Change is in the air. How refreshing to walk outside and feel the cooler temperatures! And the lower humidity levels are a pleasant relief, too.
October is an exciting month for Bradfordville. Our vision statement is about “making disciples that love upward, inward, and outward.” In a recent time of prayer and reflection, the Lord reminded me that Bradfordville’s vision statement is being embraced and fulfilled.
Let me identify nine ways the church is loving upward, inward, and outward in October.
1. A call to “love upward” every Sunday. You and I assemble on Sunday mornings to do one thing, and that’s worship! Everything we do on Sundays is about loving God. I appeal for you to be faithful to the Lord and His church. Your involvement, support, and dedication make a difference.
2. An opportunity to “love outward” at Lake Ella. On Wednesday nights during September, we studied how to share our faith. The Bible teaches obedience, not simply knowledge. Therefore, we’re giving you an opportunity to practice what you’ve studied. On Saturday, October 15, beginning at 10:30 am, we’ll gather at Lake Ella, give away food, and love people in our city. Our goal for the day is to engage people in spiritual conversations. This ministry outreach is a great opportunity to mentor or be mentored. Please join servants from the men’s ministry, the women’s ministry, and the Missions Committee, as we “love outward.” If you have a Bradfordville shirt or t-shirt, please wear it that day.
3. An invitation to “love outward” by helping our MANNA ministry. Our MANNA ministry serves people in our city and ministers to their physical and spiritual needs. MANNA operates the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month. You’re invited to volunteer and serve. If you need more details about being involved, please call the main church office. On Sunday, October 16, you’re encouraged to bring selected food items and money for turkeys. You can place all items at the Welcome Tent in front of the Sanctuary. More details about food needs and turkeys are outlined in today’s newsletter.
4. A ministry to “love inward” by serving our widows/widowers. Our deacons are servants. I love and respect these men who labor for the Lord and our church. One of our deacon teams serves the church’s widows/widowers. A special widow/widower luncheon is planned for Sunday, October 16. The luncheon is being held in the Fellowship Hall on the South Campus, following the morning worship service. Advance reservations are requested. Please call the main church office to add your name to the list.
5. A time to “love upward” at a special Thursday luncheon. Every quarter we have a luncheon and program for our church family. Our next luncheon and program is scheduled for Thursday, October 27. Lunch begins at 11:00 am. The church provides the meat and drinks. You’re asked to bring salads, vegetables, and desserts. Our speaker for the day is John Rivers. John is the founder and owner of 4 Rivers Smokehouse. John is a believer and lives in Orlando. He’ll share his faith story. The luncheon is open to all ages. I hope you’ll make plans to attend. Please call the main church office to make a reservation. Will the meat be barbeque? You’ll need to come and see.
6. An evening to “love outward” at Light Up Bradfordville. Light Up Bradfordville is a church-wide ministry (led by our children and family ministry) to reach children and their families in our city. Your help is needed. You can read more details about the outreach in this week’s newsletter. We’re expecting 1500 people or more to attend the event. It’s great to see our church serving the Lord outside the walls of our facility.
7. An effort to “love outward” by filling Operation Christmas Child boxes. Operation Christmas Child is an international ministry that loves children and shares Jesus with them. You can pick up a box (or boxes) in the lobby or in the brick hallway by the education building. Filled boxes may be returned to the main church office, in the lobby, or in the brick hallway. Your box could be what God uses to transform a young boy or girl’s life for eternity.
8. A weekend to “love inward” on the family retreat. A special weekend is planned for families. The retreat will be a time to be trained, challenged, and affirmed. You can find additional details about the retreat in this week’s newsletter. I love seeing our families spending time together.
9. A night to “love outward” at IGNITE’s Fifth Quarter. The student ministry is seeking to reach area students, following a Chile’s football game. The Fifth Quarter is a “front door” event for area students. Our students and adult leaders will be able to meet and build intentional relationships with other students.
It’s imperative for us to be the church, not just go to church. Thank you for serving, being involved, and fulfilling our vision statement.
It’s evident that the Lord is at work at Bradfordville!
His Desires are Our Desires,
Pastor Ronny
Psalm 37:4