FirstUpdate | February 14, 2020

A weekly update from First Baptist Church of Strafford

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In The Dark

<<First Name>>,

The message for this Sunday is titled “The Dark Night of the Soul” from Genesis 15:1-21. I encourage you to read this passage before Sunday. The text will remind us that the “one who truly fears God, and is obedient to Him, may be in a condition of darkness, and have no light; and he may walk many days and years in that condition...” This was written by Thomas Goodwin in the 1600s, and the prophet Isaiah agrees with him: “Who is among you that fears the LORD, That obeys the voice of His servant, That walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God” (Isaiah 50:10).

At times, even the most dedicated Christian feels “in the dark” and wonders why God seems so far away. During the Boxer Rebellion, the China Inland Mission suffered greatly and its founder, J. Hudson Taylor, said to a friend, “I cannot read; I cannot think; I cannot even pray; but I can trust.” It was a dark time, but God eventually gave light. Some of you might feel like you are in the dark!

Abraham had an experience of what spiritual directors call “the dark night of the soul.” The term comes from a sixteenth-century spiritual classic of that title by St. John of the Cross. Based on the night scenes described in the Song of Songs, the book tells how the child of God enters into deeper love and faith by experiencing temporary darkness and seeming separation from God. It is not an easy thing to experience, but sometimes necessary. Abraham had three great concerns. During that “dark night” experience, God met all three of them.

Here is a good example of faith versus feelings. We can’t rely on how we feel. Our feelings, thoughts, and emotions go up and down. If you go to a scary movie, you can know that the monster is not real and still feel afraid. You can still be scared because the moviemakers manipulate your mind so that you begin to feel a reality that is not truly there.

You may know it’s not real, but you feel like it’s real, so therefore you get scared. Feelings have no intellect. All they can do is react. Having faith is not based on how one feels.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Rick

Worship With Us This Sunday!

Join us for worship at First Baptist Church this Sunday, February 16, as Pastor Rick continues a series on Abraham with a message titled "The Dark Night of the Soul" from Genesis 15:1-21.

We hope to see you and your family for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:45. Music will be led by our praise team and band. Click HERE to preview the service plan.

New Sunday School Curriculum

For the past 18 months, our Sunday School classes and our children’s church have used the book-by-book “Explore The Bible” curriculum on Sunday mornings. We have enjoyed the in-depth looks at Galatians, James, Genesis 25-50, Mark, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Ephesians, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Beginning on Sunday, March 1, all classes will be making a switch to LifeWay’s “Bible Studies for Life” curriculum. Topics for the spring quarter include “Holy Vocabulary: Unpacking the Language of Faith” and “Dealing with Messy Relationships.”

Now is a great time to join a class! For more information, contact Josh Erisman, minister of music and education.

Pinewood Derby

We will be hosting a pinewood derby at the church on Saturday, February 29, beginning at 9:00 a.m. If your child is interested in participating, talk with Ray Schnick by this Sunday so he can get a car for them. The cost is $3.00 for the car and $3.00 for the entry fee. If you are interested in sponsoring a child's fees, let Ray know. Everyone is invited to come out and watch the races on February 29!

2020 Elections

Participating in the democratic process through voting is an important responsibility for all Americas. This is a full election year, with four elections scheduled. Mark these dates and plan to cast your ballots!

March 10 | Presidential Preference Primary
April 7 | Municipal Election
August 4 | Primary Election
November 3 | General Election

If you are not registered to vote, contact Shannon Peelor or the church office and we can assist you. First Baptist Church is the polling place for Strafford residents.

VBS 2020 | "Concrete & Cranes"

Sunday, May 31 to Friday, June 5

Mark your calendars and watch for more information about volunteer sign-up coming soon!

This Week @ FBC Strafford

Saturday, February 15
11:00 a.m. | "Our Daily Bread" Food Pantry OPEN until 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 16
9:00 a.m. | TA Truck Stop Service
9:30 a.m. | Sunday School
10:45 a.m. | Worship Service
3:30 p.m. | Choir Rehearsal

Monday, February 17
1:00 p.m. | Painting Class

Tuesday, February 18
9:30 a.m. | Knitting & Crocheting Group @ Strafford Senior Center

Wednesday, February 19
6:00 p.m. | NOW Free Family Meal
6:30 p.m. | KidsNOW / StudentsNOW
7:00 p.m. | LivingNOW (Adults)

Thursday, February 20
10:00 a.m. | Painting Class

Sunday, February 23
9:00 a.m. | TA Truck Stop Service
9:30 a.m. | Sunday School
10:45 a.m. | Worship Service
3:30 p.m. | Choir Rehearsal
5:00 p.m. | ThreeSixTEENS Rehearsal

CLICK HERE to view full calendar.

This Sunday, February 16

ECM | Terry B./Aroara F.
Greeters | Gary & Linda W.
Information Desk | Connie W.
Van Driver | Mike B.
Audio | Wayne S.
Video | Jeff P.
Security | Sandy S./Mike B.
Children's Church | Belinda D./Chandra C./Chris Ho.
Counters - Shannon P./Sandy S.

If you cannot serve on your assigned Sunday, please arrange a substitute and let the church office know by calling 736-2148 or emailing church@fbcstrafford.org. Thank you to all those who serve our church in these important roles each Sunday morning!

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