Congratulations to our winners in the annual Chili Bowl Challenge. We had thirteen people enter their favorite chili and after intense scrutiny by our “expert” panel of judges four rose to the top. We had a tie for third place between Isaac Hatcher and Rheadon Harris. Second place went to Daelyn Downing. Andrew Dix emerged as the 2009 Chili Grand Champion. We had a great time of fellowship around the tables and great food…and I think there was even some kind of game on the big screen. I guess congratulations are in order for Tina Downing, who seemed the lone Steeler fan (wearing Big Ben’s number 7). Cardinal fans were riding high having taken the lead with just over two minutes remaining. But it takes a lot to overcome a 60-year championship drought. One Cardinal fan, taking a final look at the screen and then peering down at his “I participated in the chili challenge” certificate mumbled, “Nothing like coming to church and being demoralized all the way around.”

We had a great time thanks to everyone who worked to make it a great evening. Thanks to Rheadon for handling things in the kitchen and keeping things organized. Thanks to Jim Narrin for setting up the screen and projector. Thank you to all those who help clean up the kitchen and put things away. For all those who were “demoralized” by the outcome (both the game and the chili challenge) – I’m sure it rings hollow but “there’s always next year!”
I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

As you know we voted to send Bobby Smith to Armenia and Israel with the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma. I just received, in the last week, information about a project they are working on. Our IMB missionaries in Armenia have asked us to help supply Bibles and DVD copies of the Jesus film for distribution in connect with the concerts. This is a wonderful opportunity to present the gospel to the Armenian people in their own language. Cost of the Bibles and DVDs is $1.00 each. We’ve only got a brief amount of time all moneys must be into the BGCO by March 1st. That just gives us a couple of weeks. But I did want you to have an opportunity to give to this cause. Make sure you mark your envelope “Bibles/DVDs” so that it goes to the right account. If you are not familiar with the Jesus film it is a video presentation of the gospel of Luke. It is very well done and has been used for many years on the mission field as a very effect tool. Just think for a gift of $50.00 you can place the word of God in 50 homes in Armenia. When you consider how many people each of those Bibles/DVDs has the potential of reaching it makes this is a very worthy investment.

I look forward to seeing you and your family as we gather for worship and celebration this coming Lord’s Day.

Rod

My head hurts. I’ve been reading for a good while this morning. I’ve been traveling around the Internet reading various blogs discussing things Southern Baptist. There’s been quite a discussion lately about what makes one a “true” Southern Baptist. Much to my surprise I discovered, according to at least one group, that I’m not! That would really bother me if I cared about what they think.

On another thought I was listening to the radio on the way into the office this morning and heard how bad the economy is, about the reduction of the workforce, and the current rate of unemployment…I would be really bothered if I cared about what they think.
The two are not unrelated. We live in fearful times. There is reason for concern about our country, the economy and where we are heading. Within our convention there is legitimate reason for concern over direction and falling numbers. But should we panic? According to some we are on the verge of another Great Depression. Are we? Unemployment is at 7%. In 1932 it was nearly 25%. In fact in most of the leading indicators the depression was double or triple the numbers today. Problem? Yes. Disaster? Not yet. As for our convention we’re in trouble. There are things that concern me. I’m concerned about the narrowing of the parameters of cooperation. I’m concerned about our failure in reaching the younger generation and the increased “graying” of our convention.

But the truth is these are great times in which to minister. Hardships cause us to look to what really matters. Difficulties tend to purge and that’s a good thing. What do you do in the face of national crisis? How do we respond to denominational worries? We remain on task. We remain faithful to our call to live and preach the Gospel. Our goal is to hear the Master says, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Oh, and in case you’re interested…I do care what He thinks! I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

In just a two weeks we will be making our commitments to Catch the Vision for 2009. We’ve come a long way in just 7 years. We had hoped to pay off our debt within 5 years. That didn’t happen but here is what we have accomplished:

In 7 years we have gone from $560,000.00 to just $70,000.00 in debt.
We have increased our budget each year.
We have increased our mission giving.
We are now helping a struggling sister church on a monthly basis.
We are investing in a new church start.
We have handled some major renovations.
We’ve done significant roof repairs.
We are completing a new playground.
We’ve become a major gathering place for the community.

Your faithfulness has made all this possible. The end is clearly in sight. I’m asking that you prayerfully consider what you can do this next year to help eliminate our debt. Our motto for 2009 is “Let’s wrap it up!” This year we are not asking you to sign a pledge card. We are not asking you to fill in an amount. We are asking for a commitment. The commitment simply says, “You can count on me to do my part in wrapping this up.” Together we can do it. As always I only asked that you give as the Lord leads you to give.

I’ll see you and your family as we gather for worship this coming Lord’s Day.

Rod