Weekly Update – March 17th, 2022
As Covid restrictions have relaxed and people seem to be moving beyond the pandemic, we have begun to see a number of visitors on Sunday morning once again. Some are repeat visitors, others try for a Sunday and then we may see them again in the future, but either way, our church has had a number of new people walk through its doors. In the New Testament we see a command given to Christians to show hospitality towards others. Hospitality literally means “welcoming strangers.” It is given as a qualification to elders (Titus 1:8; 1 Tim. 3:2) and it is given to everyone as an implication of the gospel (Rom. 15:7). Therefore, let me give you 5 ways that we should at least begin to show hospitality towards those who are visiting with us in our main services.
First, pray. Nothing of any significance will occur in our church apart from prayer. As bold as that might sound, it is true. If we want all that we do to be for the kingdom of God and not the kingdom of this world, then we ought to be a people of prayer. I challenge you to pray for our church. Pray especially for our Sunday morning gatherings. Pray for those who will be present. Pray for me, our worship team, our Sunday school teachers, etc. Pray for those who you will sit next to and for all who might visit with us. Pray for every aspect of our gathering, from the message, all the way to the conversations that might occur in the hallways.
Second, keep your eyes open. Typically our natural inclination is to look out for ourselves. We might be running late, so we rush into Sunday school or to service, find a seat and sit down. Or, the service runs a few minutes over and we are hungry, so we get out and get to our restaurant or home as soon as we are able so that we can eat. Instead, keep your eyes open. Be aware of those who are around you. Be intentional to look for visitors who might be present.
Third, say hello. Praying for others and being aware of others are two things that might be easy to do. But I want to challenge you to take one step further. For that visitor that you have noticed and prayed for, now go over to them and say “hello.” Now saying hello might entail a bit of conversation, but the effects of that first conversation could potentially be significant. Consider that the visitor you say hello to might be encouraged to talk back with you, then they might come to Sunday school with you, then perhaps pray with you and from there, and even link arms with you in your Christian walk. We don’t know the implications of what might occur just from being willing to step out of our comfort zones and engage someone new in conversation.
Fourth, offer to help. As good as it is to be aware of visitors and to say hello, a further step would be to help them. It may seem like second nature knowing where the restrooms are or where the nursery is, but those here for the first time likely have no idea where anything is. Offer to guide a visitor to a seat for service, walk with them to Sunday school, take their kids to the nursery with them, or even get them a bulletin. Quite often it is the simple things that help others feel welcomed.
Lastly, ask them to connect. Nothing tells a visitor that you value them more than asking them to connect further. Even more, nothing is more hospitable than giving up yourself to know and love others. So then, invite them to lunch after church; if they attend Sunday school, send them a note the next week, look for similar interests, then build upon opportunities from there. Go beyond the friendly pleasantries and look to be a friend.
Hearts that are transformed and are continually being transformed are hearts that are not self-seeking but that are others-seeking. This is in line with the example of Christ, who counted others more significant than himself (Phil. 2:3). That means that being hospitable is more than following a command or a guideline from the New Testament. It is a way of life for those who know and seek to imitate Christ. As we approach Easter this year, let us make the most of every opportunity to love our fellow church member, but to also show hospitality towards all who walk through our doors.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Announcements:
Sunday Night Bible Study: Join us on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm for a 6 week study titled Follow Me. This will be a video based study, but companion books are available for $10 for those who would like to go deeper. We will meet in the sanctuary. You can find an introduction to this study HERE.
RightNow Media: RightNow Media exists to provide resources that will inspire you to champion the mission Jesus gave to his people—making disciples of all nations. First Baptist Church wants to make these resources available to you. There is a sign up sheet in the hallway that asks for your name and email address. Sign up and gain access to the world’s largest library filled with Biblically-based videos on topics like marriage, parenting, youth, recovery, leadership, finances and much more.
Ladies Bible Study: Ladies, join us on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm, for a Bible study through the book of Exodus. The study is a video based study led by Sheryl Nelson. There is a sign up sheet in the hallway, or sign up by contacting the church office. You can learn more about this 10 week Bible Study HERE
Clothes Closet: On Saturday, March 19th, from 8:00am-11:00am, First Baptist Church will open the clothes closet for the community. For this event, masks are required and children are not allowed. If you would like to help, come on Saturday at 8:00am.
Young Adult Home Group: Starting on March 9th, there will be a new home group called, “The Young and Relentless.” Single, married, or engaged, 18-30ish are welcome to join. The group will be going through “Adulting” by Jonathan Pokluda. You can find a preview of the study HERE.
Members’ Meeting: On Wednesday, March 23rd, we will have our regularly scheduled quarterly members’ meeting at 7:00pm. Come and be encouraged through hearing updates regarding various ministries and participate in making decisions regarding the life and direction of the church. The meeting will be in person, but also available virtually through zoom too. For the zoom link for this evening, contact the church office.
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, our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $7500. 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.
Easter Schedule: There will be many opportunities to connect with us this Easter season. First, join us on Palm Sunday on April 10th at 10:30am. Second, Maundy Thursday will be on April 14th, at 7:00pm. Lastly, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with us on April 17th. That morning we will resume our annual Easter Brunch at 9:15am with our Worship Service to follow at 10:30am. Also, during passion week (4/11-4/15) there will be a short daily devotion posted on Facebook and Youtube. These devotions will aim to highlight some of events that occurred the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. More information to come in the weeks ahead.
Fighter Verse for the Week
"Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!" Psalm 103:20-22
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 in the Spiritual Disciplines. A women’s Bible Study meets at the same time at then end of the hall near the nursery.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Help Box
In the welcome center there is a “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.
First Wednesdays Prayer Meeting
Join us 7:00-8:00pm on the first Wednesday of every month 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.
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.
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