FBC Carthage E-News for August 6, 2012

FBC Carthage E-News

August 6, 2012

Good morning,

The rains of the weekend have cooled the temperatures and given us a beautiful morning in Carthage. Each day is a blessing from the Lord and is given that we might love and serve Him. I hope you have taken some time already today to be with God in Bible reading and prayer. If not, take a break and spend time with the One who loves you so much that He gave His only Son for you.

Last week was a great week of ministry and local missions. We had approximately 150 people join us for the Teacher’s Luncheon on Monday. A special thanks to all those who prepared and served the food and made the teachers feel welcome and appreciated. This is a special gift we can give to the men and women who serve as teachers to our children. We are blessed in Smith County to have so many teachers and administrators who love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for the teachers, administrators, and students as they begin this first full week of classes.

We also had a great representation and ministry at the Smith County Fair. I have been a part of many ministry booths at fairs and festivals over the past thirty years and I believe last week’s was the best so far. The organization and ministry through the Sunday School classes was a blessing. The emphasis on children and activities for them was a strong part of the ministry. The signature activity was the photos of individuals and families at the fair. We had 113 families photographed who were not connected to our church. I believe this will be an even bigger part of the ministry in years to come. A special “Thank You” goes to everyone who gave of their time and effort to make the ministry booth a great success.

Speaking of great successes, last night AWANA began with 63 children and 27 workers! That is a fantastic start for this new year of AWANA. The focus of AWANA is the Bible and Scripture memory. The children have fun, play games, eat snacks, but the most important part is the memorization of the Scriptures. The key verse for AWANA is 2 Timothy 2:15 which states,” Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Parents, it is important to be leading your children to learn the Biblical stories and Scriptures. AWANA is a great partner in that work. Classes are offered for ages 3-youth. Children have many important activities to be involved in during the week. It is our responsibility as parents to make sure their spiritual development is part of those important activities. AWANA, Sunday School, RA’s, GA’s, and Children’s Choir are a part of that spiritual development.

Have a blessed week serving the Lord,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. This Wednesday, August 8 will be an important church business meeting as we have the election of five new deacons. These men have completed a questionnaire and been interviewed by the deacon leadership. Each has indicated that he is willing to serve if elected. Each member present at the business meeting will have the opportunity to vote for all five of these men to join the deacon ministry of the FBC Carthage. The five men to be elected are:
Tom Broyles
Michael Collins
John Etheridge
Stephen Russell
James Trainham

2. The photos of church members taken at the Smith County Fair ministry booth will be available in the Connection Point this Sunday. Stop by and pick up your photo.

3. The new Sunday School year got off to a great start yesterday with a good attendance and a lot of excitement. Here are two special events coming up for Sunday School teachers to encourage you and strengthen the ministry during this new year:
• On Sunday, August 19, we will have a teacher’s rally in the Christian Life Center at 9:30 AM. During this time we will review curriculum options, discuss class organization, and make plans for the new Sunday School year.

• Monday, August 20 will be the annual Sunday School University for our region. There will be conferences for teachers of all age groups. This meeting will be held at Stevens Street Baptist Church in Cookeville at 6:30 PM.

4. The Second Harvest Food Distribution will be this Wednesday, August 8 at the Ag Center at 12 Noon. Volunteers are needed around 10:30 AM.

5. With a new school year also comes a new football season and 5th Quarter Youth Fellowships after the home games. The home games for this year are:

August 24 and 31; September 7 and 28; October 26

In addition, the youth will be taking the church bus to the away games beginning Friday, August 17 at 5:00 PM for the White County game. More information will be given during youth Sunday School and Wednesday night youth Bible study.

6. Zeke and Layne have arrived safely and gotten moved into their new home in Las Vegas to begin this year of residency and training for starting a new church next year in Hawaii. A great way to stay connected to this couple is to sign-up for their prayer newsletter. You will receive emails that will keep you aware of the specific prayer needs of Zeke and Layne as they move forward in the OC (Ohana Church) calling. To join this prayer support effort officially, email Kandy Smith, Prayer Coordinator for Ohana Church, at ohanachurchonline@gmail.com.