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New Castle First Baptist Church

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Dr. David P. Charlton, Pastor

First Baptist Church of New Castle

Email News For Thursday July 3rd, 2008

Following up on some of my comments last Sunday, I will begin a new series of messages this week. Last week I mentioned, as I did last summer and on other occasions in recent years, that we have struggled in our sense of identity. This is, I believe, partly because we are such a diverse group of people from many different church traditions who don’t always have an adequate understanding of Baptist history and we don’t talk enough about what constitutes the essentials of our faith. The title of the series is In Essentials Unity, Opinions Liberty, and in All Things Love. You have probably heard this saying, which recently has been traced to a man by the name of Rupertus Meldenius, who published a tract around 1627 in which he wrote In a word, I'll say it: if we preserve unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in both, our affairs will be in the best position. I will by using the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message as a God to some of the essentials of our faith and what they mean to our lives and our church. If you would like a copy of the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message I will be happy to provide you with a copy.

I hope you are having a great week and I look forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Email News for Friday June 20th, 2008

We have completed our Vacation Bible School this week and had a great time. Thanks to everyone for sending their kids to be with us and for all the helpers. On Sunday morning, during the 11:00 worship service we will enjoy our VBS program. The kids have worked hard on this so I hope you will be there to enjoy this time together.

I hope you are having a great week and I look forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Email News for Friday June 13th, 2008

On Monday evening we begin one of the most important events of the church year – Vacation Bible School. VBS is Monday through Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We begin with a meal at 5:30 and then on to a lot of great fun throughout the evening. If you have not yet offered your help, I hope you will do so soon. You can contact Kelly Hall, Jan Abrams, or the church office. Remember men – I have been asking for men to volunteer as well. Some of the kids that come to VBS need to have male role models. I know there are many things on your schedule and when you get home from work you need your evening time, but please consider coming out to help us through VBS.

Our Student Minister Search Committee is continuing their work and is talking further with one of our candidates. Last Sunday I asked you to sign a prayer calendar for at least one day where you will make this a special matter of prayer. Some of you signed up for multiple days, which is great. Remember that it’s fine to have more than one person per day. If you have not yet signed the prayer calendar, I hope you will do so this Sunday.

I am considering extending my message of Rebuilding Life for one more week. This has become a series within a series, but I may continue because it seems to have really touched a nerve. I have been rather overwhelmed with the number of people who have approached me in response to the call to rebuild our lives. I hope you have read through the book of Nehemiah, and if you have, take a little time and read through it again. On Sunday, for Father’s Day, we will pause from Nehemiah as we study the life of Abraham and the theme of Exalted Father (the title comes from Abraham’s name). I hope you are having a great week and I look forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Email News for Friday June 6th, 2008

This Sunday the message will again be from the book of Nehemiah, as we look at part three of Rebuilding Life. As life becomes ever more stressful the lessons from the book of Nehemiah become more important. Take some time and read through the book of Nehemiah before Sunday.

Congratulations to all of our graduates. It’s an exciting time for all of them and we wish them the greatest of God’s blessings as they enter this new stage of life.

On Sunday our Relay for Life team will serve our lunch after the 11:00 worship service. Our church has had a team in the Relay every year. This is a very important event in the life of our community and I am grateful we have been involved all these years.

Sunday evening at 7:00 our Student Minister Search Committee will be meeting. Our top candidate has informed us that he has been unable to come to a decision at this time about making a commitment. Please pray for the committee as they continue their work.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Email News for Friday May 30th, 2008

This Sunday the message will again be from the book of Nehemiah, as we look at part two of Rebuilding Life. Someone close to you is probably trying to rebuild their life. The rebuilding process may be the result of a tragedy, a poor decision, or something totally beyond the control of the person. Whatever the reason, everyone must go through a rebuilding process at some time in their life. I spend an increasing amount of time counseling with people who are trying to rebuild their lives, and it is a difficult and painful process when one tries to put life back together after a time of struggle. I believe Nehemiah, though writing millennia ago, has wisdom to share about rebuilding life that transcends time. Though we will study events that date back centuries before the time of Jesus, the insights of Nehemiah are still incredibly applicable for us today. Take some time and read through the book of Nehemiah before Sunday.

On Sunday we will have a time to recognize our graduates. Graduation is a big event in a person’s life, and I hope we will keep all the graduates in our prayers as they begin a new and exciting time of life.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Sermon Outline for Sunday May 25th, 2008

The Bible You Should Know: Nehemiah – Rebuilding Life

A recent news report covered the lives of several people who were rebuilding their lives. Some had lost jobs, a family member, or experienced some other type of trauma, but the common thread was they all felt they were at a point of rebuilding their lives. As we continue with our series The Bible You Should Know we come to the book of Nehemiah. The book of Nehemiah covers a time when God’s people returned from captivity in Babylon. The people had been carried into exile almost a century earlier and they were finally freed and allowed to return to their land. The good news was they were given their freedom; the bad news was they found there was a tremendous rebuilding process in front of them.

Central to the story of Nehemiah is the rebuilding of the Temple. The Temple, the center of worship for God’s people, was in ruins. This morning I want to use the rebuilding of the Temple as a metaphor for the rebuilding of our lives. Perhaps you have suffered a tragedy or difficulty in life that requires you to rebuild your life. If so, I pray that Nehemiah will give you hope.

In chapter one we see the first principle in the rebuilding of life, and it is found in verse six. Nehemiah plainly says I and my father’s house have sinned. I want to be careful and say that not every difficulty is the fault of the person who is suffering. There are times when tragedy strikes and there is no one to blame. There are times, though, when we need to do some rebuilding because we have done something wrong. Perhaps it is a trust that we have betrayed, a relationship we have damaged, or a poor choice. If there is something we have done wrong that has brought difficulty upon us, we must take the responsibility for our actions, admit what we have done, and then begin the rebuilding process.

Jumping ahead to chapter four we find the second principle in the rebuilding of life. In verses one and two we read of the opposition the people of God faced in rebuilding the Temple. Not everyone will be happy that we have decided to rebuild our lives. Some people may have a vested interest in seeing that we do not change. Perhaps our decision to change will confront others with the reality that they too need to change and to rebuild their lives. Some people may simply be skeptical of our commitment to change. Do not let the doubters stop you from rebuilding your life; do not let the doubters determine how successful you will be in your efforts; do not let the doubters tell you that you cannot change.

Continuing in chapter four we find a third principle. In verse six we read that the people had a mind to work. The remainder of the chapter tells us of how the people had to work with a tool in one hand and a weapon for protection in the other. The effort at rebuilding the Temple took an incredible amount of work and focus. If you want to rebuild you life it will take a tremendous amount of work and focus. Like the people of God, we too must have a mind to work. Change does not come naturally and it does not come easily to us. Change is incredibly hard work that takes a commitment that is unwavering.

In chapter five we find our fourth principle. In verse ten we find the people complaining about the financial difficulties they were being forced to bear. Sometimes we need to speak up, which is not easy for most of us. There are times when we must stand up and confront a situation that is unhealthy for us. When someone is treating us in a manner that is hurtful to us we must speak up and confront the situation. Too often we internalize such matters and the frustration creates a sense of bitterness in our spirits. As difficult as it can be to confront a situation or a person, there are times when such action is both necessary and justified.

In chapter eight we come to our fifth principle, which is affirming that God is the foundation of our lives. At this point in the work, Ezra called together the people and had them affirm that God was the real foundation of their lives. Sometimes our lives drift from this principle, and when they do, it only brings hardship and difficulty upon us. What is the foundation of our lives? Is God the foundation of our lives, or are we merely paying lip-service to such a claim?

The latter part of chapter eight gives us our sixth principle, which is the celebrating of the strength God gives to us to be able to change. The people of God restored one of their most important celebrations, which had been long neglected. Restoring this celebration guaranteed that the people would remember the work of God in their lives for generations to come.

Do you need to rebuild your life? If so, will you begin to do so today?

Email News for Friday May 23rd, 2008

As our Student Minister candidate continues to pray about his decision to accept our offer, please be in prayer for him. It is a big decision to uproot one’s life, move to a new community and church, and begin the work of ministry. Calling a full-time Student Minister is a big step for us, but we must remember that it is a very big step for the person as well. I have requested several times that you take a few moments each day at 9:00 a.m. and pray for this important matter, and I hope you will continue to do so.

This Sunday the message will be from the book of Nehemiah, and the title is Rebuilding Life. Though the book of Nehemiah is about the rebuilding of the Temple, it also serves as a metaphor for the rebuilding of our lives when we have gone through times of struggle. Take some time and read through the book of Nehemiah before Sunday.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Email News for Friday May 16th, 2008

The Student Minister Search Committee has selected a candidate for our position. At this time, the candidate is praying about their response and my hope is we will have an answer within a few days. We have talked and prayed about this matter for so long that it may seem difficult to believe we may soon have a person to fill this position. This is a big step for us to take, but don’t forget it is a big step for the candidate as well. We are asking someone to uproot their life, move to a new community, and begin a new life. This is no small matter, and as we ask someone to commit to us, we must commit ourselves wholeheartedly to them as well. I have requested several times that you take a few moments each day at 9:00 a.m. and pray for this important matter, and I hope you will continue to do so.

This Sunday the message will be from II Chronicles 29. It is a time when Hezekiah is king, and one of his first actions is to cleanse the Temple of the pagan worship that had taken over much of Israel. What things enter our lives that need to be cleaned out? Take some time and read through the chapter before Sunday.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

EMail News for Friday May 9th, 2008

This morning, as I write this, people are coming into the church in preparation of the funeral of Kenneth Shelton. While not our oldest member (although certainly close at 93), I believe he was a member of our church longer than anyone else. Please keep his family in your prayers this morning.

The Student Minister Search Committee is still interviewing potential candidates. There will probably be a couple more next week and I anticipate that out of those interviewed they will select a candidate to interview in greater detail. The committee has devoted a lot of time and effort to the search and I commend them for taking some time, effort, and prayerful consideration. I have requested several times that you take a few moments each day at 9:00 a.m. and pray for this important matter.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day and I know most everyone will be spending time with family. I hope you have a great time celebrating Mother’s Day. Sunday’s message will be from the book of Ruth, and the beautiful bond of love between Ruth and Naomi. The book of Ruth is only four chapters long and I encourage you to read it in preparation for Sunday’s worship service.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Email News for Friday May 2nd, 2008

I enjoyed our revival services more than most any I have attended. The speakers were all excellent and I really enjoyed having a variety of speakers, some of whom I had never heard preach before. Chris White really set the tone with his powerful message on Sunday morning and Kevin Slemp’s message fit perfectly with what Chris had to say. Michael Duncan took a creative route, which is always a nice change, and certainly impressed me with his memory. Jerry Anderson really touched on a powerful subject as he spoke about dealing with the things in our lives that we need to come to terms with, and he did it in such a personal way that I believe he really touched us all. On the final evening, as we brought together both Sunday morning services and the Wednesday evening service we had an interesting time with the kids and Ryan went right along without missing a beat. I hope you enjoyed the services, but most of all I hope you found them meaningful. As I have been saying for the past several weeks, we only plan revival services. In the days and weeks to come we will see if God brings revival.

This Sunday, in the 11:00 service, the kids will be leading us in worship. This is always a great time together and I hope you will be able to be with us.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Email News for Friday April 25th, 2008

On Sunday Will Gerrald will be with us to lead music in both worship services. Will is being presented by the Music Committee as the candidate for our position of Minister of Music. At the conclusion of the worship services we will have a brief called business meeting to vote on this matter. The financial package being presented is as follows – the salary as approved in the 2008 church budget ($10,400 annually); three weeks of paid leave per year (other weeks off as needed to be negotiated – Will is a new seminary student whose family lives in Columbia, South Carolina); $50 per week gas allowance; mileage reimbursement for extra trips when needed; 90 day interim period followed by permanent call to the position. Sunday is also the beginning of our revival, which will be a good time for Will to begin his ministry with us.

Here is the schedule of speakers for our revival services –

Sunday, 9:00 and 11:00 – Chris White, pastor of First Baptist Church of Carrollton

Sunday, 7:00 – Kevin Slemp, pastor of Berea Baptist Church

Monday, 7:00 – Michael Duncan, pastor of Eminence Baptist Church

Tuesday, 7:00 –Jerry Anderson, pastor of Pleasureville Baptist Church

Wednesday, 7:00 – Ryan Coatney, youth specialist and member of Centrifuge and CentriKids staff

Please note that Michael Duncan and Jerry Anderson have changed nights because of a schedule conflict.

Before the service on Wednesday there will be pizza for the kids and youth and after the service there will be homemade ice cream from the deacons.

I know there a lot of things going on these days, but it will be worth your time to be present for these services.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Email News for Friday April 18th, 2008

Our search for a Minister of Music will soon come to a close. On Sunday, April 27^th Will Gerrald will be with us to lead music in both worship services. Will is being presented by the Music Committee as the candidate for our position of Minister of Music. At the conclusion of the worship service on the 27^th we will have a brief called business meeting to vote on this matter. The financial package being presented is as follows – the salary as approved in the 2008 church budget ($10,400 annually); three weeks of paid leave per year (other weeks off as needed to be negotiated – Will is a new seminary student whose family lives in Columbia, South Carolina); $50 per week gas allowance; mileage reimbursement for extra trips when needed; 90 day interim period followed by permanent call to the position. The 27^th is also the beginning of our revival, which will be a good time for Will to begin his ministry with us.

The revival will be here in a matter of days – or I should say, perhaps, the revival services. It is impossible, as well as presumptuous, to schedule revival. We can schedule revival services, but whether or not a revival happens depends upon our response to the moving of God’s spirit. Jesus, in John 3:8, says the spirit of God is like the wind, we hear the sound of it but we do not know where it comes from or where it is going. The moving of the spirit of God is, at times, mysterious. God’s spirit may suddenly break forth unexpectedly, and with little or no warning. This is the nature of revival as well. Revival, fed by the moving of God’s spirit, may break forth during times of revival services or surprise us by breaking out at another time. To catch God’s spirit, we must keep our hearts and minds open.

Here is the schedule of speakers for our revival services –

Sunday, 9:00 and 11:00 – Chris White, pastor of First Baptist Church of Carrollton

Sunday, 7:00 – Kevin Slemp, pastor of Berea Baptist Church

Monday, 7:00 – Jerry Anderson, pastor of Pleasureville Baptist Church

Tuesday, 7:00 – Michael Duncan, pastor of Eminence Baptist Church

Wednesday, 7:00 – Ryan Coatney, youth specialist and member of Centrifuge and CentriKids staff

I know there a lot of things going on these days, but it will be worth your time to be present for these services.

Sunday’s message will be on the well-known story of David and Goliath, which is found in chapters 17 and 18 of I Samuel. I hope you will take some time to read over the story before Sunday.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

- Dave

Email News for Friday April 11th, 2008

Our search for a Minister of Music may be close to a finish. We have a candidate – Will Gerrald – we hope to present in a few weeks. He is a new music student at Southern Seminary and was a guest in our 11:00 worship a few weeks ago. While we haven’t worked out a specific Sunday that he can be with us, I hope that it will be either the end of April or early in May. Continue to pray as we seek to bring the search to a conclusion.

Don’t forget to remember to spend time in prayer each day at 9:00 a.m. for our Student Minister Search Committee.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars now for our revival. The dates are April 27 – 30 and are speakers will be Chris White (First Baptist Church, Carrollton), Kevin Slemp (Berea Baptist Church), Michael Duncan (Eminence Baptist), and Ryan Coatney (Centrifuge and Centri-Kids camps).

The message on Sunday will feature Mike Richey, a Vice-President at the University of Kentucky and a member of Gideons International. All you UK fans will certainly want to hear Mike.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Saturday April 5, 2008

Remember to spend time in prayer each day at 9:00 a.m. for our Student Minister Search Committee. We have received a number of resumes this week and hope to schedule further interviews soon. Also, our Music Committee has met with a candidate and invited him to come and lead worship in view of being called. He is, I believe, a very good candidate. He is spending a few days prayerfully considering the matter and I hope we hear a positive response from him within a day or two. Searching for staff members isn’t an easy process, but it is exciting. My hope is that we will have both staff positions filled soon.

The message on Sunday will once again feature Elijah, but this time in a very different context. Last week we saw his incredibly brave challenge to the prophets of Baal; this week we find Elijah very discouraged and fearful. The story is in I Kings 19:9-21. Take a few minutes to read it before Sunday.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday March 28, 2008

Today at 4:00 the Minister to Students search committee will be interviewing a candidate for the position. At present, there is one other candidate interested in the position and we expect others as well. Please be in prayer for the committee and the candidate as they meet today.

The message on Sunday is one of the most famous prophetic confrontations in the Old Testament – when Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. It’s a great story and you can read it in I Kings 18.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday March 21, 2008

By now you are probably aware that the church voted last Sunday to create a full-time Minister to Students staff position. This is a big step for us, and one that is very exciting. Now, though, the work really begins. Please be in prayer for the search committee as they seek the person God would have us call to this position. As we move forward into this important time please remain in prayer every day. The members of the search committee are Tim Pryor (chairman), Jan Abrams, Gina Black, Tanya Charlton, Bobby Foree, Kelly Hall, Michael Miller, and Kate Vegh.

Saturday at 2:00 p.m. will be our annual Easter egg hunt at the church. Kelly has asked for plastic eggs filled with candy, and you can bring them to the church right up to the time of the Easter egg hunt.

On Sunday morning our sunrise service will be at 7:00 a.m. followed by a community breakfast at our church. If we have inclement weather the service will be at our church.

In this week’s message we turn, of course, to the resurrection. While all the gospels have the story of the resurrection, we will study Luke’s version in chapter 24. Take a few minutes and read this before Sunday. Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday March 14, 2008

Well, last weekend’s snow storm certainly changed our schedules for a few days. I hope everyone received word about Sunday’s activities being canceled. If you are not on the Phone Tree list I encourage you to add your name as soon as possible.

This Sunday, at the conclusion of the 11:00 a.m. worship service we will have a called business meeting to vote on a recommendation that we create the full-time position of Minister to Students. This is a matter we have discussed for a number of months. The committee has given reports in worship, in regular business meetings, in Sunday School classes, and in other settings. The vote will be by secret ballot. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me or a member of the search committee. The members of the committee are Tim Pryor (chairman), Jan Abrams, Gina Black, Tanya Charlton, Bobby Foree, Kelly Hall, Michael Miller, and Kate Vegh. I hope you have remembered to take a few minutes each day at 9:00 a.m. to pause for prayer about this important decision.

Last week’s cancellation means our monthly potluck and regular business meeting will be this Sunday. They will follow the called business meeting. This sounds like a lot of business meetings to endure, but they are important and we can move through them in a timely way.

Easter is just around the corner. On Thursday evening of Holy Week, at 7:00 p.m., we will have a Maundy Thursday worship service. The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin phrase novum mandatum (which comes from the words of Jesus at the Last Supper in John 13:34 – a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another). On Easter morning our sunrise service will be at 7:00 a.m. followed by a community breakfast at our church. If we inclement weather the service will be at our church.

In this week’s message we turn to Elijah. We will study the great story of the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. You can read the story in I Kings chapter 18.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday March 7, 2008

In the March newsletter you found a letter regarding a recommendation from the Youth and Children’s Minister Search Committee. By now, you should also have received a letter in the mail with a copy of the same letter. On the back of the letter is a copy of the proposed job description for the position. The search committee has asked for a called business meeting following the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, March 16^th to vote on their recommendation that we create the full-time position of Minister to Students. This is a matter we have discussed for a number of months. The committee has given reports in worship, in regular business meetings, in Sunday School classes, and in other settings. I hope you will make plans to be in attendance on the 16^th for this important vote. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me or a member of the search committee. The members of the committee are Tim Pryor (chairman), Jan Abrams, Gina Black, Tanya Charlton, Bobby Foree, Kelly Hall, Michael Miller, and Kate Vegh. Please remember to take a few minutes each day at 9:00 a.m. to pause for prayer about this important decision.

In this week’s message we turn to Elijah. We will study the great story of the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. You can read the story in I Kings chapter 18.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday February 29, 2008

In the newsletter you receive on Sunday you will find a letter regarding a recommendation from the Youth and Children’s Minister Search Committee. You will also receive a letter in the mail – and perhaps have already received it – with a copy of the same letter. On the back of the letter is a copy of the proposed job description for the position. The search committee has asked for a called business meeting following the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, March 16^th to vote on their recommendation that we create the full-time position of Minister to Students. This is a matter we have discussed for a number of months. The committee has given reports in worship, in regular business meetings, in Sunday School classes, and in other settings. I hope you will make plans to be in attendance on the 16^th for this important vote. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me or a member of the search committee. The members of the committee are Tim Pryor (chairman), Jan Abrams, Gina Black, Tanya Charlton, Bobby Foree, Kelly Hall, Michael Miller, and Kate Vegh.

In this week’s message we turn again to Solomon, the great king of Israel and the son of David. This week we will look at God’s charge to Solomon after the building of the Temple. You can read about this in I Kings chapters 9.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday February 22, 2008

The Music Committee has turned their attention to finding an interim Minister of Music and soon, we will also have a search committee to find a person to fill this position permanently. Music is such an important part of who we are as a church so please pray for everyone involved in this search.

The Youth and Children’s Minister search committee is also continuing their work. They will soon have a recommendation to bring before the church so please keep this group in your prayers as well.

We are in the process of putting together a revival for this spring or early summer. Instead of one speaker we will have a different speaker for each service. As of now, we have commitments from Chris White of the First Baptist Church of Carrollton and Kevin Slemp of Berea Baptist Church. We will keep you updated when we confirm the other speakers and the dates.

In this week’s message we turn to Solomon, the great king of Israel and the son of David. This week we will look at his building of the Temple. You can read about this in I Kings chapters 6 – 8.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday February 15, 2008

In this week’s message we return again to the life of David. This week we will look at the high price David paid in keeping his kingdom. Read through II Samuel chapters 13 – 22 in preparation for this message.

Be sure and say a word of thanks to our music people. Jean Kaye Foree, Catherine Bryant, and Peggy McCarty – our instrumentalists – work very hard in preparing and presenting music each week. Other instrumentalists – in recent weeks we have enjoyed Angela Buckler on flute and Mark Boyer on violin – bless us with their talents. Chris Mann leads us every week in the 9:00 worship service. Members of our music ministry lead our music in our 11:00 worship each week as well; this week Jean Kaye will lead the music. Venedia Tingle is leading our choir in rehearsals and the choir will rehearse on February 24^th, March 2^nd, and March 9^th at 7:00 p.m. We appreciate the way these individuals use their talents and are grateful for their hard work.

I have been surprised at how much response I continue to receive from last year’s series of messages Confronting the Skeptics. I hear from believers and unbelievers and have had some very interesting conversations with people. If there is one note I would like to add in relation to this debate, it is how absolutely essential faith must be to our lives if we claim the name of Christ. One of the biggest criticisms that unbelievers make about Christians is that faith too often seems irrelevant to our lives. We should never leave ourselves open to this criticism, as individuals or as members of the body of Christ. May all people see how faith impacts our lives and may they also see our commitment to the body of Christ.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday February 8, 2008

On Sunday morning we will have a guest speaker in the 9:00 service. Matt Marston is a student at Duke Divinity School and a candidate for the pastorate at Port Royal Baptist Church. The search committee from Port Royal will be our guests as they hear Matt preach. I hope all of our regular 9:00 attenders will be with us to hear this young man.

In the 11:00 service we continue with The Bible You Should Know as we come to another story from the life of David. We’ll look at the encounter between David and Nathan, which is a part of the story of David and Bathsheba. The story of David and Bathsheba is in II Samuel 11 and the story of Nathan’s challenge to David is in II Samuel 12:1-15. I hope you will take the time to read these passages before Sunday.

On Sunday evening the choir will be rehearsing at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining with the choir we would love to have you. Thanks to all of our music people for their special efforts they are giving in leading and guiding the music ministry.

Our monthly potluck and business meeting will follow the 11:00 service.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday February 1, 2008

On Sunday we continue with The Bible You Should Know as we come to another story from the life of David. This is a much more obscure part of David’s story, but I believe it has a tremendous lesson for God’s people today. You will find the main par of the text in I Samuel 22:1-2. The group of people that gathered around David was an odd assortment of characters. It was certainly not the makings of an effective army, but these were the people God brought to David. Take some time and read this passage before Sunday.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email New for Saturday January the 26th

Remember to pray for our music volunteers as they continue leading the congregational music. The committee is also working on arranging special music. If you would like to offer your talents you can contact Lisa West, who is managing the special music schedule. Venedia Tingle, chair of the Music Committee, is keeping the schedule for those who will lead the music and she will also be working with the choir. The choir will be sitting in the choir loft each week and leading us in our hymns. We look forward to an occasional special from them as well. If you would like to be a part of the choir join us in the choir room about 10:45. I very much appreciate all those in our music ministry and I hope you will offer them an encouraging word.

On Sunday we continue with The Bible You Should Know as we come to the story of Jonathan and David. The story of Jonathan and David teaches us of the gift of friendship, and it is indeed a beautiful story. You can find the story of their friendship in I Samuel chapter 18 – 20. Take some time and read this passage before Sunday

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday January 18th, 2008

In the 9:00 service this Sunday we will have a guest speaker. Jason Crosby will be preaching and we will be joined by the pulpit committee of the Port Royal Baptist Church. Jason is a candidate for the position of pastor at Port Royal and we are accommodating the committee so they have an opportunity to hear Jason preach. As you probably know, Carl Rucker has been serving as Interim Pastor at Port Royal for just over ten years. Ten years as an interim! Carl is one of my closest friends and I have tremendous respect for him. He has been a faithful servant at Port Royal and for many years at the Campbellsburg Christian Church. As Port Royal prayerfully considers his successor, I am grateful we are able to help out in some small way by providing a place where candidate and committee can come together. Be in prayer for all involved as they seek God’s direction. I will be preaching in the 11:00 service and my message comes from I Samuel 8, which is the story of Israel’s demand for a king. Take a few minutes and read over this chapter before Sunday morning.

Following Barry’s resignation last Sunday as our Minister of Music, the Music Committee met to make plans for our Music Ministry. Several of our music people will be leading the congregational music. The committee is also working on arranging special music. If you would like to offer your talents you can contact Lisa West, who is managing the special music schedule. Venedia Tingle, chair of the Music Committee, is keeping the schedule for those who will lead the music and she will also be working with the choir. The choir will be sitting in the choir loft each week and leading us in our hymns. We look forward to an occasional special from them as well. If you would like to be a part of the choir join us in the choir room about 10:45. I very much appreciate all those in our music ministry and I hope you will offer them an encouraging word.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday January 11th, 2008

On Sunday we will have our monthly potluck and business meeting after the 11:00 service. At the business meeting the 2008 church budget will be presented. We will also vote, by secret ballot, on a recommendation regarding the work that was completed on the columns.

Sunday’s message will come from the book of I Samuel chapter 3, which tells us of God’s call on Samuel’s life. Take a few minutes and read over this passage before Sunday.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday January 4th, 2008

I hope you enjoyed Ryan’s message last Sunday. We had a few relaxing days and I enjoyed sitting in a pew in Hartwell United Methodist Church on Sunday morning. I hope you enjoyed listening to someone else preach as much as I did.

On Wednesday we will begin our full schedule of activities. Once again, I want to thank everyone who helps on Wednesday evenings. There is a lot of work to do and there are many cheerful helpers. I hope you will come out and join us.

On Sunday our text for the message comes from Joshua 4:1-9. As I have reminded you throughout our current series of messages, we are not following a chronological path through the Bible. I know that may make things confusing, but hang in there with me.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday –

– Dave

Email News for Friday December 30th, 2007

I hope you had a great Christmas and that life is now slowing down after the holiday rush. We are relaxing in Georgia for a few days and enjoying our break.

On Sunday Ryan Coatney will be preaching. Ryan is from Harrodsburg and served for several summers as the camp pastor at Centri-Kids at Georgetown College. He also spoke at our Fall Fury event back in September. Ryan is an excellent speaker and I hope you will be there to hear him.

On behalf of my family, thanks to the church for the generous Christmas gift and to all the cards, letters, and gifts that were given to us. We appreciate it so much and your kindness and generosity, as always, has been overwhelming.

– Dave

Email News for Friday December 21st, 2007

Tonight the Youth will having a lock-in at the church. They will meet at the church at 6:00 p.m. to go out to eat and bowling. Don’t forget to bring a $5 - $10 gift to exchange. Parents will need to pick up their kids by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.

On Christmas Eve we will have our candlelight communion service from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The sanctuary will be lit by candlelight and music of the season will be playing. You are welcome to enjoy the quiet any time during this hour, and if you would like to take communion come to the front pew and I will serve you.

We are continuing to receive our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions. Our offering envelopes and materials were not received this year so be sure and mark your gift accordingly.

As Christmas is only a few days away I know things will be very busy for you. I hope you enjoy these final days of the Advent season, and may God bless you all.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – Dave

Email News for Friday December 14th, 2007

This Sunday the children will present their Christmas program in the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Thanks to Kelly and all those who help with our kids. Sunday afternoon will be our family’s annual Open House at the parsonage from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. the community choir will present the Christmas Cantata at Henry County Middle School. I hope you will be in attendance.

Early this morning (Friday) Donnie Shaw passed away at Suburban hospital in Louisville. Funeral arrangements are pending. Remember Thelma and all the family in your prayers.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – Dave

Email News for Friday December 7th, 2007

This Sunday will be our Lessons and Carols worship service. In the past we have celebrated this service on a Sunday evening, but this year it will be in the morning so everyone can enjoy this service. The Lessons and Carols service will be slightly different from our usual format as it is filled with the Scripture readings and music of Advent. The Lessons and Carols service is based on the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a Christmas Eve tradition of King’s College in Cambridge. Celebrated annually, the service of Lessons and Carols was instituted by a young chaplain just returned from the battlegrounds of World War I. It is a beautiful service, celebrated by countless Christians in churches around the globe and I hope you will make a special effort to be in attendance. This service is one for the entire family to enjoy, so we will not have a Children’s Sermon or Children’s Church during the 11:00 service.

On Sunday, the 16^th, we will enjoy the Children’s Christmas Program in the 11:00 worship service. This is always a great service, so I hope you will be with us on that day as well. That afternoon will be Open House at the parsonage from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – Dave

Email News for Friday November 30th, 2007

This evening at 7:45 the Community Choir will sing on the courthouse steps as part of the Light Up New Castle celebration (Choir members, remember to be there at 7:30). On the 16^th the Community Choir will present their cantata at the Henry County Middle School. The cantata is filled with beautiful music of the season and many beautiful voices, so I hope you will be in attendance.

On Sunday, the 9^th, we will have our Lessons and Carols service. In the past we have celebrated this service on a Sunday evening, but this year it will be in the morning so everyone can enjoy this service. The Lessons and Carols service will be slightly different from our usual format as it is filled with the Scripture readings and music of Advent. It is a beautiful service, and I hope you will make a special effort to be in attendance.

On Sunday, the 16^th, we will enjoy the Children’s Christmas Program in the 11:00 worship service. This is always a great service, so I hope you will be with us on that day as well.

This Sunday we continue our Advent services and will light the second Advent candle, the Candle of Peace. Isaiah 2:4 contains this great hope for peace – And He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.

On Sunday we continue our series of messages called The Bible You Should Know, and our message is Joseph – The Quiet Man.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – Dave

Email News for Friday November 23rd, 2007

Here are some important dates to mark on your calendar –

11/25 - Annual Holiday Dinner 5:00 pm

11/29 - Deacons Meeting 7:00 pm

12/2 - Communion Service

12/9 - Lessons and Carols Service during 11:00 am Worship

12/9 - Youth Dessert Auction

12/16 - Children’s Program during 11:00 am Worship

12/16 - Community Choir Cantata 7:00 pm Middle School

12/21 - Youth Christmas Party and Lock In

Sunday we begin our Advent services and will light the first Advent candle. Advent means arrival, especially the arrival of an event of momentous importance. The Christian faith celebrates the arrival of God into human history in the person of Jesus.

On Sunday we are continuing our series of messages called The Bible You Should Know. As we begin Advent, our message will come from Isaiah chapter 9, and is titled From Darkness to Light.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – Dave

Email News for Friday November 16th, 2007

Another budget reminder – it is time to begin work on the 2008 church budget. Any group that has a particular budget request should turn it into the Stewardship Committee as soon as possible, or to the office and we will pass the information along.

Sunday, November 25^th is our annual Holiday Dinner. Please sign up in Anne’s office or call the church office as soon as possible to make your reservation.

On Sunday we are continuing our series of messages called The Bible You Should Know. Sunday’s Scripture passage is from Judges 16:15-21, part of the story of Samson and Delilah. Take some time and read chapters 14 – 16 of Judges.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – Dave

Email News for Friday November 9th, 2007

Just another reminder that it will soon be time to begin work on the 2008 church budget. Any group that has a particular budget request should turn it into the Stewardship Committee as soon as possible, or to the office and we will pass the information along.

On Sunday we are continuing our series of messages called The Bible You Should Know. Sunday’s Scripture passage is from Judges 6:11-16, part of the story of Gideon. Take some time and read chapters 6 and 7 of Judges.

This Sunday is our monthly potluck and business meeting.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – Dave

Email News for Friday November 2nd, 2007

Thanks to everyone who helped pass out candy, drinks, and popcorn on Wednesday evening. The weather was beautiful this year and we had a big crowd of people at the church all evening. We had plenty of drinks, popcorn, and candy – thanks to everyone who donated to the cause.

It will soon be time to begin work on the 2008 church budget. Any group that has a particular budget request should turn it into the Stewardship Committee as soon as possible, or to the office and we will pass the information along.

On Sunday we are continuing our series of messages called The Bible You Should Know. Sunday’s Scripture passage is Joshua 24:14-17, part of the farewell address of Joshua and is titled Words for All Time.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – Dave

Last modified: 07/03/08