An exposition of Hosea 10:1-15. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, July 4, 2010.

This Sunday-morning series of messages from the book of Ecclesiastes is being delivered beginning on July 11, 2010, by Pastor Rod Harris:

• July 11, 2010: Emptiness, from Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.
• July 18, 2010: A Fool’s Errand, from Ecclesiastes 1:12-18.
• July 25, 2010: An Empty Dream, from Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.
• August 1, 2010: Satisfaction: The Gift of God, from Ecclesiastes 2:12-26.
• August 15, 2010: Satisfaction: the Fruit of Trust, from Ecclesiastes 3:1-22.
• August 22, 2010: The Futility of Life Apart from God, from Ecclesiastes 4:1-16.
• August 29, 2010: The Secret of Lasting Joy, from Ecclesiastes 5:1-20.

This past Wednesday, July 7, marked 19 years for our family at Trinity. What’s that? Seems longer? It’s gone by pretty fast for me! I’ve spent the last few days reflecting on almost 2 decades. I’ve thought about the folks who “promoted” over that time. Heaven’s gotten a whole lot sweeter as people I’ve loved have gone home. One of the difficulties in ministry is that when you do a funeral…it’s always family. You are my family. I little piece of me dies with each funeral of a church member because it’s a part of me. I’ve also thought about people who’ve passed through and go on for other reasons. I hope I’ve been some encouragement. I hope I’ve contributed to their growth in Christ rather than hindered them. I’ve thought about those of you I’ve grown to love with greater depth because of our years together.

I’ve also thought about my failures and shortcomings. As I’ve thought about nearly 20 years of ministry at Trinity I’ve reached a few conclusions. I know there are better men to serve you as pastor. I’m certain there are more gifted evangelists and better preachers. But I’m not sure there is anyone who could love you more. I cannot express the honor and pride I feel in being your pastor. I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve so many of you who help shape and mold my life. For a lot longer than I’ve been your pastor you’ve loved me, prayed for me, supported me emotionally, spiritually and financially. You’ve put up with a lot. You’ve overlooked my faults and I am grateful. I trust I’ve been an encouragement to you. I pray that I have pointed you to Christ and have contributed to your spiritual development.

Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. Please know of my great love for you. I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

Matthew 11:1-19. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, July 18, 2010.

We had a great time with VBS (Vacation Bible School) last week! Our numbers were up a bit this year and everyone had a wonderful experience. There are so many to thank for all of their effort. First I want to thank Stacy Narrin for an outstanding job as “Ranch Foreman.” Of course we had exceptional teachers for the week as always. Thanks to Tina Downing for handling music and Tammy Dix for handling the “Chuck Wagon.” That was mighty fine grub cookie. Thanks to Rheadon, Jessie, Kylie and Carissa, Stacy, Tammy, Taylor, Rebekah, Tina, Dan, Daelyn, Dalton and others I don’t know about for decorating. And thank you for your prayers, financial contributions and encouragement. It was a great week.

I want you to know about a great opportunity this coming Sunday, July 25. We will have as our guest Tracy Singleton who serves with Action Zambia. Tracy will speak during the Sunday School hour in the worship center. His presentation will begin at 9:45 and wrap up about 10:30. He will be sharing about the work of Action Zambia, his calling to work with the African people and about Zambian culture in general. We are inviting all our youth and adult classes to this presentation. You will meet at your regular time in your class for announcements and attendance then move to the worship center by 9:45. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear about what God is doing in Zambia.

Don’t forget, if you signed up to bring food for camp that needs to be here by Sunday evening. I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

At the writing of this article I’m trying to get things done so I can leave for youth camp on Tuesday (a day behind the others). I wanted to take just a moment and thank everyone for “soldiering on” Sunday morning through the heat. Thanks to Bill Jarrett and Don Ramsey who had things patched up for Sunday evening’s service. I also want to thank Rheadon and her crew for the putting together the ladies luncheon on Saturday. There was a good crowd and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Sunday morning Jim mentioned the “Hymn Festival” scheduled for August 15 at First Baptist downtown. This will be a great evening of music our choir along with the choir from First Baptist and a few special guest will lead us in worship as we sing some great hymns together. Mark your calendar and make sure you join us Sunday evening, August 15.

I also want you to know that we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper during our morning worship service on August 8th. We’ll observe the Supper again on Sunday evening, October 24 and then Sunday morning, December 12.

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

Rod