From:                                          Kara Morrison [kara@fbcws.org]

Sent:                                            Thursday, March 20, 2008 3:35 PM

To:                                                Kara Morrison

Subject:                                       First Forward FBCWS Newsletter

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Thursday, March 20, 2008

News Spotlight

  COOKBOOKS “Recipes to Celebrate 140 Years.” Cost: $15 plus $2.50 for shipping if it needs to be mailed.   Victim Relief Ministries Victim Chaplain and Crisis Responder Basic Training April 4th and 5th At Life Outreach International in Euless, Texas. Volunteer Victim Chaplains and Crisis Responders serve alongside other relief organizations to give aid and support as quickly as possible in every situation where called. Contact Victim Relief Ministries for more information: phone - (972) 234-3999, email - vrg@victimrelief.org or online at www.victimrelief.org.

Last week, David and I attended a workshop related to Small Group Ministry. It was an interesting couple of hours. The most influential thing I came away with was this diagram you see here. It’s all about the word, “trajectory.” The application of this diagram, of course was related to the ministry of a local church. But it is a concept that could be applied to our walk with Christ, and even life in general. It centers on the green oval labeled “Present.” This is the way things currently are – the good and the bad. There is a Probable Future ahead if we continue to do the things we currently are doing. This Trajectory that we are on will lead us to results that are somewhat predictable. There is also a Possible Future. This consists of all the things that could happen, if we made drastic changes to our Trajectory. Some of the possibilities may be positive and some may not. Then, there’s the purple oval – the Preferred Future. This is where we want things to go. We realize that some things we’re doing are not getting the results we want, so we change a little here and there in order to aim for some possibilities that we would like to see. But notice that the Preferred Future oval overlaps the Probable and Possible Futures and even reaches outside of the Possible Future. This is because some things in our Probable Future simply won’t change (either because we don’t want them to or because it is out of our control). And if we’re a little ambitious, some things in our Preferred Future could even be beyond our imaginable possibilities (Ephesians 3:20). Finally, notice that we got to where we are today by following a trajectory from our Past. We can continue on that path, or make some changes and see what God has in store for us. The longer we wait, the harder it is to change our trajectory in order to reach our Preferred Future. This may seem a little cheesy, and yes, the diagram looks like a bunch of balloons. But think about it. Even if life is good (and mine is great right now)… couldn’t it be better? Couldn’t we do something a little bit different in order to grow closer to and more like Christ?

Last week, David and I attended a workshop related to Small Group Ministry. It was an interesting couple of hours. The most influential thing I came away with was this diagram you see here. It’s all about the word, “trajectory.” The application of this diagram, of course was related to the ministry of a local church. But it is a concept that could be applied to our walk with Christ, and even life in general. It centers on the green oval labeled “Present.” This is the way things currently are – the good and the bad. There is a Probable Future ahead if we continue to do the things we currently are doing. This Trajectory that we are on will lead us to results that are somewhat predictable. There is also a Possible Future. This consists of all the things that could happen, if we made drastic changes to our Trajectory. Some of the possibilities may be positive and some may not. Then, there’s the purple oval – the Preferred Future. This is where we want things to go. We realize that some things we’re doing are not getting the results we want, so we change a little here and there in order to aim for some possibilities that we would like to see. But notice that the Preferred Future oval overlaps the Probable and Possible Futures and even reaches outside of the Possible Future. This is because some things in our Probable Future simply won’t change (either because we don’t want them to or because it is out of our control). And if we’re a little ambitious, some things in our Preferred Future could even be beyond our imaginable possibilities (Ephesians 3:20). Finally, notice that we got to where we are today by following a trajectory from our Past. We can continue on that path, or make some changes and see what God has in store for us. The longer we wait, the harder it is to change our trajectory in order to reach our Preferred Future. This may seem a little cheesy, and yes, the diagram looks like a bunch of balloons. But think about it. Even if life is good (and mine is great right now)… couldn’t it be better? Couldn’t we do something a little bit different in order to grow closer to and more like Christ?

Last week, David and I attended a workshop related to Small Group Ministry. It was an interesting couple of hours. The most influential thing I came away with was this diagram you see here. It’s all about the word, “trajectory.” The application of this diagram, of course was related to the ministry of a local church. But it is a concept that could be applied to our walk with Christ, and even life in general. It centers on the green oval labeled “Present.” This is the way things currently are – the good and the bad. There is a Probable Future ahead if we continue to do the things we currently are doing. This Trajectory that we are on will lead us to results that are somewhat predictable. There is also a Possible Future. This consists of all the things that could happen, if we made drastic changes to our Trajectory. Some of the possibilities may be positive and some may not. Then, there’s the purple oval – the Preferred Future. This is where we want things to go. We realize that some things we’re doing are not getting the results we want, so we change a little here and there in order to aim for some possibilities that we would like to see. But notice that the Preferred Future oval overlaps the Probable and Possible Futures and even reaches outside of the Possible Future. This is because some things in our Probable Future simply won’t change (either because we don’t want them to or because it is out of our control). And if we’re a little ambitious, some things in our Preferred Future could even be beyond our imaginable possibilities (Ephesians 3:20). Finally, notice that we got to where we are today by following a trajectory from our Past. We can continue on that path, or make some changes and see what God has in store for us. The longer we wait, the harder it is to change our trajectory in order to reach our Preferred Future. This may seem a little cheesy, and yes, the diagram looks like a bunch of balloons. But think about it. Even if life is good (and mine is great right now)… couldn’t it be better? Couldn’t we do something a little bit different in order to grow closer to and more like Christ?

News Spotlight

The Easter production was a success and all of the responses have been appreciated. Let me ask you to pray for the ones that marked on the response card wanting a closer walk with Christ and those that requested a visit from the staff. These are important requests and let us join together in prayer for them. Also, pray for the music ministry. I am always looking for ways to make the music ministry relevant to our community and church family. So when you have an idea please write it down and pass the note on to me. I would love to hear from you. I want to assure you that each comment will be read and considered in edifying the body of Christ. Next I would like to thank all those who committed to the Easter presentation. It took all of you to make it happen. It is such a pleasure to serve our Lord together. I look forward to seeking out ways to reach our community for Christ thru the talents that He has provided us and to help develop that currently unused talent for Christ. I recently spoke to one of our members and they encouraged me to “Let go and let God”. So I say please let Christ work thru you in the passions He gives you. I close with sing’cerely always. Stephen

The Easter production was a success and all of the responses have been appreciated. Let me ask you to pray for the ones that marked on the response card wanting a closer walk with Christ and those that requested a visit from the staff. These are important requests and let us join together in prayer for them. Also, pray for the music ministry. I am always looking for ways to make the music ministry relevant to our community and church family. So when you have an idea please write it down and pass the note on to me. I would love to hear from you. I want to assure you that each comment will be read and considered in edifying the body of Christ. Next I would like to thank all those who committed to the Easter presentation. It took all of you to make it happen. It is such a pleasure to serve our Lord together. I look forward to seeking out ways to reach our community for Christ thru the talents that He has provided us and to help develop that currently unused talent for Christ. I recently spoke to one of our members and they encouraged me to “Let go and let God”. So I say please let Christ work thru you in the passions He gives you. I close with sing’cerely always. Stephen

I am so happy to have the privilege and honor to minister to and serve the children and families at FBCWS. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and during the next few weeks I plan to get out and visit with all of the children and their families. We have lots of activities coming up in the next few months . We will have a parent meeting in the very near future to discuss all of the following activities and more - be sure to keep an eye on the bulletin for dates and times. Vacation Bible School this year will begin on a Sunday evening and conclude on Thursday. Friday night will be family night and we’ll have an open house, food, and games. This is one of the greatest evangelistic outreach opportunities we have to reach children in the area and I encourage every one of you to be involved. So, set aside the week of June 22, 6-9 pm, for VBS. We need workers! Sign-up sheets are on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Children’s camp (MetroCamp) will be July 2 – 6 (Wed – Sunday) and will be held at Riverbend Retreat Center. Children’s camp is for all kids, and their friends, who have completed 3rd through 6th grades. We need scholarships! I do not want any child to miss camp because of money. More information will be coming soon. Once again, I am looking forward to serving you and your children here at FBCWS. I ask that you encourage your child to be faithful in attendance and to bring their friends. The goal of FBCWS’ children’s ministry is to “Bring Christ to kids and kids to Christ” but we can’t do it without your help.

I am so happy to have the privilege and honor to minister to and serve the children and families at FBCWS. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and during the next few weeks I plan to get out and visit with all of the children and their families. We have lots of activities coming up in the next few months . We will have a parent meeting in the very near future to discuss all of the following activities and more - be sure to keep an eye on the bulletin for dates and times. Vacation Bible School this year will begin on a Sunday evening and conclude on Thursday. Friday night will be family night and we’ll have an open house, food, and games. This is one of the greatest evangelistic outreach opportunities we have to reach children in the area and I encourage every one of you to be involved. So, set aside the week of June 22, 6-9 pm, for VBS. We need workers! Sign-up sheets are on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Children’s camp (MetroCamp) will be July 2 – 6 (Wed – Sunday) and will be held at Riverbend Retreat Center. Children’s camp is for all kids, and their friends, who have completed 3rd through 6th grades. We need scholarships! I do not want any child to miss camp because of money. More information will be coming soon. Once again, I am looking forward to serving you and your children here at FBCWS. I ask that you encourage your child to be faithful in attendance and to bring their friends. The goal of FBCWS’ children’s ministry is to “Bring Christ to kids and kids to Christ” but we can’t do it without your help.

I am so happy to have the privilege and honor to minister to and serve the children and families at FBCWS. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and during the next few weeks I plan to get out and visit with all of the children and their families. We have lots of activities coming up in the next few months . We will have a parent meeting in the very near future to discuss all of the following activities and more - be sure to keep an eye on the bulletin for dates and times. Vacation Bible School this year will begin on a Sunday evening and conclude on Thursday. Friday night will be family night and we’ll have an open house, food, and games. This is one of the greatest evangelistic outreach opportunities we have to reach children in the area and I encourage every one of you to be involved. So, set aside the week of June 22, 6-9 pm, for VBS. We need workers! Sign-up sheets are on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Children’s camp (MetroCamp) will be July 2 – 6 (Wed – Sunday) and will be held at Riverbend Retreat Center. Children’s camp is for all kids, and their friends, who have completed 3rd through 6th grades. We need scholarships! I do not want any child to miss camp because of money. More information will be coming soon. Once again, I am looking forward to serving you and your children here at FBCWS. I ask that you encourage your child to be faithful in attendance and to bring their friends. The goal of FBCWS’ children’s ministry is to “Bring Christ to kids and kids to Christ” but we can’t do it without your help.

The Easter production was a success and all of the responses have been appreciated. Let me ask you to pray for the ones that marked on the response card wanting a closer walk with Christ and those that requested a visit from the staff. These are important requests and let us join together in prayer for them. Also, pray for the music ministry. I am always looking for ways to make the music ministry relevant to our community and church family. So when you have an idea please write it down and pass the note on to me. I would love to hear from you. I want to assure you that each comment will be read and considered in edifying the body of Christ. Next I would like to thank all those who committed to the Easter presentation. It took all of you to make it happen. It is such a pleasure to serve our Lord together. I look forward to seeking out ways to reach our community for Christ thru the talents that He has provided us and to help develop that currently unused talent for Christ. I recently spoke to one of our members and they encouraged me to “Let go and let God”. So I say please let Christ work thru you in the passions He gives you. I close with sing’cerely always. Stephen

The Easter production was a success and all of the responses have been appreciated. Let me ask you to pray for the ones that marked on the response card wanting a closer walk with Christ and those that requested a visit from the staff. These are important requests and let us join together in prayer for them. Also, pray for the music ministry. I am always looking for ways to make the music ministry relevant to our community and church family. So when you have an idea please write it down and pass the note on to me. I would love to hear from you. I want to assure you that each comment will be read and considered in edifying the body of Christ. Next I would like to thank all those who committed to the Easter presentation. It took all of you to make it happen. It is such a pleasure to serve our Lord together. I look forward to seeking out ways to reach our community for Christ thru the talents that He has provided us and to help develop that currently unused talent for Christ. I recently spoke to one of our members and they encouraged me to “Let go and let God”. So I say please let Christ work thru you in the passions He gives you. I close with sing’cerely always. Stephen

Our Easter Musical

The Easter production was a success and all of the responses have been appreciated. Let me ask you to pray for the ones that marked on the response card wanting a closer walk with Christ and those that requested a visit from the staff. These are important requests and let us join together in prayer for them. Also, pray for the music ministry. I am always looking for ways to make the music ministry relevant to our community and church family. So when you have an idea please write it down and pass the note on to me. I would love to hear from you. I want to assure you that each comment will be read and considered in edifying the body of Christ. Next I would like to thank all those who committed to the Easter presentation. It took all of you to make it happen. It is such a pleasure to serve our Lord together. I look forward to seeking out ways to reach our community for Christ thru the talents that He has provided us and to help develop that currently unused talent for Christ. I recently spoke to one of our members and they encouraged me to “Let go and let God”. So I say please let Christ work thru you in the passions He gives you. I close with sing’cerely always. Stephen

News Spotlight

There are a lot of exciting things going on around here at FBCWS…new minister…new building…G.R.O.W….small groups coming…and many more things. But in the midst of all the activity and all the busyness I pray that each of you does not forget what life is all about. In Luke we read these words, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27 NIV). Finding that loving relationship with Jesus Christ is the key to life. But notice how he includes loving our neighbor in that as well. So many times we find loving God to be easy but when it comes to loving our neighbor it is much more difficult. Don’t forget that love is an action verb. Go out and love your neighbor TODAY!

There are a lot of exciting things going on around here at FBCWS…new minister…new building…G.R.O.W….small groups coming…and many more things. But in the midst of all the activity and all the busyness I pray that each of you does not forget what life is all about. In Luke we read these words, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27 NIV). Finding that loving relationship with Jesus Christ is the key to life. But notice how he includes loving our neighbor in that as well. So many times we find loving God to be easy but when it comes to loving our neighbor it is much more difficult. Don’t forget that love is an action verb. Go out and love your neighbor TODAY!

 

Senior Adult Luncheon

Sponsored by the Tarrant Baptist Foundation

Date - May 2, 2008
Place - Travis Ave. Baptist Church, South Complex
Time - 11:45 Lunch served
Cost - $10 per plate

 

There are a lot of exciting things going on around here at FBCWS…new minister…new building…G.R.O.W….small groups coming…and many more things. But in the midst of all the activity and all the busyness I pray that each of you does not forget what life is all about. In Luke we read these words, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27 NIV). Finding that loving relationship with Jesus Christ is the key to life. But notice how he includes loving our neighbor in that as well. So many times we find loving God to be easy but when it comes to loving our neighbor it is much more difficult. Don’t forget that love is an action verb. Go out and love your neighbor TODAY!

There are a lot of exciting things going on around here at FBCWS…new minister…new building…G.R.O.W….small groups coming…and many more things. But in the midst of all the activity and all the busyness I pray that each of you does not forget what life is all about. In Luke we read these words, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27 NIV). Finding that loving relationship with Jesus Christ is the key to life. But notice how he includes loving our neighbor in that as well. So many times we find loving God to be easy but when it comes to loving our neighbor it is much more difficult. Don’t forget that love is an action verb. Go out and love your neighbor TODAY!

There are a lot of exciting things going on around here at FBCWS…new minister…new building…G.R.O.W….small groups coming…and many more things. But in the midst of all the activity and all the busyness I pray that each of you does not forget what life is all about. In Luke we read these words, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27 NIV). Finding that loving relationship with Jesus Christ is the key to life. But notice how he includes loving our neighbor in that as well. So many times we find loving God to be easy but when it comes to loving our neighbor it is much more difficult. Don’t forget that love is an action verb. Go out and love your neighbor TODAY!

“… Love your neighbor as yourself” Luke 10:27

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Questions or comments? E-mail us at kara@fbcws.org or call 817-246-2171.