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