Central Baptist Church » From the Pastor

Join Pathfinders Membership Class

Ivan — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:51:33 +0000

Register for the upcoming Pathfinders Membership Class starting Sunday, July 11 at 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel! Pathfinders is a three-week class to introduce new and perspective members to the Good News of Jesus Christ, Christian Living, the Church and Baptist faith and practice. This course is taught by the Pastor in partnership with the Diaconate (Boards of Deacons and Deaconesses). Topics include: The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Christian discipleship, Baptist beliefs, Believer’s Baptism and membership. Come find God’s path for your spiritual life. Children, age 8 to 12, should enroll in the new Children’s Baptismal Class (a faith formation class designed for younger children). Persons interested in joining the Church are required to complete this class before receiving the Right Hand of Fellowship. Register today!

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The Psalms – Adult Mid-Week Summer Bible Study

Ivan — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:31:33 +0000

The Psalms are the prayer book of the Bible. Reformer Martin Luther said the Psalter, “might well be called a little Bible. In it is comprehended most beautifully and briefly everything that is in the entire Bible. It is really a find enchiridion or handbook” (Luther’s Works, 35:254). John Calvin said of the Book of Psalms, “there is nothing wanting which relates to the knowledge of eternal salvation” (Calvin Commentary, p. xxxix). Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The Psalter occupies a unique place in the Holy Scriptures. It is God’s Word and, with a few exceptions, the prayer of men as well” (Life Together, p. 44). The Psalms express the very heart of God’s love for humanity, and our cries to God in lament, praise, adoration, petition, and more. On Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. this summer, we will review the eight types of Psalms, lending our ear to their meter (using Calvin’s Geneva Psalter), with a hope of hearing these heart-felt prayers to Almighty God. We hope for improve our prayer life by studying the Book of Psalms. Join us for these lessons:

June 2 – Introduction
June 9 – Laments: Read Psalm 3, 13, 41, 51, 90 and 137
June 16 – Amy Williams, Peru Mission Trip Presentation
June 23 – Songs of Praise: Read Psalm 113-118, and 136
June 30 – No Bible Study - Vacation Bible School
July 7 – Thanksgiving: Read Psalm 30
July 14 – Wisdom: Read Psalm 19 and 119
July 21 – Royal: Read Psalm 18, 45 and 72
July 28 – Pastor in Hawaii
August 4 – Pastor in Hawaii
August 11 – Confessions of Trust: Read Psalm 23
August 18 – Temple Entry Liturgy: Read Psalm 15 and 24
August 25: Pilgrim or Psalms of Ascent: Read Psalm 120-134
September 1 – Conclusion

Set Clocks for Day Light Savings

Ivan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:17:23 +0000

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. (or before) on Saturday, March 13 so you are on-time for worship and Sunday school.

Congregational Meeting with Executive Minister

Ivan — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:46:26 +0000

The Rev. Dr. Dwight Stinnett, Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region, will visit Central Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. He was invited to make a special presentation on “Functional Structure: Church Governing Boards and Effective Ministry” in preparation for the work of restructuring of the Boards, Committees and Church Bylaws. There will be no Awana Children’s Bible Club program on March 10, 2010- adults and youth are encouraged to attend the special presentation. The goal of the Congregational Meeting is for members and friends to receive information about governance and minsitry, and give an opportunity to persons of faith to ask questions about improving the effectiveness of the church’s ministries of:

Organizational structures and systems
Leadership oversight
Vision, goals and planning
Creativity and managing change

No votes or decisions will be made during this Congregational Meeting with the Executive Minister. There will be no Adult Bible Study but the Choir will begin rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.

Financial Secretary Resigns

Ivan — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:12:18 +0000

Central Baptist Church’s Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Arrowsmith, submitted her two-week letter of resignation. Her final day of employment will be Friday, March 5, 2010. “Receiving Elizabeth’s letter of resignation was a great surprise,” said Pastor Ivan. “But I am delighted she has accepted a full-time offer of employment with health benefits for her whole family. We will miss her leadership, laughter and presence in the Office.” Members of the congregation are encouraged to contact Elizabeth to express their appreciation for her years of service and dedication to the Church.

The Board of Trustees held a special called business meeting on Monday, February 22, 2010 to discuss the Church’s accounting service needs following Elizabeth’s resignation. The Board voted unanimously to retain P.J. Patterson Accounting firm in Decatur, Illinois, to provide accounting services for the Church at a cost of approximately $5,400.00 per year (see minutes: 100222 Trustee Minutes – Special Called AMENDED). P.J. Patterson Accounting firm will begin services on March 1, 2010. Volunteers will be recruited and trained to serve in the Church Office as Receptionists. The Staff will have a special farewell lunch on Friday, March 5 at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate Elizabeth’s time of employment. The Church Office will be closed for one hour.