Christmas Eve Services - 5pm and 7pm

When the Church is the Church

As we continue our series on the church this month- take some time to read through the book of Ephesians.  It will be the main text for much of what we'll study.  As we continue to look at the events that are happening this week in Boston and Waco, we need more than ever to realize who we are as Christ's Church- and share the truth of who He is.
In these next two weeks, I'll update you on my transition to Converge Northeast and fill you in on some of our family's news.  Lord willing, our kids will all be in town next weekend for our last Sunday together.
Next week will also be the time we'll approve the 2013-2014 budget and the list of those serving on our Board and Committees- and don't forget our Children's Musical this Sunday Evening!
We'll give you a glimpse of it on Sunday morning.

See you then!
Brent

March 17, 2013, May 6, 1954, March 30, 33 A.D.

March 17, 2013, May 6, 1954, March 30, 33 A.D.

These three dates have been going through my mind!

Last Sunday, March 17th was an incredible day in our lives.   We enjoyed welcoming hundreds of people for “Upward Sunday.”  Not only was the gospel shared, but we did an incredible job welcoming people, engaging them in conversations, and making sure they knew how much we’d love to have them explore our faith in Christ.  Ryan Farr and his team have taken our community’s love of sports and elevated it to significant ministry.

This Sunday, the President of Converge Worldwide will be in our morning services.  Dr. Jerry Sheveland is a gifted speaker and asked to come address us as I transition to my new role as District Executive Minister for Converge Northeast.  It was on May 6, 1954 that Old North became part of Converge (known then only as the Baptist General Conference), and while we often forget about it, our relationship has been long and deep.

Finally, this week we will remember what happened when Jesus entered the City of Jerusalem in preparation for his crucifixion.  The Triumphal Entry marks the beginning of this Holy Week ahead.  So plan on being here early, greet our guests warmly, and prepare to hear the gospel again as we strengthen our commitment to Christ our King.

Lord willing, I’ll see you Sunday,

Brent

Upward Celebration Sunday

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

As Upward Celebration Sunday approaches, there has been a definite buzz amongst our pastors and staff.  This upcoming Sunday, we have the rare opportunity to invite several hundred visitors into our church to take part in our morning services.  These people, composed of players, coaches, and parents from our Upward Basketball and Cheerleading league, have already been a part of our ministry these past few months. They have been intentionally studying the virtues of Hope, Self-control and Responsibility as seen in the Bible and demonstrated at practices and games during the season.

The exciting part about Sunday is our opportunity to invite these individuals to become part of our community here at Old North.  Though our sports ministries have always been intentionally “Christian,” we realize that just about half of our participants either don’t attend church at all or don’t attend on a regular basis. This fact has prompted our sports ministry leadership team to ask the question, “what are we as church doing with this opportunity that God has blessed us with?”

So as this Sunday approaches, I would ask that we all commit to prayer… prayer for what God will do in the hearts of these people as Pastor Brent speaks...and prayer for what God would have us say and do as individuals to reach out to the families who walk through our doors this weekend.  God Bless!

Ryan

Transitions

I’ve got to tell you that this Sunday is one of my least favorites of the year…it’s the Sunday we turn our clocks ahead.   I love “falling back”, but “springing forward” is a real pain.  Most of us are groggier and crankier than normal- but somehow we make the transition.

Speaking of transitions; this will be our last Sunday studying the book of Hebrews.  Remember that on the 17th, we’re inviting our families from Upward Sports Ministries to join us at both services, presenting the Gospel to them in a fresh way, and we’ll all need to be on our best behavior.  So get some extra rest, pray some extra prayers for these next two weeks; and Lord willing- we’ll gather together despite turning our clocks ahead.

Don’t forget that tonight is the CCO Fundraiser at the YWCA.  Pray for the CCO and make sure you support Garret White and this excellent organization.

Brent