January 2005: News From the Corner
Greetings from Center Church and welcome to 2005! As we begin this New Year let me share a section of scripture that will be the foundation of much of my effort this coming year.
Matt 28:16-20 16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain, which Jesus had designated. 17 And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. “
Within the words of the well-known passage are volumes of lessons, books and sermons but given the limited space I will simply give you three words to consider as you read and re-read this section of God’s word.
The first word is EVANGELIZE. To evangelize, simply put, is it to tell people about the message of salvation. It is to tell a world lost in its’ sin that Jesus has given them hope for eternity. Baptizing is mentioned in this passage, which indicates a moment of salvation.
The second word to consider is ESTABLISH. To be established is to have a sense of belonging; a place to call home and this is done through the soil of relationships. The act of making disciples and teaching can only be done affectively through the avenue of a relationship where one feels secure.
The last word to consider is EQUIP. This word implies imparting in another the ability to do that which he or she is called do. It is giving one the tools to complete an appointed task.
Over the next year my focus will be to lead Center in the tasks of evangelizing, establishing and equipping. Please pray for your pastor and your church as we seek to fulfill the great commission found in Matthew 28.
Have a great 2005 and may God bless you in the coming year.
Pastor Mitch Fisher
Girls in Action
Girls in Action have had a great year so far! The girls have done many activities in the mission field, and many fun activities as well. Here recently the girls raised $16 for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, and provided numerous school supplies for the Children’s Home. The girls have really given 100% in everything they have done. In early December the girls went to see a live nativity at the fairgrounds. Right now they are working on their GA projects and will soon begin their Windermere projects.
Some events coming up include: a trip to the nursing home, a GA lock-in, and many more mission projects.
Congratulations to Nicole for accumulating the most points this semester! And a special thanks to all the parents for your wonderful support.
Leslie Tate and Jessica Doran
Sunday School
There has been a new class started for college age people. Jamie Coppedge is teaching this class. If you know of any College age people please let Jamie, Mitch or myself know and we will invite them to this class.
As I drive thru the area around the Church, I see new houses being built and realize the need to make sure that they are invited to attend Church at Center Baptist. If you know of anyone in your area that has just moved in or may not attend Church somewhere, please let us know and we will try to make sure that they are visited. There is always room for more members in each Sunday School class. Lets all work on inviting people and then in the Spring we will have a high attendance Sunday.
Thanks John Rohlman
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
We meet on the third Saturday of each month and start at 8:00 AM. Our meeting starts with breakfast and ends with a time of prayer for the needs of our church, community and world. We always have a good time and we invite you to join us at our next meeting.
Choir
Greetings and Salutations!
The year has gone by so quickly, and yet, we are eager to start a new one. We are beginning the New Year with lots of new ideas and goals to work towards. In 2005, we hope to add to the talents God has given us. We already have talented singers, instrumentalists, and speakers; however, we have been told there are more among us. So, you better watch out… we are taking names.
The Christmas Cantata (“His Very Own Starâ€) and the children’s program (“From Our Herd to Your Herdâ€) went well due to the massive amount of help we received. Thank you to all the costume-makers, prop designers, and participants that made this holiday season a memorable one,
Grace and Peace to you, Nathan and Joanna Haskins
Center Baptist Church
5124 N. Farm Road 43
Ash Grove, MO 65604
Office (417)-751-3490
Pastor Mitch Fisher
