FBC Carthage E-News
November 5, 2012
Good Morning,
This is an important week in our country as we go to the polls for the election of President and other leaders. As Americans, it is a right and a privilege to cast our vote for the person we feel best represents our views and who will lead our country in a right way. As Christians, it is our duty to vote for leaders who will lead us in a Godly way. I urge everyone to study the candidates, know what they stand for, and cast you vote tomorrow. Then, come Wednesday, let us pray for the ones who are elected to lead us and ask God to give them strength, courage, and direction.
This week also brings my attention to the fact that Thanksgiving is two weeks away. This serves as a reminder to take some extra time and reflect on God’s blessings and give Him thanks. These two weeks are an excellent time to spend in giving thanks to God. In family gatherings, work luncheons, and school projects there will be an emphasis on Thanksgiving and sharing things for which you are thankful. In your list of thanks, be sure and include the spiritual blessings which you have from the Lord. Here are a few of my spiritual thanksgivings:
· My salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
· Forgiveness of sin and a clean heart before God.
· The Lord’s presence when I go through difficult, dark valleys.
· The promise of eternal life with Jesus in Heaven.
· Love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control through the Holy Spirit.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, here are two special Thanksgiving meals and services coming up in the next couple of weeks:
· The Smith County Ministerial Alliance Thanksgiving Meal and Service will be Sunday, November 11 at 5:00 PM at the Ag Center. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish for the dinner.
· Our church Thanksgiving Dinner and Service will be Sunday, November 18 at 5:30 PM. Bring a covered dish and join us for a great evening of fellowship and thanks-giving.
Pray for Lynn Sharenberger today as she and the Tennessee Baptist Ladies Choir mission team return from their mission to Iowa.
The Tennessee Baptist Convention annual meeting will be next Tuesday and Wednesday in Bartlett, Tennessee. I anticipate several important matters being presented to the messengers about the future and direction of the TBC. You can read about these matters in the Baptist & Reflector online at: http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/
The Tennessee Baptist Convention is also joining in the relief efforts for people on the East Coast after Hurricane Sandy. We will be receiving offerings for a couple of weeks if you would like to do something to help those devastated by the storm. Mark your check or envelope as “Disaster Relief”. Here is information on the Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief efforts: http://www.tnbaptist.org/page.
Have a blessed week as you serve the Lord Jesus Christ,
Bro. Tim
Here’s the News for the week:
1. The Women on Missions will meet on tonight, Monday, November 5 at Kathy Reece’s home at 137 Swope Road at 6:30 PM
2. Be making your plans and marking your calendars for our Fall Revival, November 25-28 at the Ag Center with Rev. Bob Pitman. Invite your family and friends to join you for these four nights of revival and renewal. The churches of the New Salem Association of Baptists will be joining together for this revival.
3. This is the last week to fill and turn in a box for the Operation Christmas Child. We will be delivering them to the collection center next Monday, November 12. It’s not too late to make a difference in a child’s life.
4. During November, we will be receiving Christmas gifts for our AWANA Family Christmas Celebration, the Lighthouse Children’s Christmas Parties, and the Smith County Help Center Toyland. This is the season of giving, especially to the children in our community and region. You may wish to have the joy of going and picking out gifts or you may prefer the simplicity of a monetary donation for the gifts.
5. The Women on Mission will be working with Phillip Slagle and the Sunday School classes in providing Thanksgiving boxes for in-need families over the coming weeks. This has become an annual opportunity to reach into the community and touch the lives of families in need. Last year we provided a meal to over 40 families. Collection will start Sunday, November 11, in each Sunday School class. Each class is asked to designate a person to collect the money and then get it to the church secretary. Also, if you know of families in need, share their names and addresses with either Phillip Slagle (418-7231) or Deborah at the church office (735-1929) so they can be included.
6. The Children’s Choir is working on a special Christmas musical presentation and all children are invited and asked to be at choir rehearsal on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM.
7. The Sanctuary Choir is also meeting and preparing for Christmas on Wednesday nights at 7:30 PM. All adults and youth are invited to come.
8. Yesterday’s message centered on being set free by the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are a couple of great songs that will bless you in regards to being set free:
Shackles
This Is How It Feels to Be Free
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
9. Note from Philip Slagle:
Thanks to all the Youth volunteers and parents for all the support for another successful year of 5th Quarter. All the help was greatly appreciated.
10. This Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM the Youth Committee and any interested parents are asked to meet with Phillip Slagle to discuss upcoming events and activities.
