Diapers, Drive-Ins, and Dives

Since this Sunday is the first one in February, that means that a few things will be happening that we all need to be aware of and prepare for.
First of all, the Pregnancy Help Center always appreciates donations of clothes, baby items and diapers.  They’ll have a vehicle here by the Christian Education Wing.
Second, in the same parking lot; the Rescue Mission brings their drive-in, drop-off truck here for clothes, furniture, and almost anything else you might want to donate. Lori and I appreciate the convenience these days as we downsize everything from clothes to books!
Third, during our benevolent fund offering on Sunday, we’re going to ask you to dive into your resources and help with some people who are struggling financially.  This month, the offering will be split between people here at Old North and The Converge (Baptist General Conference) Benevolent Fund to help pastors throughout our network of churches.  It was created to show love by providing assistance to pastors, missionaries, chaplains, retirees and their families in times of need.

So as we continue to study Hebrews 12:3-11 this Sunday, let’s continue to give.

Brent

Looking at Jesus

This Sunday during our morning services, we will be studying one of my favorite passages of scripture.  It is Hebrews 12:1-2 and reminds us how important it is to keep our eyes on Jesus.  There are so many directions to look in life.  There are many distractions to our faith- but simply looking at Jesus and following His example will help us prioritize the demands of our lives.   Please take some time to review Hebrews 11 before Sunday.  It taught us that faith does work, it waits for God’s timing, and it ultimately gives us victory.

As January comes to a close, please remember to pray for us as staff and elders as we have faith in the Lord to bring us an Interim Senior Pastor.   Last Sunday as Tom Gacse, Ted Miller and I shared with you the direction the Lord has led us, we ask you to join in prayer and fasting as we find the man who will lead us in this interim period.

Please continue to pray for our Upward Basketball season.  We have about 650 children involved in this Outreach Ministry that teaches spiritual lessons of life and character as well as athletic skills.  Pray for Pastor Ryan and his team of coaches and leaders and that there will be many families who see Jesus.   That’s our goal- to Introduce People to Him.



Lord willing, I’ll see you Sunday!



Brent

Working and Waiting

Thank you for the good words about how your FAITH is working and waiting.  In the last couple of weeks since we began to study Hebrews 11 together, I’ve received a number of notes and letters telling me how God is providing and blessing through times of difficulty.

The joy of these messages is that there have been positive answers to prayers and the FAITH  to work and wait, has been well worth it.  

Only you know how strong your FAITH is.  You are the one who can determine what you will do with the confidence and conviction you have in God.  So I pray that as we gather this week, we’ll be able to remove any of the obstacles in our own lives that are keeping us from living victorious lives of FAITH.

As you plan for the weekend, make a decision to come to one of our Discipleship Classes that can help you grow in your FAITH.  They’re listed below, they have teachers who would love to care for you and help you connect with others, and you might just learn something…about FAITH!



Brent

New Year, New Chances

Now that 2013 is officially here, we have many new chances to grow in our faith in Christ. On Sunday mornings we are back in Hebrews, chapter 11 to be exact.  Our new classes for children, youth and adults have begun on Sundays and Wednesdays, and in every Compass this week, you can find many chances to connect with others in ministry.

Speaking of new- for those of you who are new parents and would like to dedicate your children this year, we invite you to join Pastor Cyle and his team on Sunday 11:00 in Room E-113.   The next child dedication will be on Sunday, February 17th and we’d love to have you share in that special day.

May this be a blessed New Year for us all in Christ.

Brent

Life After Love

I'm writing this morning from a winter wonderland on Herbert Road. I imagine that's true of wherever you find yourself today, as we were hit with quite a snow storm over the last 24 hours. I know my kids are ready for some sled riding!
This Sunday we'll be wrapping up our study of the book of 1 John. And in the final chapter of John's letter, we'll take a look at life after love - or perhaps more appropriately, life after "Give Love". What does it mean to live in light of the love God has shown us in Christ? Is it possible to really know that we possess eternal life? What does this kind of life look like and how can we experience it to the fullest? These are the kind questions we'll be tackling this Sunday morning.
In preparation for Sunday, why don't you review the book of 1 John through the remainder of the week. Read a chapter or two with your spouse. Ask some questions of the text. Talk about it with your kids or family members that may still be in town for the holidays. 
Lastly, I'd like to thank you again for your support and participation of this year's "Give Love" Christmas campaign. Whether it was ringing the salvation army bell, caroling for our shut-ins, or donating to support Old North's ongoing ministry in Belize, you really stepped up to show our community and our world the love of Jesus.
With that, let's keep going - let's keep loving - and let's keep living to the glory of God and the good of others. See you Sunday!
Chris