SBC

SBC Open Forum in Los Angeles this Thursday

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I and the other officers of the California Southern Baptist Convention will be hosting another Open Forum this Thursday, July 22, to discuss the future of our convention. This meeting will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Beverly Hills, 9025 Cynthia St., West Hollywood, CA 90069.

These forums are very open-ended and seek to address questions such as “How can we get young people more involved?” “How can we cooperate more effectively as local churches?” and “What will the Great Commission Resurgence mean for us?”

This is the third of five forums being hosted across the state this year. I have found them to be a valuable time to network with other pastors and to brainstorm about the future of our state convention. We welcome the input and participation by pastors and SBC leaders in the area. Hope to see you there.

To learn about our past meetings, click the links below:

Fun Stuff

Financial mistakes by young families

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Every pre-marital counseling course should include some basic advice on family finances. I’m very grateful Natalie and I were required to read the Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples, which helped us talk through some important issues, set up an early budget, and avoid many pitfalls.

A recent article by Smartmoney.com might also be helpful. They list six common financial mistakes made by young families:

  1. Carrying too much debt
  2. Operating without a budget
  3. Failing to begin planning for retirement
  4. Inadequate life and disability insurance
  5. Not preparing for college tuition
  6. No rainy day fund

Even if you’ve been married for years and have made some costly mistakes, it’s never too late to begin heading in the right direction. You can read the whole article here.

Fun Stuff, Shepherding

No Greater Love movie – July 30

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First Southern Baptist invites the public to a free showing of the movie No Greater Love at 7 PM on Friday, July 30. Free concessions will be served, and free child care will be provided for preschool children. It would make a great date night or family night out.

No Greater Love is the dramatic story of faith, forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God. Jeff and Heather were the “lucky ones.” Best friends from childhood, high school sweethearts, and married by 22. After the birth of their only child, however, Heather fell into an uncontrollable depression. Hopelessly lost, she did the unthinkable…she abandoned her husband and infant son – and vanished. Now, ten years later, Jeff’s world is dramatically rocked when Heather shockingly reappears in the most unusual place.

Dennis Rainey, host of Family Life Today, calls this movie “a compelling story that powerfully reminds us that love is always the right choice.” The message of the gospel is clearly presented as well. We look forward to showing it and pray it will be a blessing to families in our community.

Please spread the word, and we hope to see you July 30! For directions to the church, please click here.

Click here to watch the original trailer:

Culture

A unique revolution

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“Our Declaration of Independence has been copied by emerging nations around the globe, its themes adopted in places many of us have never heard of. Here in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights. We the people declared that government is created by the people for their own convenience. Government has no power except those voluntarily granted it by the people. There have been revolutions before and since ours, revolutions that simply exchanged one set of rulers for another. Ours was a philosophical revolution that changed the very concept of government” — Ronald Reagan

Happy Independence Day!
Shepherding

2010 Vacation Bible School

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Here’s a summary of last week’s Vacation Bible School. This article and photo appeared in today’s edition of the Hi-Desert Star.

Children entering First Southern Baptist last week were greeted by a 12-foot barn, pine trees, western murals, and a life-size ranch fence. The words “Saddle Ridge Ranch” were emblazoned across the large archway, welcoming kids into the 2010 Vacation Bible School.

On June 21-25, the church hosted games, crafts, music, and a Bible story each morning for local children. Families were invited back Friday night at 6 pm for Family Fun Night. Over 120 people attended the free BBQ followed by a closing concert and awards ceremony.

“This was a very special year for us,” said Pastor Stephen Jones. “We had record-breaking attendance and were able to make many new friends in the community. Both the kids and their parents were so enthusiastic. We give all the glory to God.”

Throughout the week, boys and girls competed to see who could bring the most missions offering. The boys barely edged out the girls on Friday, together raising over $240 for the Haiti Response Fund to provide food, water, medical supplies, and shelter for earthquake victims in Haiti.

Planning for next year’s VBS is already underway. The theme will be “The Big Apple Adventure,” featuring the sights and sounds of New York City.

First Southern Baptist Church is located at 56374 Onaga Trail in Yucca Valley. For more information about their regular services and kids programs, please call (760) 365-5771 or visit www.fsbcyv.org.

Thoughts on Life and Leadership