Category: Stirrings at Bethesda

Good Morning, Bethesda!

What a surprise and blessing to me yesterday! The gifts and the lunch are greatly appreciated and I thank everyone. I certainly do not deserve this but am grateful for your kindness. You are a very caring people and I am delighted God has called me to be your pastor!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Bible Study (2 Timothy) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
3. ELECTION DAY, Tuesday – our church is a local polling place
4. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
5. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
6. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
7. Discipleship Training (Biggest Losers), Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Yesterday wrapped up our focus on Operation Christmas Child. If you have a box at home and forgot to bring it to the church yesterday, please contact the pastor sometime this week (the sooner, the better) so arrangements may be made to include your box in our distribution.

Ladies Book Study

The ladies have completed their Thursday evening study. But I understand there is a “push” for another one sometime in March. Keep your eyes and ears open over the coming months!

Thanks to Pam for all her work in promoting, preparing, and leading this study! The ladies thoroughly enjoyed it!

“There is no voice which has ever been heard, either in heaven or in earth, more exalted, more holy, more fruitful, more sublime, than the prayer offered up by the Son to God Himself.”
– Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560) on John 17

November 6, 2012

Tomorrow is Election Day. The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. I truly encourage and exhort each of you to take the time and make the effort to vote. Also, please take the time to do some research on the candidates and issues before going to the polls.

For the last time, here is a link to the Voter’s Guide produced by Front Line to provide you with additional information.

http://www.constitutionalcoalition.org/index.cfm/linkservid/914E7242-3048-D340-B452EB13273EA289/showMeta/0/

Also, here is a link to a sample ballot for St. Charles County. Go to:

http://election.sccmo.org/election/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=28

or click on “November 6, 2012 Sample Ballot”. Clicking on this latter link will prompt you to open the sample ballot as a PDF file.

Thanksgiving Dinner Fellowship

Our church family will celebrate Thanksgiving with a dinner fellowship on Sunday, November 18 following the morning worship service. The church will provide the meat (turkey and ham). We ask each family to bring a Thanksgiving dish and a drink to share.

“… to know God and Christ is to know God as the propitiated and reconciled God.”
– Unknown

Pastor’s Postscripts

The Church Council met Saturday and briefly discussed our calendar for the next 2 months. Here are some dates to note on your calendar:

November 18: Thanksgiving Dinner

November 21: NO Prayer Meeting

December 16: Christmas Program, Fellowship, and Caroling, 5 pm

December 16: NO Discipleship Training

December 23: NO Discipleship Training

December 26: NO Prayer Meeting

December 30: NO Discipleship Training; NO 5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship

I look forward to seeing some of you tonight for the Academy, others on Wednesday for Bible Study and Prayer Meeting, and everyone on Sunday morning!

God bless you and DON’T forget to vote!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

I truly regret missing Sunday services but am grateful to those who “picked up the slack” my absence created. A huge “thank you” to Rick Bunch who, at the last minute, graciously agreed to preach God’s Word yesterday. My absence was the result of my pneumonia vaccine I received Friday afternoon. I’ve had this vaccine before but never experienced this type of reaction. As it turns out, I came down with almost all possible side effects of the vaccine within 8 hours and they lasted over 48 hours.

Thank you for your prayers. May the Lord be praised!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

“The alternative to discipline is disaster.”
– Vance Havner

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.

2. Bible Study (2 Timothy) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

3. Ladies Book Study, Thursday, 6:30 pm.

4. Bethesda Men’s Breakfast and Book Study, Saturday, 8 a.m.

5. Church Council Meeting, Saturday, 9 a.m.

6. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.

7. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

8. Discipleship Training (Biggest Losers), Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

As you know by now, our packing party last week was a great success! We had a good time and packed 24 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. This Sunday, November 4, marks the last Sunday for returning your boxes before we take them to the distribution center. If you would like to contribute to the shipping costs for these boxes, please designate your offering to Operation Christmas Child. If you write a check, make the check out to Bethesda Baptist Church and we will write a single check to cover all the gifts.

“It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to grow.”
– President Calvin Coolidge

Ladies Book Study

This Thursday marks the final session of the Ladies Book Study. Even if you have been unable to attend any meetings to date, come out Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and join in and enjoy the study and fellowship!

Bethesda Men!

Bring your breakfast this Saturday at 8 a.m. and join us as we study chapter two of Dr. Whitney’s book. I have a couple of extra for those who did not come last month and, if necessary, I will order some more.

November 6, 2012

There is only a week remaining before our nation’s general election. Once again I am sharing a link to the Voter’s Guide produced by Front Line to provide you with additional information concerning the various candidates and propositions awaiting you at the ballot box.

http://www.constitutionalcoalition.org/index.cfm/linkservid/914E7242-3048-D340-B452EB13273EA289/showMeta/0/

As followers of Jesus, God has graciously given us in America the opportunity to select our leaders. Let us vote for those who most closely align with Biblical principles.

SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR BEFORE GOING TO BED ON SATURDAY!

Pastor’s Postscripts

The above cartoon is quite true of marriages. The sinfulness each partner brings into a marriage makes it necessary to have the love and forgiveness of Christ to preserve and strengthen that relationship. For Christians who are in a troubled marriage, perhaps you need to open up that emergency kit in the lower right of the cartoon! But the cartoon also has application for the local church. While we are composed of those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are following the Lord Jesus Christ, we are still sinners and will “rub” others the wrong way at times. Let’s apply the love and forgiving salve of Jesus as we strive to grow in the Lord Jesus and serve Him together. May the Lord grant you a great week!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

I’m writing some of the newsletter during the middle of the night, unable to sleep and not feeling well. Actually I have felt pretty wiped out all weekend. So, given my physical state as well as the fact the Cards are playing a game 7 this evening, I am going to cancel the Academy this evening. I hate doing so but I believe that is the right thing to do for this week.

PACKING PARTY TUESDAY EVENING AT OUR HOME BEGINNING AT 6:30 P.M.!

Come out and enjoy the fun and fellowship!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

 … From Yesterday …

“They are in the hands of the Victor over the cosmos. Hence they need have no fear what the cosmos will bring.”
-Walter Grundman

Upcoming Activities

1. NO Bethesda Academy tonight!

2. Operation Christmas Child packing party at the Walkers, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

3. Bible Study (1 Timothy) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

4. Ladies Book Study, Thursday, 6:30 pm.

5. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.

6. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m. including the Lord’s Supper

7. Discipleship Training (Biggest Losers), Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Tuesday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. will be our Operation Christmas Child Packing Party. Everyone is invited to the Walker’s home to join in on the packing operation. If you have extra gifts to add to the boxes bring them with you. Whether the packing takes 10 minutes or 100 minutes, we’ll pack every gift and enjoy some time of fellowship with snacks and conversation.

Ladies Book Study

… continues this Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. Come join in and enjoy the study and fellowship!

“Look, ye saints! the sight is glorious: See the Man of Sorrows now; From the fight returned victorious, Every knee to Him shall bow; Crown Him, crown Him, Crown Him, crown Him, Crowns become the Victor’s brow, Crowns become the Victor’s brow.”

-Thomas Kelly

November 6, 2012 “The most important election in our lifetime.”

That phrase is used for almost every election these days. But the saying is probably very true for the general election to be held in two weeks on November 6. The candidates in most of the races to be decided that day are on opposite ends of the political landscape and the future direction of our nation may very well hang in the balance. I trust that you, as a Christian, are a registered voter and do intend to vote. I also trust you will spend some time researching the various candidates and their positions and not simply listen to the political ads running on television and radio. The church has a copy of the Voter’s Guide produced by Front Line if you need some research information. Here is a link to their web site containing this information. The data covers a wide variety of races, not just those for President or Senator. I strongly suggest you check it out. There are similar guides elsewhere. PLEASE, do some research before you do some voting!

http://www.constitutionalcoalition.org/index.cfm/linkservid/914E7242-3048-D340-B452EB13273EA289/showMeta/0/

Pastor’s Postscripts

Our church is in serious need of prayer. We need a mighty revival from God upon each of our hearts. We need an outpouring of the Spirit of God on our fellowship. I write this as your pastor and do so with a grieving heart. I look at our church and I see some believers who have little interest in the Word of God or in prayer. I see some who claim to be followers of Christ but refuse to follow the first commandment he gave to his followers: be baptized! I see certain families struggling to remain families while both parties profess to be a true believer in Christ. I see some who use whatever excuse is handy to avoid worship or giving and others who have no interest in serving the Lord through our church. I see some who gladly tell others they are members of our church and yet they have not attended our church for over three years. I call upon those who are true believers in Christ and members of our church: PRAY FOR REVIVAL! We need one and we need it now!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning Bethesda!

Regrettably, my message yesterday has been forever renamed “The Toe Sermon”!  However, if you recall my intention in sharing the illustration then I don’t mind folks remembering the illustration.

Let us not sorrow, grieve, or be in anguish over anticipated troubles which may never happen to us!  Sorrow for the believer will come but for “a little while” and then be transformed into joy!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel Family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw, her mother, father, and sister suffering physically
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

The Bethesda Academy

The Academy resumes tonight at 6:30 p.m.  This evening will be a 90 minute examination of the Scripture on the topic of angels.  You are more than welcome to attend even if you have not attended before.

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Outreach & Visitation, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
3. Bible Study (2 Thessalonians) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
4. Ladies Book Study, Thursday, 6:30 pm.
5. Bonfire, Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
6. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
7. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
8. Discipleship Training (Biggest Losers), Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

Operation Christmas Child

Boxes are available at the church and you are welcome to take as many as you want, pack them, and bring them back to the church to be delivered.

Also, you may simply place gifts in the big box this coming Sunday and let someone else do the packing (or join in the fun!).  There will be a packing party at the Walker’s home on Tuesday, October 23 beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Everyone will join in, pack the gifts from the big box into smaller boxes, and then spend some time in fellowship.  Directions to our home will be provided on Sunday to those who are interested (we do live in a split-level so you have to navigate steps).

Even if you cannot come to the packing party, you are more than welcome to contribute gifts to the big box.  BUT, all gifts for that box MUST be placed in the box this Sunday (October 21) at the latest.

Ladies Book Study

The book study is going strong and meets again this Thursday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to be at one yet, it’s not too late.  Why not drop in this coming Thursday evening and check it out?

Please contact Pam DePriest at 441-3239 or pdepries@att.net for more information.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust Him for His Grace—
behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face!
William Cowper
(“God Moves in a Mysterious Way”)

From Yesterday . . .

“Our sorrows are all, like ourselves, mortal.  There are no immortal sorrows for immortal saints!”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Church Bonfire

THIS SATURDAY, October 20 at 7:00 p.m. behind the church.

Please bring 5 pieces of firewood and a snack.  Possible snacks are popcorn, hot dogs, buns, condiments, smores fixings, hot cocoa, and other drinks.

Also, don’t forget your lawn chairs!

This is the 3rd year we have had the bonfire fellowship and I am certain this one will be as enjoyable as the first two.

Pastor’s Postscripts

I do hope you take advantage of the many opportunities offered by our church for Biblical education as well as fellowship.  Certainly no one can make everything but I do want to encourage you to find the time and take the effort to participate in some of the ministries we are offering as a church.

• Sunday School on Sunday mornings
• Discipleship Training on Sunday evenings
• The Bethesda Academy on Monday evenings.
• Bible Study & Prayer Meeting on Wednesdays evenings
• The Ladies Book Study on Thursday evenings
• And, THIS WEEK, our Bonfire on Saturday evening.

Come out and join us!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com

Good Morning Bethesda!

The Lord was with us yesterday!  Pam announced we reached our goal for the Missouri Mission Offering.  We kicked off Operation Christmas Child for this year.  The Spirit was obviously present in the singing and the preaching.  And Dennis began a new class Sunday evening which was quite informative and a lot of fun!

May the Lord continue to bless our church and our ministries!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel Family
• Roden family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw, her mother, father, and sister suffering physically
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

The Bethesda Academy

The Academy resumes tonight at 6:30 p.m.  This evening will be a 90 minute examination of the Scripture on the topic of angels.  You are more than welcome to attend even if you have not attended before.

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7:00 pm.
3. Ladies Book Study, Thursday, 6:30 pm.
4. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. Discipleship Training (Biggest Losers), Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?  WEDNESDAY IS THE DEADLINE!

Ladies Book Study

The ladies will meet for the 4th time this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for their weekly book study.  If you have yet to attend, why not come this week, enjoy the fellowship, and spend time studying God’s Word?

Please contact Pam DePriest at 441-3239 or pdepries@att.net for more information.

From Yesterday . . .

“God has given two great gifts to His people—the first is, His Son for us, the second is, His Spirit to us.”
– Charles Haddon Spurgeon 

Business Meeting

Our monthly business meeting is this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  One of the items we will vote on is a change to our bylaws.  This change will eliminate the “Newsletter Committee”.  A copy of the change is on the bulletin board in the foyer.

I encourage our members to be present this Wednesday!

Bethesda Men

Some of the men met this past Saturday and began our book study.  We spent a good hour sharing and studying with one another.

If you have an interest in participating in this study over the coming months, please let the pastor know so he can make certain we have enough books. 

Our next meeting is November 3 at 8 a.m.   All the men are invited to join us then for breakfast followed by our book study. 

“The summary of evangelical doctrine, then, is that we proclaim what sin and righteousness are, and that because of this doctrine we may expect the world’s judgment and condemnation.  Yet we take comfort from what Christ says here:  The prince of this world is already judged.  This doctrine about sin and righteousness we preach diligently, and as a result we endure the world’s judgment against us. ”
– Martin Luther on John 16:8-11
May 21, 1533

Church Bonfire

October’s fellowship will be our annual bonfire! The date is Saturday, October 20th and we’ll start at 7:00 PM! We need everyone to bring a few pieces of firewood, and also some bonfire snacks! S’mores fixins’, hotdogs, buns, hot cocoa, chips, soda, coffee, etc.

For the kiddos, we’ll have flashlights for games of tag, as well as light sticks! We hope you can make it!

Please see Karla Repperger if you have any other fun ideas for games!

Pastor’s Postscripts

If you were not able to attend the first session of “The Biggest Losers in the Bible” class last evening, you missed a blessing plus a lot of fun!  Session #2 (i.e., loser #2) is this Sunday evening at 5 p.m.  I encourage you to come out and join us.

We do have some business to discuss this Wednesday and need members there to help us decide what needs to be done.  Plus I forgot to pass out deacon election ballots yesterday and will do so on Wednesday instead!

I do pray the Lord blesses each of you in many ways this week.  See some of you this evening and everyone else on Wednesday.

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com

Good Morning Bethesda!

It was a blessing to worship with you yesterday morning and to gather around the Lord’s table once again to reflect upon Jesus and His sacrifice!  May the Lord permit each of us to gather together again next Sunday morning to worship together.

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel Family
• Roden family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw, her mother, father, and sister suffering physically
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

The Bethesda Academy

There is no academy this evening (October 1) due to a scheduling conflict.  However, we will resume our study of God’s Word next Monday evening at 6:30 p.m.  Please join us even if you have never had the opportunity to do so before.

Upcoming Activities

1. Outreach & Visitation, Tuesday, 6:30pm.
2. Bible Study (1 Thessalonians) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 pm.
3. Ladies Book Study, Thursday, 6:30 pm.
4. Bethesda Men’s Breakfast Meeting at Book Study, Saturday, 8 a.m.
5. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
6. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
7. Discipleship Training (Biggest Losers), 5:00 p.m.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

God wants us to submit to our government.  Don’t you want a voice in selecting that government?  October 10 is the last day to register for the November election!

Ladies Book Study

The Ladies Book Study has met twice now and good reports are coming from multiple sources!  It’s still not too late to join in the fellowship and study!  Ladies, if you haven’t attended one of the first two meetings then I strongly encourage you to come to the next meeting this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 

Please contact Pam DePriest at 441-3239 or pdepries@att.net for more information.

From Yesterday . . .

“In the midst of the hatred of the world, stand for Him who died for you!” 

Bethesda Men

Men, this Saturday morning, you are invited to join us for our monthly breakfast meeting at 8 a.m.  Bring your breakfast with you (there will be donuts just in case you forget your food!), and spend an hour with brothers in Christ.  We will eat together, spend some time sharing with one another, and then begin a study of Don Whitney’s book “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.”  Whether you have any idea what the book might be about or not, I urge all of our men to join us for this hour of fellowship.

We will dismiss at 9 a.m.  See you Saturday! 

Deacon Election

At the conclusion of the Sunday morning service, members will elect a deacon to begin a three year term serving our church in that important office.  Please plan on attending worship this week and help make this decision.

John 16:33

“In the world you will have tribulation. 
BUT take heart;
I HAVE overcome the world.”

“The world, he says, will throttle you as heretics.  Then your conscience will also become weak and cause you to wonder:  Who knows whether I did the right thing? … Christ says, I know how things will go for you, from the side of world and from within yourself. … I won’t lead you into a quagmire to drown you; rather, when there is no more comfort to be had anywhere, and you are frightened and at wit’s end, then will I send the Holy Spirit who is and is called the Comforter.  He will remove all despair from your hearts with his assuring word:   Have faith and do not despair; do not concern yourself with the judgment of the world, nor the judgment of your own thoughts, but cling confidently to what I say.”
Martin Luther on John 15:18-16:4
May 22, 1532

Pastor’s Postscripts

We had a fun time last evening at our “5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship.”  If you missed it I do hope you plan on attending the next one which will be on December 30!

If you have any questions you would like for me to address and prefer not to ask them aloud, you may write them out and place them in the container on the table in the church foyer.  You do not have to identify yourself unless you wish for me to answer you directly on your question.

May our Lord grant you a terrific week!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com

Good Morning Bethesda!

Fall is upon us and the temperatures are somewhat cooler.  Time to seriously pray for the FIRE of God’s Spirit to fall upon our church!  The community around us needs the message we have to share, the good news of Jesus Christ!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling
• Roden family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw, her mother, father, and sister suffering physically
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30pm.
2. Bible Study (1 Thessalonians) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 pm.
3. Ladies Book Study, Thursday, 6:30 pm.
4. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. Discipleship Training (Daniel), 5:00 p.m.
7. 5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship, 6:00 p.m.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

God wants us to submit to our government.  Don’t you want a voice in selecting that government?

Ladies Book Study

The Ladies Book Study began last week but it’s not too late to join in!  Night 2 is this Thursday, September 27, at the church from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Please contact Pam DePriest at 441-3239 or pdepries@att.net for more information.

The Bethesda Academy

The Academy is back in session from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday evenings.  Tonight we look at the Providence of God.  Come join us.

From Yesterday . . .

“Obedience is not the grounds of salvation or of being Jesus’ friend.  Obedience is the result of salvation and proof you are Jesus’ friend.” 

Bethesda Men

Men, if you wish to join the book study we are beginning on October 6, please contact the pastor as soon as possible and let him know.  Bring your breakfast and join us at the church on that Saturday at 8 a.m.  Following breakfast, we’ll spend 30-45 minutes studying Don Whitney’s book on Spiritual Disciplines.

Some Thoughts on Christian Marriage

1. Never forget that both husband and wife have a Lord in their marriage and it is not either of them; it is Christ!
2. “Love will keep us together” if that love is true, Biblical love, a love which places “you before me.”
3. If you strive for success in anything APART from your marriage you are a failure.  Do not sacrifice your marriage for success in any field.
4. Agree to have healthy disagreements.  No couple ever agrees on everything.  Be open to discussing your disagreements but do so in a healthy way.
5. Talk, talk, talk.  Be honest with your spouse and talk with each other frequently.
6. Next to your relationship with Christ, make certain your marriage is the most important relationship you have in this life.
7. Find ways to strengthen your marriage.  Go on dates, check out seminars, discuss marriage with those who have had long, successful ones.
8. Be on guard for intruders.  They can come from family, friends, work associates, or even the internet.
9. Never consider divorce.  Do not dwell negatively on your marriage and look for ways out of it.  Rather, look for ways to make it persevere.
10. Remember, your marriage is an illustration to the world of Christ and His church.  What is your marriage teaching the world?

5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship

Join us for Discipleship Training this Sunday evening at 5 and then stay around for an hour of fellowship with our “5th Sunday Q & A” time at 6.

Bring a snack and a drink to share plus questions you may have for the pastor and spend the hour with us.  We’ll discuss the questions, share the snacks, and enjoy each others company for an hour of informal fellowship!

Deacon Election

We will vote on Sunday morning, October 7, to fill our 3rd deacon position presently held by Dennis DePriest.  The individual elected will serve a 3 year term beginning on January 1.

Pastor’s Postscripts

I am delighted to see our church facility being utilized almost nightly in recent days.  May God be glorified in all that we do both inside and outside the building!

I pray the Lord gives each of you a very blessed week.  Join us Wednesday for prayer and bring your Bibles next Sunday to worship.

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com

Good Morning Bethesda!

Once again our numbers were down due to illness and people being out of town.  Nevertheless the Spirit was present and I was glad to be in the house of God with brothers and sisters.

May the Lord bring healing to those who were out due to sickness.

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Pete & Brenda Koelling & Brenda’s father
• Cynthia Wordlaw, her mother, father, and sister suffering physically
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30pm.
2. Bible Study (Colossians) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 pm.
3. Ladies Book Study, Thursday, 6:30 pm.
4. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. Discipleship Training (Daniel), 5:00 p.m.

Ladies Book Study

The Ladies Book Study begins this Thursday, September 20, at the church from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  If you failed to sign up for the class, please contact Pam DePriest at 441-3239 or pdepries@att.net immediately.  There is a $5 charge for a copy of the book.

From Yesterday . . .

“We are not pruned to make us ready for heaven.  We are pruned to make us more fruitful in THIS world.” 

The Bethesda Academy

The Academy is back in session from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday evenings beginning tonight!

Church Directory

Last call to members to provide information for the church directory.  Information sheets are available on the table in the church foyer.  If you fail to turn in an information sheet by this Sunday, September 23, we will “go to print” with what information we have.

Bethesda Men

Christians need to grow spiritually and that requires we focus on the various “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life”.  As leaders in both the church and home, this is especially true for Christian men.  Well, Bethesda Men, you have an opportunity to engage in a study of these spiritual disciplines beginning with our men’s meeting on October 6 at 8:00 a.m.   

To join us for this study, please let the pastor know or sign the sheet on the table in the church foyer.  Then bring your breakfast, your Bible, some paper, and a pen to our meeting on October 6.

Christian Life Commission of the MBC

David Krueger, chairman of the Christian Life Commission of the Missouri Baptist Convention, recently sent a letter to MBC pastors and other leaders.  I want to share an excerpt from that letter with you.

As you know from previous mailings, Christian Citizenship has been foremost on the agenda of the MBC Christian Life Commission this year.  Our theme for the year was “Every Missouri Baptist a Voter!”

Consider this:  10 million American Evangelical Christians were eligible to vote in 2010 but were unregistered to do so.  An additional 9 million American Evangelical Christians were registered to vote, but did not vote in the 2010 election.  It is estimated that in Missouri alone, over 100,000 Christians are not registered to vote.  THE CHURCH COULD CHANGE THE COURSE OF AMERICA IF WE JUST VOTED!

Brother David and the commission are correct.  We are blessed by God to live in a nation where we each have the opportunity to elect our leaders.  How dare we not take the responsibility to exercise this great privilege!

If you are not registered to vote, you have until October 10th to do so in order to vote in the November election.  Registering is an easy process and may be done at a local public library.  If you have questions concerning registration you may contact Mrs. Bev Ehlen at 314-608-0168 and she should be able to answer your questions.

After you register, take time to study the various candidates running for the many offices which will appear on the ballot in November.  Find those who espouse, both by their words and deeds, values which best align with your Christian worldview.  Then, in November, go and vote!

Pastor’s Postscripts

May God grant you a blessed week!  As your pastor, I encourage you to bring your Bible and your family and be here for worship on Sunday.

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com

Good Morning Bethesda!

It was great seeing several of our families back with us yesterday for worship!  I believe we are spiritually strengthened when we gather together as a church to worship our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!   

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Sandy Bunch’s brother having further surgery this week.
• Bruce’s uncle, in hospital battling leukemia.
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Pete & Brenda Koelling & Brenda’s father
• Cynthia Wordlaw, her mother, father, and sister suffering physically
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law,  fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7 pm.
2. Trustee meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 pm.
3. Apple Picking, Saturday, meet at the church at 9 am.
4. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. Discipleship Training (Daniel), 5:00 p.m.

Ladies Book Study

Thursday, September 20, marks the opening meeting of our Ladies Book Study.  Pam DePriest will lead this WEEKLY study meeting at our church on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8 to study the book:  The Frazzled Female by Cindi Wood.

If you  are interested in participating in this time of fellowship and study (and I hope you are), please sign the sheet in the foyer no later than next Sunday.  Pam needs a good count so she knows how many books to order for the class.

The class is for Bethesda women (ages 18 – 99) plus friends and the cost is $5.00 per book.  If you want more information, please contact Pam at 441-3239 or pdepries@att.net

From Yesterday . . .

“when ye have none to speak with, talk to yourselves.  Ask yourselves for what end ye were made, what lives ye have led, what times ye have lost, what love ye have abused, what wrath ye have deserved.  Call yourselves to a reckoning…”
– George Swinnock (17th century) 

The Bethesda Academy

The Academy begins its Fall session next Monday, the 17th, at 6:30 p.m.  Come and join us for a time of study in the Word of God.

Church Directory

We are still missing some church directory information from some of our members.  Information sheets are available on the table in the church foyer.

An Old Hymn (not used!)

Sinner, is Thy Heart at Rest?
(Jared Bell Waterbury, 1799-1876)

Sinner, is thy heart at rest?
  Is thy bosom void of fear?
Art thou not by guilt oppress’d?
  Speaks not conscience in thine ear?

Can this world afford thee bliss?
 Can it chase away thy gloom?
Flatt’ring, false, and vain it is:–
 Tremble at the worldling’s doom.

Think, O sinner, on thine end;
 See the judgment-day appear!
Thither must thy spirit wend;
 There thy righteous sentence hear.

Wretched, ruin’d, helpless soul,
 To a Savior’s blood apply;
He alone can make thee whole;
 Fly to Jesus, –sinner, fly!

Bethesda Men

As noted last week, the Bethesda Men will begin study of Dr. Don Whitney’s book, “Spiritual Disciples for the Christian Life” in our October 6 meeting.  The book will be provided to each person who wishes to participate every month in this study. 

If you want to join us for this study, please let the pastor know or sign the sheet on the table in the church foyer so he knows how many books to order.

Pastor’s Postscripts

This Wednesday is our monthly business meeting.  Ok, I understand.  The mere thought of a business meeting is enough to keep you at home!  But, God wants us to conduct not only our worship but our lives in an orderly fashion.  Should we do any less with the affairs of the church?  If you are a member, please come Wednesday and help us discern the Lord’s will on those issues facing our church.

See you Wednesday for the meeting and Sunday for worship!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com

Good Morning Bethesda!

A wonderful time of worship and fellowship yesterday were had by those attending our church yesterday.  Furthermore, the band also made available their first CD free of charge to our church family!

For those members of our congregation who did not attend yesterday (or left early), I’m sorry you missed celebrating the Lord’s Supper and enjoying our fellowship dinner with us.  I hope to see you next Sunday as you join with us to worship our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!   

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Rachelle Brandel, leaving for a year in Japan on September 5.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Pete & Brenda Koelling & Brenda’s father
• Cynthia Wordlaw, her mother, father, and sister suffering physically
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law,  fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” – Romans 8:16

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study (Ephesians) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7p.m.
2. Bethesda Men’s Breakfast, Saturday, 8a.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training (Daniel), 5:00 p.m.

From Yesterday . . .

“The Spirit of God never comforts a man in his sin!  Disobedient Christians must not expect consolation.  The Holy Spirit sanctifies and then consoles.  Search and look, you who hang your heads like bulrushes!  See what it is that makes you sorrow—obey, and you shall be comforted!”
– Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Deacon Nominations

This Sunday is the last day to submit nominations for the office of deacon.  If you would like to nominate a man in our congregation to this Biblical office, please write your nominee’s name on a piece of paper, sign the paper, and hand it to one of our deacons or the pastor.

The Bethesda Academy

The Bethesda Academy returns on Monday, September 17.  The Academy will meet each Monday evening from 6:30–8:00p.m. each Monday through December 17.  We will continue our study of Studying Theology Systematically.

Even if you were unable to attend the Academy in the Spring, I encourage you to join us this Fall.  We have a fun time studying God’s Word together!

“True Christians make no excuse to avoid worship services; true Christians make every effort to attend worship services.”
– From “Jules’ Gems”

Perhaps I should change this cartoon to say “band” instead of “choir”!  – Pastor Bruce

Church Directory

We still need church directory information from several of our members.  PLEASE fill out a form (they are on the table in the foyer) and hand it to the pastor as soon as possible.

“Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.  But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” – Romans 8:9-10

Pastor’s Postscripts

Brothers and sisters, our church desperately needs revival!  When we do not join with our brothers and sisters for prayer, we need revival!  When we do not come to public worship with our brothers and sisters, we need revival!  When we do not join in fellowship activities with our brothers and sisters, we need revival!   When we do not share Christ with those around us, we need revival!  When we fail to give to the ministry of our Lord through our church, we need revival!  When we rarely read our Bibles or pray in secret, we need revival!

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” (Rev. 3:19)

The Lord has spoken.  Are we listening?

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com