Pastor, FBC Hallsville

Last Sunday

Last Sunday the second service was packed again. The spirit of both services is really good.  I sense a renewed enthusiasm in the First Baptist Family.  We went through a time when I believe the devil was trying his best to do a number on us.  While we were building the Children's Ministry Center and the New Activities Building there were some tough times.  I struggled through those times.  I have to give kudos to the First Baptist Family which proved again why this is a great congregation.  When things get tough this church family pulls together and trusts God through it all. 

I'm a little under the weather today.  I ran a bit of fever last night.  Ed is sick and so is Patrick.  I'm hoping these guys did not share their afflictions with me.  They would never do that intentionally.  If they come around the office from now on with even a little sniffle I think I will make them wear a face mask and yell, "Unclean." 

Mari Lynn is having her gallbladder removed on Friday.  I'm hoping that I will be well enough to make a quick run to Oklahoma City so that I can keep Blain while Mari Lynn and Jeremy are at the hospital.  Becky has a big UIL meet this weekend and so she cannot go.  That means I get Blain all to myself.  I know.  I'm being pretty selfish.  But I really don't feel too bad about it. 

Important Work For Sunday the Fifteenth

This Sunday the First Baptist Family will have an opportunity to nominate men to become deacons.  This is important work because the deacons in our church are servant leaders in ministry.  My hope is that church members will come this Sunday having sincerely prayed about the men they will nominate.  After the nominations are received a committee of five deacons will interview those men receiving the top nominations.  After the interviews the men who are willing to serve will be presented to the church as deacons candidates.  The church will then vote of the recommendation from the Deacon Body.  This is a time of expectation as The First Baptist Family anticipates the men God will lead us to ordain as deacons.

Last Sunday the second service was packed again.  We obviously are going to need to do something to provide more space.  Since building is not an option for us at the present we are going to have to use the space we have.  One of the options that seems like it might be the best is to move the second worship service to the New Activities Building.  The early worship service would remain in the auditorium.  The staff is planning a test drive of this idea for the last Sunday in March.  That is a fifth Sunday and therefore seems to be a good time to try out moving the second service to the Fellowship Hall.  Of course, we are open to any other ideas that you may have.

On a personal note.  Becky is doing well.  The chemotherapy treatments are keeping the cancer in remission.  There aren't a lot of side effects with this treatment.  The only side effect seems to be fatigue.  Keep her in your prayers.  Another big thing in our lives is my daughter.  God is doing a tremendous work in her life right now.  She is in a treatment center in Florida and she is progressing well in the process.  We are starting to see a lot of changes in Michelle's life.  Keep praying. 

Great Day

Sunday was great!  We had a packed house for the second service.  Five young men were baptized.  Wow!  I wish we could have that every Sunday.  In last Sunday's sermon I talked about the qualifications for deacons with a view to deacon nominations.  The church family will have an opportunity to nominate up to five men on Sunday morning, February 15.  After the nominations are received a five-member committee of deacons will interview each of the men who are the top nominees.  After the interviews the deacon committee will recommend those men who agree to allow their names to be put before the church for a vote.  With a positive vote a date will be set for ordination.

The ordination service is a very important time for the new deacons and the church family.  In the past we've had the ordinations on a Sunday evening.  I've noticed that the attendance at those ordinations hasn't been great.  This time I have the idea of ordaining the new deacons on a Sunday morning because that is prime time.  We could have a joint worship service that morning in the Activity Center.  I think it would be great for as many as possible of the church family to participate in the ordination.