First Sunday in September

Today was another great day at FBC.

Deacons Meeting

The deacons met this morning. We assigned all of our widows and home bound members to a deacon. In case of an emergency, such as a hurricane, these men will contact the individuals to whom they are assigned in order to offer help or assistance. I was thrilled by the enthusiasm of our men. While the men will check on these folks during the year, hopefully, we will not have to deal with a hurricane anytime soon.

Bible Study Groups

Some new teachers began there assignments in our Bible Study Groups. Our attendance was significantly higher than the last few weeks. We are participating in the Sunday School Growth Cycle through the Mississippi Baptist Convention. This is an 18 month process. Dionne Williams from the Gulf Coast Baptist Association will be our consultant. I am looking forward to working with him.

Morning Worship

At the beginning of the service, we baptized two brothers who made professions of faith at Central Hill Baptist Retreat during the Boys Missions Camp. While I was getting ready to return to the sanctuary, Selina Smith did a great Children's Sermon.

Before I preached, the choir sang a powerful anthem, One Holy Lamb. They nailed it. We have some talented singers in our choir. All of the parts are covered with quality singers. Mike Smith, the Minister of Music, does a great job of leading them. Again, I was moved and excited by the manner in which they led us in worship. We've got to figure out how to enlarge the choir loft. It was packed.

Sermon

I preached a sermon based on James 2:1-13. The sermon was entitled Unbiased Relations.

I. Giving preference based on outward appearance is evil (1-4).

II. Granting dishonor to a poor man brings shame to the name of Jesus (5-7).

III. Going against any one of God’s laws condemns us as sinners (8-11).

IV. Giving mercy is the Christian’s duty (12-13).


Evening Service

Boo White, the Minister of Students, began a small group discipleship class tonight. It will meet in the Activities Building at 5:00 PM each week. He was pleased with the number of students who attended.

Our children met for choir during the service. Also, we began Bible Drill and Bible Buddies. Several children came. We are blessed with dedicated workers who work with the children. Tomorrow night, 5 of our workers are planning to attend the Bible Drill Training at FBC Pascagoula.

With all the activities, the attendance during our Evening Service was outstanding. Mike Smith, the Minister of Music, whispered to me before I preached, "This is a 'Sunday Morning' Crowd." This was very encouraging.

Stewardship Meeting

After the evening service, the Stewardship Team met. The members of this ministry team are doing a great job. They take their responsibilities seriously. God has been faithful in blessing our offerings. People have been faithful in giving.

I am proud to say that I have never had to take a BC Powder, or any other pain remedy, following any of the Deacons Meetings or Stewardship Meetings since I have been pastor of FBC Leakesville. What a blessing.