Dear Church Family,
Today is St. Patrick’s Day. Why should Southern Baptists care about this holiday and this particular Catholic Bishop. First of all, if you know his story then you know he overcame much personal adversity to become a dedicated missionary to a wild and pagan Ireland. He was kidnapped at the age of 16 and first taken to Ireland. He could have been angry, despondent, and eventually given into defeat; but Patrick did not do this. He overcame those natural and understandable emotions and persevered in his trials and tribulations.
After returning to his homeland of Scotland, he returned once again to Ireland, as a young man, to bring the Gospel to a people who had once enslaved him, but for whom he had developed a deep compassion and love.
What is his message for us as Baptists and Christians? Simple. There is a lost and dying world wherever we live and work. Do we hear the call of their captivity? Can we enter that place of darkness from which we too were once enslaved? Can we hear the lost crying out for help? You don’t have to travel to a foreign land. You don’t even have to go on a short-term mission trip. The Lord puts people in our paths every day who need the Gospel. St. Patrick ministered in Ireland for 29 years, baptized over 100,000 people, and built 300 churches. That is what God called him to do. God is calling you to just be a witness to those He brings into your life. So, today, on this day we remember St. Patrick, honor and remember him by simply deciding to witness to those around you and skip the green beer.
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Senior Pastor News:
I made an announcement following last Sunday’s service amending my departure date. A few weeks ago, I announced my plan to retire on June 30th, 2021, five years after arriving at the church. However, after conferring with the Deacons and Personnel Committee, we reached an agreement that my departure be much earlier. Consequently, my last Sunday will be Easter and my last day as your Pastor will be Friday, April 9.
I have asked Mike Durham, our HBA Director, to cover our worship services for the remainder of April. The Deacons are planning on bringing in supply preacher(s) starting in the month of May.
Re-gathering:
We continue with our services in our Sanctuary at 10am this Sunday. This worship service will continue each Sunday, until further notice, with the exception of Easter Sunday.
EASTER:
We are also are planning an Easter service on April 4th at 11am in the sanctuary. It will look like recent past Easter services with special music from the choir, hymns sung by the congregation, and a short message, all with the intent to celebrate the most powerful force the world has ever seen: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Sunrise Service: The Deacons are hosting a sunrise service beginning at 6:45am at the rear of the church. Start off this glorious day with a service at daybreak which reminds us God breaking through sin and death through the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Church Family News
Remember in prayer:
- Covid-19: We have had some in our church family who have recently tested positive for the Covid virus. In fact I was exposed recently as well and will be taking a test this Friday to determine my status. I am asymptomatic, but as you know that doesn’t necessarily mean one is negative. Time will tell. Please pray for those dealing with symptoms of the virus and the life complications that are associated with it.
- Personnel Committee and Deacons as they navigate the search for a Senior Pastor, Worship Pastor, Children’s Minister, and Student Minister.
- All those in our congregation known and unknown who need prayers for a variety of issues.
- All our frontline workers, in and out of our church, who work hard each day serving and protecting us during this pandemic.
I love you all,
Pastor Frank
