Mission Opportunities

One of our goals this year is to become a church that is more involved in missions. I wanted to write about a few opportunities we have in the near future so you would have a bit more information than we can announce on Sunday mornings.

First, on August 13, we will be giving away backpacks at Murrell Taylor Elementary School. This is a ministry we started a few years ago to help families at the start of the school year. This year we are giving away backpacks in conjunction with Murrell Taylor's open house. The open house is from 4-6pm. They will have a meeting with parents/students from 4:00-4:30. When they are finished, they will release the children to visit their rooms, pick up a backpack, eat hot dogs, and play on inflatables. We need your help. We need you to sign up on one of the lists on the office windows. We need help giving away backpacks, handing out food, monitoring the inflatables, and general help with clean-up. I hope you will consider giving up part of an afternoon to minister to these families.

Second, our association is organizing a one day mission trip for Jacksonville on September 10. You need to sign up on one of the forms in the lobby by August 31. The cost is $10 that is due when you turn in your form. The association is asking you to also bring a non-perishable canned good on September 10. We will meet at 8:30am for orientation at Second Baptist Church, and then we will be divided into teams for different ministries. Lunch will be provided, and we will end our work at 2:30pm before heading back to Second Baptist. At 3:00pm, we will close with a Celebration Rally that will end at 3:30pm. Don't worry. The Arkansas vs TCU game is at 6:00. You will have plenty of time to get home before it starts. When you fill out the registration form, you will have several mission opportunities to choose from:

1. Prayer walking - you will be trained and will go out in small teams.
2. Prayer Meeting Team - If you are physically unable to serve on other teams, there will be a prayer meeting held to lift up this day and the ministries to take place throughout the day.
3. Evangelistic Teams.
4. Senior Adult - visit, share Bibles, do crafts, other activities with seniors.
5. Home Repair/Painting - help paint a home or do small repairs.
6. Yard Work Teams - raking, mowing, trimming.
7. Block Parties

If you have any neighbors that need small home repair or could use some yard work, please let our church know so we can turn in a request for that home to be a place where we send a team. Our preference is the neighbor be a family that does not have a church home. This is an opportunity for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I hope you will seize this opportunity to serve in our community.

Last, I am certain you are aware that our church has connected with Corbin Hobbs who is a church planter in Denver, CO. Before the launching of the church plant on February 12, The Heights will have a handful of preview services. These are services that give people in the community a chance to visit The Heights before their official launch. We are organizing a team to help with the first preview service. We will leave on Monday, November 7, and we will return the following Monday, November 14. We are still trying to figure out the cost, and I cannot give you that information at this time. We will have an informational meeting for those who would like to learn more on August 28, at noon. One more additional piece of information. We will be Skyping with Corbin in both of our morning services on August 21.

In Christ,
Mark Smith, Pastor of FBC Jacksonville

Praying for M-Fuge

Every summer our teenagers, along with a handful of adults, attend Mission Fuge Camp. It is an incredible opportunity for them to experience camp and missions together. As a church member, you have an opportunity and privilege to pray for them. I hope you will take the time to pray for them. The group leaves this next Sunday, July 24, and they will return on Saturday, July 30. Please take time the next couple of week to lift them up in prayer. Here are some things you can pray for:

1. Pray for the teenagers going. Pray that God will prepare their hearts to learn more about Jesus.
2. Pray for them as they serve at their mission projects every day. Pray for safety as well as opportunities to share the gospel with those they serve.
3. Pray for those going who may not have accepted Jesus. Pray for God to reveal Himself in a way that draws them into a relationship with God.
4. Pray for strength and endurance both physically and spiritually for the adults. It can be a taxing week on them.
5. Pray for unity in the youth group.
6. Pray for good weather while at M-Fuge.
7. Pray for safe travel.

Six-Month Checkup

I came across a spiritual checkup written by Chuck Lawless not too long ago. It was written as a spiritual checkup for the halfway point during the year. I hope this list of questions will rekindle your walk with the Lord if you find yourself in a stagnate place. So many times we wait until the beginning of the year to make New Year's resolutions. What's wrong with making a resolution for the remainder of the year in July?

1. Are you reading the Bible daily? Maybe you started the year with a reading plan and find that you have fallen behind or fallen out of the habit. Why not take time to catch up, adjust your plan, or create a new plan. Whatever your approach. Try to find a way to read a little of God's word every day.
2. Are you praying daily? Are you praying regularly (1 Thessalonians 5:17)? Are you praying for your enemies (Matthew 5:44), for others (Ephesians 6:18-20), for believers to speak boldly the gospel (Colossians 4:3-4), for government and church leaders (1 Timothy 2:2)? Maybe take some time and thank the Lord for all He has done (Colossians 4:2).
3. How often have you shared the gospel this year? Are you so humbled and amazed by the grace of God and His forgiveness that you can't help telling others about what Jesus Christ has done for you? Who are you praying for that does have a personal relationship with Jesus (Romans 10:1)? Maybe you can begin to pray and ask God to increase your burden for the lost through the remainder of the year (Romans 9:1-3).
4. Are you faithfully fighting sin in your life? Honestly, are you experiencing victory over sin this year? Is there a certain sin that you continue to struggle with? What steps can you take to overcome? Who can you talk with that will bring accountability into your life?
5. What scriptures have you memorized this year? Psalm 119:9 asks, "How a young man can keep his way pure?" The answer is to live according to the God's word. I love what the psalmist writes just a few verses later, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." I wonder if our struggle with sin is because we don't have the word of God seared in our hearts.
6. Are you serving faithfully in a local church? Church is more than a place to attend. The church is a family of believers that are to minister to one another. Are you using your spiritual gifts as a member of a local body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). Are you supporting His work financially as well? Commit to spend yourself in God's church throughout the rest of 2016.
7. Are you exhibiting the work of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23)? Let's allow those verses to guide your self-evaluation: "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like....But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Which traits most characterize your life today?
8. Who is walking more with God because of your influence this year? Are you making disciples? Isn't this what Jesus commands us to at the end of Matthew's gospel (Matthew 28:18-20)? Who are you taking under your wing to disciple and teach the things of God?
9. What steps have you taken to spread the gospel to the nations? We are called to be missionaries in our own community, globally, and everywhere else in between (Acts 1:8). What missionaries are you praying for? Are you seeking through prayer an opportunity to participate in a mission trip this year or next? 
10. How would your family assess you as a family member and a believer this year? Those who observe us daily are the most equipped to evaluate our spiritual walk. What would your family members say if asked about your walk with God?

I hope these questions will provoke you to evaluate your walk. No need to wait until December to make changes when you can make them right now!

Backpack Giveaway

Going back to school can be a stressful time for many families. Between backpacks, school supplies, clothes, and shoes that fit, it can break the family budget. Trust me. I know. We have four kids, and sometimes it can be tough making sure they have everything they need to start the school year.
As a church, we recognized a few years ago that many families in our community could use some help with backpacks and school supplies. Over the past couple of years, we have hosted a backpack giveaway at our church. We handed out backpacks filled with school supplies, offered food, and provided inflatables to add to the fun.

This year, I am excited about a unique opportunity. During the past school year, we developed a special relationship with Murrell Taylor Elementary School. As I talked with the principal, Ms. Haywood, late this Spring, we decided to give away backpacks at their school instead of at the church. I will spare you all the reasons why this is better, but I am thrilled that we are moving out into our community and not hosting this at our church.

The backpack giveaway will be at Murrell Taylor Elementary School on August 13th, from 4-6pm. This will be in conjunction with the school's open house. You can help in several different ways. One way you can help is to volunteer to help us that night. We will need help setting up, serving food, monitoring inflatables, handing out backpacks, and cleaning up when the evening is over. You can also help by supplying some backpacks. Obviously, it will take an entire church effort to collect the number of backpacks we need. Ms. Haywood told me their enrollment will be 500 kids. In the past couple of years, we have collected between 275 and 300 backpacks. We will need to step up our game this year, but I want to present a new way we can collect more backpacks.

Our team has come up with two different ways you can supply a backpack. The first will be to purchase a backpack and fill it with the supplies needed. This is the way we have done it in the past. The estimated cost for this option will be $22. The good news is that someone on our team had a brilliant idea of ordering backpacks and supplies in bulk to see if it would be cheaper. If we order backpacks and the supplies in bulk, then the cost will be $11 per backpack. The second way you can supply a backpack is to donate $11/backpack. We have envelopes at the church you can place your money in for backpacks (for example you could donate $55 for 5 backpacks). The important thing is that we have to order all the backpacks and supplies early in order to get them before August 13. If you choose the second option, we will need your donation by July 24. Our goal is 500 backpacks. If we collected 300 last year and the cost has been reduced, we should have no problem achieving this goal.

I am thrilled about this opportunity God has given us. I hope you will pray about how God wants you to help. I also hope you will pray for the night we give away the backpacks. This is an opportunity for us to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

In Christ,
Mark Smith

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is June 12-16, from 6pm-8:30pm. On June 12, our kickoff night will begin at 4:30pm. The theme this year is "Submerged." Get Submerged in God's Word at Vacation Bible School. Dive in to find truth below the surface! You can register online when you click here. Once on that page, click the link on the top left titled "Participant Registration."

If you are wanting to volunteer to help, you need to contact Amy Gray. All of the main spots are filled, but we can always use more volunteers to help out. In addition, we have posted a list of food and supplies needed outside the office.

Julie White will be teaching our 5th-6th grade group. They participate in a mission project during the week, and they will need items donated for local foster children. Our kids will collect, sort, and deliver those items at the end of the week. Here are the items they need:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Feminine hygiene products
Pajamas (new; all sizes--birth through teenager) Socks (new--all sizes) Underwear (new--all sizes) Diapers Wipes

It will help us if you could have them to the church no later than Wednesday, June 15. You can place the items in the brown box in fellowship hall or leave them in the youth room. Please make sure you indicate on the items what they are to be used for.

Finally, I would like to ask you to begin praying if you have not already. I recently read an article that indicated 10% of kids who attend a VBS will be unchurched. WOW! What an opportunity we have. Prayer is a powerful tool we need to use in the next few weeks leading up to and during VBS. Please pray some or all of the following:

1. Pray for the children who will attend. Pray that God will prepare their hearts to learn about Jesus.
2. Pray compassion would fill the hearts of every adult leader.
3. Pray the Gospel will be proclaimed boldly, compassionately, and clearly.
4. Pray the Lord will work through the lives of the children to reach their families with the Gospel.
5. Pray for those who accept Christ. Pray they will get involved in discipleship and grow as Christ-followers.
6. Pray those who attend who are hungry for love and affirmation would find it not just from the leaders but in Jesus.
7. Pray those who do not have a church home will be compelled to get connected at our church.
8. Pray for strength and endurance both physically and spiritually for all leaders and children.
9. Pray for unity among the leaders as they serve together.
10. Pray that what is learned will make a difference in the lives of all who participate.
11. Pray that all leaders will offer their service to the Lord and work for Him and Him alone.
12. Pray for a week of good weather (no rain, not too hot, etc.)
13. Pray for safety during recreation and drop-off/pick-up times.

Mission Opportunities

Yesterday morning we introduced Corbin and Allie Hobbs to our church family. They are church planters in Denver, CO. The name of the church they are launching in February, 2017, is The Heights Church. One of our primary goals this year was to move towards being a church more invested in missions. We have already begun a prayer partnership with two families serving in Indonesia. Our missions team believed it was important we also connect with a church planter here in the U.S. After much prayer and talking with Corbin, we believe this is where God is leading us. Our plan is to have a long-term partnership with the Hobbs. Corbin's long-term goal is for The Heights Church to be a church that plants other churches in the Denver area. We are very excited to be joining with him and what God is doing. We are committing in three ways to The Heights Church. First, we are committing to pray for Corbin, Allie, and The Heights. We will take time once a month in our worship services to pray for them. I hope you will pray more than this. I would love for each one of our members to add this family and their ministry to their daily prayer list. They are looking for a place to meet right now, and I hope you will begin praying the Lord would meet that need. Second, we want to financially support the work Corbin is doing. Initially, we are taking part of our excess from the 2015 budget year and giving it to The Heights Church. We will create a line item in our budget beginning in 2017 to help them on a more consistent level. Finally, we want to send teams throughout the year to help them with any needs they have. Our first opportunity will be this November or December. Corbin has asked if we could send a team of people to help with their first preview service. A preview service is a chance for people in the community to visit The Heights Church and learn what they are about. The church will have a few of these before they officially launch the following February. Our team would spend the majority of our time there canvasing, prayer walking, and hanging door hangers that invite people to The Heights. In addition, we will help prepare for the service. This could include set up, tear down, cleaning, or really anything they need us to do. I hope you will begin now praying and asking if this is something God is calling you to.

I also wanted to let the church know about our annual backpack giveaway. I am super excited about a door God has opened for us. The past couple of years we have given away backpacks to families here at our church. Well, over this past school year we have seen God opening a door for us to work with Murrell Taylor Elementary School. I met with the principal about a month ago, and this year we will host the backpack giveaway at Murrell Taylor in conjunction with their Open House on August 13. We will do everything we normally do here on their property. This includes inflatables, food, music, and handing out backpacks. Our goal the past couple of years has been 300 backpacks, and I believe we can reach that goal again. Soon we will have a list of items from the school that need to be included in the backpack. I hope you will be in prayer for this opportunity, and I hope you will volunteer to show up and help as well. What an incredible opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.

One final quick note is in regards to Vacation Bible School. Julie White is leading the 5th-6th grade class. They participate in a mission project during that week, and they will need items donated for local foster children. Our kids will collect, sort, and deliver those items at the end of the week. Please be on the lookout for those items in the bulletin in the upcoming weeks.

Welcome Kerry Murphy

This past Sunday, May 1, our church unanimously voted to call Kerry Murphy as our Children's Minister. We have been searching for close to 18 months, and God has answered our prayers. If you have not had a chance to meet Kerry, you are going to love her. It is obvious she has a heart for the Lord and for children. She will be a huge asset to our church, and I am excited to see how God is going to use her as she serves here at FBC Jacksonville.

Kerry and Paul have been married for almost two years, and they are brand new parents of Emery who is 2.5 months old. She will start serving with us in the next few weeks, and we are confident God is going to use her in a mighty way here. Please make sure you are praying for Kerry, Paul, and Emery.