TAABA Spring Rally
Haskins Community Church to Host
Outreach/Missions
In Recognition of Outstanding Service
The Salvation Army
Presents this Certificate of Appreciation to
First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo
in Sincere Gratitude
For Your Unselfish Service
During the Year 2011
The Pastor’s Perspective – February 2012
My brother is a hero. This, however, is not only my opinion. The December 26, 2011/January 2, 2012 issue of Newsweek magazine had a wonderful article about my brother David. The article, “They Say It’s Over,” by Michael Ware, was written as a reflection on the Iraq war in recognition of its conclusion.
Michael Ware, for those of you who do not keep a rolodex of journalists on your desk, was the former CNN bureau chief of Baghdad, the only journalist to actually live in Iraq and Afghanistan during the wars, and was distinguished by the fact that he actually embedded with al Qaeda fighters for many months. Ware, an Australian with a penchant for adventure, has the heart of a true journalist. He is interested in the story, without regard to nationalities or perspectives. His unbiased filter can be as infuriating as it is noble. You want him to spend time with al Qaeda, no problem. You want him to accompany soldiers on a shooting mission, just tell him when you are leaving. On November 10, 2004, Ware, embedded with Army Task Force 2-2 got his story.
I vividly remember receiving a phone call from my father, giving me the news of David’s heroism and telling me to secure a copy of the November 22, 2004 issue of Time magazine. I dropped what I was doing, left my office and ran (ok, I actually drove) to a local book store to buy the magazine. I opened the pages and found a two page spread devoted to a picture of my “baby” brother leading his men into battle. I read the riveting story of the 2nd battle of Fallujah, which was framed by Ware’s first person account of an American soldier in a man to man (hand to hand) struggle for survival in a dark and smoky Iraqi house. Against overwhelming odds (7-1) the American soldier survived to fight another day. The soldier, my youngest brother, killed six of the men, including one in hand to hand, face to face, combat. The seventh, mortally wounded, escaped the house. The story, of course, was not about my brother alone, but he quickly became the “face” of the battle of Fallujah.
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Sunday Scripture – February 5, 2012
When we hear the word ‘prophecy’ it is both sad and true that most people immediately think about bad news. It is the current assumption that prophets bring predictions of doom and use the term “gnashing of teeth” an inordinate amount of times (which is never a good thing). This opinion, however, is most likely due to our current negative state of mind, and should not be seen as the posture of the prophets of the Bible.
Biblical prophets were actually an extraordinarily positive group of people. While they certainly proclaimed their share of bad news (both to contemporary and future audiences) they did so with the bold assurance that God was in control, and that God was good. They also knew that God’s people, even when judged, were both loved and cared for. In other words, the prophets knew that good times were coming even when bad times were ahead.
One of the most positive and inspirational passages of scripture is found in the prophetic book of Isaiah. Isaiah is telling the people of God to remember who they serve and writes that even in the most difficult times, God still remembers them.
Extracted from the same chapter that traditionally begins our season of Advent (the famous “a voice of one calling: ‘in the desert prepare the way of the Lord’” passage), Isaiah 40 reminds us that God is not done with us yet. Even when things look grim, God still predicts a victory for His chosen people.
Come and join us in worship this Sunday at 10:30 and hear the promises of God for us today: God still gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
“Relentless Faith”
Isaiah 40: 21-31
Scout Sunday – February 12, 2012
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Scouting in the Toledo area. First Baptist Church sponsored one of the very first Boy Scout Troops in Toledo, Troop 5, more than 90 years ago. Cub Scout Pack 236 is the latest part of our tradition for supporting Scouting. On Sunday, February 12, families of Pack 236 will join us in worship in celebration of Scouting’s anniversary. Five Scouts will be recognized for earning their religious award. Contact Chris Jackson at 419/866-8852 if you have any questions.
Sunday Scripture – January 15, 2012
The first chapter of the gospel of John begins with the revealing of Jesus as the cosmic Christ (the Word) and concludes with Jesus calling some very human followers to the work of discipleship. The command of Jesus to follow him is the simple (yet complex) core of Christian discipleship. It is the beginning of the heroic quest of the Church, when the divine Word reaches out to normal people to begin the kingdom.
The call of Jesus is, however, more subtle than we would have expected. John’s gospel tells us that Jesus, who is preparing to leave town, has sought out Philip seemingly for the purpose of inviting him to travel with his rabbinic group of students. Philip, however, sees so much more than this and runs to find his friend Nathanael.
The call of Philip tells us some very important things about the path of discipleship. First, it tells us that journey with Jesus is leading us away from the old way of living our life and into new and unknown places. The journey is literally taking us somewhere. It demands our activity and movement. It demands change. Second, it tells us that the journey is one that is best taken with a friend. The fellowship of the Church is quickly established as an essential part of discipleship, Andrew brings his brother Simon Peter and Philip brings Nathanael. Disciples invite their friends and family, and the invitations create growth and fellowship.
This week we will talk about answering the call by extended it to others. Ask yourself the difficult faith question, when you first answered the call of Jesus, who did you bring with you? Did you just run away from home or did you reach out and bring your best friend or sister? Disciple-making Christians reach out to those they love and they courageously share their new-found faith.
Come and join us at First Baptist Church on Sunday, January 15 at 10:30 as we explore the path of discipleship together. And don’t forget to bring a friend.
The Path of Discipleship
“Follow Me”
John 1: 43-51
Alive Festival 2012
Join us June 20-23 as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Alive Christian Music Festival. The festival takes place at Atwood Lake Park in Mineral City, Ohio. Its four days of energizing music, motivational speakers, camping, swimming, workshops and lots and lots of FUN! Tickets are on sale now at a discount price. If you think you might be interested in attending this awesome experience with thousands of fellow Christians, please speak to Pastor Dan or Krista in the church office. We’ll be ordering tickets soon, so don’t wait too long!!
For more information go to the Alive website Alive Festival 2012
TEAM NEWS
ALL TEAM NIGHT
Monday, February 13th
6:30 pm
We will be calendaring our events for the remainder of the year. Please plan to be present. If you have questions, speak to your Team Leader.
Pastor’s Perspective – January 2012
Next year at this time we’ll all be dead.
At least that is what the aficionados of Mayan cultic prophecy believe. Popular interpretations of the Mayan Long Count Calendar and countless cable television shows based upon these readings are raising the expectations of people who believe that we are nearing the end of the world, or at least the end of this age.
Upcoming Events
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May19Sat
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May20Sun
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