The Messenger V O L U M E 6 3 I S S U E 1 0 O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 EMAIL: wrightsborobaptistchurch@cape-fear.net WEBSITE: www.wrightsborobaptistchurch.org If you would like to be a Messenger, call the office by 10/5. WRIGHTSBORO BAPTIST CHURCH 2736 Castle Hayne Rd Wilmington NC 28401 910.763.3181
V O L U M E : 6 3 / I S S U E : 1 0 P A G E 2 In Matthew 9 we see that Jesus had been performing many miracles for the purpose of revealing and proving His identity; that He was the Messiah the One foretold by the prophets that would provide all who repent and believe a relationship with God. Matthew 9:35-38 serves as a summary of all Jesus had been doing; they also reveal He was broken: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Jesus saw the need, He saw the harvest, He saw people who were ready to receive the truth, but there were few followers who were willing to go out and do the work of declaring the truth about Him. In John 4:27-38, Jesus called His disciples to actually look at the harvest and do something about it. Jesus made it clear that sowing and reaping or telling people about Him and leading others to a relationship with Him is a lifestyle for every Christian. But to live this way you have to have the right perspective, and Jesus wanted to change the perspective of His disciples. He declared in verse 35, I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! The are ripe for harvest. Jesus called His disciples to stop focusing on the immediate needs of their temporary lives and join Him in His work. He wanted them to join Him and go into the fields of Samaria, plant the seeds of the Gospel, and be a part of the harvest of leading people into a relationship with Him. He wants the same for you; He wants to change your perspective, so that you will see what He sees that there is a harvest all around you. He wants to change your perspective so that you will join Him in the harvest and be a part of His work to bring this community into a saving relationship with Him. Are you willing to allow Him to lift your eyes and see what He sees? Are you willing to go into the fields and plant seeds? Do you see those that Christ has placed in your daily path? Are you listening to the heart behind the words that mask their pain, fear, and disappointment? Can you see the struggle they are enduring, hear the hurt they are carrying, and feel the loss they are experiencing? Are you willing to lift your eyes and go? Only when you see others like Jesus does will you care for them as He does. Each day is an opportunity for you to be a part of the harvest; you are to be Christ s representative every day, everywhere, and with everyone you encounter. Christ has placed people around you for His purposes and His plans, but you have to let Him open your eyes and see what He sees. The harvest is great but the laborers are few. On October 15th we have a great opportunity to come together as a church and be a part of the harvest. As part of our B.L.O.O.M. weekend, we will meet on Saturday morning, prepare flower pots, pray and go into our community with one single message: Jesus loves you. This event is about perspective; it s about seeing what Christ sees and being a part of His plan to fulfill the Great Commission; it s about telling others about the love we personally know. Where will you be Saturday, October 15th? The harvest is great but the laborers are few. As we continue to concentrate on prayer this year, may we seek our King, crave His presence, and allow Him to open our eyes to see the harvest. Most of all, may we choose to live each day in expectant hope because our King reigns! For the King, Pastor Brad
V O L U M E : 6 3 / I S S U E : 1 0 P A G E 3 Minister of Education Following the Call of the Lord Pastor Brad has been preaching for several months from Genesis concerning God s call of Abraham to leave his country, people, father s household and go to the land God would show him. God s promise in Genesis 12 was to bless Abraham and to make him a blessing to many. Looking back, I can see how God has had a plan for my life. The Christian family and upbringing He blessed me with. Christian friends inviting me at 17 to Youth Week at Ridgecrest where I trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord. The same week getting to meet and know a beautiful girl (Sylvia) who would later become my wife (now for 45 years). Going to Southeastern Baptist Seminary to grow and learn more about God, His love and His Word. Serving in four amazing churches for 46 years, which the last 35 years has been here at WBC. God has greatly blessed mine and Sylvia s lives here at Wrightsboro and we trust many have and are being blessed as we continue to serve and follow God s call. To God be the Glory! Be Blessed and Be a Blessing, Pastor Mike FLU SHOT CLINIC Wednesday, October 12th This event is sponsored by Walgreens of Wrightsboro.
V O L U M E : 6 3 / I S S U E : 1 0 P A G E 4 Minister of Students The Student Ministry is beginning the new church year with great anticipation. We have watched those who graduated continue on in their life journey and also welcomed new faces to our group. The focus for our Student Ministry will continue to be a saving faith in Jesus Christ and equipping them to be productive citizens of the Kingdom of God. In the near future, when you see one of them wanting to volunteer in areas of church service, welcome them and encourage them in their spiritual journey. I have found that they possess more than we give them credit. Hope for the future is first found in Jesus Christ and I am also encouraged by what I have seen in our Student Ministry. The Ministry methods and the appearance of the church may change but the Message of the Gospel never will. On a Journey, Stuart
VOLUME: 63 / ISSUE: 10 PAGE 5 Fall - FINALLY - my favorite time of year! It s not too cold and the changing colors are so beautiful! It feels a little like a brief, peaceful pause between the heat of summer and the cold of winter; a time for renewal of energy before the hectic holiday season. These changes point to the truth in Psalm 24:1 The earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord, a reminder that God is in control and deserves all praise and majesty! Praise Him with these words from Laura Story s song, Indescribable : From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea; creation s revealing Your majesty. From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring, every creature unique in the song that it sings, All exclaiming: Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name; All powerful, untamable; awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim, You are amazing, God. Keep PraiSing Him!! Peggy The Handbell Choir will resume beginning Monday, October 3rd at 6:00pm and they meet in the Choir Room. This group is open to High School Students on up! You do not have to know how to play, as our Minister of Music Peggy Croom, will teach you! So please come out and join in the fun! Practice is each Monday at 6:00pm.
V O L U M E : 6 3 I S S U E : 1 0 P A G E 6 Children s Ministry It s October and you know what that means Trunk-n -Treat!!! In a time when it is no longer safe for kids to go door to door and with churches, schools and communities making a transition to fall festivals, parents are left with few options on Halloween. How amazing is it that we have the opportunity to minister to these families that would never visit our campus otherwise. How wonderful to tell these children that church is a safe place where people care about you. I hope and pray that everyone will come and be a part of this huge outreach event! Blessings, Leslie SUNDAY NIGHTS AT 6PM MEET IN THE FLC GYM TO LEARN FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE
V O L U M E : 6 3 I S S U E : 1 0 P A G E 7 WBA Sr. Adult Rally at WBC GOD AND COUNTRY November 3rd at 10:30am Come EARLY for the pre-rally music of SOUTHERN PRAISE. Everyone is asked to bring a toy for refugee children. 35th Anniversary CELEBRATION 4 Mike Lewis & Peggy Croom Sunday, October 9th at 12:30pm in the Family Life Center You are invited to help celebrate Mike & Peggy s 35th Anniversary of service here at WBC! Special Music and a catered meal by M.O.I. will be shared. And if you feel led to bring a card, a basket will be available.
V O L U M E : 6 3 / I S S U E : 1 0 P A G E 8 WITH SYMPATHY Donald Baker for the loss of his Aunt. Steve Benton for the loss of his Aunt. Linda Fowler for the loss of her Mother. Martha Herring for the loss of her Nephew, Steve Keith. Don Jackson for the loss of his Sister-in-Law, Virginia Butler. Matthew Watts for the loss of his Aunt. Operation Christmas Child If you would like to join the Senior Adult Choir, we have a spot for you! Senior Adult Choir meets on Thursdays at 10:30am in the Choir Room. Senior Adult Choir is led by our Minister of Music, Mrs. Peggy Croom. Our first practice is Thursday, October 6th at 10:30am. Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes are available beginning October16th after morning Worship Services in the Vestibule. Shoeboxes are due back at the church no later than November 13th. Any questions see Nancy Price or Alison Newkirk. It s A Girl!!! Congratulations to Mike and Jennifer Bell on the birth of their Daughter, Anna Grace, born August 4th weighing 9.4lbs and 21 long. Congratulations to Michael and Suzanne Griffin on the birth of their Daughter, Davis Harper born September 19th, 2016 weighing 8.13lbs and 19 long. Congratulations also to the Grandparents, Gwen and Warren Waggett and Great Grandmother, Gerrie Mercer. I Could, I Might, I Can, I Should, I WILL! is the book the Church Staff and WBC leaders are reading. This is the follow up book to the best seller I Am a Church Member. Every day we are faced with the needs of those around us. What are we to do about it? Thom Rainer continues and asks... Could you be the answer to the problems you see? Get your copy today!
V O L U M E : 6 3 / I S S U E : 1 0 P A G E 9 SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS Oct. 2 Oct. 3 Oct. 4 Oct. 5 Oct. 6 Oct. 7 Priscilla Trite Joan Matthews Lois Willett Anita Jacobs Carol McGinnis Stuart Lewis Wanda Snipes Travis Carr Sylvia Lewis Judy Evonko Amy Harrison Oct. 16 Oct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 19 Oct. 20 Oct. 21 Donald Turner Betty Sue Smith Kirsti Nielsen MaKayla McBride Melvin Inscoe LeAnn McCollum Ruth Jenkins Roger Harris Mike Sanders Pam Donahue Brandon Standfest Oct. 8 Amber Goodyear Oct. 22 Charlie Horrell Oct. 9 Donna Daly Oct. 23 Pam Benton Oct. 11 Bennie Herring Steven Barnette Oct. 24 Frances Phillips Mackenzie Harrell Oct. 12 Marie Merritt Oct. 25 Lynn Ward Oct. 13 Oct. 14 Oct. 15 Betty Biggs Butch Kerr Frank Colvin Michael Dupree Rachel Benton Moore Janice Cavenaugh Linda Murray Alyssa Sacco Oct. 26 Oct. 28 Oct. 29 Oct. 30 George Grizzle Shirley Hundley Penny Alford Sandra Williams Ben McPherson Tracie McBride Timothy Bennett Brenda Johnson Oct. 31 Jim Waters Billy Cartrette Cindy Barber
October 2016 PRAY ~ CARE ~ SHARE 2 V O L U M E : 6 3 / I S S U E : 1 0 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 5:00 Encouragers Mtg. 6:00 Life Groups 9 Lord s Supper 6:00 35th Celebration w/mike & Peggy 16 O.C.C. Shoeboxes Available 6:00 Life Groups 23 6:00 Life Groups 30 6:00 Life Groups 3 6:00 Handbells Begin 10 6:00 Handbells 17 6:00 Handbells 24 6:00 Handbells 31 Halloween 6:00 Trunk N Treat WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE 5:00 - Family Suppers 5:00 - Media Center 6:15 - AWANA (BB-5th) 6:15 - Adult Choir 6:15 - Prayer & Praise 6:15 - Youth Group 6:30 - Bible Studies 4 6:15 YAC 7:00 Deacon s Mtg. 11 6:00 WBA Annual Mtg. 6:30 Cub Scouts 18 6:30 Cub Scouts 25 6:00 B & G Mtg. 6:30 Cub Scouts 5 12 Wed. Night Schedule 4:30 Flu Clinic Wed. Night Schedule 6:30 WMU Sisterhood 19 26 Wed. Night Schedule Wed. Night Schedule 6 10:30 Sr. Adult Choir 6:30 Child Advisory 13 10:30 Sr. Adult Choir 20 10:30 Sr. Adult Choir 27 10:30 Sr. Adult Choir 7 8 14 15 P A G E 10 1 Faith Adventures/Black River Kayak Float B.L.O.O.M. Pray ~ Care ~ Share Weekend October 14th thru October 16th 21 22 9:00 Meals on Wheels 28 School Half Day C.A.M.P. Open 10:00 WBC Food Pantry 29