So, What's Next?

So what’s next? It is always the question on my heart and mind. What is our Father doing and how may we join Him? You may or may not know that God has allowed us to join Him in a significant ministry of recovery. Sunday evening Celebrate Recovery is growing to record levels. We are now offering ministry on ‘Sunday nights to preschoolers, children and youth. Children will be involved in Celebration Station and Youth will be following Life Hurts/God Heals. Both are designed to help strengthen families. Right now, we offer the only Transition House that I know of in Charleston. The need is great. We could fill another house if we had one. The only other Transition House closed down while they regroup and retool their ministry.


We currently have two new residents at the Transition House. They will have four children between them. We might just leave the number at two for the time being. Our Recovery Team offers their services and ministries to other churches and organizations, seeking to go where our Father is working.


What is He doing in your Connection Group? I love knowing that our groups are outward focused, seeking to take the Light of Christ to areas of darkness in our communities. If your Connection Group needs help finding a ministry or knowing where to get started, please know we stand ready to help. Our prayers and commitment are yours for the asking. We might currently be planning some mission work that would interest you and your group. Perhaps the Florence Crittenton Home, literacy mentors at Murray-Lasaine Elementary School, volunteering at James Island Outreach, the Transition House families, Lowcountry Pregnancy Center, etc. We will be glad to help you discover where you can plug in. Ask your Connection Group leaders how you can help.


You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine that the world may see your good works and give glory to our Father in heaven.

Pastor Tom


Wednesday Night

This Wednesday night, I will begin a study on the book of Romans. This will be a trial study. If the attendance warrants, we will continue. If not, we will go back to a video driven Bible Study that does not require an additional 8 hours of preparation. If you are interested in this study of Romans, join us in the Library/Conference room on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-7:30.

LOWCOUNTRY PREGNANCY CENTER FUND RAISING BANQUET

We have reserved a table for 10 at this year’s fund raising banquet. We have 5 seats available for anyone that would like to go. Let me tell you up front, this is a fund raising banquet. The idea is to invite people who will give. I also think it is a good way to introduce people to the ministry and mission of the Lowcountry Pregnancy Center even if you do not give a dime. This year’s guest speaker will be Senator Rick Santorum.

The banquet will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Ballroom, 5055 International Boulevard, North Charleston. By the way, they are doing it differently this year. It does not cost anything to “reserve” a table. So, your Connection Group could reserve a table and commit to fill it with 10 people. In the past, one could reserve a table for a certain amount of money. That helped with the cost of the banquet. This year, not so much. So anyone, say, Women on Mission or a Connection Group, could reserve their own table and commit to filling it with 10 people. Again, the idea is to raise funds for this very important ministry. One person needs to serve as the “table host”. Once you reserve your table, they will send you the host pack. Janie is serving as the host for our table. The host just makes sure you have 10 people at your table. They do not want to waste the meal or an empty seat.

This is a worthwhile event. It certainly makes for an inspirational and informative night. Let the office know right away if you are interested in attending or in reserving a table. We will get you the information you need.

You can find more information at www.lowcountrypregnancycenter.com

Blessings,

Pastor Tom

Hallelujah, What a blessing!

This past Sunday we had several guests in the worship service. Among those visiting was a very special one to me: my grandson ,Wyatt. I did not know he was coming and I did not know he was in the service. I learned afterwards that Trey, Erin and Wyatt were in worship for the first time since 2 months before he was born. It might have been a good thing I did not know. There would have been a “Lion King” like moment of holding Simba for everyone to see. There is a very real downside to being the family of the Pastor! At any rate, welcome to your church family Wyatt Trey Wilkins. What a great day to be in the house of the Lord.

LORDSHIP: POSITION, POSSESSION, PERMISSION

I have started a new teaching series on Lordship. This past Sunday we focused on the Position of Lordship. The word “Lord” appears over 6,000 times in the Bible and is found in almost every Book of the Bible. The Apostle Paul uses it over 200 times in reference to Jesus. “Jesus is Lord” is the creed and confession of the New Testament Church.

Philippians 2:11 reminds us that one day every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. The position of Lordship is a bowed knee to an exalted Lord. He is God and I am not. The heart of every sin in my life is my desire to be god, to be the authority, to exalt my will over His. You have heard me say often that sin is trying to meet a legitimate need in an illegitimate way. Our Heavenly Father has provided what we need. Remember Psalm 23: “The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not be in want.” When I decide I want what I want when I want it and will get it however I want to, I have declared my position on Lordship. It is not the bowed knee before an exalted Lord. It is an exalted ego. Choosing to be the ultimate authority of my life has caused my crash and burn moments and experiences. My way did not work. I came to realize there is a God and I am not Him. So, I begin a lifetime and a lifestyle of acknowledging Jesus is Lord. I quote Psalm 139 asking God to search my heart and reveal unclean, unhealthy, unholy ways in my life. It is a process that will continue until I breathe my last breath here on earth and open my eyes in glory. So today, afresh and anew, I bow my knee and confess with my mouth “Jesus Christ is Lord”.

See you Sunday, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

HOW COULD IT HAVE BEEN BETTER?

I can tell you that last Saturday evening around 6:30, your church staff was busy texting back and forth about tailgate party and the rain that was falling! Wow, what a nail biter. As it turned out, the day, the weather, the details could not have been better. Susan Warren and our Connection groups did an outstanding job putting together what may have been our best ever outside event. I do not know of one detail I would have changed. My thanks to our fantastic Kitchen Krew for the dogs and burgers and the 20 tailgaters that provided a fantastic variety of delicious food and fun entertainment.


The ultimate goal was to help people “Connect” with God, with other believers and with the community. The challenge of every church family and group in the church is to move outside of themselves to reach out…to be outwardly focused. I absolutely love the way our church family is moving in this direction more and more. The fact that we all have different people groups or causes that we are passionate about makes it even more wonderful. God surely loves variety….look how he made us! You may be drawn to a group because of those currently in the group. You might also be drawn to a group because you have an affinity with the cause they are championing. Either way, I encourage you to plug into a group that will help you connect with God, with other believers and with the community. It does not take a lot of light to make the darkness flee. Just because we cannot solve every social ill does not mean we can’t make a difference to someone. Le your light so shine that people will see your good works and give glory to our Father in Heaven.


Two new Connection Groups have just been started. Please remember than in your prayers as they launch together. We are praying for the “DNA” of every group to include the commitment to connect with God (growing spiritually); connecting with other believers (doing life together); and connecting with the community (making a difference in an area of need).


Could Sunday morning have been better? Maybe…I am just not sure how! To God be the glory.


See you Sunday, good Lord willing,


Pastor Tom

Where did the year go?

2014! Where did the year go? It seems like we just got started and here we are at the end of the first month of the New Year. I generally like to write a New Year letter to do two things. First, I want to give glory to God for the many blessings happening here at James Island Baptist. Second, I want to thank you for your faithful giving, prayers and service. It has really made a difference.

This past year we saw 39 precious souls baptized into the family of God. For those who are interested, we ranked 5th in the Charleston Baptist Association for baptisms last year. We graduated our first group of ladies from the Transition House to their next step in independent living. I already have appointments to interview the next potential residents. We are currently furnishing our two small apartments that will be available for ministry opportunities as well.

The Chinese fellowship had a slight change of plans. They were not able to move out in November as planned. They are still waiting upon the Lord’s timing for their next move to a place that can accommodate their growth. That is a wonderful problem to have. Claudio and the Hispanic ministry are still going strong reaching about 40 adults every week. They have started a children and youth class.

Last Sunday night our Celebrate Recovery Mission had over 50 in attendance. Our family ministry will soon add Sunday night recovery programs for children (Celebration Station) and youth (Life Hurts, God Heals) as well as preschool care. In other areas, our family ministries have been blessed with 15 new volunteers in various places of ministry. And I think we all love our new family friendly Wednesday night schedule. Wow! I cannot stress how amazing this is. Our connection group ministry is going great. Last year we added a new Sunday adult and children’s connection group and two adult groups that meet during the week. Good Lord willing, we will start a Sunday morning college connection group in a few weeks and one more week day group. Most of our groups are actively involved in an outward focus, taking the light of Christ to areas of darkness and need. Ministry is done in a variety of areas such as: crisis ministry, orphan relief, teen pregnancy, James Island Outreach, local schools, etc. I love it!

Your faithful and generous giving has allowed us to tackle some major building and grounds issues. We have replaced the ancient boiler system and water cooling tower. They both served faithfully for years. I thank God we do not have to drain the tower every time the temperature goes below 32 and light the boiler every Sunday morning when it goes out. Now, we just have to get used to the new system! Thanks for your patience…we will get up to speed quickly. New signs, fresh paint, repairs…again, to God be the glory. Thanks for all you do to make this possible.

Whether you give a little, a lot or none at all, I am grateful for your prayers and support. I love being the pastor of JIBC. I hope you are loving what He is doing.

Pastor Tom

Tailgating Party: Sunday, February 2!

On Sunday, February 2, we will have a church wide fellowship, outside, under the oaks.  First of all “this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  Just about any day, any time is a great day for a church wide party.  It just also happens to be Super Bowl Sunday.  Besides the World Cup (the other football), it is one of the largest sporting events in the good old U.S of A.  So, if weather permits, we will have a church wide tailgating party after the worship service on Sunday, February 2.  If weather does not cooperate, we will be inside…either way, we party…I mean fellowship.

Little details:  no 8:30 service that day;  Sunday Connection Groups meet same time, same place as usual; one service at 11:00 to celebrate Communion and to wrap up the “Roots: Producing Fruit That Last” teaching series; then, the church wide tailgating party.

Dress casual, dress warm, and come prepared for fun.  Each Connection Group is invited to put up a booth/table/tent/tailgate to showcase their group.  We have around 60 people who attend on a regular basis who have not yet found groups to connect with.  Here is a great opportunity to meet people, check out groups and do it in a fun atmosphere.

What is not to love?  Good people, good fellowship, good food, good cause, good fun!  By the way, Mark Livengood has always done a good job reminding us of “Souper Bowl Sunday”… a mission outreach to those in need.  Bring a canned good with a quarter (or a dollar) taped to it.  The money will go to Southern Baptist Convention World Hunger Causes and the food will go to James Island Outreach.  Look for the kids at the door with the big pots collecting for “Souper Bowl Sunday”.  I love it when you can combine fun, fellowship, food and missions!

This week’s message is the 4^th of the series on Roots: Producing Fruit That Lasts.  We will look at the family.  Good Lord willing, I will see you Sunday.

Pastor Tom

ARE YOU READY FOR A PARTY?

Just around the corner, Sunday, February 2, we are having a Connection Group Tailgating Party. Sunday, February 2 will be the “wrap up” of our teaching series “Roots: Producing Fruit That Last”. We will celebrate communion/Lord’s Supper together in worship, then join together for a fellowship outside under the oaks (yes, weather permitting).

As you may know, Sunday February 2 is Super Bowl Sunday. The game will be televised Sunday evening. In the spirit of fun and fellowship, we are planning a tailgating party. For those who have never been tailgating, think picnic food around a football theme and atmosphere.

Each Connection Group, whether a Sunday group or a weekday group, will be encouraged to have some tailgating/party/fun food for your group and others. Bring the grills, prepare your favorite dish, buy your favorite fried chicken! Let’s make it a fun fellowship under the oaks.

What’s the goal? We want to have a fun time of fellowship and find a way to introduce our connection groups to anyone not currently in a group. By the way, on that day, we will actually be starting a brand new connection group. I could not be more pleased with that!

So, on Sunday, February 2, we will not have the 8:30 service. We will combine to have one service and the church-wide tailgating party afterwards. We will have the Sunday morning Connection Groups/Bible Studies as always. We will not have the 8:30 service. So we will have 9:45 Sunday, all ages Connection Groups; followed by the 11:00 worship service with communion; and then the church-wide Connection Group Tailgating party. Please feel free to dress casual, dress warm and wear your team colors. If you are not sure what colors to wear, go ahead and choose black and garnet for the number four college team in the nation. Or you could wear Tennessee orange. Just kidding. Syracuse orange. Still kidding. Just dress warm and come to have fun. By the way, the Super Bowl is the National Football League, so, you could wear your favorite NFL team colors…or black and garnet. Either way, it should be a lot of fun.