Pastor's Page

Posted June 27, 2008

Storytime - with Dr. Jay

     Everybody loves a good story. Some of my favorite sermons are the ones where I share a tale either as an illustration or recreate a story from scripture. The best stories not only entertain us but also teach us valuable truths to apply to our lives. Remember, that Jesus often used stories called parables as an effective teaching tool.

     At 10:30 on Tuesday mornings, between July 8 and August 5, I will be taking some time to read Christian storybooks with children in our church. We will meet in the assembly room of the church Annex. All preschoolers and younger school age children are welcome to attend. The three and four year olds from our Weekday Childcare Ministry will join us. In addition, Jean Cannon will amaze us by sharing some favorite Bible stories through the wonders of her flannel graph board!
     In a time when there are lots of high-tech ways to communicate, I want to use these personal and basic low-tech methods of effectively sharing stories of God's love and plan for our lives.
     If you know families with younger children, please invite them to join with us. Cookies will be served. Gracious folks have already volunteered to make cookies for July 8 and 22. If you would like to supply cookies for one of the remaining dates (July 15, July 29, or August 5), please contact me.
     For those who do not know, our church voted last Sunday night to enter contracts to start our renovation and new construction projects. Several folks have asked when the work will get started. The contractor is in the process of getting all the permits to begin construction. We should see some items begin in the next few weeks. One of the first adjustments will be the closure of the drive through area between the Annex and the Welcome Center. Once construction begins, look for regular updates in our newsletter describing our progress. I am sure that I will say it often in the months ahead: "Thank you for your tolerance and patience through this construction phase."
Jay

More About Dr. Jay McCluskey

A native of East Tennessee, Jay McCluskey was born and raised in Knoxville. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Carson-Newman College and his Master's of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Jay came to North Cleveland Baptist Church in September of 1986. Prior to his arrival in Bradley County, Jay served as pastor of Clearspring Baptist Church in Clearspring, Indiana. In 1991 he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jay and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 22 years. Michelle served Bradley Baptists for a number of years, first as Missions Associate at the local Baptist Student Union and later as Director of Community Ministries for Bradley Baptist Association. The McCluskeys are proud parents of two sons. John is a Sophomore at Lee University, majoring in Music Education. James is in his Senior year at Cleveland High School.