NewsLetter March 2017
OUR MISSION: “TO LEAD PEOPLE TO BE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST” OUR VISION: “TO BE A CHURCH OF ORDINARY PEOPLE USED BY GOD IN EXTRAORDINARY WAYS”
CHURCH INFORMATION CHURCH STAFF Ross Shelton, Pastor rshelton@fbc-brenham.org
Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org
Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor tsikes@fbc-brenham.org
Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org
Charles Covin, Music Minister ccovin@fbc-brenham.org
Jodi Beckendorf, Graphic Design jbeckendorf@fbc-brenham.org
Chad Marrs, Minister to Students cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org
Stephanie Sheffield, Custodian Manager ssheffield@fbc-brenham.org
Alex Morrison, Minister to Children amorrison@fbc-brenham.org
Nancy Jahns, School Administrator njahns@fbcsbrenham.org
Stacey Strickland, Preschool Ministry sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org
Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Dir. mdo@fbc-brenham.org
Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Brenham’s First Baptist Church Contact Info: Ph: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 info@fbc-brenham.org Mailing address: PO Box 600, Brenham, TX 77834
LINKS TO CHECK OUT ONLINE CHURCH WEBSITE: www.fbc-brenham.org CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/Brenhamfbcs 2
I N THI S I SSUE:
Church Announcements ..................................................page Church-wide Calendar .....................................................page From Pastor Ross ...............................................................page Check out our new website ............................................page Music Ministry ....................................................................page Adult Ministries .................................................................page Bible Studies & More ........................................................page Encore Ministry ..................................................................page A Letter from Reba .. ..........................................................page Student Ministry ................................................................page Children’s Ministry ............................................................page Preschool Ministry ............................................................page FBC School .........................................................................page Special Announcements ..................................................page From Troy’s Heart ..............................................................page Special Announcements .................................................page
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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
FIRST IMPRESSIONS MINISTRY - Can you smile? Can you shake a hand or hug a neck? Sure you can! That means you can make a difference in someone’s life each Sunday by serving in our First Impressions Ministry. Email Troy at: tsikes@fbc-brenham.org or call 979-836-2807 if you want to make a difference with a smile!
SIGN UP ONLINE: HONDURAS 2017- July 18-26, 2017Registration Deadline April 1, 2017 KIDS KLUB - SUMMER CAMP & VBS REGISTRATION Sign ups available online at fbc-brenham.org. We have fewer beds available this year for camp. So, first come, first served. Please don’t hesitate.
Welcome New Church Members June K Mullenax Justin, Jodi, Ben, & Annie Beckendorf
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CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR
MARCH: 3 5 5 7 7 13 13 16 19 21 26 30
FBCS Texas Celebration 5:00pm Washington County Fairgrounds Events Center Deacons Meeting 2:00pm Room 111 Church Council Meeting 4:00pm Room 112 Piecemakers Sewing Ministry 9:00am Student Center Joy Class - 2:00pm Sycamore House FBCS- Spring Break Begins Finance Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 111 Encore Luncheon 11:00am Pahl House Connecting @ FBC 4:00pm Room 112 Relocation Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 112 Churchwide Business Meeting 4:00pm Gym Baylor Men’s Choir 7:00pm Sanctuary
APRIL: 4 4 7 14 16 18 21-22 28
Piecemakers Sewing Ministry 9:00am Student Center Joy Class 2:00pm Sycamore House FBCS- UIL (EEC Closed) Church Office Closed - Good Friday Easter Services- 9:00am and 11:00am- No Sunday School Relocation Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 112 FBCS PTO Garage Sale 3:30pm Gym FBCS Night School 6:30pm Gym For more information on any of the above events please visit the church website: www.fbc-brenham.org
www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch
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FROM PASTOR ROSS
During the transition period before I became the pastor (2011-2013), one of the items that was discussed and eventually put into our bylaws was wording to help shape the future financial health of our school. The exact wording in our bylaws, which is found under the purposes of the School Committee, is the following: “Support the research and development of a foundation and a process to secure possible grants with a goal to be self-funded and self-sufficient.” The way I interpret “self-funded” and “self-sufficient” is that these terms mean that the school, at some point, could function financially on its own if, for some reason, it was necessary (i.e. it doesn’t mean the church will not be a key financial supporter). Coming as your pastor in 2013, I knew helping lead the school in this direction was going to be a challenge. Challenges, though, also present opportunities. As important as addressing the financial future of the school was, I also knew that we first needed to address and strengthen the relation with our school. This was done in two ways. First, we moved our offices from the Chase Bank building back over to the church building. This brought us back to where we, the church staff, were interacting day-in-day-out with the school teachers, staff, parents, and children. I believe this move has been instrumental in strengthening the bonds with our school. Second, in January 2016, we had a series of discussions focused on clarifying our relationship with the school and making sure everyone had accurate information. This was an anxiety-filled time for everyone involved, especially for those who love, work for, support, and send their children to our school. While no one likes times of anxiety, I believed it was essential that we got everything out in the open and “cleared the system” of any unhealthy relational dynamics and/or misinformation. This time was not easy, but it wasn’t bad. In fact, I believe it will be seen as a necessary step in all of us moving forward together. Of course, these are not the only two things we’ve done. Our goal is to be thinking constantly of ways to strengthen the relationship with our school. Now that we’ve clarified and continue to strengthen the relationship with our school, it is important to pivot toward the future financial health of the school. Two important pivots have taken place over the past year. First, the church voted to start a designated fund called the “Endowment Start-Up Designated Fund.” Once this designated fund reaches $100,000, this money will be invested in an endowment. The interest every year off the endowment will go into the school’s operating budget. I can’t state it strongly enough that getting this endowment funded and growing is absolutely essential for the long-term financial health of the school. Many of you have heard me say a quote I read somewhere (I can’t remember where), and I believe is true: “There will be two types of Christian schools in the future: those that are endowed and those that are closed.” Once the endowment is funded and growing, we will then have five revenue streams coming into the school: -Tuition -Church giving -Yearly Fundraising/Annual Fund -Scholarship Funds -Endowment Interest.
From Pastor Ross Continued on Page 6.
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FROM PASTOR ROSS CONTINUED
If you are interested in giving to the “Endowment Start-Up Designated Fund” or a scholarship fund, please feel free to contact our school director, Nancy Jahns; our comptroller, Annette Guenther; or me. Our second pivot was we hired a part-time development person for this school year. Her name is Melissa Franke, and she is doing a great job. She helped us plan a special luncheon in the fall, and she is overseeing our annual Texas Celebration. Having her in place transitioned fundraising from being led by volunteers to having an in-house person who helps us plan and strategize. Having Melissa here is an important step in developing best practices for our school. I’m thankful for our school. I’m thankful for the directors I’ve worked with since being here, Nancy Fritz and Nancy Jahns. I’m thankful for the leadership that has led our school well over the decades: Cindy Boettcher, Martha Haydon, Nancy Fritz, and Nancy Jahns. I’m thankful for the teachers and staff that have served faithfully. I’m thankful for the children that have come through our school and experienced the love of Christ. We have a strong history to build off of as we move to the future. P.S. Reminder: Our annual Texas Celebration fundraiser for our school is the evening of Friday, March 3rd at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Tickets can be bought at the school office.
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MUSIC MINISTRY The Worship Choir had a wonderful time at our “Fab Feb” fellowship! Special thanks to Martha Haydon, Sandy Batt, and our fellowship team who worked hard to make this evening so enjoyable! We are preparing several powerful anthems that we are excited to present on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. If any of you would like to join us, and don’t mind practicing a little on your own, we’d love to have you and can get you caught up in no time! We’re also always looking for positive, flexible, coachable people to join our media team! Check with Charles Covin or John Hermann to find out what opportunities we have available.
ADULT MINISTRIES PIECE MAKERS
A denim Stadium Quilt, a Pink and Teal Quilt and a Cross Wall Hanging made by Piece Makers of FBC will be auctioned in the Texas Celebration event benefiting the FBC School on March 3, 2017. These items were displayed in the church hallway during February. The fabric and denim in these quilts were donated by church members. If you would like to sew for the Lord, come join us from 9 am until 2 pm on the first Tuesday of each month in the Student Center. Plan for lunch, bring a sewing machine if you can or use one of ours. We are working on a variety of projects and I am sure there is one you will like. Questions or donations? Please call or email Sara Byman at 979-830-8555
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ADULT MINISTRIES CONTINUED
First Impressions Parking Lot Greeting Team. Each Sunday, We have greeters in the parking lots guiding people to a worship service or Sunday Bible Study. With bright yellow vests and friendly smiles, they will also be there to give you a helping hand with anything you need. Presently we need more people on the Parking Lot Greeting Team and our Welcome Guest Greeter Team, if you would like to help us make a lasting impression by serving on our First Impressions Team. Contact Troy at: tsikes@fbc-brenham.org or call the church office at 979-836-2807 if you are willing to serve as an Usher, Welcome Center Greeter or Parking Lot Greeter.
What does every woman’s heart yearn for but the desire to know and be known? Something Abundant Bible study by Angie Nichols and taught by Lynne Hollowell, assisted by Shirley Herring, “is the coming-ofage love story of a child of God maturing into the bride of Christ told through the Biblical precepts of wheat harvest, the threshing floor, and ancient Jewish wedding customs.” Through this study “you will glean an understanding of Christ’s relentless pursuit to bring His bride to a holy place of intimacy.” Join the Virtuous Women’s class in the Pahl house at 9:30am Sunday mornings starting March 5th as we set forth on the journey to become the bride of Christ.
HOME TEAM GROUPS UPDATES! Widows & Single Ladies – “He Chose the Nails” by Max Lucado. 402 Magnolia 1st & 3rd Monday’s 6:00pm Bishop – “Psalms” 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm Yeakley/The More Excellent Way – “Knowing God’s Secrets” by John Hunter Meets at 800 Loesch St. Monday at 6:30pm Schroeder – “Spiritual Warfare” by Dr. Tony Evans 620 Country Place W. Dr. Meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:00pm Atkins – Prayer and fellowship 9250 Lake Dr. Various times and subjects
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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE
“I John” Wednesdays, 6:00am Sycamore House
Ladies Bible Studies Studying the DVD series “Redeemed” by Angela Thomas.
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Wednesdays 6:30pm Sycamore House (Childcare available)
Men’s Prayer Breakfast Studying
Thursdays, 10:00am Sycamore House Garage
Ladies Bible Study Fellowship Class
Pastor’s Bible Study Studying the book of “John” “Pastor’s Bible Study & Prayer Time” Meets on Thursdays, 9:30- 11:30am, Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 112
in the Sycamore House
“Reclamation” - Nehemiah Rebuilding the Walls Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 111
Precept Bible Study Unveiling Revelation in light of Biblical prophecy Tuesdays, 9:00 am Pahl House Garage Wednesdays, 6:30am Pahl House Garage
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ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS
CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAYS! Georgia Armour Mike Harris James Roundtree Sharon Hamaker Donna Hammons George Eberly Karen Nix Owen Batt Darlene Denman Roger Atkins Wanda Kramer Carolyn Matejowsky
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Gay Bell Sylvia Roundtree Charles Pyle Rudy Dillard Audrey Bender Ralph Blevins Elaine Sommers Mark Patranella Leslie Pennybacker Virginia McCoy Bobbie Commander
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THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING!
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A LETTER FROM REBA
As I am sitting here in Hawaii as I do most Februarys writing the letter for the March newsletter I am contemplating what to write. Then my attention is drawn to the palm trees swaying back and forth in the breeze. I continued thinking about that through the afternoon as I sat outside by the ocean watching them sway, and wondering where God was leading me and then I got it. Solid ground is what He is telling me. Always keep your feet on solid ground. Unlike last week when I tried to wade in the ocean on a very windy day, and the sand gave way, my face was in the water before I knew what happened. So can our Christian lives go if we do not keep our eyes focused on Him. He does not want us to sway like the palm trees while going about our daily lives, but wants us to stand firm in our faith. This brought to mind an old hymn Higher Ground. I’m pressing on the upward way, New heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I’m onward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” Refrain: Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith on Heaven’s table land A higher plain than I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground.. I pray you will all have a beautiful springtime as our hills in Washington County begin to awaken. Blessings, Reba Pair
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then Stand Firm.” Abraham Lincoln
SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH
“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” Psalm 40:2-3 12
STUDENT MINISTRY
January and February have been super busy in the student ministry. In addition to a great Disciple Now and a super-successful Men’s Cake Bake, the FBC Student Ministry was challenged by Champion Fellowship Student Ministry to an Ultimate Frisbee contest. While many people were enjoying Date Night during the Home Improvement Weekend, the students had the opportunity to hear Jeff and Debby McElroy talk about “How to Live With Your Parents Without Losing Your Mind.” Being one of the few parents there it was reassuring to see many kids raise their hands (and not just my own) to all the questions that started with “Does your mom ever…?” and “Has your dad ever embarrassed you…?” As always, Jeff & Debby delivered a heart-felt and timely message to our students. But once they were done we headed out to Cub Stadium in the dark for the Glow-inthe-Dark Ultimate Frisbee Challenge. I am happy (and relieved) to announce that FBC Student Ministry brought home the win and a shiny trophy to display in the student building. Just a little over a day later I boarded a plane for Tanzania, Africa, to visit Scott and Becky Placke. Scott and Becky are the founders of Go Drill International, an organization committed to bringing safe, clean drinking water to the impoverished Ngindo tribe deep in the bush of southeastern Africa. The Plackes have lived among the Ngindo for 9 years and have developed deep, personal relationships with those around them. It was both eye-opening and heart-breaking to see people waiting hours for what would amount to a glass of water once they divided it among their families. Women carried full five gallon buckets weighing forty pounds on their heads. I don’t think I can ever turn on a faucet again without thinking about this and what a luxury it is to have clean, safe water. Scott and Becky have a compelling love for the Ngindo and have endured much hardship to remain there in a very isolated place. They have had many challenges, but they remain steadfast in their desire to help the people they have come to care for so much. It was very exciting and heart-warming to be able to bless Scott and Becky with gifts sent by the church and their friends. The oh-so-talented and faithful PieceMakers sent a beautiful purple, quilted wall hanging which Becky immediately fell in love with. Additionally, Nancy Jahns helped coordinate a humongous care package that included many necessities as well as special treats. I felt like Santa Claus on Christmas morning as I watched them open everything and look through it. I was so blessed to be able to play a small part in blessing them. I look forward to sharing more opportunities in the future for ways we can bless, encourage, and support Scott, Becky and Go Drill. If you’d like more details about my trip, I’d love to visit with you. In Him, Bro. Chad
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” 1 Kings 19:11a (NIV) Good Morning, If you read my last newsletter article, you know that God had impressed upon me the simplistic need to draw near to Him in relationship. It sounds so simple, but it can be a complex idea to convey. As we surrender and fall into His hands, we can have strength, comfort, peace and power. When we stop focusing on working for Him and focus on Him, the work gets done better than when we struggled so hard with it. At the end of the day it is the time spent with Him that matters and not the work performed for Him.
Prayer: 1. God’s work in the Kids Ministry will thrive in my absence. 2. My family will survive my absence during this time of sabbatical. 3. My ability to hear God’s voice clearly while I am away with Him.
This has been the recurring theme presented to me in each of my studies, times of worship and prayers. Ironically (or prophetically), in two weeks, I leave to do just this. I will have four weeks of drawing nearer to God. There will be times of quiet solitude in which I will be challenged to be still and know that He is God. There will be times of refreshment with my family and times of concentrated focus upon me as a son of the Most High God, husband, father and pastor.
For those that are curious and wish to follow me in prayer, this will be my path for this time of respite, relaxation and refreshment. In the first week, I travel to a cabin in Colorado on a working ranch provided to pastors, missionaries and their families. This will be my time of solitude with God. My family will travel to meet me in the summer home of a friend and we will spend a week together relaxing and remembering what family is like without school and work. I will drive home with my family where I will refresh at home for a week while they return to work and school. At the end of that weekend, Nicole and I will travel to a pastor’s retreat here in Texas. She will be able to stay the weekend with me but will return to work on Monday. I will stay at the retreat and continue with the counseling directed toward me personally and as a pastor. I covet your prayers for my family while I am away. I plead you to pray for God’s ministry to excel in my absence. I hope you will pray for me as I take advantage to get away to draw closer with God. I challenge you to step closer to the Weekly Bottom Lines: table of fellowship with 1. God forgives you. Luke 15:1-7 the Lord even if you 2. Everyone needs to be forgiven, even me. Luke 15:11-24 can’t get away. Let Him 3. When you don’t forgive, you miss out. Luke 15:21-32 be your courage, com4. Since God forgave you, you should forgive others. fort, power and peace. See you in April. Matthew 18:21-35 His Servant & Yours, Bro. Alex
Memory Verse: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
THANK YOU
Thank you to my church family who has afforded me my first sabbatical time of rest.
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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES Hello from us in the Preschool Ministry, This month we’re working to build into kids a love for others. Imagine with me, for a moment, a world filled with men and women who love others the way Jesus loves us. That’s what we want for our preschoolers. We’ll begin with the story of the Good Samaritan. He was a great| example of how to love everyone. Jesus was always helping Sunday Mornings in March people - no matter who they were – and that’s what the Good Samaritan did too. Basic Truth: We want our preschoolers to know that Jesus wants to be my friend forever. they can love others by helping. After we talk about helping, we’ll move on to sharing. We’ll tell the story of the guy Key Question: who built bigger barns for his grain, instead How can you love like Jesus? of sharing with people who needed food. Our preschoolers are going to learn that Bottom Line: I can love everyone. sharing is the way to go, when you have overflow. Then, we’ll talk about how we can still Memory Verse: love others by sharing, even when we have “Love one another.” John 13:34 little. In fact, it’s an even bigger expression of love when we share out of our little, like the widow who shared two small coins. We’ll wrap up the month with the Prodigal Son where we’ll see that we can love, no matter what, thanks to forgiveness. Just like Jesus loves us, even when we do something wrong, we can love others, even when they do something wrong. It’s going to be an awesome month of building with our preschoolers. We’ll be building into our kiddos who can then proclaim, “I can love everyone.” Blessings, Stacey
THANK YOU
Thank you so much to all those who helped with the kids at our Home Improvement weekend, because of you we were able to make it a great time for the kids. Thank you!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
HARRISON TURNBILL 3-06-16 PAISLEY (JOY) COVIN 3-09-12 JOLENE WHITMAN 3-14-15 EDEN PHILLIPS 3-17-15 KOURTNEY SHEFFIELD 3-18 BENJAMIN COVIN 3-28-14 ROBERT VAUGHN 3-29-11 15
FBC SCHOOL & EEC “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 I love this verse; it gives me hope! I’m grateful that He faithfully does this every day for me and you. One of my priorities this year has been to make sure I regularly present opportunities for the kids to hear the plan of salvation and offer it to them. The only way to change our world for His good is to start with the heart. Each prayer that you have said for FBCS is appreciated. Please continue to pray that the families we serve through FBCS will be open to and receive His gift. May we continue to strive to change our community through FBC. Serving Him, Nancy Jahns
UPCOMING MARCH EVENTS March April
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Core Essentials TEXAS CELEBRATION~ Y’all come! Ms. Lou-Lou for preschool Ms. Lou-Lou for elementary Spring Breakschool closed; EEC open 6th grade field trip to Austin UIL – school & EEC closed
VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS NEEDED Texas Celebration is this Friday, March 3rd. Please continue to be in prayer for the event. We would love for you to be a part of this event by attending and showing God’s love to the families we serve. We are in need of scholarship donations for the 2017-2018 school year. Please consider a gift to this fund. It helps families to send their child to FBCS. The scholarships are for need-based students, and they are selected through a committee.
THANK YOU Thank you to the FBC office staff, Donella Peevler , Teresa McGlasson, Annette Guenther, and Jodi Beckendorf. They have been so helpful to the school when a need has come up. We appreciate each of you!
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS CHURCH THANK YOUS: Gentleman, Thank you so much for everyone’s help with moving me. Our Lord works in wonderful ways. I was very pleased with the manner in which you all worked. My head was turning back and forth. I was so amazed. Thank you kindly, Charlene Ludwig
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FROM TROY’S HEART From My heart... On Wednesday nights, I have had the joy of bringing the truths of the book of Nehemiah to light. If you are not familiar with the story of Nehemiah, let me give you a quick summary: 1. Nehemiah is a Jewish man working for a foreign king. 2. He hears that the walls of Jerusalem are destroyed and the people are a “reproach” among the nations. 3. The news breaks his heart! So he begins to pray. 4. God graciously and miraculously allows Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem to lead the project of rebuilding the walls. 5. As Nehemiah leads the project, there are critics who oppose him, the project and the people. The title of the Wednesday night Bible study is “Reclamation”. God uses Nehemiah to lead a reclamation project on the walls, but more importantly, on His people. As we began our Wednesday night study, there were two truths I highlighted with those in attendance. I also want to state those for you to prayerfully consider: 1. There is a reclamation project/assignment God is presenting to each of us. 2. If we obediently accept His reclamation project/assignment, there will be critical adjustments required. God is always at work around us. What is He doing? He is working to bring people into a love relationship with Himself through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son. The great news is that He invites us to work with Him! In order for us to work with Him, more often than not, He will need to do some spiritual construction(reconstruction) in our lives. If we are obedient and accept His invitation to work, the spiritual construction(reconstruction) will cause disruptions and adjustments in our lives. So, right now, is God asking you to join Him in a spiritual work? If so, are you ready to make the adjustments necessary to join Him? I love you, Troy 18
SPECIAL EVENTS
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Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
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