Weekly Update – August 24th, 2023
On Monday, July 10th, 1848, with 12 charter members, First Baptist Church (United Baptist Church of Jesus Christ – then) was constituted. Through the desire to two preachers and two deacons from West Fork Baptist Church (Connection Point Church – now) Grandview now had a Baptist Church. Within a year, James J. Robinson became the first official pastor in 1849. The church initially met in a one-room log school/meeting building, owned by the community, but by 1853, from land donated by Solomon Young, the first church was built.
First Baptist Church briefly disbanded in 1863 due to the Civil War, but the Lord would preserve his church, allowing it to reconstitute in 1866. The problem was that the church building had been destroyed. Therefore, Solomon Young, once again, donated the land for the church. At the first meeting back in their own building, First Baptist Church adopted this resolution: “That we commence where we suspended and renew our regular exercises without any reference to the outside issues of any kind, with a determination to know nothing save Christ and him crucified.”
First Baptist Church has had a total of 37 pastors in its 175 years of existence. Like any church, it has had its ups and downs, yet the resolution of 1866 still stands true. Much like the original members of 1848, our desire, even now in 2023 is that Grandview would have a church where Christ and him crucified would be at the center. Therefore, this coming Sunday, as we celebrate this significant anniversary, we do so remembering the past, while anticipating the future.
In comparison to the vast history that is First Baptist Church, my time only feels like a blip (almost 9 years). As I was looking at the history that will be displayed on Sunday, reading the names of pastors and church members of the past, I was reminded of our role in the present. Out of the 37 pastors, I have only met two others, Doug Bradley and Steve Eggert. At the same time, many of our newer members (which is about half of the church now) won’t even recall members that were here 3 or 4 years ago. That means that our role, as those who presently make up First Baptist Church, is not to aim for what we might be able to accomplish in our name, or to strive to be remembered, but it is to pass down the gospel, preserve the heritage of faithfulness given to us, and be willing for our names to be forgotten, but Christ’s legacy to carry on.
On Sunday, we will look at Philippians 3:12-4:1 and the call to Press Forward Together. Here we will see the apostle Paul, who in many ways, is calling the Philippians to join with him in following Christ. He urges them to follow his example (3:17) as they look to the prize (3:14), avoiding godlessness (3:18), while standing firm until the end (4:1). We too have examples of faithfulness who have gone before us, those who saw the prize through the call of Jesus Christ, and we need to continue with them, putting aside what is false and will hinder us, as we proclaim and display Jesus Christ.
We have a rich history behind us, but I believe we have an even greater future. Therefore, as we celebrate the past this Sunday, let us also anticipate what the Lord is still continuing to do among us as we continue to carry the legacy of Christ and him crucified.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." - Psalm 30:4-5
Announcements:
Church Member Need: Lorrie Williams is in need of transportation on Tuesdays and Thursdays within Grandview. If you are interested and/or available, contact Denetta at 816-686-2082 for more information.
175th Anniversary: On Sunday, August 27th, we will celebrate 175 years as a church. We will celebrate God’s goodness to us by remembering the past while anticipating the future. There will be a potluck lunch to follow the service on this Sunday. Then, following the potluck, stick around as we formally install our new deacons and elders as well as hear updates from Matthew Klika and Martin Maharas about their recent mission trips.
Membership Matters Class: Beginning Wednesday, August 23rd at 6:30pm, there will be a Membership Matters class for those interested in joining FBC. This will be an extended 2 week class (8/23, 9/6) and will be held in the sanctuary. You can find out more about our membership process HERE.
VBS Fun Night: Our Vacation Bible School Fun Night has been rescheduled for 5pm-8pm Saturday, September 9th. Please see Kim McNally if you would like to help with this event.
Ladies’ Bible Study: The Ladies’ Bible Study for the fall will be held in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30pm on Tuesdays, beginning September 12th. Sheryl Nelson will lead through Kelly Minter’s study on the book of Ruth.
Wednesday Evening Activities: Our first night of Awana, Youth Group, and Biblical Counseling will be on Wednesday, September 13th. We will share a meal in the Faith Center Gym at 6:00pm before heading to classes at 6:30pm. A volunteer sheet for Awana is posted on the bulletin board.
Game Night: Everyone is invited to come for an afternoon of board games and card games 2pm-6pm Saturday, September 16th. Please bring a snack to share as well as your favorite board game or card game. See Nate Johnson for details.
Home Groups: Additional home groups will be forming for the fall in the next few weeks. If you are not in a home group but would like to join one, look for a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. You can find more information about home groups HERE.
Members’ Meeting: We look forward to our regularly scheduled members’ meeting on Sunday, September 24th.
Befriend a Student: If you are interested in befriending a student from Longview Community College this semester, connect with Matthew Klika. You can find more information about befriend a student HERE.
Men’s Retreat: Men, mark your calendars for Friday, September 29th-Saturday, September 30th for our 1st annual men’s retreat. We will head to Rushville, MO., to God’s Mountain Camp. We will have times of teaching, recreation and lots of good food. The price is $40. Sign up in the hall this Sunday!
Other Ministry Opportunities: Over the last few Sundays, we have had members present ministries in which they are currently involved. Kerissa Breisch shared about her role with Collegiate Impact, Matt Stanwix shared about his desire to reach those in prison with the gospel, and Jason Franklin shared about his role with the Christian Motorcycle Association. If you are interested in partnering with any of these ministries, connect with those who are involved.
Food Pantry: We are in need of pop-top and ready to eat items for our food pantry. These items are needed specifically for the homeless in our community that stop by the church building throughout the week looking for a meal.
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.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Missions: God’s Glory to All Nations” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of 1 and 2nd Thessalonians 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.
0 Comments