Weekly Update – December 30th, 2021
A common aspect of beginning a new year is set resolutions. Many will determine to exercise, eat better, spend less or save more. But instead of merely setting physical or financial goals this year, why not determine to set spiritual goals as well. With the effects of Covid over the last few years, combined with the hesitancy of many to engage closely with others, it will be helpful to make spiritual goals that consider our souls and souls of others. Let me suggest three ways that this could look in our lives.
First, Bible Study. As in year’s past, there will be Bible reading plans available this Sunday. I have set 4 different types of Scripture reading plans on the organ bench in the sanctuary. Please feel free to pick one up. You can also find them online HERE. In addition to personal Bible study, I want to also encourage you memorization. Every week there is a fighter verse posted in the update. I would encourage you to commit it to memory. A final aspect of this goal would be my encouragement to you to commit to a Bible study here at church. If you are not already involved in one, commit to our Sunday morning Bible study, our Sunday night Bible study, or if you are a lady, commit to our ladies Bible study coming this spring.
Second, Prayer. If we believe God hears us when we call out to him, then we should be active in lifting up our requests to him. Whether it be for a friend or family member, or the salvation of a neighbor or co-worker, we should individually and as a church lift up our requests to God. For this, I want to encourage you to commit at least 10 minutes of every day to personal and private prayer. If you can do more, then by all means, do more. But if you are out of the habit, start with committing 10 minutes a day. Then, commit to join with the church to pray the first Wednesday of every month.
Third, Be Present. One of the most important aspects of our spiritual walks is having other believers involved in our lives. This first and foremost comes through when we gather every Sunday morning for service as we sing, pray, and listen to the word of God together. But in addition to that, this comes through Bible Study, serving, having others into our home and in discipling relationships. Commit to being present this year, not just for your sake, but for the sake of the church as well.
These types of goals might take some rearranging or some evaluation in our lives, but the results could be eternal. As 2022 approaches us, consider how it is you want to grow in your relationship with the Lord, but also, how you want to encourage others to grow as well.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"He restores my soul. He leads me The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40:8
Announcements:
Bible Study/Sunday School: Due to impending weather, there will be no Bible Study/Sunday School on January 2nd. Bible Study/Sunday School will resume on January 9th.
Farewell to the Rodgers: On January 9th, following the morning worship service, there will be an informal time in the Faith Center Gym to say goodbye to the Rodgers. The Rodgers have served with us since November of 2015 and will begin serving at New City Church on January 16th.
First Wednesday Prayer: Join us on the first Wednesday of every month 7:00-8:00pm in the sanctuary for an hour of prayer. On these evenings, we will have a mixture of structured and less structured times of prayer as we seek the Lord to move for our sake, the sake of our church, as well as the sake of our community and world. Our next First Wednesday Prayer will be on January 5th at 7:00pm.
Help Box: In the welcome center there is a new “Help Box” located on the right counter, under the book store. This box is designed to provide you with a form of communication if there is anything physical or practical that you might need help with. The box will be checked on a fairly regular basis and help will be organized as needed. There are communication cards on the side of the box.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering: Every year at this time, we raise funds to support missionaries all over the world who are serving with the International Mission Board (IMB). The goal of the IMB is to raise 185 million dollars this year. Our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $9000. So far we have received $4599.62 If you haven’t already, will you consider partnering with us by giving, as we seek to support international missions? 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 “Lottie Moon.” Or you can give online HERE. Choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.
Year End Giving: Thank you for being so faithful to give this year. Your giving goes to practical matters such as keeping the lights of the church on and taking care of our staff, but your giving also does so much more. It funds outreach to children in Grandview, it supports women and children who are recovering from human trafficking, it provides benevolence for a needy family, it supports ministry all around the world, and most importantly it allows the gospel to be preached every single week. I want to encourage you to finish the year strong in this area. The last Sunday of this year is December 26th, but as long as checks are marked by December 31st or gifts are given online by December 31st, it will count towards 2021.
Awana
Every Sunday at 5:45pm, children ages 3 years to 6th grade are invited to join us for Awana.
Bible Study
Join us in the Sanctuary at 9:15am on Sunday mornings for a study on the Spiritual Disciplines . A women’s Bible Study meets at the same time at then end of the hall near the nursery.
Beginning January 23rd, join us on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm for a 6 week study through the Explicit Gospel. Books will be available in the Welcome Center and are $10 each. We will meet in the sanctuary. You can find an introduction to this study HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
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 0-3 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Facebook live: HERE.
YouTube: HERE.
Guide for Worship can be found 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.
Pre-K and Kindergarten meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1st – 5th meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 6th – 12th meet downstairs in the Youth Room.
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