall a man or a nation than that of paying lip service to a Bible left unread or to a way of life not followed. The Bible, the greatest document available for the human race, needs to be opened, read and believed. Billy Graham Blessed to Serve, Bonnie Abernathy FINANCIAL REPORT Offerings 01/06/19... $ 15, /13/19...$ /20/19... $ 14, /27/19... $ 10, Offerings (Jan)... $ 41, Offerings to Date... $ 41, Weekly Needs... $ 13, Needs to Date... $ 52, UNIFIED MISSION UPDATE Unified Missions (to date)... $ 10, Unified Missions Goal... $ 35, UM Weekly Needs... $ Needs to Date... $ 2, Operation Inasmuch will take place on Saturday, May 4. If you would like to help with the planning and preparations for OIAM, please attend an important planning meeting scheduled on Sunday, February 10 immediately following the 10:30 service. If you have questions, contact Melissa Oliver or Linda Shuck. Featured Ministry of the Month: PRC of Metro Richmond Their Mission Statement: "The Pregnancy Resource Center of Metro Richmond is committed to providing compassionate care to women and men unprepared for pregnancy by offering resources and practical assistance for life-affirming choices. We do not refer or provide for abortions. Ladies of the WMU support the PRC throughout the year by providing financial support and donations of items needed by new moms and dads as they begin their journey into parenthood. An annual Walk for Life is held every year in May to raise funding to continue and expand their work. In all the services we provide, living out the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ remains central to our mission. For more information about PRC and to learn how you can become involved, you can refer to their website at friendsofprcrichmond.org or reachout@prcrichmond.org. Please consider visiting one of our groups to learn about other opportunities to share the love of Christ in our community. Other ministries will be featured in upcoming newsletters. Stay tuned! Blessed to Serve, Jean Jones, WMU Director

8 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Operation Christmas Child: It s February already! The shoebox Item of the Month is Accessories Some suggestions are sunglasses, hair bows, scrunchies, hair barrettes, jewelry the possibilities are endless. We are still exploring the details of the church-wide Packing Party, but we appreciate all donations towards this project. We do not want to limit donations to the item of the month, so if you find a great bargain on other items that are appropriate for shoeboxes, we will gratefully accept these as well. For your convenience, there are three collection bins located throughout the building: first floor-back hallway and sanctuary foyer and on the second floor at the top of the stairs (near the elevator). Let us all continue to pray for the children who received our gifts that they are enjoying the items we gave, but more importantly, that they continue to be receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives. We encourage you to stay connected throughout the year by visiting the website samaritanspurse.org/occ and checking out inspiring and informative videos that will reaffirm why we continue to support this ministry. Your monetary and material donations are very much appreciated as we joyfully look forward to seeing how God will bless us this year in reaching our goal of 540 shoeboxes! If you do make a monetary donation, please be sure to indicate that in the memo detail of your check or your on-line giving. Good News, Great Joy!! Brenda Crain, Jean Jones, and Denise Harcum With biblical depth, gut-honest vulnerability, and refreshing wit, Lysa TerKeurst helps readers: Release the desire to fall apart by embracing God-honoring ways to process hurt. Learn ways to pray for the next ten days to steady your soul and restore your confidence. Overcome two core fears that feed our insecurities by understanding the secret of belonging. Stop feeling left out and start believing that "set apart" does not mean "set aside." BOOK REVIEW The next meeting of the Compassionate Friends will be on Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bosher-Gray building. The enemy wants us to feel rejected, le out, lonely, and less than. When we allow him to speak lies through our rejec on, he pickpockets our purpose. Cripples our courage. Dismantled our dreams. And blinds us to the beauty of Christ s powerful love. If you have questions, please contact Susan Goodin at His Last Command, Our First Concern