Feed the Hungry on New Years Day

Why not join us at the Haven of Rest in Akron on New Years Day? We meet at 10:30, and are done before noon. What a great way to start out 2011!

Survey Says!

It's that time of year again! At the end of each year, the leadership team likes to hear from the church. What are we doing right? Where are we in need of improvement? Most of all, what improvements can we make in 2011 to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ more than in 2010?

Would you be willing to take 10 minutes and share your thoughts? The survey is available on the church website - HERE.

Let us know your thoughts!

Blastoff!

Are you new to the faith? Or maybe just new to FBC? Or perhaps you are seeking... wondering... exploring what Christianity, or Friendship Bible Church is all about?

If any of those describe you, even a little bit, then you are personally invited to the 7 Week FBC101 Class, which starts this Lord's Day! FBC101 covers the basic truths of the Bible, and provides a basic overview of what we believe here at Friendship Bible Church.

When - 9:30 AM
Where - Prayer Room, just off the foyer
Who - All newcomers, wonderers, and explorers.

Class is taught by the pastor.
All materials are provided, as are refreshments.

The only thing you need to bring is your Bible, and if you don't have one of those, we will provide that, as well.

See you at 9:30!

One More

Remember that New Year's resolution to come to Wednesday prayer meetings in 2010?



Last chance to keep that one is tomorrow! 6:30 PM!

No Prayer Meeting Tonight

Prayer Meeting will not be held this week, as we will be gathering instead on Christmas Eve for our candlelight service. See you Friday evening!

Did You Miss It?

Did you miss "The Promised Hope" - the FBC Christmas cantata and childrens' Christmas program? If so, here is a little taste of it:



Thanks to Nick, for providing this video. And blessings upon all who served so selflessly and contributed to this year's Christmas celebration.

How Can We Help?

How can you help a family who, during this Christmas season, watches sadly as a dear friend suffering the final stages of cancer, slips closer and closer to eternity?

How can you help the families around us whose financial struggling seems all the more difficult during the Christmas season?

How can you help those in our midst who have lost loved ones, and suffer increased pain over that loss the closer we get to Christmas?





How can YOU help, when you may be going through similar trials, and when your personal resources are also stretched too thin?

You can PRAY. You can join your voice and heart with your brothers and sisters at FBC tonight and every Wednesday night for prayer meeting. Prayer is not the least thing you can do for others, it is the greatest thing you can do.

So join us... Do it... Help them in ways you cannot imagine. Bring the power of our infinite God to bear on the hurts, needs, and problems of others.

After all, Jesus said, "... all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22 NASB)

He also said, "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:14 NKJV)

We gather for prayer every Wednesday evening from 6:30 PM until 7:15 PM. Some come and pray aloud. Some pray silently. Funny thing about prayer - it works both ways! And we welcome it either way. Join us!

Want To Live A Long Life?

Did you know we are looking at the Ten Commandments on Wednesday evenings? Not in depth... just a quick overview, as we reserve most of the time during prayer meeting for prayer requests and praying.


Did you know that tonight we will look at number 5?

And... Did you know that this particular commandment says those who integrate it into their lives can count on a long life?

Join us tonight as we work through commandment number 5 - 6:30-7:15, in the church auditorium.

Where's the Line to See Jesus?

What a wonderful reminder!

Becky Kelley sings, "Where's the Line to See Jesus?"

How not to listen to sermons

John Newton penned a brilliant letter on how to profit from sermons. First, Newton explains how one should listen to sermons:

As a hearer, you have a right to try all doctrines by the word of God; and it is your duty so to do. Faithful ministers will remind you of this: they will not wish to hold you in an implicit and blind obedience to what they say, upon their own authority, nor desire that you should follow them farther than they have the Scripture for their warrant. They would not be lords over your conscience, but helpers of your joy. Prize this Gospel liberty, which sets you free from the doctrines and commandments of men; but do not abuse it to the purposes of pride and self.

Then Newton explains how not to listen to sermons:

There are hearers who make themselves, and not the Scripture, the standard of their judgment. They attend not so much to be instructed, as to pass their sentence. To them, the pulpit is the bar at which the minister stands to take his trial before them; a bar at which few escape censure, from judges at once so severe and inconsistent.

Excellent balance.

(above quoted from Miscellanies, a BLOG by Tony Reinke)

... 4... 5... 6...

And just one more! I think I've got it figured out now. Please hit the reply button to let me know if you receive this final post.

Testing 1...2...3...

Our email system is not functioning properly. Thanks to those who helped on the first test. All our blog posts should automatically forward to our email list, and I think that is where our problem lies. So... May I ask you to reply yet again to this post if you received it in email?

Prayer, with Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is only hours away now. Soon many of us will sit down with family and friends, and, realizing that the bounty before us is the gift of God, we will bow our heads and pray, thanking Him.

Thanksgiving and prayer are linked in the Bible.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6 NKJV)


It is good to give thanks in prayer. The holiday is a good reminder of that truth. So, too, is Wednesday evening prayer meeting (tonight at 6:30), and Men's Prayer Breakfast (Saturday morning at 8:00).

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

Happiest of Thanksgivings!

How?

"How can I say thanks for the things
You have done for me?
Things so undeserved yet you gave
To prove your love for me
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am, and ever hope to be
I owe it all to thee."

(My Tribute, by Andrae Crouch)

... When they believed... They were baptized...

That is a truth peppered throughout the New Testament - when a person is saved, he / she is then baptized. It is the first step of obedience for the newborn Christian.




Well, this coming Lord's Day we are privileged to rejoice with 5 brothers and sisters who will be taking this important step in their Christian walk.

Join us, at 10:30 on Sunday?

3... 2... 1...

Counting down the last minutes for Operation Christmas Child is year. The shoe boxes will be sent out on Tuesday!



Let's send them out praying each one results in souls added to the Kingdom.

Time is Running Out

Are you packing those shoe boxes yet? This Sunday is the deadline for participating in Operation Christmas Child this year.


Not only will you make a child smile, but you will also share the gift of Jesus Christ with them! Will you help us reach our goal of 100 shoe boxes this year?

Fall Back

Don't forget...




... turn those clocks back this weekend!

I Was Hungry

It's that time of month again - first Saturday of every month, when we try and practice our faith, and help those in need by serving for a couple hours at the Haven of Rest in Akron.



Wanna be part of this exciting ministry opportunity? Join us Saturday morning at 10:30 at the Haven.

When we think it most blunt, it cuts the best.

A hundred year old reminder of why we will be gathering for prayer meeting at 6:30 tonight:

Prayer is the never-failing response of the Christian in any case, in every plight. When you cannot use your sword, you may take up the weapon of prayer. Your powder may be damp, your bowstring may be relaxed, but the weapon of prayer need never be out of order. Satan laughs at the javelin, but he trembles at prayer. Swords and spears need to be sharpened, but prayer never rusts; and when we think it most blunt, it cuts the best. Prayer is an open door that no one can shut. Devils may surround you on all sides, but the way upward is always open, and as long as that road is unobstructed, you will not fall into the enemy's hand.

We can never be taken by siege or invasion as long as heavenly help can come down to us and relieve us in the time of our necessities. Prayer is never out of season: In summer and in winter its merchandise is precious. Prayer gains audience with heaven in the dead of night, in the middle of business, in the heat of noonday, in the shades of evening. In every condition, whether poverty or sickness or obscurity or slander or doubt, your covenant God will welcome your prayer and answer it from His holy place.

And prayer is never futile. True prayer is always true power. You may not always get what you ask, but you shall always have your real needs supplied. When God does not answer His children according to the letter, He does so according to the spirit. If you ask for cornmeal, will you be angry because He gives you fine flour? If you seek physical health, should you complain if instead He makes your sickness result in your spiritual health? Is it not better to have the cross sanctified than removed? This evening, my soul, do not forget to offer your petition and request, for the Lord is ready to grant your desires.

Come... Join us in praying for one another... And for His work in the few days that remain!

(the quote is from Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" devotional, revised and updated by Alistair Begg)

Hallowed be Thy Name

A prayer thought from our brother Charles Spurgeon, to start your day:

"We pray Thee help us who know Thee, to glorify Thee. We have known Thee from our youth, some of us, and hitherto have we declared Thy wondrous works. Oh, may there never be in our heart, and above all may there never come from our lips, or in our life, anything that might dishonor Thee. Oh, let us die a thousand deaths sooner than ever dishonor Thy hallowed name."

It's Wednesday!

... And that means prayer meeting!

Spurgeon said it so well when he prayed:

Bless at this time very graciously the church to which we belong. Let us in this place know the power of prayer today and tomorrow: especially pour out upon the members of this church an intense spirit of supplication. May we agonize tomorrow for the glory of God, and today also, and let it not depart from us so long as we live. Send us, Lord, a mighty groundswell of intense desire for the glory of God, and may these thy servants banded together in church fellowship recognize the sweet obligations to their dying Lord, and determine that the prayers of the Church shall go up before him like sweet perfume.

Join us tonight as we pray one for another - 6:30 pm.

(And ladies, don't forget Zumba immediately following in Fellowship Hall.)

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Canata practice starts this Lord's Day!




And shoe box collection for Operation Christmas Child is right around the corner. Pack those boxes - our goal is 100 shoe boxes this year.

Men, Praying

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:8 KJV)

Invite a friend, men, to prayer breakfast this Saturday morning at 8:00 in Fellowship Hall.

Bodily exercise profiteth...

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 NKJV)

There are a lot of things to do at FBC - lots of opportunities for worship, Bible study, prayer, praise, fellowship, breaking bread... and yes, even exercise. Paul told Timothy that exercising ourselves unto godliness is the most important form of exercise. And certainly it does no good to have fit bodies if our spiritual life is flabby. But in saying what he did, Paul also made it clear that there is some benefit to physical exercise as well.

Softball, golf, bowling, white water rafting, volleyball, and Zumba are some of the sports / fitness activities that have taken place at FBC this past year. And this coming Friday evening, at 7:00 we will gather in Fellowship Hall to celebrate some of those things at our Sports Banquet.

Come one and come all - whether you participated in any of the sports or not. Come and enjoy the fellowship. All food is provided, and there is no cost.

Are They For Today?

This week in our Wednesday prayer meeting (6:30 - 7:15 PM every Wednesday), we are starting a new overview of the Ten Commandments. Each week we will briefly examine one of the commandments, and it's meaning for our walk with Christ.

Will you consider joining us?

More Phone Troubles!!

As Charlie Brown was so prone to say, "GOOD GRIEF!!"

We recently experienced problems with the voicemail on the church phone, which is now resolved. And yesterday I was informed that my personal cell phone voicemail was no longer functioning.





My apologies to those who may have tried to reach me and received no reply. It was not intentional. I believe the voicemail is working now, so please don't hesitate to call if needed - either at the church, or via my personal cell phone.

Missionaries Dan and Emily Sheaffer - tonight

During this evening's prayer meeting, we will be privileged to hear from Dan and Emily Sheaffer, missionaries with FamilyLife, out of Little Rock, Arkansas. FamilyLife describes its mission as "Meeting the needs of marriages and families, one home at a time."

Join us at 6:30 PM as we hear about and pray for this important ministry.

VOM Regional Conference

I received the following email regarding the upcoming conference. Don't forget to register if you are planning on attending. The link for registering is in the email.

Greetings Brothers and Sisters!

We are excited to invite you to the Saturday October 16th VOM Regional Conference. The speakers will encourage and challenge you through testimony, God’s Word, and information that will stir and equip you for His eternal purposes.

Speakers include:

· Gracia Burnham - A militant Muslim group, the Abu Sayyaf, kidnapped Martin and Gracia Burnham, missionaries to the Philippines, on May 27, 2001. The Burnhams were in captivity for 376 days. During an eventual rescue attempt by the Philippine Army on June 7, 2002, Martin was killed and Gracia was wounded. Her story is told in the books “In the Presence of My Enemies” and “To Fly Again.”

· Pastor Steven Khoury is the youngest ordained Arab pastor in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Pastor Khoury currently writes articles for Al-Quds, the largest Arabic newspaper in the Holy Land. He also authored the book "Diplomatic Christianity: Standing in the Shadow of Tomorrow's Persecution."

· Getaneh Getaneh is a gentle man whose radiant face belies the horrors he experienced during the red terror of the Mengistu regime in Ethiopia. Arrested by the Communist authorities for preaching, he was tortured, denied food, water, and sleep for days during his imprisonment. He eventually escaped prison and fled the country.

· Mujahid El Masih from Pakistan was committed to Jihad until Jesus brought true peace. He became a pastor and watched one day as thousands opposed to the gospel destroyed his village. Today he lives in the U.S. and travels extensively opening people’s eyes to the truth of Islam and sharing his testimony

· Brad Konemann is the Youth Director for VOM Australia. He was part of Underground Reality: Vietnam and Underground Reality: Colombia. Brad heads up Thirteen Three – a youth initiative of VOM Australia committed to inspiring youth to live out Hebrews 13:3.

· Robert Brock has been on staff with The Voice of the Martyrs for over 15 years. He has met with and served our persecuted brothers and sisters in China, Sudan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cuba, India, Myanmar, Laos, Bangladesh, Colombia and many other countries

· Worship and music will be lead by Amy Shreve.

Conference is Saturday October 16th from 9AM – 5PM.

Doors open at 8AM for registration, resource center (with books, DVDs, t-shirts, etc.), and prayer room.

Lunch is noon – 1:30 on your own at area restaurants. A map will be available at registration.

There is no cost to attend but an offering will be received.

There will be no childcare.

Host church and conference location:
The Chapel in Marlboro (located between Hartville and Alliance, OH)
8700 Edison St (State Rt. 619)
Louisville, OH 44641

REGISTRATION
To register, which is required, and for more information, visit www.vommeetings.com. You can also register by e-mailing mrose@vom-usa.org your name, phone number, and the number attending.


In His Service,
Matt Rose
The Voice of the Martyrs
Hebrews 13:3
www.persecution.com
www.vommeetings.com

Wonderful Weekend

The work week ( for many ) is winding down today, and we face yet another weekend at FBC! Opportunities to serve, worship, and fellowship with your brothers and sisters abound!

Saturday - 10 am - 1 pm - one of the last opportunities we will have to reach out to our Jerusalem at the Farmers Market. If you have not been part of this yet, this may be your last opportunity. ...ye shall be witnesses unto Me, in Jerusalem... (Acts 1:8)

Saturday - 10 am - 11:30 am - Setup and Serve at the Haven of Rest in Akron. ... We should remember the poor... ( Galatians 2:10)

Sunday - 9:30 - 10:15 am - Sunday School. Have you tried one of the new Classes yet? There's the "Branches" class for adults of all ages, meeting in the auditorium. There's the young adult and teens class, meeting in fellowship hall. And there is the FBC101 class, for new members, prospective members, and new believers. This class meets in the prayer room. Try one this week, if you haven't done so yet. Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together... (Acts 20:7 )

Sunday - 10:30 - 11:30 am - Worship Service, when we will be blessed to meet and hear from our missionaries to the Ivory Coast - Bob and Becky Mach.

Sunday - 11:45 - 1:00ish pm - Meet the Missionaries luncheon in Fellowship Hall.

What a wonderful weekend! I can't wait to see what God does with it!

Special Day this Lord's Day

Our missionaries to The Ivory Coast, Africa, will be with us this coming Lord's Day. Bob and Becky Mach have partnered with us for several years now, but this will be their first visit to FBC.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 KJV)

Brothers and Sisters like the Machs are one way a little church like FBC can live in the last part of that verse.

You won't want to miss this opportunity!

In addition to their ministry in the morning worship, you can also plan on getting to know Bob, Becky, and their kids, during a "Meet the Missionary" fellowship immediately after the service in Fellowship Hall.

Spring Sports Banquet

Yes... This just finished up...




Bet you wonder who won...

And remember this?





There were some great performances, worthy of accolade and glory!

If you're like me, you can't wait for the spring sports banquet. However, we are not quite ready to host that banquet this weekend as previously announced. So, we are postponing it a couple of weeks.

Be patient... The Spring Sports Banquet is coming!

We're Back!

The church phone is working again. Don't hesitate to use it.

Telephone Issues

If you've attempted to call the church office in the last few days you no doubt noticed that the phones are not working. We are attempting to upgrade some of our AT&T services, and they seem to have broken something, while they were at it!

We are awaiting repairs, which should be completed shortly, but if you need to reach us, please use either email, or the pastor's cell phone - 815-6104.

We apologize for the inconvenience!

Happenings

Some cool stuff happening this weekend at FBC -

Men's Prayer Breakfast, Saturday at 8:00 AM. Bro. Don has the devotional this month, and of course, there's the food!

Randolph Farmers Market starts at 10:00 AM, also on Saturday. This should be a big one, as the community yard sale is happening at the same time. Paul is heading this up this weekend, so drop by and give him a hand trying to reach our community for Christ.

Special speaker for the Sunday worship service will be Bro. Ron Lanham. Then later on Sunday, join the golfers for the next round of the Pastor's Masters. Only 2 rounds to go!

A Motorcycle Moment

It has been a while since I shared a thought from my Morning Motorcycle Meditations, but today's fright seems worthy of sharing.

I can't say whether the car stopped too soon, attempting to turn left ahead of me, or I simply allowed my attention to wander, but somehow I found myself hurtling toward the rear bumper of a stopped car.

Braked hard... both tires locked up... rubber screeching on pavement... motorcycle skidding and sliding....

Fortunately, that's the worst - no impact or carnage.

But, the interesting thing to me was the total lack of terror I felt. You may laugh at that statement, but the fact is I've had much milder brushes with danger that left me shaking. This time, I remained totally calm throughout. I am reliving the long slide right now as I write this. And try as i might... I cannot find a moment during the experience where i was even remotely afraid.

My point?

Well, do you ever wonder whether God will be there for you in a big crisis? Or do you wonder whether you will be able to handle the things that might come your way? Well, my motorcycle moment this morning reminded me that God will always be right there with us - even in the slides and skids.

... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear... (Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV)

Specks and Planks

Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:5)

Dr. David Jeremiah shared this thought in his daily email today. It's a great reminder:

Early in the film version of the near-disastrous Apollo 13 space flight, astronaut Jim Lovell is in his backyard, looking up at the moon that hangs small in the night sky. He holds up his thumb and it blocks out the entire moon from his sight. How could something so large be obscured from view by something so small?

It's all a matter of perspective. Things aren't often as they seem; sometimes a small thing can obscure something larger and more important. For instance, we may see a sin in the life of another person but fail to see our own giant, judgmental attitude. The small sin of another has blocked our view of our own larger problem. Jesus put it this way: Don't worry about the speck in another's eye until you've removed the plank from your own eye. Until our own eye is clear from a judgmental spirit, we are unqualified to judge the sins of another. Yes, the other person may have sinned, but God has not appointed us the judge of him.

Of all the sins in the world, God calls us to be concerned about only one before any other: our own. Once we have removed our plank, we can help our brother remove his speck.

Both

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 22:36-39 KJV)

John Dixon, in his great book entitled, The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission, makes the following thought provoking comment about that scripture:

According to Jesus, our fundamental obligation in life is to love both God and neighbor. Most of us would rightly criticize people who claim to love God but ignore their fellow human beings. On Jesus' teaching, the reverse would be just as open to criticism. Treating people well while ignoring the Creator falls way short of what Jesus taught was our obligation. Jesus left no room either for the religious hypocrite who Ioves God but not neighbor or for the moral agnostic who cares for people but does not revere God himself.

A prayer for the day - Lord, help me today to be obedient to both commandments, neglecting neither neighbor, nor God.

Good Old Fashioned Gospel Music

In addition to the food, fellowship, and fun we expect for Old Fashioned Sunday, we also look forward to great gospel music by our friends, The Gospel Journeyers.





If you heard them on Easter Sunday a couple years ago, then you know you're in for a blessing. If you weren't with us then, you'll just have to take my word for it.

They will encourage you! Don't miss the Gospel Journeyers this coming Lord's Day!

Yesterday, Today, and Forever

Read this quote from Spurgeon this morning, and had to share it!

Beloved, can you concede how much Christ will love you when you are in heaven? Have you ever tried to fathom that bottomless sea of affection in which you shall swim, when you shall bathe yourself in seas of heavenly rest? Did you ever think of the love which Christ will manifest to you, when he shall present you without spot, or blemish, or any such thing before his Father's throne? Well, pause and remember that he loves you at this hour as much as he will love you then; for he will be the same for ever as he is to-day, and he is the same to-day as he will be for ever. This one thing I know: if Jesus' heart is set on me he will not love me one atom better when this head wears a crown, and when this hand shall, with joyous fingers, touch the strings of golden harps, than he does now, amid all my sin and care and woe. I believe that saying which is written—"As the Father hath loved me, even so have I loved you;" and a higher degree of love we can not imagine. The Father loves his Son infinitely, and even so to-day, believer, doth the Son of God love thee. All his heart flows out to thee. All his life is thine; all his person is thine. He can not love thee more; he will not love thee less. The same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. (Charles H. Spurgeon)

Big September Happenings!

Well, another great week draws to a close! And we enter into another wonderful weekend at Friendship Bible Church.

Last night some of us went to hear the Triumphant Quartet at the Hartville Kitchen. What a great concert! I have a new favorite quartet now after hearing Triumphant!

But, the end of the week means that the weekend is upon us, so here are some reminders about what's happening Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday morning:

8:00 AM, those who are helping hang the chandelier may meet at the church and help with that effort.

9:30 AM, those who are helping with the Farmers Market, meet at the grounds to help set up. At 10:00 AM, the Farmers Market begins and last until 1:00 PM. Nobody is currently signed up for this activity, so we could really use some help!  Stop by and help us reach our community for Christ!

10:00 AM, those who are helping with our monthly ministry at the Haven of Rest, meet in the Haven of Rest cafeteria to help serve.    Nobody is currently signed up for this activity, so we could really use some help! Those in need are just as much in need on holiday weekends!

We are in danger of having to cancel both of the above ministries this weekend due to lack of help.  If you are planning to attend either, please let us know so we avoid cancelling!

Sunday morning:

9:30 AM, Sunday School hour restarts, with two new adult classes and one new children's class this year. Don't be late!

10:30 AM, We worship the Lord in our main worship service.

We hope to see you this weekend at Friendship Bible Church!

From the new teachers of the Young Adults SS Class

Hello,

It’s that time of year again for Friendship Bible Church Sunday School to begin. You may already know that FBC is offering a new selection of classes to chose from. We would like to invite you to join us for our class. We will be meeting in the fellowship hall beginning September 5th at 9:30 a.m.

Our goal is to promote a closer personal walk with the Lord. To achieve this we would like to provide an in depth study into God’s word with topics that are chosen by the class. This will ensure more discussion, feedback, and interaction by all. So please bring any and all biblical based topics, questions, ideas, and/or concerns that may be of interest to you. During the first class, we will discuss these items and the class can choose the first topic together.

We hope to see you September 5th!

God Bless,

Jack and Jessica

From the new teachers of the Adult SS Class

Hi Folks!

September is just around the corner, and it is time again to start thinking about our adult Bible studies at Friendship Bible Church. On September 5th we will be starting a brand-new adult class and would like you to be a part of it. There will be a time of Bible study, fellowship, and prayer for each other. In John 15:5 Jesus said "I am the vine, you are the branches". Just as the branches (us) are connected to the vine (Jesus) this is an opportunity for you to get connected to others at FBC.

Come join us from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Make some new friends and have a fun time around God's word.

In Christ's Love,

Jim and Cindy

Of such is the kingdom of God.

Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (Luke 18:16 KJV)


We were privileged to send several kids to Camp Carl this year.  Here is a video showing some of that.

(If you receive this in email, and the video doesn't show, please visit the church BLOG to see it.)

Round Three!

Can anybody knock Brother Don off the leaderboard? He has been dead consistent through the first two rounds. Last week Brother Bud (or was it Brother Charlie?)  gave it a try, but only managed a tie. What will happen this week in the Pastor's Masters?

2:00 at Sunny Hill!

Remember - anybody may join at any time. Just show up and tee off.

CONFIRMED!!

I just got off the phone with our excellent cook, and the Men's Prayer Breakfast is a GO for this weekend.

Guys, we will meet in Fellowship Hall for the breakfast to end all breakfasts at 8:00 AM Saturday morning. There is always plenty of food, so invite somebody to join you!

I will be bringing the devotional this month, and so let me whet your appetite just a bit about that by asking a question - what do King Arthur, an Australian preacher, and the New Testament all have in common? Find out Saturday morning!

Have you heard what's happening on the first Sunday in September?

We are really getting excited about what God is doing in our Sunday School hour this fall. Here are some of the changes:

• A new class will be available for kids 12 and up, and will meet upstairs in the center room.  This will be the first time in years that the upstairs portion of the building is actively used. 
• A new class for young adults will meet in the Fellowship Hall.
• The auditorium class will have new teachers, and once the last remaining Sunday School class off Fellowship Hall is finished, they will take up residence therein.
• The weekly discipleship class will be moved from Tuesday evenings to Sunday mornings and will be taught by the Pastor, initially meeting in the small prayer room just off the foyer.

Want to know more? Ask the teachers, who are working hard to prepare.

And, God be praised, we already have needs for additional classes!

Pray with us about teachers for a youth/teen class, and for the preschool class.

Jesus said, "I will build My church!"  What a blast to watch Him do it!

Farmers Market Cancelled

Since it's fair week, and we want our people to be free to enjoy that annual activity, and since we only have one person signed up this week, I think we'll cancel the Farmers Market for Saturday, August 28th, and pick it up fresh again on the first Saturday in September.  See you then!

Countdown to Chandelier-time!

The chandelier is almost ready to go back up! Some have never seen it. Here are a few pics to say "thank you" to those few who have been working so hard to get it restored and reinstalled.

Bet you had no idea there were that many little parts to that thing, did you?

(BTW) If you are receiving this via email and the slideshow below is missing, you can view it here.

Lots of new faces these days at FBC!

(The following appeared in the church bulletin this last Lord's Day, and is reprinted here:

If you are one if the new faces, make sure and check out the many and varied opportunities available to you here. If we have your email address (see our church secretary if you would like to give that information), or if you follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/friendshipbible), you will get up to date info about happenings. You can always check out the church website and BLOG, too. And the bulletin is always chock full of announcements and opportunities for believers to use their gifts for the Lord. 

Opportunities like the Secret Sisters for the ladies, and the Mens Prayer breakfasts for the guys... golf and softball, campfire fellowships, game nights, bowling, and other fun activities meant to bring us together as a family. 

And opportunities to serve like first Saturdays at the Haven of Rest rescue mission in Akron, or outreach at the Farmers Market on Saturdays during the summer, or door to door evangelism with the pastor, or benevolence ministries for our shutins or those going through hardships. 

The various Sunday School classes, Ladies Bible Study, Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting, and of course Sunday Morning worship services provide a variety of opportunities to worship, pray, and learn from the Word. Got musical gifts? The Christmas cantata is just around the corner, and we are always looking for musicians. Our music director would love to hear of your interest! Like kids? We have a Jr. church coordinator who would love to help you if you are interested in that. Like computers or technology? There are always opportunities there. And in a small but growing church like FBC, new opportunities are being developed everyday. 

So, check things out and then plug in somewhere. As all God's people use their spiritual gifts for his glory in His local church, amazing things will happen! 

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT)

How 'bout a little VBS?

It's not too late to be part of this!  Join us every night this week from 6PM - 8:30PM.

Buzzards? Demons?

I read another pastor's tongue-in-cheek illustration once concerning the fact that Satan, unlike our heavenly Father, cannot be in all places at once.  Satan is not omnipresent.  Only God is.  Satan, however, has hordes of demons to assist him.  This pastor pointed out that since Satan can't be in every church at the same time, he posts a demon or two on the steeple of each church with the instructions, "Call me if they wake up."

Hmmmm....

One seems to be headed somewhere, perhaps with a message?  Something like, "This church is awake!  New members joining again this Sunday!  VBS starting up Monday... people are excited... loads of fun during the weekend with a wonderful campfire fellowship and the first round of the Pastor's Masters golf tournament.  Most of all, another Sunday worship service where Jesus was lifted up.  Parking lot and pews were both nearly full!"

His master is no doubt upset.

We pray that our Master is pleased.

And if you have not been part of the fun that is Friendship Bible Church recently, we invite you to join us - any evening this week for VBS, or next Lord's Day at 10:30 AM for worship.

If It Keeps Gettin' Better and Better, O Lord...

Years ago I remember a ladies trio visiting the church and singing that song - "If it keeps gettin' better and better Oh Lord, I don't know what I'm gonna do."  

Well... things just keep gettin' better and better and better at FBC.

TODAY - Farmer's Market is already wrapped up for today, but once again we were able to be a presence for Jesus in our town.  Thanks to Debbie for faithfully serving in that ministry today.

TONIGHT - 6:00 PM - Campfire Fellowship at the church.  BYOWS (Bring Your Own Weeny Stick), a dish to pass, and a lawn chair.  Plan on food, fun, fellowship, and more food!

TOMORROW - 10:30 AM - Yet another opportunity to worship the Lord in the Lord's house on the Lord's Day!  The best day of the week!

TOMORROW -  2:00 PM - The moment we've all been waiting for - the official start of the 2010 Pastor's Masters golf tournament.  First round action tees off at 2:00 PM at Green Hills Golf Course on Tallmadge Rd. in Kent.

NEXT WEEK - 6-8:30 PM nightly - It's a Baobab Blast - Vacation Bible School.  Not registered yet?  No problem - we'll register you at the door - join us - invite your friends.

IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE - Old Fashioned Sunday is just around the corner, the Rubber City Model A Club will join us again, and I just got off the phone confirming that the Gospel Journeyers will once again be with us to make it a musical feast.

"If it keeps gettin' better and better Oh Lord, I don't know what I'm gonna do."  

VBS - HERE WE GO!

Final planning meeting is this evening at 6:00 at the church.  ALL who are helping with VBS, please attend this short meeting.

Setup and decorations begin thereafter.

What a great opportunity to reach kids with the good news that Jesus loves them.  

See you at 6.

Hello Men's Prayer Breakfast!

When - 8:00 AM this Saturday morning

Where - Fellowship Hall
Who - Men, one and all
Why - Prayer, Fellowship, Food, Bible, Friends, and did we say PRAYER.



Men - if you've never experienced a breakfast cooked and served by our wonderful FBC ladies, you are missing out on a once in a lifetime, mind altering, and soul inspiring experience!  This week, Brother Nick will provide the devotional.  Don't miss out!

Goodbye Softball

One last look at our wonderful softball team for 2010.  Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this a fun time for all.  Final record - 2 wins, 7 losses, infinite smiles.

Herd Think

If you're looking for it, you can find corroboration for Biblical truth just about anywhere in God's creation.  Last night, I found it in a TV program, of all places.  Since one of my hobbies is hunting, I was watching Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures.  Jim was hunting in Africa, and trying to sneak up on a gazelle in the middle of the African plain.  There was no cover for a hunter to hide behind anywhere in sight, and he was struggling to get close to his prey.  He said to his guide, "How are we supposed to get anywhere near these things when we're out in the open like this?"  The guide replied, "It's difficult, and it's even more difficult when you're trying to get close to a large herd.  The larger the herd, the harder it is to sneak up on them."  Of course, the reason for that is that the larger the herd, the more eyes there are looking for danger, and alerting the herd to it.

Hmmmm.... Interesting that the Bible teaches us that healthy Christians have a herd mentality.  We cannot last long exposed on the savannah by ourselves.  But the herd keeps us safe... protects us from our adversary who wants to sneak up and destroy us when we're separated from the herd.  

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8 KJV)

Gather with the herd this Sunday!  

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25 KJV)

Make A Difference

Want to be a difference maker in your local church?  Here's a thought provoking checklist to help get you started:

• Find a good local church.
• Get involved.
• Become a member.
• Stay there as long as you can.
• Put away thoughts of a revolution for a while.
• Join the plodding visionaries.
• Go to church this Sunday and worship in Spirit and truth.
• Be patient with your leaders.
• Rejoice when the gospel is faithfully proclaimed.
• Bear with those who hurt you.
• Give people the benefit of the doubt.
• Say “hi” to the teenager that no one notices.
• Welcome the old ladies with the blue hair and the young men with tattoos.
• Volunteer for the nursery.
• Attend the congregational meeting.
• Bring your fried chicken to the potluck like everybody else.
• Invite a friend.
• Take a new couple out for coffee.
• Give to the Christmas offering.
• Sing like you mean it.
• Be thankful someone vacuumed the carpet for you.
• Enjoy the Sundays that “click.”
• Pray extra hard on the Sundays that don’t.
• And in all of this, do not despise the days and weeks and years of small things (Zechariah 4:8–10).

Great ideas, all.  Implement even a few of them and you'll truly make a difference in your church.


(These ideas came from a message delivered by Kevin DeYoung at Next 2010 conference)

Prayer Requests Online

Got something you'd like us to pray about in our Wednesday evening prayer meetings, or maybe during the Sunday Morning worship services?  You can now enter prayer requests via our web site.  Just go to www.friendshipbiblechurch.org, and select the Prayer Requests link on the left hand side of the screen. Your requests will be saved and used during the next prayer meeting.

Let us never cease to pray for one another!

Hiding

And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. (Genesis 3:8)

Sin had consequences for Adam and Eve. Their relationship with each other was damaged. Blame was the name of the game as Adam blamed Eve who blamed the serpent. All relationships feel the tug of that tendency even today. All of us were affected by that first sin.

But the worst consequence was that which changed their closeness to God. No longer walking with Him in the garden; now they hid from Him, not wanting to face Him.

When we feel a distance growing in our attitude toward God… when we don't feel like praying… when we would rather not read our Bible as we know we should… it's a good time for some self-examination. Am I harboring some sin that makes me want to hide from my God?

He was still there in the garden, wanting a relationship with Adam and Eve. He forgave their sin, just as He wants to forgive yours and mine.

Do you remember what it was like when you walked with Him? Before you started hiding from Him? Well, you can get that back. It's as simple as stepping out from our hiding place (John 6:37) and having a talk with Him about the sin that caused the problem in the first place (1 John 1:9).

If you are hiding, may I challenge you to do that, today?

A Note From Jyll

This past Lord's Day, we were privileged to hear from Jyll Schenault, a missionary to the Dominican Republic.  She sent the following report to her email list shortly thereafter.  It's a nice reminder of how appreciative missionaries are of even the slightest things we do for them.  And it's a reminder that we need to do more!

Jyll's letter:

Hello,

Life back home is finally starting to settle down a bit.  The week started out with the funeral services for my uncle, Roland, who passed away after a very quick battle with cancer (only having found out about it just a month ago).  I am now back to work, working at a computer/ technology company in Hudson, Ohio.  I have also been working on my school work (I began grad school classes in late May). 

This week, I had the privilege of speaking at Friendship Bible Church in Randolph, Ohio.  It is always exciting to be able to be a witness of the power of Jesus Christ around the world, even if the part of the world isn’t very far from where I grew up. 

After the church service, the church held a fellowship luncheon where the members and attendees had an opportunity to “meet the missionary”.  It was a wonderful time to get to meet these brothers and sisters in Christ and hear a little about their lives while I share with them of the adventures that God has taken me on.  The picture this week is of this fellowship luncheon.

I only have a few weeks left before I am heading back to the Dominican Republic.  If you are in Northeast Ohio and would like to get together, please let me know.

Have a wonderful week.  God bless you.

Jyll

Weekend Reminders

Another busy one!

Stop by the Farmers Market and visit the FBC booth - 10:00 til 1:00

RRODAAT is tomorrow morning, too.

Saturday evening, starting at 5:00, the great chandelier polishing party begins at the Boyer house. Plenty of food and refreshments will be provided so just come ready to polish. Here is a word of warning from Mary about this project:

Please advise everyone that is coming that this is going to be a dirty, messy job and that they should wear old clothes because as I am brushing the cleaner gets all over me from splatter.  It reminds me of cleaning the oven.

Sunday, we will hear from missionary Jyll Schenault during our worship service, then we will have a "Meet the Missionary" luncheon, before heading to the softball field for our last regular season game.

Whew! Join us for some or all of these opportunities to serve the King.

The Most Important Evangelistic Tool We Have

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4 NKJV)

I've been reading a book by John Dixon entitled, "The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission."  The following quote seemed particularly relevant to tonight's prayer meeting, so I shared it there, and share it here with you.

"Of all the things Paul urges his church to pray for, prayer for the work of the gospel is the most common. More than that: of all the things that the New Testament mentions as gospel promoting activities (giving money, speaking of Jesus, and so on) prayer is the one most frequently urged. I do not for a moment want to encourage readers to be silent about their faith: that would be a tragedy and a sure sign of ill health as Christians. But even more tragic, I believe, would be our silence in prayer, the primary evangelistic task of every believer."

Let us continue in prayer... for each other, for our church, for our country, but most of all - for the lost souls that are all around us. 

The June Campfire Fellowship Was Great

If you didn't get to join in the fun, here are some memories:



Although we didn't get any pics of it, there was a truly spectacular volleyball game, too!

(Remember, if you're receiving this in email, and can't see the slideshow, you'll need to go to the BLOG to see it - http://friendshipbiblechurch.blogspot.com.

It's a Baobab Blast! Register Now!

Vacation Bible School is just around the corner.  If you have kids who will be attending, we need to get them registered as soon as possible to aid in our planning.  Registration forms are available at the church, or at the Farmer's Market every Saturday (just stop by the FBC booth).

And now, you can also register using our online form - just click here.

Let your friends and neighbors know. Invite everybody you can!

When - August 2-6, 6PM - 8:30 PM nightly.

Opening Doors for the Gospel

I was reading a recent update from our Samaritan's Purse missionary partners, and on the very first page I read this line: "ministry to earthquake survivors in Haiti is opening doors for the Gospel". 


That got me to thinking and reminded me of why it is that we help others with physical needs. Why do we provide shelter and food and assistance for those who have physical needs? It is because it's an opportunity for us to share the Gospel. 


That's why we do everything we do at Friendship Bible Church.  It's way too easy for us to lose that focus, and our adversary the devil is way too quick to help us in losing it!  So let's let our brothers and sisters at Samaritan's Purse refocus our minds today, and let's determine to make every minute count in reaching our world for Jesus.  May all our activity be used to open doors for the gospel.

After all, Romans 1:16 says "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for IT IS THE POWER OF GOD TO SALVATION FOR EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES...."  

Let Both Grow Together

Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."  (Matthew 13:30 NKJV)

The older we get in our walk with Christ, the less tolerable seems the ever-presence of evil in our world.  Am I the only one who feels that way?  

Jesus reminds us in this parable though that, while it is the will of the Lord for us to dwell in this evil world for a while, it won't be forever. 

Let both grow together UNTIL… what a glorious word that is… UNTIL the harvest, UNTIL the judgement, UNTIL the King returns and gathers us to Him and gets rid of all that is evil once and for all. 

I hope that thought encourages you as it does me.  Because, as the Oakridge Boys sing:

Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon,

Many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound.

All of the dead shall rise, righteous meet in the sky,

Going where no one dies, Heavenward bound!

Of Biscuits, Gravy, Campfires and Zumba

Well, as usual, weekends at FBC are full of activity. This one will be no different.

Saturday morning starts things off with Men's Prayer Breakfast at 8:00 AM. If you haven't experienced Trudy's biscuits and gravy yet, now is your chance. Brother Jim will bring the devotional. Join us, guys.

BTW - Zumba is cancelled Saturday morning so we can eat biscuits and gravy. Guys, since the ladies are making such a sacrifice for us, we better make sure and show up!

Then. At 10:00, those scheduled to serve at the Farmer's Market will man their posts, doing what they can to reach our community for Christ.

Saturday evening at 5:00 PM we will gather at the Moore house for our first Campfire Fellowship of the summer. Food, fun, and fine fellowship are on the agenda. Bring a lawn chair and a dish to pass.

Of course, if Jesus doesn't return before Sunday, we will gather on the Lord's Day for worship at 10:30, followed by our softball game at 1:45. Don't forget, we are on a winning streak!

See you this weekend!

Great Quote

Do you read good Christian books?  I mean, in addition to the Bible, of course.  I'm in the midst of one entitled "The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission" by John Dickson, and I came across an interesting quote that got me thinking:

Our friends and neighbors live and breathe in the presence of the greatest Lord.  Yet, they do not know it.  We, people of the Lord, who know His majesty over heaven and earth, must, in whatever way is appropriate to our gifts, personality, and circumstances, promote His glory.

I found that a good reminder of why I should promote the gospel today, as well as a good motivation that encourages me to do it.  I hope it encourages you today, as well.

Calling All Men

This Saturday morning, we will undertake a project with which we could use your help, men.  We discovered this week that the antique chandelier hanging in our sanctuary has a broken wire in it and must be taken down from the ceiling, rewired and repaired, cleaned, and put back up.  Additionally, there is some wiring work that needs done in the attic to support this effort, as we discovered the circuit running to the chandelier is ancient.

Anybody able and willing to help, meet at the church a little after 8:00 AM Saturday morning.  We don't need a mob, but we do need 4-6 guys to ensure we can safely handle the task.  Some are already committed to the Farmer's Market outreach.  If so, please continue with that commitment.  But if you're free... see you at 8AM!

Who knows - there might even be free donuts involved.

Wanna see some more softball?

Thanks, Nick, for providing the great pics of the game, last Sunday.

And the winner is...

How sweet it is to win one!  Final score last Sunday was 8-7, giving FBC it's first ever victory in coed softball. 

The Awesome Privilege of Prayer

Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord. (Genesis 18:27 NKJV)


Considering who I am and who God is, what an amazing privilege it is that I can talk to Him. 


All believers have that privilege. 


Do you have a daily time set aside to talk with the Lord?  Do you get alone with Him regularly? The Bible teaches that we should cultivate just such a discipline as Christians, and so I encourage you today - find some time for prayer. 


And I remind you, too, that it is not just a private practice - it is also something we do together… corporately… with and for each other. Toward that end I remind you that we gather on Wednesday evenings to work together at prayer - the awesome privilege! 


Will you join us at 6:30 PM?

OK... it's not totally ready for prime time yet, but...

... I'm gonna share it with you anyway and see what you think.  I'm talking about the new church website, of course.

Point your web browser at www.friendshipbiblechurch.org and let me know what you think.  This BLOG isn't going anywhere, and will continue to be a primary site for announcements and news. The new site will be directed at those who are seeking information about our church.  What is Friendship Bible Church?  What goes on there?  Hopefully, those are the questions the new site will answer.

Check it out and share your thoughts!

No better way to spend a rainy day

It's prayer meeting night.  Will you join us as we gather at 6:30 for prayer?  I can't imagine a better way to spend a rainy evening than gathered with brothers and sisters at the throne of God.

Pray with us... pray for us... we will pray for and with you...

See you at 6:30!

Go Team!

For those of you who might have missed it, let me just say that last weekend's softball game was far from pretty. We faced a bigger and more experienced team, and they handled us pretty well. But everyone had fun, and nobody got hurt (well... except for Charlie, who seems to get hurt every week!).

Since we have more men than women playing, some of the men have to sit out each week. This was my week to provide moral support from the sidelines, as I was not in the lineup. So I spent a lot of time just watching. And I noticed some things that have bounced around in my mind ever since.

About half way through the first inning, I realized just how much our softball team is a picture of our church.

Everybody has a role to play, and no role is more or less important than the others. Whether pitching, catching, playing infield, or outfield, the team relies on every player being in their place and performing their role. Sounds like the church, doesn't it? "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT)

Everybody has good days and bad days. When somebody struggles, the rest of the team gathers around and tries to encourage them. "Come on, you can do it" is heard over and over, from players in the field, from fans on the sideline... in softball, it seems that everybody naturally understands how vital it is that we encourage one another. And the harder somebody struggles, the harder the encouragers shout their encouragement. "... let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)

When a team member faltered, I smiled as another player stepped in and helped. I watched as a player who can hit but not run made it to first after a smash hit, and then was replaced by another runner who could take it the rest of the way home. It should be so in the church. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2 NIV)

We didn't win last week, but I was proud of our team. And each week, as we gel more and more together as a team, I think we'll be more and more a picture of what Jesus wants the church to be. After all, His prayer was "that they all may be one" (John 17:22). Is there a better picture of that one-ness, than when a group of men and women, young and old, players and cheerleaders, athlete and non-athlete, take the field together for a common goal.

Go Team!

Pray This Week!

Don't forget that tonight's midweek prayer meeting is cancelled in lieu of tomorrow evening's National Day of Prayer.

The church will be open starting at 5:00 PM and will close at 9:00 PM. Come anytime between those hours and spend some time praying for our country, our leaders, and most of all, the spiritual revival our nation so desperately needs.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)

Of Birthdays and Prayer Days

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, 40 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 40 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 PM to pray.

Softball Game 1 vs. Maranatha Bible

Our first game was rained out, but we made it to the 5th inning so the score counts. We lost 10-5, but what a great time was had by all.

Join us for our next game!

Here's a little video to bring you some of the action.


(If you received this in email, and the video did not come through, you can check it out on YouTube.

Warning - busy weekend ahead!

Saturday morning is our monthly opportunity to serve at the Haven of Rest. Did you sign up for this? If so, don't forget to meet at the Haven at 10:00 AM on Saturday morning.

Saturday evening is the Mother Daughter Banquet. The theme this year is "Everything Beautiful in its Time." Got your tickets? Things kick off at 6PM. Men - if you are one of the servers, be there at 5PM.

And then, in addition to the opportunity to gather and worship on the Lord's Day, we will also be playing our second softball game at 3:00 Sunday afternoon. Cheer on our team!

Men's Prayer Breakfast

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; (1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV)

Don't forget our change in plans, men! This Saturday morning, April 24th, we'll meet at 8:00 at Brother Jim's house. A nice breakfast, a word from the Word, praying together, and just spending some time with the brethren - what could be better?

In Case You Missed It...

In case you missed the fun on Easter this year, here are a few pics of the egg hunt and the breakfast.

Discipleship / New Members Class

Don't forget that the New Members / Discipleship class begins this evening and continues every Tuesday evening for the next 7 weeks.

Meet at the pastor's house at 7:00 PM. Bring your Bible and something to write with. Everything else will be provided, including refreshments!

This class is for all new believers, as it will deal with some foundational Bible truths that will help you grow. It is also for all who are considering membership at FBC, in that it will explain where the church stands on these foundational issues. It is also a great refresher course for even the most seasoned of believers.

Will you join us this evening at 7:00?

Easter Weekend

Several things to remember as we enter this wonderful weekend - a weekend that starts with Good Friday services tonight (7:00 PM), where we remember that Jesus died for us all, and culminates with our worship service at 10:30 AM on Sunday, where we rejoice in the fact that Jesus rose and lives so we may too!

In between, there are a couple of things to remember:

Saturday morning - Haven of Rest service at 10:30. Meet at the Haven of Rest if you can help.

Sunday morning - SONRise Breakfast at 9:00 AM. Men who are serving need to be at the church at 8:00 AM. Everyone else, join us at 9:00 for breakfast.

Remember, there is NO Sunday School this Sunday!

We are praying for a full house on Easter, for that will glorify the risen Lord. Will you join us?

Bound, led, and delivered - for you

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. (Matthew 27:1-2 KJV)

I woke up this morning thinking of those verses - for it is Good Friday. Jesus was tried and crucified on this day - for your sins and for mine.

Tonight, we will remember those events in our Good Friday service, starting at 7:00 PM. Music will be provided by the Celestial Strings (Harp and Violin). Communion will be served. Please join us as we remember Christ's amazing sacrifice for us.

All Systems Are Half Go!

Due to the funeral taking place on Saturday, and the funeral dinner thereafter in fellowship hall, we are going to modify the Saturday schedule just a bit.

Men - prayer breakfast remains ON. Don't miss it.

The spring cleaning activities are being curtailed a bit, though. All of the inside cleaning work is being cancelled until after Easter. We'll reschedule that. Several men will be working to get the parking lot and driveway cleaned up before Easter, though, and so if you want to help with that outside work, that is still on. Bring a rake and meet them at 10:00 in the parking lot.

All Systems Are Go!

Don't forget the busy Saturday ahead of us!

Men's Prayer Breakfast - 8:00 in Fellowship Hall at the church. Men, you really really don't want to miss out on this!

Annual Spring Cleaning day - 10:00 at the church. Some of the ladies who would normally be faithfully working on this activity cannot do so this time because of a funeral dinner which will be served at the church at 3:00 PM. We could use some others to fill in for them while they are working on that. All cleaning activities will have to be completed and everything set up for the funeral dinner by 2:00 PM, so the time commitment is not that much! And the workload is not that much this year. We must get the parking lot and grounds ready for Easter Sunday next week, and we hoped to get a couple of new Sunday School rooms ready to go for some possible new classes. Wear your work clothes and give the Lord an hour of your time. His house will look Easter-ready in no time!

And now... the DATE

When was that game night again? Oh yeah... this Saturday, March 20th, starting at 6:00 PM.

Game Night

Has it really been a year since our last game night in Fellowship Hall?

YES! And that means it's time for another one!

Bring your favorite board game, your favorite munchies, and join us in Fellowship Hall for one of the greatest evenings of fun we have all year long. Sloppy Joes and Pop will be provided, and will make the perfect compliment to whatever you and others choose to bring.

This is a family evening. Bring the kids! Prizes will be awarded for everything you can think of!

Food, fun, and fellowship with other believers. There's just no better way to spend a Saturday evening than that. And bring along your friends, too. Let them see that Christians, of all people on earth, have reason to have fun and enjoy life.