I don't know about you, but for me, new things are exciting. Now before your defenses go up, I'm not leading up to tell you about how we need/want to start some new program or way of doing church. I'm just talking about simple newness. A new jar of (creamy) peanut butter. New sprouts in my garden. New grass coming in after the winter has turned green to brown. New life.
Both of my families are in a season of new. In my own family, our girls are starting school together in the same class for the first time. For those who don't already know, we are expecting a new baby in February of next year. As the girls get older, our little conversations have taken on new substance and depth. Having children has facilitated a new facet of home life and relationship between Joanna and myself.
New is also the order of the day for our church family. A new building is being built due to a fire. A new man is sharing the Word of God since our previous pastor's departure. We have learned to embrace a new way of "doing church" as a result of limited educational space. All in all, "new" has become the new norm lately.
I have been recently reading in 2 Corinthians 5 of the ministry of reconciliation that all believers share. In verse 17, Paul tells the Corinthian church that, "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." To be "new," means that there has been a change. Whatever was before, is something different now. For humanity, Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection means that the old system of laws and repeated sacrificing of animals for atonement is finished. New life, forgiveness, and hope is available for those who are willing to submit to Christ as Lord and Savior. For believers, we have a new mission and purpose. Paul goes on in verse 20 to say that we are now "ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us." Our full time job, regardless of what we do to pay bills, is to tell the world of this new hope found only in Christ.
For many in our area, the school grind either has begun today or will begin later this week. What opportunities could God have prepared for students as they start back to school? What conversations need to happen between classes or in the lunch room? For the rest of us, what would God have us do to cooperate with Him to reconcile people to Himself? Whatever it is, new is exciting and certainly good.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Youth Fundraiser Update!
Hey Everyone,
There has been a recent change in the two youth fundraisers for April. First, the location for the April 9th yard work day has been changed. YOUTH WILL MEET AT BRO. JOE'S HOUSE AT 9AM. We should be finished no later than noon, so parents can pick up students at my house then. Wear clothes to get dirty in, and if you have gloves, they will surely come in handy! Secondly, the April 14th fundraiser has been cancelled. I am working on a replacement fundraiser for either later in the month, or early in May. Stay tuned in to the blog, and the IBC news for updates.
There has been a recent change in the two youth fundraisers for April. First, the location for the April 9th yard work day has been changed. YOUTH WILL MEET AT BRO. JOE'S HOUSE AT 9AM. We should be finished no later than noon, so parents can pick up students at my house then. Wear clothes to get dirty in, and if you have gloves, they will surely come in handy! Secondly, the April 14th fundraiser has been cancelled. I am working on a replacement fundraiser for either later in the month, or early in May. Stay tuned in to the blog, and the IBC news for updates.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Camp Fundraisers in April
For all students attending Youth or Children's camp, here are some fundraisers coming up to help offset the cost of those camps for the month of April:
Youth:
April 9th- Yardwork for hire. Those wanting to split the donation for the yard work should meet at the church at 9am dressed and ready to get dirty! The project should only take 2-3 hours. Breakfast will be provided.
April 14th- Another yardwork for hire day. Those wanting to split the donation for the yard work should meet at the church at 9am dressed and ready to get dirty! The project should only take 2-3 hours. Breakfast will be provided.
Children:
April 22nd- Pancake breakfast from 7:30-8:30am, before Sunday School in the Hut. For students going to camp: pick up your tickets to sell from Bro. Joe on either Easter, or the Wednesday after.
Cookbook Sale: Michelle Hatton and Jennifer Williamson (along with David) have worked hard compiling a cookbook which will go on sale soon. Children going to camp will be selling them for $10.
For any questions regarding upcoming events or schedules, please call or email me anytime. I'm excited to be taking your students to camp again this year, and look forward to seeing what God is going to do in and through them all!
Joe
Youth:
April 9th- Yardwork for hire. Those wanting to split the donation for the yard work should meet at the church at 9am dressed and ready to get dirty! The project should only take 2-3 hours. Breakfast will be provided.
April 14th- Another yardwork for hire day. Those wanting to split the donation for the yard work should meet at the church at 9am dressed and ready to get dirty! The project should only take 2-3 hours. Breakfast will be provided.
Children:
April 22nd- Pancake breakfast from 7:30-8:30am, before Sunday School in the Hut. For students going to camp: pick up your tickets to sell from Bro. Joe on either Easter, or the Wednesday after.
Cookbook Sale: Michelle Hatton and Jennifer Williamson (along with David) have worked hard compiling a cookbook which will go on sale soon. Children going to camp will be selling them for $10.
For any questions regarding upcoming events or schedules, please call or email me anytime. I'm excited to be taking your students to camp again this year, and look forward to seeing what God is going to do in and through them all!
Joe
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Spring Break Activities
The much needed Spring Break is coming up next week. Here are the Youth and Children's activities going on during the week:
Youth:
March 11th- Youth game night @ the King’s from 5-9pm. The youth will meet at the King’s for game night.
Children:
1. March 13th- Children/parents game night @ the Hut from 6-8pm. Bro. Joe will provide supper, parents just bring a dessert!
2. March 15th- Children/parents “Lunch -n- Bowl” at Champion Lanes in Hattiesburg from 11am to 1pm. We will meet at Champion Lanes for this “Dutch” lunch fellowship.
If you have any questions about upcoming events or how you can plug into IBC's Student ministries, please contact Bro. Joe.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Retreat and Other Stuff...
As promised, here is some information regarding the retreat and the Lasagna fundraiser lunch for the youth.
1. Winter Retreat: Click on hyperlinks to see or print the retreat schedule and/or packing list. They will also be available on the church website under "parent forms" in the youth section.
2. Youth Lasagna Fundraiser Lunch: The camp fundraiser lunch will be on Sunday, February 12, directly following the worship service. We will meet in the church kitchen at 6pm on Saturday, the 11th to build the lasagnas and do as much set up as we can prior to Sunday. We will need parents to help in the kitchen during SS and the worship service the morning of the lunch, so if you're interested, please send Joe and email or give him a call. Please note that any student wishing to receive proceeds from the lunch must be present to work it, or have someone from their family working in their stead.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to drop an email or a call. I'm excited about both the lunch and the retreat. God has some really cool things in store for your students!
Joe
1. Winter Retreat: Click on hyperlinks to see or print the retreat schedule and/or packing list. They will also be available on the church website under "parent forms" in the youth section.
2. Youth Lasagna Fundraiser Lunch: The camp fundraiser lunch will be on Sunday, February 12, directly following the worship service. We will meet in the church kitchen at 6pm on Saturday, the 11th to build the lasagnas and do as much set up as we can prior to Sunday. We will need parents to help in the kitchen during SS and the worship service the morning of the lunch, so if you're interested, please send Joe and email or give him a call. Please note that any student wishing to receive proceeds from the lunch must be present to work it, or have someone from their family working in their stead.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to drop an email or a call. I'm excited about both the lunch and the retreat. God has some really cool things in store for your students!
Joe
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Student Ministry News
Hello all, and happy New Year! As I sit in my office typing with my jacket on, it's hard to make my brain think about things coming up in the Spring and Summer, but it is that time of year again. Listed below are some of the upcoming events and important dates for both the Youth and Children's ministries. Stay connected to the blog and the IBC Church News to read about any additional activities coming up!
Youth:
1. Camp Meeting- will be Sunday, January 29th, in the sanctuary, directly following the morning worship service. This will be a joint camp meeting with children's parents for children's camp, so don't be alarmed!
2. Super Bowl Party- February 5th @ Bro. Joe's house. Everyone will meet there at 6pm. Parents can pick up their students at any point in the evening, but anyone is welcome to stay until the game is over. Oh, and parents are invited to stay to eat and watch the game too!
3. Youth Fundraiser Lunch- Sunday, February 12th after the morning service, the youth will host a lasagna lunch. As usual, we will meet at the church Saturday evening to get things ready and build the lasagnas.
4. Winter Retreat- February 24-26 @Harvest Ministries in Carson, MS. We still have room for you if you are interested in coming with us. You can sign up on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall (close to the coke machine). The cost is $20 per student.
5. MFUGE Deposits- are due on or by February 29th. Parent information packets, including medical release forms and a trip conduct covenant form are now available on the church's website. Go to "ministries," "youth," and click on "Parent Forms" to download and print the needed documents. MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS (2), PHOTOCOPIES OF INSURANCE CARD, AND SIGNED TRIP CONDUCT COVENANT ARE DUE WITH YOUR DEPOSIT ON FEBRUARY 29TH. Please contact me with any questions regarding your forms or deposits.
6. Spring Break Fellowship- Sunday night, March 11, the youth will meet at Bro. Joe's house for a movie/game night. The time will be 6-9pm.
Children:
1. Camp Meeting- will be Sunday, January 29th, in the sanctuary, directly following the morning worship service. This will be a joint camp meeting with youth parents for youth camp, so don't be alarmed!
2. Children's Camp Information- CentriKid (children's camp) will be at Millsap's college in Jackson, MS again this summer. This camp is for children who have completed 3rd grade by May of 2012, up through students who are currently in the 6th grade. A deposit of $50 is due on or by February 29th. Parent information packets, including medical release forms and a trip conduct covenant form are now available on the church's website. Go to "ministries," "children," and click on "Parent Forms" to download and print the needed documents. MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS (2), PHOTOCOPIES OF INSURANCE CARD, AND SIGNED TRIP CONDUCT COVENANT ARE DUE WITH YOUR DEPOSIT ON FEBRUARY 29TH. Please contact me with any questions regarding your forms or deposits.
3. Spring Break Fellowships- We will have 2 fellowship opportunities for children and their families during Spring Break. The first will be a movie/game night fellowship at the Hut from 6-8pm on Tuesday, March 13th. The second opportunity is a dutch "lunch -n- bowl" outing at Champion lanes on Thursday, March 15th. 2 games of bowling, shoes and lunch are included for the lunch and bowl price of around $10! Contact me if you are interested in helping on either of the two fellowships.
Youth:
1. Camp Meeting- will be Sunday, January 29th, in the sanctuary, directly following the morning worship service. This will be a joint camp meeting with children's parents for children's camp, so don't be alarmed!
2. Super Bowl Party- February 5th @ Bro. Joe's house. Everyone will meet there at 6pm. Parents can pick up their students at any point in the evening, but anyone is welcome to stay until the game is over. Oh, and parents are invited to stay to eat and watch the game too!
3. Youth Fundraiser Lunch- Sunday, February 12th after the morning service, the youth will host a lasagna lunch. As usual, we will meet at the church Saturday evening to get things ready and build the lasagnas.
4. Winter Retreat- February 24-26 @Harvest Ministries in Carson, MS. We still have room for you if you are interested in coming with us. You can sign up on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall (close to the coke machine). The cost is $20 per student.
5. MFUGE Deposits- are due on or by February 29th. Parent information packets, including medical release forms and a trip conduct covenant form are now available on the church's website. Go to "ministries," "youth," and click on "Parent Forms" to download and print the needed documents. MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS (2), PHOTOCOPIES OF INSURANCE CARD, AND SIGNED TRIP CONDUCT COVENANT ARE DUE WITH YOUR DEPOSIT ON FEBRUARY 29TH. Please contact me with any questions regarding your forms or deposits.
6. Spring Break Fellowship- Sunday night, March 11, the youth will meet at Bro. Joe's house for a movie/game night. The time will be 6-9pm.
Children:
1. Camp Meeting- will be Sunday, January 29th, in the sanctuary, directly following the morning worship service. This will be a joint camp meeting with youth parents for youth camp, so don't be alarmed!
2. Children's Camp Information- CentriKid (children's camp) will be at Millsap's college in Jackson, MS again this summer. This camp is for children who have completed 3rd grade by May of 2012, up through students who are currently in the 6th grade. A deposit of $50 is due on or by February 29th. Parent information packets, including medical release forms and a trip conduct covenant form are now available on the church's website. Go to "ministries," "children," and click on "Parent Forms" to download and print the needed documents. MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS (2), PHOTOCOPIES OF INSURANCE CARD, AND SIGNED TRIP CONDUCT COVENANT ARE DUE WITH YOUR DEPOSIT ON FEBRUARY 29TH. Please contact me with any questions regarding your forms or deposits.
3. Spring Break Fellowships- We will have 2 fellowship opportunities for children and their families during Spring Break. The first will be a movie/game night fellowship at the Hut from 6-8pm on Tuesday, March 13th. The second opportunity is a dutch "lunch -n- bowl" outing at Champion lanes on Thursday, March 15th. 2 games of bowling, shoes and lunch are included for the lunch and bowl price of around $10! Contact me if you are interested in helping on either of the two fellowships.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
In the Blink of an Eye
Today is a very special day in the life of our family. It has nothing to do with Christmas, or birthdays, or anything that happened lately. This day is special because it marks a year to the day that the twins became ours, and they would begin their lives anew with us.
Our reflection upon this day has been almost constant, and full of emotion. As I close my eyes, I am taken back to another time and place which memories made seem as tangible today as they were then. This is my reflection of that time...
The snow was piled deep and high. Although I had experienced winter in the Midwest, I had never been to a place where arctic winds seemed to blow from all four directions simultaneously. We were thankful for heat, but even more thankful that we made it through the maze of snow and ice closed airports across Europe. Barring any unforeseen last minute obstacles that would push our time into Russia's holiday government closures, our life was on schedule to change forever.
The long awaited day had finally arrived. Wednesday, December 22, 2010 was to be a momentous, albeit busy day. Jet lag and time differences aside, we woke early with great anticipation. We joked over breakfast that it would no doubt be our last quiet one with only the two of us for a long time. We joked about it, but we were both glad. Our wait had been long and excruciating. Our process was tedious and thorough, but the end was finally in sight. This would be our third and final trip to Russia, and soon we would all be home.
The rest of that morning and early afternoon was spent preparing the room for the twins, and shopping for baby food, diapers, and other things we would need to finish our stay in St. Petersburg until we were able to shop again in Moscow. What would have been a simple and easy trip to Walmart in the states, took us several hours over there. The snow was deep and the roads were nasty, to say the least. After dashing back to the hotel for a quick break, the time finally came when our driver and translator picked us up and took us to the baby home-for the last time.
The atmosphere at the baby home was fast paced, but very special when we got there to get the twins. The staff all cried as they brought the girls to us and they said their goodbyes to then, Diana and Olga. As we completely changed the girls clothes from what they were dressed in at the home, to what we would take them away in, the act was quite sobering. Our stateside case worker told us to be prepared to bring a complete change of clothes to take the girls away in. "Bring new diapers, shoes, jumpers, snow clothes or whatever because they will literally take the clothes off of your girls and put them on the next child in line." Wow. I was taken aback when I experienced the paradox of being filled with so much joy and deep sadness all at the same time. Our girls would need new clothes because there were orphans in need right there in the next room. This harsh reality brought James 1:27 to us in a raw and unforgettable way.
Although Joanna and me were excited beyond description, the ride back to the hotel was uneventful. As we smiled at each other and then at the girls all the way back, they were freaked out and sleepy. Within five miles of the baby home, they were both asleep. About the only fun to be had that night was their first bath time. Everything was new and it was all a bit overwhelming for them, as well as for us. For those who followed Joanna's blog from then (www.lovelylittlefootsteps.com), you remember the horrible stomach virus that claimed me that first night, and then Joanna two days later. We were sick as dogs until my mother arrived to help us on Christmas day. Even though it was something I wouldn't want to experience again under those same circumstances, we were able to achieve a certain level of bonding between sleep, throwing up, changing diapers, and mylecon.
By the time we arrived in Moscow, by way of the scary overnight train, we were all pretty much on the mend. Despite learning of Russia when it was still a communist country, the city was beautiful and like something from a fairy tale. The snow covered "onion domed" churches and buildings were beautiful. We had to spend 4-5 days there waiting on passports and paperwork to be able to complete our exit interview at the American Embassy. During that wait, we had fun getting to know each other and just enjoying the time isolated from the rest of the world as the family ties began to take hold. On our final full day, the snow stopped falling and the sun came out. We were able to go to Red Square, and to see the Kremlin. Our pictures do much better justice than words, but suffice it to say, the scope was breath taking. The next morning, we boarded our first plane, headed home taking with us not only priceless memories, but two precious children as well.
The journey from our first conversation about adoption 5 years ago, to finally pulling into our driveway with the twins in their car seats has held many treasured experiences. Along the way, we have learned much about ourselves. We came to better understand that although it took months of prayer, and eventually the testimony from a woman who adopted from China for us to understand God's calling, adoption is no new or mysterious concept to God. According to Paul in Galatians 4, we who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, have been adopted by God into His family. We learned that when God calls a family to undertake a task, you may or may not fully understand how you are going to accomplish the task, but all the while, God guides and directs circumstances by His sovereign hand. We also came to appreciate, after years of struggle and disappointment, Corey tin Boom's statement, "there is no pit so deep that He (God) is not deeper still." And just like that, in God's perfect timing, our family was forever changed in the blink of an eye.
Our reflection upon this day has been almost constant, and full of emotion. As I close my eyes, I am taken back to another time and place which memories made seem as tangible today as they were then. This is my reflection of that time...
The snow was piled deep and high. Although I had experienced winter in the Midwest, I had never been to a place where arctic winds seemed to blow from all four directions simultaneously. We were thankful for heat, but even more thankful that we made it through the maze of snow and ice closed airports across Europe. Barring any unforeseen last minute obstacles that would push our time into Russia's holiday government closures, our life was on schedule to change forever.
The long awaited day had finally arrived. Wednesday, December 22, 2010 was to be a momentous, albeit busy day. Jet lag and time differences aside, we woke early with great anticipation. We joked over breakfast that it would no doubt be our last quiet one with only the two of us for a long time. We joked about it, but we were both glad. Our wait had been long and excruciating. Our process was tedious and thorough, but the end was finally in sight. This would be our third and final trip to Russia, and soon we would all be home.
The rest of that morning and early afternoon was spent preparing the room for the twins, and shopping for baby food, diapers, and other things we would need to finish our stay in St. Petersburg until we were able to shop again in Moscow. What would have been a simple and easy trip to Walmart in the states, took us several hours over there. The snow was deep and the roads were nasty, to say the least. After dashing back to the hotel for a quick break, the time finally came when our driver and translator picked us up and took us to the baby home-for the last time.
The atmosphere at the baby home was fast paced, but very special when we got there to get the twins. The staff all cried as they brought the girls to us and they said their goodbyes to then, Diana and Olga. As we completely changed the girls clothes from what they were dressed in at the home, to what we would take them away in, the act was quite sobering. Our stateside case worker told us to be prepared to bring a complete change of clothes to take the girls away in. "Bring new diapers, shoes, jumpers, snow clothes or whatever because they will literally take the clothes off of your girls and put them on the next child in line." Wow. I was taken aback when I experienced the paradox of being filled with so much joy and deep sadness all at the same time. Our girls would need new clothes because there were orphans in need right there in the next room. This harsh reality brought James 1:27 to us in a raw and unforgettable way.
Although Joanna and me were excited beyond description, the ride back to the hotel was uneventful. As we smiled at each other and then at the girls all the way back, they were freaked out and sleepy. Within five miles of the baby home, they were both asleep. About the only fun to be had that night was their first bath time. Everything was new and it was all a bit overwhelming for them, as well as for us. For those who followed Joanna's blog from then (www.lovelylittlefootsteps.com), you remember the horrible stomach virus that claimed me that first night, and then Joanna two days later. We were sick as dogs until my mother arrived to help us on Christmas day. Even though it was something I wouldn't want to experience again under those same circumstances, we were able to achieve a certain level of bonding between sleep, throwing up, changing diapers, and mylecon.
By the time we arrived in Moscow, by way of the scary overnight train, we were all pretty much on the mend. Despite learning of Russia when it was still a communist country, the city was beautiful and like something from a fairy tale. The snow covered "onion domed" churches and buildings were beautiful. We had to spend 4-5 days there waiting on passports and paperwork to be able to complete our exit interview at the American Embassy. During that wait, we had fun getting to know each other and just enjoying the time isolated from the rest of the world as the family ties began to take hold. On our final full day, the snow stopped falling and the sun came out. We were able to go to Red Square, and to see the Kremlin. Our pictures do much better justice than words, but suffice it to say, the scope was breath taking. The next morning, we boarded our first plane, headed home taking with us not only priceless memories, but two precious children as well.
The journey from our first conversation about adoption 5 years ago, to finally pulling into our driveway with the twins in their car seats has held many treasured experiences. Along the way, we have learned much about ourselves. We came to better understand that although it took months of prayer, and eventually the testimony from a woman who adopted from China for us to understand God's calling, adoption is no new or mysterious concept to God. According to Paul in Galatians 4, we who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, have been adopted by God into His family. We learned that when God calls a family to undertake a task, you may or may not fully understand how you are going to accomplish the task, but all the while, God guides and directs circumstances by His sovereign hand. We also came to appreciate, after years of struggle and disappointment, Corey tin Boom's statement, "there is no pit so deep that He (God) is not deeper still." And just like that, in God's perfect timing, our family was forever changed in the blink of an eye.
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