The Spiral - Keeping the people informed THE PASTOR S DESK P I T T S B O R O B A P T I S T C H U R C H. January Volume 64, Issue 1.

Transcription

1 P I T T S B O R O B A P T I S T C H U R C H THE PASTOR S DESK Volume 64, Issue 1 January 2019 Dear family, The Spiral - Keeping the people informed A few days ago a Christian lady who is active in her church asked me to pray for her mother. Her mother s physical health is fine. She is concerned about her mother s spiritual health. Her mom says that she is a Christian but does not show signs of spiritual maturity. In fact, she believes that faith is a private matter that should not be discussed publicly with others. This notion that faith is private and not to be shared is the exact opposite of what is found in Scripture. Jesus calls all who believe in Him to be followers of Him, not simply acknowledgers of Him. To follow Him means that we become His disciple. Disciple means learner. But it also carries with it the idea of emulating the one we learn from. That is why followers of Jesus in the first century were given the title, Christian. The word Christian literally means little Christs. It was originally meant to be derogatory, but Jesus followers saw it as a badge of honor, that people noticed that they were publicly doing what Jesus did by spreading the gospel. Real disciples are public about their faith. Real disciples desire to make more disciples. That is the reason for our sermon series entitled Disciples Make Disciples this January March. This series will be connected to a workbook we will be using in Life groups. I know that I m asking you to do more than usual with this workbook but you will quickly see the benefits in your walk with Christ if you participate. The goal in this is not changing what we do at PBC. We are not going to be rolling out new programs or changing the way we do things. The goal is to change our mindset, so that when we think about church, our initial thought is not a building, a place, or program. The goal is that when we think about church our first thought will be that we are a group of disciples of Jesus who come together to assist one another in making more disciples. (continued on next page)

2 Page 2 If we are truly disciples of Jesus, then what we do when we gather together on Salisbury Street is a small part of a life of devotion to Christ. So, the goal of this series is recognizing and acting on the fact that PBC is a group of disciples who make more disciples. The way we do this is by individually and collectively: Sharing the gospel message Connecting people to Christ and the church Ministering to their spiritual needs Discipling them to be disciple makers. I pray that you will fully participate with us over the next three months on Sunday mornings, as well as in a life group. If you are not in a life group yet, you can sign up on Sunday morning or by contacting Paul LoRusso. In His Service, Pastor Tripp Wednesday January 9, :30 pm In the Fellowship Hall

3 Page 3 Coastal Women s Retreat # 1 Our theme for this retreat comes from Ephesians 3:12, In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Guest Speaker, Holly H. Myers will join us with a wealth of life experiences and Biblical teaching geared especially for women of all ages and walks of life. Together we will dig into scripture and unravel what it means to be set free in Christ in our day-to-day journeys. Returning to lead worship in song is Christian recording artist, Cindy Johnson, who has pleased audiences at Caswell as well as at many other venues across the country In addition, you can expect Coastal Women s Retreat staples like our delicious meals and meaningful break-out group sessions, to round out the unique spiritual weekend experience. Total cost is $170.00, a deposit of $80.00 is due by January 15th, please make check out to PBC. For questions contact Amy Harmon or ugetscan1@aol.com

4 Page 4 LIFE GROUP NEWS Are you in a LIFE group? Yes your group will be starting a new study on January 6 th! No you can join a discipleship group that will begin the week of January 6 th! Why should I join a discipleship group? Pastor Tripp s sermons on Sunday will be based on the information from the new study Real Life Discipleship Training Manual. You realize you need to know more about making disciples (don t we all?) You might decide to turn your discipleship group into a LIFE group. What is our goal? Become a church of believers dedicated to seeing the world saved. Become a disciple who makes disciples. How can I join? Sign up at the back table Call the office Contact Paul LoRusso, paul@jilcpa.com Julie LoRusso, julie@jilcpa.com

5 I Will Page 5 The members of PBC s Fellowship Sunday School Class were particularly convicted by the November 25 Masterwork lesson entitled, I Will Avoid the Traps of Churchianity. The day five section called, I Will Make a Difference, challenged us to take 1 Corinthians 12 seriously and be a vital part of the body of Christ. We agreed that everyone at Pittsboro Baptist Church could benefit from reading the I Will Challenge. I will have the attitude of Christ and put other church member before my wants and desires. I will gladly participate in corporate worship with my fellow church members as long as I am physically able. I will get involved in a group or a class so that I might grow spiritually together with others, and so that I might be accountable to them. I will go and share the gospel with others in words and deeds, and not be ashamed of my Savior. I will give abundantly and joyfully, recognizing that God is the owner of all things I currently steward. I will participate in the life of my church because God leads me to do so, not because I feel compelled to please people and over-commit. I will focus on what Christ has done for me, and not in the flaws of my church, its leaders, or its members. And I will pray that God will use me as an instrument to revive His church, for His name, and for His glory.

6 Page 6 Have You Signed Up for Realm? For several years, church-wide s have been sent using an application called Mailchimp, which was administered by the Publicity Committee. To continue to receive s from Pittsboro Baptist Church, you will need to sign in to Realm, which is administered by church staff. In order to receive s, you will need to be signed up, which is an easy process. If you are a PBC member or attend regularly, it is likely your address is already in the Realm database. Please sign up so that you will be in the know about Pittsboro Baptist Church and its ministries. 1. Go to the Pittsboro Baptist Church website In the menu items listed across the top of the page CLICK PBConnect. 3. The SIGN-IN page appears with two boxes: and PASSWORD. If you are a PBC member or attend regularly, it is likely your address is already in the Realm database, so please enter it, even if you do not recall signing up in the past. If you correctly remembered and entered your and password, you are in Realm. If you don t remember your password or have not sign up previously, click on the Register Now. Once registered and able to get on Realm, next, go to your name in the right -hand corner and in the drop down tab pick Notification Settings. That is where you control the amount of you will receive. Realm does recommend that you select New content only and below please turn on the Daily Digest so you will be alerted of new happenings at the church. If you have any questions or are in need of help please contact our Ministry Assistant Pam Romel at or at pbccontactus@gmail.com.

7 Page 7 The Story Behind the Song: All Hail the Power of Jesus Name Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. 1 Peter 3:22 In the November 1799, issue of The Gospel Magazine, edited by Augustus Toplady, there appeared an anonymous hymn entitled On the Resurrection, The Lord is King : All hail the power of Jesus Name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all. The author, it was later revealed, was Rev. Edward Perronet. Edward s Protestant grandparents had fled Catholic France, going first to Switzerland, then to England. Edward s father had become a vicar in the Anglican Church, and Edward followed in his footsteps. For several years, he became closely allied with the Wesleys, traveling with them and sometimes caught up in their adventures. In John Wesley s journal, we find this entry: Edward Perronet was thrown down and rolled in mud and mire. Stones were hurled and windows broken. In time, however, Edward broke with the Wesleys over various Methodist policies, and John Wesley excluded his hymns from Methodist hymnals. Edward went off to pastor a small independent church in Canterbury, where he died on January 22, His last words were: Glory to God in the height of His divinity! Glory to God in the depth of His humanity! Glory to God in His all-sufficiency! Into His hands I commend my spirit. Edward Perronet s hymn, All Hail the Power, has earned him an indelible place in the history of church music. It also has a place in missionary history, being greatly used in evangelistic endeavors. Rev. E.P. Scott, for example, missionary to India, wrote of trying to reach a savage tribe in the Indian subcontinent. Ignoring the pleadings of his friends, he set off into the dangerous territory. Several days later, he met a large party of warriors who surrounded him, their spears pointed at his heart. Expecting to die at any moment, Scott took out his violin, breathed a prayer, closed his eyes, and began singing, All Hail the Power of Jesus Name! When he reached the words, Let every kindred, every tribe, he opened his eyes. There stood the warriors, some in tears, every spear lowered. Scott spent the next two years evangelizing the tribe. (copied from Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan)

8 Page 8 1 Danny Braswell 4 Charles Hinton Kevin & Jeanne Mitchell 7 Owen Crutchfield 9 Lyla Dibb 11 Vicky Oldham 15 Shon Johnson 16 Christian Batcheller 17 Katherine Parker 18 Patsy Johnson 19 Charlie Brooks Richard Brigman Jenice Walton Adam Melton Jaxson Mueller 20 John & Connie Goin 22 Lance & Carole Sanders Aaron Kivette 24 Michael Daniel 30 Stuart Lasater

9 Page 9 PLEASE SAVE FOR VBS NEXT SUMMER 1) Multi colored PLASTIC water/ drink bottle TOPS. Any size. 2) colored flip top TOPS (tops from lotions, bath wash, laundry detergent) 3) toothpaste or ointment plastic TOPS... any color Collection box will be located in the fellowship hall

10 Page 10 Ushers Ken Haynes, Jimmy Davis Jimmy Griffin & Percy Crutchfield Greeters Jay & Judy Beaver January 6 - January 13 January 20 January 27 NURSERY Laura Stutzman & Melissa Harshman Aaron Kivette & Kelly Kivette Darren Powers & Owen Powers Tara Smith & Jeremy Smith Kelly Fowler & Carolyn Johnson Ken Haynes & Erica Melton Amy Harmon & Karlie Wiggins Karl Shaffer & Kimberly Houston January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27 CHILDREN S CHURCH Chad Lambert & Jill Lambert Jenice Walton & Jennifer Cashion Jo Lynn Perry & Carole Sanders Christian Batcheller & Ashley Batcheller

11 Page 11 It is a tradition to make New Year s Resolutions, where we commit to doing something that is usually for selfimprovement. Somewhere around the end of February, many of us have given up, then resolve to never make New Year s Resolutions again. Maybe we sometimes fail because we just don t see a clear path on how to make the changes. Pittsboro Baptist Church Library s January book selections offer guidance on how to make potentially life-changing transformations. Resolve to check one of the books out next Sunday. I Really Want to Change So, Help Me God by James MacDonald Are you truly serious about allowing the power of God to transform your life? If you are, then prepare yourself for an incredible, life-changing experience. Change is difficult, but it's made even harder without practical guidance on how to do it. You will find that guidance in Lord, Change Me. James MacDonald is serious about the business of change according to God's Word. While many tell us that we should change and be more like Christ, MacDonald actually teaches us how to do it. Lord, Change Me is split into three sections as the model for approaching change: The Preparation for Change: choosing the right method and partnering with God to select the areas in need of change in your life. The Process of Change: exploring the biblical method of saying 'no' to sinful patterns and 'yes' to the things God desires for you. The Power to Change: explaining ho to experience the power of God personally and continuously. This is a book about a different you. There are no warm fuzzies within these pages. Rather, MacDonald is a direct, to-thepoint pastor with a heart for seeing lives completely transformed by the truth of the Gospel. If you're serious about changing your life, this book is just what you need. Repurposed Faith-Breathing New Life into Your Quiet Time by Rosie Williams Whatever happened to the days when you couldn't wait to sit down and read your Bible? When prayer flowed easily and powerfully? When you felt engaged and active in your spiritual life? Now, like so many Christians, your zeal may have faded without explanation, and you're left watching from the sidelines as others thrive in their personal walk with Christ. What happened? (continued on next page)

12 Page 12 Life has a way of shaking us up, cluttering our priorities, and shifting our focus. When this occurs, our walk with the Lord is often disrupted. One morning, you wake up and realize there are only embers where once a spiritual fire roared. If you ve found yourself in this place, don't be discouraged! Repurposed Faith is designed to refresh and redirect your priorities back to Christ and His Word. Through intentionally-written illustrations and reallife stories, you will be prompted to search your heart for the roadblocks that have come between you and meaningful time with the Lord. From there, you will be guided back to a place where you connect and glorify God. Why continue in apathy, deprived of the intimacy and boundless joy of reconnecting with God on a daily basis? Take this moment to repurpose yourself and your faith. Embracing Your Second Calling- A Woman's Guide to the Second Half of Life. by Dale Bourke Do you ever wonder if the best of life is in the past? Are you longing for more passion and purpose in the second half of your life? Take a deep breath and prepare for a great adventure as Dale Hanson Bourke resoundingly affirms that midlife is a time for reflection but also a time for action. In Embracing Your Second Calling, she challenges women to respond to God's call specifically for this season of life and offers practical ideas for finding new meaning. Bourke's vulnerability and story-driven approach offers essential principles and specific suggestions as well as interactive elements including: Questions for reflection and going deeper Ideas on how to become more involved Prayers for wisdom and commitment Action steps for moving forward For women searching for God's purpose and passion in middle age and beyond this book offers an inspirational road map to meaning and adventure. Please note: each review was copied from amazon.com. January 2019 Library Schedule 9-9:30a.m :30a.m. January 6, 2019 Judy Beaver Barbara Jones January 13, 2019 Cindy Springle Susie Griffin January 20, 2019 January 27, 2019 Kathy Shaffer Kathy Shaffer Roderick Parker Roderick Parker

13 Page 13 A Prayer for New Beginnings In his book Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth (Fortress Press), Walter Brueggemann writes in an Epiphany poem:.this is a time to be born. So we turn to you, God of our life God of all our years, God of our beginning We dare pray that you will do for us And among us and through us What is needful for our newness. Give us the power to be receptive, To take the newness you give There is a time to be born, and it is now. We sense the pangs and groans of your newness. Come here now in the name of Jesus. Amen How fitting that the Epiphany season and the new year coincide! Epiphany reveals a new King, the beginning of his ministry, his new disciples, his first healings, his new teaching with authority (Mark 1:27). We, too, experience newness, now and year-round. But newness can be tough. So we trust that God, who (makes) all things new while banishing mourning and crying and pain (Revelation 21:4-5), walks with us in this new year and always.

14 January 2019 Lord, Whether we re leaving behind a year of joy and blessing or trials and difficulties, we pause to give thanks. We thank you that You are always with us Every single day of every single year. Please remind us of Your presence in the year ahead, Even when life is busy. We are so thankful that we serve a God who makes Things new and gives us the grace of fresh starts and new beginnings. Be glorified in our lives this year. In Jesus name, Amen. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday New Year s Day 10:00am Prayer Quilters 3:00pm Praise Team Epiphany 5:00pm Kidz of Faith 5:00pm 1 Way Choir 6:00pm JD s 6:00pm Youth Dinner :00am Staff Mtg 7:00pm Deacon Mtg 10:00am Prayer Quilters 6:30pm Church Conference Baptism of the Lord 5:00pm Kidz of Faith 6:00pm JD s 6:00pm Youth 10:00am Staff Mtg 7:00pm Property Mgmt 10:00am Prayer Quilters 3:00pm Praise Team :00pm Kidz of Faith 5:00pm 1 Way Choir 6:00pm JD s 6:00pm Youth Martin Luther King Jr. Day 10:00am Staff Mtg 11:30am Lunch Break Missions 10:00am Prayer Quilters 5:00pm Kidz of Faith 6:00pm JD s 6:00pm Youth :00am Staff Mtg 10:00am Prayer Quilters