Simple Gifts

Posted on January 31st, 2008

Pastor’s Column in The Informer (FBC’s Newsletter) – published February 2008

This Christmas, Beth and I were showered with many simple gifts . . . cookies, brownies, Christmas candies, etc. More recently, we were surprised with some homemade bread hanging on our doorknob one evening. And of course, right before Christmas, we were stunned to receive a love offering from the congregation, an act of generosity which was very touching.

We appreciate all these gifts and want to say “Thank you.” Your thoughtfulness and care are meaningful and encouraging.

But I don’t want to neglect to say thanks also for your everyday, simple gifts offered to our church and our community, such as:

• the simple gift of service, whether it comes in the form of teaching Sunday School, assisting with Wednesday night meals and programs, or participating in the jail ministry, just to name a few

• the simple gift of encouragement, whether in words spoken after the service, or a lovely anthem sung by a choir, or cards and notes written to someone experiencing grief

• the simple gift of your presence, in worship, at youth group meetings, or at workdays such as the set-up or clean-up for Advent decorations

• the simple gift of your smiles as you greet one another, your hugs as you comfort each other, your prayers as you lift one another up

• the simple gift of your resources, whether contributing to the budget of the church, to the needs of individuals in our community, or to support our various missions emphases

For all these gifts, simple or not, I simply say, “Thank you!”

Yours in Christ, Michael

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January Study on “Our Baptist Heritage: History, Controversy, and Four Fragile Freedoms”

Posted on January 9th, 2008

In the month of January, Rev. Amanda Johnston will lead a study on our Baptist heritage and the four fragile freedoms that define us as a Baptist congregation: Bible freedom, soul freedom, church freedom and religious freedom. Each Wednesday night starting Jan. 9, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., we will cover one of the four freedoms. The books that will be used for the study are listed below. If you would like to purchase them you may do so via the links below. However, it is not necessary for you to purchase any of the books to participate in the study.

Main Resources:

Walter B. Shurden, Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms ($12)

Also by Shurden, Not a Silent People: Controversies That Have Shaped Southern Baptists ($14)

Other Resources:

The Way We Were by Fisher Humphreys ($12)

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