To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
                 One of the things that has stuck out to me in my devotional time as I am reading the Scriptures is how often Jesus uses
parables and the reason he gives for using them.  In Matthew 13
Jesus uses eight different parables to instruct us how to live for the kingdom. We live for the kingdom by sowing continually, by
gossiping the gospel wherever we will go with whoever will listen (13:1-9). We must not be content with a person’s initial profession of faith if fruit quits showing (13:23-30). The kingdom of God is the most valuable treasure to have, so we ought to give everything up to live on mission for it (13:44-46). There are people who look like Christians but are not Christians and Jesus will separate them (13:47-50).
When Jesus told the disciples why he spoke in parables
 it was because people “will indeed hear but never
understand” (13:14).  Jesus spoke in parables because
understanding the word of God is not something that is natural to us, but is something that requires divine intervention. When you are reading your Bible, to understand it requires the Holy Spirit. When you are listening to a sermon, it requires as much help of the Holy Spirit as preaching. What makes us able to hear and not
understand is the hardness of our hearts. We must actively fight against it.
In fighting against hearing and not understanding, August is Be-Intentional Month:
*Meet with God daily and pray for personal growth and to pray for 2-3 people everyday in August.
· Meet with each other weekly. Would you commit to being present and prepared each week in August and September for Sunday School, Corporate Worship, and Wednesday Prayer Meeting.
· Invite Somebody. Invite somebody who is missing, maybe someone who used to attend and is no longer attending, someone who doesn’t go to church, or someone who is lost!
        Below is a list of upcoming events
· Be-Intentional Month in August
· Kick Off Meal/Church Potluck: Wednesday, August 6
· Church Cook Out After Service on September 7
· Use this as an event to think evangelistically. Invite them to church and meal afterwards.
· Membership Class: September 14, 21, 28
· Sunday School Hour; Room 104
· Mandatory to become a member, all are invited.

     In Christ,
     Michael Copeland

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
                 Summer is nearly over and I hope and pray that it has been a restful and worshipful season that you have had. It is hopeful for in the Summer Season to rest well, rest hard, and rest long. However, the good gift of rest can often turn into a sinful device of the enemy that Proverbs calls slothfulness.
It is not uncommon for during the Summer to begin excited and to leave with a “summer slump.” Not as zealous for the things of God that you were at the beginning. Maybe it is due to the days being longer, so physically we can be a little more tired. Maybe it can be due to our normal rhythms can get disrupted for these two months and struggle to adjust. Or hopefully, it has not been
something you have experienced.
One of the things we are hoping to do to help combat the “summer slump” and to kick start the fall is a “Be-Intentional Month” where in the month of August we will be intentional to meet with God, be intentional to meet together, and be intentional to live missionally. This is not a plan to build the attendance, but rather a hope to help spur on our attenders to love and good works.
During August, your leadership is asking you to:
· Meet with God daily and pray for personal growth and to pray for 2-3 people everyday in August.
· Meet with each other weekly. Would you commit to being
present and prepared each week in August and September for Sunday School, Corporate Worship, and Wednesday Prayer Meeting.· Invite Somebody. Invite somebody who is missing, maybe someone who used to attend and is no longer attending, someone who doesn’t go to church, or someone who is lost!
Below is a list of upcoming events
· Regular Sunday School will resume on 7/20
· Back To School Bash
· Saturday, July 26
· 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
· Will need volunteers to pass out gospel tracts and volunteers to help pack book bags.
· Communion, August 3
· Be-Intentional Month in August
· Kick Off Meal/Church Potluck: Wednesday, August 6
· Church Cook Out After Service on September 7

In Christ,
Michael Copeland

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
                 Summer is fast approaching. With Summer, we often have thoughts of rest, relaxation, vacation, beaches, pools, ice cream,
hamburgers. (I really like the summer, or maybe I just really like ice cream and I tend to eat more during the summer). One of the great desires we have for summer is time of rest, but often the plans we have for rest become unrestful. It is quite ironic that it is so easy to take a vacation to take a break from work, but then be more tired when returning to work.
I encourage you, not to grow weary in your walk with Christ this summer. Hopefully, you will be able to have memories made, cannon balls dropped, and ice cream consumed. But the temptation is for the fun “relaxing” activities to crowd our schedules and
consume us. We end up wanting rest, then need rest from resting. Hebrews 4:1-13 describes the rest we can get in Christ. Not only rest we get from Christ, but the reality that Christ has come to give us rest. Rest is always associated with God’s salvation. Sabbath is a reminder of salvation. What allows us to enter into restful rest is belief (cf. Hb 4:3). What keeps us from experiencing this rest is a hardened heart (cf. Hb 4:7), disobedience (cf. Hb 4:11), and a neglecting of the Word (cf. Hb 4:12-13). Take time to rest, but sabbath in your salvation. Don’t let off the gas pedal of running after Christ.
Maybe some things that you can do this summer to help spur your affections on for Christ is reading a helpful book about the
character of Christ (Gentle and Lowly would be my recommendation), having a personal Bible study you start for the summer months, meet with somebody new each week and pray with them, or fill your dinner table with hamburgers, ice cream, and people to come feast with you.

Below is a list of events we are having in the summer:
· Wed PM Prayer and Bible Study:

· Wednesdays at 6:30

· Not meeting on July 2.

· Study is Rediscover Church.

· Whole Church SS in Family Life Center.

· Study: Committing to One Another: Church Membership.

· Will be looking at what the Bible says about membership and how we live it out.

· Communion, August 3

· Kick Off Meal/Church Potluck: August 6


In Christ,
Michael Copeland

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
Easter is the most joyful and important holiday for our faith. For without the resurrection all else fails. With the resurrection, our faith has substance and will one day become sight. As we are moving into the Easter season I encourage all of you to spend some extra time preparing your heart  for Resurrection Sunday. 
Here are a couple of ways you can do this. One, grab one of the easter devotions in the vestibule area. They are intended to be read during Passion Week and to track Jesus as he is moving towards Calvary. Two, commit to praying 5 extra minutes a day. Maybe take the statements that Jesus said on the cross as a diving board into your prayer time. Third option, have one day of prayer and fasting prior to Easter. As you feel yourself get hungry, pray and thank God for the resurrection. 
Zechariah 13:1 is a prophecy foreshadowing the effects of the resurrection. “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them for sin and uncleanness.” On that day, when Jesus is on the cross his blood will wipe us clean. On that day, Jesus will take on the darkness of the world as the sky turns black. On that day, the Father would turn his back on the sun. On that day, Jesus would cry out, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me!” On that day, an offering would be made. Three days later an offering would prove to be accepted and Jesus would rise from the dead in order to offer cleansing for sin and uncleanness. 
Below is a list of events we are having in April:

• Church Good Friday Meal:
• 
  
  • 6:30-8:30 in the Family Life Center
  • RSVP by 04/13. 
  • We will have a time of fellowship and worship together.  
• Easter Service (April 20) 
• 
  
  • Use it as a time to think evangelistically. 
  • Who is somebody you can invite to come and hear the good news of the gospel? 
• Communion, April 27

In Christ,
Michael Copeland

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
           We start March with the end of the Marriage Conference. Before attending I thought my marriage was in a pretty good spot and would not benefit that much from it. However, after being there and talking with Lexi there were two things that were ever present to us: (1) We have fallen dearly short of what God has called us to be as married couples and (2) We have a very gracious God who will help us grow into what he has called us to be. Marriage is a great privilege for both to show a watching and dying world the love that Christ has for his church.
Let’s have smelly marriages. Marriages that smell of the aroma of Christ. Let people be able to experience the special distinctiveness that we have because of the
gospel. Pastor Beaulieu discussed about when he was a chaplain in the Army and he and his wife would fill their dinner table, some of the younger men would approach him and say, “Chap, I want a marriage like yours, how?” What a testimony. What a blessing.
The Lord has placed you in relationship with people around you that may never have the opportunity for the gospel except for you. God has created divine
intersections for the people you know for you to be used as an instrument in the Redeemer’s hands to minister to them. How could you use your house as a hub of ministry?

How could you and your family set up normal rhythms to share the gospel with those around you? What are some things you are currently doing that you may be able to use to cultivate relationships?
In Christ,
Michael Copeland

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
Marriage is one of God’s most favorite things. The Scriptures are filled with marriage. The Scriptures begin with marriage. Before the fall happened, marriage happened. Marriage was, is, and will be a good gift from God. Marriage also occurs all throughout Scripture. It is assumed that most of God’s people will get married, have kids, and continue the mandate to fill the earth. In fact, it seems as though that marriage is God’s primary means of reaching the
nations throughout the Scripture narrative. And Scripture concludes with a marriage (Rev 21) where the church will walk down the aisle to her groom Jesus Christ. What a glorious thing marriage is! What a high calling marriage is!
We will be having a marriage conference at the end of February. The goal of this conference is to be a benefit and help to the best marriages and those that are struggling and are seeking help. Even the best marriage can benefit because it is still two sinners that are living together. And those marriages that might feel like they are hanging on by a thread can have hope because it is two sinners living together (of which Christ came to die for).
Married couples, would you consider attending this conference? We really do believe this will be a great blessing to you.
Singles, would you consider how you may help serve at this conference? A couple of idea is scholarshipping a couple, serving with snacks, clean-up, or maybe even helping with child-care (only those who are Children Certified can). Or maybe, you would also benefit from the conference and would like to attend? Great! Sign up!Below is a list of events we are having in February:
· Bible Study Training:
· 3 Month Training Beginning on Feb 2
· How to get the most out of your Bible.
· During the Sunday School hour in room 104.
· Child Safety Training:
· Feb 2 and 9 in the Family Life Center after service.
· Snacks and drinks provided.
· Mandatory attendance to work with children and youth
· Marriage Conference:
· February 28 (6:30-9:00)-March 1 (9:00-11:30)
· Cost: $30/Couple by Feb 2; $40/Couple by Feb 23; $45/couple at door.
· In the Family Life Center.
In Christ,
Michael Copeland

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
Your word is more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb (cf. Ps 19:10). The ancient Israelites did not have access to bitcoin or stevia. The most valuable thing they had was gold. The sweetest thing they knew was honey. Upon meditating, treasuring, and reading the Scriptures, David is left with no other response than to respond in worship and say, “The Word if God is more valuable than the most valuable thing we have here on Earth and is sweeter than even the sweetest thing we could have! Oh how great is His Word!” Come taste and see the sweetness and worth of God’s word. Would you commit this year to reading either the New Testament or through the whole Bible? We invite you to come taste and experience the sweetness and worth of God’s Word. What would it take for you to increase the habit and
progress in the treasuring of God’s word?
There are a couple of very exciting things happening over the next few months. First, we have our New
 Members Class. This will be Jan 12-26 during the
Sunday School hour. This class is mandatory to take to become a member of the church and is open to all who would like to learn about Church Membership. Secondly, in light of us going through Psalm 119 for our current sermon series, the deacons and myself would like to
offer some Bible Study Training. This will be a three-month long training during the Sunday School hour for you to learn how to get the most out of your Bible. This training will begin on Feb 2 during the Sunday School hour. Also, Wednesday Nights we will begin our new series: Christian Beliefs. This is a look at 20 different doctrines that are foundational to our faith. Finally, February 28 and March 1 we will be hosting a Marriage Conference here. We hope and pray for this to be a beneficial and practical time of worship for us. No matter how good your marriage is, a tune up can always be helpful and no matter how bad your marriage is going, it is not outside of God’s redeeming grace.
Below is a list of events we are having in January:
· Membership Class:
   January 12-26
 Sunday School Hour; Room 104
 Mandatory to become a member, all are invited.
· Wednesday PM Study:
    Wednesday evenings at 6:30
   Christian Beliefs: 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know
 Join us as we take a survey look at Christian Doctrine
· Bible Study Training:
    3 Month Training Beginning on Feb 2
    How to get the most out of your Bible.
    During the Sunday School hour in room 104.
· Marriage Conference:
   February 28 (6:30-9:00)-March 1 (9:00-11:30)
 Cost: $30/Couple by Feb 2; $40/Couple by Feb 23; $45/couple at door.
 In Faith Baptist Auditorium.

In Christ,
Michael Copeland

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
The holiday season is fast among us. While it may be a very sad and often times stressful season for us to go through, it is also a great time to take a few moments to reflect on God’s character and goodness.
Christmas is one of the most important holidays that we as
Christians celebrate (rivaled only by Easter). Christmas is
ultimately a display that God desires to dwell with his people and for his people to dwell with him. God has always wanted to be with his people. In the Garden, God would visit in the cool of the day to dwell with man. Then God instructed Israel to build a
temple so God could dwell with them; however, the temple also showed that the people could not fully dwell with God because of their sin. Ultimately, God the Father sends his Son into the world to dwell among us, to be with us, to restore us to himself. Born in a manger, swaddled in white linen, God became man. May this season be a time that we remember the desire that God has for us to be in an intimate relationship with him. With the business of the holidays, let’s all take a few moments every day to remind ourselves of what a joyous thing it is to have the King of Kings
 desire to be with us. Maybe one way you can do this in December is to read through the Gospel of Luke with your family. Luke is 24 chapters long, if you begin on December 1, you would go to bed finishing the gospel account of the life of Jesus.
Shortly after Christmas, we celebrate New Years. While New Years isn’t necessarily a Christian holiday, it is a time that is great to examine our lives and attempt to realign them so that we can better dwell with God. Many New Year’s resolutions aren’t accomplished and many are too big to accomplish. What if this year, you committed to reading the New Testament together as a family? If you commit to reading one chapter a day for five days a week, you can read through the New Testament in 52 weeks! As you are reading together as a family, maybe even ask these questions: (1) What does this passage say about who God is? (2) What has God done? (3) What does this passage about man? and (4) How do we live in light of that truth?
Below is a list of events we are having in December:
· End of Year Potluck: Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30
· Bring a dish as we celebrate the end of the year together!
· This will be our last Wed PM meeting. We will resume Wed PM Bible study on Jan 9.
· Christmas Eve Service:
· Come celebrate the birth of Christ at 5:00 PM.

In Christ,
Michael Copeland

IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS FOR THIS IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
           What an amazing month October was in getting to see God’s goodness at work in our lives. First, we had a homecoming. While I am sad that I was unable to be
with you guys, what a joy it was to hear of the rich time of worship and fellowship you had with each other. Also, we had our Fall Festival. It warmed my hearts seeing
everyone come together to serve, fellowship, and build relationships with people outside of the church. What a blessing this month has been.
I want to encourage you guys to not let evangelism just be an event that the church hosts but rather a
lifestyle that we live. Who are some of your neighbors that don’t know Jesus? Who are some of your co-workers that don’t know Jesus? As Christians we are called the light of the world and like a lamp that would never turn off so also should we be. May we be constantly engaging with the lost in both word and deed.
Here are a few things we have planned for
November. Be sure to keep updated with your bulletins if things begin to change or are added.
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party:
·   Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30
· Come fellowship as we pack boxes to send to boys and girls all around the world so they can hear the good news of Jesus.

Thanksgiving Lunch:
Sunday, November 17 following service.
· Men’s team will be providing the meat.
· Members please bring a side dish.

No Wed PM service on 11/27 (Thanksgiving Eve).
In Christ,
Michael Copeland

CHURCH HOMECOMING
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH
        Faith Baptist Church celebrating 59 years of Being Faithful
 
  
                                                                                                   
          To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
        What a blessing it has been to be able to serve  the Lord these past few weeks at Faith. What a blessing it has been to share a meal with many of you and get to know you and your families. We look forward to getting to know you more and more in the coming weeks.  October is going to be a very active and lively month for us at Faith and we look forward to seeing what the Lord does this month.  
        Before discussing the events of October, I want to talk about a book I have been reading lately called God Shines Forth. This book takes a look at evangelism and examines why many Christians do not live an evangelistic life. The book begins by discussing how Jesus is the perfect embodiment of the Father. When we see Jesus, we see the Father. Because God is missional (seen in sending His Son), so also is Jesus missional. The author argues that the solution to a lack of evangelism is a heart that is encapsulated by the beauty of God.
      Our  proclamation will only be as much as our adoration is. May we seek to be an evangelistic people not out of  religious duty but out of an overflowing affection for God. With October right around the corner, here are a few things we hope to see you at!
Homecoming:
*Sunday, October 13
*Pastor Lee will be delivering the message
*Church will provide meat.
*Requesting for members to bring a covered dish
Harvest Festival:
  *Saturday, October 26 at 5:00 PM-7:00 PM.
  *Contact Jennifer Sandy for more information.

In Christ,
Michael Copeland

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
           Me and my family have now been at Faith for about a month and we can say that it has become our home very quickly. Thank you for the way you have cared and loved on me and my family as we have moved. When people have asked how we are doing,
the word that keeps coming to mind is we are blessed.
We are blessed to have the opportunity to serve at a church where the people can accurately described by three things. First, the people of Faith love the Lord. It has become evident to us that Faith seeks to honor the Lord and worship him at all times. Secondly, you love His Word. There is no doubt that there is a deep hunger for the Word to be taught and treasured here. And finally, a deep love for each other. It has become increasingly more evident that Faith really is a family. We truly are blessed to serve here.
We are currently transitioning teaching series. On Wednesday nights we will be studying Gospel Treason by Brad Bigney. Gospel Treason seeks to examine why we do what we do and to replace improper worship with right worship. On Sundays we will begin studying 1-3 John. This study is exciting because of its big emphasis on relationships and the gospel. We hope to see you at both of these!
With September approaching, there are a few events coming up that we would love for you to attend.
· School Prayer Walk:
*Wednesday, September 11 at 6:30.
*Meet at the church and we will divide up into different group and go to the local schools to pray for the teachers and
students there.
· Fellowship Meal:
*Wednesday, September 25 at 6:30.
*Instead of studying Gospel Treason we will have a Potluck Meal and share a time of fellowship together.
*This would be a great event to come to if you want to meet and get to know other people at Faith.
*This would also be great to invite a friend you have been
praying for to.

In Christ,
Michael Copeland

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church,
                 With August quickly approaching, my family and I look forward to
spending time with you all and getting to know all of you. We are truly blessed and excited for the move.

                 First, we are thankful for the time we have been able to spend with many of you whether it be on the phone or meeting when we were there. When people asked about Faith, one of the things that kept coming to mind was how much you loved each other and my family. I believe this to be one of your greatest strengths.

Secondly, we are thankful for Pastor Ken and the Pastor Search
Committee for the countless hours of hard work they have put in.  I have been greatly encouraged by the godly leadership and desires the leadership the church has. Lastly, we are thankful for the hunger and desire you have for the Word of God. One of the things that struck out very much when we are able to be with you for worship was how deeply you cared for Scripture.

 As we move and transition in there are a few things we would ask you to pray for us about. First, please pray for us to continue to abide in Christ as we are moving and after we have moved. Secondly, please pray that we remain humble in the transition. Also, please pray that packing and unpacking works smoothly and quickly, so the pastor’s house can soon become our home. Finally, please pray for the transition at Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church to be as smooth and easy as possible.

Again, we are excited to be permanently in Swansea and look forward to getting to know and serving the Lord with all of you guys. I believe that the people of Faith Baptist Church have the ability to radically serve and help transform Swansea, Lexington County, the State of South Carolina, and ultimately the world. Praise God for him calling us here.


In Christ,
Michael Copeland





Thank you note from Pastor Ken:
Whenever I have finished my work at a church, I know I will miss the people.  You have become dear to me. Thank you for your accepting me into your church family, praying for me, and following my leadership. God has blessed me by allowing me to serve him alongside you. You will continue to be in my prayers.  May God bless you and your new pastor as you serve Christ in cooperation with one another.

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
            First, let me thank all of you who participated in our Vacation Bible School. The school ran extremely smoothly and was very enjoyable. We had 70 in attendance counting the workers.  One child accepted Jesus as Savior and many heard the gospel and learned lessons from the Bible. Thank you to all who worked so diligently to make our VBS successful.
            Second, let me express my appreciation to the Pastor Search Team.  They worked prayerfully, diligently, and faithfully. Because of their good work you have a new pastor who will be joining you later this summer. You have elected Michael Copeland as your new pastor. Be praying for him, and his wife Lexi, as they prepare to move from Georgia to Swansea. They have a 3-month-old son, Michael Jr. (he is called “MJ”). I believe Michael and his family will be a real blessing to Faith Baptist and to the Swansea community.  Michael is devoted to the Lord Jesus, believes that the Bible is God’s word, and is well trained.
As he prepares to come, be praying the following: that Michael will be able to effectively and lovingly end his current ministry, that he and Lexi be given strength for packing and moving, will get settled here into Swansea, and will be able to quickly become a part of the Faith Baptist family. Pray that church members will quickly make them feel at home here. Pray also that church members will be open to, and supportive of, the Copelands’ ministry here.
When the Copelands arrive, I will have finished my work among you as your interim pastor. Thank you for making my ministry here a productive and enjoyable one. You have always been most gracious to me and I am grateful to God for the opportunity I have had to have ministered among you. I expect this will be my last pastor’s paragraph, since Rev. Copeland will probably be doing the next one. Continue to keep me in your prayers, asking that God will guide me in the future ministry opportunities he will bring me.
                                                                                                                                    Your pastor,
                                                                                                                                    Ken Harmon

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
             With June, summer arrives. We look forward to more time outside and maybe to a vacation. Two events fall in June for our church—Vacation Bible School and Father’s Day.
             Our VBS is June 9-13. The theme this year is Breaker Rock Beach, and kids will discover that God’s truth never changes, everyone needs Jesus, and they will learn to speak the truth in love. Many are teaching or helping in various ways. Even if you are not working in Bible School, you can be a part. You can pray for teachers, helpers, and the students.
     Pray that the VBS workers will be strengthened and guarded by the Holy Spirit. Ask that they may clearly teach the Good News and/or live it out before the children, always showing God’s love. Pray that throughout the week they will have endurance, patience, and joy.
     Pray for the students who will attend. Some will know little about Jesus. Others need to grow in their understanding. Pray that each of them will experience the love of God. Ask
that they will learn more about Jesus and what he has done for them. Earnestly pray for those who need to accept Jesus as Savior. Especially pray this on Tuesday, June 11, when we will be doing our evangelistic emphasis. Pray also for the ones who already are believers, that they may grow in their faith. Over all, ask for God to protect from all danger and to work in the lives of the teachers, helpers, and students and their parents. Pray that he will accomplish his loving purposes in all their lives.
             The other June event we celebrate at Faith Baptist is Father’s Day. We will
Recognize our fathers on June 16. As we do, remember that God is our loving
heavenly Father who wants to bless us now and have us live with him for eternity. Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father.” When we become believers in Jesus, we are entering into a relationship with God. In that relationship, God is Father and we are his children. Like a good father should, he will provide for us, protect us, discipline us, all the while loving us. We can be secure in our Father’s love.

I hope that you will have a productive and enjoyable June.
Your pastor,
                                                                                             Ken Harmon

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
              When I was in my first church out of seminary, I had a vegetable garden. May was a busy time with the garden. Nothing was ready to harvest (except maybe the green beans
if I had planted them early enough) but there was weeding, hoeing, and applying pesticides.
Jesus often used agricultural illustrations. One was the parable of the Sower. In this parable some of the seeds didn’t get a chance to germinate, some sprang up quickly but wilted, and some were choked by weeds and therefore produced no crop. 
Let’s focus on the plants that were choked by the weeds.  The month of May might be a good time to examine your life.  What is choking out your spiritual growth and productivity?  In Jesus’ parable, it was the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches that choked out fruitfulness.  It is very easy to focus on the urgent to the neglect of the important. We get caught up with many anxieties. We can focus so much on earning a living and accumulating material things that we neglect things that matter much more in the long run.  Therefore, ask God to show you what is choking your fruitfulness and then weed it out of your life.              
Also, pray that Faith Baptist Church will be fruitful as a church, being what God wants us to be and doing what he wants us to do in Swansea. Ask that we will have his clear direction. Ask that he will guide and empower us by his Holy Spirit to spread the Good News and minister in Jesus’ name to the needs around us. Pray that we will have an outward mentality that enables us to see and respond to the spiritual,
physical, and material needs around us. Together, let’s be fruitful for God’s kingdom.
The month of May is usually a busy time in churches and Faith Baptist is no
exception. As you will see elsewhere in this newsletter, on May 5 we are having VBS leader training, May 12 is Mother’s Day, and we are planning to have a baptismal service on May 19 In Jesus’ parable, some of the crop did produce a crop.  I hope you have a joyful and a fruitful May.
Your pastor,
 Ken Harmon

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;

             Once we get to April, we feel like spring has finally arrived. The trees are green again, flowers are blooming, and the temperature is rising to more comfortable levels. It is in the spring of the year when we celebrate Easter and Jesus rising from the dead. As when the world is bursting out with new life, think with me about the life Jesus gives.
Jesus is the life giver. He gives life that is everlasting.  God loves us so much that he gave Jesus so that by believing in him, we can have eternal life. That eternal life is also abundant life.  Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
When we invite Jesus into our lives, we become a new creation. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” We don’t just have a change of heart; we have a new heart. We don’t just have a revived spirit; we are given a new spirt because the Holy Spirit of God has come to live within us.  We are made new. Once when a very wealthy man received Christ, someone asked his chauffeur if the wealthy man was any different. The chauffeur replied, “It’s the same old sin, but there is a new man inside.” When we receive Jesus, there is a new person inside.             But the life giving does not stop with us. It is meant to be shared with others so that they may have everlasting, abundant life also. Are you doing anything to share that life with others?
             God has used the Gospel of John to bring many to the new life Jesus gives.
 In that Gospel, seven times Jesus refers to himself as “I am” and adds something to it.  Beginning April 7th, I plan to preach a sermon series on the “I am” statements of Jesus.  Jesus is the Word become flesh (see John 1:1-18) and dwells among us as the “I am,” God with us. Come each Sunday and worship the life-giving Jesus, the “I am” who is the Bread of Life, the Light of the world, the door to the sheepfold, the Good
Shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the living vine.

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;

             Easter is early this year, coming right at the end of March.  Before Easter arrives,
we are going to be busy at Faith Baptist.  Of course, you remember the time change on March 10 when we “spring forward.”  Don’t be late that Sunday.

             More importantly, during March we will be praying for our North American missionaries and collecting the Annie Armstrong Easter offering to support them and their work.  The theme this year is “Make Jesus Known.”  That is something we can all strongly support.  There is no denying that our nation has lost it way spiritually.  I am grateful for our missionaries and for the creative ways they are making Jesus known.  In our worship services we plan to show video clips of what some of them are doing.  I am also grateful that I have a way to support them in their work by giving through the Annie Armstrong offering.  Our church goal is $2,000.00. Let’s surpass that through sacrificial offerings, not only to support our missionaries but to Make Jesus Known.
Palm Sunday is on the twenty-fourth.  Does it ever surprise you that there was a crowd to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem, yet just a few days later a crowd was shouting
for him to be crucified?

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper that Sunday to commemorate Jesus’ death.  The sermon is to be from Psalm 51, where David confesses his sin and asks for forgiveness.  Plan to come with a repentant attitude, for we all need forgiveness.  Thankfully, Jesus’ death on the cross, his giving his body and shedding his blood, makes forgiveness possible.

The next Sunday, March 31, is Easter Sunday!  We will celebrate the risen Lord.  Come that Sunday with gratitude for Jesus, his death and resurrection, and with joy.  Because he lives, we can live also.  Jesus was delivered up because of our sins and raised for our justification (Romans 4:25).  Realize that Jesus knows you personally; he knows your name.  What an incomparable Savior!  Come and worship with us on that most special day.

February Newsletter

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church;
            In February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Therefore, February is sometimes known as the month when love is emphasized.  In the church, love should be emphasized every month. Have you ever considered how much the New Testament uses the word love?  In the gospels, God often audibly calls Jesus “my beloved Son.”  Paul in all his letters, Peter in his, John in his, and James in his all refer to fellow believers as “beloved.”
            We need think of our fellow church members as “beloved.”  O. S. Hawkins in The Connection Code points to some reasons why.  Below I list and then expand on his thoughts. First, as believers, we are family with each other.  God is our heavenly Father; we are his children.  That makes us brothers and sisters in the faith.  We should strive to be a close-knit, loving family, always supporting and encouraging one another.
            Second, we need to see each other as friends.  In Philemon 1:1, Paul calls Philemon his friend.  Acts makes it known that Paul had others he considered his friends.  Amazingly, Jesus called us his friends.  As his friends, we can be friends with one another.
            Third, we need to see each other as fellow workers.  In Philemon, Paul calls Philemon his “beloved fellow worker.”  Have you noticed that God often sends out workers in pairs?  It was Moses working with Aaron his brother who led the Children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt.  Jesus sent out his disciples “two by two.”  Paul always seems to have had a fellow worker, whether Barnabas, Silas, or Timothy.  Sometimes when I am doing a wedding, I remind the couple that together they are stronger in their union than they would be alone by quoting from Ecclesiastes 4.  It tells us that two are better than one, have a good reward on their toil, help each other, and can better defend better against a common foe.  There is strength in numbers.  As fellow workers in the church, we can bring people to Jesus, help them grow as disciples, and together minister to the needs around us.
            Fourth, we need to see each other as fellow soldiers.  We have a common enemy, Satan.  We as God’s people are in a spiritual battle.  We stand together against the devil’s schemes to divide and destroy us.  We must stay together in the battle, or the enemy will over-power us.  When one of us in wounded in the battle, we need the help and encouragement of others, not abandonment or criticism. 
            In this “month of love,” let us make the loving effort to always see each other as family, friends, fellow laborers, and fellow soldiers.  Together in love, we can be God’s people which he can use to carry out his purposes of love in the world.
             
Your pastor, Ken Harmon

November Newsletter
To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church,
A few years ago, Dr. Nick Stinnett of the University of Nebraska conducted a group of studies called the "Family Strengths Research Project."  Stinnett and his researchers identified six qualities that make for strong families. The first quality, and one of the most important to be found in strong families, was the quality of appreciation. Families that are strong are strong in part, Dr. Stinnett concludes, because family members express to each other their appreciation for what the other members DO and for who they ARE.
            At Faith Baptist Church we think of our members as our church family.  That is why you will sometimes see “Welcome Home” on our sign or in other places.  As a church family, we should show appreciation to each other.
            Think of all the people who make it possible for the church to operate.  It includes those who: faithfully attend, give their tithes and offerings, encourage other members, teach, lead us in worship, operate the audio visuals, share the gospel with others, serve on teams, go on mission trips, fill shoe boxes, prepare for the socials, minister in the community, take care of administrative duties, prepare this newsletter and other printed material, clean the church, maintain the grounds; the list could go on and on. 
            As you spend time in giving thanks in this month in which we celebrate Thanksgiving, remember to not just thank God for things but for the people in your life who are a blessing to you.  And do remember to be thankful to the Lord Jesus, because it is “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16).  In his love for us he has given us every blessing and also gave himself on the cross for us.  What a wonderful Savior.  “Thank you, Jesus, for being so good to us.”
Be sure to join us for our Church Family Dinner on November 12, right after our worship service.  We can thank God together for all his goodness to us and enjoy one another.  I look forward to seeing you there.
 Your Pastor Ken Harmon

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August Newsletter

FAITH Family Newsletter

 

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church, In Galatians 6:10 Paul referred to Christians as “the family of believers” and in Ephesians 2:19 he referred to them as “members of God’s household.”  That is why we speak of the people in our church as our “church family.”  We have God as our Father and each other as brothers and sisters in Christ—we are family.  Ideally our birth family and church family love one another, take care of one another, encourage one another, do things with each other, and pray for each other.  As a church family, we should also be a cooperative team, working together to carry out the tasks gives to us by our heavenly Father. What kind of family member are you?  Do you take responsibility to help the family or just expect the family to help you?  Do you love the family enough to want to be with them?  Can you be expected to do your part when either an opportunity or a crisis comes?  Unless all the members cooperate with each other, the family is going to suffer. During August the nominating team will be working to secure leadership for the various positions necessary for the church to function effectively.  Pray for them as they do their work.  If at all possible, respond positively to them if offered a position.  We need to work as a family to carry out the tasks our heavenly Father has assigned to us as his people here in Swansea. Beginning on Sunday, August 13, I plan to start a series of four sermons on the Old Testament Joseph.  This young man, growing up as his father’s favorite child, was sold into slavery by his brothers when he was only 17 years old.  Yet, in a most outstanding manner, he was able meet ever challenge and opportunity, mend family relationships, and fit in with God’s over-all purpose. Following his example, we, too, can fit into God’s over-all purpose for us.  We will be blessed as a church family as we do so. As I hope you always do, keep all your church family in your prayers. Your pastor, Ken Harmon IMPORTANT DATES:  TUESDAY 1st Deacons Meeting @ 6PM TUESDAY 8th Men’s Gathering 124 Antioch Church Rd  @ 6PM WEDNESDAY 9TH Senior Leadership Meeting @ 5PM                                          You can now GIVE online!            It’s safe, secure and easy.             Try the eCheck method- it costs less than a stamp to use! (Scan the QR Code to GIVE now)

FAITH Family               July 2023

Weekly gathering Times: Sunday Morning Bible Study for all ages: 9:45AM – 10:45AM Celebration Worship: 11:00AM Wednesday Evening Activities: 6:30PM Refresh Prayer & Bible Study FAITH Kids Journey Youth of FAITH

  

To the Church Family at Faith Baptist Church In July we think of, and participate in, various summer things: The celebration of our nation’s independence, vacations, cookouts, water activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.  It is a time of the year when we can feel free in many ways. God is the author of freedom.  He does not force us to obey him (we see in Genesis 3 that God, gave the first pair freedom of choice, to obey him or not).  He wants liberty for those who are enslaved, “proclaim liberty throughout the land for all its inhabitants . . .” (Leviticus 25:10).  He gives us spiritual freedom, “because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). In our nation we are free politically to enjoy and utilize our spiritual freedoms.  Therefore, what shall we do with our freedom?  Make sure you know God and follow his word.  Make sure your family knows God and follows his word.  Make sure others come to know God and his ways. The New Testament teaches that we are all priests (1 Peter 2:9).  That means all of us are to take seriously how we live, how we worship God, and how we teach others God’s ways both by our words and by our actions.  It also means we will help Faith Baptist Church do these things by attending, praying for, and financially supporting it. There are other things we can and should do.  We can pray for lost individuals.  God wants all to be saved.  We want that to happened because we love God and love the lost.  We can also be informed voters, voting for Christian values (if you do not, who will?).  We can support organizations that spread the gospel, support Christians values, and do Christian ministries.  We can contact our representations by emails, phone calls, and letters.  We can be willing to hold governmental offices where we can be salt and light. I hope that you have both an enjoyable summer and one where you are putting your Christian and your political freedoms to good use.by our words and by our actions.  It also means we will help Faith Baptist Church do these things by attending, praying for, and financially supporting it.  There are other things we can and should do.  We can pray for lost individuals.  God wants all to be saved.  We want that to happened because we love God and love the lost.  We can also be informed voters, voting for Christian values (if you do not, who will?).  We can support organizations that spread the gospel, support Christians values, and do Christian ministries.  We can contact our representatives by emails, phone calls, and letters.  We can be willing to hold governmental offices where we can be salt and light. I hope that you have both an enjoyable summer and one where you are putting your Christian and your political freedoms to good use. Your pastor, Ken Harmon