Pastor Blog 1.11.21
I hope everyone’s year has gotten off to a good start. As I write this on the 11th day of the year it is hard to believe we are already well underway in 2022.
For this new year there are some things I want to make you aware of. As I sit, pray, discuss, and consider the days ahead for MCBC there are numerous positives I see. For example, God continues to bless and grow our church through our children. This past Sunday it was encouraging to have multiple children join and engage with me during our Bible in a Box time during our corporate worship time. Also, two of our newest members, Joe and Lisa Chapman, are expecting their first born later in the year which will continue to add to the energy and joy! I do though want to relay these positives with a clear voice of need. It is phenomenal that our children’s programs both on Sundays and Wednesdays continue to progress but with growth comes a greater need for volunteers. Currently we have needs for serving our children met, but just barely. I’m confident God will provide as needed but I do also want to use this blog platform as a means of awareness and I petition to you for prayer and perhaps even conviction to volunteer or encourage others to consider an awesome way to serve. Also, when you see one of our current leaders or volunteers give them an encouraging word. The Godly impression our Lord uses to influence and grow those youngest among us through our volunteer base is remarkable. God’s goodness is certainly obvious in this area.
With that stated I also want to make known to you other areas of the ministry of MCBC in-conjunction with our Children and Students. The Covid crazy year of 2020 shook things up in regards to our adult Sunday school and small groups and this is an area I want to focus on this year. From the pulpit each week we will continue to walk through the whole of the Bible and place a particular focus on Joy, Peace, and Rest in Christ Jesus. The Bible is clear that Jesus followers are to be in close community together. (Heb.10:24-25, Gal. 6:2, Eccl.4:9-12, etc.) While it is great we can gather as a complete body each week for corporate worship I do believe your (our?) walk is prohibited when not in a closer community together. Therefore, please know there is a Sunday school class or small group for everyone at MCBC from our youngest to our oldest. For example, along with our children and student programing open to all adults is a time of study and reflection led by one of our deacons, Tim Hines, in the church’s gymnasium on Sundays at 10 a.m. I personally try to sit in on this time when I can and always leave more focused and faithful as a result. In-conjunction with this class another Deacon of the church Paul Mayton leads a Senior Adult class in the classroom wing of the main building also at 10 a.m. on Sundays. If these options are not viable for you in the past several months another alternative for gathering has been offered and is led by another of MCBC’s deacons Daniel Moore. Daniel and His wife Kaylee host a small group meeting every two weeks on Tuesday evenings. If you are reading this and not in close community with others who will hold you accountable to, encourage you in, and simply love on you through God’s Word you are missing out and I would highly encourage you to connect with one of these groups/classes.
I could continue and will do so in the weeks to come regarding the happenings within the church but will wait until later writings. I do though want to encourage you to check back in each week as I will update this blog on weekly basis informing you of all the happenings and make known to you needs that can be prayed for. This week I encourage you to remember a MCBC Deacon Daniel Moore. Daniel had surgery on his ear drum yesterday, January 10th. Also remember Mrs. Betty Jackson and her family as she has recently been placed on hospice care.
I hope everyone’s week goes well and we see one another soon. Remember, from the 4th chapter of Jonah which we considered on Sunday, that true shelter is found only in the Lord. As we pursue the grace- given days of the 2022 calendar year let us be of unified mind that what we do, what we say, and the resultant actions charge toward Joy, Peace, and sheltered rest in our Lord Christ Jesus.
Pastor Corey
