On June 22, 2008 at 4:00 pm we will have our church picnic at the park on 5th Street.  Come out for some food, fun, fellowship.  Bring a dish to share.  Bring your lawn chairs to have some fellowship!

Vacation Bible School is coming June 16-20th from 9 am 12 noon.  We will be studying God's Big Backyard!   We look forward to seeing all of you here.

 

COMMITMENT!!!

It has been said, “April showers bring May flowers!” A flower can add beauty to any scenery and liven up its surroundings. “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:7-9 NIV). I think of all the wildflowers that just come up on their own by God’s hand of love. What a beautiful expression from God to add color and beauty to a world filled with so much gray. When we plant seeds, it takes time and commitment to produce a beautiful flower garden. If we don’t have the time, patience, or commitment it’s best for us and the seeds that we leave them in the package.

Life requires a commitment that one should honor at all times. I thank God for our First Baptist Church family and the hours that many of us dedicate to ministry. We’re all ministries of His Gospel. Ministry in the church is the way we get the message of Jesus Christ across to our community and to the world. Our level of commitment is essential to the church because we must model what it means to be a committed Christian.  “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:5-6 NIV).

Let us think of our church as a flower garden. To have a beautiful flower garden, we must be committed to plant, nurture, water, and exhibit patience for the flowers to grow. Our Christian walk and our church united in the Body of Christ Jesus, require commitment. As you read this newsletter, please ask yourself this question: “How committed am I to my church and its ministries?” The eleven disciples who walked with Jesus were so committed they died for their beliefs. Through the disciple’s commitment of sincere dedication, determination, and discipline in spreading the Gospel, we are representatives in this day as followers of Jesus Christ.

May we continue to be nourished in growing more spiritually in our daily Christian walk and Christian faith to serve others as followers of Jesus’ teachings on servanthood. There are ministries in our church that are in dire need of your services now. So, why not humble yourselves and let God exalt you? Make a commitment today to serve God, believing that He has need of your spiritual gifts. Also, let us always remember what it means to be a (F.A.T.) Christian (Faithful; Available; and Teachable). Think about God, the Bible and what God has done for you and remember: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8-9 NIV). We can allow God to empower us in demonstrating His promises of faithfulness and love by giving unselfishly of our: Time, Testimony, Talents, and Treasures. Please pray now for God to plant His Word in seeds of fruitfulness, to nourish you with His Living Water, to spiritually grow you to maturity as a beautiful blooming Spring flower garden in this day to say: “I can do more and give more of myself in uniting with The First Baptist Church of Junction City…Fulfilling God’s Great Commission!” Therefore, as baptized believers in the Body of Christ, you are being obedient to God’s Word as you delight yourself in His statues for storing up treasures here on earth and in Heaven for eternal life in His Kingdom.

The late Dr. M. R. DeHaan from RBC Ministries wrote: BE AN ANDREW! “Only three things are mentioned about Andrew #1) He brought his brother to Jesus (John 1:40-41); (#2) He brought a boy with a simple lunch to Jesus (John 6:8-9); (#3) He brought the Greeks to Jesus (John 12: 20-22).” Unnoticed, unappreciated and all but forgotten; but what a ministry he had! Without Andrew, there would not have been the great preacher of Pentecost, Peter. Without Andrew, the hungry multitude would not have been fed or the Greeks brought to Christ. You may not be able to preach, sing, write, or do many of the flashy things other people may notice. But, you can be of service by prayer, witnessing, and remembering all that is written in this message according to how God has allowed flowers to bloom in your life: Be an Andrew! With much thanksgiving and all praise and glory to God Almighty, these are exciting times for total giving and commitment in our First Baptist Church family! Today, will you say yes to giving...To committing yourself to be all that you can be in Christ? Be an Andrew! “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

We are His workmanship! We are a work in progress! We are partners in God’s work, giving to what God loves, which is a part of His purposes for us. God has need of each one of us and He wants total sacrifice of our entire being to Him. If Jesus is indeed our Lord, we will see that giving is easier when we give ourselves and our choices to the Him. Give with excitement! It’s a rule of life: “God showers His blessings on those who give their lives and resources willingly.” In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Paul shows how we honor God by encouraging us to give generously and describes the attitude with which we are to give. Thank you for your commitment! God’s forgiveness and salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection makes you alive and rooted in your Christian faith.  To be committed is like the blooming of May flowers growing in God’s love, developing in His faith, and shining in the beauty of His holiness with a community of believers united in God’s family. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). Where faith is lacking, he supplies faith. I am confident, through prayer that God will supply your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ!

Happy Mother’s Day!!! We are blessed with God’s gift of mothers!!!

                                          ***James H. Callaway, Pastor***

 

 

 

ABW Ministry:

 

The American Baptist Women are continuing to promote giving to the ABWM Special Project which is "Break the Chains: Slavery in the 21st Century".   The goal for this national project is $250,000 to be raised from 2007-2009.

The funds that are received will be directed to ministries that address the sexual exploitation of women and children: 50% for ministries in the U.S. & Puerto Rico, and 50% for ministries that are international. 

One of the ministries that will be receiving funds is the Mansion of Light Baptist Church in Costa Rica. The church is situated in a poor community where children are subjected to physical and sexual violence in their homes, and where young girls gather at bus stops to go into the city to sell their bodies. The church has a dream to open a Family Life Center that will be a safe place for children. They also plan to reach out to the families in their community with parenting classes, abuse prevention and job training. "Break the Chains" project funding will help this congregation do that outreach. Won't you help us reach this goal. If you want to give by check please make the check out to 1st Baptist Church and in the memo write ABWM Special Project. 

 

ABW Ministries will be meeting on May 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. in Harrison Chapel at the church. The program is entitled "The Cutting Edge" with Joan Zoschke as the program leader.  Devotions will be given by Glenda Bryant and refreshments will be served by Jimmie and Phylis Richardson.  All women of the church are invited to attend.  We hope to see you there.

 

Gail Dye, ABWM President

 

 

 

 

AWANA/YOUTH

 

Our youth program has now been combined with the Awana leadership.

Ayah,  Ayah,  Ayah!!!

Come One, Come All

Are you in the 6th, 7th or 8th grade?

Are you tired of the same old stuff at Sunday School?

Do you have questions you want answered?

Come Sunday Evening, 5:45 to 6:45.

I can't promise we will get all of your questions answered but we will have fun trying.  The first course of study will be on parables and prophecies.  No book needed except for a Bible.  If you don't have one, we have some to use.

If you want more info call the church office, 785-238-3016 or me at 785-375-7504.  If I don't answer leave a message and I will call back.   Hope to see you all soon.  Roy Richardson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISSIONS!  MISSIONS!  MISSIONS!

 

“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8 NIV). In last month’s issue of the “The Encourager” I shared with you that I am serving on The General Board of The ABCUSA and The Board of National Ministries. My orientation for this spiritual commitment was held on March 9^th –12^th in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania at the ABCUSA Mission Center. I have been an American Baptist for many years, but this was my first visit to The Mission Center located in Valley Forge. I was impressed to see the day-to-day operation of our national body. The orientation was given by Rev. A. Roy Medley, General Secretary ABCUSA, his staff and various Ministries within the ABCUSA Denomination.

 

The Scripture Reading from Acts 1:7-8 is our commission to evangelize the world. Parts of “The Mission Statement for ABCUSA” are: “The heart of the gospel is God’s redemptive love. In our life together, the world will see the power of forgiveness to overcome alienation, the strength of love to transform hate, the power of grace to break the bonds of guilt, the triumph of hope over despair, and the victory of faith over doubt. Through the cross of Christ we embrace the world as neighbor. Our vision for mission energizes a multitude of servant ministries of evangelism, discipleship, leadership, new church development, social justice, healing, peacemaking, economic development and education. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we work together in mutual trust, humility, love, and giving that the gospel might be preached and lived in the entire world.” When I think of how The First Baptist Church of Junction City fits into the overall mission of the ABCUSA Denomination, I believe we are called to be people of prayer, purpose, and people of passion in our local community, state, nation, and in the world.

 

My orientation to “The Board of National Ministries” was given by Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, Executive Director. As a part of The American Baptist Churches USA, The National Ministries answers God’s call to live out the

the Christian faith and transform individuals, congregations and communities through developing Christ-centered leadership, networks, and programs committed to witness and evangelism, social justice, discipleship and mission work across the United States and Puerto Rico. I returned from this orientation and board meeting feeling that as a Pastor and member of this congregation, we will need to do our share in transforming lives and communities. I will be sharing more relevant information on other issues as I serve in ministry at the denominational level. I feel more and more of the urge for God’s Great Commission. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

                                          ***James H. Callaway, Pastor***

 

 

ABW Women

 

The American Baptist Women’s Ministry will be having a dedication service for the white Cross quotas that have been filled this year.  White Cross is a mission giving ministry that helps Baptist missionaries at home and around the world.  Some of the quotas are Cash quotas and some are a Purchase Plan quota.  On the Purchase Plan our ladies purchase or make many items that are needed on the mission field and send them to the missionaries.

 

I hope all ladies of the church will consider coming and participating in this dedication service.  There will also be a time of refreshments and fellowship.

 

ABW Ministries meets at 7:00 p.m. in Harrison Chapel at the church on April 4^th.  See you there!

 

Gail Dye, ABWM President

 

ABW Ministry:

 

The American Baptist Women will be hosting the Tri-River Spring Rally on April 28, 2008.  Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the brunch will be served at 10:00 a.m.  We are looking forward to Karen Morerod’s presentation of Echo’s of Esther.  So put yourself in Esther’s shoes and be prepared to stretch yourself to the edge of learning and bold service for God.  Karen is our association personal development coordinator.  Gail Dye will be bringing our special music.  Our annual Love Gift offering will be received.  The Spring business meeting and election of new officers will follow.

 

 

AWANA/YOUTH

 

Our youth program has now been combined with the Awana leadership.

 

NEW:  We are starting a new ministry for the Middle School and High School youth.  The rooms will be upstairs in the education wing.  The outline is as follows:  9:30 am to 10:00 am will be a time of fellowship and planning for outings, etc.  10:00 am to 10:45 am will be a time of study.  The Middle school will continue with the David Cook series, however, the High school will not.  The High school will be an open forum type of discussion of matters pertaining to the students based on Bible teachings.  As a High school student if you have questions and want answers come.  If any church member knows of High school or Middle school students not attending or may be attending, please provide us with their names and mailing address and we will contact them.  Sincerely, Roy Richardson

 

 

 

ABW Women

 

In 1928 Mary Gates Atkinson, who was the 3^rd president of what was then called the Kansas Baptist Women’s Union, began a scholarship program that has continued for the past 90 years.  It was established to assist their education as they prepare for ministering as pastors, or in national or international mission service, or full time Christian vocations.  Callie Byington is our local Scholarship Associate for American Baptist Women’s Ministries.  On March 7^th at 7:00 p.m. in Harrison Chapel she will be presenting a program and skit about the Scholarship program.  Students eligible for this scholarship are either attending Bacone College in Oklahoma or Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS or Central Baptist Seminary in Kansas City.  Each year we are assigned a student to pray for and to correspond with.  Our student this year is Seth Vopat.  He is a 3^rd year student at Central Seminary.  He and his wife, Beth, are from Overland Park, KS.  Please add them to your daily prayer list.

 

All ladies of the church are invited to attend this program on March 7^th.  Please join us for an evening of fellowship.

 “FULFILLING GOD’S GREAT COMMISSION IN MISSIONS”

 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV). At the annual celebration of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region meeting in Wichita, Kansas this past October, I was Regionally Nominated to the General Board USA for the year 2008 through 2011. I was elected to this position. A Regionally Nominated Representative is nominated and elected by the region to represent those constituents in denominational activities at the national level. The representative is to become aware of the attitudes and opinions of the Cooperating Churches and the Region. For the American Baptist Churches/USA, I am on the Board of the National Ministries. I am asking everyone to please pray for me and with me as this leadership position allows me to be God’s servant representing more of His people in Jesus’ name. As I enter this ministry on behalf of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, I am humbled, and somewhat a little nervous, but very excited about serving in this area of work. However, I am reminded of the “Mission Statement for ABCUSA.” A part of the mission statement is: “American Baptists are a Christ-centered, biblically grounded, ethnically diverse people called to radical personal discipleship in Christ Jesus. Our commitment to Jesus propels us to nurture authentic relationships with one another, build healthy churches, transform our communities, our nations and our world, engage every member in hands-on ministry, and speak the prophetic word in love.”

   For the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, I am on the Board of Directors, Mission Support. Also, please pray for me and with me in this position as I ask God to equip me for His works of service. I would like to share thoughts from the chairperson, Ruth Clark, the wife of Dr. John Clark who is the pastor of Judson Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas. The following is entitled MISSION 101: “What does MISSION mean? *M – Medical Aid: Healthcare and HIV/AIDS, Community Clinics. *I- Institutions: Educational (Seminaries, Colleges, Pre-schools), Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities, Neighborhood Centers, Orphanages. *S – Servanthood: Development, Refugee Resettlement, and Peacemaking. *S – Seeing God at Work: Evangelism, Training Pastors and Lay Leaders, Human Trafficking. *I – International: Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America where we are Training Pastors and Lay Leaders, Evangelism and Church Planting, Development, Education, Healthcare and HIV/AIDS,  Human Trafficking, and Peacemaking and Refugee Resettlement. *O – Open Doors: Evangelism, Church Planting, Development, and Human Trafficking. *N – National: Camping, Chaplaincy (Hospitals, Prisons, and Racetracks), Children in Poverty Initiative and much more. How Does MISSION Happen? (1) Prayer; (2) Financial Support; (3) Hearing and Responding to the Call of God.”

   We are being called by God to be involved in His mission and with each of us doing our part, we will make a difference. As Christians, we should be able to see that especially in today’s world, God needs our service! Let’s start by going M.A.D. (Making A Difference) in our community, so that our acts of service and love can spread to those in other cities, other states, and other countries. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV). Please let us re-read and reflect on the Gospel readings of Matthew 25:31-46. “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me” (Matthew 25:45 NIV). God is with us always!                                                                     

                                          ***James H. Callaway, Pastor***

 

AWANA

Praise the Lord!!!  We are still getting new members into Awana.  The Lord is still blessing us and will continue to do so.  Our attendance has been a little down due to all of the illness going around.  I know our attendance will be back up when everyone is again well.  June will be here before we know it and the start of the summer program, more info later.  We will have a lot of fun this summer as we are programming for both the children and their parents.  So be prepared.. Yours in Christ, Roy Richardson  Commander

 

On March 15th we are having an Easter Carnival from 2pm-3:30pm.  The Carnival will have games, crafts, and snacks.  Any child under 5 must me accompanied by an adult.    We are looking for some volunteers to assists with games and snacks.  One of the games is going to be a cake walk and we are asking for any donations of baked goods for the activity.  Drop off for baked goods will be that Saturday March 15th at 1pm.  If you would like to assist in anyway please contact the church.  Amanda Hansis and Ruth Moreland are the contacts for the event.

 

YOUTH

Hello;   As we are now in the process of searching for a Youth Director and as the last date for Amanda is March 1, 2008, we will be transitioning the youth into the Awana program on Sunday evenings.  Everyone needs to understand this is only until we have a new Youth Director.  We will continue with the programming Amanda started and introduce Awana programming to the Youth.  Sunday evenings will be a joint effort of the Middle School and High School Youth.   The ability to apply for the position of Youth Director is open to anyone in the church.  If you feel lead to work with the youth please visit the office for an application.  Sincerely  Roy Richardson

 

WORDS FROM OUR PASTOR

                           “LOVE IS IN THE AIR!”
   In the second month of 2008, I believe true compassion will put love into action. We are beginning our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, the sixth of February, and ending on the twenty-second day of March. This is a season of individual soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. The early church used it as a preparation time for Easter when the faithful rededicated themselves to God’s proclamation of Jesus’ saving grace. The greatest story ever told of God’s love for humanity is: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). When it comes to us as earthly humans, God’s love is in the air and all around us. His love is the fuel and goal of our prayer-life. This month, let God’s tender love work in you, warm your heart, and remove all your fears (1 John 4:1 .
   If I asked ten people about the definition of love, most likely I would receive ten different answers, all of which could be considered correct. The Bible assures us of what love is and what love is not. The characteristics of love can be found in 1st Corinthians 13:4-8 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (NIV).” Love is a very important fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which means that we, as Christians, should acquire and show it on a daily basis. Could we effectively show that we operate in love by removing the word “love” from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and replacing it with our individual names? Would the sentences still be true? Even if we come short of fulfilling every characteristic of love, we never have to worry about God being less than perfect, especially in this area because according to 1 John 4:16-17, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him.” God’s love is patient. He is patient with us and His love never fails us. We can substitute “God” for “love.” He is “love!” How wonderful He is!
   This is the month of Saint Valentine’s Day when love is in the air for all ages, the young and the young-at-heart. Love is expressed through gifts of cards, flowers, candy, or in whatever way one may wish to show God’s love to family and friends. When we express our love to another person, it reminds me of that beautiful passage from Psalm 133: “How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, flowing down Aaron’s beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life” (The Message Bible). Jesus’ Gospel teaching on love can be used as a prayer agenda to pray for His qualities of love for ourselves and for the lives of others in our church, our community, our nation, and our world. Ask God to let His love reign “in the air” over all the earth by working miracles in the lives of those for whom we pray. This month, the greatest love gift from the heart that can be received in the world is God’s love, which was so eloquently expressed through His only Son, Jesus Christ. The    Bible account of God’s pure love for us is called the Gospel, the Good News. Let us proclaim His Words of love all around the world, not just because of how much we love Him, because of the fact that He first loved us. The saving message of Jesus’ birth, life on earth, death, and resurrection is beyond our deserving, but is within the boundless compassion of our loving Savior. He gave Himself for us and revealed our heavenly Father’s gracious love so that we may have a place of eternal life in God’s kingdom. God’s love makes a difference and gives value to our lives as believers in Christ Jesus. God absolutely loves and adores us! It’s a love to savor, a delight to behold, and a joy to embrace and share with others. We should be able to give thanks for God’s love and see that His love is “in the air” and available to all! Loving God’s way is a great privilege that allows us to discover new ways to show our love for Him and others in our life, in our worship, and in our families and relationships. Because of God’s great love for us, prayer opens our eyes to see possibilities which lead to hope. Prayer is the beginning of compassion, but not the end of it. True prayer comes from love which leads to more love, more active love. Let us prove that “love is in the air” by gratefully remembering and enthusiastically sharing the truth: “God is Love!” ****James H. Callaway, Pastor

 

 

 

 

 

AWANA

 

Greetings and Salutations from AWANA.  Here we are starting the second half of our year and things are great.  The Lord is continuing to bless us with new arrivals almost weekly.  We are in need of some help.  We are losing Regina our secretary and are in need of someone to fill that spot.  If you are interested, but do not have the entire time available on Sunday evenings, that is ok, as the position requires 30 to 45 minutes only.  I am also looking for someone who would consider being an assistant commander.  And as always we need leaders for the children.  Ideally we are looking to have a leader for every  (2) children; right now we are at 3 to 4 children for every leader.  I am looking forward to the summer program we will begin in June:  more info later.  As always you are invited to join us if you would like more information before making a commitment or if you would just like to experience AWANA for an evening. 

Yours in Christ, Roy Richardson  Commander

WORDS FROM OUR PASTOR

Welcome to the 2008 New Year!

John R. Rice said, “No matter what a man’s past may have been, his future is spotless.” This year is before us with all of the unknown mysteries of each month and each new day. I am reminded of Martha Snell Nicholson’s writing entitled, The New Year: “Dear Lord, as this New Year is born I give it to thy hand, content to walk by faith what paths I cannot understand. Whatever coming days may bring of bitter loss, or gain, or every crown of happiness; should sorrow come, or pain, or, Lord, if all unknown to me thine angel hovers near to bear me to that farther shore before another year, It matters not-my hand in thine, thy light upon my face, thy boundless strength when I am weak, thy love and saving grace! I only ask, loose not my hand, grip fast my soul, and be my guiding light upon the path till, blind no more, I see!

 

The Apostle Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 NIV). What is your goal for this year? There are different types of goals to achieve. I pray that on your agenda there is a spiritual goal (God); a family goal (others); and a personal goal (self). I am third…is an unselfish way of living one’s life, God is first, others are second, and I am third. Paul was a spiritual giant in the eyes of the Philippians’ saints. He wanted them to know that he had not yet attained his goals. However, he was actively pressing on toward his goals. Paul had by no means reached the final stage of his sanctification. In some ways, we are like Paul in that we have not reached our final stage. Every year, we may say this is the year we are going to wish for or make a change in our way of thinking or living. As I write this article, I am thinking of our church motto: “Fulfilling the Great Commission in Unity” and what this means for our congregation in 2008. I am aware that as I set goals and as we wish one another a “Happy New Year” there are two different things to consider with wishing it and experiencing it. Therefore, do you know your spiritual gifts for your purpose in life to achieve goals? Someone said, “One’s only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.” Do your goals and purpose include service to others? We can imagine our hearts knowing and experiencing happiness and unity in this “New Year” because of God’s love, faith, hope, and willingness to serve with His help, to help others know this, too. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NIV). We are able to take risks and find joy in serving others because we trust that God is in full control of our lives. John M. Brown said: “No one, I am convinced, can be happy who only lives for oneself. The joy of living comes from immersion in something that we know to be bigger, better, more enduring and worthier than we are. People, ideas, causes... these offer the one possible escape, not merely from selfishness but from the hungers of solitude and the sorrows of aimlessness.”

 In 2008, our church must serve and live out the great commission given to us by Jesus in our community, state, nation and world as stated in Matthew 28:19-20 NIV: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” My goal in life is to draw closer to God in my daily living. Also, one of my goals for the church is to expand the ministries according to Jesus’ Biblical teachings on servant leadership. In reading about the Philippians, at the end of each race officials had their heralds proclaim the winner and call him up to receive his prize (in the Olympic games, a palm branch). The prize is the full revelation of Jesus at the resurrection. When all of us see how important it is to get the message of Jesus across to our community, then we will see a change take place in our own life and the church. Throughout 2008, let us press on toward the goal, preserving unity within the Body of Christ. Frequently, in the New Testament readings, people are asked to be faith role-models for others. With all my heart, I pray that we, as Christians of faith, imitate Christ in serving others as we focus all year on His birth, life, death, and resurrection for our salvation. May we run the race in attaining spiritual goals set before us by God using our spiritual gifts while looking to Jesus to inspire us and challenge us to invite others to be faithful followers of “…the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV).

James H. Callaway, Jr., Pastor

First Baptist Church of Junction City, Kansas

January 2008 Newsletter

 

 

 

 

AWANA

 

Praise the Lord.  AWANA is alive and well and growing.  We have a great group of children who want to learn about God.  I had one young man inform me he wanted to do missionary work in school but was afraid he would get in trouble.  We prayed about this and gave it to God.  The children are inviting their friends to come; and in my mind this is missionary work.  On December 9, 2007; you know that icy day that was the precursor to the city wide power outage we had 5 children and 5 adults come to Awana.  This tells me God is blessing our program and it will continue to grow.  If God is talking to you in any way about Awana:  listen and do what He wants; because whatever He wants you to do, ultimately you will. That is enough for now.  May God bless all of you this Christmas season and may the New Year bring your hopes to fruition.  Love in Christ,  Roy

 

ABY

 

Our youth program will resume on Jan. 6, 2008.  The re-scheduled Christmas party will be announced later.