The Maclander February 2018 MACLAND BAPTIST LEADERSHIP TEAM Dr. Richard Walker... Senior Pastor Rev. Eddie Lowery... Minister of Music Cody Carter... Interim Student Minister Tasia Carter... Director of Preschool Ministries Cindy Holmes Communications & Publications Director 1
From The Pastor.. One of my favorite sections of the Bible is found in the longest Psalm of the Bible, Psalm 119. Psalm 119:89-105 in the King James Version declares, "Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven...unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me (given me life)...o how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments has made we me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter that honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." For many years I thought earning theological degrees, attending seminars and training conferences to learn the latest strategies in church growth, and rubbing shoulders with famous pastors was the surest path to ministry success. So I went to seminary and earned degrees, and I attended seminars on preaching, evangelism, church growth, and leadership. I read book after book written by the experts on these subjects. I always believed the next seminar would give me the answer to a struggling church, reading the next ministry best seller would give the wisdom I needed to be a good leader, and earning just one more degree or completing just one more preaching or counseling program would finally give me the skills I felt I needed to be a success. As the years of ministry have gone by, I have discovered that the secret to success in life and in ministry has been right at my fingertips all along, and it is the only pathway in life and ministry that God will bless. The secret to success and the pathway that God will bless is found in the reading, meditation, and study of God's Word, and through a commitment to obey God's every command. This is what Psalm 119 is all about, and it is truth I am attempting to get across as I stand each week to preach and teach God's Word. The reason I have spent more than an year preaching through the book of Acts on Sunday mornings (with several months still left to go), is that the book of Acts establishes a pattern for preaching, evangelism and missions, worship, prayer, and church fellowship that we are to follow if we are to be blessed by God and prosper as church. I am convicted by my study of God's Word that not only does the message of the Gospel not change with the changing times and culture, but the basic methods and strategies of sharing that message with a lost world that we find in Scripture also should not be changed and replaced with some modern fad and or popular technique. Preaching is still the primary means of sharing the gospel and leading the lost to Christ. Sending ministry teams into the neighborhoods, across small towns, and throughout large cities with the mission of being a bold witness for Christ and the Cross is still the Biblical pattern of evangelism that God will honor and bless. Gathering together as the body of Christ in a place of worship for prayer and for Christ-centered, Gospel-focused instruction is still the method that Christ has chosen to build and strengthen His church. Preaching for souls, and declaring the great doctrines of faith from God's Word is what will protect believers from sin and make them wiser than their enemies. No matter their popularity, no other modern strategy or church growth technique can replace what God has already established in His Word. In the weeks ahead in our Sunday morning study of Acts, we will see how Paul traveled from Athens, to Corinth, and then on to Ephesus, preaching the Gospel of Christ with all boldness, all the while making lasting friendships with others God had called to the work of ministry. We will also see how Paul was empowered by God to perform mighty miracles, and to endure the hardship of suffering and imprisonment, all for the furtherance of the Gospel. In Acts, Paul's boldness and faithfulness through persecution will eventually lead to an opportunity to journey with the gospel to the capital city of the entire Roman empire - Rome, though he will make that journey as a prisoner under guard.
Cont. From The Pastor.. On Sunday nights, we have just begun a study of the great Old Testament book of Jonah. Like Acts, the book of Jonah speaks to us in our day, and warns against the sin of running from God's call. The Bible is clear that God does not desire that any would perish, but that all would come to repentance. God demonstrated that desire eight centuries before the time of Christ by calling and sending Jonah to preach the message of impending judgment upon the city of Nineveh, the capital of the wicked and cruel Assyrian empire, and calling that city to repent and to turn away from its wicked and violent ways while there was still time. I think such a message is the only thing that can turn our own nation back to God, and it is a calling we must not run from. Please make plans to join us for these powerful Sunday services that we feel are anointed by the Holy Spirit. Also pray for so many in our church that are sick and for those who have lost loved ones in recent days. The work and responsibility of pastoral ministry can be overwhelming at times, so also pray for me. Dr. Richard Walker Diane Sechrest Joined 1-21-18 3
Music Ministry Greetings, This past weekend I listened to a powerful sermon by Dr. Tony Evans. In 2 Chronicles 33, we read about a powerful account of King Manasseh. Manasseh followed his father Hezekiah as King of Israel. Hezekiah was a Godly man/king. As Dr. Evans comments, "Manasseh was raised right". Manasseh did not follow his father's guidance. In chapter 33 Verse 2 we read " And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel". In 2 Kings 21: 2 the word for abomination is "Despicable practices". Manasseh, had been raised with the guidance of a Godly father, who taught him Godly principles, however the "Despicable practices" of the culture led Manasseh to adopt what the culture said was ok, above what God says is correct. Sound Familiar? Do we have Manasseh's filling our church buildings today? An interesting point about when we follow the route of Manasseh is found in verse 2 "He Did Evil In The Sigh Of The Lord". In verse 9 Manasseh led the people to do "MORE" evil. They were on an Evil Spiral downward. Again, does this sound familiar in 2018? Manasseh was drawn away from Godly principles by the influence of the culture. My prayer is that we the Christian community not fall into the same spiral as Manasseh and his people. How do we avoid this? It has to begin in our own hearts. We each have to do a self check and "Humble" ourselves before God, as Manasseh did in verse 12. Let us pray for God's blessing and guidance in our lives to resist the temptations of the world, and remain firmly planted in Gods principles not our desires. Friday Night, March 2 our 2018 Concert Series will kick off with an award winning Quartet. "The Triumphant Quartet" will be with us. The concert will begin at 7:00pm. This is a free concert. Here is our 2018 Schedule: Sunday, May 20th - "Evening of Praise" Macland Music Ministry Saturday, July 21st- Karen Peck & New River Homecoming concert Friday, October 5th- Georgia Baptist Jubalheirs For more information contact Eddie at eddie@maclandbaptist.org cell-770-853-8869 4
Student Ministry In 2018, my expressed prayer for the students is to seek God in all they do. Our studies so far have included God s assurance and God s forgiveness. In the weeks to come we will look at God s Word, prayer, spiritual fruitfulness, and spiritual warfare. Up coming events include DNOW (March 9-11), students serving at VBS (June 4-8), Global Youth retreat (later in June), and Snow Bird Wilderness Outfitters (December). I know that 2018 is going to be a great year because we have an awesome group of young students. I m starting to adopt a slogan for the girls in the ministry, Though she be but little, she is fierce. Our girls are standing out as leaders and I am very proud of them. The boys are in a rebuilding phase after losing many to college, work, and moving away. They are engaged in small groups learning and growing in their faith as a young men. One student spoke up and said she is praying for God to ignite a fire in her to share the gospel more with others. As a church, we need to pray that all the students adopt this prayer. This is a driven generation full of love and a sense of purpose to share God s Word. Encourage these students, share with them your experience in faith, embrace them and be an example to them. I respected and looked up to Ron Chastain and I m still sad with his passing. He would minister to me and give me advice while sharing his experience in handling God s Word. He said during his quiet time he started changing words like you, we, us and replacing them with me and I. He said it changed the way he studied the Bible because it made it personal. God intended to have a personal relationship with us. I shared this story with our students and encouraged them to see scripture as a personal message from God. Religion is man s search for God; the Gospel is God s search for man Eli Stanley Jones. Cody The students (middle and high school) are invited to a bonfire at the Youth house Saturday February 24 from 5:00 8:00 pm. See Cody Carter for details. Register now for DNOW 5
Preschool Ministry The new year has brought many exciting things to the preschool ministry. We have seen several new faces visiting our church family. We are praying for hearts to feel welcomed. If your child or grandchild is not enrolled in a Sunday School class, we would love to introduce you to our groups. If you are looking for a way to serve in this ministry, we have a place for you. Please see Tasia if you want to be a part of this ministry. The preschool ministry wants to thank Ms. Patsy Hallford for ministering to our children through her beautiful artwork. Please see her bulletin board in the preschool area. VBS June 4-8, 2018 It s time to gear up for the big game! So grab your megaphones, lace up your cleats, and tune up your horn. It s go time! As kids get ready for the big game, they will learn that the goal is not competing in their own strength because God has already equipped them with everything they need! Vacation Bible school is coming June 4-8, 2018 from 6pm-8:30 pm. We are looking for volunteers to serve this year. We have needs in all areas. Please see Tasia Carter for more information. 6
Goodtimers February 15 Wednesday Night Dinner February 7 Beef Tips on Rice, Mixed Veggies Bread, Dessert February 14 Garlic Chicken with Veggies and Noodles, Green Salad, Bread, Dessert February 21 Pork Chops, Veggie Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Bread, Dessert February 28 Chili, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Cole Slaw, Chips, Dessert 7
WMU News WMU Meetings Morning Group Tuesday, February 6, 10:00 AM Evening Group Monday, February 12, 6:00 PM Twelve Extraordinary Women Linda Rollins Wednesday Morning Bible Study 9:15 AM Tracing His Story Following God s Faithfulness through the history of His Church Glenda Stewart Tuesday Evening Bible Study 6:45 PM 8
WMU February Project A rescue team for JESUS CHRIST The purpose of the ministry is to rescue our brothers and sisters off the streets and help them break the binds of homelessness, alcohol, drugs, sexual addictions, prostitution, and abuse Isaiah 58: 6-7 Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? It is so amazing to watch what God is doing in the Metro Atlanta area and what a blessing to be a part of it! In need of Men s items: Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Shampoo, Deodorant, Shave Cream, Razors, Chapstick, Socks, Pants, Shirts, Shoes, Coats, Gloves, Hats, New Under Garments. 9
February Deacons on Duty January 24 February 7, 2018 Bob Smith 980-722-7863 Mike Stewart 678-800-3431 February 7 February 21 Aaron Williams 954-817-8578 Joseph Arnsdorff 912-318-5059 February 21 March 7 Bill Brown 404-966-0493 Keith Cooper 404-434-1981 Aaron Williams Alan Kempson Bill Brown Billy Honea Bob Smith Charles Perdue Garlan Cox Jack Lumpkin Jerry DuPree Joseph Arnsdorff Keith Cooper Kenny Gillam Mike Stewart Phillip Linn Richard Hallford Rick Pensa Steve Lovell Ty Mitchell Vernon Knox Voyd Ethridge 10
February Calendar February 2 Johnny Hunt s Men s Conference 8:00 AM February 3 Johnny Hunt s Men s Conference 8:00 AM February 4 Student Ministry Parent Meeting following morning service in the Fellowship Hall 12:00 Noon February 5 Property & Space Meeting 6:00 PM Deacons Meeting 7:00 PM February 6 WMU Morning Group 10:00 AM February 7 Ladies Morning Bible Study 9:15 AM February 11 Josh & Jennifer Walker Baby Shower 2:00 PM Softball Meeting following morning service 12:00 Noon February 12 WMU Evening Group 6:00 PM February 13 Ladies Evening Bible Study 6:45 PM February 15 Goodtimers at Bay Breeze 11:00 AM February 18 Guest speaker Larry Wynn preaching AM service 10:30 AM February 20 Church Outreach 6:00 PM February 24 Student & Men s Ministry Clean Up Day at the Youth House 9:00 AM Student Bonfire 5:00 PM 11
MACLAND BAPTIST 3732 Macland Rd. Powder Springs GA. 30127 Phone: 770-943-5511 Fax: 770-943-3720 Forward By Faith We are on the Web WWW.MACLANDBAPTIST.ORG Macland Baptist Church is called to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and the beliefs of the evangelical Christian faith, to maintain the worship of God, and to inspire in all persons a love for Christ, a passion for righteousness, and a consciousness of their duties to God and their fellow human beings. We pledge our lives to Christ and covenant with each other to demonstrate His Spirit through worship, witnessing, and ministering to the needs of the people of this church and the community. Our Southern Gospel Worship service is an exciting worship experience that features many of the old gospel hymns of the church, hymns that many of us grew up singing. Ministry by local Southern Gospel Quartets, Solos and other Musical Groups are part of the worship experience each month. We offer a Sunday morning Sunday School at 9:15 and Worship service at 10:30am. Other ministries our church offers are Awana, GA s, Mission Friends, TeamKid, and WMU. We have weekday and weeknight ladies Bible studies and a growing number of specialized classes for adults on Wednesday evenings in addition to our prayer service. We offer a special midweek student worship and Bible study. Our goal in providing these programs and opportunities is to train and equip the body of Christ to do the work of the ministry and to reach a lost world for Christ. Weekly Activities Sunday AM 9:15AM 10:30AM 4:15PM 4:30PM 5:15PM 6:00PM Sunday School for all Ages Worship Service Handbell Rehearsal Men s Ensemble Rehearsal Awana Evening Worship Wednesday 4:30PM 5:00PM 5:45PM 6:15PM 6:30PM 7:30PM Celebration Singers Wednesday Night Supper Children s Choir 5K 5th Grade Youth Bible Study Mid-week Service Orchestra Adult Choir 12