Ridgecrest Baptist Church

February 5, 2012

Ray Jones
Senior Pastor

Ministerial Staff

Assistant to the Pastor
Chuck Locke

Minister of Administration
Charles Olive

Minister of Pastoral Care
Orrin Barrett

Minister of Education
Rick West

Student Pastor
Lloyd Blank

Minister of Children
Tim Bristow

Director of Preschool Ministries
Jessica Pedersen

Minister of Recreation
Bob Sanders

Minister of Music and Worship
Tim Willis

Music and Worship Coordinator
Debbie Moore

Director of Communications
David Brunson

Shepherd Talk

What Business Are We In?

Maybe you've already heard the news, Eastman Kodak Co., the132-year-old trailblazer, has finally called it quits-at least for now. They filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week. A Buffalo news agency article mentioned that everyone feels saddened by the demise of Kodak "because it was the company we entrusted our most treasured possession to-our memories." The article quoted a former employee who summed up why it was such sad news: "It's one of the few companies that wiggled its way into the fabric of American life and the American family." But that wasn't enough to save the company. But the real question is, what happened and how did they get so far off-track? In response to that, James Emery White notes that Kodak developed digital photography but in the end they "didn't know what business they were in." He further recalls the words of business guru Tom Peters who wrote in The Search for Excellence that the railroad barons encountered a similar end: "they thought they were in the train business. But they were actually in the transportation business."

All of that should serve as a sobering reminder to the Church to be careful to never forget "What business we are really in." At the end of the day and eventually the end of this life it is important for us to be able to say... our business was the gospel and getting it to everyone we possibly can. That is why as you read this article, we have team of 13 in Honduras worshipping today in a church we helped construct last year. They'll be engaged in ministry all week. Keep them in your prayers. It is also the reason that we are planning to send a team from here to Fargo, ND later this summer to assist a young man and his wife (with Ridgecrest roots) as they plant a new Church in a very unchurched area. It is why we will give in a unique way to World missions in the coming months (more about that to follow). It's why with the help of several Sunday School classes we are preparing to send 50 Hymnals to a needy church in the Philippines. It is why we are praying about beginning a Hispanic Bible study in the months ahead right here in our own community. It's why we continue to feed 100's through our Woodland ministry. It's why we started a weekly witness-training ministry called "Soles for Souls" each Wednesday at 6:00 PM. And it's why we continue to see God's blessing on our congregation. Yes, I truly believe that God blesses and expands the ministry of His Church when they take seriously the "business that they are in." So let's keep reminding ourselves about what it is that we do, and then let's continue to do it with all our heart and soul.

Special Schedule Tonight... There will be no regular 6:00 PM service tonight (2/5/12), as we will be hosting our annual "Upward Awards" program beginning at 3:00 this afternoon. I invite you to come and celebrate with the children and families, many who have no church home but will join us for this entertaining and ministry event.

Car Tags... Tim Bristow and our Children's Ministry have produced new and updated Ridgecrest Car Tags. The cost is $5 and the proceeds will be used to help send children to camp this summer. The tags look fantastic. Pick one or more up and help minister to our kids by extension. They are available in the Welcome Center.

Keep on Reading... the Bible that is! I hope you are engaged in our challenge to read through the Bible in 2012. It's not too late to get started. We still have some of the Chronological Reader's Guide to The Bible available to assist you. They are also located in the Welcome Center.

Speaking of Welcome... I am glad you are all here. God's presence is strong in this place and His work is vibrant. If you are looking for a church home, it is my prayer that you have found it in Ridgecrest. Let us assist you today, if we can, in that process or in the process of getting to know God personally. And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. And to all the RBC family I want you to know how much I love being your pastor!

For God's Glory Alone,

Bro. Ray

Ministry News

516 Nation Youth Ministry

Wired Weekend February 17, 18 and 19 | Hurry! Time is growing short for you to register for this year's new DNow weekend. The "DNow - Wired Weekend" is Wired experience condensed into a weekend event. Area churches will participate in this event like the summer. Cost is $49 and the deadline to register is TODAY.

Super Bowl Chili Bash | Sunday Night (2/5/12) in the RFC. Bring a crock pot of chili and join us as we watch the game. Paper products and drinks will be provided.

Truth Seekers Children's Ministry
No RA, GA or Bible Drill meetings | Will be held Sunday night (2/5) due to Upward Awards this afternoon.

RBC Car Tags Now Available | "New Design" available in the Welcome Center Foyer to support our kids in the Children's Ministry. Cost-$5

GA Camp WorldLight "STAND OUT 2012" will be June 25-29 for girls entering 3rd-6th grade in the fall. Registration forms can be picked up
in GA's on Sunday nights from 5-5:45 pm. The cost is $230 with a $70 deposit due at 5pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012.

CDC Ministry
Enrollment | Ridgecrest CDC will open K3, K4 and K5 registration for RBC members only February 13th - 29th. Registration packets are available in the CDC office Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

RBC Men's Ministry

Men's Conference | Join us on February 10 and 11 for the Johnny Hunt Men's Conference at First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia. The cost is $75 and includes the hotel and conference. See Chuck at the table in the Welcome Center for more information.

RFC Ministry

Senior Adults | Our next Primetime gathering will be Monday, 2/6/12, from 11:00 am till 1:00 pm in the RFC. We will be sharing your favorite soups and sandwiches again, so bring one of your favorites or a dessert to share. The Selma Street Elementary School Choir will be singing for us as well so join us for a wonderful time of fun and fellowship as we hear some great singing and play games together. See you there!

Wonderfully made Preschool Ministry

Park-N-Play | Monday February 13 in the RFC Craft Room 10:00-11:30AM

Parent Packets | Parents don't forget to pick up the parent packets to participate in the Baby Dedication Celebration.

Parent Orientation | For Baby Dedication Celebration, February 27 from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

Baby Dedication Celebration | March 4 at 6:00 PM.

Church Family News

Disaster Relief Training | on March 9 from 4:00-9:30PM and on March 10 from 7:00 AM till 2:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church in Headland. Training will Include: "Involving Southern Baptists in Disaster Relief", "Cleanup/Recovery/Mudout", and "Chainsaw Operation." The cost is $15 and Cleanup/Recovery/Mudout, Friday or $30 for all three sessions, Friday and Saturday. Contact Chuck Locke if you are interested, 792-9406 or chuck@rbcdothan.org

DivorceCare | Is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. Don't go through separation or divorce alone. Weekly sessions begin TODAY from 5:00-7:00 PM in room D106. Please contact the church office for more information.

A great combination! | A good book, cup of hot coffee, and a cold winter's night! All are available after a trip to the church library this morning between 8:00 and 11:00 AM when you sign-up for the Senior Adult Reading Program. Please join us for a time of fun and fellowship. Receive a book mark and program rules and check out a book to enjoy.

Adoption Orientation | APAC is sponsoring an Adoption Orientation at Ridgecrest on February 21 for families interested in learning more about the adoption process. There are more than 280 children in foster care in Alabama who are awaiting a loving and caring adoptive home. We need your help to help us raise an awareness of the need for more adoptive parents.

The Reader's Guide to the Bible | Are on sale now in the Welcome Center for $9.00. The guide coaches a person day by day as they read the Bible chronologically in a year.

Ridgecrest exists to reach the lost, build the believer
and send Christians out to expand the Kingdom.

rbcdothan.org