Wow, I have heard that phrase uttered many times in reference to ministry and church activities. All that I can say is that whoever says that has never been in ministry or church leadership because nothing could be further from the truth! The truth is, ministry is still very active, even if it just looks a little different than normal.

This fact proves true at First Bethany Baptist where we might have changed our Wednesday night schedule for the summer, but we haven’t slowed down much at all. Just look at some of the things we have done / will do in the months of June and July.

June 1st – Summer Missions. We commissioned and sent our collegiate missionary overseas to share the Gospel. He and his team are doing well and are poised to return to the United States at the end of July. Thank you everyone who generously gave to the financial need for this trip and are praying for this team everyday.

June 11-15 – Vacation Bible School. I really enjoyed this year’s theme and I thought every leader did an excellent job leading our kids this year. What an awesome week !

June 24 – Fishing Trip. The deacons took a small fishing trip and were kind enough to invite their pastor along. It was a very enjoyable day on the water.

July 5th – Family Ministry Outing. First Bethany took in an evening of Augusta Greenjackets Baseball on Wednesday, July 5th. While we were disappointed that a certain former college/NFL quarterback was no longer playing for the opponent, a great time was had by all.

July 9-14 – Churches Changing Communities (CCC). We will send 5 students and 2 adults to CCC this year. This joint mission project among the churches of the EBA is always a blessing to all. I can’t wait to hear how God moves among the participants this year. Please pray for this team

July 16th @ 5pm – Quarterly Business Meeting & Missions Meetings. Please come prepared to hear what God is doing among our church body and among the nations.

July 30th – Fifth Sunday Singing & Scholarship Emphasis. – Please join us as we worship in song and give to support our scholarship fund.

Add to this schedule the planning of our Annual Back-To-School Bash (Aug), the J.A.M. House 100-Year Celebration (Aug), the NAMB DOM Conference that pastor John will be attending (SEP), our Fall Festival (Oct.), the SCBC Annual Meeting (Nov.), our Children’s Christmas Program and the McCormick Christmas Parade (Dec), and the planning for an Associational-wide mission trip to the Boston area (Dec)……. and the calendar fills up pretty quickly.

But here is a warning and an encouragement from the Word of the Lord:

23 Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24

These dates just can’t simply be seen as marks on a calendar. We must see them for what they truly are; opportunities for those who know not the Lord to come to a saving knowledge of Him through Jesus Christ.

Would you join me in prayer over these events? That they would be much more than dates on the calendar… that they would actually come alive as we see the Holy Spirit ministering in, among, and all around us?

Thank you for praying. I love you all.

Pastor John