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Hopewell General Baptist Church

April 2008 News

CREATIVE BOREDOM

 

 

We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

2 Corinthians 8:20-21 (NIV)

 

"A young boy complained to his father that most of the church hymns were boring to him--too far behind the times, tiresome tunes and meaningless words. His father put an end to the discussion by saying, "If you think you can write better hymns, then why don't you?" The boy went to his room and wrote his first hymn. The year was 1690. The teenage was Isaac Watts. "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Joy to the World" are among almost 350 hymns written by him. Feeling Bored? Let the world remember you for 300+ years?"1

 

Dick Innes in his online daily devotional Daily Encounter shares the following story, " I recall reading about a lady who said to Evangelist Dwight L Moody, "I don't like the way you preach," to which Mr. Moody replied, "I don't either. How do you do it?" I recalled Moody's response when the president of a denominational college (seminary) in Australia was questioning the value of our outreach work and asked, "And how do you handle your follow-up?" so I asked him how he handled his. He replied, "I don't. I teach." A businessman once asked me the same question so I said to him, "If you give us the needed financial support we'll develop the best follow-up program." He walked out without saying a word."

 

Do you have a criticism about the church in general? What about Hopewell in particular? Guess what? Me too. I have never reached a point where I have been completely satisfied with how much or how well we carry out the Lord's work. I doubt if I ever will reach that place. There is always within me what I pray is a "holy dissatisfaction" with the statuesque because the mission of the church is not yet complete. Until that day comes we must keep moving the church forward in the strength of the Lord.

 

As Dick Innes stated, "constructive criticism is fine--providing we are prepared to do something about what we are being critical about--rather than just being negative and becoming a part of the problem." You may like or dislike the way that I am leading and seeking to fulfill God's mission of His church. I would appreciate any constructive criticism which well help me to do it better but before you offer any, please share with me how you are doing it. Better yet, let's do it together.

 

Pastor Scott

 

1 Richard Jones, Parish Bulletin, Good Shepherds Wailuku, Diocese of Hawaii. ©

The Anglican Digest. Cited in Encounter magazine (Australia) Vol. 38, No. 1, 2007.

 

 

 

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING

Potluck Dinner

Sunday, April 20, 2008

following morning worship

 

We have had the pleasure and blessing of having our Pastor and his family with us for ten years!

Our hearts are filled with love for each of them.

 

Pastoring a church must be like raising 100 or more children, each one with their own wants and

needs. Who would want to take on a responsibility  that enormous? Only those called by God,

walking hand in hand with Him daily are able to minister to such a diverse group of people. A huge responsibility and commitment.

 

We also have a responsibility. One of allowing our Pastor to nurture, feed and raise us up to be the

best we can be for God, our church, our community as well as the responsibility of taking care of

the needs of our Pastor and his family. It is a a two-way commitment that God has built His

foundation on!

 

Pastor Scott, we are thankful that God has called you to pastor Hopewell Church. Our thanks to the Southerland family. We love you!

Happy 10th Anniversary!!

   

 

WISE ADVICE

 

Harold Macmillan, prime minister of England from 1957 to 1963,

was once asked if he would give the British people a sense of "purpose."

He replied that people who were seeking a purpose should consult their ministers, not their politicians.

 

 

† A General Baptist Gathering †

University Plaza - Springfield, MO - July 28-30, 2008

 

Leaders of the church: Youth directors, Deacon's, Women's Ministries group members, Men's Ministries group members and other leaders of the church are invited to participate this year. Three days of training and church-related services for all of our churches. All the information is on the table in the foyer. A letter from Congregational Ministries along with the registration sheets. A large card with keynote speakers and other important information is there on the table also.To pre-register, you may call 573-785-7746. You may also download your registration form at www.generalbaptist.com

 

 

THE BUZZARD, THE BAT AND THE BUMBLEBEE

 

If you put a buzzard in a pen six or eight feet square and entirely open at the top, the bird in spite of his ability to fly will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that the buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of ten or twelve feet. Without space to run as in its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

 

The ordinary bat that files around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly--until it comes to a slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

 

A bumblebee, if dropped in to an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will see a way where none exists, until it destroys itself.

 

In many ways there are a lot of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not realizing that the answer is right there "above" them.

 

 

Thursday, May 1, 2008

 

 

 

12:00PM

 

At the Court House on Saginaw Street in Flint

 

Dr. Jolly has been asked to participate

 

All are encouraged to attend!

 

 

A THANKFUL BOY

 

The sun was just beginning to set when I started on my daily walk. I had not gone more than 75 yards when a plastic whiffle ball sailed through the air and landed at my feet. I heard the chatter of small boys playing on the other side of a wall. "You knocked the ball out into the street," said one voice. "We'll have to got get it."

 

I quickly picked up the ball and hurled it in their direction, and then heard, "Hey, look! There's the ball. Someone threw it back."

 

I then recognized the voice of a five-year old neighbor who, unable to see me, asked "Who threw the ball back?" I decided to tease him a bit and answered in a kind, but authoritative voice, "God!"

 

There was dead silence for at least 10 seconds, while I chuckled to myself. Then the child asked with a curious voice, "Who did you say threw the ball over the wall?" "God!" I answered with as much authority as I could muster.

 

In an accepting and trusting voice, the boy replied, "Thank you! Thank you very much!"

I smiled and remembered the words of our Lord, "Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven: (Matthew 18:4, NRSV).

-Charles Ferrell

 

 

Saturday, May 3, 2008

 8:00am

Cabela's Sporting Goods Store

Dundee, MI

*Male teens are welcome to attend*

 

 

 

 

Michigan Association General Baptists

Women’s Ministries Retreat

June 6th & 7th, 2008

Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth

 

It is a Friday evening and Saturday event. Our retreat is entitled “Renewed”. If you would like to attend, ALL the information you will need and the registration forms on the table in the foyer. If you have any questions, you may call Amie Akers of First General Baptist Church 810-962-1438 or email her at  AAKERS@healthplus.org

 

 

 

 

Touching words from the mouths of babes.

 

What does "Love" mean?

 

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds. The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

 

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."

Rebecca - age 8

 

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."

Billy - age 4

 

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."

Karl - age5

 

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."

Chrissy - age 6

 

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4

 

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7 (WOW!)

 

(More in May's Newsletter)

 

HOPEWELL'S HELPING HANDS

H.H.H.

 

 

Would anyone be interested in volunteering about 1 or 2 hours of their time, 6 or 8 months out of the year in visiting people that are from Hopewell? H.H.H. is a ministry that is designed to visit, encourage, support and pray with people that are unable to get to church. If you feel your heart leading you in this compassionate way of serving for the Lord, please contact Joan McKee at 810-686-3269