As the summer is in full swing, I want to take this week to keep you up to date as to what has happened so far and as to what is coming up. Summer is often a great time for ministry, as people are outside, kids are on break and church programs take a different pace. Though many of us will take vacations, trips or take time to simply relax, the ministry of the church for the sake of the gospel continues to press forward. So with that in mind, let me share with you a handful of things the Lord is doing in and through First Baptist Church.
First, youth summer camp. During the week of June 20-24th, 12 youth and 3 leaders went to Lake Williamson in Carlinville, IL, for Ascend Youth Camp. Ascend Camp has been hosted by Immanuel Bible Church since 2012 and now has over 1000 students who attend every year. The theme was “Run to Win” from 1 Corinthians 9:24. Our youth were able to hear God’s word exposited to them multiple times, sing Christ Centered worship songs, and play a lot of fun games. Thank you for your support of our youth and helping provide their way to camp this year.
Second, the clothing giveaway. It is not usual for us to provide clothes for someone who calls our church or comes to our door. The group of ladies who take in donations and organize all of the clothes that come in do a wonderful job of allowing this ministry to move forward. Additionally, we have around four giveaways throughout the year as well. Now, if you don’t know much about our clothes closet, you should spend a few minutes on a Sunday morning (after service, of course!) and simply walk down to the basement and take a look around. It is an incredible sight, especially when all of the tables are full. The most recent giveaway was held on June 27th with over 185 people from our community being served. But not only did we help these 185 people physically with clothes, many of us were able to have conversations, pray and invite some of them to church. This is a great ministry to be involved with, so keep up to date with how you might be able to help.
Third, Soccer Camp. Right now, we are in the middle of our soccer camp. First Baptist Church is partnering with Sports Crusaders this week to host this camp for kindergarten through 6th grade. Sports Crusaders provides soccer skill training alongside of clear Christian teaching. The theme this week is Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. We have had a total of 12 kids this week, both from our church and from the community.
Lastly, Vacation Bible School. This week is probably the biggest week of the summer for our church. The reason I say that is because of the amount of effort it takes from the numerous volunteers who are involved and because of the amount of people outside our church that it reaches. We will begin on Monday, July 9th at 5:15pm and end Friday with our family night that evening. The theme is “Illumination” and every area of that week will display this theme. By God’s grace we have most of our volunteer slots filled, but we could always use more help. Come and be a part of this outreach, or come on Friday night at 6:00pm to our closing ceremony.
As we seek to fulfill our mission to proclaim and display the power of God through Jesus Christ, we can be thankful that the Lord has given us many opportunities to do so. I hope and pray that you are involved somehow in what our church is doing in these summer months and that you are seeking to unite with us in as we seek to grow together and reach our community for Christ.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
- Ephesians 6:10-11
Announcements:
Soccer Camp: 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 1:00-3:00pm. 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
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.