THE TIDINGSGOD’S MISSION FOR TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH IS TO LOVE HIM FULLY AND FOLLOW HIM FAITHFULLY.
THE TIDINGS (USPS #020005), Published Weekly except Christmas by:Temple Baptist Church, Periodical Postage Paid, Ruston, LA 71270
Postmaster send address changes to:Temple Baptist Church, 1515 South Service Road West, Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (318) 255-3745 • Fax: (318) 255-0134 Website: temple.life
THE TIDINGSJanuary 23, 2019
Vol. 72 No. 4
George W. Truett once said the church that is not “missionary in spirit and practice does not deserve the ground upon which its building stands.” And I couldn’t agree more! We are all grateful for God giving us a place to worship as a faith family and to study His life-giving Word. The vision and thought that gave us such a campus were extraordinary. Yet, we are reminded of the truth spoken by Truett so many years ago. We cannot retreat behind the columns of a church building; we must bring Jesus into our community and beyond. We ought to truly be missionaries “in spirit and practice.”
Every day, I see our members exemplifying that missionary zeal. You may be volunteering at LifeChoices and doing the ever-important work of encouraging life. You may be delivering backpacks to our schools or tutoring students. You may be having a gospel-centered conversation in your office or your classroom. You may be helping a battered wife find shelter from years of abuse, or you may be aiding a drug-addicted husband find healing through a Christ-focused rehab. You may be sitting with a fellow Bible study member at the hospital, or you may be cooking a meal for a bereaved family. You may be working with a revitalization effort (at The Springs), or you may be leading a study at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. No doubt, you are making a difference every day; and it is my privilege to be your pastor.
Now certainly, I understand that we can minister in such a way only through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment of our lives. (See I have been listening to the preacher on Sunday mornings!) We are totally inadequate to meet the brokenness of our city and parish alone. God must grant us the spiritual resources to accomplish this work. And He
is! He is no doubt doing something in us and through us! For that, I give Him all my thanks!
And what’s more? We are able to extend that missionary effort not only in our local community but to cities and nations around the globe. Through your praying, giving, and going, you and I are touching eternity! Last year, we contributed a tremendous amount of resources to our state, national, and worldwide missionary causes. In our special offerings alone, we gave $33,401 through Georgia Barnette (state missions), $61,657 through Annie Armstrong (North America missions), and $179,044 through Lottie Moon (international missions). That does not account for the $265,000 given through the Cooperative Program, the direct support for church plants and missionaries, or the amount many of us personally expended in short-term mission trips. Wow! God is faithful! And no doubt, we not only gave, but we went! And we are still going! This week, a short-term team will depart for Puerto Rico. Working with the North American Mission Board, this group will continue the disaster relief effort on the island and assist local churches in sharing the Gospel. Pray for these men and women as they impact Puerto Rico for our Lord! Also, cover our East Asia team as they travel this week. They will be using basketball camps/instruction to magnify Christ’s name.
Years ago, I never believed I would have such an opportunity to be a part of something so expansive and wonderful. But now, through the Holy Spirit’s powerful intervention, I realize that this is just the beginning of what He can do through us! Praying daily for what He has in store! See you Sunday!
The Pastor’s PerspectiveDr. Reggie Bridges
Worship Attendance9 a.m. Blended
Worship Service492
9 a.m. the gatheringWorship Service
139
11 a.m. Combined Worship Service
247
The Springs Bible Study 18
Combined Morning Total 896
6 p.m. Evening Worship Service 180
SSAttendance ‘19 ‘18
Adults 420 449
Singles/Young Adults 115 123
College 63 123
Youth 183 103
Children 98 139
Preschool 93 107
Local 972 1044
Off Campus 109 93
Total 1081 1137
FROM THE RECORDS OF JANUARY 20, 2019
Extended Session 1/27/199 a.m. Worship—Donna Hood, Kristie Frasier,
Rene Davidson, Jared & Kim Little, Chris & Angie Taylor, Alicia Ball, Stacey Casady, Mary Lou Funes
11:15 a.m. Worship—Charles & Jon Anne Winstead, Mitchel & Missy Jones, Patrick Patton, Dale & Sadel Oden
Sunday, January 20, 2018 Budget $53,601.11
Share the Light $425.00
“We are Plan A to reach the world, and God hasn’t given us a Plan B,”- Alvin Reid from “Sharing Jesus (without freaking out).”
God could have used a myriad of things to point others to faithfully follow Him, but He chose you! I love John 1:12 which reads, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” What great news! A couple of verses before that John states that he (Jesus) was in the world, the world was made through him, but the world didn’t know him. What a joy to be a part of a church that is dedicated to making Christ known in the world!
Lottie Moon! Temple family, last month you smashed through our goal and gave a record Lottie Moon Christmas Offering of over $179,000! We beat our goal by more than 19%! Way to go TBC! Because of your giving, IMB missionaries can take the Gospel to unreached peoples around the world.
2 Teams! This week, our church will send out two teams, one to East Asia and another one to Puerto Rico. Please pray for those serving and for those with whom they will work. The Lord has opened up some great opportunities for each of these teams as they will use construction and sports to make connections and share Jesus!
Souper Bowl of Caring! Did you know that there are great needs in our own community? I am truly heartbroken by some of the stories I hear from people in our community who have fallen on hard times. One way our church helps is through Christian Community Action (CCA). Please help us collect canned soups (and any other canned goods) for CCA this month! Bring your items to the church now through February 3.
Share Jesus! We have been challenged over the past few weeks in our study of the book, “Sharing Jesus (without freaking out).” A couple of weeks ago I asked the class members, “what is your biggest obstacle in sharing Jesus with others.” There were several responses, all of which I have heard over time; but one of the common answers was that they didn’t have many relationships with lost people. Take time this week to reach out to someone different. Make a new friend. Talk. Listen. Invest. Invite. Share Jesus. You are Plan A, and there is no Plan B! I’m proud of my church!
Neighbors and NationsBen Jernigan
SAVE THE DATES!
Vacation Bible School 2019June 3-7, 2019. The theme this year is “In The Wild.”
WinShape Camp for CommunitiesJuly 8-12, 2019
A Welcome Reception for our New Minister to Young Adults
Jacob Ambrose and family, Amanda, Lyla Grace, & Joshua
Sunday, February 17 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
A light meal will be served.
My Heart Belongs to Daddy
Father/Daughter Banquet Girls in Kindergarten-Grade 6
Friday, February 15 6 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
$20/FamilyEnvelopes available in The Journey Place Office
and due by Wednesday, February 6!
Bring your Dad, Granddad, or Special Friend! *Dressy Attire
LADIES SPRING BIBLE STUDIESOne In a Million ~ Priscilla Shirer
Tuesdays, February 26-April 9 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Room 275 Sign up in Sunday School by Sunday, February 10.
ORPsalm 23 ~ Jennifer Rothchild
Wednesdays, February 27-April 10 | 3:45-5:30 p.m. | Room 275Sign up in Sunday School by Sunday, February 10.
The Music Ministry is back in full swing after the Christmas break, and there are many opportunities for everyone to participate. Our Sanctuary Choir rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. (Stay tuned for when noon rehearsals resume.) If you are an instrumentalist and are interested in our Orchestra, there is room for you, too! Rehearsals are twice a month on Wednesday evenings (check the Church Calendar for exact dates).
Our M3 Children’s Music Ministry has also kicked off. We have an amazing selection of class options for kids in Grades 1-6: puppets, handbells, recorder, sign language, worship vocals, worship band, and drama. There are lots of excited kids who are coming on Wednesday nights, and I hope you and your family will participate.
One final announcement for an upcoming event in our music calendar: Super Bowl Mega Men’s Choir on Sunday, February 3. Rehearsals will be Wednesday, January 30, at 6:45 p.m. (Choir Room) and Sunday, February 3, at 8:15 a.m. (Sanctuary). I encourage all men everywhere to sing with us on Super Bowl Sunday!
Stay warm out there, and I look forward to worshiping with you all this Sunday!
Robert McCarthy, brother of Mac McCarthy.
Music MinistryJeremy Asher
WEEkday Early Education Ministry Accepting Applications
Our WEEkday Early Education Ministry will be accepting applications beginning February 4, 2019
for Temple members and our currently enrolled students. Registration will be open to the public March 4. Applications are available in The Journey Place.
Contact Gina Holstead at 255-9506 or [email protected]
Kalispell, MT Mission Trip ~ May 25-June 1Interest Meeting: February 6 | 6:45 p.m. | Room 76
Mission: Campground Construction, Renovation, and Repair
East Asia Mission Trip ~ August 2-12Interest Meeting: February 6 | 6:45 p.m. | Room 72
Mission: Sports and Village Outreach
Contact information for all mission trips: Ben Jernigan, [email protected], 255-3745
Now–February 3 A soup collection for Christian Community ActionBring your cans of soup to the drop-off baskets located around the building.
For more information: souperbowl.org
Our Newest Membership Candidates:
Zach and Kiley Wilson
50+ Years of Marriage CelebrationSunday, February 10
Deadline to sign up is Monday, January 28.Call the Church Office to sign up (255-3745) with Anniversary date (Month/Day/Year) and bring your wedding photo (if participating).
Chili Cook-off Winners1st Mildred Smith
2nd Don Hogan3rd Vickie Benefield
Special thanks to the Hostess Committee and the judges.
SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, February 18-May 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Room 76Facilitator: Linda Echols
Contact: Jason Walsworth, [email protected], 255-3745
THE TIDINGSGOD’S MISSION FOR TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH IS TO LOVE HIM FULLY AND FOLLOW HIM FAITHFULLY.
THE TIDINGS (USPS #020005), Published Weekly except Christmas by:Temple Baptist Church, Periodical Postage Paid, Ruston, LA 71270
Postmaster send address changes to:Temple Baptist Church, 1515 South Service Road West, Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (318) 255-3745 • Fax: (318) 255-0134 Website: temple.life
THE TIDINGSSuper Bowl Mega Men’s Choir
Singing in the 9 a.m. Blended Worship Service Sunday, February 3
Rehearsals: Wednesday, January 30 | 6:45 p.m. | Choir Room
and Sunday, February 3 | 8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
Men and boys of all ages are welcome to join us. Dads, invite your son(s) to join you.
Celebration Choir will sing in the gathering Sunday, February 3 | 11:15 a.m.
Rehearsals:Tuesday, January 29 | 6-7 p.m. | Choir Room
Sunday, February 3 | 10:45 a.m. | Gathering Space
Open to everyone! No age limit and no experience necessary!
Childcare available upon request.Contact Zach Husser, [email protected], 255-3745
Label here
Deacons of the Week—January 27-February 2 James Jones & Tommy Ledford, Jr.
Family Life Center Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wednesday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.The Journey Place Playscape Hours: Monday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 2:30-5 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.-12 a.m.
Media Center Hours: Sunday: 8:15-9 a.m.; 10:15-11:15 a.m.; Wednesday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1:30-5 p.m.Broadcast: Sundays at 9 a.m. Channel 11 (KAQY)
Core Values: Authoritative Truth • Strengthening Worship
Authentic Community • Intentional TransformationHands-On Missions • Relational Evangelism
Compassionate Servanthood
Vision: To become authentic, loving followers of Jesus,
who are experiencing life transformation through God’s Word, For the purpose of impacting our world.
Week-at-a-GlanceSouper Bowl of Caring Collection ~ January 20-February 3 East Asia Mission Trip ~ January 25-February 4 Puerto Rico Mission Trip ~ January 26-February 1 Upward Practices ~ January 28, 29, & 31
Sunday, January 279 a.m. - Blended Worship | Baptism (Sanctuary); the gathering Worship (GS)10:15 a.m. - Bible Study for all ages11:15 a.m. - the gathering Worship (GS)12 p.m. - temple-tech Beach Reach Training (FH)4:30 p.m. - Children’s Bible Drill (JPMR); Sharing Jesus (without freaking out) (Rm 76)5 p.m. - Youth Seniors and Parent Meeting (GS); “CTV” Catch the Vision (The Springs)6 p.m. - Evening Worship (Chapel); temple-tech Sunday Night Supper
Tuesday, January 296 p.m. - Celebration Choir Rehearsal (Choir Rm)
Wednesday, January 309 a.m. - Friendship International (FLC); Quilting/Sewing (FH)5 p.m. - Family Night Meal (FH; Menu: Breakfast for Supper; Cost: $4/person, $2/child under 8, $12 max/family)5:45 p.m. - Children’s M3 (Missions, Music, & More!) (JP)6 p.m. - Prayer Meeting/Bible Study (FH); GROW Visitation - ALL TEAMS (FH);
Youth Wednesday Night Worship (Youth Rm) 6:45 p.m. - Super Bowl Mega Men’s Choir Rehearsal (Choir Rm) 7 p.m. - CORPS Meeting (Rm 270); temple-tech Freshman Bible Study (FH)8 p.m. - temple-tech Midweek (GS)
Thursday, January 31 4 p.m. - South Asia Mission Team Meeting (Rm 72)
Saturday, February 28 a.m.-5 p.m. - Upward Games