January Calendar

Click here for a printable December Calendar in pdf format.

"Bro. Calvin's Comments"

Occasionally we read a statement or we hear someone say something in a real pithy way that just connects with us. I recently read such a statement while I was studying for my Wednesday night Bible study series on Abraham. G. A. Studdert Kennedy, a WWI British military chaplain and Anglican pastor, as quoted by Warren Wiersbe, said, "Faith is not believing in spite of evidence; it is obeying in spite of consequence."

Ever since I read this quote, it keeps coming to mind. I am well aware of the evidence for the historical reliability of the Holy Bible. I am fully confident in the actual existence of Adam, Moses, David, and especially Jesus Himself. I have no doubt about the death, burial, resurrection, and any-moment return of the Lord Jesus. However, is this a total, well-rounded faith? Many writers of Scripture tell us that there is more to faith than believing the facts of the Gospel and of the Scriptures. They call us to obedience by faith. They call us to action.

Paul tells his Corinthian readers, "He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised" (2 Cor. 5:15). He tells his Galatian readers, "For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don't use this freedom as opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love" (Gal. 5:13). And our Lord Himself, when asked what is the greatest commandment, said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:37-40).

To love the Lord and to love your neighbor is to take sacrificial risks. Yet, it is through sacrificial risk that great blessings flow. As we begin this new year, the year of our Lord 2009, let us risk the cost of obedience to see what our Lord will do through us.

Blessings,
Bro. Calvin

A very big "Thank You!" to all who participated in our Christmas musicals. The Children's Choirs did a great job with the "Signs of Christmas." Thanks to all the leaders and children! The Church Choir did a marvelous job with "Come, Let Us Worship the King!" Thank you for a special night of worship and for leading us in worship all through December.

Price Harris Ministries invites all to a Night of Praise at Calvary Baptist Church, Shreveport, Friday, January 9 at 6:00 p.m. No admission charge but a mission offering will be taken.

Louisiana Baptist Singing Ministers and Singing Women will be in concert on January 22 at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Ruston. All are invited to this wonderful time of worship in song.

The Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference is January 26-27 at Temple Baptist Church Ruston. This is a wonderful time of singing and preaching. Everyone is invited to come to whatever part of the conference you can attend. Monday: 1:15-4:15, & 6:15-8:30 p.m. Tuesday: 8:30-11:15 a.m., 1:15-4:15, & 6:15-8:30 p.m. It is worth a trip to Ruston to attend as much of this conference as you can.

Invite someone today to Sunday School and Worship!
I'll See You Sunday! MAX

Discipleship Classes

Beginning Sunday, January 11, @ 5:15 p.m.

1. When the Spirit Works Within - Living in The Spirit.
This is a continuing study of the Fruit of the Spirit and how they apply to our lives. This class is being lead by Max.

2. One on One: Evangelism Made Simple
Not everyone is an extrovert willing to engage a stranger in an evangelistic conversation. One on One: Evangelism Made Simple provides clear, effective ways for an introvert to be involved in evangelism and the extrovert to add more tools to his or her evangelism tool belt. One on One: Evangelism Made Simple encourages people to grow and expand how they share their faith. This class is being lead by Calvin.

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Saturday Visitation

Anyone interested in participating in Saturday visitation is asked to come to the Saturday Visitation Blitz on Saturday, January 10 at noon. A light lunch will be served. Contact Lesa Ward for more information.

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Church Council Calendar Planning Meeting

Saturday, January 17
8:00 a.m.

We will be planning the 2009 Calendar
(The council includes all staff and people in leadership positions.)

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Senior Adult Fellowship

Thursday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m.

We will have chili, fritos, crackers, salads, desserts, and tea.

Everyone 55 and up is invited.

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"Memorials"

Given in memory of KATHRYN G. THOMAS
by: Irene Tomlinson
M/M Shelby Edwards

Given in memory of MARGUERITE STELL
by: M/M Robert Pitman
Irene Tomlinson

Given in memory of JUANITA AGAN
by: M/M Robert Pitman
M/M Shelby Edwards

Given in memory of JUDY REED
by: M/M Robert Pitman

Given in memory of TOM PETTY
by: M/M Shelby Edwards
Betty Garms

Given in memory of REV. JIMMY THARPE
by: M/M Jimmy Heflin

Given in memory of JUSTIN WARD
by: Betty Garms
M/M David Edwards
M/M Robert Pitman

Given in memory of LAURA FLORES
by: M/M Bill Young
Lydia SS Class

Given in memory of JEAN DUCOTE, STEVEN PARKER, CASSIE BELL, and OLETHA JAMES
by: M/M Robert White

Given in memory of GLORIA RENO
by: M/M Bill Young

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