FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH P.O. BOX 520 401 S. SECOND STREET BANGS, TX 76823 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Bangs, Texas PERMIT NO. 9 SENIOR PASTOR: Dr. Pepper Dill ASSOCIATE PASTOR/YOUTH MINISTER: Zach Tharp MINISTER OF WORSHIP: Corey Ash CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR: Joy Mitchell OFFICE MANAGER: Cindy Boyle OFFICE ASSISTANT: Marsha Zabecki VOLUME 21 May/June 2016 NUMBER 3 FBC Bangs “The Messenger” To be removed from this mailing or to submit updates, please email: [email protected]or call: 325-752-6724 OFFICE: 752-6724 FAX: 752-7516 www.fbcbangs.com May 1st: Children’s Spring Musical: “Back to the Cross”, No Children’s Church May 5th: Clothes Closet OPEN, Bridge Lessons resume first and third Thursdays every month May 7th: Mayfest May 8th Mother’s Day Brunch, No Children’s Church, No evening services May 10th: Advanced Group Lunch May 15th: CMT and VBS Workers’ Meeting May 18th: Deacons’ Meeting May 22nd: 4th Sunday Breakfast, The Lord’s Supper May 25th: Business Meeting, Maintenance Committee Meeting May 30th: Memorial Day, Church Office Closed June 2nd: Clothes Closet OPEN June 5th: Missions Committee Meeting/Lunch, Girls’ Night In June 12th: CMT Meeting June 14th: Advanced Group Lunch June 15th: Deacons’ Meeting June 19th: Father’s Day Celebration, No Children’s Church, No evening services June 22nd: Business Meeting June 26th-30th: Vacation Bible School June 26th: No evening services June 29th: No Fellowship Meal and no evening services Reference -- Matthew 11: 1-15 Matt. 11: 2 & 10-11b “When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask Him, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’” “This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist….” NIV Would you agree that God doesn’t always make sense to us. We desperately want to understand everything that happens in our lives; and maybe more importantly, “why” things happen. But, that kind of understanding is all too often not available to us. Thus, when we can’t figure things out, then what God is doing at that time doesn’t make sense to us. This passage in Matt. 11 is a great illustration of this experience. Jesus testified about John that “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” But notice Jesus didn’t deliver John from imprisonment nor prevent his inglorious death. I can only imagine that John felt very discouraged by his circumstances and where he found himself at that stage of life and ministry. I’m sure he still believed what he had said earlier about Jesus – “He must increase, I must decrease.” But I’m equally sure John didn’t think the “decrease” would look and feel like it did. At that moment in time, what God was doing didn’t make sense to John – and it certainly wasn’t what he expected. In fact, it was so far removed from his understanding that it caused him to question what God had already shown him, i.e. that Jesus was in fact the Promised One Whose sandals he was not worthy to untie (John 1:27). Hadn’t John been faithful to God and to the ministry God had given him? God had providentially ordained him to be the “forerunner of the Messiah who would preach repentance and prepare the way.” Surely being imprisoned for doing what God had called him to do wasn’t what God really had in mind, was it? Had he missed something? Was Jesus really the promised Messiah, or had John “mis-heard” what the Spirit of the God had spoken to him? Had God simply forgotten about him and where he was? Jesus’ recognition of John and his ministry gives evidence that God had not forgotten him, and He knew where John was and what he was going through – even if it didn’t make sense to John. What an amazing accolade and testimony Jesus gives concerning John: there is not another person born greater than John! Notice that Jesus does not rebuke John for questioning his circumstances nor for doubting during a difficult time what he had previously heard from the Lord. (I am thankful and encouraged by that.) In fact, Jesus sends word back to John confirming that He was in fact the Messiah. But, Jesus also didn’t deliver John from prison or spare him from having his head cut off. It’s such a difficult challenge! Can we – will we trust Him, even if things in our lives don’t make sense to us? Like John, it’s a question and a journey each of us has to make on our own. While things may not happen as you expected, please be assured dear believer that God is not unaware, nor has He forgotten you. He is not surprised or caught off-guard by anything that may be happening in your life. He never sleeps or slumbers. And with every ounce of His Being, He loves you – no matter what happens or whether things make sense to you or not. I love you dear believer, and blessings to you on your journey of trusting God– no matter what the circumstances.
Transcript
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH P.O. BOX 520 401 S. SECOND STREET BANGS, TX 76823
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid Bangs, Texas PERMIT NO. 9
SENIOR PASTOR: Dr. Pepper Dill ASSOCIATE PASTOR/YOUTH MINISTER: Zach Tharp MINISTER OF WORSHIP: Corey Ash CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR: Joy Mitchell
May 1st: Children’s Spring Musical: “Back to the Cross”, No Children’s Church
May 5th: Clothes Closet OPEN, Bridge Lessons resume first and third Thursdays every month
May 7th: Mayfest May 8th Mother’s Day Brunch, No Children’s Church,
No evening services May 10th: Advanced Group Lunch May 15th: CMT and VBS Workers’ Meeting May 18th: Deacons’ Meeting May 22nd: 4th Sunday Breakfast, The Lord’s Supper May 25th: Business Meeting, Maintenance Committee Meeting May 30th: Memorial Day, Church Office Closed June 2nd: Clothes Closet OPEN June 5th: Missions Committee Meeting/Lunch, Girls’ Night In June 12th: CMT Meeting June 14th: Advanced Group Lunch June 15th: Deacons’ Meeting June 19th: Father’s Day Celebration, No Children’s Church,
No evening services June 22nd: Business Meeting June 26th-30th: Vacation Bible School June 26th: No evening services June 29th: No Fellowship Meal and no evening services
Reference -- Matthew 11: 1-15 Matt. 11: 2 & 10-11b “When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask
Him, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’” “This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare
your way before you.’ I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist….” NIV
Would you agree that God doesn’t always make sense to us. We desperately want to understand everything that happens in our lives; and maybe more importantly, “why” things happen. But, that kind of understanding is all too often not available to us. Thus, when we can’t figure things out, then what God is doing at that time doesn’t make sense to us.
This passage in Matt. 11 is a great illustration of this experience. Jesus testified about John that “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” But notice Jesus didn’t deliver John from imprisonment nor prevent his inglorious death.
I can only imagine that John felt very discouraged by his circumstances and where he found himself at that stage of life and ministry. I’m sure he still believed what he had said earlier about Jesus – “He must increase, I must decrease.” But I’m equally sure John didn’t think the “decrease” would look and feel like it did.
At that moment in time, what God was doing didn’t make sense to John – and it certainly wasn’t what he expected. In fact, it was so far removed from his understanding that it caused him to question what God had already shown him, i.e. that Jesus was in fact the Promised One Whose sandals he was not worthy to untie (John 1:27).
Hadn’t John been faithful to God and to the ministry God had given him? God had providentially ordained him to be the “forerunner of the Messiah who would preach repentance and prepare the way.” Surely being imprisoned for doing what God had called him to do wasn’t what God really had in mind, was it? Had he missed something? Was Jesus really the promised Messiah, or had John “mis-heard” what the Spirit of the God had spoken to him? Had God simply forgotten about him and where he was?
Jesus’ recognition of John and his ministry gives evidence that God had not forgotten him, and He knew where John was and what he was going through – even if it didn’t make sense to John. What an amazing accolade and testimony Jesus gives concerning John: there is not another person born greater than John!
Notice that Jesus does not rebuke John for questioning his circumstances nor for doubting during a difficult time what he had previously heard from the Lord. (I am thankful and encouraged by that.) In fact, Jesus sends word back to John confirming that He was in fact the Messiah. But, Jesus also didn’t deliver John from prison or spare him from having his head cut off.
It’s such a difficult challenge! Can we – will we trust Him, even if things in our lives don’t make sense to us? Like John, it’s a question and a journey each of us has to make on our own.
While things may not happen as you expected, please be assured dear believer that God is not unaware, nor has He forgotten you. He is not surprised or caught off-guard by anything that may be happening in your life. He never sleeps or slumbers. And with every ounce of His Being, He loves you – no matter what happens or whether things make sense to you or not.
I love you dear believer, and blessings to you on your journey of trusting God– no matter what the circumstances.
Soli Deo Gloria, Bro. Corey
Zach
Hello, all!
Wow! I can’t believe that Spring is in full bloom! I love this time of year! As we’ve seen the grass spring up and starting to turn green, the amazing flowers in bloom, and the new leaves on the trees, it reminds us of the new life that we all have in Christ! Our God lavished His love on us in the form of His son! Wow! I’m getting excited just thinking about it! Let’s remember to keep His praise on our lips all year long! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
He gave us His life!! What more could He give? Let us be reminded that our true joy and fulfillment in life will only be realized when we fully give ourselves to Him in return! Easter Sunday was such a joy! It is, without doubt, my favorite Sunday of the year as we celebrate the resurrected Savior!
The choir is still meeting on Wednesday nights, and we need many of you who love to sing to join us! We have a great time singing and fellowshipping together! Lots of love and laughter in that room each week! If you enjoy singing, you should definitely join us! Music is a gift from God! Let’s all use it for His glory! Experience, again, the joy that it is singing with other believers in song to our Lord! There’s nothing like it!
See you in Church!
May 1st: Kid’s Spring Musical - Back to the Cross May 15th: CMT & VBS Training Meeting June 5th: Camp Forms are Due June 26th-30th: VBS 5:30-8:00 pm Group’s Cave Quest - Following Jesus the Light of the World July 3rd: Preteen Camp Fees are Due July 3rd: FAMJAM at Camp Bowie Aquatic Center July 11th-14th: PreTeen Camp at Lake Brownwood
Christian Retreat-Camp Theme: Mighty Warriors, Focus: Prayer
Sign Up and Forms are on the table in the foyer.
Watch for Preteen Camp Fundraisers coming SOON! May- RADA Cutlery June- T-shirt Sales
FEBRUARY 2016 MINUTES January 2016 minutes were approved as printed. Reports were accepted, letters of transfer granted and new members were approved. Purchasing a new food warmer was discussed with no action.
MARCH 2016 MINUTES February 2015 minutes were approved as printed. Reports were accepted, letters of transfer granted and new members were approved. A recommendation was approved that the kitchen food warmer will be checked and repaired if needed. Approval was given to proceed with phase #1 and phase #3 of the roof project and. Discussion was held concerning the disposal of the used metal. It was determined that the gym wall repair and floor resurfacing be discussed following the completion of the roof project. A quote on the Snack Bar air‐ conditioning unit will be available in April.
FEBRUARY 2016 GENERAL FUND Total Contributions $29,967.31
Weekly Average $7,491.83
Weekly Requirement $8,313.75
Fund Balance $13,677.11
BUILDING SAVINGS ACCOUNT BALANCE: $148,192.17 (2/29/16) (Includes roof funds)
GENERAL SAVINGS ACCOUNT BALANCE: $8,263.56 (2/29/16)
MARCH 2016 GENERAL FUND Total Contributions $39,859.42
Weekly Average $9,964.85
Weekly Requirement $8,313.75
Fund Balance $15,000.00
BUILDING SAVINGS ACCOUNT BALANCE: $153,683.52 (3/31/16) (Includes roof funds)
GENERAL SAVINGS ACCOUNT BALANCE: $8,264.26 (3/31/16)
CHURCH ROOFS ACCOUT BALANCE: $86,308.82 (3/31/16)
CHURCH ROOFS ACCOUT BALANCE: $85,505.82 (2/29/16)
Clothes Closet OPEN! Thursday, May 5th and Thursday, June 2nd from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Bangs Food Pantry OPEN! First and Third Thursdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
We have a wide variety of equipment to loan out including wheel chairs,
walkers, beds, bed rails, and shower chairs.
The Lord has called us to battle. Will you fight like a MIGHTY WARRIOR?
Mighty Warriors! We are so blessed to have many mighty men and women of God who are not afraid to fight like a warrior – ON THEIR KNEES! Let us use every opportunity to share the Love of Jesus in our community, homes and church body! Thank God for these opportunities! Pray about where God wants you to serve in our children’s ministry or with VBS this year. Don’t forget to put on the full armor of God and use the most powerful weapon HE has given us…Prayer! I thank God for YOU!
Praise God! Our church family donated $1,996 in a love offering to help send Justin Hoskinson on the
Chihuahua City, Mexico trip April 28th-May 1st! Thank you for your open hearts and generous giving. The amount was well above what was needed and the extra funds will be used to help others from our association to purchase their airfare. Blessings to you all!
Greetings, Church!
Summer is almost here and as usual we have a lot of things planned for the youth in the coming months. Keep your eye on the bulletin and Facebook and we will make sure and let you know of events, dates, and other opportunities we will have for fellowship. We are currently working towards raising money for our youth camp (Camp Eagle, July 25th-30th) and the students have some great ideas for fundraisers. Look for us at Mayfest as we are very likely to have a booth setup there selling some delicious (read: cold) snacks and drinks and come meet some of our young men and women who will be going to camp with us this summer. I am also working on a youth newsletter to send to parents, probably monthly. It will include pertinent youth group information, as well as some links to news articles about youth culture and things you might like to be informed about regarding trends and fads among today’s teenagers. If you would like to receive this newsletter email me at [email protected] or call or text (325) 203-3095, if you would like a physical copy. As always, please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you or your family in any way.
May God’s grace abound,
July 25th-30th for Camp Eagle!
Bible Challenge Contest Coming Soon! Join us on Sunday Nights at 6:00 pm as we hide God’s Word in our Hearts.
In August, we will test our skills and compete against the Youth in a Mighty Warrior Bible Challenge!
Don’t Miss it!!!
Thank you church family for blessing our Preteen Campers with $1,000.00 at our Fundraiser Meal! We appreciate your prayers and all you do to help our kids lower the cost of their camp fees! May the Lord Bless You and Keep You!!!
New in May: FOURTH SUNDAY BREAKFAST! served by the Deacons on Sunday, May 22nd at 9:00 am.
Due to the Memorial Day Weekend we will be holding the Deacons’ Breakfast on the fourth Sunday instead of the fifth Sunday in May.
