Ramblings--20091215

CHBC Ramblings
Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Living Nativity
Our 21st annual Living Nativity Drive Through was a success! For just the third time in its long run, we had to cancel a night—Saturday’s presentation—due to the weather, but both Friday and Sunday saw excellent attendance. On Sunday night, Cindy and I were both at the exit, and I wish everyone had that opportunity. Several people had tears in their eyes, some tried to give us a donation (we refused!), many told us that it was a special part of their Christmas tradition, and almost everyone expressed gratitude for both the presentation and its excellence. One person in particular shared that he was glad that we told the whole story and didn’t end with the nativity. I must confess that I am moved at the last scene: the sign that says, “He is not here…” and then, in order, an empty manger, an empty cross, and an empty grave. Not only do we need to tell the world that He is born but that He is risen!

Last Week—Mary’s Song: Let It Be
This past Sunday was the third Sunday of Advent, and the Parents’ Candle was lit by the Ed Jenkins family. One of the highlights of the service was the painting of Mary by artist Kerry Jackson during the last part of the message, Christmas According to Mary: Let It Be. Kerry is an artist and church planter who is starting a church for the art community in Atlanta. If you would like to see more of his work or even a purchase a print of what he painted for us on Sunday, look at his website, www.drawingtotherock.com.

This Coming Sunday
Can you believe it? This week will be the fourth Sunday of Advent—the final Sunday before Christmas! In our messages this year, we have been looking at Christmas from a variety of perspectives—this week it will be Christmas According to the Shepherds. The shepherds can be models for us in how to truly celebrate Christmas. (If you missed any of the messages in this series, you can listen on our website, www.clairmonthills.org.)

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions
Have you made a special gift to International Missions this month? If not, I hope you will do so this week as we give this special offering to help support our over 5000 international missionaries. We are about half way to our goal of $15,000.

Open House
Our annual Open House is this Sunday from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and we are at a new location this year, 2236 Chrysler Court. We hope that you can come! To make it easier for some of our people, our minibus will make trips back and forth from the church building about every 30 minutes. You can be dropped off right at the end of our walkway, and it will also help with the traffic flow in our neighborhood, so it will be good from two points of view if you want to take advantage of this. Come enjoy a lot of homemade treats, thanks to Cindy and everyone else in our family—except me!

Christmas Eve...
is always a special time for worship, so I hope that you will plan to attend our Christmas Eve Candlelighting and Communion Service on Thursday, December 24 (no service on Wednesday, December 23). The actual service starts at 6:30 p.m., but a half hour of pre-service music starts at 6:00 p.m. for those who want to arrive early.

Merry Christmas!

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor
Clairmont Hills Baptist Church

Ramblings--20091208

CHBC Ramblings
Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The Living Nativity
Our 21st annual Living Nativity Drive Through is this weekend! If you haven’t signed up, let me tell you—we can use your help. We have two shifts of characters who rotate throughout the evening, so we need lot of volunteers, and we will provide your costume and the simple directions for your scene. It’s a lot of fun! We will serve you supper and you will have good fellowship with others. Come along and bring someone with you. Hours for The Living Nativity are 7-9 on Friday and Saturday and from 6-9 on Sunday for those who will be inviting others to view it; call the church office to find out what time to report to participate.

Mary’s Song: Let It Be
This coming Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, and we will be lighting the Parents’ Candle. For my message, I will be repeating my favorite of all my Christmas sermons, Christmas According to Mary: Let It Be. I preached it here during Advent of 2005. Come see why I like it. Also, there will be an added worship attraction this week. Kerry Jackson, an artist and church planter who is starting a church for artists in Atlanta, will create a piece of art during the last minutes of the message that will enhance what God is saying to us this week. Please don’t miss it.

This Past Sunday
Wow! The second Sunday of Advent was a great day of worship in every way. That’s what so many people have told me. It started with the Clay Hunnicutt family lighting the Angels’ Candle for us. Our youth and our adult handbells both blessed us with great music for worship and meditation. The flute accompaniment added so much to our singing of Christmas hymns. The message continued our look at Christmas from a variety of perspectives—this time it was Christmas According to the Angels. (If you missed it, you can listen on our website, www.clairmonthills.org.)

In the evening, over 100 came back to hear His Kids (our children’s choir) present Dr. Newheart’s Christmas Cure. (Over 50 had been present the night before for the opening performance.) Those who were in attendance were amazed as over 20 children worked together to give us an excellent performance. Best of all was the powerful message of how Christmas “things” simply cannot satisfy and what we really need is a “new heart” for Christmas. Thank you, children (and workers!), for leading us in a special time of worship!

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions
Another part of the special worship this past Sunday was our “March for Missions,” when many brought their special offering to help us support over 5000 international missionaries, including Andrew and Christine Moffatt, who are close to our own hearts. If you didn’t bring your special Christmas offering this past Sunday, you can give through the end of the year.

Next Wednesday night, December 16 (not tomorrow but next week), we will have our annual Christmas Feast for our Wednesday night meal. We have established a tradition the past few years of having special programs that night after the meal. This year’s special feature will be Dr. Allen Hill, a former missionary to the Philippines, who will share with us about all the work being done around the world. Allen is a personal friend and is an engaging speaker. You will be blessed if you come eat with us and then stay to listen to his presentation.

A Personal Note
My daughter Lydia is serving as our volunteer Intern this year, and many have commented so positively on her work as seen in her leadership of His Kids and the Youth Handbells just this past Sunday. Lydia leaves early tomorrow morning for a month-long mission trip out of the country, teaching English in a ministry that is much like that of Carol Woodford. I want to thank many individuals and the Ministry and Missions Team for giving toward the trip. Please pray for Lydia and the team for safety, wisdom, and success. We will miss her while she is gone over Christmas, but we are glad for God’s leadership in her life.

The angels said, “Glory to God!” Let’s glorify Him by worshiping Him together this coming Sunday and by inviting others to do so, too. Have you invited anyone to worship with you this Sunday?

God bless us, every one!

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor
Clairmont Hills Baptist Church

Ramblings--20091110

CHBC Ramblings
Tuesday, November 10, 2009

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Operation Christmas Child sends a message of hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and Christian literature. This is the week for you to pack your shoe box if you have not already done so. If you need more information about what to pack and what NOT to pack in your shoe box (or boxes), go to http://clairmonthills.org/news/74-operation-christmas-child for information, including a link to the Samaritan’s Purse website. We also have brochures at the church office. Call us at 404-634-6231 for more information.

Need help packing or wrapping your box? Don’t have a shoe box? Know someone else who would like to participate but has some needs like these? We have a solution! This Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and this Sunday, from 3-5 p.m., we will have volunteers at our building who will help you pack and/or wrap your shoe box. And we will have shoe boxes for those who may not have one.

Already have yours ready? Bring your shoe box on Sunday! If you forget, you will need to bring it early in the following week so that we can get all the boxes to warehouse. Last year our church collected over 250 boxes from our members and the community. You are an amazing group of people. Let’s do it again! Our goal is 275.

Remembrance: Veterans Day and Communion
It is always a moving experience to remember our veterans, and we were able to do that this past Sunday. Thank you, Veterans, for your sacrificial service. It is also a moving experience to remember the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we were able to do that this past Sunday as well. It was a great day of remembrance. Thanks for being here.

Deacon Ordination Service
It was also a meaningful service of ordination for two new additions to our deacon body, Jeanette Wynn and Rick Rogers. The testimonies were fantastic as each told of the goodness of God, and the laying on of hands and words of encouragement from the congregation were the high point for these two individuals. I wish even more would have returned for this special service.

Thanksgiving is for… Thanksgiving!
Will you be in town on Thanksgiving morning? If so, why don’t you start the day off right? We have a service for giving thanks on Thanksgiving from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The highlight of the service is the spontaneous words of testimony given by any participant who wants to share. We get through in time for most people to make it to their own family traditions. For our family, this IS one of our traditions! Since the crowd has been modest in the services since beginning it here when I first arrived five years ago, I had thought about not holding it this year. But my family told me that even if we are the only ones here, we are going to have the service. And so we will. But if you would like to join us, we’d love to have you. Bring some canned goods of other non-perishable food items either to this service or to any regular service during the month of November, and we will pass them on to a local food bank. Let’s be thankful for our bounty.

This Coming Sunday...
We will talk about the importance of the gospel and what it can mean to a community… and to a nation. As we enter the season of the year in which we take a special offering—the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering—for the purpose of sending missionaries around the world, it is important for us to remember what the gospel accomplishes.

It is also important for us to worship, fellowship, and minister together. Please be present this Sunday morning—and bring someone with you. May God bless you!

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Ramblings--20091102

CHBC Ramblings
Monday, November 2, 2009

You CAN Make a Difference!
This past Sunday, we read some of the saddest words in all the Bible:

The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. So the Lord said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them” (Genesis 6.5-7 NIV).

Mankind had so grieved God that He was filled with pain. (Isn’t it amazing? We have the power to hurt God!) He decided His creation on earth wasn’t working. He was going to bring it to an end. But you may have noticed that we are still here. Why? Because of what one person did:

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord...Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God (Genesis 6.8-9 NIV).

In the message Sunday, we noted some characteristics of Noah that were characteristic of why it was said that he walked with God. Often, we are overwhelmed when we see all the evil in the world. We wonder if we can make a difference. But like Noah, we too can make a difference when we walk with God. If you missed the message, it will be on our website in the next few days (www.clairmonthills.org—look for “Media” then “Sermons”). Or, you can contact the church office to request a CD of the message.

Many commented on how meaningful the service was yesterday. Part of it, no doubt, was adding some additional instruments (violin, flute, and oboe) for some of our singing and for a time or personal meditation. A variety of music certainly enhances our worship times.

Remembrance: Veterans Day and Communion
This coming Sunday (November 8) will be a time of remembrance. First, we will remember the sacrifice and service of our veterans as we begin our service with a presentation that includes all veterans. If you are veteran, please wear your uniform if you are able. (If you know a veteran who needs to be reminded about it, please tell him or her!) As part of our remembrance, the Men’s Gospel Quartet will sing. Later in the service, as we continue our theme of Remembrance, we will celebrate the sacrifice and service of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as we partake of the bread and the cup. I hope that you will join us for what we expect will be a meaningful time of worship. (Remember that on days of Communion we take a special benevolence offering at the close of the service.)

Ordination of Deacons Sunday Evening
Another special part of our day this coming Sunday will be the ordination of two new members of our Deacon Body. This is a “ministry-only” group that serves all of our members in times of sickness and need. Jeanette Wynn will be ordained as a deaconess, and Rick Rogers will be ordained as a deacon. Both of these will share their testimonies in the service, and ALL of the congregation who desires can take part in the Laying On of Hands and the Words of Encouragement. During that time of the service, our ordained ministers and deacons will lead out with the laying on of hands, and then all others present will be invited to follow after as everyone has the opportunity to share prayerful words of encouragement.

By the way, there has been some question over the years in Baptist churches about who can serve as a deacon. In 2006 I preached a message in an evening service and repeated it this past August to address particularly the sometimes controversial topics of marital status and gender as it relates to the question of who can be a deacon. If you would like to read a copy of this manuscript, you can find it here: http://clairmonthills.org/media/remository?func=fileinfo&id=16.

New Look for Our Website
We have recently redesigned our website, and I invite you to take a look. Feel free to offer any thoughts you have about it and report any “bugs” you note. If your old bookmark doesn’t work with the updated site, manually type in www.clairmonthills.org (or just click on the previous link) and then bookmark that new address. (The old home page had some extra characters after the main address, and your old bookmark may not find the updated site because of that.)

Upcoming...
Operation Christmas Child Shoe boxes (brochures will be in the programs this coming Sunday), Thanksgiving season, and Carol Woodford on November 29 in the evening are all part of November, and Advent is just around the corner!

It is important for us to worship, fellowship, and minister together. Please be present this Sunday morning—and bring someone with you. May God bless you!

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Ramblings--20091028

CHBC Ramblings
Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
This past Sunday we finished up our seven part DiscipleLIFE Sermon Series. As promised, the message time was different as I distributed a four part self-assessment that helped each person in the Worship Center evaluate where they are in their growth in “head, heart, hands, and feet.” The assessment was kept by the participants as a “baseline.” Each year, a similar assessment can help disciples track their progress. Many have given me encouragement about the entire series, and if you missed any of the messages, they are on our website (www.clairmonthills.org—look for “Media” then “Sermons”). Also, I will be glad to give you a copy of the self-assessment if you missed last Sunday.

I also asked those who attended to fill out the scores only—no names—along with their Life Group (Sunday School class) and age group and return them in the offering plate. This information will help us in our teams to plan opportunities for growth in needed areas as we continue to focus on growing in our heads, hearts, hands, and feet.

Live on 90% for 90 Days
If you missed Sunday, not only did you miss the self-assessment, but you missed the very highlight of our service. Sylvia Gray shared her testimony with us as part of our 90% for 90 Days emphasis, and it was powerful! God has worked greatly in her through both the joys and challenges of life. Sylvia, like so many others, has discovered that closeness to God and growth in Him often comes even more during the most difficult challenges.

Thank you, Sylvia, for your willingness to share with us both your victories and your struggles in your relationship with God.

Time Change!
You get an extra hour of sleep this Saturday night, so don’t forget to set your clock BACK an hour before going to bed. It will be interesting to see if an extra hour translates into more people being on time!

Looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Ramblings--20091022

CHBC Ramblings
Thursday, October 22, 2009

A Personal Note
I did not send any Ramblings last week, and I am almost at the end of this week before sending this note out. Most of you are aware that Cindy’s father, Jack, was in the hospital most of last week in ICU, was moved to hospice last Friday, and passed away early last Saturday morning. Jack was just 74 years old and worked out faithfully in an effort to improve his health. However, with a failing heart, failing kidneys, a blood disorder, and the underlying difficulty of diabetes, his body gave out, and the Lord called him to what is truly a better place!

While Jack and his wife Vivian (Cindy’s mom; my mother-in-law) had moved up to Atlanta in May to be near us, they had lived most of their adult lives in Macon. Therefore, a memorial service was held at their church in Macon (Lawrence Drive Baptist Church) on Monday morning, and the people there were so gracious to us all. After lunch, we drove on down to Fitzgerald, Georgia, where we had a brief graveside service with military honors. It was a long day, but it was a good day. We have sensed the strength that God gives in difficult times. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as well as other acts of kindness during this time. We are glad that you are our church family.

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
This Sunday we will conclude our seven part DiscipleLIFE Sermon Series. We have been talking about balanced growth—head, heart, hands, and feet—over three stages of development (infant, growing, and mature), and I hope you will be present as we try to put it all together.

This week’s message time will be somewhat different than usual as I will lead you in a personal time of evaluation of your spiritual health. Each person will receive a handout to keep for himself or herself that will hopefully point out areas of strength as well as areas of need for further growth.

There will also be a way for us to evaluate our strengths and growth needs as a church, not just as individuals, which will help us in the future to offer opportunities for growth in discipleship through our Ministry Teams, Life Groups (Sunday School), and DiscipleLife classes.

Live on 90% for 90 Days
Are you taking the challenge? Our Finance Committee is taking the lead from the Bible to challenge those who do not by habit tithe to try it for the months of September, October, and November. “Test me in this,” says the Lord. (See Malachi 3.6-12). This Sunday, Sylvia Gray will briefly share her stewardship story with us. You won’t want to miss her words of encouragement.

Looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Ramblings--20091005

CHBC Ramblings
Monday, October 5, 2009

Life Groups (Sunday School classes) are important!
You have probably heard that we are using the term Life Groups now for our primary small group ministry. Of course, we will continue to use the term Sunday School as well, since it is so familiar and ingrained in most of us. But whatever we call them, small groups are necessary for balanced and continued growth in discipleship. The small group is where we most easily live life together. The small group is the most natural place for person to person love and caring to take place within the larger church. The small group allows discussion of how to apply the Bible’s teaching to life and provides a safe environment for questions to be asked. The small group is generally an ideal size for ministry projects within the community. The small group offers a warm, friendly environment in which to invite others to experience Bible study and Christian fellowship. The small group is able to multiply easily when it begins to turn into a “large” group—a few “missionaries” from the group can embark on the adventure of beginning a new small group! Let me encourage you to actively participate in a Life Group (Sunday School class) or another kind of small group here at Clairmont Hills Baptist Church. You will find that you will be blessed—and you will be a blessing to others. Need to know of a small group to try? Let us know!

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
In our seven part DiscipleLIFE Sermon Series, we are seeking to describe what a healthy disciple look like: there is balanced growth—head, heart, hands, and feet. In other words, a disciple LEARNS (head), a disciple LOVES (heart), a disciple SERVES (hands), and a disciple SHARES (feet). There are also stages of development: pre-birth, infant, growing, and mature.

Yesterday, we focused on the HEART: Disciples Love. Each week, a brief drama highlights the problem when a part of our development is missing. Yesterday we discovered that without the heart, we can easily do good things for the wrong reasons, such as promoting ourselves, as Paul alludes to 1 Corinthians 13.1-3.

We looked at the Great Commandments and were reminded that a disciple loves God, others, and self. We highlighted some dangers inherent when we are not balanced in our growth in this area. And we mentioned three habits that will help us grow in our love for God and others: Worshiping publicly, worshiping privately, and belonging to a small group.

Wonder how all these relate? If you missed the message, it will be posted soon on our website: www.clairmonthills.org. (By the way, all the messages for the past couple of years can be listened to or downloaded at our website. If you experience any difficulty, let us know.)

This coming Sunday, our emphasis will be on the HANDS: Disciples Serve.

Live on 90% for 90 Days
Are you taking the challenge? Our Finance Committee is taking the lead from the Bible to challenge those who do not by habit tithe to try it for the months of September, October, and December. “Test me in this,” says the Lord. (See Malachi 3.6-12).

Called Conference this Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m.
This brief conference is for the Leadership Team to present a list of committee nominations for the coming year and for the deacons to share the names of those who have been nominated, who have been interviewed by the deacon body, and who have agreed to serve on our deacon body. The list is available in the church office and will be distributed this Wednesday night and this coming Sunday morning.

“Harvest in the Barn” on October 18
The Fellowship Team is preparing another fun Sunday night fellowship on October 18. At 6:30 p.m. we will enjoy a barbecue dinner followed by a time of entertainment as “Patsy Cline” will be here with us. And it’s all FREE! Our regular classes will meet at 5:30 as usual and conclude just in time for the fellowship. If you are not participating in one of our classes this quarter, simply arrive in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30, ready for the fun!

Have a great week!

Ramblings--20090928

CHBC Ramblings
Monday, September 28, 2009

A Good Day of Worship
I really was blessed by our worship time yesterday, especially when we opened up to the congregation the opportunity to share spontaneous “Words of Praise.” How wonderfully inspiring it was to hear a dozen or more people pop up from their seats (or speak from her wheelchair, in Sylvia’s case) to share a sentence or two of praise for our great God. From time to time we do this, and sometimes I am asked if I ask one or two members to begin the sharing. Though there would be nothing wrong with it, as it would give others a few moments to collect their thoughts—and I might do it if it took several moments to get started—I have never needed to do that. To me, these brief words of testimony were the highlight of our service.

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
In our seven part DiscipleLIFE Sermon Series, we are seeking to describe what a healthy disciple look like: there is balanced growth—head, heart, hands, and feet. In other words, a disciple LEARNS (head), a disciple LOVES (heart), a disciple SERVES (hands), and a disciple SHARES (feet). There are also stages of development: pre-birth, infant, growing, and mature.

Yesterday, we focused on the HEAD: Disciples Learn. A brief drama highlighted the problem when a part of our development is missing. We noticed several passages of Scripture that encourage us to know the Word and to use our minds. We looked at three habits that help us grow in the the HEAD: study the Word, receive training in ministry, and learn the disciplines that help us continually grow.

If you missed it, check it out on our website: www.clairmonthills.org.

This coming Sunday, our emphasis will be on the HEART: Disciples Love.

Live on 90% for 90 Days
Are you taking the challenge? Our Finance Committee is taking the lead from the Bible to challenge those who do not by habit tithe to try it for the months of September, October, and December. “Test me in this,” says the Lord. (See Malachi 3.6-12).

Prayer Is Powerful and Effective
That’s what the Bible says. So, why is it that people flock to concerts and other special events but prayer meetings are more often than not poorly attended? Does something have to have a “wow” factor to be important? Do we not “feel” something during our times of prayer? Is it that our prayer times themselves are too mundane and not bold in approaching God for the needs of our land?

I encourage you to take advantage of times for corporate prayer in addition to your own time of private prayer. Each Wednesday night after Church Supper we gather as a church to pray at 6:15 p.m.—most often we are around tables and pray for the needs of each other. Those who would rather pray silently than aloud are never put on the spot, but everyone is offered the opportunity to voice to God the concerns of his or her heart. (Prayer time is followed by a brief Bible study and discussion time; presently we are looking at the parables told by Jesus.)

On Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m., a group meets in the Prayer Room (across from the All Purpose Room) for prayer. We filled the room up with eight people yesterday. We would love to overflow into a larger room as others come. We pretty much limit our prayer to the ministries of the day—our Life Groups (Sunday School Classes) and our Worship.

At the close of each Sunday morning service, our Deacon Ministry leads in a prayer time for any seeking prayer for themselves or others. You are invited to simply come to the front of the Worship Center (near the piano), and there are people who will pray with you about the needs you present.

There is also a Tuesday morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in Conference Room 1. On a typical day we have a half dozen men who spend the first little while eating a sausage biscuit and having a time of fellowship, and then we turn our attention to prayer—for our church, for our nation, and for the sick and needy.

Can prayer become repetitive and even tedious at times? Yes, it can. So can eating, but most of us have not stopped. Jesus struggled mightily in prayer at times, which shows it is not always easy. Let me leave with the first verse of Luke 18. You can read the parable yourself if you wish. This verse simply tells the point he was trying to get across: “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

Prayerfully yours,

Fred O. Pitts

Ramblings--20090922

CHBC Ramblings
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
In our seven part DiscipleLIFE Sermon Series, we are seeking to describe what a healthy disciple look like: there is balanced growth—head, heart, hands, and feet. In other words, a disciple LEARNS (head), a disciple LOVES (heart), a disciple SERVES (hands), and a disciple SHARES (feet). There are also stages of development: pre-birth, infant, growing, and mature.

This past week we addressed the question: Are you really a disciple? We examined the challenging words of Jesus in Luke 9.23-27 and noted...

A real disciple understands the value of following Jesus.
A real disciple understands the cost of following Jesus.
A real disciple privately and publicly acknowledges Jesus as Lord.
A real disciple “follows” through daily.

If you missed it, check it out on our website: www.clairmonthills.org.

I hope you “passed the test,” as Paul alluded to in 2 Corinthians 13.5. This Sunday we begin looking at each of the elements of balanced growth. We start with the HEAD: A disciple LEARNS. What should an baby Christian know? What about a growing disciple? One who is mature?

And how do we learn? Come evaluate your own progress in this area with us this Sunday morning.

Live on 90% for 90 Days
Tom Jackson did a wonderful job this past Sunday morning with a testimony of God’s faithfulness. He shared that while he had been a regular giver for years, it was in midlife 35 years ago when he and his wife started to live on 90% of what God had given them—in other words, they began to tithe. He shared that not only did they have enough to live on but that God began to bless them in many other ways. He also shared how God gave him a peace he had lacked because he had known he “ought” to do so before but had not. This was another great testimony of how God blesses as we obey the principles of His word. I encourage you to join others in our fellowship—if it is not already your habit—by giving God His own first fruits and living on 90% for September through November. I hope that you will discover the joy of cheerfully returning to God a small portion of what He has given you, and that for you, like Tom, it will become a life-long habit!

Sunday Night DiscipleLIFE classes continue to grow!
Join the crowd this Sunday afternoon at 5:30. Adults have these choices:

A Life God Rewards, led by Steve Powell, meets in the Chapel.

Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds, led by Ruth McClain, meets in the Media Library.

The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis, led by me, meets in the Living Room. This class also welcomes the youth. This Sunday, come prepared to discuss the best known of the seven books, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Start reading today (turn off the tube!) and you will be read to join the discussion on Sunday.

Don’t forget to check out what we have for the children as I have shared those the past few weeks as well. The short version: Bible Drill and Story Time at 4:30 p.m.; His Kids choir at 5:30. Older children and youth handbells at 6:30. Call us for more information.

A Lot of Rain...
I joked on Facebook yesterday about changing my sermon for Sunday since I had been thinking of Noah so much lately! I was reminded by one of my “friends” to remember God’s promise not to end the world that way again.

God is faithful, and I am thankful that the worst of the storm seems over. Please remember, though, the many who have have been affected by the flood—especially those families who have lost loved ones. We can pray together for those, can’t we? Let’s do. And let’s remember that no matter how long the storm lasts, the sun will shine on us at last.

May God bless us all,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Ramblings--20090915

CHBC Ramblings
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Thanks!!
This past Sunday, the church recognized our family on the occasion of our fifth anniversary here at Clairmont Hills. I would like to say thanks for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Terry Stephens’ words to Cindy and me were very kind and gracious. (Terry is chairman of our Personnel Committee.) We have been truly blessed in our time here together with you, and we feel very much at home. Our prayer is that God would allow us to continue here together with you for the foreseeable future. We are happy to be here!

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
This past Sunday, September 13, we began our DiscipleLIFE Sermon Series with an overview of the discipleship process. What does a healthy disciple look like? He or she has balanced growth—head, heart, hands, and feet. In other words, a disciple LEARNS (head), a disciple LOVES (heart), a disciple SERVES (hands), and a disciple SHARES (feet). There are also stages of development: pre-birth, infant, growing, and mature. We will continue to flesh this out over the next six weeks in an effort to help you measure your progress as a follower of Jesus.

Where are you? Where do you want to be?

This coming week we address the starting point question: Are you really a disciple? Come hear a strong message based on the very words of Jesus.

Live on 90% for 90 Days
Our Finance Committee is challenging all those who have not lately been in the habit of tithing to try it for three months (September, October, November) in accordance with God’s encouragement to test Him in this matter. So far, the response has been great the first two weeks. Let’s continue to honor God with the first fruits of all that He gives us.

Sunday Night DiscipleLIFE classes off to a great start!
We had more than 80 people involved in different classes for children, youth, and adults this past Sunday night. If you weren’t there, you can join up this Sunday! For adults, there are three choices:

A Life God Rewards, led by Steve Powell, meets in the Chapel.

Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds, led by Ruth McClain, meets in the Media Library.

The Chronicles of Narnia, led by me, meets in the Living Room. This class also welcomes the youth. This Sunday, come prepared to discuss The Magician’s Nephew.

And for Children…
Over twenty children were involved in His Kids, our children’s music time, beginning work on a Christmas musical, “Dr. Newheart’s Christmas Cure.” Our intern Lydia Pitts is leading His Kids this year, which also meets at 5:30 p.m.

Want more Bible for your children? Don’t forget at 4:30 on Sunday afternoons, children in grades 4-6 can come to Bible Drill.

Also at 4:30 on Sunday afternoons, Goodybooks (Mrs. Helen) will have the Media Library open for story time for preschoolers and younger children.

Let me say it again: I am glad to be your pastor. Thanks again for five wonderful years.

God bless,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Ramblings--20090907

CHBC Ramblings
Monday, September 7, 2009

Yesterday
Labor Day Weekend is always a good end-of-summer opportunity for some to travel, but it has likewise become a treat for those who stick around. While attendance was somewhat down, as anticipated, our spirit for the day was great. Teresa Royall from the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries) at Georgia State University shared about her work as part of the annual State Missions Emphasis each September. BCM was an important part of spiritual growth for both Cindy and me--in fact, we met through BCM (called BSU in those days). Both Hannah and Lydia in our family have likewise profited from BCM, and as Teresa shared on Sunday, Lydia will return to GSU each week this semester to teach a Bible study for students. As part of the State Missions emphasis there is the opportunity to make a special offering that helps support not only BCM work on campuses all over our state but also other ministries such as the planting of new churches, etc. We also got to hear from Laura Brown in song, the first time in a while we have had the blessing of her singing.

We completed a short series in the Psalms by looking at David’s Psalm 19, where he reminded us that God’s work in creation reveals His divine power and that God’s word reveals to us His purposes. We ended with the challenge of David’s prayer in conclusion, of which one of our members remarked afterwards, “I was thinking how hard it is to say this and mean it.” If you have never had a similar thought, perhaps you should slow down and read it again: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Yahweh, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Yesterday afternoon we had our second annual Labor Day Picnic at Mason Mill Park, and we had over 80 in attendance. Whether it was the softball, eating, football, eating, bocci ball, eating, walking, eating, or sitting around and talking, I think I am safe in saying we all had a great time. I know I did, and I am sure I will be reminded of it with soreness for a day or two. Thanks to the Fellowship Team for their work in all of this.

Live on 90% for 90 Days
September is here, so don’t forget our “90% for 90 Days” stewardship emphasis, in which our Finance Committee is challenging all those who do not tithe to try it for three months (September, October, November) in accordance with God’s encouragement to test Him in this matter.

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
Beginning this coming Sunday, September 13, I be seeking to help all us evaluate where we are in our growth in following Jesus. Jesus says that He came to give us life, and we will find the most joy in that life when we are experiencing balanced, consistent growth. Come see how we will speak of this in terms of Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet. This DiscipleLIFE emphasis is designed to be a simple but useful tool in measuring your progress in your journey with Jesus, both now and in the future. It will not only be used in evaluation of our lives but the ministry of our church as a whole, including our Life Groups (Sunday School classes).

This would be a great opportunity for inviting a friend.

Sunday Night DiscipleLIFE classes begin Sunday Night
Our fall program will resume in earnest this coming Sunday, and we will have three classes from which adults can choose:

A Life God Rewards
Led by Steve Powell, meets in the Chapel

An eight-week interactive Bible Study based on the book by best-selling author and teacher, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson. This in-depth study will explore startling statements Jesus made about our eternal future and students will learn how these surprising truths can dramatically change life for the better, now and forever. Each participant will receive a 64-page study guide, and each session will include a video segment by Bruce Wilkinson and group discussion.

Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds
Led by Ruth McClain, meets in the Media Library

Based on the book by Beth Moore, Praying God’s Word is the perennial favorite Scripture-prayer resource designed to help us decisively overcome specific strongholds: pride, idolatry, addiction, loss, depression, unbelief, temptation, and more.

The Chronicles of Narnia
led by Pastor Fred Pitts, meets in the Living Room

This is an eight-week discussion of the seven children’s books by C. S. Lewis. Perhaps the best known of these is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Why do I say that this set of books is my favorite of all for spiritual growth outside of the Bible? Come find out and discuss your own thoughts. We will read a book a week, which is easy because of their length. The first week will be an overview. If you need a set of books, let me know, and we can order you a set for $25, but we will have to do so this week! Send me an email to fred@clairmonthills.org by tomorrow (Tuesday). You may also find the series in libraries or at local bookstores in the children’s section.

And for Children…
On Sunday evening at 5:30, His Kids (children’s choir) will begin work on a Christmas musical, “Dr. Newheart’s Christmas Cure.” Many of the children have already previewed it and are already excited about its start. If you want your children involved, it would be good for them to be present the first week if at all possible.

At 4:30 on Sunday afternoons, Sue Rother will once again lead out in Bible Drill. Do you want your children to become more familiar with the BIble as a whole and the main message of the Bible in particular? Talk to Sue for more about this opportunity.

Also at 4:30 on Sunday afternoons, Goodybooks (Mrs. Helen) will have the Media Library open for story time for preschoolers.

I am glad to be your pastor. I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Have your Bible in one hand and the hand of a friend in the other!

God bless,

Fred O. Pitts

Ramblings--20090901

CHBC Ramblings

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

This Past Week
Even with my faux pas of announcing last week that my sermon would be entitled “Money Matters,” we had a good crowd of over 180 in worship. I was very encouraged by all of you who told me how inspiring the entire service was. A big part of that was the testimony shared by Philip Karl, the chairman of our Finance Committee. He shared his ups and downs in life and how God has always been with him, never leaving him nor forsaking him. He did know that verse would be part of the passage I would be preaching from, but it was another reminder to me of that very truth: He is always with us. While the message included some explanation of what the Bible teaches about tithing, the scope of the message was far broader—how God wants us to view and handle money in general. He is not just interested in the portion in the offering plate; God wants to show each of us how to be wise in the way we live our entire lives and the key to it all is finding our securing in God, not in money. I hope that all of us will commit, as the Finance Committee has challenged us, to live on 90% for 90 days so that we might observe God’s faithfulness to us as a church.

Sunday night featured “An Evening of Hymns,” and for those who were here, it was a wonderful time of worship. For this particular service, I selected eleven that are among my favorite hymns in four categories: Hymns of Praise, Hymns of the Word, Hymns of Testimony and Faith, and Hymns of the Gospel (Death, Resurrection, Eternal Life). I shared why each was among my favorites and what each hymn has contributed to my own faith. We will do this again; maybe next time you can pick the hymns!

This Coming Sunday
Except for this past Sunday’s message to kick off our “90% for 90 Days” stewardship emphasis, I have been preaching throughout August on some of the psalms. I will conclude that series this Sunday with a look at Psalm 19 as we consider “God’s Work and God’s Word.”
Also Sunday morning, we will welcome Teresa Royall, one of the campus ministers at Georgia State University, who will share a brief testimony of her work. Each September, we take a special offering for State Missions, and the emphasis this year is on Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM). I have known Teresa for many years, and BCM—or BSU, for those of us who knew it by the older Baptist Student Union name—was for me a great catalyst for spiritual growth during my college years. Please consider giving a bit extra sometime in September to this State Missions Offering.

Church Picnic Sunday Afternoon
This weekend is also Labor Day weekend, and we will be enjoying our second annual Church Picnic at Mason Mill Park from 4-8. Come any time and stay as long as you like, but we will eat at 6:00 p.m. The church will provide the burgers and dogs; please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Bring a ball glove or a game if you like; don’t forget a folding chair, either. We will have use of the pavilion as last year. Let’s have a good time of fellowship together.

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
Beginning September 13, I be seeking to help all us evaluate where we are in our growth in following Jesus. Jesus says that He came to give us life, and we will find the most joy in that life when we are experiencing balanced, consistent growth. Come see how we will speak of this in terms of Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet. This DiscipleLIFE emphasis is designed to be a simple but useful tool in measuring your progress in your journey with Jesus, both now and in the future. It will not only be used in evaluation of our lives but the ministry of our church as a whole, including our Life Groups (Sunday School classes).

Sunday Night DiscipleLIFE classes begin September 13
Our fall program will resume in earnest the week after Labor Day weekend, and we will have three classes from which adults can choose:

A Life God Rewards

Led by Steve Powell, meets in the Chapel
An eight-week interactive Bible Study based on the book by best-selling author and teacher, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson. This in-depth study will explore startling statements Jesus made about our eternal future and students will learn how these surprising truths can dramatically change life for the better, now and forever. Each participant will receive a 64-page study guide, and each session will include a video segment by Bruce Wilkinson and group discussion.

Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds

Led by Ruth McClain, meets in the Media Library
Based on the book by Beth Moore, Praying God’s Word is the perennial favorite Scripture-prayer resource designed to help us decisively overcome specific strongholds: pride, idolatry, addiction, loss, depression, unbelief, temptation, and more.

The Chronicles of Narnia

led by Pastor Fred Pitts, meets in the Living Room
This is an eight-week discussion of the seven children’s books by C. S. Lewis. Perhaps the best known of these is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Why do I say that this set of books is my favorite of all for spiritual growth outside of the Bible? Come read and discuss. We will read a book a week, which is easy because of their length. The first week will be an overview. If you need a set of books, let me know, and we can order you a set for $25, but we will have to do so this week!

And for Children…
On Sunday evenings at 5:30, His Kids (children’s choir) will begin work on a Christmas musical, “Dr. Newheart’s Christmas Cure.” Many of the children have already previewed it and are already excited about its start. If you want your child involved, make sure they come on the 13th.
At 4:30 on Sunday afternoons, Sue Rother will once again lead out in Bible Drill. Do you want your children to become more familiar with the BIble as a whole and the main message of the Bible in particular? Talk to Sue for more about this opportunity.

Don’t forget also that we have Wednesday night Children in Action (CiA) at 6:00 p.m. Come on at 5:30 for the Fellowship Meal, but don’t forget to make a reservation.

My daughter Lydia is starting a year as a volunteer Children’s Intern this month, and she will be leading His Kids and CiA.

Whew! That’s a lot of Rambling for one week, and I am sure I could have added more. Congratulations to those of you who made it all the way to the end!

God bless,
Fred O. Pitts

Ramblings--20090425

CHBC Ramblings
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

This Past Week
I loved this past Sunday! First, I got to preach on one of my favorite passages of Scripture, Psalm 139. If you didn’t need the message of encouragement it gave, I did! Admittedly, it is sometimes hard to believe that God cares for us as much as indicated in that psalm, but He does. Let’s not believe the lies that others tell us, that Satan uses to deceive us, and that we hear in our own thoughts. Instead, let’s believe God when He says that He loves us and He thinks of us constantly. Like David, let’s allow the truth of God’s care to motivate us to follow the “way everlasting.”

Last Sunday night was a great time of fellowship. About 175 gathered to have ice cream and share or watch others share their talents. Our “Build Your Own Sundae” and “Talent Show” has become an annual favorite in the past few years. After the day was over, I was “worn out”! (I guess you had to be there.)

This coming Sunday
I will preach this Sunday on the topic, “Money Matters.” We will also hear a testimony of God’s faithfulness from Phil Karl, the chair of our Finance Committee. This committee is taking the lead from God’s word in Malachi to challenge us to live on 90% of our income for 90 days if we have not already learned the blessing of tithing:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:10-12 (NIV)

Generally, we are told not to test the Lord. In this passage, He invites us to do so! I hope you will join me in seeing what God will do. This is not an emphasis on money; it is part of our emphasis on discipleship.

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
Speaking of discipleship, in the next few weeks I be seeking to help all us evaluate where we are in our growth in following Jesus. Jesus says that He came to give us life, and we will find the most joy in that life when we are experiencing balanced, consistent growth. Come see how we will speak of this in terms of Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet. This DiscipleLIFE emphasis will begin September 13 and is designed to be a simple but useful tool in measuring your progress in your journey with Jesus, both now and in the future.

And there is more...
Our annual church picnic will be on the Sunday night of Labor Day weekend at Mason Mill Park from 4 till 8. We will eat at 6. On September 13, we start Sunday evening classes at 5:30 p.m. Adults will have three choices—look for your Courier for details.

That’s all for now...

God bless,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor
Clairmont Hills Baptist Church
1995 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
404.634.6231 Office
404.634.6062 Fax
www.clairmonthills.org

Ramblings--20090818

CHBC Ramblings
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

“I’m Back!!”
Playing “catch up” the last couple of weeks after time away, I haven’t done any “Rambling,” but I am back at it today. A couple of you told me you missed it; I assume the rest of you were just glad for the respite.

The Past Couple of Weeks
For me, the last few Sundays have been special. We had the opportunity to baptize a young lady who has been drawing closer to this decision since the spring, when she and her parents began worshiping with us. In fact, her parents, also joined our church the day Michaela was baptized. This past Sunday, our church planters, Bill and Kitti Murray, also officially joined our fellowship.

His Kids, our music program for children, met on Sunday evening for a preview of a Christmas musical they will undertake this year. About eighteen children were there, the highest we have had in the past few years. My daughter Lydia will be leading His Kids this fall and will be working as an unpaid Children’s Ministry Intern for us this year following her recent college graduation until she enrolls in seminary next fall. (More information on that will be given at church conference tomorrow night.)

By the way, we give a huge thank you to Laura B. who has built a great foundation in the past couple of years in His Kids but needed to step down for this year.

This coming Sunday
I have been preaching from some of my favorite Psalms the past two weeks— Psalm 8 and Psalm 73. This Sunday I will draw from the longest Psalm of all (Psalm 119) but will really concentrate on several passages of Scripture that speak of Light as a metaphor for our faith and our lives. I hope you will be there.

Sunday night will feature an annual fun event in our Community of Faith, Hope, and Love—the “Build Your Own Sundae” and “Talent (?) Show.” It all begins at 5:30 in the Fellowship Hall. Let’s come together to enjoy each other’s company, be amazed at some talent, and laugh together.

This Fall
Beginning September 1, our Finance Committee is taking the lead from God’s word in Malachi to challenge us to live on 90% of our income for 90 days if we have not already learned the blessing of tithing:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:10-12 (NIV)

Generally, we are told not to test the Lord. In this passage, He invites us to do so! I hope you will join me in seeing what God will do.

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
Also in September, I be seeking to help all us evaluate where we are in our growth in following Jesus. Jesus says that He came to give us life, and we will find the most joy in that life when we are experiencing balanced, consistent growth. Come see how we will speak of this in terms of Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet. This DiscipleLIFE emphasis will begin September 13 and is designed to be a simple but useful tool in measuring your progress in your journey with Jesus, both now and in the future.

More to Come…
There is much more coming. We will announce next week our classes for Sunday evenings beginning on September 13. Also, I will be reminding you about our Church Picnic on the Sunday night of Labor Day weekend. So stay tuned.

Lord willing, I will see you Sunday. Bring someone with you if you can.

God bless,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Off to College

It's raining outside. It matches my mood.

I did really well today helping Rebekah, my fourth child (and fourth daughter), move into her dorm at a school a little over a hundred miles away. We exchanged pleasant words, meaningful hugs, prayers, and some last minute words of wisdom. I wasn't really sad.

Until I left.

Cindy and Lydia and Memaw stayed a couple of hours longer than Fred O and I did, and not long after we pulled out, Lydia sent me a text: "Beks cried when you left. Just to let you know."

It began to hit me right about that point.

I called Bekah a little later and had a brief conversation.

The worst thing, though, was walking into her room at the house. Now, it really wasn't the room itself, because we just moved into another house three months ago. Another thing that made it different: it was clean!

No, it was the symbolism of the room being empty!

It was then that tears began to well up in my eyes. They continue to well up, even as I type. I am glad Rebekah gets to go off to college, and I know that it will be a terrific adventure in life for her--a bend in the road--and I am happy for her. However, tonight I am sad for me. I miss you already, Rebekah. I love you so much.

Both Rebekah and Lydia performed Thursday night at our church fellowship hall. Lydia, who just graduated from Georgia State with a degree in creative writing, read a story she had written for a class. While fiction, it included a lot of true things from our family. It was wonderful.

Rebekah repeated her senior project in drama and music from Artios Academies. It too was wonderful. At the end, I presented to her a diploma from our home school, and I gave her a little booklet I made for her, "Dad's Instruction Book for College." She was excited to receive it. In it, I gave her about 20 statements of "wisdom," some serious, some hoping to be humorous. I ended with a sum up statement: "Obey God. (Out of your love for Him.)"

I think she will. I am proud of her and all of my children.

But tonight, I am especially missing Rebekah.

Ramblings--20090714

CHBC Ramblings
Tuesday, July 14, 2009

This past Sunday
Worship always seems extra special any time we observe communion or celebrate baptism, and this past Sunday was no exception as we had both of these as elements of our service. We baptized Grace Tolentino, who made her profession of faith after this year’s VBS.

The theme of the worship time was love. The baptism and Lord’s Supper reminded us of God’s love for us, and we were led by the Scriptures to remember that in response to God’s love we should love for one another. The message was from 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul reminded the church there that everything else means nothing without love. You can have wonderful spiritual gifts, great faith, and tremendous sacrifice—but none of these spiritual accomplishments profit you a bit if not combined with and motivated by love. In that chapter, Paul also gives us a wonderful descriptive definition of love so that we can recognize if we are truly growing in love. (Are you patient? Are you kind? etc.) While other things will disappear, “Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.”

We welcomed several new members also on Sunday! James and Chris Westberry joined our fellowship by letter. They have already become well known to many of us. Their granddaughter, Michaela Rhodenhiser, also made her profession of faith on Sunday. She was another who had expressed interest in becoming a believer during VBS, and I had the pleassure to talk with her recently along with her dad and mom, Joe and Sheranda, about her decision to follow Jesus. Lord willing, we will baptize Michaela on August 2.

Finally, we officially welcomed a couple we have had as “unofficial” members for some time: Bill and Helen Caudle. What a wonderful Christian couple they are, and we are glad to have them with us. As you probably know, Helen has been ill for some time, and after months of receiving care in the hospital and at A. G. Rhodes, she is back home but not yet able to return to church. While we have had many join by “letter” over the years, their joining may be a first—since they were not able to be here in person, they joined by email!

This coming Sunday
About 15 of us will leave on Saturday to return to Hurley, NY, for a mission trip to assist Pastor Pete Shults and Cross Pointe Fellowship for our third and perhaps final year. While most of the team will return to Atlanta the following Saturday, I will remain a few more days, taking a week of my annual study break. Pete and his church are gracious enough to provide me a place to stay without charge, so that is helpful to us all. In my absence, you will have the privilege of hearing Bill Murray on July 19, and Steve Powell, our Minister to Senior Adults, on July 26.

If possible, I will send the Ramblings as an update from NY, but I will have to wait and see.

Sabbatical month continues
Don’t forget—during the month of July, we will have our regular Sunday morning activities of study, fellowship, and worship, but we will take a sabbatical on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings. In other words, there will be no activities during those evenings. And most monthly meetings “take off” for the month of July. (Of course, the office will be open as usual.)

Blood Drive Report
If you weren’t here Sunday, you also missed Fred Fletcher’s report on the Red Cross Blood Drive last week sponsored by our deacons. This was our first blood drive in several years, and we had about 35 participants! While that is what Fred hoped for, it was well beyond the minimum of 20 hoped for by the Red Cross. Not only did our members participate, but our marquee prompted several to participate from the community. It was great to see our church members welcome and befriend our neighbors as well as the Red Cross workers. And while I may have gotten light-headed, I did NOT pass out—I can’t wait to find out who started that rumor! Jesus gave His blood that we might have eternal life; I think it is great when we can give some of our blood to help with someone’s life here on earth. We hope to have a drive a couple of times a year, so keep your ears and eyes open.

God is doing some wonderful things in our midst.
Don’t miss them!


God bless,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Ramblings--20090706

CHBC Ramblings
Monday, July 6, 2009

This past Sunday
Yesterday, July 5, we reflected upon the blessings we have from God by being citizens of the United States. While our crowd was smaller than usual (but “usual” for a July 4th weekend, I guess!), we had a good spirit as we celebrated our blessings and had a time of meditation and prayer for our county. My message, Issues and Ideas, was well received as we considered the question, as we listen to both politicians and to Christian leaders advocate their positions on issues, Who Speaks for God? I shared three principles that I seek to follow as I try to decide where to stand on an issue:

1. Enter with humility and respect, realizing that sometimes Christians have been wrong on stands in the past;
2. Search the Scriptures carefully, both before and then after listening to the discussions and debates on all sides; and
3. Take personal responsibility for the stands you take.
Sorry if you missed the service—you even missed a “once in a blue moon” event: we dismissed right before noon!

This coming Sunday
I hope that we will jump back up in attendance as folks get back from their travels. I anticipate a special service as we celebrate both baptism and communion. (And don’t forget that we give an opportunity for a special benevolence offering after a service featuring communion.) I will be bringing a message entitled, “The Greatest of These Is Love.” Don’t just come—bring someone with you.

Sabbatical Time in July
Don’t forget—during the month of July, we will have our regular Sunday morning activities of study, fellowship, and worship, but we will take a sabbatical on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings. In other words, there will be no activities during those evenings. And most monthly meetings “take off” for the month of July. (Of course, the office will be open as usual.)

Mission Trip to NY
For the third and perhaps final year, some of our church members will be traveling to Hurley, NY, to assist the Cross Pointe Fellowship under the leadership of Pastor Pete Shults. Our departure day will be Saturday, July 18, with most of the team returning the following Saturday. I will remain a few more days, taking a week of my annual study break. Pete and his church are gracious enough to provide me a place to stay without charge, so that is helpful to us all. In my absence, you will have the privilege of hearing Bill Murray on July 19 and Steve Powell on July 26.

Blood Drive
There is still time to get involved with the Red Cross Blood Drive. It will be held this Thursday, July 9, in the All Purpose Room, and I have signed up along with many others. If you haven’t yet signed up, will you consider it? But hurry! We have spots available from 2:30-7:30 p.m., so call the church office at 404.634.6231.

God bless,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Ramblings--20090630

CHBC Ramblings
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

This past Sunday
This past Sunday, I concluded a seven-part series entitled, Foundation for Families. If you missed one or more of the messages, go online to our website (www.clairmonthills.org) to listen, or you can call the church office (404.634.6231) to request free CD’s.

We welcomed two new members on Sunday! Grace Tolentino, daughter of Tim and Melissa and sister of Hope, made her profession of faith in Jesus following Vacation Bible School. She talked to her mom, who prayed with her about the decision. They then came up to discuss her decision with me. I am excited that we will baptize Grace on July 12.

Mike Sigmon, husband of our member Sandy, also joined on Sunday. He has been a pastor for many years and has recently come to the end of a pastorate. He is no stranger to us and wants to join us while he prayerfully considers his future ministry opportunities.

Welcome, Grace and Mike. We are glad to have you both in our fellowship.

Coming Up: Celebrating the U.S.A.!
This Sunday, July 5, will be a time for thanking God for the freedoms we enjoy in our country and praying for all of the challenges we face as a nation. It can be a difficult balance at times to be Christians in our country. We highly value our religious liberty (with the separation of church and state), but we don’t want to give up our right to have appropriate influence in helping to shape our society in a democratic-based republic. How do we deal with some of the most difficult questions that seem to lie right in the middle of these sometimes competing values? This Sunday, I will raise more questions than I will answer in a message entitled, Issues and Ideas, but I hope it will help you think more about both the privileges and responsibilities of following Christ in the United States.

The Men’s Quartet will sing a patriotic song for us, and we will all sing some of our favorite hymns of God and country. I know that many use this time of year for travel, so please be here if you are in town.

Sabbatical Time in July
Don’t forget—during the month of July, we will have our regular Sunday morning activities of study, fellowship, and worship, but we will take a sabbatical on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings. In other words, there will be no activities during those evenings. And most monthly meetings “take off” for the month of July. (Of course, the office will be open as usual.) Since tomorrow (Wednesday) is July 1, remember that we will NOT meet this Wedesday night.

Finances
Even in the midst of a difficult year, we are about parallel to where we were last year at this time, so I thank you for your faithfulness. At this juncture, we have spent more than we have received, as is often the case. (Since December is historically our best month, we normally begin the year, as we did this year, with a surplus, so we are not spending more than we have!) With summer here, though, I want to encourage you to continue your faithfulness in your tithes and offerings and to “catch up” when you return from your travels. As a church, we need to “catch up” our giving with our spending and get ahead as we move into the second half of the year. Our Finance Committee will be bringing us some updates of where we are and where we need to be in August.

Blood Drive
Our Deacon Body is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive for next Thursday, July 9, and I have signed up along with many of you. We still need about a dozen, though, to meet our goal. If you haven’t yet signed up, will you consider it? And since this is designed to be a community project, could you encourage a friend or neighbor to sign up as well? We have spots available from 2:30-7:30 p.m., so sign up Sunday or call the church office at 404.634.6231. Hey, you will not only be helping many in need, but you’ll also get a free t-shirt!

God bless,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Ramblings--20090424

CHBC Ramblings
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Foundations for Families concludes this Sunday
This will be the last of seven messages in our Foundation for Families series. It has been a challenge for me to teach and to seek to put into practice these principles in my own life, and I hope that it has been helpful for you. If we don’t rebuild the foundations for our families, who knows what the next generation will hold? Here are some questions for you: What one thing will you adopt into your family life because of the messages from God? What attitude have you changed because of being reminded of God’s plan for your life and your family?

This Past Sunday
I enjoyed this past Father’s Day—both the service and the time with my own family. It was special to hear Bobby McGuire share some of the stories of his father as a testimony in our worship. What a blessing to have a great example as he did in his father! And I hope all of us fathers were reminded of the great need to pass on a wealth of wisdom to our children. Know someone who needs to hear that message? It can be downloaded in the next few days from our website (www.clairmonthills.org), or a CD can be requested without charge from the church office.

Sabbatical Time in July
Don’t forget—during the month of July, we will have our regular Sunday morning activities of study, fellowship, and worship, but we will take a sabbatical on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings. In other words, there will be no activities during those evenings. And most monthly meetings “take off” for the month of July. (Of course, the office will be open as usual.) Tonight (June 24) will be the last Wednesday night for our fellowship meal and weekly activities until August.

A Personal Note
My family and I went to Thomaston, my hometown, last Saturday for my dad’s 80th birthday. It was great to see him, my family, and many old friends. I am grateful that my dad taught me many of the lessons we talked about from Proverbs on Sunday morning. For instance, he really excelled in teaching me about wise financial and business dealings, and he truly taught me the value of hard work. Of the latter, he would say that I have never done any of it myself (and he may be right), but at least I did learn the value of it!

God bless you,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor
Clairmont Hills Baptist Church

Ramblings--20090617

CHBC Ramblings

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Foundations for Families continues
This past Sunday I preached a message entitled Training a Child Through Godly Discipline as part of the current series, Foundations for Family. We emphasized the truth that corrective discipline is only one aspect of the discipline we need for life. While we did focus for a part of the message on corrective discipline, we spoke of the teaching and training aspects as well. If you would like to hear the message, go www.clairmonthills.org and look for “Webcasts” or call the church office for a free CD of the service.

This coming Sunday is Father’s Day, and I will preach to myself (and other fathers) a challenging message entitled A Godly Father. After that, there will be one final message in the series, Training a Child in the Way He Should Go.

Sabbatical Time in July
During the month of July, we will have our regular Sunday morning activities of study, fellowship, and worship, but we will take a sabbatical on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings. In other words, there will be no activities during those evenings or during the week. (Of course, the office will be open as usual.) Why do we take this break? Several reasons. First, everyone needs a sabbatical from the “busy”-ness of life, and July is a time when a lot of our folks are traveling. Second, this year we are doing some repairs and resealing of our parking lot in July, and it is best to do this work in a down time. Third, many of us will be gone on our mission trip in July, and I will also take my annual study break during the month. Finally, a result will be some modest savings in our utility bill versus what it would have been, and this will be helpful in a year when the economy is struggling.

Please Be Here...
Take your place each and every week. And invite someone to worship with us this week. Everyone needs to be part of a community of faith, hope, and love, and that is what God is building here at Clairmont Hills.

The past few weeks I have closed with the question:
Aren’t you glad you are here?

If your answer is “YES!” (as is mine), there is another natural question:
Won’t OTHERS be glad when they are here? And yet they may never find out unless you bring them.

God bless you,
Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Clairmont Hills Baptist Church


Ramblings--20090609

CHBC Ramblings

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Vacation Bible School FOLLOW UP
Our final enrollment in our evening VBS was 139 with an average attendance of 106, including the adults in our classes. We are excited to have met so many new families and their children. As a follow up with children, my daughter Lydia Pitts will start this Wednesday a class from 6:15-8:00 p.m. for those who have completed grades 1-6. The time together will include music, crafts, Bible stories, recreation, and library time. The Bible study will be on the Names of God. Help get the word out!

Foundations for Families continues
This past Sunday I shared the third and last message on marriage in this series based on Genesis 2.24. The first was Marriage: A Leaving, sharing the principle that marriage is to be the primary relationship of life for those who marry. The second was titled Marriage: A Cleaving, and we emphasized that marriage is to be a permant relationship for the husband and wife. Finally, we saw the result God intends from putting these into practice in Marriage: One Flesh – The Sanctity of Sex. In this message, we celebrated the overall unity that God designed for marriage and the gift of sex that symbolizes that total unity.

It’s always interesting to hear the feedback on any message; it is particularly so when you talk about a topic like sex! Many people expressed thanks that I had spoken about this important area of life and approached it from the positive side, emphasizing that it is a gift from God to be experienced in marriage. Others were thankful to hear a clear word from God on the subject since our world gives us so many wrong messages. A young couple passing through from South Carolina said their first anniversary was just a few days ahead and the message acted as a timely reminder for them of the importance of God’s design for marriage unity. A couple of my favorite responses, though, were the following: “Fred, do you realize how old most of us are in this church?” and “I hope you taped that message. You could sell that sermon!” To the latter, I responded that I didn’t think anyone would pay for it but that we do offer free CD’s to anyone who asks, and all of the messages are available free online at www.clairmonthills.org.

This coming Sunday I will continue the Foundations for Family series with a message called Training a Child Through Godly Discipline.

New Members!
This past week we also welcomed Jack and Vivian Conner into our fellowship. Jack and Vivian recently moved from Macon, Georgia, and they have been actively involved in Lawrence Drive Baptist Church there for several years. Besided that, they are Cindy’s parents (and my in-laws)! We are so happy to have them living nearby and so glad that they have joined our church. Thank you for welcoming of them, even as you welcome everyone who comes to our church.

Ramblings--20090602

CHBC Ramblings

Wednesday, June 2, 2009

Vacation Bible School
As I write this, we are at the half way point of our VBS “Boomerang Express,” and this year we are experimenting with an evening school. Besides having more workers available in the evening, we can also provide classes for adults. We already have 120 enrolled in the first two days with an average attendance of about 100 – and our adult attendance has been between 25 and 30 the two nights in the two classes we are offering for them. The children are enjoying the Australian theme and the study of the life of Peter. Pray for us during these last two nights, as VBS wraps up on Wednesday night. (By the way, Wednesday night meal for “regulars” will start as usual at 5:30. VBS attendees will eat at six. All classes will start at 6:30 on Wednesday this week.) Many thanks to Sue Rother for her leadership and for the dozens she has enlisted to help in VBS.

This Sunday: Foundations for Families continues
I will continue my series on the family with the third and last message on marriage based on Genesis 2.24. The first was Marriage: A Leaving, sharing the principle that marriage is to be the primary relationship of life for those who choose to marry. Last week, the message was titled Marriage: A Cleaving, and we emphasized that marriage is to be a permant relationship for the husband and wife. This coming Sunday, we will note the result of living out these two principles in Marriage: One Flesh – The Sanctity of Sex. In this message, we will celebrate the overall unity that God designed for marriage and the gift of sex that symbolizes that total unity. Too often we see nothing but the world’s view of sex; as the church, we must also share God’s truth about this powerful gift. While the misuse of the sexual relationship causes all kinds of hurt and problems, we will instead concentrate in this message on the blessing it is intended by God to be for those who are married.

While this will be the last marriage message, we will still have three more messages in our family series – two relating to parenting, and a message especially for dads on Father’s Day, June 21.

The Urban Atlanta Impact Initiative (UAII)...
is a partnership that includes the two local Baptist associations (we are part of the Atlanta Metro Baptist Association), the Georgia Baptist Convention, and the North American Mission Board. The mission of UAII is to start healthy, reproducing congregations inside the perimeter of Atlanta. (For more information on the need for this, go to uaii.info.) Currently, I serve as the team leader for the group. It was through this initiative that I traveled to Singapore last fall to observe church starting in multihousing contexts such as condominiums and apartments. For the past two years, our Ministry and Missions Team, under the leadership of Gene Ray, has been considering how our church might be involved in local church planting efforts. I am excited to be part of what God is doing, not only at Clairmont Hills, but throughout the area inside the perimeter. Let’s all pray that God would send a great awakening that will touch our city and beyond.

Aren’t you glad you are here?

God bless you,
Fred O. Pitts

Ramblings--20090527

CHBC Ramblings

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

This Past Week
Many thanks to Steve Powell for preaching in my absence. I understand that the entire service was wonderful, from the Memorial Day Remembrance to the Senior Adult Recognition. Dr. Bill Harris once again led a moving tribute to our veterans who have died since last Memorial Day--this year, the two were J. T. Reeves and Don Grisier, both of them friends to us all. Also, Fred Fletcher, our Chairman of Deacons, was given a special recognition by Steve for his work in ministering to our people in prayer and visitation, and it was recognition well deserved. The term “deacon” means “servant,” and that is a description of our entire body of deacons and deaconesses.

This Sunday: Foundations for Families resumes--and VBS!
I will continue my series on the family with the second message on marriage based on Genesis 2.24. The first was Marriage: A Leaving, sharing the principle that marriage is to be the primary relationship of life for those who choose to marry. This week’s message will be Marriage: A Cleaving, and we will discover a second great principle that helps marriage be the blessing God intends. The following week, we will note the result of these two principles in Marriage: One Flesh--The Sanctity of Sex. In that message, we will celebrate the unity that God envisions in marriage and the gift of sex that symbolizes the total unity. Too often we see nothing but the world’s view of sex; as the church, we must also share God’s truth about this powerful gift. While the misuse of the sexual relationship causes all kinds of hurt and problems, we will instead concentrate in this message on the blessing it is intended by God to be for those who are married.

VBS
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL will have a different look this year, as you have heard, and it starts this Sunday! As an experiment this year, our VBS will be offered on a new schedule with a broader format. The schedule is Sunday through Wednesday EVENING, May 31-June 3. Since it is in the evening, the format has been broadened to include classes for ADULTS as well as CHILDREN. Also, for the convenience of those attending, we will serve a meal each evening.
Here is the schedule:

Sunday, May 31: 4:30-8:30 p.m. 
Monday-Wednesday, June 1-3: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
(All times include meal times.)

Please don’t forget to pray for the workers and those who will attend, and also take every opportunity to invite others to participate. You can sign up at Sunday School, in the foyer before or after worship, in the church office, or online at www.clairmonthills.org.

A Personal Note...
Our family enjoyed a nice few days in St. Augustine, even though we were there during the recent “rainy season.” Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. We celebrated Rebekah’s 18th birthday while we were gone. We are so proud of her and all she has accomplished in finishing high school. In the fall she will be attending Anderson University in Anderson, SC. Wow! How time truly flies!

God bless you,
Fred O. Pitts

Ramblings--20090519

CHBC Ramblings

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

This Past Sunday
It was a great Sunday in so many ways! First, we had an opportunity to honor the High School and College Graduates who were able to be present: Amber Gutliph, Allie Odom, and Rebekah Pitts were our high school grads; Lydia Pitts and Cara Todd were our college grads (Lydia will actually graduate in August). Congrats to all of you and to the other graduates who were not able to be with us.

We continued our Foundations for Families Series with the first of three messages on marriage, looking at the three basic aspects we find in Genesis 2.24: “For this cause a man will leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and the two will be come one flesh.” The first message was entitled, “Marriage: A Leaving” and addressed the principle that marriage is to be the primary relationship of life to the husband and the wife. We will take a week off from the series for Memorial Day Weekend, and we will continue the series on May 31 with “Marriage: A Cleaving.”

At the end of the Morning Worship time, it was my pleasure to introduce three new members of Clairmont Hills. Warren and Yvonne Roberts are returning to Clairmont Hills after over 25 years of being involved with another fine church in our area. We welcome them back among us; Warren is one of our charter members! Phil Kingston works in our area and has been worshiping with us for several weeks. While he made a decision to follow Christ many years ago while in college, he never had the opportunity to follow the Lord with a believer’s baptism, and it will be my pleasure to baptize Phil on May 31. Phil’s decision to become a part of our fellowship includes a heartfelt rededication of his life to following Jesus. It was a real pleasure to meet with all of these who have come into our fellowship and hear the stories of their walks with God.
In an interesting note, as the three were talking at the end of the service, Phil discovered that his mother had been a classmate with Warren, and the two had talked on the phone last year as Warren was helping to put together a class reunion--another example of “a small world.”

And the Vision Banquet...
Last, but not least, we had our Vision Banquet on Sunday night, and about 75 attended and participated. I was truly blessed to hear one after another of our members share ideas and dreams for our church. While we are still compiling all that was shared, both verbally and through the Response Sheet we distributed in Sunday School and at the banquet, one thing came through loud and clear: we are a people who delight in volunteering so that we can serve others, both within our church and in the community and world beyond. Our Leadership Team met last night to begin work; next month we will look more in depth as we have the full compilation of ideas. By the way, if you have not turned in a Response Sheet or were not here at all Sunday, drop by the office to pick up the sheet. There is still time for us to hear from you!
You will hear much more from the Vision Banquet in coming months as we plan for the future.

Thanks for your input!

This Sunday: Memorial Day Remembrance… and a Change!
Each year on Memorial Day Weekend, Dr. Bill Harris leads in a special time of remembrance for those veterans in our midst who have died since last Memorial Day. All of our veterans are asked to wear their uniforms if able, and they will march in together at the beginning of the service. We are grateful for the sacrificial service of all of our veterans.
There is also a change this Sunday that has been previously alluded to: I am going to postpone the next message in the family series for one week, and as we did last year on Memorial Day Weekend, we are going to focus on our wonderful senior adults during the message time. Steve Powell, our Minister to Senior Adults, will bring a message entitled “Encourage One Another” taken from Hebrews 10.23-25.

Upcoming
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL will have a different look this year: Sunday through Wednesday EVENING, May 31-June 3. And classes will not only be offered for children but for YOUTH and ADULTS as well! We will serve a meal each evening, and here is the schedule:
Sunday, May 31: 4:30-8:30 p.m. 
Monday-Wednesday, June 1-3: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
(All times include meal times.)

Please don’t forget to pray for the workers and those who will attend, and also take every opportunity to invite others to participate. You can sign up at Sunday School, in the foyer before or after worship, in the church office, or online at www.clairmonthills.org.

A Personal Note...
On the same week we moved into our house, Cindy’s parents, Jack and Vivian Conner, moved from Macon into a condominium near Northlake Mall to be closer to us. What a blessing to have them so near by! Have a great holiday weekend, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

God bless you,
Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Clairmont Hills Baptist Church

1995 Clairmont Road

Decatur, GA 30033

404.634.6231 Office

404.634.6062 Fax

www.clairmonthills.org

Ramblings--20090512

CHBC Ramblings

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

This Past Sunday
It was Mother’s Day, of course, and we had a full service--we worshiped our Heavenly Father and honored our earthly mothers. We also had a Parent/Child Dedication time for Aaron and Kristy Kuglin and their firstborn, Caleb. What a joy it was to pronounce a blessing over this young man! Aaron, of course, is our part time Minister of Arts and Youth, and Kristy has been a leader among our young adults for over four years. It has been a pleasure to watch the Lord work in their lives as He first brought them to the place of marriage and now has blessed them with a child.

I also began a Family Series entitled, “Foundations for Families,” and the first message dealt with the Parent/Child relationship and what God says to each. This coming Sunday we will continue this series as we begin looking at marriage in three messages. The first is called, “Marriage: A Leaving.”

By the way, we often have meaningful and significant spiritual decisions made during our services that are shared with us through the use of the Communication Cards. At the right time, those decisions that need to be made public are shared with you, and you see that through a baptism perhaps or by the introduction of new members at the close of a service. We are grateful that so many of our guests use this method to share a prayer request, ask for more information about following Jesus or joining our church, or share decisions that they have made. Please pray for those who indicate spiritual inquiries or make spiritual decisions known through this manner. You also feel free to share with me in this way.

This Sunday is the Vision Banquet
We have been talking about the VISION BANQUET for several weeks, and here it is! I hope that every one of you will make a special effort to be in attendance as we eat together, “pot luck” style (that means bring some food to eat and share), and then spend some time looking at the “BIG PICTURE” of what God calls our church to be.

In the past few years, we have made some significant strides as we seek to join God in His revitalization of our church. We have added families. We have started new Sunday School classes. We have established new teams and committees. We have updated our facilities. All these things are wonderful! But from time to time we need to ask: Now what? Where do we go from here? What does God have for us in the days ahead? During the Vision Banquest, not only will I share some from my heart, but every person in the church will have an opportunity to share hopes and dreams for the future--and other input--both by briefly sharing an idea during the banquet and/or by completing a response sheet that will be available both during Sunday School this coming Sunday and at the Vision Banquet itself that begins at 5:30 p.m. this coming Sunday evening (May 17). Since we will be eating together and sharing, I expect that we will be together for a total of about an hour and a half or two hours--and I think it will be time well spent. The Leadership Team has been looking at the questions we are seeking to answer for several months, and we are anxious to get some feedback from you to help us in our planning for the months and years ahead. Let’s dream together!

Upcoming
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL will have a different look this year: Sunday through Wednesday EVENING, May 31-June 3. And classes will not only be offered for children but for YOUTH and ADULTS as well! We will serve a meal each evening, and I will have the specific times for you next week. Please don’t forget to pray for the workers and those who will attend, and also take every opportunity to invite others to participate.

This coming Sunday, May 17, we will also recognize the graduates who are among us.

On May 24, it is the Sunday before Memorial Day, and most of you know that on this day we have a special time of remembrance for those veterans in our midst who have died since last Memorial Day. All of our veterans are asked to wear their uniforms if able, and they will march in together at the beginning of the service. We are grateful for the sacrificial service of all of our veterans, and we are thankful for Dr. Bill Harris, who conducts this meaningful ceremony for us each year.

A Word about Finances
The past few months have been difficult ones in our economy on practically every level, and most all the churches of which I am aware have struggled along with the economy. We have been no exception. There have been times when our budget giving has been between $30,000 and $40,000 below what is needed to stay on budget. Two things have been helpful to use in managing this: first, we began this year with a surplus. Second, everyone has been doing their best to spend less than the budget. (Since we are not the government, we don’t get to print extra money!)

I am happy to share with you, though, that in the past three weeks we have had some exceptional offerings. Now, we always expect the first Sunday of each month to be the best, and so May 3 was no surprise, but God has blessed us also with better than normal offerings on April 26 and May 10. I am not sure where that places us in the big picture for the budget year yet, but I share this with you to say again that God is faithful, and I thank you, not only for your sacrificial giving in the past, but for your continued generosity in the weeks and months ahead.

Aren’t you excited...
about what the Lord has been doing in our midst? I surely am. And I look forward to sharing with you on Sunday, both in our morning service and in the Vision Banquet. It will encourage me to see you in your place--and to know that you have spoken to someone this week about the Lord and His church.

God bless you,
Fred O. Pitts, Pastor

Clairmont Hills Baptist Church

1995 Clairmont Road

Decatur, GA 30033

404.634.6231 Office

404.634.6062 Fax

www.clairmonthills.org