Metairie Missive

I love the verse when Paul states: “Being confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6)  These words remind me of two encouraging truths:  1.  God isn’t finished with us yet – we are a work in progress as He creates us to be His workmanship.  2.  He isn’t going to stop working on us and in us until we meet Him face to face.  Today, I encourage you to notice the work that God is doing within you so that in turn you can be used by Him to make a difference in this world.

For the Mothers among us, I trust you had a great day of celebration on Sunday.  A special thanks to a group of ladies who prepared the treats for all the “Misses” of Metairie Baptist.  Thanks also to the ladies who prepared the beautiful bouquets as we honored our mothers with seniority.  AND a special congratulations to our mothers with most seniority who were recognized!

A few reminders for the upcoming week:

*.  Sunday is “Graduate Recognition Day.”  If you know of someone who is graduating, please send their information to the office today as we are making final preparations for the service.

*.  The Gathering is next Sunday, May 27.  We will be having a special focus upon our mission endeavor as well as spending time in prayer for VBS and the Crossover Block Party.  Make plans now to attend.

*.  I find it hard to believe, but VBS is almost here.  Remember that VBS is June 3-8.  If you would like to sign up someone or if you would like to tell someone how to sign up, refer them to www.metairiebc.org/vbs.  Also, you can call the office and Melissa will be glad to help provide any needed information.  FOR THE CHURCH FAMILY, we ask two things of you:  1.  If you are able to volunteer, please contact the church office.  We still have some needs.  2.  Most of all, we need to make certain the week of VBS is bathed in prayer.  Would you begin praying for God’s work in the lives of the children, for their safety, and for the workers?  Over the years, more children hear about Christ during VBS and make decisions as a result of that time than any other happening at church.

*.  Our church is hosting a “Crossover Block Party” on June 16.  With the Southern Baptist Convention coming to town, we have been asked (and excitingly accepted) to host a block party for our community to remind them of the joy that is found in Christ.  On that Saturday, there will be Block Parties held simultaneously throughout the city which will be hosted by various churches.  You are needed to help with the block party we are hosting!  Would you join us in prayer walking our neighborhood, in participating in the block party, or supporting the block party in another way?  You can contact the church office or, specifically, contact Mitch – mitch.mares@metairiebc.org or 504-835-2611.

*.  If you are interested in attending the SBC meeting to be held at the New Orleans Convention Center on June 19-20, please let me know.  We can send as many as we would like, but only 10 can be voting messengers.  At the next business meeting we will need to elect these messengers.  Again, you can contact the office or email me at thomas.strong@metairiebc.org.

*.  Finally – don’t forget about mission endeavor for the month of May.  Bring your gently used and clean shoes, shorts, and shirts to be used by the Friendship House.  You may also bring snacks for them to utilize in their ministry. 

I look forward to seeing you tonight as we continue our study “Encountering the New Testament.”  During our Bible study time, we have been looking at each book of the New Testament individually to discover the purpose and meaning behind the writing of the book.  Tonight we look at Paul’s letter to Titus!

As we close, would you be in prayer for many of our church family that are experiencing challenges at the present.  In case you have not heard, Becky Loch is at EJGH after going through a surgery/procedure yesterday as a result of a fall.  Laverne McMillan continues to recover from her knee replacement surgery and is at EJGH as well.  Marianne Barnhill likewise is recovering from her knee replacement surgery at home.  Many others have gone through medical procedures and tests during the past week.  For all of these we are praying for God’s continuing encouragement, peace, and grace to be felt in their lives.  Join me in praying for them – and don’t forget to let them know of your love and prayers.

May God bless you richly,

Thomas

Metairie Missive

Busy, Busy, Busy.  Isn’t that how we live most of our lives?  I have been reminded over and over again of the importance of stopping on a regular basis just to consider carefully who God is and who I am supposed to be in light of who He is.   This is the reason God reminds us, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.”  (Ps. 46:10)  My prayer for you today and this week is that in the midst of much busyness that you will make being still before God a priority.

        I wanted to thank a whole host of people for their help and participation in the ministry of Metairie Baptist.  First, a special thanks to a group of men and women who came to church last Friday night to care for our children so that the parents could have some time.  These people gave of their time selflessly and demonstrated Christlikeness – well done!  Also, thanks to a group of ladies who made treats for our Senior Adults on Sunday.  Thank you for giving of your time and your talent to be used in the ministry of encouragement at Metairie Baptist.

        This past Sunday night we had a great Church Council.  If you were unable to attend, please make the next meeting a priority.  This was one of the largest crowds we have had as we discussed upcoming mission and ministry opportunities.  It was a great time of hearing what God has put on the hearts of the members of MBC.  Thank you to those who came and participated – and for your willingness to seek after God’s heart as we all seek God’s directions for MBC.  You will see the results of the planning in the upcoming days and weeks.

       Please keep these matters in your minds and hearts:

       *June 3-8 is Vacation Bible School!  We are having VBS earlier this year than normal so we need your help to get the word out.  Would you let your neighbors know?  Also, this is a great time to publicize the upcoming event while your children and grandchildren are still in school.  Informational cards are available in the church office for you to give as an invitation to your friends.  Children can be registered for the event online at www.metairiebc.org.

      *June 16 is another major outreach event for MBC as we host a Crossover Block Party.  The Southern Baptist Convention is coming to our city June 18-20.  As a part of the convention being in New Orleans, they are encouraging churches throughout the region to host block parties the weekend before the meetings to make certain that the good news of Christ is spread throughout the community.  We will need all the members of MBC to help with the logistics and especially to be present as a “friendly” person at the event.  More news will be forthcoming.

      *This Sunday is Mother’s Day and Baby Dedication Day.  We will be recognizing our mothers who give so much to us as well as the gift of the newborns.  In addition, we will be looking at some practical advice from 1 Pet. 5 as to how we should live.  Don’t forget to come at 9:15 a.m. for Sunday School and Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m.

      *We are continuing to collect items for our mission project for the month of May:  Shirts, Shorts, Shoes & Snacks!!  Through the month of May we will be “Gathering” t-shirts, shorts, and shoes that are clean, gently used, with no holes or stains.  For those of you with none of these to share, snacks (individually wrapped crackers with cheese or peanut butter, granola bars, etc.) will be appreciated.  With the summer months ahead the Friendship House has a great need of light weight clothing for both men and women of all sizes, and snacks for their Tuesday and Thursday ministry to the homeless and hungry.  There will be baskets located in the Orion foyer to collect your donations.  This is a time to bring some of your items to donate that will help others.

      *As we approach summer, I want to encourage you to be faithful in your tithes and offerings to the church.  We are continuing to make certain that your gifts to God are being used wisely.  As you give, you participate in ministries around the world and in our city, as well as our church.  Thank you for your sacrificial, faithful giving to God’s work at MBC. 

 

May God bless you as you walk through this day and this week.  Don’t forget to take time to stop and be silent!

Just one,
Thomas

Metairie Missive

I trust that you are having a great Wednesday as you take advantage of the opportunity to walk with Christ today.  Personally, this has been a busy week already!  I am thankful to be back home.  For the past two days, I have been in Pineville, LA at Tall Timbers Conference Center to participate in the Executive Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.  I have been a member of the Board since 2007 and consider it a great joy to represent you at these meetings.  Recently, I have been given the opportunity to chair the Budget and Finance Committee for the Board.  Our responsibility is to provide oversight of the budgeting of the Cooperative Program dollars that will be used throughout the state.  I appreciate your prayers as we begin the process soon of developing the budget for the upcoming year.  I enjoy the great opportunity to see all that God is doing through Southern Baptists across our state.  We have much to be thankful for – and to know that as our state is celebrating 200 years of existence that we as Southern Baptists are likewise celebrating 200 years of work in the state. 

 

          A special thanks to all who helped make the breakfast this past Sunday a great success.  The fellowship was great!  Thanks to those who made a special effort to get to church a few minutes early for the time of fellowship.  Also, thanks to all who brought orange juice for the Baptist Campus Ministries in our city to use as they provide pancakes and breakfast for students during finals week.  Over 32 containers of orange juice were donated.

          You will find a few reminders for the upcoming week below:

          1.  Tomorrow (Thursday) is the National Day of Prayer.  If you have not had a chance to sign up, the sheet will be available tonight at church.  We are hoping to have someone from MBC praying throughout the day for God’s work in our nation.  We are not asking that you come to church to pray, but you can pray wherever you are during your allotted time.  If you have not had the chance to sign up, be certain to take a few moments to pray for the country.  Prayer guides are also available in the Orion Foyer if you did not receive one on Sunday.

          2.  Friday night is a Parents’ Night Out.  A group of ladies and men have given of their time in order to help our mothers and fathers of children have some time away.  Thanks in advance for those who have selflessly given of themselves for others.  Tonight (Wednesday) is the last night to sign up your children for this event.

          3.  The Church Council will meet this Sunday night at 6:00 p.m.  All are encouraged to attend and both to hear about and to provide input into upcoming happenings at MBC.  Perhaps you have a question that seems unanswered – come and ask.  Join the discussion. This is your chance to be a part of the planning of ministry and missions at MBC.

          4.  We are starting a new mission project for the month of May:  Shirts, Shorts, Shoes & Snacks!!  Through the month of May we will be “Gathering” t-shirts, shorts, and shoes that are clean, gently used, with no holes or stains.  For those of you with none of these to share, snacks (individually wrapped crackers with cheese or peanut butter, granola bars, etc.) will be appreciated.  With the summer months ahead the Friendship House has a great need of light weight clothing for both men and women of all sizes, and snacks for their Tuesday and Thursday ministry to the homeless and hungry.  There will be baskets located in the Orion foyer to collect your donations.  This is a time to bring some of your items to donate that will help others.

          Join us tonight for fellowship over our meal and for Bible study (which begins at 6:10).  Bible study and activities are provided for all ages.  Tonight during the Bible Study in the sanctuary (“Encountering the New Testament”) we will be examining Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

          I join Paul in proclaiming: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)

 
Just one,
Thomas 
 

Metairie Missive

 Good morning!  I am still thinking through our opportunity we had to worship together on Sunday – and rejoicing that “I serve a risen Savior!”

I serve a risen Saviour,
He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading
Thro’ all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him,
The help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

Below are some notes of interest regarding upcoming happenings at Metairie Baptist:

*.  We are having our Fellowship Breakfast this Sunday, April 29.  All are invited to attend and enjoy the time with friends and family.  The breakfast is prior to Sunday School.  You can come anytime between 8:30 and 9:15 a.m.

*.  After the Fellowship Breakfast, we have Sunday School – Bible study for all ages.  Our church has been blessed with some of the best teachers.  If you are a regular member, make this Sunday a priority.  If you have never been before, this will be a great week to get started (and come early to meet new friends at the breakfast).  If you don’t know where to go, someone will be in the Orion Foyer to help you find your way.

*.  During the morning worship service on Sunday, we will be observing the Lord’s Supper.  This will be a great reminder of what Jesus did for us on the cross.  We will also be reminded that it is also a promise that one day we will meet Jesus face to face again.

 

*.  We are collecting Orange Juice this Sunday (April 29) to help our Baptist Collegiate Ministries at UNO and Leavell College of NOBTS.  Would you bring some juice with you Sunday morning to donate to support and to encourage this very important ministry to college students in the city?  The BCM will be hosting Flap Jack Feasts at both campuses to encourage students as they prepare for finals.  (Someone will be in the Orion Foyer to accept your donations on Sunday morning.)

*.  Thank you for your generous gifts to the Gathering Mission Project.  We collected a considerable amount of food which will be used to help feed the homeless and the hungry through Friendship House.  Your sacrificial giving is a testimony to others of the grace and love you have experienced.  Below is a list of the items collected:

Jan. gave 16 lbs. of sauce
Feb. gave 11 jars of jelly
Mar. gave 12 boxes of cereal
Apr. gave 38 lbs. of beans
May gave 39lbs. of rice
June gave 33 lbs. of pasta
July gave 14 jars of peanut butter
Aug. gave 31 cans of fruit
Sept. gave 62 cans of corn
Oct. gave 31 cans of green beans
Nov. gave 29 cans of peas
Dec. gave 19 cans of pork and beans

We can declare the hungry as the winners!!  May contributed the most lbs. and Sept. the most cans!!  The Friendship House was sooooo excited.  Thanks to all who gave!

 
Would you be willing to be “just one” person who would invite someone to Sunday School or Worship on Sunday?  It has been demonstrated that the most effective means of encouraging someone to attend church is through a personal invitation from a friend.  Pray about which one person God would put on your heart for you to ask.

I also wanted to let you know as a church that the memorial service for Mrs. Jean Fox has been scheduled for Saturday, April 28, at 10:00 a.m.  The service will be at Lakelawn Metairie.  Please join me in continuing to pray for the family and friends of Mrs. Jean.

I look forward to having fellowship with you and studying the Word tonight at MBC.

 

May God’s richest blessings be yours today!

Just one,
Thomas

MBC Missive

Good Mid-Week Morning! Can you believe the coolness in the air? To say the least, I find it greatly refreshing. I also find worship to be refreshing – it gives me the opportunity to refocus my life and to be reminded of the joy that is found in Christ. Let me encourage you to spend time daily in worship and make worship with the MBC family a priority. The writer of Hebrewsencourages us in this way: “Let us holdfast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and goodworks, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, butencouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. “(Heb.10:23-25)

I want to thank a group of MBC-ers who came together last weekend to help with some much needed upkeep at the church. The Helping Hands group led the way as many gathered on Friday night and Saturday morning to do the work. Each one demonstrated their servant hearts by putting their thoughts into action! Thank you!

Just a few reminders for the upcoming days:

First, remember that tonight is Business Meeting. This will be a chance to hear again what is taking place within the church. If you have questions, they might be answeredduring the time – or you will have a chance to ask them. Come be a part of the inner working of the church. Come early and enjoy the fellowship mealwhich begins at 5:00 p.m.

Second, the Gathering is Sundaynight, April 22. We will meet at a specialtime – 5:30 – this week only. The Gathering will involve a chance to meet and enjoy fellowship with one another and toparticipate in the ministry/mission of the church. Also, this week we will be welcoming Mitch Mares officially to the church staff as the Associate Pastor. The final part of the Gathering will be areception in his honor and in the honor of his family. Make plans to join us at the Gathering on Sunday night.

Third, we are still collecting items to be sent to the Friendship House. You can bring your donations to the Orion Foyer. Listed below are the items that are beingcollected (with the birth month representing those who are encouraged to bring each item):

Jan — Spaghetti Sauce

Feb — Jelly

Mar — Instant Oatmeal, Instant Grits or Box Cereal

Apr — Red Beans (1 lb. bags)

May — Rice (1 lb. bags)

June — Pasta

July — Peanut Butter

Aug — Canned Pears or Peaches

Sept — Canned Corn

Oct — Canned Green Beans

Nov — Canned Peas

Dec — Pork & Beans

Fourth,looking ahead to the last Sunday of this month, April 29, is a reminder that wewill be having our Fellowship Breakfast which begins at 8:30 a.m. In addition, we will remember all that God has done for us by observing the Lord’s Supper during the morning service.

Fifth,make plans to join us this Sunday. Wehave a great group of men and women who teach our Sunday School/Bible Studytime which begins at 9:15 a.m. There isa place for everyone to join. If you are uncertain of where to go, we will be looking for you in the Orion Foyer – there is always a group of people who will help you find just the right place. As always, our worship service starts at 10:30 a.m. and is a time to express our gratefulness to God for who He is and to receive encouragement/direction for the upcoming week.

I ampraying for you this week – my prayer is that God will make himself known to you in such a way that you find great encouragement in your walk with Him. Keep your eyes open to see the works and the wonders of God this week.

Just one,

Thomas

Metairie Missive

This is a great Wednesday! You may ask why? Several reasons: 1. Every day that we have to walk with God is great! 2.We have the opportunity to gather together as a church tonight! 3. Wednesday is a reminder that God has provided for us in such a way that we have made it half-way through this week – and we have done more than just made it through because we are more than conquerors. Be encouraged!

Several quick reminders:

1.Our children are selling Jambalaya Dinners in an effort to raise money for going to CentriKid camp this summer.The dinners will be served immediately following the morning service this week – April 15^th.The tickets have been on sale, and tonight (Wed.) is the last night to purchase them. Each plate is $8 and will be served in a carry out box.If you can’t make it tonight, please contact the office today so you can be included.Since they are being served as a carry-out, you can buy extra to serve throughout the week (if you eat leftovers!).

2.Sunday will be a busy day –

*. Sunday School /Bible Study at 9:15 a.m.

*. Worship at 10:30 a.m.

*. Sunday School Teachers/Leadership meeting at 4:45 p.m.

*.Deacons’ Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

*.College Prep Class begins tonight at 7:00 p.m. for all those entering college in the fall.

3.Don’t forget to bring your items for the Friendship House. Throughout this month, we are collecting food items that will be used to help the homeless. We have divided the list according to birthdays so if you can, bring the item listed next to your birthday month. You are encouraged to bring the following and leave the items in the buckets in the Orion Foyer:

Jan — Spaghetti Sauce

Feb – Jelly

Mar — Instant Oatmeal, Instant Grits or Box Cereal

Apr — Red Beans (1 lb. bags)

May – Rice (1 lb. bags)

June – Pasta

July – Peanut Butter

Aug – Canned Pears or Peaches

Sept – Canned Corn

Oct – Canned Green Beans

Nov – Canned Peas

Dec – Pork & Beans

I am praying that you have a blessed week – and a week in which God uses you to bless others!  As you walk through the week, keep in mind the wonderful news of Easter – “He lives!”

Just one, Thomas

Metairie Baptist Missive

Good Wednesday Morning! I trust you are doing well, and attempting to stay dry today. It looks as though it is going to be aninteresting weather day so I have been praying for your safety and wisdom.

Have you noticed God at work around you lately?All around Metairie Baptist and through themembers God is doing a great work. If you haven’t been able to be involved, pray about God’s leadership for a specificway in which you can be included in God’s working at MBC.

As we face another week, let me remind you of a few matters:

*. Our regularlyscheduled activities continue tonight at MBC. Our fellowship supper begins at 5:00 p.m.; our ladies’ Bible studycontinues at 5:45 p.m.; our children and youth activities/Bible studies startat 6:00 p.m. tonight; the handbell choir will be practicing at 6:10 p.m. tonight;our “Encountering the New Testament” Bible study and prayer time will bestarting in the sanctuary at 6:10 p.m.; and choir practice will be held immediatelyafter the Bible study/prayer time.

*.The Gathering is this Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall.This is one of my favorite happenings at MBC. We will have a time of fellowshipwhere you will have the opportunity to get to know your fellow church membersbetter.Following this time will be anopportunity for worship led by our youth. To close the evening, we will be putting together the packets that willbe used for the blitz. Join us forfellowship, worship, and hands-on ministry. If you haven’t been before, please give it a try!

*.Final preparationsare being made for Family Ministry Day 2012. We will meet on March 31st beginning at 8:30 a.m.There are still plenty of opportunities foryou to get involved. If you haven’tsigned up yet, please do so in the Orion Foyer. You can also contact Brenda Jenkins or the church for additionalinformation. Wouldn’t it be wonderful ifover 100 people were involved in this day of ministry to our community? Pleasebegin now to pray with us for this special opportunity of ministry and service.

*.Your help isneeded in a variety of areas. Would youconsider helping in one of these ways – or at least trying one of these to seeif it is something you feel called to do? These are some of the needs: Sunday School teachers, especially in the preschool area; helping withthe worship leadership at VBS; participating in Extended Teaching Care by takingcare of our younger children during the worship service.

*. Just forinformation – the code to the Codifer door has changed. If you are in need of the code, you canrespond to this email or contact the church office.Also, you should be aware that the alarm systemis being set when the office is closed and when no activities are scheduled atchurch.

Final challenge: would you be “Just One” who would pray specifically for the upcoming Easterservices and would you make it a priority to invite “Just One” to the services –perhaps a neighbor, a family friend, or someone you have been missing at church?

Don’t forget to pray with anticipation about God’s workingon Sunday morning at Metairie Baptist. I look forward to being able to worship with you. Think on this verse: “Therefore,my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work ofthe Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”(1 Cor. 15:58)

Just one,
Thomas