Christmas On Purpose means Mission On Purpose

As we enter into this last week of Christmas,I want to thank you for being such a giving church family. During our Christmas On Purpose Advent Celebration, here is a close summary of what you gave. To the Florence Crittenton Home girls, you gave over 130 reusable water bottles. The Lowcountry Orphan Relief will receive over 125 pairs of pajama’s. James Island Outreach will have over 250 jars of jelly to put on their shelves! And the Lowcountry Pregnancy Center will have over 1,500 diapers to keep those precious little bottoms dry! Thanks for all you do. To God be the glory.


The Cartersville Challenge

I received a letter from our International Mission Board saying JIBC is among the 12% of Southern Baptist Churches that met the “Cartersville Challenge”. Cartersville, Georgia is where Lottie Moon accepted the God’s call to take the Gospel to the Chinese people. It is the first milestone of her missionary life. The Cartersville Challenge is the first milestone level of missionary giving. Your gift to the Lottie Moon International Missions fund will help support 4, 810 International missionaries and their 4,000 children. Janie and I will be making our gifts to Lottie Moon, Remember, Lowcountry Pregnancy and other missions and ministries we believe in and support. As we celebrate Christmas on purpose let us remember that we support missions on purpose.

On behalf of all your church staff, we wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you Sunday, good Lord willing.


Tom, Sean, Susan, Marty, Neale, Shelley and Amber

MERRY CHRISTMAS LOTTIE MOON

Some of our newer members may not be familiar with Lottie Moon. She was a Southern Baptist Missionary during the turn of the 20th century. She served faithfully in China and was used by God to raise awareness and passion for international mission causes. Such an inspiration and role model, the International Missions fund was named after her. Each year, Southern Baptists are challenged to give a sacrificial gift to help support mission work around the world. James Island Baptist has 2 families being supported by the Southern Baptist Convention and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. I want to encourage you to make the Lottie Moon Christmas offering a part of your Christmas giving. Every dollar goes directly to support our missionaries. Not one cent is spent on administrative cost or fund raising. All of that is handled through our Co-operative Fund giving.

Just so you know: we help support 4,810 full time missionaries on the international field (almost that many again as North American missionaries); they recorded 114,571 baptisms last year; we have 28,008 over seas churches; started 6,192 new churches; are engaging 901 unreached people groups; there are still 3,052 unreached people groups in the world.

Our International Missions Board has a clear vision: “Our vision is a multitude from every language, people, tribe and nation knowing and worshiping our Lord Jesus Christ”. Their mission is evangelizing, discipling, and planting reproducing churches among all peoples in fulfillment of the Great Commission. That is a vision and a mission we can support. Consider giving a gift to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering as well as other Great Commission mission organizations. It is a gift that keeps on giving all year long…and for eternity.

Pastor Tom

CHRISTMAS ON PURPOSE

I love the approach to Christmas On Purpose: looking for ways to bring the Christmas message of hope, peace, joy and love to others. How wonderfully practical: reusable water bottles for the women at Florence Crittenton (going green, very symbolic and useful!); pajamas for Lowcountry Orphan Relief…swaddling clothes if you will; this week jelly for James Island Outreach…how sweet it is; and then diapers for our friends at Lowcountry Pregnancy Center…how wonderfully appropriate.

Make it a family event. One family took the grandkids out to buy the gifts, explaining what they were doing and why. Now that is discipleship at its best (as you go…make disciples…Matthew 28) Don’t forget about ways you can bless other ministries like the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions; Remember the Persecuted Church building an orphanage in Burma; the Salvation Army and their faithful bell ringers; a donation of blood to The American Red Cross (or a cash donation). There are so many wonderful ways to make a difference.

Each week of Advent, it is our desire to draw our attention back to the redeeming work of God. He sent His One and Only, uniquely born Son to be born of a virgin, in a little town called Bethlehem. Humble beginnings with a world-wide eternal impact. A little baby, born in a little town, to an unknown little lady. Do not underestimate the impact of what little deeds, little gifts can do. Jesus put a premium on a visit…in His name; a cup of water in His name; clothing given in His name. We do Church on Purpose. Let’s do Christmas on Purpose.

See you Sunday, good Lord willing, as we celebrate “Joy…On Purpose”!

Pastor Tom

THE SEASON OF ADVENT: ANTICIPATION AND HOPE

Let’s review for a moment why we are celebrating“CHRISTMAS…ON PURPOSE”.  The word “advent” means coming or arrival. Many churches celebrate the Advent Season as a way to focus on the first advent of Jesus Christ and His second advent, His return. It is indeed a season of hope and anticipation. It is a way to celebrate the truth of God; that God became a man born of the Virgin Mary; and by his life, death and resurrection provided life, forgiveness of sin and purpose.

In a secular world, it is too easy to be swept up by the commercial nature of Christmas. Each week as we gather for worship, we will read a part of God’s Word that tells of His advent; we will light purple candles as a reminder of His royalty and a pink candle as a reminder of the great joy caused by His coming. Each week it is a reminder to reflect and to remember to celebrate Christmas on purpose and with purpose.

The Magi, as wise men from the East, honored the first advent by bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. How can we honor Him this year? What do you give a King who owns it all? We are encouraging our church family to consider special advent gifts this year. Gifts related to ministries that we support throughout the entire year. These are gifts they have requested as helpful and useful. The first Sunday of Advent is November 30. Would you bring reusable water bottles for Florence Crittenton, the home for young unwed mothers? The second Sunday of Advent, you could bring boys pajamas…any size, for the Lowcountry Orphan Relief. Week three would be jelly, any flavor, for our partnership with James Island Outreach. The fourth Sunday of Advent would, appropriately enough, be diapers. That would have been great for the first advent or any year there are babies involved! Our friends at Lowcountry Pregnancy will appreciate the gifts of love.

Do you see where we are going with this? Celebrate His coming…the Advent of God’s Son. God becoming flesh; the Light coming into a world of darkness; a Savoir for people in need of saving! It is a celebration. The focus of advent is on Him. The gifts we give to others share the good news of hope, peace, joy and love. My prayer is we will have so many of each gift, we will have trouble transporting them all.  Let's do Christmas...On Purpose.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas



Pastor Tom

Thanksgiving 2014: Let’s Take It Up A Notch

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,

 for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

It has been said that gratitude is the greatest of all virtues and the parent of all other virtues. I think I agree with this statement. I do believe the attitude of gratitude plays a major role in God’s blessings in our lives. Even for the non-believing, I think the attitude of gratitude makes a real difference in every aspect of our lives. Read the verses from Thessalonians again. Look at the parts: joy, prayer, thanksgiving, God’s will and the power of the Holy Spirit. My point is that right in the middle of the wonderful mix is thanksgiving. The listing of joy is connected to thanksgiving. The mention of prayer is along with thanksgiving. Doing God’s will follows thanksgiving. Even finding the blessing of the Holy Spirit is connected to this powerful virtue of all virtues…being grateful.

This year, Thanksgiving 2014, I want you to enjoy what I am calling your BFFFF. Not best friends forever. Rather Black Friday, family, feast and for many…football! Enjoy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. President George Washington did us a favor by proclaiming the first nation-wide day of Thanksgiving. He did it as a time for a grateful country to give thanks to Almighty God. Let’s continue the tradition. Let’s make this a day of Thanksgiving. How do we take a good tradition and make it better? How do we go from good to great!

See if you can wrap your brain around this idea. Gary Chapman wrote the book The Five Love Languages. See if you can find a creative way to say “thank you” using the five love languages. Say “thank you” to God and/or to those who have blessed your life. Here are the five love languages: words of affirmation; quality time; acts of service; receiving gifts; and physical touch. Why not? Thanksgiving 2014 let’s take it up a notch. If you care to, email or face book me and tell me your experience. I would love to hear what He did!

See you this Sunday for our annual Thanksgiving Worship Celebration. No 8:30 service. Sunday Connection Groups met at the regular time.

Pastor Tom

SHARING RESOURCES

Even as I am typing this article, the James Island Exchange Club is holding their monthly meeting in the fellowship hall. Next week we will have a Riverland Terrace community meeting led by Sunoco concerning future building plans across the street. (Don’t ask, we do not know any details! LOL) JIBC regularly hosts, by providing space, The Riverland Terrace Neighborhood Association meeting.

Really, none of these are burdensome or difficult. But I want to thank you for being the kind of church family that gives us the freedom to reach out and serve the community in so many different ways. Believe it or not, there are some churches that are not so willing to share their space and resources. We, on the other hand, are looking for ways to build bridges to the community. It is a part of our ON PURPOSE strategy. What need does the community have that we could meet? Sometimes it is just a nice place to hold a meeting. That is just one of the things I love about our church family. Thanks.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

Believe it or not, we are just a few days away from Thanksgiving and then full on into the Christmas season. We are already writing the Advent readings for this year. This year’s Thanksgiving service will be Sunday, November23. We will not have an 8:30 service that day. We will join together for the 11:00 service to celebrate The Eucharist…thanksgiving for what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. We will then enjoy the annual Thanksgiving meal provided by our outstanding Kitchen Krew. You are invited to bring your favorite dessert, or if you would like, your favorite dish. There will be plenty. Weather permitting; we will be seated outside and inside this year. There will be a tent set up outside and the fellowship hall will be prepared for the inside. There will be plenty of food, plenty of love and plenty of fellowship to be enjoyed. And then by the time the tables are cleared, we will start setting up for this years Christmas season! Bring it on baby. I love the Christmas season.

See you this Sunday, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

A GREAT FALL FESTIVAL

Thanks to the tremendous number of volunteers who made this year’s Fall Festival such a success. We really have no way of accurately knowing the number of people that attended. We only know it looked bigger than ever before. To those of you who brought candy, gave money, set up and took down, volunteered at the booths, cooked, registered, played, provided safety, etc…a great big thank you. Certainly families had a wonderful and safe alternative to Halloween. Some of our team has already started thinking about next year and how we can make it bigger and better. Now join us as we pray for the follow up efforts. Thank you again for your willingness to work and to serve in an event aimed at the community. We believe that some of those who attended will have occasion to visit JIBC or will come in contact with some of our family. Let’s pray for His will to be done here on earth as it is in heaven.


THANKSGIVING SUNDAY

We are only three weeks away from our annual Thanksgiving Sunday Celebration. On this Sunday, we will not have an 8:30 worship. We will all join together for an 11:00 Worship service followed by a church wide Thanksgiving Meal. On this Sunday we will celebrate Lord’s Supper and recognize all who have joined JIBC or one of our connection groups this past year. For them, we are particularly thankful. It is a good time of the year to start thinking about a special offering to International Missions. Southern Baptist usually have a Lottie Moon International Missions Christmas offering. Generally speaking, we give the International Missions Offering to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Talk with your family concerning your gift this year. It is a worthwhile way to see your Christmas gift used to help change lives as the Gospel is preached around the world.

See you this Sunday, good Lord willing!

Pastor Tom

MISSION NIGHT CELEBRATION AND PRAYER GATHERING

This coming Wednesday night, November 5, will be an outstanding night of mission celebration and prayer. Throughout the year we have JIBC members serving in a variety of places. Some are across the street, some are across the river and some are across the ocean. This Wednesday night, NOVEMBER 5 will be an opportunity for you to hear a little bit about a lot of missions.

Who is on the line up and where did they serve? Mark Livengood-Ukraine; Cheryl Parish-Romania; Mary Braxton-China; Rhett Harter-Burma-Myanmar (Rhett will be out of town and will not be able to report. He will buy everyone chocolate chip cookies to make up for it); Pastor Claudio-Luz Y Verdad, our Hispanic Ministry; a member from the Chinese Church that has relocated to Citadel Square Baptist will give an update; a report from Baltimore on Brent Gordon, church planter; Norty Glover-James Island Outreach; a report on Haiti and JIBC; and the Transition House. Get first hand reports on what your friends are seeing God do in these diverse areas.

You gotta love the coverage. I am so grateful for a going church. Our strength is
not measured by how many we seat. It is also measured by how many we send. This does not include groups like the Youth who do mission work as a part of their summer camp experience. Come on out for dinner being served from 5:00-6:15. Join Marty and the praise team in the sanctuary/worship center for worship from 6:15-6:30. Then hear the mission praise reports and join in prayer from 6:30-7:30.

All the Wednesday night groups, except the preschoolers will be joining together for this Mission Night Celebration and Prayer Gathering. Awana, all the Awana leaders, listeners, helpers, the Ephesians Bible Study class, the Finance Class, Pastor Tom’s coffee group and First Place will join together for Mission Night. Just an idea—you might want to hear these speakers and invite them to your connection group for a more detailed report. I suspect they would be delighted to share and have prayer support. I am so looking forward to this night. See you there…good Lord willing.

Pastor Tom

The Life You’ve Always Wanted

John Ortberg has written the book The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People. Several of our connection groups are using this book as the “maturity” part of their group life. I am using the topics for the teaching series during October and November. The series is about the transforming work of God in our lives. It is not just our spiritual lives; it is every part of our lives. I enjoyed reading the book years ago and am enjoying rereading it now. Our connection groups are watching a DVD taught by John Ortberg and using the study course books. I have no doubt that this can be a life changing opportunity leading to a fresh encounter with Jesus. Susan Warren has ordered several copies of the book for anyone that would like to purchase one. You can buy the book on Amazon, at Barnes and Noble or Lifeway. For those who would like to have it Sunday, we will have copies available at cost, $18. I will make this offer: if you buy the book and do not like it, I will buy it back from you. I will always know someone ready for the next step in their spiritual life.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENT: FALL FESTIVAL

We are just days away from our major community outreach event, The Fall Festival. Friday night, October 31 will bring over 500 non-church members to our campus. They will be met with love, laughter and lots of candy! As Pastor Sean said Sunday, we can use volunteers at every level. Would you like to come and pray? We could use people who would prayer walk during the event as well as those in a room, dedicated to praying. (Well of course, all of us could prayer walk as we go!) Would you like to sit and register, greeting those who come? How about serving as a runner keeping all the booths filled with candy? We could use a clean -up team for afterwards; help in the kitchen; trash can emptiers, etc. For the really brave, we can always use volunteers for the dunk tank. (No thanks, I did my time and raised $400 for orphans in China.) In other words, if you are willing we can use you. You could volunteer for one hour, the whole event, before or after. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun, family friendly event that is a positive alternative to some of the traditional Halloween events.

See you Sunday, good Lord willing, as the church family known as James Island Baptist gathers to worship, mature and enjoy fellowship.

Pastor Tom

SO HOW DOES THIS WORK?

We are just about 2 weeks away from one of our largest community outreach events of the year. Our 27th annual Fall Festival will take place, as it does each year, on October 31. This year that happens to be Friday, October 31. It is always on the same day as Halloween by design. We are really attempting to go head to head with the traditional Halloween experience. We offer a safe, family friendly, fun event. I get it, for most parents and children, Halloween is an innocent night of fun getting pounds of free candy. It is however, very difficult to separate the dark, and even evil, side of Halloween. Centuries ago, believers attempted to do the same thing we are doing…to reclaim and redeem something broken for the glory of God. I refuse to be among the small group of Christians who complain about evil and brokenness and do little to change it. We go head to head with a tradition offering a godly tradition of family fun, led by the people of God, on the campus where the church of God gathers to worship. We frame the picture, we set the agenda for the glory of God.

This is a community event that has far more than doubled in attendance over the past few years. On this single night, we will have more non-churched people on the church campus that at any other time. Ours is the opportunity to meet and greet, love and encourage, laugh and celebrate so they may see The Good and Beautiful God and at least taste some of The Good and Beautiful Life. My prayer is that we will build relationships with the community so one day we can build community with the community. We become all things to all people that we might have the opportunity to win some to a life changing relationship with our Lord Jesus.

Just a reminder about the Fall Festival. Please, consider how you decorate and what you wear.

No witches, zombies, bloodied bodies, etc. I know people from the community will show up like that…that is ok. We do not expect the world to act any different than like the world. But really, no tramp costumes, no sexy nurses or French maids…really. Remember you are around preschoolers and children. This is a church sponsored event and we are trying to make a good impression on the community.

Now, let’s pray and let’s prepare. Pray for Felicia Hebert. She is usually our Commander and Chief at this event. This year, health issues prevent her from doing all she loves to do. Pray for her health and the healing of God. Pray for safety. Pray that all who come to this campus will be protected from anything that would move against them. Pray for volunteers. There is no way the largest community outreach event happens without the largest number of volunteers.

See you Sunday, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

Somebody say AMEN!

This past Sunday JIBC had the privilege of licensing Parker Busch to the Gospel Ministry. Parker has served as an intern here for the past 2 years. He began his work under Brent Gordon and has spent the last year working under the guidance of Pastor Sean. Parker was recommended, by his professor at Charleston Southern University, to a Youth Pastor position at New Life Church, Goose Creek, South Carolina. He sought counsel from Pastor Sean and myself about this move. After a season of prayer, he felt led that he was ready for this next level of leadership. We rejoice at God’s leading and look forward to continued partnership with Parker. Sean and JIBC will continue to watch over him during this time. Being licensed to the Gospel Ministry is akin to getting your driving permit. It says we, as a church, see in him, the gifts and calling of someone pursuing a full time church vocation. This is certainly true in Parker’s life. Pastor Sean has selected a gift to help Parker get started in his new position. JIBC will buy a Youth Leader starter kit that will give him everything he needs for his first year. It has materials to teach, train leaders, etc. It is a worthwhile kingdom investment. We have assured Parker of our continuing love and support. What we have, he has. To God be the glory.


THAT WAS A FIRST
This past week we had an unpleasant first event at JIBC. The JIBC campus is protected by Sonitrol Security. That means if the doors are opened by anyone and the alarm is not deactivated, the police will automatically be called. Over the past years, that has happened about 100 times. Each time, a staff member, or someone with an entry code, must come and meet the police to search the building and turn off the code. This past week, one of our Elders was called to come and take care of the situation. Upon arrival, he was issued a citation by the police. Really, he was given a citation. If this is the new direction of responding to unauthorized open doors, we will have to drastically change our procedures. As it is currently, many people have keys. Someone might come in a back door and go out quickly. As soon as the door is opened, that sets the alarm off. Someone comes by and pulls on the door and breaks the connection, that sets the alarm off. Last one here forgets to lock all the doors and teenagers come by to get water, that sets the alarm off. Many scenarios of the alarm going off.

Help us please. Be aware that just because you do not hear the alarm, that does not mean it is not going off. If you have a key to get in, you should have a code to deactivate the alarm. Thanks for your help…I do not want to go and get poor Susan out of the pokey because the alarm went off and the police were called.


See you Sunday…


Pastor Tom

A BIG OL’ TAILGATING THANK YOU

I could not believe it would rain on our Tailgating Party this past Sunday. Or maybe I should say, given the weather pattern, how did I think it would not rain? Even more impressive and just as hard to believe was the large number of people that braved the rain and stayed. For those who stayed it was well worth getting a little damp. The food was outrageously good and abundant! The booths were prepared and did a good job in representing. I am looking forward to hearing stories of what happened. A big thanks to all the volunteers, cooks, servers, connection groups, ministry teams, etc. Apart from the rain, it happened just the way we hoped!

LIVING LIFE ON PURPOSE

We called this three part series “JIBC: Living Life On Purpose”. The goal was to launch a year of intentionally giving attention and focus to the purpose of God. We believe God is in the business to reach, redeem and restore a lost and broken world. JIBC is in the business of joining Him. The way we do that is…well, on purpose. We GROW on purpose. That is we grow up and in, spiritually and numerically. We will build all we do around growing on purpose. Next we made a commitment to SERVE on purpose. Mark 10:45 appears to be a life verse for Jesus: “The Son of Man came to serve, not to be served, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” To be like Jesus is to serve. You are wonderfully gifted and enabled by God to serve the Body of Christ known as JIBC. You help the church grow and you grow. This past Sunday celebrated CONNECTING on purpose. The value of connection groups is vitally related to our spiritual growth, our numerical growth, and our mission. I love what I see our Father doing in our church family’s outward focus out into the community. To God be the glory.


TRANSITION HOUSE NEED

Does anyone have a wooden crib and/or a walker you would like to donate to the Transition House? These are two needs that will always come up. We would be glad to recycle them and put them to good use. Give us a call at 762-0244.

See you Sunday, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

CONNECTING ON PURPOSE

This Sunday will be a fun event for the family and friends of JIBC: The On Purpose Connection Tailgate Party. So, here are the plans. First, there will be no 8:30 worship service for this Sunday. Everyone is invited to join together for the 11:00 Worship Celebration. Sunday Connection Groups will meet at their regularly scheduled time. The 11:00 worship service will include baptism…always an exciting and meaningful time for a church family. God has blessed by adding to His church. Amen and amen.

Dress casual and comfortable for the tailgating after the worship service. All of our Connection groups have been invited to host a tailgate food fiesta. Last year there was more food that one could possible sample. Enjoy the food and get to meet people you may not know. Do a little behind the scenes secret interviewing…see if there is a connection group you relate to or at least one that you like their food! Really, what a great time to visit many of our Connection Groups and meet people who attend. Find out when and where they meet. Could be a match made in heaven.

In addition to our connection groups, we will have several of our mission groups present. This should give everyone an opportunity to learn more about some of the outward focus mission points. Ask questions, sign up, volunteer….volunteer someone else without their permission. Just kidding…tell them…but tell them after you sign them up.

Really, let’s have some fun ON PURPOSE. If the weather allows, we will have great food, great fun, fellowship and information.

ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE
This coming Saturday we will celebrate Wyatt Wilkins’ first birthday. Hard to believe that we are over a year away from the agonizing days of Erin’s pregnancy and Wyatt’s birth. I want to thank our Father in heaven for His mercy and faithfulness. This could have gone so many different ways. Thank you, Father. I also want to thank so many of you who interceded and sought the favor and healing of God. Thank you. It is not enough, but thank you. Wyatt is a happy, healthy, beautiful baby boy who looks like he is ready to be a linebacker for Clemson. Erin and Trey could not be more joyful for the miracle. Thank you. I love you all so much.



Pastor Tom

LIFE ON PURPOSE @ JIBC

This past Sunday I started a series of messages “Living Life On Purpose”.  There are really three parts of the teaching series followed by the On Purpose Tailgate Sunday.

This past Sunday we looked at the teaching of the Bible related to growing on purpose.  We grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus.  We often call that maturity, discipleship or spiritual growth.  It does not happen automatically.  As the old book says “disciples are made, not born”.  One of our sister churches has this motto:  We make disciples that make disciples that change the world.  I like that.  We seek to grow on purpose, to develop deeper faith and a deeper relationship with our Lord.    It is also about growing wider, that is growing numerically.  The Great Commission is to go into all the nations/people groups and make disciples.  We usually refer to this as evangelism, missions, an outward focus.  It is one beggar who has found bread (Jesus the Bread of Life) telling another beggar where to find it.  Three ways we can do this.  First, pray for God to open our eyes to the harvest around us.  We believe God is working, ask that He gives us eyes to see where He is at work that we may join Him.  Second, invite someone you know.  Please do not underestimate the power of a personal invitation.  It is still a very powerful, perhaps the most effective outreach tool that we have.  Invite someone you know (family, friend, coworker, your server where you eat, etc).  Invite them to your Connection Group party or to the next outing to see the Riverdogs or Stingrays. Let them rub shoulders with people changed by God’s grace.  It is powerful.  Third, plug into your passion.  What has your heart?  What do you spend time thinking about, wishing something could be done about?  Want to help teach a child to read, help feed the hungry, be a mentor to an teenage mother, help supply basic necessities for orphans, give support to those who have an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy?  We are committed to helping you live out your God given passion to make a difference.  Last, why not go ahead and get a passport?  Maybe you will go on a beautiful cruise…or say a mission trip. We have JIBC connections in the following countries:  Asia, Nepal, South Africa, Ukraine, Romania and Guatemala.  Don’t see a place you like?  Let us know.  Our International Mission Board probably has someone serving where you would like to go.

It is not either/or, missions or maturity, discipleship or outreach.  It is both/and.  Let’s go get them.  We can do this together, on purpose.

See you Sunday, Pastor Tom

IT’S A NEW DAY

You know, things change.  One day people are reading from a scroll made of sheep skin; the next day…well, centuries, they are using movable type.  Still the same trustworthy, reliable, inspired Word of God.  The Bible was moved from hand copied scrolls and parchment to a more easily reproducible book form.  You may remember that the Gutenburg Bible was the first book published using movable print.  Seems kind of like a small breakthrough, but it was really a major advancement for people of faith.   Many believers gave their lives to make sure the precious Word of God could be translated from the Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin and printed  into the language of the people.  Now, we have the Bible in so many good translations, you may never have time to read them all.

Breakthrough number next:  the digital age.  I know…we all miss the day of using our scrolls to read God’s Word.  Ok, so we don’t really remember using scrolls.  Most of us getting up in age, have only known the Bible to come to us in book form.  It has a cover, it has pages to turn and a place to put your book mark.  You could underline and highlight it if you so chose.  You can carry it with you.  Our Gideon friends made the Bible small enough to fit in your pocket or your pocket book. You could buy a Bible big enough to be the center piece of your coffee table.  That is how I grew up.  The big, black copy of the Bible that weighed several pounds was always prominently displayed on the coffee table in the center of the living room.

IT’S A NEW DAY.  The world has gone digital.  I am so thankful for the believers that have continued the tradition of making the Bible easily accessible.  I am sure all the sheep are glad we no longer use scrolls.  It is very common for worshipers to pull out their phones when the pastor asks “Now, will you open your Bibles to …”.  Gladly, they take out their phone, go to their Bible app, choose the Bible translation, the book, chapter and verses.  There it is…right there on their phone.  It looks like they are playing “Candy Crush” or checking facebook…but they are accessing the Word of God.  They also have the ability to underline, highlight, take notes, look up commentary, double check the pastor’s reference to the Greek word “agape” and instantly share with their network of social media friends, what is going on in worship at that moment.  Yes, I know, they actually tweet out while we are singing “In the Tweet by and by” or “Tweet Ye First”.    IT’S A NEW DAY.  I am still old school and use my old tried and true printed version of God’s Holy Word.  At other times, like at night before bed or while I sit and wait for an appointment, I use the Bible app on my phone. It’s the Word of God…whether it is a scroll, a 6 pound coffee table size Bible, my old 20 year old NIV or my phone’s Bible App…it is all good, all God, all the time.  IT’S A NEW DAY…but it is the same wonderful words of life.

See you Sunday with my Bible in my hand…and my phone Bible app near by.

Pastor Tom

VISION NIGHT: JIBC

VISION NIGHT: JIBC is a leadership event to be held on Monday, September 8 from 6:30-7:30 in the fellowship hall.  We will provide a meal to be served from 5:30-6:30.  Childcare will be provided for anyone who needs it.  Spouses that are not on the leadership are invited and are more than welcomed to attend.  It would be our pleasure for them to join us.

I am inviting all staff, all deacons and elders, all connection group leaders and all leaders of ministry teams.  If you cannot attend, I would ask that you send someone who would come representing your team or connection group.  We are expecting to have 45 leaders to attend.

I am calling this VISION NIGHT: JIBC for this reason: I hope to share with you a compelling vision and direction for the next 16 months.  The staff and I have met together to prayerfully seek direction and leadership for our church family.  We had a very successful 2 day retreat examining where we see God moving, what we see Him blessing, examining needs of the community and dreaming how we could join Him.  We will present a calendar of the major events and dates that will help you, your family and your ministry team/connection group as you make plans for the coming year.

Recently, this statement has been going through my mind and heart:  God is in the business of reaching, redeeming and restoring a lost and broken world.  We, the JIBC family, exist to join Him in His business.  What we will share at VISION NIGHT: JIBC will be how we believe God is going to do this through His JIBC family.  In some ways, what I will be sharing is a continuation of what has been in my heart from day one:  making a difference in our families, our neighborhood, our community and world.

As you know we strive to be driven by the purposes of God as revealed in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.  We exist to bring people into the family of God (Membership), help them become like Jesus (Maturity), involve them in serving one another (Ministry), sending them into the community and world (Mission) and to glorify God (Magnify).  That is what we do.  Who we do it with can be seen in concentric circles starting in the Community, bringing them to the Crowd, involving them in the Church, helping them move to grow as the Committed and sending them back out to the serve as the Core.  The vision for the next 16 months includes doing church together ON PURPOSE.

We do a pretty good job of keeping a thin calendar.  So I will do my absolute best to not waste your time.  If there is one meeting for you to absolutely attend, this is it.  You will hear my heart, see my commitment, and feel my passion.  I love what I do and who I do it with.  I am looking forward and praying for the best year ever.  Let’s do it together, ON PURPOSE!

Blessings,

Pastor Tom

JIBC Happenings

STARTED WITH SUCCESS

This past Monday was the first day of the Weekday Preschool Ministry at JIBC.  If the only goal was to have people from Riverland Terrace walk onto our campus for the first time, it was a big success.  We met many young families that actually walk their children to our Weekday Ministry.  Shelley and her team have started off with success and blessing.  Let’s keep them in our prayers as they lead us to minister to these children and their families.  Susan Warren, her welcome team and the staff were present to welcome all the families to Sunday’s Open House and to their first day of preschool!  Way to go TEAM JIBC.  You represent well!

COFFEE WITH PASTOR TOM

This fall, on Wednesday evenings, I will be hosting a drop in called “Coffee with Pastor Tom”.  I am planning to be in my office, every Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30, for casual drop-in conversations.  This is not a class that you sign up for and attend weekly.  That would be Marty’s class on Ephesians, Tom McConnell’s class on finance, Janie’s class First Place 4 Health or AWANA listeners.  My class will be more casual, no curriculum or study course.  Just good coffee or hot tea and me!  I only have 4 chairs, so, it will be limited to the first four…maybe five if I can borrow a chair. I am looking forward to spending some extended time just getting to know more of your story.  If no one shows up, I will still have coffee, tea and me!  Then it will be an hour of quiet meditation, LOL.

MARSHA CLINE IS IN TOWN

Many of you remember Marsha.  She lived with me and Janie for a short time while she helped us open the Transition House.  We were kind of stuck until Marsha came and took the lead in getting the ball rolling. She and her husband, Scott, are in town for the week.  We are hoping they will be able to be with us for at least one of our worship services.  We are continually grateful for her hard work in helping us start this much needed ministry.  To God be the glory!

See you Sunday, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

WHAT IS OUR SIGNATURE?

WHAT IS OUR SIGNATURE?

Many people are familiar with the phrase “put your John Hancock right here”.  He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  His signature was big and bold and left little doubt that he had signed it and supported it.   His signature, John Hancock, became a synonym for a person’s signature.

What is the “signature” of James Island Baptist.  When you think of the document of our lives together as James Island Baptist, what signature event, quality, characteristic stands out?  What are we doing in the Kingdom of God that leaves no doubt…we signed the document, this is who we are as James Island Baptist.  Another way to ask the same question is what are we doing that we should always keep doing?  Where do we make the biggest impact in “making disciples that make disciples that change the world”?  What are we, as the church family known as JIBC, doing that makes a difference?

I would be interested to know your response.  If you are on FACEBOOK, this will be my question of the week.  If you are not on FACEBOOK, jot down your thoughts and drop them in the offering plate Sunday.  I will look forward to reading the responses.

WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL MINISTRY

Monday, August 25 starts another new community outreach ministry at JIBC.  We welcome Shelley Cannon and her team as they begin a Monday-Friday, 9-12, Weekday Preschool Ministry.  They will be using the WEE material, an age appropriate, Bible based curriculum that fits in perfectly with what we teach every Sunday.  Shelley is the director of the Weekday Preschool Ministry as well as on our staff as church-wide Director of Preschool Ministries.  Our staff is looking forward to working with her.  Many of our preschool workers have already met her and are happily anxious to have her on our preschool team.  Shelley has already completed Class 101: Discovering Membership at JIBC and is an official member!  Welcome to a loving and supportive church, Shelley.  We are glad you are here.

SOUL TRAINING: THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL LIFE

I have so enjoyed repackaging and presenting James Bryan Smith’s book, “The Good and Beautiful Life”.  This week’s message will be: The Good and Beautiful Life…Living without Judging Others.

See you then, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

Pray for Iraq as persecution increases

100,000 Christians flee from Qaraqosh

Remember has contact with pastors in Northern and Central Iraq, and is learning that the already dire situation for Christians in Iraq is worsening. The Islamic State (IS) is on a quest for dominance, brutally killing those in their path, unparalleled since the mid-600's A.D.

Early Friday morning one of our pastor contacts in Northern Iraq sent us this message:

"The situation is very bad. Not only because of IS, but also because of sleeper cells in the down town areas. Many people are supporting IS in their violence against Christians."

Tens of thousands of Christians are fleeing their homes, facing the choice to convert or die, and consequently are lacking in many necessities, such as food, water, clothes and shelter. Pastor M. has turned his church into housing for over 45 families, but cannot continue to meet the needs of the growing number of displaced Believers.

Will you join with us in praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Syria and Iraq? Would you also consider donating any amount which you feel led to give, in order to aid our brethren in their basic needs during this tumultuous time? Remember is also prayerfully considering sending a medical team to Erbil and the surrounding area. Please pray for those persecuted, for strength and basic needs to be met, as well as for the Remember team as we seek God in how to best aid these brothers and sisters.

If you feel led to give, please send donations to the address listed below.. Most of all we must pray. The situations in the Middle East continue to escalate, and Christian men, women and children are martyred daily for their Faith. We will continue to update on this situation.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Sincerely,

The Remember Team

Remember

info@rememberthose.org    843-571-2525

834 Wappoo Road, Charleston, SC 29407

WHAT’S NEW?

  For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

 Isaiah 43:19 New Living Translation (NLT)

Let’s talk about what’s new.  What new things is the LORD doing that will create rivers of blessings in our lives, our church and community?  Let’s talk about three.

First, we have already launched THE DISCIPLESHIP COUNSELING CENTER @ JAMES ISLAND.  Our counselor’s name is Blaine Vinson.  We have already learned to love him and enjoy seeing him when he comes by.  The counseling office is located in the atrium just behind the welcome center.  On Sunday mornings, it is the same space used for mothers and infants for quiet time and nursing.  It is a wonderfully decorated room that feels so warm and inviting.  Our thanks to Susan Warren, Brian and Paula Garrett for the donation of furniture and decorating talent.  To make an appointment with Blain or one of the centers counselors, you call their office at 300.0440.   He is already seeing clients.  The LORD is providing a pathway through the wilderness.

Second, we will begin a new Leadership Training for Celebrate Recovery.  Darryl Young will be leading this training on Sunday evenings from August 17 through November 16.  It will be an intensive working of the 12 Steps and training for CR.  Emphasis on intensive training.  This is not an introduction to 12 Steps.  This is an intense working of the 12 Steps and a training for leadership in CR.  The Lord is creating rivers in the dry wasteland!  Recovery is the work of God.  We join Him in His work to reach, redeem and restore a lost and broken world. 

Third,  we begin again the Wednesday Family Night.  Great food, awesome sauce Awana Ministry and three great growth opportunity for adults.  First, Janie Brown is teaching First Place 4 Health.  The focus is on healthy eating, exercise and Bible study.  A new group and new year and new promise.  The second group is led by Tom McConnell on budgeting and finances.  This personal finance class is a great opportunity to learn or refresh skills that can make a difference for life.  Financial scholarship is available.  See Susan or Pastor Tom for details.  The third class is a Bible Study on Paul’s book of Ephesians.  Marty Clark will be leading this Bible study.  What a great way to get to know Marty and to enjoy studying the Word of God together.   By the way, we are so excited about this new beginning we are throwing a party on Wednesday, August 27 to celebrate.  Come and get your party on!

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.    Isaiah 43:19 New Living Translation (NLT)

See you Sunday, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

A NEW PRESCHOOL MINISTRY BEGINNING

Starting Monday, August 25, James Island Baptist will begin a new Weekday Preschool Ministry. Some of you may know or remember Shelly Cannon who helped us during our preschool building renovation years ago. We hired her as a temporary worker to assist us during the construction and reconstruction time. We loved her so much, we tried to hire her on the spot to start a ministry way back then. The timing has finally worked out.

Shelly and her entire team will be coming to join the JIBC Mission and Ministry. This will be a Monday through Friday, 9-12, Weekday Preschool Program. It is open to the community as well as our church family. We believe we will probably max out at around 40 to 45 children. We will use the Bible centered WEE curriculum that we used years ago in our Mothers Morning Out Ministry. It is a Bible based curriculum that helps prepare preschoolers for school as well as teaching Biblical values.

Shelly will be the director of the Weekday Preschool and will also serve as our staff preschool director. So she will be providing leadership to our excellent preschool Sunday School and Extended Session workers. At a recent introduction dinner, all the JIBC preschool workers were thrilled to have Shelly coming as a resource person. Her job is not to be “in the nursery” each week. Her job is to help coordinate and train our workers. She will be a leader of leaders. I really believe it will be a good fit.

So what can you do? One, let’s begin to pray. Pray for Shelly and her team. They love the JIBC preschool facilities and rooms. Pray for the children and families that will come to our campus. We will pray that these children will get for the first time, or to reinforce, the wonderful message of the love of God and His people. Spread the word. If you know of families with preschool children looking for a morning preschool ministry, tell them about Shelly and the JIBC Weekday Preschool Ministry. Nothing beats word of mouth advertisement.

I am looking forward to this exciting new ministry. Add this to the Discipleship Counseling Center, and you can see quite an effort to help families come to Christ and to get healthy.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Tom

MEET SHELLEY CANNON

Shelley was born and raised on James Island. She and her husband, Bryan, have been together since high school. They have two children: Ann-Marie who is 14 and will be attending James Island High in the Fall and Bryan who graduated this year from James Island High and will be doing the bridge program starting at Tech in the Fall. Shelley has been working in Preschool Ministry for over 10 years and will bring a wealth of experience to our team

  

A Word from Pastor Sean

Special Guest Post from Pastor Sean, Pastor of Family Ministries at JIBC

A year ago I stepped into our Children’s worship service we call All Stars. It was fun, but lacked vision. It had energy, but lacked control. I spent the first few months tweaking the program. I had a vision for a children’s worship service that was truly a worship experience. All Stars would be a place where children were engaged with God’s word and worship. I am so pleased to say after a year that vision is accomplished. I sat in on the All Stars program last week and instead of video games and dodge ball, the students got a team building game, a great lesson on friendship and the children led in worship. Let me say that again…some of our kids are leading in worship. I have to admit I was a little overcome to see what God has put together. We have a great team. Martha Miller, Candy Oliver, Erin Wilkins, Marie Smith and Katyrina Russell. Each week they pour into these young children and watch them develop into the future of the church. I am writing this as I get ready to take 20 children to camp. This camp will immerse them in the gospel of Christ. They will come back changed and challenged. Awana begins in just a few weeks. Marie Smith and her Awana army lead this program for K4 - 5th grade that encourages children to memorize and apply scripture in their lives. We at JIBC believe in Reaching young people before we have to Rescue them. I am proud of our Children’s Ministry team and I ask that you join me in this great endeavor. How? 1) Pray…pray for our children and pray for our leaders. 2) Join…be an Awana volunteer, get on an All Stars rotation or volunteer for Celebration Station the children ministry of Celebrate Recovery that meets on Sunday nights. God is up to great things…let’s join him!



In His Grip



Sean

What's Happening at JIBC

A Million Thanks

I tried to say it all Sunday, but let me repeat myself. Thank you to everyone who made the 67th Anniversary Celebration a wonderful day. I start with the Kitchen Krew and all their volunteers. They took the storming weather problems and handled it like professionals. At the last minute, moving the event from outside to the inside and doing it seamlessly. You guys did an amazing job. The staff made the right call and worked in high gear to “get ‘er done” before anyone showed up for Sunday Connection Groups. Marty and the Worship team led an excellent worship service. Remember, he had quite a change in the worship lineup when the Chinese Fellowship could not join us. (They had a tragedy in their church family and did not feel it was appropriate to celebrate in their time of loss. Our prayers continue to be with them all.) The fellowship hall was packed for our inside picnic with very few spaces to spare. Great job everyone…glory to God.

The property purchase did not work out

There is an old saying: “The devil is in the details”. We have tried to say that the purchase of the adjacent property was not a “done deal”. We needed the church’s approval, as we have on all projects that would put the church in debt, to be able to proceed. For those who did not understand how JIBC works, it may have seemed like it was just a formality to have the church vote to proceed. Really, there would be no reason to move forward without the agreement of the church family. And originally, we were working with just over a three week deadline.

As it stands, as of today, Monday, July14, the deal is off and at this time we are no longer pursuing the purchase of the property. We hit a snag in the process that gave us cause to pause. Marvin and Julie Sineath were very gracious in even giving us the opportunity to purchase the property. The timing of the sale and working out the details made it difficult for both sides to reach an agreement. The decision was agreeable by both parties. Our thanks to Marvin and Julie for thinking about us.

When teaching about prayer we say God always answers prayer: sometimes He says “yes”; sometimes He says “no”; and sometimes He says “not now”. We have faith and confidence in those who are leading us and claim Romans 8:28 as a guiding principle. Job 1:21 says “He gives and takes away, blessed be the Name of the LORD.” Our prayer is that this is the absolute best decision for the Sineaths as well as for JIBC. Perhaps this is the Lord saying “Not now”.

Children’s Camp Next Week

I don’t know how many years I have been going to Children’s Camps. It is measured by decades, not years. On Monday, July 21, I will log in another wonderful week with 20 of our church kids. We have 20 kids and 5 chaperones going. This year’s camp is at Anderson University. I will drive the bus and be able to spend some quality time with our kids. They get to see me in another role besides the one in “big church”. Join us in prayer for decisions that will be made and discipleship that will be deepened. Ok, and pray that we will have lots of fun and the old guy won’t get hurt.

See you Sunday, Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL LIFE

This past Sunday I started a series of messages entitled “Soul Training: The Good and Beautiful Life”. The messages will come from the Gospel of Matthew, particularly the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. James Bryan Smith has written a strong series of books: The Good and Beautiful God; The Good and Beautiful Life: and The Good and Beautiful Community. As I read these books a few years ago, I took note and made plans to teach a series of lessons from them. Jesus invites his followers to “re-think” their current view of life. Jesus was and is the ultimate example of how to live a life free of lust, anger, worry, greed. He found a way to live in the Kingdom of God every moment of every day. The rest of this summer we will examine the teachings of Jesus. I hope we will accept his invitation to follow him and to experience the Good and Beautiful Life.

THE CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

We have celebrated 67 years on this corner as James Island Baptist, the Church at Riverland Terrace. What a joy to be a part of the family. This week we have a celebration planned. We are celebrating the Lord’s Supper…remembering what He did for us on Calvary. We celebrate baptism remembering what He is still doing in us…changing lives. We will worship Him in gladness…because He is worthy. We will remember the past and give thanks for those who worked with Him to pave the way for us. We will eat and laugh because the joy of the Lord is upon us. We will welcome again our Chinese brothers and sisters and rejoice at the goodness of God to bless them so greatly. We will break bread with the Hispanic church, Luz Y Verdad, thanking God for Pastor Claudio and his wife Claudia and their wonderful team. What a day of joy and celebration. Now…if only the rain will hold off until 3!

By the way, no 8:30 service this Sunday. Sunday Morning Connection Groups as usual, combined service at 11, and, then celebration of a good old fashion cookout afterwards. Please, dress casual and comfortable. We will have music, melons and mountains of food!

UPDATE ON THE PROPERTYThe process was delayed just a little. Details are still being worked out. As of Monday morning, we still do not consider this a “done deal”. What we can say is the deal is still being worked out. The deadline of closing by July 1 was moved to July 11 and now moved to next week sometime.

We were moving quickly because of a closing date of July 1. So we rushed the process while still trying to give you all the information we could. As we said from the get go…if we can answer any questions for you concerning the process or the property, please feel free to ask. Until then, we pray for His wisdom and have no worries. His will be done.

See you Sunday in celebration mode!

Pastor Tom

Rejoice about this: if all goes well, this summer we will have JIBC family serving internationally in China, Romania, Ukraine and Burma.

Unanimous Support

This past Sunday we voted on the recommendation from our staff, our finance team and leadership team that we pursue purchasing the property across the street. The vote in both services was unanimous. This is not a “done deal” but we are on the way. We will very shortly be meeting with attorneys working out the details.

I am very pleased and believe this will be a smart move for future mission and ministry. I really love how our church family has grown over the years. There was a time when the first question that would be asked is “Can we afford this?” Now, the first question that was consistently asked was “What will we do with it?” In other words, how does it fit into our purpose and mission? I have been very open to say that at this point I do not know. I believe the plan will include some sort of multi-purpose activity building. Based on how God has blessed such actions in the past, I suspect and believe we will have a mission or two that meets there. It might surprise you to know there is really no church on the island with any type of significant youth mission and outreach going on. Many churches are offering something, but no church has yet found the “key” to reach the youth in the area. I believe this will be part of the answer…but I do not know.

Our Father has helped our church family to become more and more outward focused. Look for the greatest needs in the community and then see what resources He has given us. Think about the things God has already done here at JIBC: grew the largest Chinese church in Charleston; has the most active Hispanic church (not the largest, but surely one of the most active); we consistently have over 100 at Celebrate Recovery (the average Baptist church in S.C. has under 100); the only Transition House for women and infants in Charleston; outreach ministries to Florence Crittenton Home for unwed girls from 10 years of age to 24; just began an outreach to Lowcountry Orphan Relief; active partners with James Island Outreach; Youth Ministry Rock the Block to area neighborhoods; support Low Country Pregnancy Center; taking on illiteracy through “Reading Buddies” at Murray LaSaine Elementary; plans to start a Mother’s Morning Out in September; etc.

Look at that list. That does not mention the dozens of “in house” ministries to our own church family. On Wednesday nights we feed people who are homeless, under-employed, large families who are stretched…at no cost. We have volunteers who take Wednesday meals to the homebound and sick. We have a growing “Connections Ministry” led by Susan Warren helping to connect people to God, each other and the community. That is not to mention the things we do not know…members who just quietly, routinely act as salt and light in volunteer positions on their own. I love JIBC and I love what I see God doing in our church family. To God be the glory.

NEW TEACHING SERIES: I begin this Sunday teaching a series based on The Sermon on the Mount called “The Good and Beautiful Life”. I read a series of books by James Bryan Smith that will greatly influence this series. I am praying our Father will use it for our soul training!

Happy July 4th,

Pastor Tom

STEP OF FAITH…LEAP OF FAITH…IT’S ALL FAITH

This Sunday JIBC will vote at the 8:30 and the 11:00 service concerning the purchase of the “Psaras/Attic Treasures” building and property. Please feel free to call the office and speak to any of our staff members if you have questions (762-0244). You may also call Ronnie Cooper, Dean Kelly or Bob Chambless. We will be glad to provide as much information as we can.

Summary: The property is currently owned by Marvin and Julie Sineath. They live in Riverland Terrace and have owned the property for decades. Once they decided to sell, I believe it pleased them to know the property will remain associated with Riverland Terrace and in particular, James Island Baptist. The terms we have agreed upon are as follow: $350,000, with $20,000 down, owner financed at 6% for 15 years. We are currently developing a short term, 3 year plan for the property that will allow us time to develop the long term plan. The building is an old building and will require quite a bit of work to get it prepared for the first part of the plan. Our goal is to close by July 1 or as close to that date as we can.

This decision started when Mr. Sineath informed us of the buildings availability. He had talked for years of his desire for the church to have this property. We, of course, were very interested. We are land locked with little to no viable options to build or increase parking. A former plan developed years ago, required taking 1/3 of our parking area for any additional building. That really was not a desirable option. Parking space is a premium. Once we knew it was a possibility, we talked to a few leaders and then sent the idea to our finance team. The finance team then set a meeting. At the meeting was the staff pastors, Ronnie Cooper, Dean Kelly, Bob Chambless (Mr. Sineath knew Bob and requested he attend). There were several meetings after that with this team. We were united in our desire to purchase the property. We then called a meeting of all church leadership. That group unanimously voted to recommend that we purchase the property. Now, this Sunday, we bring this to the church family for a vote. Sunday, will be just a straight forward yes or no vote, similar to what we do for our church missions and ministry budget. All of us are available for any questions and will be glad to try and provide as much information as you might need.

I see this property becoming a multi-purpose use building. I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet, but I believe it will one day host the largest youth events on the island and will be the site of yet another new church started by JIBC. To God be the glory.

By the way, a special thanks to Sean for preaching this great series on Conversations with Jesus. It has been helpful to me personally to hear the Word. It has also been very helpful by allowing me a break in my schedule so I can plan the next series of messages I will preach. I am pleased to have such a competent and dedicated staff.

See you Sunday, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE ADJACENT PROPERTY

On Saturday, May 31, Attic Treasures, the business across the street on the Wappoo side, closed their business. It is the “Psaras” building that was an antique/consignment store. The owners, Marvin and Julie Sineath have always said they would give JIBC the first right of refusal on the property. Our first meeting with Mr. Sineath was sometime around the middle of May. He was checking on our interest and still deciding if he wanted to sell or lease the building. We were and are absolutely interested in buying the property. 

As you know, JIBC is land locked on this small triangle. We are limited in parking and building space. You may remember that we purchased the Transition House years ago with the idea of making it into additional parking space. Since then, we have used it to house Sr. Adults, VBS classes, a family in need, and now, the Transition House. It was a wise purchase with no down side. That is how we feel about this property.

Here are the three things I think you will be most interested in. First, the terms of the agreement requested by Mr. Sineath are $350,000, with $20,000 down, owner financed at 6% for 15 years. We only received the final decision from Mr. Sineath last week. He and Mrs. Sineath have owned this property for decades and he was not sure if he wanted to sell or not. The final decision to sell, I think, was based on his declining health and his desire to see the future of the building in local hands, particularly JIBC. By the way, this is very close to the price we paid for the Transition House.

Second, once Mr. Sineath made the decision to sell, he wanted the transaction done quickly. He is still paying taxes and insurance on an unoccupied building. It is his desire to close on July 1. I tried to schedule closing closer to the church anniversary on July 13…just as a historic and symbolic gesture. He thought that was nice, but needs to close on July 1. That gives us less than a month to decide and act. Not our preference, but our reality.

We will meet with all church leadership on Wednesday, June 18 and present our recommendation to the church on Sunday, June 29 at both services. We would prefer to have a little more notice. That was not an option since there were others buyers waiting. We really do not want much time to go by if you know what I mean. I wish we could keep this completely silent in the community until after the fact.

Third, we will start to build a short term plan (the next two or three years) for the building that will include bringing it up to code. This will give us time to build a long term ministry and mission plan. I can imagine a gathering place for the Youth called The Warehouse, a space for another church family… like the Chinese church, a multi-purpose use facility that could house all our church wide dinners with room for everyone, an indoor place large enough for the Awana ministry, etc, etc, etc. I love to dream. It is not difficult to see how this space could be used.

As Dean Kelly says: “this may be a step of faith or a leap of faith”. Either way, we do believe it is the Lord’s blessings.

Pastor Tom

Keep Them In Your Prayers

This next week we will have a group of ladies going to Baltimore, Maryland for the Southern Baptist Convention and to prayer walk and visit with Brent Gordon and company. They will be taking with them the prayers and love of our church family as well as financial gifts from the church and some individuals. For those who are new to our church family, Brent Gordon was on staff with us for four years. He and a team from JIBC felt called to go to Baltimore to start a new church. He is working with large church in Baltimore called Gallery Church. He is supported through Gallery Church, the Baltimore Baptist Association and the North American Mission Board. He already has a church campus and a church parsonage as a part of Gallery Church. To God be the glory. What a blessing to start with so much support, a place to live and a team that was ready to go.

Second, let’s give God glory and thanks for Marty’s first week with us. To use a baseball term, the praise team hit it out of the park. One of our senior adults said to me: “Now that is how worship should be, I hope he keeps it like that. I like me some Marty!” I agree. What a heart for worship. He bought 3 of his friends with him for the first week. The bass guitar player was here for only last Sunday. He will start his internship at Faith Assembly. Robert and Cameron plan to join us again this coming week. Although Marty will be part time, he will be keeping regular office hours during the week.

Third, let’s keep our friend, Fred Hudson, in our prayers as well. We are doing for Fred, something similar that we did for Brent Gordon. We paid and supported Brent even though Sean was already here and on staff. That let Sean get to work immediately and gave Brent income as he began his new work. We are doing a very similar thing for Fred. He is still “on staff” and available to our church even though he is not present, playing or leading, during worship. This gives Marty and our praise team the opportunity to carry on even while Fred is involved in other adventures. Fred is still being paid and is still considered on staff and available to us while he is being paid. He still gives lessons here and is available to us just as Brent was available even though Sean was here.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom