News & Announcements for June 2, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
GRADUATION SUNDAY – NEXT SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
Next Sunday, June 9, we will be celebrating the graduation of the high school seniors that have been part of our church for the past several years. This is always a special Sunday, and we encourage you to be sure to be present for it. This year we are celebrating six of our students: Hunter Brightwell, Danielle Caplinger, Cole Chapman, Brinna Midgley, Jackson Moore and Colin Scruggs. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and send them off to their next stage in life!
WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
MISSION FOCUS FOR JUNE: DAYSTAR JUNIOR SCHOOL
Our mission focus for the month of June is Daystar Junior School in Uganda. Opened in 2015, this school is for children ages 3 to 15 years and is located in the slum areas of Kirombe Uganda, East Africa. Donations from Northminster have helped to purchase uniforms for the students, wood for new desks, and begin a 3-floor classroom building. You may make a donation to this special ministry by specifying Daystar on your check memo line.
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June 2024 Pastor’s Corner — Blessed Naïveté
Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
— 1 Corinthians 14:20
Has anyone ever accused you of being “holier than thou”? It’s a strange insult, when you think about it, but it’s also one that I think most folks dread having applied to them. There’s a good reason for that — the phrase is really directed at those who are arrogant and self-righteous in their “holiness” and look down on those who they deem not as worthy. However, our dread of this accusation has had a consequence that is deeply affecting the Church (capital ‘C,’ as in the church universal not just the local church).
Instead of striving after true holiness, as just about every page of the Bible calls us to, we strive to be relevant and relatable so folks will see us as just like and certainly no better than they are. We try to avoid the scarlet ‘H’ as much as possible. As NT Wright writes, “There are people who pride themselves on knowing about evil, but can’t be bothered to think through serious issues from a biblical or theological point of view. There are many Christians who can tell you which film star is getting divorced but can’t tell you where in the Bible you might find teaching on the subject.” We want to make sure that folks know we’re no different than they are. I doubt any Christian is trying to be an expert in evil; most likely we just want to make sure that we’re not being naïve about it. We want to be seen as mature, not childish.
Paul flips that kind of thinking upside down in 1 Corinthians 14:20. He says that what I just described isn’t mature — it’s childish. True maturity doesn’t come from familiarity with or knowledge of evil, but rather by pursuing Christ and holiness. Those who are truly holy don’t go around flaunting it in front of and over others. Somewhat ironically, the holier we become, we become all the more aware of the depths of our sin and brokenness. Consider Jesus. He was perfectly relatable and relevant to all with whom he came in contact. Sinners were drawn to him, so much so that He spent far more time with the “sinners” than He did with those who considered themselves “saints.” Yet He never compromised his holiness or his righteousness, nor did He ever entertain temptation, sin or evil.
If we are striving to show the world that Christians are just like them, then what do we have to offer? The entire point of the Gospel is that the world can never provide that for which our souls yearn. The world can never heal our brokenness. The world can never help us atone for our sins and failures. The world cannot provide life. The Gospel, the Good News, is that by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ we have been called out and set apart (that’s what “holiness” means). Being mature and holy isn’t about being perfect or sinless, but it does mean that we strive to leave sin and evil behind, focusing instead on Jesus Christ. True maturity comes from “pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14-15)
Instead of trying to show how much like the world we are, “let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. — Philippians 4:8-9
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
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News & Announcements for May 26, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – SUNDAYS, 9 AM
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School each Sunday as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
MISSION FOCUS FOR MAY: HELPING HANDS
Our mission focus for the month of May is Helping Hands of Amherst County which help citizens of Amherst County who need an occasional helping hand with necessities such as food, electric bills, rent and water bills when children or medical needs are present. It is administered out of Madison Heights Baptist Church. You may make a donation by specifying ‘Helping Hands’ on your check memo line.
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News & Announcements for May 19, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – SUNDAYS, 9 AM
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School each Sunday as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
AMHERST SENIOR CENTER HYMN SING – MONDAY @ 11:00 am
The Amherst Senior Center will be holding an old-fashioned hymnsing, led by Robert Cardwell, here in the Fellowship Hall from 11-12 noon, on Monday, May 20. Everyone is invited to attend. Please contact Julie Lerner with any questions
WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
MISSION FOCUS FOR MAY: HELPING HANDS
Our mission focus for the month of May is Helping Hands of Amherst County which help citizens of Amherst County who need an occasional helping hand with necessities such as food, electric bills, rent and water bills when children or medical needs are present. It is administered out of Madison Heights Baptist Church. You may make a donation by specifying ‘Helping Hands’ on your check memo line.
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News & Announcements for May 12, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – BEGINNING SUNDAY, MAY 12
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School beginning May 12th as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY @ 8:30 am
Please join us in the parking lot of the church for carpooling. We will return to the church around 11:30 am.
WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY @ 10 am
The Women’s Book Club will meet on Thursday, May 16, at 10 a.m. at Anne Wilkins’ house. We will be reading The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede. All women are welcome.
MISSION FOCUS FOR MAY: HELPING HANDS
Our mission focus for the month of May is Helping Hands of Amherst County which help citizens of Amherst County who need an occasional helping hand with necessities such as food, electric bills, rent and water bills when children or medical needs are present. It is administered out of Madison Heights Baptist Church. You may make a donation by specifying ‘Helping Hands’ on your check memo line.
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News & Announcements for May 5, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, May 6, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Barbara Baker will be our facilitator and hostess this month. We are using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. This month, we will be studying David and Abigail – The Rebel and the Peacemaker. Ladies, read your book and complete your workbook! Bring a friend. As always, if you don’t get your homework done, come anyway!!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – BEGINNING SUNDAY, MAY 12
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School beginning May 12th as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
MISSION FOCUS FOR MAY: HELPING HANDS
Our mission focus for the month of May is Helping Hands of Amherst County which help citizens of Amherst County who need an occasional helping hand with necessities such as food, electric bills, rent and water bills when children or medical needs are present. It is administered out of Madison Heights Baptist Church. You may make a donation by specifying ‘Helping Hands’ on your check memo line.
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May 2024 Pastor’s Corner — The Unexpected
Blessed is the man…
whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
— Psalm 1:1-4
This is Fred the Tree. Fred is growing in the most unexpected and unlikely of places — right in the middle of the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge in Key West. Against all odds (and all the odds are against it), Fred not only sprouted but has thrived in a most inhospitable location. Fred provides a beautiful example of how, when we trust in the Lord, our faith can grow and flourish in the most unexpected places and ways.
Trusting in the Lord, and growing ever deeper in that trust, is everything that is meant by “faith,” particularly faith in Jesus Christ. In Galatians 5:6, Paul summarizes everything he believes about the Gospel when he writes, “For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith [trust] expressed in love.” (Gal. 5:6 MESSAGE) But “trusting in God” is a somewhat strange and abstract concept. It’s very easy to say we “Trust in the LORD with all our heart, and do not lean on our own understanding” (Prov. 3:5 ESV), but how do we know if we actually are trusting in the Lord as much as we think we are?
As March drew to a close, I came down with an unexpected stomach illness. The next day, we made an unexpected visit to the ER, which resulted in an unexpected hospital stay that included unexpected surgery to address a congenital issue that I learned about, unexpectedly, four years ago. When I fell ill, even when I was admitted to the hospital and learned I was going to have surgery, I never imagined I would end up being out of the pulpit for 4 weeks and facing a recovery process that will end up being a total of 6 weeks or more. Every step of the process, as my circumstances continued to become more concerning and severe than I first thought, could have been fraught with anxiety and worry. I’m not saying I didn’t have my moments, but in general (and other than feeling terribly sick), I felt a deep sense of peace and calm through it all. I knew, without a doubt, that everything was going to be fine, no matter what happened.
I have had, and continue to have, seasons of wrestling with the Lord. There have been many times when I have argued with God and struggled to understand the whats and the whys of what He has allowed me to go through, and sometimes things He has purposefully brought my way. I don’t like a lot of those things, and in many respects I still wish going through those seasons wasn’t necessary. And yet, in each and every case, the Lord has proved himself trustworthy and true. Through it all, even though I still don’t understand most of it, I have learned to trust Him a little bit more than I did before. It is because of those times that when this very unexpected, and frankly quite severe, situation occurred, I found that I wasn’t worried or afraid. The Lord had proven himself faithful in the big things and the small in the past, how could I expect anything other this time around?
It is in the unexpected moments and circumstances of life that we both learn to trust Him more and find out how much we already trust in Him. The “soil” that allows our faith to grow and mature is trusting in the Lord and His Word. When we trust in Him and learn to trust Him more each day, our faith is able to grow and even thrive in the midst of the most unexpected or even hostile circumstances. Place your trust in the Lord today, and continue to do so each and every day, so that when the times of trial and struggle, when the unexpected comes along, you will be able to hold fast and stand firm, to face whatever may come with peace and assurance, knowing in your heart of hearts that the Lord will once again be faithful and true.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24-25)
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
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News & Announcements for April 28, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – BEGINNING SUNDAY, MAY 12
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School beginning May 12th as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
MISSION FOCUS FOR APRIL: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Our mission focus for the month of April is Neighbors Helping Neighbors which assists individuals in Amherst County in overcoming food insecurity. They also help connect those in need to area resources that can help build self-sufficiency and quality of life. You may make a donation by specifying NHN on your check memo line.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, May 6, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Barbara Baker will be our facilitator and hostess this month. We are using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. This month, we will be studying David and Abigail – The Rebel and the Peacemaker. Ladies, read your book and complete your workbook! Bring a friend. As always, if you don’t get your homework done, come anyway!!
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News & Announcements for April 21, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – COMING SOON
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
APRIL MISSION FOCUS: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Our mission focus for the month of April is Neighbors Helping Neighbors which assists individuals in Amherst County in overcoming food insecurity. They also help connect those in need to area resources that can help build self-sufficiency and quality of life. You may make a donation by specifying NHN on your check memo line.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, May 6, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. June Hedrick will be our facilitator and hostess this month. We are using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. This month, we will be studying David and Abigail – The Rebel and the Peacemaker. Ladies, read your book and complete your workbook! Bring a friend. As always, if you don’t get your homework done, come anyway!!
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April 2024 Pastor’s Corner — Refuge
Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. — Psalm. 28:2
As I come to a half-century of walking this earth, I find that the frenetic nature of our culture is wearing on me more often than not. Everything seems to operate at a “hurry up and wait” pace that leaves me stressed and exhausted, and there are few places to go to find a respite from it. Social media stirs up my anxiety and my discontent. The news stirs up my fears and worries. The pleasure of eating out is often tainted by slow service due to understaffed restaurants and higher prices due to supply chain issues. The advancements of technology that were meant to improve the quality of our lives (and in many ways it has) seems to have had the opposite effect more often than not. It’s not just our youth and children whose faces are plastered to their phones, but all generations. Instead of having more time to rest and relax, we are constantly pushed to do more in less time. We need sanctuary. Sanctuary from the frenetic pace of our culture, our lives, and our selves.
“Sanctuary” is defined as “a place of refuge or safety.” For thousands of years, the spaces we set aside for encountering God have been called a sanctuary. Even still today, we refer to these spaces as a sanctuary, and in those spaces we experience and do things that are different than any other place to which we go. A sanctuary is an inherently counter-cultural space, it is intrinsically different from anywhere else in our lives. Everywhere else we go is designed to meet some need or want in our lives. We want to go to those places because we expect them to do something for us. A sanctuary, though, is different. We do things in a sanctuary that is unlike anything else we do, anywhere else. The sanctuary provides refuge and safety because it enables us to look beyond ourselves, to see and experience God.
The fundamental flaw with the typical rhythms of our lives is that it all revolves around us. I structure my life in order to meet my wants and needs. “I” am the center of my life. While that’s somewhat obvious, it is also the primary problem, because “I” can not satisfy myself. “I” can not meet the deepest longings of my soul, as hard as I might try. And trying is exhausting. What we do in a sanctuary is designed and intended to move our eyes off our navels and onto the cross. Away from myself, and onto the Lord. In the sanctuary, we move from the familiar to the unfamiliar. From what we know to what we don’t. From what we want to Who we need. In the sanctuary, we are reminded that we are not the center of the universe, or even our lives. That it’s not always all about me, or you, but rather about Him.
Ultimately, sanctuary isn’t a particular place but rather a Person, Jesus Christ. And technically we can find sanctuary wherever we find Him, which is anywhere. But practically we need particular places of sanctuary, spaces intended for refuge and safety for our souls. Places where we do things differently than anywhere else in our lives, where we worship our God, confess our sins, receive His word, practice His sacraments. Come to the sanctuary, and find refuge and safety from the frenetic world in which we live.
But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. — Psalm 59:16
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
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