GOING SOUTH...

Going South For A Meeting 

That is what I am doing today. It is only the second meeting I’ve attended in over 2 years due to COVID matters and its effect on gatherings that has become all too normal during this time. We refer to our group as “The Large Church Roundtable” and it is made up of around 50 pastors from some of the largest churches across America.

This year our numbers will be a little leaner, approximately 30, but the gathering is always one of my favorites as we meet and discuss things that churches our size deal with, have in common, and we share ministry ideas and strategies. It always amazes me at the similarity we all have in our churches and Kingdom work.

I will be returning the middle of the week. While I am away, Lance Griffin, our Minister of Recreation will be preaching on Sunday morning and Chuck Locke will be completing our book study in the 5:00 PM RAD session.

I am so proud of our team. God has given us gifted servants that can pinch-hit in a variety of different roles. I’ll be praying for them and for you as you gather to worship our great God.

The Victorious Christian

David Livingstone went to darkest Africa as a lone missionary. After some time, his missions committee wrote to him saying, “Some people would like to join you. What’s the easiest road to get where you are?” He replied, “If they’re looking for the easiest road, tell them to stay in England. I want people who will come, even if there’s no road at all!” Sometimes the pathway of the Christian life appears to change from a smooth-surfaced road to a stony track or peter out altogether. The Road to victory is like that sometimes, it’s rough and stony, and only by pressing on does victory come.

Next week I will continue our series on The Victorious Christian. Still to come are messages on subjects like, Dealing with Criticism; Overcoming Discouragement; Victory Over Temptation; What To Do When You’re Lonely; and other messages that give us precepts and insights from God’s Word on living victoriously.

Prove The Tithe Sunday

Prove the Tithe Sunday is next week. By now you have received a letter from me explaining just what we mean by this annual emphasis. Tithing is powerful in your life and is magnified in the Church when we all join in and obey God in this specific command given to God’s people. As I said, it is not a special offering above your regular offering… It is a day that I am simply asking all of us to “tithe” on the same Sunday.

R.G. LeTourneau was known as the “Father of the Modern Earthmoving Industry.” His company was Caterpillar’s biggest competitor. His firm supplied seventy percent of all the earthmoving equipment used by the allied forces in World War II. He invented the bulldozer and had over 297 patents with the US Patent Office. R. G. LeTourneau is also remembered as “God’s Businessman.” Christians best remember him because for much of his life he gave God ninety per cent of his income while he lived on the ten per cent. He is a prime example of why I refer to the tithe as our minimum “rule of thumb” in giving for ministry. Look up Malachi 3:10 if you want to see both the command and the blessing regarding the tithe.

And the fact is, it works! Alison and I have been obeying God in this area since we were teenagers. Join us next Sunday and watch what God does when we obey.

And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!!

For God’s Glory Alone,

Bro. Ray

MINISTRY NEWS

PRESCHOOL AND CHILDREN

• Treasure Cove | Join us today for Preschool Worship at 8:15 and10:50 AM in room E-112.
• Kids Connection Groups | We look forward to seeing everyone today at 9:45 AM on the Second floor of the E Hall. 
• Kids Worship  |  No Kids Worship today for either service. Enjoy the day worshipping together as a family.

• RA and GA Classes | 1st through 4th grade Mission classes meet on Wednesday Night at 6:00 PM. Boys in room E211 and Girls in room E215.

• Discipleship Classes | Join us at 5:00PM.  Our preschool will meet in E-114, and our 1st – 4th Graders will meet in the Kids Worship room (D-201).

• RA Derby Race  |  February 11 at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall.
• Preschool Valentine Brunch   |  We invite all our Preschoolers and their families to join us for a time of food and fellowship at 10:00AM in the Fellowship Hall on February 12th. Please register by February 6th by emailing

PRETEENS AND STUDENTS

Sunday

• Connection Groups   |  9:45 AM. Preteens will meet in the Preteen Rooms (E207 and E208) and Students will meet in the Spot area classrooms.

Wednesday Night

• 5th–6th Grade Worship   | Preteen Worship. 6:00-7:00 PM in our Preteen Worship Room (D-201).

• 7th -12th Grade Worship | Student Worship. 6:00-6:30 PM for Hangout time in the gym, and 6:30-7:30 PM for Worship in the RFC Meeting Room.   

REMINDERS

• Wired 2022  | June 19-24, 2022. Registration is now open online until February 23rd.

• Winter Fundraiser | Students will be selling Golf Hole Sponsorships for our Spring Golf Tournament until February 13th. Pick up a fundraiser packet at one of the student drop boxes if you would like to participate.

MUSIC MINISTRY

• Easter Choir & Orchestra Opportunity | Do you like to sing or play an instrument?  You are invited to join the choir and orchestra for “At the Cross” - a Blended Worship experience.  Practices are on Sundays from 4:00-5:00 PM beginning on February 27 in the Music Suite.  Our Night of Worship will be on April 10. 

• Our Orchestra Wants You! | We have a need for clarinet, flute, strings, and low brass musicians.  Even if you haven’t played in a while, our orchestra director, Bill Alford, will work with you. Contact: if you are interested.