03.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Tom Willoughby, Sr. Pastor

ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP

       When Abraham left Ur of the Chaldees to travel to an unknown location, I'm sure that it was rather nerve-racking for him and his family.   To leave the comfort of the familiar  and the security of those you know  and love, all for what you believe to    be the instruction of God, is a daunting experience for anyone—even the 'father of the faith.'  Throughout his journeys, he made some good choices and some bad choices.  There were times when he clearly sensed God's leading and times when he felt as though God was ominously silent.  But perhaps what Abraham learned in his lifetime was that it was not as important to always 'get where he was going' as it was to recognize the hand of God that was leading him.

It has often been noted by secular philosophers that success is not the arrival at a destination, but rather the journey itself.  Certainly that maxim holds true within Christian circles, as well.  It wasn't when Abraham arrived at a given location that the lesson of his life was learned.  Perhaps that is why God did not tell him the name of his destination, lest he be tempted to believe that his journey was complete upon arrival.  We tend to like to know when we are going to get where we are going.  I like that myself.  I remember asking my parents that question incessantly as a child traveling to my grandparents, "are we there yet?"  But the problem with such perspectives is that it denies us the opportunity to recognize what God is doing in our midst along the way.  We can be so desperate to arrive that the thought itself becomes all-consuming.  And, in the midst of the anxiety and fretting about the logistics, we can miss some of the greatest moments in our relationship with Him…and we can often make some of our biggest blunders!

ULTIMATE TRUST

As a church, we have been on a journey for some 173 years, and I'm proud to tell you that we have not arrived yet.  What??  Does that mean I wish we could go on struggling with various needs and difficulties that come our way indefinitely?  Absolutely not!  But I would not forsake the opportunity to know that God is guiding us in the path of His choosing.  And, even as others who have gone before us have discovered, quite often it is in the midst of the journey that we learn some of the most significant lessons of life.  We are being called to trust—not me as your pastor, or the staff that serves this church, or the deacons who minister among you—but God Himself.  It is He Who began this journey nearly two centuries ago for this church and it will be He Himself Who completes it.  So, before we start fretting so much about whether or not we have accomplished what we want or have arrived at the place we desire, may we each seek the heart of God and ask Him what it is that He wants to teach us where we are today.  We are certain of this—we will never pass this way again.  Wouldn't it be tragic to miss some of the greatest blessings and truths God may have for us by longing to be where we are not?  And yet, at the same time, isn't it comforting to know that if God is driving this church, that He will most certainly get us to our destination?!?  He always has.  Never lose sight of that.

Blessings!

Pastor Tom

03.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Nathan Dawson, Associate Pastor Minister of Youth

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY

       For the last several months, the youth have been studying the Book of Acts, looking at how to live missional lives.  We finished Acts this past week by looking at the last two chapters.  Chapters 27-28 are filled with detailed descriptions of Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner.  In the midst of this detail, we recognize that when God gives you a task, He will see you through until it’s completion.  Remember the key verse of the Book is Acts 1:8, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth”.  Not only is this the key verse, but it can also be used as an outline for the Book.  You can easily track the progress of the Gospel message as people were dispersed into Jerusalem and then into both Judea and Samaria and later to the uttermost parts of the world (i.e. Rome).

Paul has completed the task he was assigned and now has one final witnessing platform in Rome.  Acts 23:11 records Paul’s obedience and his final task, “Take courage, for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness in Rome also.”  Paul was commissioned to be a witness in Rome, and God will see His plan completed.

 

CIRCUMSTANCES DON’T MATTER...

No doubt the sailing to Rome didn’t go as planned.  The trip quickly turned dangerous, and the ship and the crew were at the mercy of the weather.  At the start of the voyage, however, God used the Roman centurion, Julius, and his kindness toward Paul to allow believers to minister to Paul’s needs.  It wouldn’t be unfathomable to think Paul was wounded, hungry, and had other physical needs that needed attention from those at Sidon just before the trip across the Mediterranean.  (This is a great picture of what Jesus meant in Matthew 25:31-46 by meeting the needs of “these brothers of mine”.)  What would have happened to Paul if Julius refused to let him have his physical needs met?  Would Paul have made the journey alive if it wasn’t for the kindness of Julius?  God had a plan for Paul, and He used Julius as one instrument to see His purpose carried through.

 

Later in the trip, when shipwreck was unavoidable, God directed the ship’s path toward Malta where natives welcomed the passengers with a kindled fire, fighting off the cold and the rain.  Even a poisonous snakebite was not powerful enough to keep God from fulfilling His purpose for Paul in Rome.

 

...BUT A COMMITTED LIFE  DOES

So, what does this mean for us?  How can we apply the last two chapters of Acts to our lives and our church?  First, we must focus on our purpose.  Just like a runner who races toward the finish line, we must keep our eyes focused on our evangelistic purpose.  When the evangelism flame is turned down, other issues arise keeping us from fulfilling our purpose.  Paul was encouraged during the entire trip to Rome because he knew God’s purpose for him.  Difficult winds, an impossible northeastern storm, shipwreck, cold, and a venomous snakebite could not distract Paul from his purpose.  How many things in life keep you from fulfilling God’s purpose?  How often do you get discouraged because things don’t go as planned?  Remember, God has a bigger plan than you or I could ever see.  Therefore, remain faithful to the cause, and let God see you through.  Secondly, we must latch on to the final words of the Book of Acts, “Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.”  These last details should keep us focused on our purpose and rebuke us when we become disobedient.  Our lives should be characterized by preaching the kingdom of God, teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ, and doing so with openness and boldness.  Therefore, stay faithfully focused on the task, prayerfully remembering that God is in control, and be unashamedly dependent upon the Holy Spirit for unhindered bold speech.

 

Blessings,

Nathan  

03.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Library News

This month, we celebrate the return of spring and Saint Patrick’s Day.  We have new life that will be sprouting very soon, reminding us that God wants us to grow in faith and keep on becoming what He has designed for each of us.  What better way to do this than to read and study the Bible.  The library has very good commentaries and other study materials waiting to be checked out.  We also have other books that can help us grow in faith and be able to communicate our beliefs to others.  Saint Patrick's Day is held in honor of Saint Patrick, the missionary who brought Christianity to the Irish people in the 400's AD.  Are we ready to take the Christian faith to those around us?  Come to the library and see what is there to aid us in our quest to be all that God wants us to be.

03.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Library Book Review

In the Company of Others                    By Jan Karon

In Jan Karon's latest in the Father Tim Series, Episcopal priest Timothy Kavanagh, the moral center of the Mitford series by Karon, hops the Atlantic for a long anticipated vacation in the Irish countryside.  He and his wife settle in at Broughadoon, a B&B run by Liam and Anna Conor in County Sligo, and Father Tim is happy to be reacquainted with his ancestral homeland.  He's particularly taken with Catharmore, a sprawling 19th-century estate that was Liam's childhood home.  When their stay is extended because of an injury, the Kavanaghs pass the time reading up on Catharmore's history, helping out around the grounds, and getting to know the area's many colorful characters.  Father Tim assumes the role of confidant and adviser to the Conors and their extended family, investigating a burglary, helping unburden Liam and Anna of long-held secrets, and aiding Liam's alcoholic mother to recover her lost faith.  The first Father Tim Series book, Home to Holly Springs, is also in the library.

03.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ GA Retreat News

03.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Operation Christmas Child

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Remember to bring clothing items this month for the shoe boxes.  We need shirts, hats, socks, underwear, and shoes.  If you have any questions regarding the sizes, please either stop by the library or give us a call, and we will happy to help you.  Whatever you feel led to donate will be most appreciated and will be a blessing to a child.  In order to have an all church packing party in November, we need lots of items all year—our goal is 250 boxes this year!

03.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Men's Ministry News

Men’s Ministry News

You still have time to get in on the study of the book, Radical:  Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, by David Platt. This study is the first Monday of every month, 6:30 pm at the church.

02.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ City-Wide Chili Cook-off

CITY-WIDE

CHILI COOK-OFF

Sponsored by First Baptist Church of Greenwood

1601 W. Main

Greenwood, MO 64034

Proceeds to go to the Greenwood PTA

Saturday, March 5, 2011

from 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Register online at:

http://FBCGchilicookoff.eventbrite.com

For more information, contact Chris Arbuckle.

02.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Tom Willoughby, Sr. Pastor

QUITE A START

             Well, 2011 has come in with a roar!  As I write this to you, I'm staring out the window of my home office looking at a pile of snow some 6-8 inches deep!  I love snow—just not ice.  As a child, I remember making snow cream, but we always had to wait until the second or third good snow 

because we were told that it wasn't good to eat the first one because it was “full of dirt” (I'm no 

scientist, so I have no idea whether or not that's true, but that's what we were told).  And, of course, 

the number one rule of making snow cream was to never use discolored snow...especially yellow! 

I loved going outside at night and listening to the snow fall.  That's right…listening to it fall.  That's a 

fairly foreign concept in the city or suburbs, because there is always noise that claims your attention.  

But out in the country, late at night, there was nothing but silence.  It seemed that everything was 

asleep—either for the night or for the winter.  And, if you listened carefully, you could hear the 

snow gently landing.

A QUIET START

Is that what you need this year?  Do you need some silence so that you can hear the still small sound of the voice of God speaking to you?  A similar need arose in the life of a great man of God named Elijah.  Elijah had prophesied that there would be no rain upon the earth, and there was a great drought on account of the idolatry of the people.  Then, the Lord told Elijah to challenge the prophets of Baal and Ashera to a 'showdown' ,if you will, on top of Mount Carmel.  After the spectacular triumph of God over the prophets of Baal and Ashera listed in 2 Kings 18 and the subsequent slaughter of those false prophets, Elijah finds himself threatened by the queen.  He flees for his life, and in chapter 19, he is found on Mount Horeb.

It's here on Mount Horeb, far from where Elijah was serving—in fact, one might say 'in the wilderness'—that he encounters God.  However, Elijah learns something of God that we would do well to learn, and that is in the midst of your pain, suffering, discouragement, and even desperation, the voice of God thought of as thunderous can actually be gentle and subtle.  Make no mistake—God can be loud when He wants…remember Sinai?  But when we're hurting…or even running, it is often through the gentleness of His quiet voice that our attention is drawn.

GOT QUIET?

If you're looking to hear the voice of God because of your current situation in life, stop looking for the thunderous blasts or the lightening flashes.  Get alone with Him—perhaps in the wilderness somewhere—and wait for Him to speak to you through His Word.  Just like the freshness of new fallen snow, His Word will comfort you, clean you, and rejuvenate you for the journey before you.

Shalom!

 Tom

02.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Nathan Dawson, Associate Pastor/Minister of Youth

A LASTING REPUTATION

       When I was a teenager, it seemed no one knew where my hometown was located.  When asked where I was from, my reply would always demand more detail such as, “near Joplin, which is near Springfield and close to Branson.”  Sometimes I would simply say, “From the southwest corner of Missouri.”

       However, in 1989, a football tradition started in Webb City.  Due to great coaching and the efforts of  hard-working players, my town won their first state title.  From that point on, Webb City had a football reputation.  Now when the question, “Where are you from?” arises, those inquiring often replay to my answer with, “Oh yeah, they have a good football team”.  Webb City’s football tradition has given them a reputation. 

I am also asked, “How does Webb City do it—how do they always produce winning teams?”  The answer is found in the tradition that started over 20 years ago.  Elementary school children now sit in the stands watching and dreaming of the day when they become a Cardinal.  Not only did the tradition produce a reputation, but the tradition also produced an expectation for future Cardinals to work hard in order for the tradition to continue.

ONE WAY...AND IT’S FREE

In Romans 9 and 10, Paul discusses some pretty difficult issues.  Chapter 9, no doubt, is heavily debated and can be controversial.  Chapter 9, I believe, deals with the reality that some people will never be saved.  This reality should:

1. Break our heart, as it did Paul’s (9:1-3);

2. Not make us think that God has failed but instead that He is working according to a greater plan (9:6-26); and,

3. Cause us to be thankful for Jesus, Who can be received by faith but is unfortunately rejected by many (9:27-33). 

In Chapter 10, Paul defines how a person can obtain righteousness.  Even though this righteousness is “near us” (10:7) and can be received, many will still refuse salvation and righteousness that is based on faith in Jesus alone.  Paul makes it clear that:

1. Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved (10:13);

2. They cannot call unless they hear—preachers have been sent (10:14-15); and,

3. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ (10:17).

The following verse, Romans 10:18, says, “But I say, surely they have never heard, have they?  Indeed they have; their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”  What a testimony to these preachers! 

SHARE THE GIFT OF LIFE

Notice the emphasis on the verbal word.  Acts of service and kind gestures will never take the place of the spoken Word that gives people the opportunity to believe and be saved.  There also is no geographical limitation to their impact—the whole world heard because of their obedience.  The question is, “Will First Baptist Church of Greenwood, Missouri have the same testimony?”  Will nations, tribes, and tongues have no excuse for being saved because they have heard the Word but simply refused to believe in Jesus?  Will we start a tradition in 2011 by sharing the Word of Christ with the world so that future FBC Greenwood generations will follow in our footsteps and continue the tradition?  Will we be known as the church filled with “beautiful feet”? 

In today’s world, there is no excuse for not taking the Word of Christ to the world.  Even people who are forced to stay home have opportunities to tell others about Jesus by using the telephone through the North American Mission Board.  We can all go, give, and pray.  We all must be obedient.  Let’s start a tradition in 2011!  If you want to be part of this tradition, please let me know, and I will gladly share with you the opportunities before us.     

Blessings,  

   

 Nathan

02.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Quote

Reading is a basic tool in the 

         

living of a good life.

                                   

« Joseph Addison »

02.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Library Reviews

Mandie and the Secret Tunnel          

 By Lois Gladys Leppard

In the section for 8-12 year olds, we have some great chapter books written by Lois Gladys Leppard about the life of Mandie Shaw, a girl who lives in the 1800’s and has many adventures.  One of those books, Mandie and the Secret Tunnel, is also available on DVD.  In this story, when Mandie runs away from her log cabin home in 1899, she convinces her Cherokee friends to help her escape into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.  She endures a treacherous journey and finds herself in a race through hidden passages to locate Uncle John's will.  Her future hangs in the balance.  Will she be able to unlock the mystery of her heritage in time?  GIRLS...this book is calling your name.  Be the first to read this adventure book!

02.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Library News

February has many odd special days, but the one day in February that we always remember is Valentine's Day.  That may be because we are made to love by a Creator who loves us.  We love all sorts of things and people.  Many people say they love books.  Well, your church library can help take care of that passion!  We have books of all kinds to enjoy every day of the month.  Books for children, teens, and adults.  Come on in and browse…you just might find a book or DVD that YOU love!

02.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Operation Christmas Child

For the months of January, February, and March, we will be collecting clothing for Operation Christmas Child.  We need shirts, hats, socks, underwear, and shoes.  Bring whatever you feel led to donate.  In order to have an all church packing party in November, we need lots of items all year.

02.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Operation Christmas Child

Please remember to ask for samples of toothpaste, floss, and toothbrushes any time you go to the dentist.  Please also consider asking for donations at the stores where you shop.  Let's see if we can reach the goal of 250 boxes this year!

02.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Frilly Friday News

Frilly Friday

Ladies...please, please, please join us on Friday, February 25th, from 6:00 p.m. until Midnight as we create beautiful      heirlooms, share wonderful conversation, and enjoy delicious treats!!  If you don’t already have a craft to work on but you have something you are wanting to learn to do (i.e., scrapbooking, cross stitching, knitting, crocheting, quilting, etc.), please contact Deanna Dawson.  We can let you know if someone who is already one of our “regulars” is working on that particular craft, and you can bring your materials and learn!                           

We would LOVE to have you join us!  

01.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ Mistakes * Re-dedications * Resolutions

MISTAKES

In Nehemiah 8, we have recorded the establishment of a newly recurring event in the reading of the Scriptures.  The people were coming back from exile in Babylon.  They had lost family and friends during the destruction of Jerusalem—not to mention having witnessed their one-time brother, Israel, being destroyed at the hands of the Assyrians.  The Temple was in ashes, the walls were mere rubble, and the prospects for reclaiming the glory of old seemed beyond imagination.  Now that they were being allowed to return to the land which God had at one time given them, how could they insure that they would not repeat the mistakes of their fathers?

RE-DEDICATIONS

How could they make their way secure?  By keeping the Word of the Lord.  They sent for Ezra in order that he might read the Law to them.  And, they inclined their ears to the reading of the Word from early in the morning until the middle of the day.  As far as the Jews were concerned, there was nothing in life more pressing or important than hearing what God had said, and doing it.  Surely, standing there amidst the newly rebuilt city walls, the people had a very poignant reminder of what happens when you forget the One Who has been the source of your blessing and provision.  Thus, they sought to re-establish their community upon the reading of the Word of God.

RESOLUTIONS

And so should we!  This year, let's make a renewed focus to be a people of the Book.  Let's place the reading and living of the Word at center stage in our lives, our homes, and our church.  Perhaps this would be a good time to renew family, couples, or personal devotion times.  We have various ideas and resources to aid you in drawing closer to God through spending time in His Word.  If we can help you in this or any other area, please don't hesitate to contact the office.  I pray God's richest blessings upon you this year as you seek to follow His leading in your life.

Shalom and Happy New Year!

 Pastor Tom

01.2010 NEWSLETTER ~ First Baptist Church and Beyond

EXTENDING THE MINISTRY OF    FBCG TO…

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything…” (Acts 17:24-25). 

       This passage of scripture reminds us that God does not need our “worship”, nor does He require an elaborate place to dwell in, in order to be worshiped.  This scripture also reminds us that while ministry does happen in the church, the majority of ministry should be taking place outside its four walls.  God is not limited to one structure, nor should the ministry He gives us be limited to a certain facility.  I would like to take this opportunity to share with you an opportunity God has given me to expand the ministry of First Baptist Church of Greenwood too… 

MY SHORT STORY

Over the last few years, the Lord has placed a burden on me to not only serve God but also to serve my country.  Some time ago, I inquired about becoming a Chaplain in the National Guard.  The door never opened, and I assumed this was not of God until I bumped into a local youth pastor who currently serves as a Chaplain in the Air Force Reserves.  I asked a few questions, and my interests quickly peaked again. 

As I researched this ministry, discussed it with Deanna, and sought the Lord’s leadership, the door never closed as it had earlier.  Finally, after discussing the issue with our personnel committee and after a vote of support from the church, I submitted my application in April 2010.  After loads of paperwork, an interview, and an oath of office, I am now a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserves. 

A BRIEF EXPLANATION

What does this mean for me, for my family, and for you?  First, I must fulfill two training sessions within the next two years.  I will attend a four-week Commissioned Officer Training soon and a six-week Chaplaincy Training some time next year.  Secondly, it means I must fulfill my commitment to the USAFR and serve 24 days each year.  I will serve a two-week period (12 days) and then work out a schedule to serve another 12 days.  These 12 days could be consecutive or divided throughout the year.  During this time, youth ministry at FBCG will continue without any disruption because of dedicated sponsors who love working with teenagers.  Of course, this commitment may demand deployment.  If this is the case, someone will be brought in to serve in my place and take charge of youth responsibilities.

In terms of my family, I am grateful for Deanna who has supported me for the last 10 years of youth ministry and who is now looking forward along with me to the doors of ministry the Lord will open.  She is quite the household manager, so things should operate as normal around the Dawson ranch.  There will, however, be opportunities to minister to her and my boys  (talk to me for more details). 

What about you, my church family.  In the past few months, I have started to see the value of military chaplains.  As I have interviewed, asked questions, and researched, I have realized the Church often is clueless about military life and how to minister to those who serve our country.  This opportunity also gives me a chance to share with you the spiritual needs and conditions of our military men and women.  This may even translate into an opportunity for missions partnering with the base Chapel (Vacation Bible School, Back Yard Bible Clubs, etc).

     What a privilege it is to serve the local church and now my country.  I ask you to pray as new adventures in the gospel ministry await us…that would be me, my family, and you! 

Blessings,

 Nathan 

01.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ DVD Review

Gifted Hands:           The Ben Carson Story

This is the story of Ben Carson, a renowned children's brain surgeon.  The story of his life is inspirational.  He had many struggles to overcome as he grew up.  His faith in God helped him throughout his life.  This is well worth watching.

Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. stars in this true story about a renowned brain surgeon who overcame obstacles to change the course of medicine forever.  Young Ben Carson didn't have much of a chance.  Growing up in a broken home amongst poverty and prejudice, his grades suffered and his temper flared.  And yet, his mother never lost her faith in him.  Insisting he follow the opportunities she never had, she helped to grow his imagination, intelligence and, most importantly, his belief in himself.  That faith would be his gift - the thing that would drive him to follow his dream of becoming one of the world's leading neurosurgeons.  From the pages of his bestselling book Gifted Hands, Dr. Ben Carson comes to life in this even more inspiring DVD.  Instead of having to imagine the man and his world, you can actually see and hear Ben Carson at home with his family and watch his gifted hands during surgery.  You can observe him encouraging school children to try to be all that they can be.  And you can accompany him on his professional rounds at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.  In 1987, Dr. Carson gained worldwide recognition and was featured on ABC's 20/20 for his part in the first successful separation of Siamese twins joined at the back of the head---an extremely complex and delicate operation that was five months in planning and twenty-two hours of actual surgery, involving a surgical plan that Carson helped initiate.  In this DVD you will meet these twins and other former patients along with members of their families.

01.2011 NEWSLETTER ~ From the Library

January is hot tea month, so grab a book from the library, get your nice hot tea, find your comfy easy chair, and relax and enjoy the reading time.  That is a great way to spend a cold January day!  Take advantage of what the church library has to offer for the whole family.  There are DVD’s, books for all ages and interests, audio books, and other CD’s.