Monthly Newsletter Articles
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Pastor's Pen
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Did you catch what Paul said? It is God’s will for you and for me to give thanks in everything.
If you’ve ever wondered what God’s will is for you, wonder no more. In everything give thanks.
It is that season of the year when we are encouraged to give thanks more than other times. Without any further ado, allow me to begin.
I am thankful that God called me to put my personal faith and trust in Christ as Lord and Savior of my life. Furthermore, He gave me faith to believe that Jesus died on the cross and in my place and for my sins. Consequently, I called on the name of the Lord to save me, and He did.
I am thankful for my beautiful, intelligent, and healthy wife. She is a wonderful and godly helper for me and example for my girls.
I am thankful for three healthy daughters who have each personally surrendered their lives to Christ and are following Him daily.
Finally, I’m thankful for Emory Baptist Church. You want to know what God’s Word says. You want to then follow it. You are generous with your time, energy, and finances, and you are welcoming to whomever walks through our doors.
Be thankful this month and even count your blessings one by one to see what the Lord has done for you!
Bro. Richard
Pastor
Student Ministry Spot
The past few months have been stressful. On the last day of our vacation in August, an uninsured driver backed into my rental car, in the rental car parking lot, after I had gotten out and was headed in to turn in the key.
Not only was the car still “on rent” to me, but I didn’t take the extra insurance to save money. After the incident, and for the past couple of months, I researched Missouri uninsured motorist law and worried how much more it was going to cost me. The rental place kept my $200 damage deposit, almost doubling the cost of the week-long rental. With the unexpected costs, my bank account was pretty empty and it made my stomach churn to think how much more it might cost.
The truth is, all the time and energy I had put into worrying and trying to change the things I couldn’t control, the more frustrated I became. Then God showed me why I shouldn’t have worried. When I filed a claim on my insurance, they said it would be covered with nothing out of pocket. Then, God blessed me through you, Church, with the pastor appreciation cards and gifts. Your gifts helped cover the unexpected vacation costs that had depleted my bank account. God already had it handled. My worry added nothing. It only robbed me of a couple months of peace.
This incident brought two verses to mind for me. The first is something my mother quoted to me a lot: "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today” (Matt. 6:34). The second is Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” I am beyond grateful for all that God does to take care of me. And I’m grateful for the part you all have played and continued to play in caring for my family.
Ronnie Witt
Minister of Youth & Education
Sonbeam Day School
“God gives our Campers Courage”
…is our Bible theme for November.
Our Sonbeamer’s will learn the story of
Esther, and how she finds courage to stand up for her people.
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
Isaiah 43:5
In November, all of our students will be enjoying a trip to the pumpkin patch. We will also be having our first Turkey Race for our Thanksgiving celebration with our Sonbeam Families!
One of our favorite things to do in November is to participate in the awesome ministry of Operation Christmas Child. We get to share this ministry with our students and give them the opportunity to be missionaries! Some parents have never heard of this ministry and we are all too excited to share this experience with them! Sonbeam has set a goal of 25 boxes this year!
I ask you to please continue to be in prayer for this ministry! Thank You!
Laura Bullock
Sonbeam Day School Director
Nursery Rhymes
Paul’s Thanksgiving
For His Friends!
Please Read: Ephesians 1:15-19
It is good to express our thankfulness to others. The Bible instructs us to encourage one another often. Paul, in his multiple letters to churches, always reminded his friends how thankful he was for them. Following his words of thanks were usually words of encouragement to help build up the believers.
Thanks and giving go hand in hand. Use this passage to encourage your child to use words of thanksgiving and encouragement with their friends and loved ones. God can use us to share his love with others by simply sharing words of gratitude and support.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
This article is credited to the jellytellyparent website.
Laura Bullock
Preschool Ministry Coordinator