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Pastor's Page

Posted on October 19, 2007 ...

      One of the characteristics of our church family is the way it consistently delivers when called upon for help. When needed, time and again our folks step up and deliver. During recent weeks numerous families of our church have experienced the death of loved ones. Under the direction of our Bereavement Coordinators, Naomi Gibson and Betty Baumgardner, meals have been prepared, delivered, and served. Time and again people gave of themselves and their means. In doing so, they provided a way for these grieving families to share the comfort of a good meal with the people to which they are closest. There is a need, and the church comes through.

 
     Last Sunday evening we had the honor of ordaining four new deacons into our church ministry. The title Deacon is familiar to all, but fewer people are likely to be familiar with the servant ministry our deacons routinely provide to people such as our homebound and hospitalized members. There is a need, and the church comes through.

      Do you know also that many of our Bible Study classes and other groups have specific ministries they have adopted? Some classes are working to help internationally through scholarships for students abroad or by preparing shoeboxes of gifts for "Operation Christmas Child." Others are collecting preschool items for disadvantaged families. Still others keep several bags of basic food items on hand for folks who sometimes come to our church requesting such assistance. The Girls in Action are raising money for world hunger while the Royal Ambassadors are gathering "Bibles and Bucks" to help spread God's word. Men on Mission are providing household construction items while our Young Adult Department will soon spend a Saturday doing lawn and household work for our senior adults. Again, there is a need, and the church comes through.

      North Cleveland Baptist Church people are assisting the local crisis pregnancy center by participating in this week's Walk for Life. Contributions of food and labor will provide the pre-game meal on Friday, October 26 for the Walker Valley Football Team. Volunteers will help us again touch our community at this year's Downtown Block Party. There is a need, and the church comes through.

 
      And, of course, I am sure that there are many more expressions of ministry about which I am unaware. While these works may not receive a great deal of publicity, I believe it gains much notice in the heart of God.   Jay