On the front porch of his little country store in Illinois, a small businessman stood with his partner. Business was all gone, and the partner asked, "How much longer can we keep this going?"
The owner answered, "It looks as if our business has just about winked out." Then he continued, "You know, I wouldn’t mind so much if I could just do what I want to do. I want to study law. I wouldn’t mind so much if we could sell everything we’ve got and pay all our bills and have just enough left over to buy one book--Blackstone’s Commentary on English Law, but I guess I can’t."
At that moment a strange-looking wagon came up the road. The driver drove it up close to the store porch, then looked at the owner and said, "I’m trying to move my family out west, and I’m out of money. I’ve got a good barrel here that I could sell for fifty cents."
The businessman’s eyes went along the wagon and came to the wife looking at him pleadingly, her face thin and emaciated. He slipped his hand into his pocket and took out, according to him, "the last fifty cents I had" and said, "I reckon I could use a good barrel."
All day long the barrel sat on the porch of that store. The partner kept chiding the owner about it. Late in the evening the businessman walked out and looked down into the barrel. He saw something in the bottom of it, papers that he hadn’t noticed before. His long arms went down into the barrel and, as he fumbled around, he hit something solid. He pulled out a book and stood dumbfounded: it was Blackstone’s Commentary on English Law.
That businessman was Abraham Lincoln!
One minute it appears the economy is getting better and the next minute a new report comes about unemployment, business earnings or the possibility of a second recession. I confess that when it comes to things of this magnitude I know very little except what I read and what I am told.
But, what I do know is that there is hope, for Jesus’ promise is to “be with us even to the end of this age.” That was the promise for Abraham, for the children of Israel, for Joseph (and his family), for David with his slingshot, for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego and the list goes on and on!
The Good News is that no matter what happens next- the promise is for you and me!
See you on Sunday, Karl
It’s time for my annual September greeting: “Happy New Year!!!” This month lots of things are getting started -- a new school year, a new Sunday School year, a new Discipleship Class year, etc. And here at Sandston Baptist Church we are getting things started for 2010-2011 in a big way with lots of activities planned. Here is some of what we have going on:
The new Bible Study (Sunday School) year starts on September 5.
Wednesday evening dinners start on September 8. This first dinner will take place at Osborne Landing Park. The meal will be hosted and served by our deacons. Following the meal, Kristen Taylor will engage us in a fun-filled, family-friendly activity. I’m sure you will want to be a part of both the dinner and the activity.
Rising third graders will receive a Bible during the worship services on September 26.
Our Wednesday evening discipleship classes for adults begin September 15 after dinner. The schedule for the year is still being developed, but right now our deacons will lead our prayer meeting, our pastor will lead the C.A.R.E. program, and Linda Poarch will lead “Living a Healthy Life.” Starting in November, Howard Linkous will lead a class on the Holy Spirit.
Opportunities for our pre-school children to participate in Mission Friends and singing begin on Wednesday, September 15.
Children’s Wednesday evening discipleship classes and music begin on September 15.
Our youth will have discipleship classes and other activities on Wednesday evenings beginning on September 15.
The first Friendly Club meeting for 2010-2011 takes place on September 16 starting at 10:30 am.
Mission study and projects for our women through our Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) and service projects and fellowship for men as part of our Brotherhood will continue.
The Creative Christian Women will meet on September 23 at 10:00 am.
On Wednesday, October 20, Peter Choma, the South African church planter we have been supporting through our Unified Missions giving, will join us for dinner and then speak about his work with New Life Baptist Church in Kgotsong, South Africa.
This list just scratches the surface of opportunities for us to be involved in spiritual growth, fellowship and serving here at Sandston Baptist Church.
I hope you have enjoyed the relaxing and fun-filled aspects of the summer. (I know it has been a hot summer, but let’s not dwell on that!!!) Now it’s time to turn our attention to the “new year.” Happy New Year!!
Under His Direction, Mark
REMINDER OF FALL CLASS
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
These conditions include: arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, emphysema and many others. Any condition you live with on a long term basis.
The sessions will take a general look at how to manage pain, stress, how to better communicate with your doctor, the role of exercise and good nutrition, ways to problem solve, etc. There is a book which includes additional tips and information in regards to some specific chronic conditions.
IMPORTANT CHANGE OF PREVIOUS INFORMATION: THE BOOK WILL BE PROVIDED AT NO COST
Sept 15 will be an introduction to information that will be covered. If you are not sure this class is for you, this night will give you an opportunity to decide. There is a sign-up in the hallway if you know you are interested (this will help me know how many books to order) or you are welcome to come without signing up.
Dates of the sessions: September 15, 22 , October 6, 13, Nov, 3, 10, 17
Time: 6:30pm -7:30pm
Linda Poarch - Faith Community Nurse
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WMU NOTES
September already! Time for school to start! For most families, vacation time is over. It is also the time of the year when we put plans in motion for the upcoming holiday season.
WMU is no exception. We have hit the ground running. New officers are taking over, and events are happening. For instance:
Registration has already begun for the Women’s Get-Away on November 5 & 6 at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center in Lynchburg. If you are interested in going - sign up now. If we have enough interest, we can hopefully get a cabin.
Shoebox Ministry
Have you started collecting items yet? Mark your calendars! On September 19, the WMU will host the Shoebox Ministry Kickoff Lunch. Cost—donations requested. Proceeds will go to the Fund. What Fund? Sign up now and learn all the details.
LADIES
RESERVE THE DATE - OCT. 10
AT 3 P.M.
The WMU will be hosting a Tea party for all the ladies of SBC. If you would like to attend, get your hat ready and please sign up no later than September 26.