Hi Friends!
So someone called me this morning and asked, “Pastor Michael, don’t you love us anymore?” I thought, “Oh, no, why would he ask that?” He went on to tell me that he hadn’t seen my “Love From Your Pastor” e-mail yesterday. I’m so glad to know someone reads it! Well I do still love y’all but just didn’t get to it yesterday! There were two things we read in the daily reading calendar yesterday that made me think of FBC.
First, we read 1 Cor. 15, and I was reminded of Ed Gossien’s excellent message last Sunday on the gospel.
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you– unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (1 Cor. 15:1-5 ESV)
We also read one of the verses I will want to emphasize this Sunday in the message about SERVING as a spiritual discipline. This would be a great verse to meditate on in the next few days:
Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:2 ESV)
How are you doing in the area of serving the Lord? What is your motivation behind the serving you do? We’ll be talking about those issues Sunday, so I look forward to seeing you!
We are just 6 days away from Trunk or Treat! Thank you for all the support you’ve given, candy you’ve given, hot dogs and supplies you are giving, and especially for continuing to pray for this outreach! Please be inviting friends and neighbors. The event will run from 6-7:30pm. Pray that we can be a lighthouse on a dark night. Pray that “outsiders” who come will experience a touch from the Lord just by being at FBC and being around His people. Oh, and Elizabeth says we can still use more candy this Sunday, as well as some other supplies. Many of you have already stepped up in bringing hot dogs, cups, etc. Check with her about what we still need. Thank you!
The other important outreach to consider is My Hope with Billy Graham. I have asked you to be praying about being a “Matthew,” following the example of the disciple Matthew in chapter 9 of his gospel. He simply invited his unbelieving friends to come to his home and meet Jesus. That’s what we’re asking you to do. And now I’m asking you to commit. This Sunday there will be a brochure in the bulletin with more information. But even before then you can take a look at the following link, and begin now to write down the names of friends, family, etc., commit to pray for them daily, then invited them to watch the Billy Graham DVD at your home. I have a number of “Matthew Resource Kits” in my office for everyone who will do this. Please let me know via email or talk to me in person if you will be a “Matthew.”
If you haven’t seen the new classroom addition yet, it’s getting closer! We now have paint on the walls and carpet on the floors! Prayerfully we’ll be able to “break in” the new rooms in November! I hope you’re all planning on coming to the Nov. 3 celebration potluck, immediately after the morning worship service. I’m looking forward to it. Remeber, this is just a small piece of us working to Extend the Lord’s Invitation to our community, and these rooms will be used to Equip the Lord’s People, which will ultimately Exalt the Lord’s Name!!!
I spent part of 3 days at Camp Tadmor this week praying with a group of pastors. It was an amazing time. I thought much about you, our church, and our community. I’m so thankful for His blessings in my life by allowing me to partner with you in gospel ministry. And I’m excited about what He’s doing and what He’s going to do!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael