HARVEST OFFERING | This Sunday
Each year, during our Harvest Banquet, we take up a special offering as a chance to thank God for His boundless goodness throughout the year. Due to COVID restrictions, we will not have a banquet, but we are setting aside November 8th for a special harvest offering. This offering is a special gift above and beyond your regular giving and an excellent opportunity to see God work through the generosity of His people.
FOOD PANTRY
The food pantry needs replenishing. We can use items such as canned vegetables, canned meats, cheese, spaghetti sauce, soups, crackers, and peal top foods.
Contact Jane Smith or Suzi LaRocca for more information.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Collection week for Operation Christmas Child is fast approaching. Due to COVID, First Baptist did not make boxes this year for vacation bible school, but we can still supply boxes to this great ministry. There are a few ways you can participate in the ministry.
- Pick up an empty OCC box from the sanctuary or church office, make your box, and bring It to our collection center during collections week.
- You can create and pay for a box on the OCC website. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/
- If you do not want to pack your own box, you can drop supplies off at the church offices. We have a few church members that will fill boxes from supplies dropped off. To comply with social distancing, we will not have a church-wide packing party.
Allowed Items: Toothbrushes, baseball caps, playing cards, coloring books, scissors (Fiskers-child size), childrenās socks, flip flops, bandannas, plastic animals/bugs, small cars dolls, hair barrettes/bands/bows, costume jewelry, stickers, party favor toys, tools (hammer, screwdriver, nails, screws)
Items that are not allowed due to customs regulations are toothpaste, candy, liquids (soap, shampoo, lotion, mouthwash, deodorant, etc.), war toys, and glass items.
From Our Pastor
Child of God, rejoice! Yes, these are difficult days. Evil, wicked people seem to be progressing in their various schemes. World events are troubling. Our wonderful country seems to be imploding. But, in our wonderful Lord there is reason to rejoice. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write, āRejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoiceā (Philippians 4:4). As believers, we can rejoice in the Lord in spite of all that is happening around us.
What is our joy based upon? One of the best explanations for our joy as believers is found in Romans 8. In this chapter Paul gives several reasons for our joy. Every time a believer reads this passage, his heart ought to leap with joy.
Paul begins this chapter with the topic of justification. This means that we are forever right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Verse 1 read, āTherefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.ā Why is that? Because in the death and resurrection of Christ all our sin was paid (verse 3).
Believer, think of that! Your sin is paid! There is nothing between you and Godāforever! Rejoice!
Paul then discusses sanctification. This is the process where our living is changed and we begin to live lives that are pleasing to God. The wonderful truth of Romans 8 is that this is brought about by the working of the Holy Spirit within us. We read in verse 11, āBut if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.ā In fact, it is Godās plan to make us be more like Christ! (verse 29). Rejoice, child of God! Our Lord is at work in you!
Next, Paul tells us that God is at work in every situation in our livesāfor our good! Verse 28 says, āAnd we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.ā Believer, God is going to use your every circumstance to bless you. What a source of peace, comfort and joy.
Last, Paul spoke of glorification. This is the wonderful truth that we will spend forever with our Lord. In verse 17, Paul describes us as fellow heirs with Christ who will be glorified with Him. Believer, think about where you are headed! How can you not rejoice?
Believer, these are difficult days. But, think of all our Lord has done, is doing and will do for us. We should rejoice. There ought to be a joy in our heart as we live our livesāin spite of the circumstances around us. Our worship ought to be a joyous giving of thanks to our Lord. Our lives should be a praise service for our Lord. Rejoice!
CAMP POST OFFICE
Unfortunately, we will not have a camp post office this year. Due to COVID, we believe this is the best choice for the health of our congregation.