An exposition of Romans 13:1-7. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, July 3, 2011.

If you were not here on Sunday morning than you missed it. A once in a lifetime kind of moment and you missed it – I was speechless. One of our fine deacons said to me, “The only thing wrong with that presentation this morning was that they should have given it to you before the service. I would have preferred that you were speechless during the service!” I would have slapped him but I draw the line at hitting and old man walking with a cane. (Now we’re even John.)

I still don’t know what to say. I am overwhelmed by such an extravagant gift. I’m shocked and yet I’m not. For 20 years we, as a family, have known your love and support. You have always been generous and gracious to us. You have abundantly supplied our needs financially, spiritually and emotionally. I count it a great joy and privilege to be your pastor. I hope and pray that along the journey I have been of help and encouragement to you. I pray that God has used what gifts I have to feed and encourage your soul. Where I have failed you I ask your forgiveness. Where I’ve disappointed you I beg your patience endurance. Knowing my faults and my inabilities I can’t believe you’ve put up with me this long.

Rheadon and I are so grateful for this gift but even more grateful for the gift that you have been to us. I know it is inadequate but, thank you.

I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

I read the other day that things are getting bad. In fact it is so dry the Baptist have started sprinkling; the Methodist and Presbyterians are using wet wipes while the Catholics are giving rain checks. But the most desperate are the Episcopalians who are praying that the wine turns into water! I guess it is true, desperate times call for desperate measures. I’m not desperate but I think it is time to make coats and ties optional on Sundays. I for one will be a little more casual on Sunday mornings for the remainder of the summer.

I want to encourage you to continue to pray for our nominating committee and our committee on committees as they seek to find those who will be serving this next church year. If you would like an opportunity to serve don’t wait to be asked – seek out the committee and let them know where you would like to serve. If you are approached about serving please understand that they others have been praying and seeking the Lord’s guidance so don’t turn them down without careful consideration. I’m not suggesting that you must do whatever you are approached about doing but I am saying that you are here for a reason. Why is it God brought you to Trinity? Why here? Why now? You are called and gifted by God for service to his body and the church, where are you serving? It’s worth thinking about.

I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

We got everyone off this morning for Kid’s Kamp. Relatively uneventful and they left on time! They should be rolling back in Thursday afternoon. This is also prep-week for youth camp. Cooks and sponsors are rushing around getting the final details taken care of. With camps in full swing that can mean only one thing – school is just around the corner. That means some great opportunities for ministry. Our Mission Team met Sunday afternoon and discussed projects for this fall. We will be doing some things for teacher appreciation as school starts up at Clinton (now Webster Jr. High) and possibly Webster High School. We will also provide a game day meal for the Webster football team again this year. This is a great outreach that gives us additional opportunities for ministry on the campus at Webster. We will be looking for a coordinator for this ministry. If you are interested please see me. We are also planning to have a booth again this year at the Community Block Party on September 17. We will need volunteers to man the table stay tuned for details to come in the next month.

In the meantime our nominating committee and committee on committees continues to fill ministry spots for 2011-2012. We also have an opportunity to take over a Good News Club at Robertson Elementary. This evangelistic Bible study was started last March, just after Spring Break, and have averaged 40 kids with 75 enrolled. There were also 17 professions of faith in just the few weeks the program operated before the end of school. The couple that started the club has asked if we would take over the ministry so that a church in the community would be tied to the program. This is an exciting evangelistic opportunity. All of this to say we have much to pray about and much to do. But we cannot do any of it unless you are willing to be a part. Pray about it. Give it careful consideration. Then let us hear from you!

I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod