Pastor’s Weekly Article
Our 15 x 15 team continues to meet at least twice each month. This past week we hosted a panel discussion, which included several of the leaders in our community. We have many fine men and women who serve the Lawrenceville community with distinction. Our conversation with these leaders opened our eyes to the challenges and possibilities that are before us.
The location of our church and the quality of our facilities make our church campus a potential hub for community activity. Last Saturday a group of teen boys gathered for lunch and Bible study in our gym. Because of a challenging family situation, poor academic performance, or behavioral issues, society labels these boys “at-risk.” A group of Christian men have joined together to mentor these boys, hoping to change their future by encouraging them to live under God’s Word.
The members of our 15 x 15 team need your prayers. There is so much that we can do, but we want to know with certainty that we are following God’s leadership. I ask you to pray for our team members by name at least once per week. Pray for team unity and for great clarity as we seek the Lord’s guidance.
Our 15 x 15 team members are: Meg Crowder (co-chair), Leon Smith (co-chair), Barbara Everett, Trevor Giese, Kwabena Gyimah, Carlene Harris, Inman Houston, Mark Limmer, Brian Loudermilk, Eddy Oliver, Beth Ann Williams, and Terra Winter.
Pastor’s Weekly Article
Wow! Our “Rebellion of the Heart” weekend was a gift from God. Nearly 250 LFBC members participated in the weekend. To our student pastor, Bruce McGee, and to all of you who volunteered throughout the weekend, we say “Way to go!”
Our senior adults baked cakes, served food, attended our worship gatherings, and prayed with our students. Our young and median adults handled everything—down to the smallest detail. They set up tables, counseled students, and encouraged one another. Our students were fantastic. They invited their friends, served people in need, and opened their hearts to hear God’s Word.
I love hearing your stories. I wish that I could share all of the comments that you have made to me this week. God used Robert Smith to challenge us and to convict us. I pray that families will pray together and study God’s Word together. I pray that parents will have difficult conversations with their teenagers—even if the subject matter makes them blush a little. I pray that our senior adults will pray intensely for our students and their parents. And I pray that we will honor the elders in our church. You have much to teach us, and we have much to learn.
Bible Reading – Week 4
Sunday, January 23 Job 1-5
Monday, January 24 Job 6-9
Tuesday, January 25 Job 10-13
Wednesday, January 26 Job 14-17
Thursday, January 27 Job 18-21
Friday, January 28 Job 22-24
Pastor’s Weekly Article
Rebellion of the Heart Weekend is finally here! Dozens of volunteers have devoted much time and energy to this weekend emphasis. I have been praying that the Spirit would move freely and powerfully in our hearts.
No investment is more strategic than an investment in the next generation. They are our future leaders, and we must give them the very best that we have to give. We tend to look down upon the next generation. We offer many reasons why we do so, but often, our complaint is rooted in our lack of understanding. We are quick to dismiss children and students as lazy or disrespectful or irresponsible. I encourage you to remember two truths as you observe our children and students:
- Things are not always what they seem. When our young people are inspired, they will invest their hearts in a great cause.
- Much behavior is learned. Yes, there are genetic factors involved. Yes, our students have negative influences that impact their behavior. However, some of our frustration is due to our own struggles. We must set a positive example for our children and students. Do they see us studying God’s Word? Do we teach them to pray in times of trouble or frustration?
The task is a challenging one, but it’s well worth the effort. Let’s give the very best that we have to the next generation. They are the future.
Bible Reading – Week 3
Sunday, January 16 Genesis 30-33
Monday, January 17 Genesis 34-37
Tuesday, January 18 Genesis 38-40
Wednesday, January 19 Genesis 41-43
Thursday, January 20 Genesis 44-46
Friday, January 21 Genesis 47-50
Pastor’s Weekly Article
Let it snow!
What an unusual week it has been. Last weekend as my wife and I watched the weather reports, we wondered what would happen. Our greatest concern was that we would lose power, and thus heat. Thankfully we have not lost power, and we have spent four wonderful days together. Our two older boys have loved riding my parents’ old sled up and down the driveway.
All of us have had to make adjustments this week. I have talked to many of you, and it seems that all of have realized that you can have too much of a good thing. I crave more time at home, and so do many of you. We have closets that need cleaning and drawers that need organizing. Ultimately though, we do not like feeling stuck. Stuck in our homes, we long to go somewhere . . . anywhere.
I hope that you have used this time wisely. Have you rested? Have you taken advantage of this opportunity to slow down and spend time in reflection? Many of you have told me that you are well ahead in your Bible reading. I’m enjoying this journey with you. God will strengthen us as we rest upon his Word.
I cannot wait to see you on Sunday!
Bible Reading – Week 2
Monday, January 9 Genesis 12-13
Tuesday, January 10 Genesis 14-16
Wednesday, January 11 Genesis 17-19
Thursday, January 12 Genesis 20-23
Friday, January 13 Genesis 24-26
Saturday, January 14 Genesis 27-29
Pastor’s Weekly Article
We have a number of exciting opportunities for growth and service during the month of January. I hope that you are praying for our “Rebellion of the Heart” weekend. Many of our adults and students have devoted much energy and prayer in preparation for this special emphasis.
While “Rebellion of the Heart” weekend is focused primarily on students and parents of students, there are ways for all of us to benefit from this special event. Of course, we need volunteer support throughout the weekend. If you are willing to serve, please email Bruce McGee (bruce@lawrencevillefbc.org).
I also encourage you to attend one or more of the sessions. While the content is designed with a certain audience in mind, all of us need to know more about the pressures that our students and their parents face. By exposing yourself to youth culture, you prepare yourself to be a more effective mentor, and you prepare yourself to pray more diligently for our students.
A full schedule for the weekend is published on our website. Click here to be redirected to our website. If you have any questions about “Rebellion of the Heart” weekend, please contact Bruce McGee.
Bible Reading – Week 1
Sunday, January 2 Genesis 1-2
Monday, January 3 John 1:1-3; Psalm 8; Psalm 104
Tuesday, January 4 Genesis 3-5; Proverbs 8
Wednesday, January 5 Genesis 6-7
Thursday, January 6 Genesis 8-9; Psalm 12
Friday, January 7 Genesis 10-11
Pastor’s Weekly Article
On Sunday, January 2 we begin our journey through God’s Word. If you do not have one of our Bible reading guides, they are available at various points throughout our church campus.
Many races are won or lost at the starting line. I am praying that all of us will start strong and be diligent in our Bible reading. I pray particularly for those of you who are not accustomed to setting aside a few moments each day to read and study God’s Word. Devote yourself to the daily discipline of Bible reading. I am confident that the Lord will bless you richly.
When I accepted the call to serve as your pastor, I signed a document that outlined my job responsibilities. When I signed this document, I agreed to share my general work schedule with the members of our church.
In the past I have devoted a good portion of my time each Monday to sermon preparation. Over the past three years, I have discovered that I am not ready to put pen to paper on Monday mornings. I now do most of my sermon preparation on Thursdays. I want to inform you of this change because I do most of my studying and writing away from the church office.
My administrative assistant, Lee Tarrer, always knows where I am, and she always knows how to reach me. While I may not be available for meetings and appointments on Thursdays, I am always available if you have a ministry need.
Next Sunday I will share my annual “State of the Church Address.” I am looking forward to a wonderful 2011. I consider it a great blessing to serve you as pastor!
