Weekly Update – April 13th, 2023
For the last several years, we have hosted what is called Secret Church. We have gathered either in homes or at the church on a Friday night in April for 6 hours of Bible Study and prayer. Over the last few weeks, I have received a number of questions as to what this event typically looks like. Therefore, let me try to explain what Secret Church is and why it is you should go.
Let me begin with the background to this event. David Platt, the former president of the International Mission Board and now, current lead pastor for McLean Bible Church outside of Washington, D.C., is the founder and leader of Secret Church. Years ago, Platt served on a trip to Asia where he was able to teach and minister to underground house churches. There believers were forced to gather in secret, sometimes at the risk of their own lives due to the hostility of the government, the surrounding community and even their own families. Secret church is meant to give us a glimpse at what our persecuted brothers and sisters experience around the world when they gather with one another.
Secret Church is a once a year, one night event. It is a 6 hour time of intense Bible study in God’s Word as well as a time of prayer together for the persecuted church. Here is what this year in particular will look like:
First, the study. This year will be over the Old Testament book of Jonah. Jonah is a literary masterpiece that has inspired authors, painters, poets, and musicians. But far from being some fairy tale about a fish, it’s a real story with surprising relevance for our lives and the world we’re living in right now. Together we will take a 6-hour deep dive into this book.
Second, prayer. This year we will have an exclusive opportunity from inside Iran to learn about how the Lord is awakening many people and growing his Church despite incredible challenges. Together we’ll join with what God is doing in Iran through our prayers. And together we’ll give to work not just in Iran, but in other countries where Christians are being persecuted, like Yemen and Syria and North Korea.
This time is designed to challenge us as God’s people to consider the nations around us, pray for believers and unbelievers in them, and then live by going to our communities, our neighborhood and our world. Join us on April 21 for this one-night, intensive Bible study walking through the book of Jonah, learning about the urgent spiritual and physical needs in Iran, and praying for the persecuted church around the world.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity." - Psalm 96:9-10
Announcements:
New Equipping Classes: This Sunday, there will be a new class beginning in the sanctuary discussing the topic of evangelism. This will be a 10 week course. Then, next week (4/23), there will be a new class discussing the New Testament books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. This 12 week class will meet in the Fellowship Hall. Lastly, the ladies class will continue to meet in M-5 as they walk through the Old Testament together. These classes all meet at 9:15am. Come and join us for one of these opportunities.
Secret Church: On April 21st, beginning 6:00pm, we will join David Platt via simulcast for an intense evening of Bible study and prayer. The study for this year will be over the book of Jonah. Sign up this Sunday if you would like to be a part of this. You can find out more about Secret Church, HERE.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: Every year at this time, we raise funds to support missionaries all over North America who are serving with the North American Mission Board (NAMB). This year, First Baptist Church is seeking to raise $8500. We have already received $5,216 towards this goal. You can give on Sunday mornings through one of our offering boxes located in the foyer or the welcome center. Just mark your envelop as “missions” or “Annie.” Or you can give online HERE and choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.
Harry’s Hay Days: On Saturday, May 6th, from 10:00am-4:00pm, First Baptist Church will be participating in the citywide festival called, “Harry’s Hay Days.” We will be hosting carnival games, face painters, balloon artists, Chick-fil-A, and more, right here in our parking lot. We need lots of volunteers. Put this date on your calendar and look for a sign up sheet this week.
Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 10th-Friday, July 14th from 5:45-8:00pm. More information on how you can help is available on the bulletin board in the hall and more information about how to register your child is available HERE. We are now collecting items for VBS decorations. We are looking for large square cardboard boxes, white wrapping paper, black wrapping paper, large sheets of insulations foam, large sheets of sturdy cardboard, and any leftover interior acrylic paints in bright colors, pastel colors, black, or white.
Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are still needed during the 10:30am nursery time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve.
Awana
Join us for Awana Bible Clubs on Wednesday nights. Dinner is at 6:00pm and Awana Clubs are from 6:30-8:00pm.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. There will be a study on Evangelism in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of Joel, Amos, and Obadiah will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament will meet in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Facebook live: HERE.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-4 meet in the nursery suite.
Grades K-3rd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 4th-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.
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