Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and welcome to the Friendship Bible Church BLOG, your source for announcements and information about what's happening at FBC.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

What's the greatest thing you can do?

I read this quote recently:
"The greatest thing anyone can do for God or man is pray."
That's why we have a mid-week prayer meeting every Wednesday evening. It is the power source for Friendship Bible Church, and provides a time when we pray, fervently, for each other. If you have never joined us for prayer meeting, I pray you'll consider doing so. It would benefit you, greatly. And it would benefit us, as well, as your prayer is added to ours.

But having said that, remember that prayer meeting for this week has been canceled as we will meet on Christmas Eve (Thursday), instead, for our Candlelight Service - 7:00 PM.

See you there!


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Candles and Christmas

Thursday evening... Christmas Eve... join us for carols, candles and the Christ child. The carols start at 7:00 pm, and the candlelight service will conclude no later than 8:00. A gift will be given to all in attendance.

At Friendship Bible Church, we know that there are many ways to spend the night before Christmas. The world certainly has provided plenty of alternatives to spending the evening in church. But Christmas is about Jesus, Who alone is worthy of our worship.

Would you join us as we sing the songs of Christmas... as we worship the Christ of Christmas this Christmas Eve?

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Prayers of the Presidents!

We are coming to the end of our Wednesday evening discussions of the Prayers of the Presidents. Last evening, we read the following explanation and prayer from the writings of President Harry S. Truman:
According to President Truman: "The prayer on this page has been said by me--by Harry S. Truman--from high school days, as a window washer, bottle duster, floor scrubber in an Independence, Mo., drugstore, as a timekeeper on a railroad contract gang, as an employee of a newspaper, as a bank clerk, as a farmer riding a gang plow behind four horses and mules, as a fraternity official learning to say nothing at all if good could not be said of a man, as public official judging the weaknesses and shortcomings of constituents, and as President of the United States of America." (8/15/50)

Oh! Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven, Earth and the Universe: - Help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right; make me truthful, honest and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving and patient with my fellowmen - help me to understand their motives and their shortcomings -- even as Thou understandest mine! Amen, Amen, Amen

As we discussed in our prayer meeting, there is a lot in that prayer that should apply to everyone of us. May I encourage you to read it and pray it today... make it yours.

We will not have a midweek prayer meeting next Wednesday, December 23rd, for it will be replaced by our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Will you join us for a night of carols, candles and the Christ Child?

City of Light!


This Lord's Day will be a special day as the FBC choir presents the City of Light cantata during the morning worship service. There will be no Sunday School hour, nor will there be Junior Church during the service, as we want everybody to be able to participate in the cantata.

Join us at 10:30 for an hour of music and drama!

Friday, December 4, 2009

OK... this time with the right date!

It would help if I was looking at the December calendar instead of the November calendar.

Let's pretend that last post said, "Happy December 4TH!!"

Haven of Rest

Happy December 6th!

Just a quick post today to remind those who are signed up for the Haven of Rest this week - meet at the Haven at 10:00 am!


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Turning Now To Bethlehem!

Thanksgiving is over, and we suddenly find ourselves in the midst of the Christmas season. This coming Lord's Day will be the first Sunday in Advent, and our hearts and minds turn therefore from turkeys and dressing to the Child of Bethlehem.

Preparations begin this Saturday when we will gather at 3:00 at the church for the hanging of the greens. Food and fellowship and music will all be provided. Join us and help us make the Lord's house look, smell and feel wonderful for the Christmas season.

A Thanksgiving Poem

Once again our glad thanksgivings
Rise before our Father's throne,
As we try to count the blessings
Of the year so swiftly flown;
As we trace the wondrous workings
Of His wisdom, power, and love
And unite our "Holy! Holy!"
With the seraphim above.

As we gather round our firesides
On this new Thanksgiving Day
Time would fail to count the blessings
That have followed all our way.
Grace sufficient, help and healing,
Prayers oft answered at our call;
And the best of all our blessings,
Christ Himself, our All in All.

He has blessed our favored country
With a free and bounteous hand;
Peace and plenty in our borders,
Liberty through all our land.
And although our sins and follies
Oft provoke Him to His face,
Mercy still restrains His judgements,
And prolongs our day of grace.

While we love to count the blessings,
Grateful for the year that's gone,
Faith would sweep a wider vision,
Hope would gaze yet farther on.
For the signals all around us
Seem with one accord to say,
"Christ is coming soon to bring us
Earth's last, best, Thanksgiving Day!"

by A.B. Simpson
1843-1919

Happy Thanksgiving

It's that wonderful time of year when we pause as a nation and give thanks to our God for all His blessings in our lives. Throughout the month of November, we've been hearing testimonies of God's goodness, and hopefully they have reminded us of some reasons to give thanks.

After all, the Bible does remind us:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

and

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... (Ephesians 5:20)

and yet again

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)


As we gather with family and friends this week, let us remember to thank our wonderful Creator Savior God for all His blessings. They are numberless, aren't they?

Remember that neither the discipleship classes nor the midweek prayer meeting will meet this week - enjoy the time with your family and friends.

Friday, November 20, 2009

We Can't Leave Out The Champion!

And here he is - the champion of the 2009 Pastor's Masters - Charlie Egli


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2009 Pastor's Masters Banquet

Well, the 2009 Pastor's Masters is in the history books now, and we recently held our awards banquet at the Acapulco Restaurant. Although everybody who participates in this annual golf tournament is a winner, and although there were several who joined us throughout the summer for one or two rounds, the champions are shown here in all their glory. Overall champion - Charlie Egli, Best Average - Mike Boyle, Best Drive - Ethan Boyle, Best Putt - Bud Egli, and Best Round - amazingly, Bill Johnson.







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Friday, November 6, 2009

Weekend Activities

We have another big weekend coming up at FBC. There's a little something for everyone:

Saturday morning is Haven of Rest service day - join us at the Haven at 10:00.

Saturday evening is the Pastor's Masters banquet at the Acapulco Restaurant in Rootstown - 6:00 for all who participated in the Pastor's Masters this year.

Sunday immediately following the worship service, the Secret Sisters will host their annual luncheon. Ladies you won't want to miss this.

And then Sunday evening, those practicing for the Christmas Cantata will meet at 6:00 for practice.

PASTOR'S MASTERS BANQUET

Just a reminder to those who participated in the Pastor's Masters this year - the banquet will be held at the Acapulco Restaurant on Saturday evening at 6:00. Fabulous awards and gifts to be distributed to all in attendance, as is the usual custom! Wonderful food... great fellowship... as can only happen with the Pastor's Masters.

If you participated this year, even once, you are encouraged to join us for this fun evening.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sisters in Iran

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (1 John 5:4 NKJV)

I received the following via the Voice of the Martyrs this morning.

Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh

Maryam Rustampoor, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, were arrested and sent to Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran. The two women did not rob a bank, kill a man or beat up someone.

Their crime? Loving Jesus. And it is for this reason alone they arestill imprisoned.

In August during a court hearing, the two were questioned repeatedly about their faith. They were told to return to Islam.

"We love Jesus," was their reply. Prosecutors asked the women, who had already spent five months in prison, if they regretted being Christians.

"We have no regrets," they said. "We will not deny our faith."

The judge sent them back to Evin Prison - notorious for its brutality - to "think about" their decision.

"We have already done our thinking," they told him.

Maryam and Marzieh are among dozens of Iranian Christians arrested, detained or interrogated in Iran in recent months. The harassment is the radical Islamic government's response to an Iranian revival that has thousands of Iranians coming to Christ each month.



What a wonderful reminder! In the midst of all the bad news about Iran, let us remember to pray for the Christians who are there... and the revival that is occurring. What a reminder! In spite of the evil of its leadership and the animosity of its culture to the gospel of Jesus Christ, nonetheless Christianity survives... thrives... even flourishes. What a reminder! We need to be busily sharing the love of Jesus Christ everywhere we go... here in America. It survives... thrives... even flourishes here, no matter what you might read in the news.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Pray for Muslims Today

I read the following in the Associated Press today:

More than 50,000 Muslims are expected to take part in the event (a large prayer gathering on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol) Friday on Capitol Hill. Pat Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, says it is sad that some Christians have been hostile to the Muslims planning to gather Friday.


Mahoney says while some Christians may be uncomfortable at the prospect of the prayer event, he believes it shows the greatness of America.


"It is important to send a clear message that the Christian community loves the Muslim community. That we do not hate Muslims, that our heart is not set against Muslims, and that with the heart and compassion of Christ, we are to reach out and build bridges," he adds.


Agreed - we who name then name of Jesus Christ DO love muslim people. But that love is not demonstrated by accepting their faith, but by doing everything in our power to win them to Christ. For there is no salvation in Allah. Salvation is in the Lord Jesus Christ, and Him alone - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)


Today is a day of prayer for muslims, and a great muslim prayer meeting is planned in Washington D.C. today. Let us join our muslim friends and pray... but let us pray properly - that they might be delivered from the false doctrine they are enslaved to, and find the peace and salvation that only comes in knowing Jesus Christ. Let us pray for muslims to be saved today!

Friday, September 18, 2009

The Clock is Ticking!

Less than 24 hours to go before the Campfire Fellowship at the Johnson Ranch. Bring your fishing poles, your lawn chairs, your covered dish to pass, and come on over for a great evening of fun and fellowship. The Corn Hole tournament is a go, and for us old timers we'll have the horseshoe pit set up, too. And of course, the volleyball madness continues.

Only 2 more chances to attend one of these before summer and fall are flown by. Join us, Saturday evening at 6:00 (or earlier if you want... we'll be set up well before 6!)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Piper on Prayer

Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." (John 4:10 NKJV)

I'm in the middle of reading John Piper's book, Desiring God, and I'm reading his chapter on prayer. Great stuff. He pointed out Jesus' words to the woman at the well, quoted above. Jesus said, "If you knew who I am, you would have asked." So often we forget the resource we have in God! He WANTS to hear and answer our prayers. If we could just remember that He owns all, is all, and wants to give us all... we would ASK!

Piper says, "A prayer less Christian is like a bus driver trying alone to push his bus out of a rut because he doesn't know Clark Kent is on board. A prayer less Christian is like having your room wallpapered with Saks Fifth Avenue gift certificates, but always shopping at Goodwill because you cannot read."

Let's not be prayer less Christians! Let's remember how much the Lord wants our prayers, and how great are His resources for those who will pray.

Midweek prayer meeting is Wednesday at 6:30 PM. We pray for each other. Will you join us?

Oh, and don't forget the Farmer's Market this Saturday from 9:00 - noon. Lot's of veggies, and great opportunities to meet folks in the community.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Making it a Habit

As I surveyed my face in the mirror, I couldn't help but loathe the idea of scraping a razor across it for the gazillionth time. "I'll just forgo shaving today," I thought. After all, the stubbly look is in... it's Friday... I'll fit in just fine. Proceeding with my morning ablutions, I was amused to notice a few minutes later that I was shaving! Sheer force of habit. When it came time to shave I started doing it automatically and without thinking.

I was reminded of how powerful habits are - both good and bad.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny."

We'd all like to avoid bad habits. The key to avoiding bad habits is to not start down the road to sin, even sinful thought, in the first place!

But on the other hand, we'd all like to develop good habits! How wonderful when good habits develop. When we find ourselves drawn to our Bible reading time almost automatically. When giving one day in seven to the Lord on Sunday is not something we have to think about, but rather something that is automatic! Habits like these come from performing the actions over and over and over - just like shaving.

WELL... we have an opportunity to reinforce the habit of "preferring one another" in Christian fellowship this weekend! The next Campfire Fellowship will take place at Charlie and Deeanna's place on Saturday, 8/15, at 6:00 PM. Rain or shine! Bring a dish to share, and your lawn chairs. Sharpen up your skills at corn hole, volleyball, bocce ball, or just come and sit around the campfire and visit with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

ALSO... we have an opportunity to reinforce the habit of "going into all the world" with the gospel, as we welcome missionary Emily Colledge from India Gospel League to our worship service this Sunday at 10:30 AM.

Join us! You have friends at Friendship Bible Church!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Here We Go Again!

It's another busy weekend here at FBC. You've probably already got this on your calendar, but let me remind you of what's happening, just in case!

Saturday - 9:00 AM - NOON - The Randolph Farmer's Market.
If you're signed up to help this week, we will set up our booth at 8:45. Even if you're not signed up to help, stop by and say hello. We'll be there giving out coffee and water, and hopefully living water as well!

Saturday - 6:00 PM
- Our second campfire fellowship of the summer. Join us for food, fun and fellowship at the home of Bud and Linda. Bring a covered dish to share and your lawn chairs. Oh, and limber up those corn hole and horse shoe throwing muscles, for their will be opportunity to use them. And the volleyball tournament is on, if you dare. See you there!

Sunday - We will hear from missionary John James with Village Missions. John will be sharing the unique and interesting ministry of this mission organization in both his message, and his video presentation.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

You might be on TV

If you attended our recent campfire fellowship, that is...

If you have Time Warner Cable, check out channel 528 - the Local Events section. Interesting! Thanks to Sister Linda for this! The next Campfire Fellowship is only a few days away. Join us!

For those who are following the Pastor's Masters with baited breath, it will interest you to know that the standings are really tightening up. And believe it or not, the Pastor actually beat out everybody to win round 2!

The next round of the Pastor's Masters will take place in August. Join us!

As always, don't forget this week's events -

Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting - 6:30 PM
Saturday Morning - Farmer's Market - 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Oh What A Time!

If you missed our first Campfire Fellowship a few days ago, you missed a great time. Check here for some pictures. The fish were biting, the volleyball was awesome, the horseshoes were relaxing, and the cornhole was a blast. Oh, and did I mention that we had the best chicken in the world?

We'll have another later this month. Don't miss it!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Happenings for the week

This week is busy busy busy.

Please pray for the kids who are away at camp this week at Camp Carl... and pray for mom and dad, too as they deal with the absence.

Don't forget prayer meeting tonight - Wednesday - 6:30 PM. Join us as we pray for one another.

New officers were approved last Lord's Day. We have a new secretary and a new treasurer, as well as several new deacons and deaconesses. Pray for them as their transition began this week.

Saturday will be our third go-round with the Farmer's Market. So far, we've been giving away about 90 free cups of coffee per week. Pray that we will be able to give away more gospel tracts and that this effort will result in greater outreach into our community.

Since it's the 4th of July weekend, Haven of Rest will be cancelled Saturday. We'll resume that ministry next month.

And finally, remember that this coming Lord's Day will include our Noisy Offering! Remember to bring your change.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Campfires and Markets!

Wow... it's been over a month since I updated the church website! Forgive my inattention!

Just a quick update today, to remind you of some important activities this week.

Wednesday Evening (tonight) - Prayer meeting at 6:30 PM.

Saturday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - we will have a display at the Farmer's Market in Randolph, and will be distributing free coffee and water. If you're thirsty, stop by!

Saturday - 6:00 PM until the mosquitoes end the festivities - our first Campfire Fellowship of the summer will take place at the Pastor's place. Bring a lawn chair, and a fishing pole, and a covered dish, and an appetite, and join us for a fun evening around the fire.

Sunday - Teena Embaugh, a missionary with SEND International, will join us for morning worship.

What a joy to serve the Lord together at Friendship Bible Church!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

One Door At A Time

you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NKJV)

Those who've been attending our services this year know that we are stressing missions in a big way. Doing our part to support missionaries around the world is a vital part of Friendship Bible Church. But foreign missions is not our first area of emphasis. That would be our home town... our Jerusalem... Randolph.

This Saturday we will return to a program we initiated last summer - Reaching Randolph One Door At A Time. Last summer we knocked on every door in the central part of Randolph (and there are surprisingly many!) This year we will branch out. And we'll keep going until we've knocked on every door in town. And then we'll start over again.

You can play a part in this exciting opportunity. Join us this Saturday at 10:00. We'll meet at the church, pair up, and head out for one hour of missionary outreach to our Jerusalem. If you've never gone door to door before, have no fear. You'll be paired with somebody who will do all the talking and you can just observe and pray. Actually, the role of the silent prayer partner is vital! And the commitment is only one hour every other weekend.

See you Saturday morning as we Reach Randolph One Door At A Time.

Monday, May 4, 2009

A Special Week

Here is a repeat of a website posting from May 3, 2007. This is a special week!
It was May 3, 1970. In just 24 hours one of this area's most well-known historical events would occur - the shootings at Kent State University. But on May 3, something happened that didn't make the news, and is unknown to all but a select few now. On that day, a twelve year old boy experienced the most important event in his personal history. That boy was me, and on May 3, 1970, I trusted Christ as my Savior. I am, spiritually, 39 years old today. And so it is a special day as I look back over the journey Christ has led me on so far - a journey that has included both ups and downs, successes and failures, victories and defeats. But one thing is certain. I am more sure today of His love for me than I have ever been. He promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) I can testify after 39 years of walking with Him, that He never has, and He never will.
This week is also special for another reason - Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. Will you join with us this day in praying for our nation? Our church? Our brothers and sisters in Christ? Those around us who have never yet met this Man who loves them so? Pray. He will answer. "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." (John 14:14)

Our regular Wednesday prayer meeting is cancelled this week, and the church will be open for prayer on Thursday. Come any time between 5-9 to pray.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Busy Week

Well, it's turning out to be another busy week here at FBC. Please remember these events, and participate as you are able:

Wednesday Evening - prayer meeting. We have several of our number who are hurting and in need right now. Join us in praying for them. 6:30 PM

Saturday Morning - Haven of Rest service day. Meet at the Haven of Rest at 10:00 AM and join us in serving the homeless and needy.

Palm Sunday - This special day on the church calendar is even more special this year at FBC, as we will be baptizing several new brothers and sisters in Christ immediately following the worship service.

Friday, March 27, 2009

G.F.A.

This coming Lord's Day, we will be privileged to hear from a representative of the Gospel For Asia mission board. There will be a free book provided for all in attendance.

Join us!

Spring Cleaning

Don't forget, tomorrow (Saturday), at 10:00, we will be gathering to clean up the church building and grounds. There is plenty to do both inside and outside to make the Lord's house sparkle. Will you join us? Bring your brooms, mops, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, cleaning supplies... anything you think might help, and join us at 10:00. If a lot of people will each do just a little bit, nobody has to work hard, and a lot gets done!

See you on clean up day!

Prayer Request

Calling all friends of FBC - here is a prayer request for you.


"Call unto me," God says, "and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things that thou knowest not." (Jeremiah 33:3 KJV)

As most know, we are in the midst of a large project to tie our church building into the new sewer system running down S.R. 44. We have been wonderfully blest in that a particular friend of the church is performing the work for free. God is good.

Now, however, there is a bureaucratic issue that is holding up the project, and which may cost the church approximately $5000.00. Please pray today that God will move those in authority to stop this hold up so we can proceed with the project without this additional cost.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Wednesday Prayer Meeting

It looks like the pastor won't be back in town in time for the Wednesday prayer meeting this week, so let's just cancel it. Please take some time Wednesday evening to pray for one another, and we'll reconvene the prayer meeting next week.

Friday, March 13, 2009

NWHCM

This Lord's Day, we will be blessed to hear from Sam Guilliam, a representative of the Northwest Haiti Christian Missions organization. Friendship Bible Church has supported this missionary effort for some time, now, and we look forward to Bro. Sam's report.

You can learn more about this ministry here.

Bro. Sam will share in the Sunday School hour at 9:30, and he will preach and share a multimedia presentation in the worship service at 10:30. Immediately following the worship service, all are invited to join us for a "Meet the Missionary" lunch in fellowship hall.

One of our main goals for 2009 is to increase our emphasis on fulfilling the great commission... missions. This Sunday's service is one step in reaching that goal. Will you join us?

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Haven of Rest

Just one more post for today...

Several of our number were blessed in attending the Haven of Rest banquet this past Monday evening. Great food and a great program! As always, I came away from that event impressed with the Haven's ministry.

Well, we have our monthly opportunity to participate in that ministry this Saturday at 10:00. Meet at the Haven of Rest and help others in need. God will bless you for it.

Spring Forward!

Don't forget that this weekend is "spring forward" weekend. Set that clock ahead one hour before you turn in Saturday night. And how 'bout turning in an hour earlier than normal, so the devil won't be able to use that lost hour of sleep to keep you from church on the Lord's Day! Use that DVR... or that VCR... or just ignore that last TV program. ;-)

See you Sunday!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Preferring One Another

Here are a few pics from the Adult Class's recent game night. We're working on a bowling outing next, so stay tuned!





Noisy Offerings

Something new is coming next Lord's Day (and Lord willing, the first Sunday of every month from now on) - the Noisy Offering. It is noisy for two reasons:

  1. The children will take this offering.
  2. The children will use loud coffee cans to collect.

Bring your loose change on the first Sunday of each month, and put it in the noisy cans when the children pass through the crowd. These funds will be added to what we've already budgeted for local outreach, and will go to help our members and those in our community who are in need during these trying times.

Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?"

The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:34-40 NIV)

Praying, Playing, or Straying?

Leonard Ravenhill, in his book entitled "Why Revival Tarries" made these observations:
No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying.

Poverty-stricken as the church is today in many things, she is most stricken here, in the place of prayer. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters.

Failing here, we fail everywhere.

Interesting... and convicting. We have a midweek prayer meeting every Wednesday evening at 6:30. It usually lasts no more than 30 minutes, and is an opportunity for all of us to join the work and ministry of prayer.

Will you join us this week?

Friday, February 20, 2009

Fun and Games

The Adult Sunday School class is hosting a game night this Saturday at 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. We'll provide enough sloppy joe to put you into a coma, and plenty of soft drinks, too. Just bring your favorite munchies, and maybe your favorite board game (keep it clean - remember this is a church activity!), and join us for some fun and fellowship!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Weekend Opportunities

Much of America lives for the weekends. Some work hard all week just so they can party hard all weekend.

Christians ought be no different, really. We, too, look forward to the weekend... just for a different reason. Sunday is the Lord's Day, and as such we anticipate it... enjoy it... rest in it.... It is the best day of the week. The writer to the Hebrews said, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)

I hope you'll remember the importance of gathering with God's people on the Lord's Day this weekend.

Here at FBC, we have a couple of other reasons to enjoy this weekend:

Saturday is Haven of Rest service day. Join us as we setup and serve at the Haven of Rest - 10:00 on Saturday morning.

Sunday is "Bye Bye Blahs" Sunday. Wear something red and plan on a fun service of music and testimonies as we say "bye bye" to the blahs of February.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Meet the Missionary








This Lord's Day we will be blessed to hear about the ministry of Neal and Karen Durfey and their family.

They are missionaries to Bolivia with New Tribes Missions and will be presenting their work as well as the work of New Tribes Mission during both the 9:30 and 10:30 services. After the morning worship, we'll have a Meet the Missionary dinner in Fellowship Hall.

Join us if you can... and bring someone with you, too!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

How Can We Do Better in 2009?

One must never be satisfied. It is true in our personal walk with Christ.

The Apostle Paul said, Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV)

In other words - never be satisfied... never believe you are done and have arrived at the goal... keep striving to improve, to become more like the Savior.

Well, it's also true in our church. In this beginning month of 2009, we are evaluating everything we do and working hard to improve on what needs improvement, weed out what is not working, and add what is missing. Toward that end, we are asking for your opinions in an online survey.

Would you help us in this effort by clicking on the link below and completing the survey? It will take only a couple minutes of your time, but will help us greatly.

Take Survey

(Note that this survey makes use of a free online survey tool. When you complete the survey it will take you to the website for that free tool, at which point you can simply exit.)