He is still here…

One of the most interesting phenomenons I've noticed is when the immediate successor of a church continues to live near or even on the grounds of the church he has previously served.

It has been shared that the Pope, when he retires from being Pope, will live in a restored convent on the grounds of the Vatican in Rome. What will that be like? Would they visit each other? Would they go "out on the town" together? Would they make appearances every now and then as a sign of good will? Will the Vatican forbid too close of a relationship? He has stated he wants a life of silence, but does that mean he won't communicate with others? Not sure. 

I would love it if I were Pope and the previous Pope lived near. I'd ring him every other day to get advice. Ah, but what if the next Pope has a "I can do this better than that guy" type of attitude? If this is true, then he won't communicate much at all with Joseph Ratzinger. I don't think there is anything regarding what type a relationship the Pope is to have with a former Pope, but I'd like to think that they'd have breakfasts on Saturday mornings. Wouldn't that be neat? I mean, why not? It is known, though not widely, that I enjoy the friendship of one of the former pastors of FBC, Winnsboro. I find it helpful to maintain a relationship with him. He has been here and knows the people better than I do. This being the case with Joseph Ratzinger, I would hope the next Pope would seek out that relationship and seek to glean wisdom from him when it comes to his papal duties.

What about you? Is there someone you can learn from in your life who has lived where you live, work where you've worked or simply has been around longer than you have? Find a mentor. Find someone who can, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, guide you in your life.

Family thanks God

Recently a family won 1 million dollars in the lottery. They were both unemployed and now have purchased iPads, a new car and a new house. They are tithing to their church off of the winnings. They thank God for winning. My questions are, "Is this win from God?" "Will this encourage people to throw money away on tickets?"
Did this family need help? Yes. Were they trusting in God or on a chance ticket? I just wonder.

Worship with us!

We have started a new service on Sunday evenings. We are calling it Pursuit. We are seeking to pursue God in all of our services, but this evening service is one that is non-traditional. We use guitars and a keyboard. Tonight's service was great! I truly feel God is going to bless us as we reach out to our community.

Upward Soccer is going to be great! Come watch the kids as they play September 29th.

Helping Hands will be working again, probably on the 22nd, of this month.

Exciting things are happening at FBC. Invite a friend and be a part of what God is doing!

Keep praying!

Brought thoughts to my mind...

I received this book as a review copy from Tyndale. I usually don't read books like this and consider them "alarming" in nature. I have enough to worry about in this world and don't need one more thing. Ah, but as I began to read I found this book very balanced in views and, although alarming in nature, a good, thought provoking read. He handles the subject of the state of our country very well. After stepping through the situation our nation is in, he very carefully lines out a path of action for the church and individuals.

As I wrote, there are many alarmist books out there which I choose to ignore because they are very biased in one direction or another. This one is an exception to what has become the rule and I enjoyed it.

If you want a well thought out book dealing with the state of our country and how things can change for the better, read this book.

What does God have for us next?

Pray for our church as we seek a new music leader for worship. Pray God helps us to have eyes as to who He wants for us to have. 

Worship is not to be taken lightly. It's our purpose of gathering as His family on a given day. Pray we lean on His guidance in all things. 

Many thanks for the many years of service that Mrs. Carolyn Thomas gave to God and to His church in Winnsboro. She has put countless hours in preparation and thought. There is a special place in the soprano section of God's choir when the time comes. I'm convinced of that! Thank you Mrs. Carolyn for ALL you have done! To God be the glory!

Helping Hands

So we had a work day at the church on Saturday. Had a great group show up. Got things done! Love our church! Topped the weekend off with two baptisms and a great camp report from Ridgecrest. What a weekend!

Even got spots off the ceiling!

Yes, everyone matters.

First Baptist Church of Winnsboro.

People matter. You matter. Winnsboro matters. Our mayor matters. No matter what you think of our mayor or our city council, they should matter to us. If they truly matter to us then we won't sit back and critique their actions, we'll try to help them to be their best. I have come to the conclusion that is our role as Christians. As ambassadors of Christ we do something about what we see happening. We don't just sit back and complain. In short, we are to be part of the solution rather than simply spectators or part of the problem.

What is your role in being a part of the solution? What can you do to help our city be the best city in the surrounding parishes? What can you do to help build up our city? Think. Pray. Do.

Crazy

Life has been crazy lately. We have had do many with health problems or who have lost loved ones. It's tough going. Keep praying we will all get better.