SONLIGHT Newsletter Bluebonnet Baptist Association...assisting churches 1424 N. Business Interstate 35, New Braunfels, TX 78130-3241 Office: 830.629.7674 Fax: 830.629.0610 www.bluebonnetbaptist.org www.facebook.com/bluebonnetbaptist INSIDE THIS SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE: Article by Robby Partain Pg 2-3 Stewardship and Legacy Giving Pg 4 Church Plant Update Pg 5 Ministry News/Events Pg 6-9 Calendar of Events Pg 10 BBA STAFF Robby Partain - Executive Director J. K. Minton - Church Health Consultant Linda Gibson - Ministry Assistant BBA 160TH ANNUAL MEETING HOSTED BY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WIMBERLEY OCTOBER 15, 2018 PRE-SESSION : HOUSE IN ORDER - BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR A PROPERLY PLANNED ESTATE 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM BBQ LUNCH / REGULAR PROGRAM 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM ANNUAL SERMON BY: J K MINTON, BBA CHURCH HEALTH CONSULTANT Week of Prayer + Emphasis September 23-30, 2018 RSVP TO LINDA GIBSON at linda@bluebonnetbaptist.org by October 8, 2018.
Reflections on Bill Hybels by Robby Partain 2
Reflections on Bill Hybels by Robby Partain 3
Stewardship and Legacy Giving Dr. Jeffrey Steed is the Director of Planned Giving for the Southern Baptists of Texas Foundation. He conducts the "House in Order" seminar at churches all over the state. He will be presenting the seminar at the BBA annual meeting on October 15, 10:30am at the campus of FBC Wimberley. Church leader, this is a great opportunity to preview the "House in Order" seminar, to meet Dr. Steed, and to consider scheduling him to conduct the seminar in your church. I hope you'll take advantage of this! RP 4
Church Plant Update BBA Church Plant Update Peter Jackson, Pastor of Foundation Church, Dripping Springs We have finished the summer previews and now it's launch time! The big launch is September 9th. We are doing small group leader training. We have 5 small group leaders and 5 host homes. Small groups will kick off at the launch gathering on September 9th. We have an interim worship leader for the foreseeable future. A large portion of our portable church gear has arrived and continues to arrive daily. We have a new family coming to our launch team meeting. The launch team is currently 44 adults and 22 kids. Prayer Request: 1. We need God to provide the right person for the Children's Pastor position. 2. That we wouldn't forget God amid all the plans and purchases. 3. That God would change the hearts of those that come to the launch as casual observers. 4. For all of the equipment to work! 5. Unity 6. Spiritual protection 5
Ministry News Cuba Reflections by Pastor Scott Weatherford, FBC Wimberley The great doors of God s kingdom swing on the mighty hinges of opportunities seized. The door of opportunity swung open for us to an adventure into Cuba and we boldly stepped through. The adventure began several years ago when my friend and fellow pastor spoke to me about what God was doing among the Cuban people. He said that the opportunity to assist local churches and local pastors by bringing hope to this beleaguered island was at its most strategic point. It took time for his persuasion to take root in my mind. As the thought of going to Cuba to train Pastors germinated little did I know that God was working in the heart of First Baptist Church Wimberley to become the church of rescue to this island nation. Seeing and seizing God s opportunities is a sign of spiritual maturity. First Baptist saw the need and responded with generosity fully funding the adventure in a short two-week span. At 134 years old FBCW is still nimble and obedient to God s opportunities. On August 15, a team of nine set forth to accomplish the following. Hosting a two-day training event for pastors. This event provided travel expenses, lodging, food and materials for 50 pastors and their respective teams. This event was well attended with 150 people and allowed for many discussions and connections. The goal was to introduce an intentional discipleship process then recruit and train Cuban coaches who will in turn train other Cuban pastors. It was successful. Hosting a Friday evening gathering for couples to encourage them and strengthen their relationships. 68 people attended and experienced a night of good food, laughs, and biblical instruction. On Saturday the team worked with the local church by engaging their children in a fun day. The team was outstanding hosting over 120 kids in a well-organized experience to build their lives. That evening we hosted an event for students which included a student led band and clear presentation of the gospel. Several young people responded. We then gathered with the local church on Sunday and hosted a party with a purpose that included a roasted pig. Many were served and enjoyed the gathering. Tears were shed as we departed. Cuban children had made lasting connections with their American friends and the team was captivated by the loving spirit of the children, the leaders, the church. Cuba had made a hole in our hearts that only a soon return would fill. The impact of our time in Cuba will only be measured in eternity. God is moving, and we seized the opportunity. And the door remains open. If you and your church would like to join us in the great adventure let us know. Together through the BBA God could use us to change the world...all for Jesus! 6
Ministry News cont. WELCOME to Pastor Valdez and his wife, Rocio Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida at Canyon Lake ordained their new pastor, Juan Valdez, on Sunday, August 19, 2018. 7
Ministry Events Join Pastor Scott Weatherford for a two day conference as he guides you and your team in a disciple making system, joining God as a building lives church. FBC WIMBERLEY 15951 WINTERS MILL PKWAY WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 8
Ministry Events 9
CALENDAR OF EVENTS PASTOR/STAFF FELLOWSHIP SEPTEMBER 2018 3 Labor Day (Office Closed) 5 Strategic Planning Team Meetings for Church Plants 17 Pastor/Staff Fellowship, 11:30am 1:00pm, Calvary BC in San Marcos 20 Mission Coordinating Team Meeting, 10:00am - Noon Monday, September 17, 2018 11:30am - 1:00pm Calvary Baptist Church, San Marcos Skill Builder Session: Mental Health in the Ministry: OCTOBER 2018 15 Annual Meeting, 10:30am - 2:00pm, FBC Wimberley 18-20 Oasis Retreat for Church Ministerial Staff & Spouses, Kerrville The Basic Practices of Self-Care Presenter: Darin Griffiths, VP of Family SEPTEMBER 3, 2018 Counseling, STCH Ministries BBA FINANCIAL REPORT AS OF JULY 31, 2018 $ 176,891.78 YTD Budget Receipts $ 153,768.82 YTD Budget Expenses $ 23,122.96 YTD Surplus (Deficit) -- Lunch will be served -- 10