JUNE 2017 VOLUME 21, ISSUE 6 The Rocky Hock Anchor The Mission of Rocky Hock Baptist Church is to magnify Christ and make disciples of all people. As I think of Father s Day, I am overwhelmed with emotions that range from gratitude to wonder. How is it that I could ever be a husband and dad that would make a difference in my wife s life, and in the life of my children? There are numerous scripture passages speaking to the characteristics God instills in a Christian man that enables him to be a godly husband and a father. I have chosen a few to outline these essential characteristics of being a husband/dad in view of the expectations of God, and the essential needs of our family/children. Scripture tells us a husband/dad... I. Is the primary teacher of his family/children (Proverbs 22:6) - It is not the responsibility of public schools or the government to teach our children. It is a father s God-given responsibility to teach his children about life in a way that equips them with a proper worldview (seeing the world through the eyes of God). II. Is to live a holy life (II Corinthians 3:2-3) - God says our life is a letter written by the Holy Spirit to be read by all daily, especially by our children. III. Should not provoke his children to bad behavior (Ephesians 6:4) - Proper teaching creates a proper attitude and a mature and genuine faith. IV. To provide for his family (I Timothy 5:8) - A dad is to provide for every area of life. A safe home, material needs, and a home where the Lordship of Jesus Christ is honored. V. Live a genuine faith (James 1:22) - It is vital to teach, but also monumentally important to be a doer of the Word of God so our children know what faithful obedience looks like. VI. Be compassionate (Psalm 103:13) - Compassion is essential for living a humble, Christ-like life that will put his family s needs before his own. VII. Love your wife and kids unconditionally (Luke 15:20-24) - Remember, we are not perfect. We sin and must repent and be forgiven by the Lord to heal. Likewise, our children will not be perfect, but if we genuinely love them, they ll know they can run to our open arms for help. VIII. Discipline our children (Proverbs 13:24) - Discipline is the way of success. At times, a firm hand is appropriate. However, true discipline is such that teaches children to discipline themselves. IX. Spend time with your wife and children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) - We are to be the head of our family as Christ is Lord/Head of our homes. We are to spend quality time at home. We are to spend time with our children to know them and understand them and their needs. We are to shield and equip them with the word of God. X. Pray for and with your wife and children daily (I Chronicles 29:19) - Pray that God will give them a whole heart, one that desires His way and seeks to obey His word. I look back at my years growing up and remember my dad as a husband and a father. He didn t always do everything right, and neither have I. But he did want to be a husband and dad that applied the standards I have shared. I have labored to live and love in a manner in which my children could see and remember far better my successes than my failures. So dads, let s do as Paul said in Philippians 3: 13 14, let s press on toward the goal of the high call of God in Christ Jesus as Christian men, and continue to write our life s letter daily so it will be a blessing and encouragement for our wives and children, and they will be blessed by God because we are faithful. Dr. Horton
THE ANCHOR PAGE 2 From our Minister of Youth & Children Your purpose is to glorify God. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 First Corinthians 10:31 combines simplicity and fullness; we re to glorify God in everything we do! That s not to say there aren t other equally important aspects of our purpose and mission. We are commanded to love God and others. We are told to make disciples. We are urged to pray at all times. Maybe, perhaps the unique value of a verse like 1 Corinthians 10:31 is that it includes all other demands within it. Loving, discipline, and praying should all be done for God s glory. It s a North Star kind of verse, reorienting us to our ultimate purpose of glorifying God. The aim of God in creating and redeeming us is the delight He Himself enjoys in seeing His creatures delight in Him. As Edwards said, The glorifying of God is nothing but rejoicing in the manifestations of Him. In other words, the purpose of the knowledge of God is the enjoyment of God because God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him. John Piper Running decisions through a 1 Corinthians 10:31 filter can give such clarity and confidence that you are practicing the purpose you were made for. When you have a decision to make, ask yourself, How can I most glorify God in this situation? What will bring Him the most glory? We tend to think pursuing what God wants will make us miserable. That happens when we selfishly pursue our own glory that we make bad decisions and suffer the consequences. Ezekiel 36:26-27 assures us that God gives us the ability to be able to do these things that glorify Him, And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. God made us to worship and glorify Him. Nothing else will do! Pastor Mike Events & Opportunities for Youth Sundays @ 6 PM - INCREASE - Youth Suite Wednesdays @ 7 PM - INCREASE - Youth Suite Sunday, June 11th @ 10:55 AM - Graduate Sunday (Recognition of High School & College Graduates) Wednesday, June 21st - for King & Country Concert @ Roanoke Island Festival Park Need $25 for concert, plus money for food - Leave church at 4 PM Tuesday, June 27th - Saturday, July 1 - Youth Summer Camp @ Ridgecrest
PAGE 3 THE ANCHOR From Our Minister of Music & Education There is a great hymn that we don t often hear in our churches today. The lyrics are a prayer expressed with true sincerity, humility, submission, and exaltation, seeking the Lord s will for our heart and lives. We are all truly just a lump of clay in the Master Potter s hands, awaiting His touch, then forming us and making us into what He would have us to be. Please, thoughtfully focus on the words of this hymn. HAVE THINE OWN WAY, LORD 1. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still. 2. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Search me and try me, Savior today! Wash me just now Lord, wash me just now, as in thy presence humbly I bow. 3. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Wounded and weary, help me I pray! Power, all power, surely is thine! Touch me and heal me, Savior divine! 4. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Hold o'er my being absolute sway. Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me! Scripture tells us that God never changes and is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But sadly, many, if not most, churches today are very busy trying to attract seekers by forming or molding God into something the world would want Him to be. Excuse me, but God has always done, and will always do, the molding of the clay - not the other way around. It seems that many people today just want to be entertained at church and not made to feel uncomfortable. Churches have responded by providing warm, fuzzy, feel-good, easy believe-ism and don t offend types of messages. Also, sermons have no mention of Gods judgment, our sinful nature, punishment for sin, repentance, the old rugged cross, end time prophecy or the clear message of salvation. Often sermons and teachings make use of watered down, paraphrased Bible versions that distort, diminish and alter the theme or context. Much of the contemporary music consists of shallow, repetitive lyrics accompanied by sounds akin to secular rock bands. Hi-tech sound and video systems are everywhere to enhance the worship experience. Many mainline churches are altering or changing their name to conceal their true identity and deceive would-be churchgoers. Christian symbols such as crosses, hymnals and even solid Bible translations are beginning to disappear from our churches. Many church expansion and marketing techniques borrowed from the so-called mega churches seem to be the order of the day. Today it seems there s so much of the world in the church and so much of the church in the world that, many times, it s difficult to tell the difference. When black and white is blended together, it all becomes gray. The list could go on, but the bottom line is that God is being brought down to the level of the world in order to fill the pews. The mentality today seems to be giving them what they want to hear, and then they ll come. Sadly, when they get there, they are not likely to hear the true gospel message of salvation. In most church services, unbelievers will be there for an hour and then leave without a clue as to why they need to be saved or how to become born again. The gospel message must be clearly preached at every opportunity with the invitation given for them to invite Jesus into their heart as Savior and Lord. That is the only thing that really matters. The clay must be placed back into the Master Potters hands now while there is still time. As the great hymn says, Touch me and heal me, Savior divine! And then, Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Pastor Tyler
THE ANCHOR PAGE 4 TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE The Deacons have recommended and approved a new committee to oversee the audiovisual and technology needs of the church, making sure everything is kept up to date and in working order. This committee will consist of 6 members, elected for a 3 year term, with 2 members rotating off each year. The Associate Pastor of Worship & Education will serve as an Ex-Officio member. Job descriptions for the Technology Committee are in the vestibule for church members to review. On June 11th, we will vote, and if approved, the committee will be put in effect on September 1, 2017. July 2nd Celebration A New Ministry for Young Adults age 18-30 Some of the most significant and complex life transitions occur during this time in your life, including going off to college, dating, marriage, and beginning careers. The goal of CONVERGE is to help you encounter the authentic love of Jesus and grow in Biblical truth as you go through these changes. The definition of converge is when two things come together as one. The motto for our new ministry is: Where FAITH and LIFE meet! We will look at making the connection of our FAITH in Jesus to the everyday LIFE with which we are faced. Our first gathering will be on June 24th at 6 PM at the home of Pastor Tyler & Chandler Cone, 618 Rocky Hock Creek Road. Join us for food, fellowship, games, and devotion! For more information, contact Pastor Tyler or Chandler. Join us on Sunday, July 2nd at 6 PM in the Sanctuary for a special Patriotic Presentation by the Senior Adult Choir. Following the program, there will be a church-wide Cook-out and Ice Cream Social in the Multi-Purpose Room. VBS 2017 July 10-14 (NOTE DATE CHANGE!) 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Teachers, Helpers, & Workers Needed! A sign-up sheet is in the Connecting Corridor! As kids focus their telescopes on the marvels painted in the sky by the Creator, they will discover the wonder among all wonders - that the God who created everything there is - the knowable and the unknowable, the visible and the invisible - wants a personal relationship with them! For more information or to volunteer, contact Frances Tynch. Teachers, students, and helpers can now register on our web-site! Visit www.rhbce.org and click on VBS is almost here! Camp Cale is looking for cooks for their Summer Camp weeks. We have volunteered for the week of July 17-21. We would like to have 5 teams (one team per day) made up of 4-6 people. We will provide 3 meals/day (in other words, we will stay all day - from breakfast to supper). A sign-up sheet is in the Connecting Corridor if you would like to volunteer.
PAGE 5 THE ANCHOR Baptist Women Women on Mission Shining like Stars If we want to shine like a star, we need to have light inside us. We need to have THE LIGHT inside us. And that light comes from Jesus, because Jesus is the true Light. It is God who gives us the light to shine. We can only shine when He is inside us. Shine in the Darkness: When we look up at the stars, what do we see all around the stars? The stars shine brightest when the sky around it is the darkest. We live in a dark world, and if we want to stand out as Christians, we need to shine with the light of Christ! For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. II Corinthians 4: 6 Men s Breakfast Bap ist Men Sunday, June 18th at 7:30 AM in the Special Function Room Gentlemen, please join us! Men s Bible Conference On Monday night, June 12th, and the second Monday night of each month thereafter, we are inviting any men who are interested to meet in the Special Function Room at 7 PM to view a message delivered at the East Coast Men s Bible Conference. We have 12 messages, delivered by dynamic speakers, from the 2016 and 2017 Conferences. We will fix a pot of coffee or you can have a bottle of water. But, our main objective is to fellowship and worship through watching these inspiring messages. We plan to be finished by 8 PM nightly. Operation Christmas Child These are the items we will be collecting each month: June - Washcloths & Soap July - School Supplies (pens, pencils, colored pencils, pencil boxes, pencil sharpeners, children s scissors) August - Flip Flops / Shoes September - Deodorant October - Toothbrushes & Toothpaste November - Hard Candy
THE ANCHOR PAGE 6 For children of all ages! Children s Summer Series June 20 - Bowling & Lunch @ Albemarle Lanes - Leave church at 9 AM August 3 - Laser Tag & Ice Cream Party - 2-4 PM - in Multi-Purpose Building August 8 - Bikes & Balloons Day - 10 AM - 1 PM - Church Grounds August 20 - Back to School Bash - 4-7 PM - Pool / Cookout - Place to be announced Children s Summer Camp July 24th - 28th at Gardner-Webb University
PAGE 7 BUILDING FUND OFFERING JUNE 4, 2017 GOAL: $25,000 The Finance Committee would like to thank everyone for contributing to the building fund. We are doing a great job of paying down the note. We ended the 1st quarter with a loan balance of $1,135,000.00 which originated at $1,436,709.00 in February 2016. We maintain a $200,000.00 fund balance, or approximately 4 months of operating expenses, and any over this amount is paid on the principal of the loan. Also, we maintain a $14,000.00 fund balance in the building fund which is for 3 months of interest payments. We recently received a $59,000.00 sales tax refund for the materials we purchased for the new building. Our next Building Fund Offering will be June 4th, with a goal of $25,000.00. Please continue your generous support as we work together in God's name to eradicate this debt. Jack Perry DENNY FAMILY FUNDRAISER Tuesday, June 13th THE ANCHOR Sponsored by Gatesville Elementary School Lunch from 11 AM - 2 PM Supper from 4-7 PM Plates are $8.00 each Menu: Pork Chops, Potatoes, Green Beans, Roll For tickets, contact Kimberly Riddick at 252-312-7153. You must let her know if you would like to pick up your plate(s) at Rocky Hock Baptist Church. Plates will be delivered to the church for lunch between 12:00 and 12:30 PM and for supper between 6:00 and 6:30 PM. Sunday, June 25th has been designated as Mission: Dignity Sunday, a ministry of Guidestone Financial Resources designed to assist the nearly 1,800 retired pastors and widows each month. These are men and women who sacrificed in years past to serve smaller churches which could not provide much in the way of salary and benefits. Today, they struggle to pay for ordinary expenses like food, utilities, and medicine. Through Mission: Dignity, Southern Baptists are providing much needed monthly assistance to these aged servants. Right at $7 million dollars is distributed annually, with most of the funding coming from individuals, groups, and churches throughout the Southern Baptist Convention. One hundred percent of the gifts for Mission:Dignity is used to assist those in need. Join us in making life better for God s retired servants in need. For more information, see the insert in your bulletin on June 25th. REUNION Chowan High School Alumni will be having an All Classes Reunion on Saturday, November 25th at the Northern Chowan Community Center on Hwy. 32 beside the old Chowan High School Campus (which is currently Chowan Middle School). The Reunion includes the Classes of 1947-1983. Even if you didn t graduate, but you did attend Chowan High School, you are also invited. The evening includes a catered meal, speakers, and a live band playing all the top songs from each decade represented. Mingle with your class from 4-6 PM; the Reunion is from 6-10 PM. Cost is $35 per person. Reservations are required. For more information, contact Steve Evans, Gail Boyd, Kim Ullom, or send an email to chsallclassesreunion@gmail.com. CHOWAN BULLDOGS
THE ANCHOR PAGE 8 Serve the Lord with gladness... ~ Psalms 100: 2 Deacon Ministry Teams Deacon Greeters 5/28/17 6/3/17 Wayne Bunch, Keith Rollins, Mike Evans 6/4/17 6/10/17 Keith Nixon, Scott Noble, Phil Smith 6/11/17 6/17/17 Russell Byrum, Col. Bill Smith, Chris Sykes 6/18/17 6/24/17 Wayne Howell, Ted Peele, Bill (Janet) Smith 6/25/17 7/1/17 Adam Bunch, Steve Evans, Allen Peele Offering Col. Bill Smith (Chairman), Ruston Howell (Co-Chairman), Carroll Evans, Keith Nixon, Keith Rollins, Oscar White Senior Adult Building: Carroll Evans Sanctuary Main: Ruston Howell Connecting Corridor: Keith Nixon Multi-Purpose Main: Mike Evans Ushers Adam Bunch, Wayne Copeland, J. C. Forehand, Allen Nixon, Mike Nixon, Bill (Janet) Smith, Jay White Counting Committee Butch & Emily Byrum, Jasper Evans, Lee & Ruth Jordan, Keith Rollins Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry is now meeting on the first Monday of the month upstairs in the Administrative Building. Join us! Item needed in June Rice
PAGE 9 Nursery & Pre-School Workers THE ANCHOR During Sunday School 1st Sunday Penny Byrum Linda Layton Lisa Smith 2nd Sunday Ashley Byrum Kristia Noble Michelle Tynch Sunday AM Worship (Nursery) 1st Sunday Maryann Bunch Kim Forehand Kimberly McPherson Denise Nixon Lindsay Smith 2nd Sunday Alanna Bass Melissa Chappell Lauren Smith Peggy Weiss Sunday AM Worship (2 year olds) 1st Sunday Louvenia Stewart Audrey Bassett 2nd Sunday Holly Evans Donna Harrell Sunday PM Worship 1st Sunday Sue Hoggard Amber Young 2nd Sunday Karen Miller Rene` Smith Wednesday PM Worship 1st Wednesday Leslie Peele Elizabeth Riddick Mission Friends Chris & Susan Sykes 2nd Wednesday Rhonda Bass Laura Turner Mission Friends Kim Forehand Sherlynne Smith 3rd Sunday Mary Jo Bass Amanda Howell Susan Sykes 4th Sunday Bonnie Bond Holly Evans Marcia Evans 5th Sunday Arlene Bass Betty Bunch Beth Evans 3rd Sunday Chandler Cone Amanda Goodwin Jessica Hoggard Kristia Noble Tanya Turner Michelle Tynch 4th Sunday Laura Bass Dawn Bunch Gloria Horton Amanda Howell 5th Sunday Claire Evans Karen Miller Kristia Noble 3rd Sunday Hope Gosser Susan Sykes 4th Sunday Anna Evans Karen Smith Logan Smith 5th Sunday Kimberly McPherson Denise Nixon 3rd Sunday Karen Miller Susan Sykes 4th Sunday Donna Harrell Audrey Eley 5th Sunday Ashley Byrum Michelle Tynch 3rd Wednesday Ashley Byrum Linda Layton Mission Friends Dawn Bunch Chandler Cone 4th Wednesday Alanna Bass Molli Riddick _Mission Friends 5th Wednesday Gloria Horton Elizabeth Riddick Mission Friends Sallie Chappell Sue Hoggard * indicates teachers of the week 1st Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Catina Byrum Faith Byrum Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) *Joey & Ashley Byrum *Amanda Howell Laura Turner 2nd Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Regina Copeland Kim Forehand Chelsea White Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) *Gloria Horton Jay & Felicia Parrish *Chandler Cone Children s Church 3rd Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Carolyn Bassett Cher Bassett Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) *Trey & Alanna Bass Wayne & Donna Harrell *LeAnn Nixon 4th Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Sherlynne Smith Amber Young Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) *Sharon Nixon *Chris & Susan Sykes 5th Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Allen & Sarah Nixon No Children s Church for Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) on 5th Sunday
Rocky Hock Baptist Church 113 Rocky Hock Church Road Edenton, North Carolina 27932 Address Service Requested NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID EDENTON, NC PERMIT NO. 127 Check us out on the web at www.rhbce.org Weekly Church Activities: Sundays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: 9:45 AM - Bible Study for all ages 10:55 AM - Worship 5:45 PM - GROW - Kids In Discipleship (K.I.D. Groups) 6:00 PM - Adult Bible Study; INCREASE (Youth Bible Study) 10:00 AM - Young at Heart Adult Bible Study 7:00 PM - Senior Adult Choir Dr. James Horton, Senior Pastor jhorton@rhbce.org 7:00 PM - Adult Bible Study; INCREASE (Youth); GROW (Children - Mission Friends, GA s, RA s) 8:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir Mike Denny, Associate Pastor: Youth & Children mdenny@rhbce.org 221-4948 (Home) 336-266-9493 (Cell) Tyler Cone, Associate Pastor: Worship & Education 252-903-2565 (Cell) tcone@rhbce.org Mr. Steve Evans, Chairman of Deacons flatbilly@yahoo.com Mrs. Linda B. Bunch, Administrative Assistant lbunch@rhbce.org 333-8567 (Cell) 221-4133 (Office)