After hours of rehearsals and four great performances, our youth choir and an exhausted director can relax. It was a great weekend for First Baptist on so many fronts, and our house is still humming “Taylor the Latte Boy.” I learned a few lessons from our students to share with you. Generations can learn from […]
Read More »At some point along the Way, we recognize that our calendars and occupations try to compartmentalize our lives. Sunday and Wednesday – church Monday–Friday – work Saturday – family We’re taught to set strong boundaries, keep family away from work, and give ourselves time to relax. At times, there are good reasons for this rationale. […]
Read More »Words matter. For every generation, there is a speech that stands the test of time. For some Americans, it might be “The Gettysburg Address” or “I Have a Dream.” They become imbedded inside our minds and hearts, opening our eyes to a new way of living and stirring our lives to greater commitment. For Christians, […]
Read More »Thank you for praying for us and our families while we’ve been in Israel and Jordan. I am grateful to our staff for covering bases for Rhonda and me. We’ve had a great trip, and we are looking forward to seeing you next Sunday. Based on the weather reports, we’ve stayed much warmer over here […]
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Thank you for giving generously in 2013. With gratitude for God’s blessings to First Baptist, we have surpassed our 2013 budget goal of $2,438,299 and received $2,608,019. This figure represents a 12% increase in giving this year. Praise the Lord. Your generosity changed so many lives, but I want to tell you the story of […]
Read More »“Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” The first part of Jesus’ great commission combines mission and teaching, service and education, witness and formation. Both work hand in hand. You learn as you go. When you move, you grow. The Connections Weekend conference, February 7-9, focuses our attention on the first part of […]
Read More »This past September, the deacons and pastoral staff retreated to Dowling Park for a powerful time of inspiration and dedication to deacon ministry. We prayed for our city, read Eric Swanson’s book The Externally Focused Quest, and discussed the role that deacons have as servants in the city of Tallahassee. Our key verse came from […]
Read More »At some point in the New Testament, without much warning, the first followers are no longer considered to be disciples, or “learners.” They are called “apostles,” the ones who are sent out to live on mission for Jesus. In Matthew, the change happens in chapter 10, when they are sent out first to lost sheep […]
Read More »How do you retell the story of Christmas? You can reenact the parts or update the story for a new generation. This past weekend, we’ve done both. Rhonda Smith and our children’s ministry created “Breakfast in Bethlehem,” an annual tradition for families to eat, play, and dress up as the characters in Matthew and Luke. […]
Read More »One of our family traditions each Christmas has been to see a living nativity pageant, a dramatic reenactment in biblical costume of Christ’s birth. For Drake’s first Christmas, Parker and I went to see the pageant; Drake and Kelly stayed home. Parker’s buddy Zeb, who is four years older than Parker, played the significant role […]
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