First, we gather in obedience to the command of God to not forsake the gathering of our selves together (Hebrews 10:25). But beyond that…it is going to be another wonderful day at JIBC. We have 2 families participating in the Parent/Child Dedication. This is such an honor to welcome these beautiful new babies into our church family. You symbolically are standing with these parents in the awesome task of helping them bring their children to be fully devoted followers of Christ.
Second, we will be announcing whether we reached our two goals for the Daring Faith: The Key To Miracles campaign. We were hoping to have the largest one-time cash offering in JIBC history. Second, we were hoping to raise $400,000 for renovations that would be outside and in addition to our regular budget offerings. You will join me in rejoicing and standing in awe of the great thing God has done! I thank our Father in Heaven for His faithfulness and I thank you for your generous and sacrificial giving. Let the renovations begin!
Third, Janie and I have a small gift we want to give to anyone who would like one. As a gift to our church family and friends, Janie and I purchased 300 copies of O.S. Hawkins booklet, The Christmas Code: Daily Devotions Celebrating The Advent Season. Dr. Hawkins has served as Pastor at First Baptist, Dallas and First Baptist, Fort Lauderdale. Janie and I happened to be visiting First Baptist, Fort Lauderdale on Dr. Hawkins first Sunday. What an inspiring man. He is currently the C.E.O. of Guidestone Financial Resources for the Southern Baptist Convention. We hope you will enjoy this as much as we have. Let it help you and your family keep the focus of Christmas on Christ. Be blessed and bless others. We will give the books out on Sunday, but you can pick a copy up at the office any time.
Fourth, when you arrive on Sunday, November 26 the Church will be decorated for Christmas. I think our worship center is lovely all year long. It goes to another level at Christmas. I love it. Great big old Christmas thanks to our decorating volunteers. You do a beautiful job! Thank you. If you have never looked closely at the Chrismon Tree, take a moment to look at the decorations and the legend that explains them.
And last, but not least, we will have available copies of the proposed 2018 Missions and Ministry Budget. We have printed the names of the Budget Team to help answer any questions you might have concerning this year’s budget. We will vote to accept the budget on Sunday, December 31 at the morning worship service.
Any one of these would be worth the extra effort of attending this Sunday. All together, it is hard to imagine missing, even on a Thanksgiving weekend. Hope you will be able to join us.
Pastor Tom
