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
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
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
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
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
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
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
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
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
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Exciting Times at JIBC
Who looks like Kenny G and sounds like Michael Buble? That would be Marty Clark, our new Worship Pastor. OK, at least that is how I describe him. Pastor Sean describes his as a young man with an old soul…a wonderful and rare combination. All the references say the same thing about him…he loves Jesus and loves to lead in worship. I am loving that combination.
We are very excited about a fresh new addition to our worship. As you may remember from Marty’s resume, he is 22 and has just graduated from Charleston Southern University with a Music and Worship Leadership Degree. He is in the first graduating class with that particular degree. So, to an old guy like me…he’s just a baby. But I do love me some babies in my family! I really do believe you will love him and love his heart for worship. Get to know him and his heart. Remember, he is not here to be a cheer leader. He is here to lead in worship. I think he will do that well.
Now, put yourself in his shoes for a moment. Who are these people at JIBC? He does not yet know that you will love and embrace him. He will find that out soon enough. Fred led the band from the piano…Marty will lead with his guitar and his voice. Fred knew the band and worked with them for years…Marty will meet them for the first time this week and work with them for the first time this Thursday. I suspect there will be some time to adjust to a different way of doing some things. He is competent and capable…but it is a new setting. I would be a bit nervous. In fact, I am a bit nervous for him.
I asked Marty to bring a couple of his friends to fill in at band positions where we currently do not have players. We have not had a bass player for a while…so Marty has asked a friend to come and play. We have not had a lead guitar player for a while…so Marty has asked another friend to come and play. We currently do not have a keyboard/piano player…so Marty has asked a friend to come and play. Our praise band and singers are still on board and will be present. I really want Marty’s first experience with us to be as good as possible. So, I asked if he had friends that would like to come and play with our band. I did not want the absence of the piano to be what you noticed first.
As always…to God be the glory. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Pastor Tom
We are very excited about a fresh new addition to our worship. As you may remember from Marty’s resume, he is 22 and has just graduated from Charleston Southern University with a Music and Worship Leadership Degree. He is in the first graduating class with that particular degree. So, to an old guy like me…he’s just a baby. But I do love me some babies in my family! I really do believe you will love him and love his heart for worship. Get to know him and his heart. Remember, he is not here to be a cheer leader. He is here to lead in worship. I think he will do that well.
Now, put yourself in his shoes for a moment. Who are these people at JIBC? He does not yet know that you will love and embrace him. He will find that out soon enough. Fred led the band from the piano…Marty will lead with his guitar and his voice. Fred knew the band and worked with them for years…Marty will meet them for the first time this week and work with them for the first time this Thursday. I suspect there will be some time to adjust to a different way of doing some things. He is competent and capable…but it is a new setting. I would be a bit nervous. In fact, I am a bit nervous for him.
I asked Marty to bring a couple of his friends to fill in at band positions where we currently do not have players. We have not had a bass player for a while…so Marty has asked a friend to come and play. We have not had a lead guitar player for a while…so Marty has asked another friend to come and play. We currently do not have a keyboard/piano player…so Marty has asked a friend to come and play. Our praise band and singers are still on board and will be present. I really want Marty’s first experience with us to be as good as possible. So, I asked if he had friends that would like to come and play with our band. I did not want the absence of the piano to be what you noticed first.
As always…to God be the glory. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Pastor Tom
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Funny Sayings
Don’t you just love to read things that make you laugh? I read one recently that was in reference to some people’s need for drama. When drama comes knocking at your door your response is: “Not my circus, not my monkeys”. Granted, it does not take much to entertain me, but I do love that. Some live with a need to find importance by creating a problem where there is not one; stirring the pot they don’t want to eat from; creating chaos where there was peace. We refer to them as “Drama Queens”…sorry guys, even men who are like this are called “Drama Queens”. The desire for attention is not so wrong in itself. It is the “over-desiring” that causes the drama. It is the desire for attention even if it means negative attention…sounds almost like a child doesn’t it.
By the way, I have met and dealt with many drama queens in my life time. None of them ever thought of themselves as such. The old saying is if someone says “I hate drama” there is a good chance they are a drama queen. The Drama Queen has often lived this way so long, they may or may not realize they are spreading turmoil and discontent wherever they go. This has become their new identity. They have not got the message: just because you are a drama queen does not mean I am going to treat you like royalty. Drama, it has been said, is the unconscious strategy of a young baby being played out in an adult body. It is not pretty.
It is a spiritual issue. The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes “love, joy and peace”. Guess what the drama queens do not have? You got it…love, joy and peace. Creating drama, participating or perpetuating drama really is a spiritual issue. In Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul says “Have this attitude in you that was in Christ Jesus…”. It can’t be an attitude of drama. Say the good word, the encouraging word, the word of hope and faith. It is the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.
And remember to say: “It’s not my circus, not my monkeys.” Gotta love it!
Pastor Tom
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
2014 KIDS CAMP…CentriKid
This year’s children’s camp is going to be different…but different can be good. Let me give the long view first. CentriKid is for children what MissionFuge is for Youth. Our youth ministry has been taking groups to MissionFuge for years…and they absolutely love it. It is easily one of the highlights of the year. It combines Missions, Bible Study, Worship, Fellowship and Service…almost as though it was a “purpose driven camp”! Now, we can add the Children’s camp. It involves the same goals…just on a child’s level. For a first hand story, please talk to Susan Warren. When she was the Children’s Minister in Tennessee, she took her kids there for years…and loved it. She endorses this experience completely.
Now, let’s bring it down to ground level. The camp will be JULY 21-25 and will be held at Anderson University. The cost is $300…a bargain for the cost of most camps. It is for children who have completed the 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade. Pastor Sean and Pastor Tom will be going to camp with our kids. I am looking forward to my grandson, Noah, being a part of this group. Information packets are available from Sean and Susan. You may also pick them up in the atrium at the information desk.
What about Bonnie Doone? I love that Bonnie Doone has become an anticipated tradition among our children. Legends have been made there! We are hoping ( but not definite at this time due to reservations) to plan a back to school, one day, “The Best of Bonnie Doone” family experience at the end of summer. That can keep us in touch with the fabulously fun times we have had at JIBC KidsKamp.
If you would like to sponsor a child or give toward sponsoring a child, it can make a difference. I was a teenager sponsored to camp when I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord. I am grateful to the anonymous donor who made it possible.
See you Sunday, good Lord willing,
Pastor Tom
Now, let’s bring it down to ground level. The camp will be JULY 21-25 and will be held at Anderson University. The cost is $300…a bargain for the cost of most camps. It is for children who have completed the 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade. Pastor Sean and Pastor Tom will be going to camp with our kids. I am looking forward to my grandson, Noah, being a part of this group. Information packets are available from Sean and Susan. You may also pick them up in the atrium at the information desk.
What about Bonnie Doone? I love that Bonnie Doone has become an anticipated tradition among our children. Legends have been made there! We are hoping ( but not definite at this time due to reservations) to plan a back to school, one day, “The Best of Bonnie Doone” family experience at the end of summer. That can keep us in touch with the fabulously fun times we have had at JIBC KidsKamp.
If you would like to sponsor a child or give toward sponsoring a child, it can make a difference. I was a teenager sponsored to camp when I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord. I am grateful to the anonymous donor who made it possible.
See you Sunday, good Lord willing,
Pastor Tom
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