As the United States prepares to host one of the largest sporting events in the world, many churches are striving to make the most of their opportunities to leverage the 2026 World Cup to share the Gospel. In total, there are sixteen major cities throughout North America that will host soccer matches. It is estimated that this summer will draw an estimated 15-25 million people from all over the world to watch the games or be part of the festivities surrounding the events in these cities.
Kansas City is one of these sixteen cities and with an estimated one million people visiting us over the course of June and July. The matches will be held at Arrowhead Stadium, but there are tourists and watch parties occurring all over the city. Some estimates are that rooms during this time have been booked as far west as Lawrence and Topeka, KS. With such a big event, how should we at First Baptist Church consider this opportunity? Here are three ways:
First, the world cup provides an unique opportunity to pray. With people from all over the world converging right in our backyard, we should pray that as the nations come to us, that many might hear the gospel, see their lostness, and come to Christ. You will find a prayer guide to help you in this effort HERE.
Second, the world cup provides an unique opportunity to engage. There are many ways for us as a church to try to connect with the nations as they come to us this summer. One way, in particular, is through our soccer camp. As individuals and families will be in our vicinity, a soccer camp provides us with a platform to connect with children, not only in our community, but from all over the world. We will host our soccer camp in connection with Sports Crusaders next week. Pray for this event, but also consider coming and checking it out.
Third, the world cup provides an unique opportunity to be aware. With the many different nationalities and people groups coming to Kansas City, we should be even more aware than normal of those we interact with and the conversations that we might have. Many of those visiting for the world cup will check out the local sites, go out to eat and attend watch parties. Make the most of your interactions and seek to proclaim and display the gospel with those you come in contact.
Matthew 28:19 calls us to “Go” in order to fulfill the Great Commission. This is why we support and pray for missions as often as we do. My hope is that we too will be able to send more to the nations and perhaps even plan trips were we can go as well. But this year, we have the opportunity to stay as the nations have come to us. Let us pray, connect and make the most of our interactions with others as we seek to see the nations come to Christ.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
- 1 Peter 1:3-5
Announcements:
Soccer Camp: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host a soccer camp in connection with Sports Crusaders on Monday, June 29th-Friday, July 3rd. There will be two sessions. Session 1 will be for those who completed kindergarten – completed 2nd grade from 9:00-11:00am. Session 2 will be for those who completed 3rd grade – completed 6th grade from 1:00-4:00pm. Cost is $25. You can register HERE.
Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 6th-Friday, July 10th from 5:45-8:00pm. Dinner will be served at 5:15pm. Check out this year’s theme HERE. You can register HERE. We also need lots of volunteers. Sign up sheet is in the hallway
Clothing Giveaway: On June 27th, from 8:00-11:00am, we will open up our basement to the community to giveaway tables of clothes.
Additionally, we will have a tent at the exit of the giveaway to connect and pray with those who come. We always need lots of help for this event. Consider joining us on this day.
Flyer Handout: On Sunday night, June 28th, from 5:00-7:00pm, we will go to through the neighborhoods in Grandview to hand out flyers for our Soccer Camp and Vacation Bible School. If you would like to join us, meet at the church at 5:00pm.
Holsten Mission Trip: From July 10-26th, the Holsten’s will be going on mission to the Philippines. Prayer cards can be found in the church Welcome Center, and if you’d like to partner financially with them, you can access their online portal HERE.
Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.
Men’s Study: Our Men’s study meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights at 8:00-9:15pm. The book for this study will be The Case for Christ. See Clint Blankenship for more information.
Building Remodel: If you would like to give to our remodel fund, there are commitment cards available in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.
Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.
Awana Bible Club
Awana is officially on summer break. Clubs are typically held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “A Survey in Church History” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Isaiah in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets 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.
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 0-2 and 3–k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1-2nd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 3rd-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.