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May 2016
www.fbclv.comwww.fbclv.com
NewsletterNewsletter
Your monthly sourceYour monthly source Of information Of information And inspirationAnd inspiration
Church Family, Isn’t it funny how some of
God’s greatest
whisperings come to us
at life’s most unexpected
times? Last week Jeff
Parker, Randy McDaris, and I headed down to the
airport to fly to Louisville, Kentucky to attend the
“Together for the Gospel” conference. We parked at
the airport and paid about half a million dollars for
parking to ensure that our vehicle would still be there
upon return. Then we went through airport security
which involved: taking off our shoes, belts, emptying
our pockets, having our palms scanned, minds read,
intentions questioned, and carry-ons x-rayed! If I had
hair they probably would have wanted a sample! Don’t
get me wrong, I think airport security is important, but
things sure have changed over the years!
Finally we arrived at our gate, boarded the plane, and
sat down in our seats. A sight to see I’m sure, three
grown men sitting side by side in seats that are sized
appropriately for fourth graders! The first flight was
only from San Antonio to Atlanta, Georgia, and then
from there on to Louisville. As I sat there thinking about
the conference, I wondered what all we would learn?
Together for the Gospel… we will learn about unity….
maybe some new ways to share the gospel…..the
importance of the truth of salvation and redemption
….maybe a singular focus on how there is only ONE
gospel therefore we work TOGETHER for THE gospel?
After takeoff, I looked around our plane and I saw
many different things going on. Some people were
sleeping, others reading or doing a crossword puzzle.
Others were watching movies or listening to music. But
then all at once, almost the entire plane was unified!
There was one mission, one goal, one aim, and nothing
could stop the people on our plane for accomplishing
this purpose! And what I saw from where I sat, the very
last seat, on the very back row, of a completely full
flight, was a couple hundred people who went from
calm, occupied, and complacent people to a passionate
mob that would not be stopped! This great change
happened instantaneously, and only one thing had to
happen! What was this one thing you ask…the
stewardess opened up the door to the runway!
One moment we are all sitting quietly and peace is
amongst the plane. No one is getting up or moving
around, everyone is just fine sitting in their chairs with
their seatbelts fastened, tray tables up, and seats in the
upright position! But the moment that seatbelt sign flashed
off and the stewardess says that we can get off the plane,
our gentle crowd turned into a black Friday mob! It was
ridiculous! People jumping from their seats…hurrying to
grab their carry-ons…pushing and shoving in the aisles
knowing that there is no where they can go until the front
of the plane exits!!! If you have flown before, you know
exactly the scene in which I am describing! And in that
moment of chaos, the Spirit spoke to my soul.
God whispered in my ear… Josh do you see all of those
people? Yes Lord I see them. Do you see how they are
willing to do anything to get off of this plane? Them are
some crazy folks for sure Lord, I’m glad I’m in the back or
I’d probably get run over! Do you know what you can learn
from them Josh? Not really Lord, but I’ve got a feeling that
you are about to tell me!
Here is what I heard…..Josh…as desperate as they are
to get off this plane…you see it in their eyes…their
actions….their words….everything about them radiates
urgency…. will you be that desperate to share the gospel
with the lost? As determined as this crowd is to feel the
freedom and fresh air outside this plane, will you be that
determined to be refreshed by My Spirit? As driven as the
crowd is to exit the runway, when will My people be driven
to fill my house with praise? As much as they feel the
need to take steps down that airplane aisle, will you be
that desperate to take steps of faith and follow Me!
I expected to hear from the Lord at the conference, but
in God’s perfect timing I heard from Him before I even got
to Kentucky! In 1 Kings 19 Elijah experienced many
things: a powerful wind that broke the mountains, an
earthquake, and a fire! Often when seeking God we are
looking for winds and earthquakes and fires. We are
crying out and waiting for Him to use lighting to write us a
message in the asphalt! But Elijah says that God was not
in the wind, nor the earthquake, nor the fire. God came
instead to him in a still…small…whisper! Perhaps you
have been waiting to hear from the Lord and are looking
for wind, or an earthquake, or a fire? Know that today
God still speaks to His children, and if our hearts are
desperate to find Him, our souls are determined to serve
Him, and our will has decided to follow Him, then God
won’t have to speak very loud for us to hear Him
clearly……. He only needs to whisper!
-In Christ,
Pastor Josh
By Statement of Faith
Vaughn and Gayle Strickland
Dear Church Family,
Thanks to all of you for the hospital visits, get well
wishes, prayer grams, and your continuous prayers. My
faith is in God, my trust is in Him, and my hope is in Him!
Thank you for lifting my spirits. “By this everyone will
know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
God bless all of you my sisters and brothers. To God be
the glory!
-In Christ and with much love, Alice Herrera
To my Church Family,
Thank you very much for your prayers and for all your
cards and visits while I was in the hospital and here at
home. And, thanks to everyone who came and built the
ramp to my house. I thank everyone with all of my heart
and God bless you all.
–Inge McLain
To my Church Family,
Thank you for the prayers, phone calls, visits during my
surgery and after. God is great! He guided the surgeon’s
hand and was with me through it all. A special thank you
to Pastor Josh for being a very caring pastor. Hopefully I
will be back to full productivity in a couple more weeks.
Thank you for being such a great Christian Church.
- Sincerely, Mary Harkins
_____________________________________________
G.R.O.W. Outreach Ministry
La Vernia Bluebonnet Parade Saturday, May 21
We will represent our church with two parade entrees:
A 1966 Mustang in the old car section and our worship
band on a trailer playing music. There will be several
walkers handing out 500 bags to the crowd which will
include candy, church brochures, and a tract. This will be
a great outreach for Jesus and our church!
Church Tumbler
The GROW ministry will be able to give away one
tumbler for each one purchased. Our church tumbler
sales are at $900.00 as of this report. If you haven’t
purchased yours yet, they will be available in the church
office during office hours. Please pray for their ministry as
they give these to the people of our community as a way
to share Jesus.
- Randy Lockwood, Outreach Director
Happy Mothers’ Day!
On the second Sunday in May of each year we celebrate Mothers’ Day. It is the day set aside to honor our Mothers. On that day and every day, give thanks to God for your mother, and if you still have her, show her how much you love her and how much she means to you. From the cross, Jesus showed his love and concern for his mother when he said in John 19:26: “…Woman, behold thy son!” and then to assure his mother would be cared for, he said to His friend John in verse 27: “Behold thy mother!” Abraham Lincoln once said “God bless my mother; all I am or hope to be I owe to her.” Good mothers not only tell us how to live – they show us. Nothing touches a child like a mother’s love.
Of all the earthly things God gives, There’s one above all others: It is the precious, priceless gift
Of loving Christian mothers. - anonymous
May God Bless All of You, Bob Lockwood, Senior Adult Pastor
Tuesday Morning Bible Study 9:00 a.m.
(On Summer break-resumes in September)
Monthly Fellowship Lunch at Trail Riders Restaurant
In Floresville Friday, May 6
We will leave from the church at 10:30am. Desserts and table games in the fellowship hall.
All are welcome to join us!
Nursing Home Ministry Country Care Nursing Home
Tuesday, May 17 10:00am
Brief sermon, singing and visitation. All are welcome to join us.
Game Day Friday, May 20
10:00am – 2:00pm Fellowship hall
Potluck lunch, fellowship and table games, Mexican Train, come and learn 42...we’ll teach you! Bring a covered dish or dessert and bring a friend!
Noon Prayer Meeting Every Wednesday
11:30am Potluck lunch in the fellowship hall,
prayer requests and prayer and games.
For more information about our Senor Adult ministry, contact Shirley Summers at 830-391-1986.
I have two things to focus on this month. First we are
doing a local mission camp called Mission United which
will take place June 20-23. It is called Mission United
because six different youth groups in the La Vernia
area are coming together to train and do missions.
Missions is making the gospel visible. This will be the
focus of the camp. The cost is $40 which will help cover
the worship band and the training and food. Grace
Bible Church will host the event for the week. Students
will start the day at 9:00 and be done at 8:00 each day
where they will be dismissed to their homes for the
evening. We will be having a speaker from a missions
organization called iGoGlobal and a worship band.
Students will serve with Ethnos Missions Center on the
west side of San Antonio and do backyard Bible clubs
there for children. Students will also be doing a ramp
project and prayer walking during the week. Please
make plans to sign up for this event by the end of May
so we can have a count.
Youth camp is also coming up. It is July 10-14 at
Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center in
Spicewood, Texas. The cost is $260 for the week. We
need all paperwork and money to be turned in by
Wednesday, June 1. We have plenty of spots still open
but there is limited space so please act quickly. It will
be an amazing week and students will have fun and
hear the life changing message of the gospel.
Thanks, Randy McDaris, Youth Pastor
Worship Choir / Life Group Leadership Training / Pre-school Ministry Hello all, I pray you have had a wonderful spring. My
family and I really enjoy taking in the beauty of South
Texas during Spring. All of the wildflowers are truly a
testament to God’s handiwork in His creation. I just
want to bring a few things to your attention.
First, choir is back up and running. We meet on
Sunday afternoons at 4:00pm except for the first
Sunday of the month when we meet at 6:00pm
because of the Council and Deacon meetings. We
would love for you to join us if singing in the choir is
something you are interested in. Please speak with me
or our choir director Laurie Mollenkopf if you would like
more information.
Second, we will have an adult Life Group
Leadership Training on Saturday, May the 14 at
9:00am. We will cover some more of the functionality of
the new database as well as discuss what it means to
make disciples in today’s world. If you are a leader or
are interested in becoming one, please attend this
meeting. We will serve breakfast and will end around
11:00am.
Finally, we continue to search for God’s person who
will oversee our pre-school ministry. We have had some
interest but if you believe God is leading you to help in
our nursery please contact me and I will get you
connected. We also need a regular nursery worker as
well as volunteers. This is one of our greatest needs
right now and anyone who is willing to step out and help
us would be greatly appreciated.
For your joy and the glory of God,
Jeff Parker
UPCOMING EVENTS:
TeamKID's meet every Wednesday from 6:30-
8:00pm. Kids Kinder through 5th grades meet in the
Fellowship Hall Kid's Wing. Come join us for fun and
energetic Bible, missions, music, and game time that all
point to how to know Jesus more!
Sunday, May 8 MOTHER'S DAY
Thank God for your mother!
Sunday May 15 PRETEEN CAMP PARENT MEETING
after 2nd service in Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, May 22 CHILDREN'S CAMP PARENT MEETING after the second service in Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, June 5th
Preteen Camp money due. PRETEEN CAMP
Monday, June 13 through Thursday, June 16 at Texas Baptist Encampment in Palacios, Texas. CAMP SPONSORS ARE: Pastor Jeff Parker and
Amber Parker; Jason Thompson and Jeanette Thompson; Serina Holder and Mrs. Judy
I am so thankful for these men and women who are
willing to dedicate their time and energy to these
preteens.
Preteen campers must be at the church at 6:00am for
final registration. PARENTS PLEASE PLAN TO SPEND
15-20 MINUTES FOR FINAL REGISTRATION
PROCESS. Preteen campers are allowed to eat and
drink on the bus. All drinks must be able to be capped
or sealed. There are no cup holders on the bus!
RETURNING FROM PRETEEN CAMP between 3:30-
4:00pm. Mrs. Judy will have her phone with her at all
times. Also, she will check in daily with the church while
at camp.
-Judy Chesser Children's Ministry Director
Isaiah 30:21
Extra Credit
Philippians 4:14-19 (NIV84) 14Yet it was good of you to
share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. First, Paul thanks the Philippians for their support. They had
sent Epaphroditus with their monetary gift some time ago.
Paul indicated early in the letter that Epaphroditus had been
very sick and that he was going to send him back home with
his letter. The Philippians had been quite faithful in their
support of Paul. Paul always made it clear that churches
should support their shepherds. But he was also careful not to
take any support while he was at a given church. He wanted
them to know that he was all about the Gospel and not about
the money. Paul worked to support himself while he was on a
missionary journey. The Philippians thought Paul’s work so
important, they sent money on several occasions to wherever
he was. In the letter, Paul is careful to explain that he isn’t
asking for more money, he is just thankful for what they sent.
Later in verse 15 and further on, Paul reemphasizes his
appreciation to the Philippians. He even mentions that they
brought him a gift when he was in Thessalonica. This is
interesting, because Paul went directly from Philippi to
Thessalonica. He had just been with them and they brought
him a gift of support! And they must have hurried because he
didn’t stay in Thessalonica very long!
Paul was also careful to remind them that when they
supported him, they were supporting the work of the Lord. So
then, the gifts were essentially a gift to God and certainly
pleasing to Him! In verse 19, Paul also indicated that he
believed that God would richly bless those who minister to the
needs of God’s servants. Imagine being blessed by God
“according to His glorious riches!” God’s wealth is infinite! But
aren’t you glad God’s wealth and blessings upon us are not
restricted to monetary blessings? I’m reminded of those crazy
rich people in Hollywood who have everything except true,
unconditional love in their lives.
I know of a church that has a Pastor Ministry-Ministry Team.
They are a group of people who have taken it on as their
ministry to minister to their pastors. Mostly, they ensure that
their pastors are prayed for and lifted up to the Lord. But they
also do some practical things, like sending a note to each
pastor once a month, taking a cake or cookies over to their
house, getting the pastor a restaurant gift card for date night,
washing the pastor’s car, or just whatever they can think of to
bless their pastors. They understand the necessity of blessing
our shepherds. They understand that as we fill up our pastors,
our pastors will be fully recharged and ready to minister to us
in times of need! The Philippians did this for Paul.
We had a visiting pastor at our church one time. For some
reason I don’t remember, I ended up running an errand using
the pastor’s car. I stopped at the gas station and filled it up.
I even ran it through the car wash. You would have thought I
moved a pyramid, he was so happy. It really is the little things
that make the difference. I also remember a time when we sent
blue jeans and peanut butter to a missionary. They were
elated!!! Really, think about it. Would most women prefer to
get a dozen roses once a year or one rose each month for
twelve months? We get so focused on doing the big things, we
forget that our pastors, church staff, yes, even our own family
members need to be appreciated as often as we can. It gives
them strength, it strengthens our relationships with them, and it
allows them to be ready to bless us back when we need it!
But there is some extra credit here, too! Most Christians are
not professional pastors or missionaries. Yes, we are to
represent Christ wherever we are, but I mean as a profession.
Isn’t it true that as we support them, they are better able to
carry out the work of the Lord? Yes! For every prayer we pray
for them, for every dollar we give in support of missionaries, for
every encouragement we give them, we gain a part in their
work: their work of sharing the Good News of Christ Jesus! By
supporting them, we become part of their team.
I was on mission recently with Beach Reach on South Padre
Island. More than any time before, I saw the necessity of team
work in winning people to Christ in the lives of Albert, Mario,
and Rocky. You see, these three young men found
themselves in jail one morning. As they were let out, they were
offered a ride to “free pancakes” by some crazy Christian
college students doing something called Beach Reach who
were hanging out in front of the jail. Free, fresh, and delicious
pancakes were prepared by a Texas Baptist Disaster team in a
church parking lot. Students and adults were there, engaging
people in conversation and pointing to Christ. I was there and
got to talk to Albert for a few minutes as a Texas Baptist
Disaster team member served us some orange juice. A few
minutes later, one of the Beach Reach students led Albert to
the Lord Jesus Christ! Then I had the opportunity to sit and
talk with Albert until his ride got there. In talking with him and
his friends, soon Mario gave his life to Christ! It wasn’t long
before Rocky was praying, dedicating his life to Christ! One of
the Baptist Student Ministry Directors spent some time talking
with Albert. Then a graduate student Beach Reacher, Joseph,
and I spent 6 hours at Whataburger pouring Jesus into the
three of them before their ride arrived. But I wasn’t there by
accident. Some people from my church gave money to get me
there, they sacrificed their time to pray diligently for us while we
were there. So you see, if any link in the chain that led to the
salvation of these young men had been broken, they may not
have found Christ. It took everyone, and especially the ones
that stayed home. Without the support of the ones that stayed
home, none of us would have been there!
So, you see. As you encourage, as you pray for, and as you
send pastors and missionaries out, YOU get credit in heaven
for the work the Lord is able to accomplish through them! That
is some pretty cool extra credit! Look around this week for
someone you can encourage, look for a ministry that is making
a serious difference for Christ, look for where God is at work,
and join Him there! And when you do, you will be just like the
Philippians as they got credit for what the Lord was doing
through Paul!
Keep The Son in Your Eyes,
Pastor Devin
First Baptist Church PO Box 279
La Vernia, TX 78121 Office: 830.253.1239
Fax: 830.779.4521 Office Email: [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Friday: 9am-5pm
website: www.fbclv.com
Deacons of the Week Schedule Sunday Worship 9:00am / 10:30am
1 Bobby Faulkner / Joey Goode 8 Mike Kinsey / Tony Costanzo 15 Ted Claus / Ken Holt 22 Hank Herrera / Ted Claus 29 Stan Walker / Lane Talbert FH = Fellowship Hall
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
8a-10:45a Pancake Breakfast Camp Fundraiser 3p Council Mtg 5p Deacons Mtg
2
6p Women’s Bible Study
3
8:30a Women’s Bible Study 9a Seniors Bible Study 5:30p GROW Ministry 6:30p Financial
4 Regular
Wednesday Schedule
5
Wake up
America!
Pray for
Revival!
6
Senior Adult Fellowship Lunch at Trail Riders in Floresville
7
FH reserved 12p-3p for baby shower
8
Men’s chorus to sing and
flowers for all our women at both
services!
9 6p Women’s Bible Study
10 8:30a
Women’s Bible Study 9a Seniors Bible Study (Last one for
Summer break)
5:30p GROW Ministry 6:30p Financial
11
Regular Wednesday
Schedule
12 13 14 9a-11a - FH Adult Life Group Leadership Training (Breakfast provided)
15 NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE
16 6p Women’s Bible Study
17
8:30a Women’s Bible Study 10a Nursing Home Ministry 5:30p GROW Ministry 6:30p Financial Peace Univ.
18 11a LVHS Senior Class Luncheon at the Chamber
Regular Wednesday
Schedule 7p
Business Mtg
19 20 10a-2p - FH Seniors Game Day
21
LV Bluebonnet Parade/Festival
22 Senior Recognition during worship
services 6p FBC hosts LV churches 1st Baccalaureate Service / Dessert Reception
23
6p Women’s Bible Study
24 8:30a Women’s Bible Study 5:30p GROW Ministry 6:30p Financial Peace Univ.
25
Regular Wednesday
Schedule
26 27
Last day of school
28
29 30
Church Office closed
31 8:30a Women’s Bible Study 5:30p GROW Ministry 6:30p Financial Peace Univ.
JUNE EVENTS 3 - Senior Adult Lunch 3 - LVISD Graduation 11 - Men’s Breakfast 12 - Lord’s Supper 13-16 - Preteen Camp at Palacious 16 - SOUL Café Women’s Fellowship 19 - Father’s Day 20-24 - Youth Mission Project 26 - Church “Redemption” Picnic
First Baptist Welcomes you!
Sunday
8:00-8:50 am Life Groups (adults only)
8:45 am Prayer in Pastor’s Office
9:00-10:00 am 1st Worship & Life Groups
10:30-11:30 am 2nd Worship & Life Groups
10:30-11:30 am Kid’s Worship
4:00 pm Worship Choir
5:00 pm Youth
Wednesday
11:30 am Senior Adults Prayer Group
5:30 pm Fellowship Supper
6:00 pm Children’s Choir
6:30 pm Prayer Meeting
6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study
6:30 pm Frontline Youth (G 6-12)
6:30 pm Children’s TeamKid (K-5)
6:45 pm Preschool Choir
Monthly Newsletter
PO BOX 279 LA VERNIA, TX 78121-0279
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NON PROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPAID PERMIT NO. 5
— Church Staff — Dr. Josh Walters, Senior Pastor [email protected] Jeff Parker, Pastor of Worship & Discipleship [email protected] Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9am-5pm Randy McDaris, Pastor of Youth & Missions [email protected] Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9am-5pm Devin Butts, Assoc. Pastor & Business Administration [email protected] Judy Chesser, Children’s Ministry Director [email protected] Bob Lockwood, Assoc. Pastor of Senior Adults [email protected] Shirley Summers, Asst. Senior Adult Coordinator Debbie McReynolds, Ministry Assistant [email protected] Dan Rhoades, Church Treasurer [email protected] Lisa Syma, Asst. Church Treasurer/Council Chair [email protected] Jane Sijansky, Interim Nursery Director Randy Lockwood, Outreach Director James Woitaske, Deacon Chairman [email protected] Kelly Mollenkopf, Director of Media [email protected] Laurie Costanzo, Wednesday Dinner Coordinator [email protected] Joan Robertson, Creative Director [email protected]
First Baptist Church PO Box 279
201 S. Crews St. La Vernia, TX 78121
Office: 830.253.1239 Fax: 830.779.4521
Office Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am-5 pm
We are so excited to offer Financial Peace University at FBCLV.
Melanie and Mike Barker will be the Coordinators.
The class will meet on Tuesdays for nine weeks beginning May 3 and
ending on June 28, 6:30pm to 9:00pm. The cost is $100.
Scholarships are available.