Opportunities in 2020
2020 is here and with it brings not only the reminder of a fresh new beginning, but the incredible opportunity that falls to members of our church family to look back and recall the faithfulness of God in leading us to the celebration of our 200th Anniversary. It is rare indeed for any church to remain viable and thriving for 200 years. I believe the reason we continue to experience the favor of God is that we stay true to our mission. We preach and teach Christ as the way, the truth, and the life. May this be true of us going forward.
January marks the first of our four 200 Mission Giving Opportunities for 2020. We will be raising the money needed to purchase 200 school uniforms for The Joseph School along with 200 Creole Bibles. A uniform is estimated to cost about $20.00. We have a source for the Bibles that will provide them for $5.00 each. I hope we will be able to raise this offering early in January, but you will have through the end of March to participate.
Our first Bicentennial Speaker for 2020 is Dr. Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. He is a native Tennessean, a brilliant scholar, an engaging communicator you will appreciate, and a respected authority on the history of the Reformation and its impact on Baptist Life. I’ve asked Dr. George to share during the combined worship service on January 26 from his vast knowledge on the Reformation. Following the time of worship, you are invited to join us for a luncheon in Fellowship Hall to hear Dr. George talk more about today’s church and the challenges that are before us as we seek to reach our community for Christ. This first in a list of Bicentennial Speakers for 2020 will be something you will appreciate. Plan now to be there!
We will also be acting on the recommendation of our Governance Task Force to elect our first class of Trustees to lead us into the new governance structure approved by the church. You have nominated some of our best and brightest to lead this first Trustee class. The group is younger than I anticipated, is made up of respected men and women who have served our church in other capacities and will serve us well as we step into a new era of strategic planning, ministry oversight, and missional leadership. I’m thankful for this new opportunity that is before us and invite you to pray daily for our church in these exciting days.
We are searching for new leadership in our staff, dreaming of new ministry opportunities as the new building continues to take shape, finding ourselves standing in a rich stream of faithful blessing as we celebrate The 200, and looking forward to each new day that the Lord has in store for us! Through it all, I want you to know how very blessed I am to be your pastor. God has entrusted us with so very much.
Let’s make the most of it in 2020!
