Tuesdays are mostly meeting days. Things went well. Pastor Shawn tells me we have 256 adults signed up for adult Connect Groups for the Summer semester. That is good. We will likely have a few more sign up this week and a number of people will just show up for a group this next week and we will sign them up then. So this should be another good semester.
Think through people you know that could still be invited to the group you are going to attend. Give them a call this week. I think I'm going to invite the guy who has been working on my car lately and also our church architect. I don't know if either has a church but it can't hurt to ask.
Well, today is also the day I take a kid to dance practice, so I'm sitting outside the dance studio watching people fight over parking places in the rain. Fun, fun...
Pastor Noel
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Upcoming Week
It is going to be a busy week but I had a refreshing time with the Lord this morning so I am ready...
This morning is the Heartbeats Golf Tournament. That is an annual event where we try to raise a little money for Heartbeats, a great organization that helps women in crisis situations, and have a little fun as well. Looks like it is going to rain all morning, so I don't know what that is going to do to the schedule.
I will be preaching a funeral at 1:00 p.m. today. The funeral is for someone I never met. These kinds of funerals can be difficult. Pray that I will have wisdom.
A couple of meetings this afternoon, and I hope to get a little bit of a jump on message prep this week since we are starting a new PM series.
Here is what I'm praying for this week...
... Some decisions about construction plans for preschool facility...
... Connect Ministry: The new semester begins Sunday...
... PM Series. I'll blog more on this tomorrow.
... Youth Ministry: Troy and I will be working together this week...
... New Member Class on Wednesday night...
Pastor Noel
This morning is the Heartbeats Golf Tournament. That is an annual event where we try to raise a little money for Heartbeats, a great organization that helps women in crisis situations, and have a little fun as well. Looks like it is going to rain all morning, so I don't know what that is going to do to the schedule.
I will be preaching a funeral at 1:00 p.m. today. The funeral is for someone I never met. These kinds of funerals can be difficult. Pray that I will have wisdom.
A couple of meetings this afternoon, and I hope to get a little bit of a jump on message prep this week since we are starting a new PM series.
Here is what I'm praying for this week...
... Some decisions about construction plans for preschool facility...
... Connect Ministry: The new semester begins Sunday...
... PM Series. I'll blog more on this tomorrow.
... Youth Ministry: Troy and I will be working together this week...
... New Member Class on Wednesday night...
Pastor Noel
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday Morning Prayer
What I'm praying for is morning...
... That our worship service will feature the Lord. I am praying at people will experience the presence of the Lord is morning through singing praises and responding to the preaching of His Word.
... I'm praying for the two special speakers we have this morning. I am praying that each of them will be able to convey a contagious enthusiasm and love for the Lord.
... Visitors and guests! I'm praying that those who are here this morning for the first time will feel the warm love of our church. I pray that they will be able to see how much our church loves Jesus and how much we care about them.
... I am asking the Lord to help me preach with clarity and passion. I want my words to reflect His words. I am praying for few distractions during the message time. I'm praying that people will have soft, receptive hearts.
... I am praying for Kids Praise...
... I am praying for those who will be in our service today who don't yet know the Lord. I pray that today is the day that choose to make Him their Lord.
... I am praying for the testimony a couple pin our church will be doing during the service this morning.
... I am praying, because I know that makes a difference!
Pastor Noel
... That our worship service will feature the Lord. I am praying at people will experience the presence of the Lord is morning through singing praises and responding to the preaching of His Word.
... I'm praying for the two special speakers we have this morning. I am praying that each of them will be able to convey a contagious enthusiasm and love for the Lord.
... Visitors and guests! I'm praying that those who are here this morning for the first time will feel the warm love of our church. I pray that they will be able to see how much our church loves Jesus and how much we care about them.
... I am asking the Lord to help me preach with clarity and passion. I want my words to reflect His words. I am praying for few distractions during the message time. I'm praying that people will have soft, receptive hearts.
... I am praying for Kids Praise...
... I am praying for those who will be in our service today who don't yet know the Lord. I pray that today is the day that choose to make Him their Lord.
... I am praying for the testimony a couple pin our church will be doing during the service this morning.
... I am praying, because I know that makes a difference!
Pastor Noel
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sunday
I'm sitting in Lexington, KY this morning waiting for the family to wake up and looking over my notes for tomorrow morning's message. Tomorrow we will be continuing our focus on life lessons we can learn as we study the Old Testament character of Joseph. This Sunday we will be focusing on Genesis 39 where we see Joseph showing an unusual amount of character in the face of temptation. When you stand back and look at this event from a distance, you can't help but marvel at his integrity, and when you take a very close up look you can't help but learn some important lessons that Joseph knew to help him live with so much integrity. We all need to learn these lessons.
We will also take some time to focus on the upcoming Connect Ministry semester. We have a testimony planned that will thrill you as we point to some of the life change we've seen in recent semesters. If you haven't yet signed up for a group, read through my recent blog posts for some suggestions or go to our website (www.FirstBaptistHeath.com) to see the whole catalog.
I've been in Anniston, AL these past two days visiting with my Mom. She has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. She started chemotherapy last week, and she will start radiation next week. I wanted my girls to be able to spend some time with her before the treatment got into full swing. We had a good couple of days. Thank you for all who have been praying for her as she goes through is difficult time in her life.
Pastor Noel
We will also take some time to focus on the upcoming Connect Ministry semester. We have a testimony planned that will thrill you as we point to some of the life change we've seen in recent semesters. If you haven't yet signed up for a group, read through my recent blog posts for some suggestions or go to our website (www.FirstBaptistHeath.com) to see the whole catalog.
I've been in Anniston, AL these past two days visiting with my Mom. She has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. She started chemotherapy last week, and she will start radiation next week. I wanted my girls to be able to spend some time with her before the treatment got into full swing. We had a good couple of days. Thank you for all who have been praying for her as she goes through is difficult time in her life.
Pastor Noel
Friday, May 14, 2010
More Connect Groups
We have so many great Connect Groups this next semester. It is hard to know which ones to blog about before Sunday. I've listed the descriptions for two more adult co-ed classes below.
Crazy Love is taught by Sam Smith. This will be a good group. I've read the Crazy Love book by Francis Chan. It is one of the best books I've read. I know it has made an impact on Sam's life too when he read it a year or so ago. I recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn to a have a more intimate walk with the Lord.
Essential Truths is taught by Ron Baughman. This group is going to focus on having a better grip on the core truths of the Christian faith. Not only will this help you in your personal walk but it will also help you to share and make an impact on those around you. I think this will be a good group both for those who have been walking with the Lord a while and those new to the faith.
Both of these groups meet Sundays at 9:30 at the church. If you would like to sign-up for either of these or any other group for this next semester you can fill out a Connection Card at church this Sunday or you can sign-up on our website at www.FirstBaptistHeath.com. Remember this Sunday is the last official sign-up day.
Below are the group descriptions. A catalog of all the groups can be found on the church website.
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
The God of the universe is crazy about you! His love is the most powerful thing in the world and He wants to give it to you, so you can live for Him. If you have made a commitment to follow Christ, then join this group to be reminded and challenged in your walk. Let the love you have received from God impact your life like never before.
Essential Truths: Knowing Christ Personally
In this study you’ll learn what God expects of you, how to make life more meaningful, apply what you learn, and embrace life changing goals for yourself. Perhaps you’re a new follower of Jesus Christ, or maybe you’ve never fully understood the essential, core truths of the Christian faith. This revealing 13-week study will answer many of the questions you bump into as you seek to live out real-life faith.
Pastor Noel
Crazy Love is taught by Sam Smith. This will be a good group. I've read the Crazy Love book by Francis Chan. It is one of the best books I've read. I know it has made an impact on Sam's life too when he read it a year or so ago. I recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn to a have a more intimate walk with the Lord.
Essential Truths is taught by Ron Baughman. This group is going to focus on having a better grip on the core truths of the Christian faith. Not only will this help you in your personal walk but it will also help you to share and make an impact on those around you. I think this will be a good group both for those who have been walking with the Lord a while and those new to the faith.
Both of these groups meet Sundays at 9:30 at the church. If you would like to sign-up for either of these or any other group for this next semester you can fill out a Connection Card at church this Sunday or you can sign-up on our website at www.FirstBaptistHeath.com. Remember this Sunday is the last official sign-up day.
Below are the group descriptions. A catalog of all the groups can be found on the church website.
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
The God of the universe is crazy about you! His love is the most powerful thing in the world and He wants to give it to you, so you can live for Him. If you have made a commitment to follow Christ, then join this group to be reminded and challenged in your walk. Let the love you have received from God impact your life like never before.
Essential Truths: Knowing Christ Personally
In this study you’ll learn what God expects of you, how to make life more meaningful, apply what you learn, and embrace life changing goals for yourself. Perhaps you’re a new follower of Jesus Christ, or maybe you’ve never fully understood the essential, core truths of the Christian faith. This revealing 13-week study will answer many of the questions you bump into as you seek to live out real-life faith.
Pastor Noel
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Total Money Makeover
One of the Connect Groups I am excited about this next semester is Total Money Makeover led by Scott Parry and Eugene Danner.
Scott and Eugene are going to lead this group through the Dave Ramsey book by the same title. Donna and I have read this book and tried to put it's principles, which are really Biblical principles, into practice. It has made such a big difference in our lives, and not just financially.
I believe every couple and every adult should go through this book no matter where they are financially. If we could learn to apply God's principles of money management to our lives, it would change our marriages, the direction for our future, our joy and contentment, and on and on...
I give away literally dozens of these books every year as I counsel with people struggling to get their footing in life and marriage. I believe going through this with Scott and Eugene would be a great experience.
This group meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:00. If you would like to sign up for this or any other Connect Group you may do so by filling out a card at the church and dropping it in a Connection Box or you can just go to our website: www.FirstBaptistHeath.com. There is also a catalogue there of all of the Summer semester Connect Groups.
This coming Sunday, 5/16, is the last day to sign-up, so don't wait too long!
Pastor Noel
Scott and Eugene are going to lead this group through the Dave Ramsey book by the same title. Donna and I have read this book and tried to put it's principles, which are really Biblical principles, into practice. It has made such a big difference in our lives, and not just financially.
I believe every couple and every adult should go through this book no matter where they are financially. If we could learn to apply God's principles of money management to our lives, it would change our marriages, the direction for our future, our joy and contentment, and on and on...
I give away literally dozens of these books every year as I counsel with people struggling to get their footing in life and marriage. I believe going through this with Scott and Eugene would be a great experience.
This group meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:00. If you would like to sign up for this or any other Connect Group you may do so by filling out a card at the church and dropping it in a Connection Box or you can just go to our website: www.FirstBaptistHeath.com. There is also a catalogue there of all of the Summer semester Connect Groups.
This coming Sunday, 5/16, is the last day to sign-up, so don't wait too long!
Pastor Noel
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Men's & Ladies' Speakers
This Sunday morning we have a special treat. At 9:30 all the men will gather together in Harmon Hall, and all the ladies will gather in the worship center to listen to some very special speakers.
For the ladies we have Julie Gilliam, a Christian inspirational speaker from the Columbus area and for the men we have Coach Klontz, the head baseball coach from Heath High school, and an outspoken believer.
Regular worship will still begin at 10:45, but plan to come early. This will be a great day!
Pastor Noel
For the ladies we have Julie Gilliam, a Christian inspirational speaker from the Columbus area and for the men we have Coach Klontz, the head baseball coach from Heath High school, and an outspoken believer.
Regular worship will still begin at 10:45, but plan to come early. This will be a great day!
Pastor Noel
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Connect Group: Evangelism
I want to highlight one of our upcoming Connect Groups for the summer semester.
Evangelism: The Way of the Master
This group will be led by Jason Hurley. In this group, Jason is going to lead people to have the tools and the confidence to be able to share their faith in any circumstance. The book, The Way of the Master, by Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort teaches people how to lead people in make a profession of faith the way Jesus led people.
In addition to the regular group times which take place on Sunday mornings at 9:30, Jason is setting up opportunities for the group to go out and share the gospel in non-threatening environments. The goal is that when the fifteen week period is over, that everyone in the group will not only have the know-how but the practical experience that will help them be more bold and effective for the Lord.
Jason will be a great leader, in fact he has led this study multiple times before in a previous church. I believe this could be a great group for any adult who wants to take another step in their faith and make a difference in the lives of those around them.
If you have any questions, send me an email. I would love to help you. You can sign-up for this group either by filling out a Connections Card at church or by visiting our website at www.FirstBaptistHeath.com.
Pastor Noel
P.S.
By the way, don’t forget that this Sunday morning we have a special ladies speaker for the ladies and a special men’s speaker for the men. Both of those are at 9:30. The men are in Harmon Hall, and the ladies are in the worship center. Worship is at our regular time of 10:45 a.m..
Evangelism: The Way of the Master
This group will be led by Jason Hurley. In this group, Jason is going to lead people to have the tools and the confidence to be able to share their faith in any circumstance. The book, The Way of the Master, by Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort teaches people how to lead people in make a profession of faith the way Jesus led people.
In addition to the regular group times which take place on Sunday mornings at 9:30, Jason is setting up opportunities for the group to go out and share the gospel in non-threatening environments. The goal is that when the fifteen week period is over, that everyone in the group will not only have the know-how but the practical experience that will help them be more bold and effective for the Lord.
Jason will be a great leader, in fact he has led this study multiple times before in a previous church. I believe this could be a great group for any adult who wants to take another step in their faith and make a difference in the lives of those around them.
If you have any questions, send me an email. I would love to help you. You can sign-up for this group either by filling out a Connections Card at church or by visiting our website at www.FirstBaptistHeath.com.
Pastor Noel
P.S.
By the way, don’t forget that this Sunday morning we have a special ladies speaker for the ladies and a special men’s speaker for the men. Both of those are at 9:30. The men are in Harmon Hall, and the ladies are in the worship center. Worship is at our regular time of 10:45 a.m..
One Good Year
I'm praying especially for Scott and Heather Parry this morning. They are flying to Dallas today to spend a week at a Fellowship One conference. It should be a beneficial conference. Fellowship One is the software we use to manage church information, track prospects and prospect assignments, facilitate Connect ministry, and some online registrations. It is also the software that will manage our preschool security check-in when the new preschool facility is open.
But the reason I'm praying for Scott and Heather this morning is not just the trip to Dallas. This Sunday will mark Scott's one ear anniversary of serving as our church administrator. Most of scott's work takes place behind the scenes, but his contribution is invaluable to what we do as a church. Two of our recent successes, the amazing results of the Securing Future Disciples financial campaign and this past Sunday's Mother's Day outreach would not have happened without Scott's help.
So join me in praying for this family. Thank the Lord that both of them and their family are such a blessing to our church.
Pastor Noel
But the reason I'm praying for Scott and Heather this morning is not just the trip to Dallas. This Sunday will mark Scott's one ear anniversary of serving as our church administrator. Most of scott's work takes place behind the scenes, but his contribution is invaluable to what we do as a church. Two of our recent successes, the amazing results of the Securing Future Disciples financial campaign and this past Sunday's Mother's Day outreach would not have happened without Scott's help.
So join me in praying for this family. Thank the Lord that both of them and their family are such a blessing to our church.
Pastor Noel
Monday, May 10, 2010
A Real Commitment To Prayer
I just had a conversation with Hui Cha, one of our church members who is spending a few weeks back in her home country of North Korea. I asked her to tell me about the churches there. She talked about their passionate love for the Lord and for their concern for lost people. I asked her what she attributed that to, and she told me that most of the churches had a prayer meeting from 5:00 am to 6:00 am six days a week (everyday but Sunday).
That makes me think...
Would we be willing to do that?
How many people would be there each morning?
Pastor Noel
That makes me think...
Would we be willing to do that?
How many people would be there each morning?
Pastor Noel
Sunday, May 9, 2010
A Great Sunday
What a great time of worship we had this morning! We were completely packed out... Probably had nearly 100 visitors in the service... Thirteen babies dedicated... One public profession of faith... Great worship... Great spirit...
I'll comment more later on, but I want to say thanks to everyone who made this happen. We had special teams greeting visitors, we had people make a ton of prospect phone calls this last week, we had people put together gift bags, we had people park in the lot behind the gym to free up spaces in the main lots, and more...
Good team effort today. I am thankful to the Lord for letting us have this special day.
Pastor Noel
I'll comment more later on, but I want to say thanks to everyone who made this happen. We had special teams greeting visitors, we had people make a ton of prospect phone calls this last week, we had people put together gift bags, we had people park in the lot behind the gym to free up spaces in the main lots, and more...
Good team effort today. I am thankful to the Lord for letting us have this special day.
Pastor Noel
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Dead Flies
Ecclesiastes 10:1 (NLT) Dead flies will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes, an ounce of foolishness can outweigh a pound of wisdom and honor.
Lord, remind me that one hundred right and godly decisions in life, in marriage, and in my family, can be made meaningless with one foolish decision.
Pastor Noel
Lord, remind me that one hundred right and godly decisions in life, in marriage, and in my family, can be made meaningless with one foolish decision.
Pastor Noel
Babies...
I just looked over an email the church office sent me last night listing thirteen families who have RSVP'd for baby dedication tomorrow. On top of that I know we already have another half dozen we plan to have dedications for this Summer. On top of that I know of at least three pregnant ladies in the church now.
So, what is my point?
I am so thankful to the Lord and to our church for the pending construction of the new preschool ministry suite. You have been so faithful to give to this. I don't recall off the top of my head what the latest total is, but it will be in the bulletin tomorrow. I do know a few thousand dollars more came in this week and that we are well over $100,000 collected for this project in the last couple of months.
Perfect timing... huh?
----------
I've been praying for the service tomorrow morning. I hope you will join me in this. We are looking for a big crowd and a great opportunity to make an impact in our community.
Pastor Noel
So, what is my point?
I am so thankful to the Lord and to our church for the pending construction of the new preschool ministry suite. You have been so faithful to give to this. I don't recall off the top of my head what the latest total is, but it will be in the bulletin tomorrow. I do know a few thousand dollars more came in this week and that we are well over $100,000 collected for this project in the last couple of months.
Perfect timing... huh?
----------
I've been praying for the service tomorrow morning. I hope you will join me in this. We are looking for a big crowd and a great opportunity to make an impact in our community.
Pastor Noel
Friday, May 7, 2010
Mother's Day Service
I am looking forward to Sunday. It is Mother's Day, and we are going to turn it up a notch at the church!
One thing we are doing is moving our regular worship time to 9:30. We think this will make it easier for new families to come to worship who may have Mother's Day plans that would preclude them from the 10:45 service.
We are also having a very special parent/child dedication time in the service for both families in our church and families in our community. We have tried to contact all of the families in our community who have had babies in the last year. Many of those who do not have a church home have RSVP'd to be with us this Sunday.
It's going to be a good day. Pray that the Spirit of God is encountered in our service in a powerful way as we worship the Lord and preach His word.
Glad I belong to Him,
Pastor Noel
One thing we are doing is moving our regular worship time to 9:30. We think this will make it easier for new families to come to worship who may have Mother's Day plans that would preclude them from the 10:45 service.
We are also having a very special parent/child dedication time in the service for both families in our church and families in our community. We have tried to contact all of the families in our community who have had babies in the last year. Many of those who do not have a church home have RSVP'd to be with us this Sunday.
It's going to be a good day. Pray that the Spirit of God is encountered in our service in a powerful way as we worship the Lord and preach His word.
Glad I belong to Him,
Pastor Noel
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
AWANA Awards Night II
The Awards Ceremony was great. Seeing so many kids being recognized for their hard work was really exciting. I loved seeing so many of the kids who come on the bus being recognized for their achievement.
The youth praise band led us in worship. One of the songs they sang was unfamiliar to me, but I saw how the kids were worshipping and I remembered that the point isn't to pick songs I enjoy, it is to encourage others to worship. I smiled and tried my best to learn the new song.
My hat's off to all of the dedicated workers and especially to Cheryl Wyrick, our leader, who, by the way skipped out on her daughter's labor to be with the kids tonight!
Pastor Noel
The youth praise band led us in worship. One of the songs they sang was unfamiliar to me, but I saw how the kids were worshipping and I remembered that the point isn't to pick songs I enjoy, it is to encourage others to worship. I smiled and tried my best to learn the new song.
My hat's off to all of the dedicated workers and especially to Cheryl Wyrick, our leader, who, by the way skipped out on her daughter's labor to be with the kids tonight!
Pastor Noel
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