The Messenger July 2017

Transcription

1 The Messenger July 2017 Cumberland Plateau Baptist Association The Cumberland Plateau Baptist Association is a network of Churches committed to evangelizing, teaching and ministering to our World. A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, Come, for all things are now ready. But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it, I ask you to have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them, I ask you to have me excused. Still another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind. And the servant said, Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room. Then the master said to the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper. John 17:20-21 Recently on Dr. Thom Rainer s blog I read an article entitled, Twenty Relics of Church Past. Dr. Rainer asked a survey of churches the following question: What did you have or do in your church ten years ago that you don t have or do today? Number ten was weekly visitation in homes. He added that uninvited guests are no longer as welcome in homes as they once were. Several leaders even indicated that the home visitation program did more harm than good. I found this to be an interesting answer in the article, especially since I am a member of a church that has weekly visitation for 24 weeks a year. We have about teams of three that will visit those who have had a contact with our church or the teams will survey an assigned street. I will have to admit that I would prefer to make the visits to people who have had a contact with our church. Just a few weeks ago I received a text from my pastor as I was leaving Sunday School to go and visit one of my association s churches. His text simply read, The two we re baptizing this morning were lead to Christ by your team. I quickly turned around and headed straight for the worship center. I wasn t about to miss the joy of two new believers making their public statement of faith through baptism. What a blessing! I stood in the back of the sanctuary with tears of joy as I recalled the visit that lead to these two individuals praying to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. A few months prior, our church had many boxes of food left over from a Second Harvest food distribution. So, for visitation we would be delivering food boxes to families that have children riding on our church vans. Our team was assigned three different houses.

2 The Messenger Our team pulled up to the second house and it was clear that we would have many obstacles to overcome. There was a fence around the entire property. Then, right at the entrance gate was a huge beware of the dog sign. Not just a simple sign. This sign had the picture of a mean junk yard dog viciously growling, clearly indicating to me that we were not welcome. Do not to enter this property! So, I tried to get the resident s attention by blowing the car horn a few times. Of course there was no response. One of my learners, who only six months ago became a Christian himself, boldly stepped through the fence gate. My first thought, You re not supposed to do that, you ll get us all shot! At the same time I asked myself, Where is your boldness in Christ? Page 2 Anyway, a young lady came to the door and welcomed us as we shared the boxes of food with her family. Before we could even get the food unloaded my young learner leapt right into the Gospel presentation. Again I thought, not by the book but you ve already gone there. As we took the food into the house, I noticed the young lady paying close attention. When the learner asked if she understood and would like to receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior, her two children walked up. So, she asked them if they would like to pray too. It was at this moment that the learner turned to me. I went back through the Gospel so that everyone understood. Right then and there on their front porch, the six of us bowed our heads and the three that we were visiting prayed believing in Christ and receiving him as Savior and Lord. Now, several months later I am watching the results of that visit as brother and sister are being baptized. Rejoicing along with me in the congregation that morning are the children workers that have had these two in their classes, the van drivers that have faithfully picked them up, and my visitation team members. At last month s meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, the president of the convention, Steve Gaines, appointed a task force to study how Southern Baptists can be more effective in personal evangelism. I m praying for this task force and what they discover. I hope that it will lead many in our convention to pursue personal evangelism. In the meantime, I will continue to put into practice what I learned during my latest semester of visitation. Excuses will always prevent us from Christ s mandate that we share the Gospel. Don t let threatening signs keep you from being bold for Christ. And open the gates that stand in the way of a Gospel conversation. Now, go share Christ! Kirk The next 6 photos: Members of our Disaster Relief Chain Saw Crew recently helped a local resident in Tansi with a downed tree. One of the recent storms had blown this oak over into a neighbor s yard. Leaning against several other trees made this a dangerous situation. Thank God for His protection and the ability that he has given our crew members to do these jobs. Thanks to all of those volunteers who helped.

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4 The Messenger Page 4 Storms hit the Harriman area in early June causing many trees to be downed. Several of our Disaster Relief chain saw team members responded by helping with the cleanup efforts. Thank you for all your help.

5 he Messenger Page 5 Pastoral Counseling Center of the Cumberland Plateau Submitted by: Carolyn Scott, Pastoral Counselor LEARNING TO BE A CHILD OF GOD CONFIDENTLY One of the hardest lessons we learn is that we fight to let go of anger, guilt, shame, regrets, hatred, and so much more, and we fight to hold onto the truths and values we choose to believe. Here are just a few: BEING AT PEACE WITH GOD and yourself, even when everything around us is in turmoil! (John 16:33, Colossians 3:15, Galatians 5:22) ACCEPTING WE ARE LOVED BY THE ONE, TRUE, HOLY, AND JEHOVAH GOD! (Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 136:26, Zephaniah 3:17, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Romans 5:2-5, Galatians 2:20) ACCEPTING GOD FORGAVE OUR SINS when we repented and they are as thou they never happened. How can I not forgive myself if God has already forgiven me? If I choose to hate myself and not forgive, even though God has forgiven me, wouldn't I then in essence try and make myself a God above the one true Holy God? Yes, indeed! So, it's time to give it up and repent before God for putting myself on a pedestal exalting myself above God. (1 John 1:9, James 5:16, Psalm 103:12) BY ACCEPTING I AM A REDEEMED CHILD OF GOD, I can learn to walk confidently knowing that I am secure in Jesus Christ and will spend eternity with Him! (Galatians 3:26, John 1:12-13) BY ACCEPTING MY PAST DOES NOT DEFINE MY FUTURE!!!! I am no longer what I use to be!!!! I can choose to change my thoughts, my actions, my words, my behaviors, improve and expand my education, dream new dreams, and set new goals! Thanks be to God! (1 Corinthians 6:11, Galatians 5:1) BY CHOOSING TO FORGIVE OTHERS not because they deserve my forgiveness, but because God forgave me and He wants me to have peace. As I forgive others I am learning to walk by Faith in following the command of God to forgive so that my sins are forgiven. Forgiveness allows God to heal me and to restore my joy. I do not grieve the Holy Spirit. I am trusting God to do with the situation what I cannot. (Matthew 6:14-15, Luke 17:3-4, Ephesians 4:31-32, Acts 3:19, Mark 11:25) I CAN DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING I SET MY MIND AND HEART TO THROUGH JE- SUS CHRIST! As long as God has approved it for my good, and it is within His perfect will for my life, it will succeed! I am an unstoppable, mighty woman/man of God because I am forgiven! I am His chosen generation! I have His favor! I am His child! I belong to God! He is with me! He is in me! He is for me! Unstoppable! (Philippians 4:13, Psalm 118:6, Romans 8:31, Psalm 56:9) It s time to STOP LIVING BY OUR EMOTIONS! When we feel an emotion, go to the Word of God and see if it confirms our emotion. If we want to perform an action, go to the Word of God and see if it clearly agrees with our actions. And when we feel like saying something, go to the Word of God and see what the Word of God says about our speech! (John 14:23-24, Colossians 3:12-13)

6 The Messenger Page 6 Lastly to remember, It s not about me!!! Jesus always put others before himself. Learning to serve others and to love others is most crucial in any relationship. We should ask ourselves, How will this thought become an action or word and how will that action or word affect the other? Will it lift up or destroy? Take time to think before you act. (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31, Matthew 22:39-40, Leviticus 19:18, Isaiah 1:17-18, Jeremiah 7:5-6, Ezekiel 18, Amos 5:14-15, Micah 6:8, Zechariah 7:7-10, Zechariah 8, Malachi 3:5, Mark 12:29-34, Romans 13:8-10, Galatians 5:13-14, 1 Timothy 1:5, James 2:10-13) It is important to stay in the WORD OF GOD so that before conversations or situations begin, we can choose how we will respond. Learning to walk by Faith often is more than just trusting God, but also recognizing we must learn to control our emotions in Faith. When we learn to stand confidently on the promises of God through His Word, and evaluate everything we think, feel, and do, according to the righteous Word of God, then we become more like Jesus and less like self! If you need help, call today ( ) and make an appointment. We are here to help you get past your past, evaluate your present, and live out your future in Faith and confidence in the work of the Holy Spirit. May God bless you! Can you pledge $10 a month to help the counseling ministry? How much do you spend on coffee, chocolate, cokes, chips, and worse things? Why not give to something that will help another person? Please call the office and become a COMPASSION SPONSOR by pledging $10 a month. We see many who are indigent and our financial needs continue to exist. We have to pay water, electric, printed materials, etc. Please consider donating to The Pastoral Counseling Center of the Cumberland Plateau (PCCCP). The PCCCP is a nonprofit, 501C3 organization and all donations are eligible for tax deduction. Please make checks to Cumberland Plateau Baptist Association and note on your check, Counseling Donation. Thank you so much. Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brother, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40 The Pastoral Counseling Ministry and Heart of the Cumberland are partnering to bring a GRIEF AND LOSS RECOV- ERY program to Cumberland County. The program is free of charge, but we need facilitators and a location to host the event. Classes last about one hour (daycare may need to be considered). If you are interested in hosting this event, please contact Carolyn Scott at

7 he Messenger Page 7 $ YOLANDA HEUSER JULY 2017 MISSION EMPHASIS MEETINGS-2107 JULY LANTANA ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH 3270 Lantana Road Crossville NOVEMBER FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH FAIRFIELD GLADE 130 Towne Centre Way, Fairfield Glade ALL MEETINGS 6:00 PM & are 60-65/EAT LAST MINUTES THEN WE EAT! EVERYONE IS INVITED: It s time for the Hawaiian Luau! Yes it is Summer Mission Emphasis Meeting time. Our theme is A Celebration of babies, Gifts from God. Our verses will be Psalm 127:3-5 and our project is Christian movies and books for both children and adults to be given out at the Baby Comfort Station Brother Mark Underwood has told me the pig is ready to roast. He will be going to Florida to get the banana leaves to wrap it in, then he and his brother will dip a hole and stay up all night keeping watch over it-(at Lantana Road Baptist Church), and it will be ready to served following our meeting. Brother Kirk has told me that he and Tina are ready to make us a smoothie, so all we need now is for you to grab your Hawaiian attire and let s have a luau and celebrate the gift of babies. THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: A special gift bag for ALL the WMU Directors that attend Our speaker is Greg McCoy-President of Tennessee Baptist Children s Homes Missionary Spotlight: retired Missionary Phyllis Franks-Brazil, Spotlight: retired Missionaries Jack & Verdia Henderson-Honduras MEN Preview of items for baby Comfort Station WOMEN Mission Project: bring your Christian books, movies, CD for both children and adults CHILDREN WMU DATES: JULY Italy Prayerwalking Team Familyfest, Lebanon KY 23 National Serving Your Community Day (Love Loud) 40 Challenge: gift for the person that brings the most 40 and under newbie to our meeting Door prizes THE CHURCH WITH THE HIGHEST ATTENDANCE AWARD IS BACK-WILL YOUR HOME CHURCH BE THE WINNER FOR THIS MISSION EMPHASIS MEETING? EVERYONE IS WELCOME! MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN ARE WELCOME-NO MATTER IF YOU HAVE AN ACTIVE WMU. PLEASE JOIN US!

8 MISSION EMPHASIS MEETINGS 2018 March 8 th July 12 th November 15 th Which date will your church be hosting? The North Central Region Associational training event registration site is ready for you to register and make your plans to attend the START A FIRE Church Mission & Ministry Event. I am so excited about this event. There will be 14 conferences to choose from, a missionary round table to speak freely and ask all the questions you always wanted to know about the life, the call, the situations they faced, the food, safety, the people just anything you have always wanted to know-these questions and answers will be just some of the highlights to be discussed in the round table sessions. It is Saturday August 19 th, 2017 from 9:00-12:30 Caney Fork Baptist Church 2396 Hwy 70E, Cookeville Tennessee. An event for those seeking to START, REKINDLE or SPREAD a FIRE in either themselves the church or both for missions and ministry. START A FIRE will provide you with IDEAS, RESOURCES AND TRAINING IN Discipleship: Personal Bible Study Discipleship: Personal Prayer Life Discipleship: Missional Life Style Discipleship: Partnering with local and worldwide Ministries Discipleship: Leading children and youth to engage in God s work Discipleship: Involving adults to participate in the work of God Visiting with Missionaries SO MUCH MORE! Pre-Registration started June 15 th and incudes entry into a drawing for a SUPER Gift Basket Filled with goodies! In addition those that pre-register will get a full schedule prior to the event by . Go to Eventbrite at: ?aff=es2 to register or simply search Eventbrite, click on Cookeville, search Start A Fire. If you pre-register you will automatically be registered for a chance to win the SUPER GIFT BASKET, sure to help START A FIRE with items such as a Bible, an Unspoken CD featuring our theme Start a Fire, a beautifully hand decorated note set, a Thirty-One Let s go places lunch carrier, a devotional, a gift card, just to name a few of the items in this basket, this is as the saying goes just the tip of the iceberg! This event is sponsored by the North Central Regional Associations- North Central is comprised of 7 Associations- with Cumberland Plateau being one of them. You do not want miss this opportunity; it will be worth your time to attend. Each attendee will receive a bag at registration with free items and coupons as well as coupons for free items. Our Fall November Mission Emphasis Meeting is NOVEMBER 9 th at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH-FAIRFIELD 6:00 pm. Our theme will be THE HARVEST and our scripture verse will be Matthew 9:37, and our project will be boxes of cereal, cans of soup or jars of peanut butter. Bring in one, several or several of all three to be given to the backpack programs in the Cumberland County Schools, in order to feed a child or children in the homes that otherwise go ALL WEEKEND without

9 food. It is heart wrenching to realize that a child will go from their lunch at school on Friday until breakfast on Monday at school WITHOUT food. Yes, it is happening in our county. No child should go hungry -the reason does not matter- no child should go without food, especially when there is a WMU lady around. Everyone knows that the WMU is known for their willingness to help. We will continue our normal door prizes and we will have a prize for the 40 CHALLENGE. What is the 40 CHAL- LENGE? I am offering a gift for the person that brings the most under age 40 to our meetings, that have never attended one of the WMU Mission Emphasis meetings, this can be men, women or children. July 13 6:00 PM for a 60/65 minute meeting and a PIG ROAST at Lantana Road Baptist Church, grab your Hawaiian shirt and let s celebrate Babies, a gift from God. Our guest speaker will be Greg McCoy, President/Treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Children s homes. Don t forget to bring your Christian books and movies for the Baby Comfort Station and be ready to sign up for your shift to work the booth at the Cumberland County Fair. You will be blessed, I am every time! Start praying and see if your church can host one of the meetings in March 8 th July 12 th November 15th MISSION POSSIBLE: RE- BUILD GATLINBURG There is much more work to be done in our efforts to rebuild homes in Sevier County, TN after the devastating fires in Gatlinburg last November. Would you like to help in this rebuild effort? We need skilled workers, helpers, and cooks. If you are interested in any of the following weeks let me know: August 14 18, or September

10 The Messenger Page 10 Southwest Baptist and Lantana Road Working Together For Community Block Party

11 he Messenger Page 11 CYCTNCrossville@gmail.com Snapchat: CYCTN Instagram: crossville_cyc2017 Facebook: CYCTN YouTube: Cumberland Youth Conference CYCTN Cumberland Youth Conference 2017 July 15-6 PM Ages Oaklawn Baptist Church Gym 3977 Highway 70 E Crossville, TN 38555

12 Cumberland Plateau Baptist Association 291 Sparta Hwy. P. O. Box 2508 Crossville, TN Phone: Fax: Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Crossville, TN Permit No. 3 Return Service Requested Associational Directory Office Hours Mon.-Thurs. 8:30a.m. 2:30p.m. cpba4ma@gmail.com Web: Kirk Casey, Associational Missionary cpbadom@gmail.com Cell: Alta Wagner, Ministry Assistant Office: Fax: *********************** Carolyn Scott, Pastoral Counselor, PCCCP Counseling Phone: cpbacounseling3@gmail.com July 3 July 4 July 10 July 10 July13 July 17 July 17 July 24 July 31 July Dates to Remember Pastor s Conference Canceled Independence Day Office Closed Pastor s Conference Leadership Team Meeting 1:00 PM WMU Mission Emphasis Meeting Lantana Road Baptist Church Pastor s Conference 10:00 AM Executive Counsel Meeting 6:00 PM Pastor s Conference 10:00 AM Pastor s Conference 10:00 AM