Boothbay Baptist Church
Pastor’s Report
January
2019
The end of a calendar year is always an
activity-filled time in the life of the church, and 2018 was no exception. Our children’s ministries continue to be a
great joy as we see young children excited to learn and growing in their faith.
Personally, I’ve really enjoyed joining with our team of volunteers in the
Olympian ministry, working with 1st to 6th grade
students. The kids are excited each week
as we come together to recite Bible verses and report on quiet time successes
and challenges, have a game time together, sing Bible-based songs, hear a
gospel-centered Bible lesson, and then have a snack while we debrief in small discipleship
huddles. It is truly a joy and a privilege and I am blessed to join with our
team of leaders, as we partner with parents in leading these kids deeper in
their faith in Christ. I’ve also enjoyed leading the adult Sunday School class,
with video series on Awakening (Ligonier Ministries) and Prophecy (Dr. David
Jeremiah) followed by our current study in Ruth (Journey to Bethlehem: The Prequel).
Our Christmas celebration started early
this year, with Journey to Bethlehem inside and outside the church building at
the end of November. The live Nativity Scene on a couple of nights (featuring
the Dodge family) got the attention of some passers-by! Special thanks to
Meredith Fowlie for coordinating the program once again. This year our Advent
celebration in December included a special program directed by Becky Roberts which
included music from the children, as well as adults singing several songs. We
also had a joint-Christmas Eve service with our brothers and sisters from
Boothbay Region Community Fellowship. For the entire month of December our
theme was rejoicing in the First Coming of Christ, while being always grateful
for why He came, to give His life so that we could be reconciled to God. That
is the true gift of Christmas! I am
thankful for all who participated in doing the Advent readings through the
month, it helped keep our hearts and minds focused on the reason-for-the-season,
Jesus Christ. We ended our year together with a New Years Eve service, reading
through the entire Book of Revelation, and singing songs of praise to the Lord.
This year we had 21 readers!
I’ve enjoyed continuing our series in
the Gospel of Mark. Someone recently asked me which is my favorite book of the
Bible. My answer was, “Which ever one I am preaching at the time!” I’ve been
learning each week as I’ve worked through this gospel in my own study, and have
tried to share the perspective of Mark in the sermons each week. God chose to
give us four gospels rather than one complete account of the life and teaching
of Jesus. Each one gives a unique perspective on the person and work of Christ,
while being united in truthfully telling the story of the Messiah, the
Incarnate Son of God. Mark wants his readers, and us, to know that there will
be tribulation and suffering in the world, that is why Jesus came—to undo the
Fall and to make it possible for fallen humans to be reconciled to Holy God. So be encouraged! He loves us that much. Counseling
couples and individuals continues to be a privilege.
We don’t know what the New Year will
bring us. We can count on some surprises along the way. But nothing is going to
surprise Him. He has a plan, and Jesus is building His church. What a privilege
to have a part in what He is doing! Talk to me or the elders about using your
gifts and abilities for reaching the lost, and building up the body of Christ!
Your
co-workers in Christ,
Pastor Steve and Mary
Ann
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