Church News for Aug. 10, 2011

Beech Grove Baptist
Bro. Steve delivered God’s word from Matthew 3:1-17. The title was “Righteousness Found in Baptism.” If you are not in God’s house on Sunday, you are missing out. It is a blessing to hear God’s word and fellowship with one another.
Sunday we’ll have our monthly business meeting after our morning worship. The WOM will be meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the church. All ladies are encouraged to attend. Be in prayer this week for the sick and for God’s word to reach out to our county and also to the world.
You are welcome at Beech Grove. Come worship with us.

Elk Lick Baptist
Bro. John’s sermon was on Revelation 3:14-22, “The Lukewarm Church.” The church (the people gathered in the building) needs to be on fire for God, not lukewarm or cold.
Jesus will knock at the door, we have to open to him. His spirit will be in us to help us help others to know him. All the church bodies need to hear what the spirit says to the churches. Angie Gaines, Bonnie Woodyard and Louise Johnson sang, “Sheltered Safe in the Arms of God.”
Keep in prayer, the sick, shut-ins, military, missionaries, special prayer list, families who lost loved ones, unsaved family and friends, and unspoken prayer requests. Thank you Lord, for our church family.
Happy birthday Judy Prather. Happy anniversary Don and Judy Prather.

Epoch Fellowship
It’s been a very busy time for Epoch Fellowship and its ministry, The Wild Goose Cafe.
Last Saturday evening we were blessed to help our worship leader, Mandy Holbert, debut her first CD to the world. “Jesus Healer” features 10 original songs by Mandy, most of which have become familiar to the worshipers at Epoch Fellowship and to those she has performed for at local events such as Arts in the Park and Fan Fair. You can find a copy of “Jesus Healer” at many local businesses including The Wild Goose Cafe.
Sunday evening Pastor John Ashcraft preached from Joshua 3. He reminded us of the importance of action in our faith and that true faith takes a step forward before God makes a clear, comfortable path.
This week The Wild Goose Cafe will offer its last Thirsty Thursday and Frosty Friday of the summer. Anyone is welcome to stop in Thursday for a free bottle of cold water. Friday, all school-aged children can come in and claim a free popsicle.
Friday, Brittany Gillstrap will perform live on the stage at The Wild Goose Cafe. This is Brittany’s fourth appearance at the cafe and she’s growing quite a following. While she performs original work, her set will also feature old favorites from the ‘70s and on. She has a wonderful voice which is complemented by skillful play of the acoustic guitar. The show starts at 7 p.m. and there is no admission fee.
Don’t forget our youth meet at 6 p.m. Tuesdays, and adult Bible study is held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
All of Epoch Fellowship’s meetings and services are held at The Wild Goose Cafe, 159 W. Seminary St., Owenton, just across from the courthouse. We’re also on Facebook and the web at www.epochfellowship.org.

First Christian
Bro. Greg’s message Sunday was “God’s Fire Extinguisher,” and reminded us that God helps us to extinguish our anger and frustration towards others, being able to forgive them as he has forgiven us. 
First Christian’s choir sang a beautiful melody of “Amazing Grace” and “Pachelbel’s Canon,” led by Berna Tanksley, accompanied by Ann Bush on the piano.   
Bro. Greg and his daughter, Kim, talked with the children during the “Time For Young Disciples” about looking for something good when something bad happens. 
Last week was a fun-filled week with approximately 50 children enrolled in First Christian’s Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street VBS. 
The children shared their songs and stories with the congregation on Sunday morning and ended the week with a swim party and picnic at the home of Pat and Buck Beverly. 
Sunday will be a “Litany of Recognition for our Church Leadership.”
Don’t miss the  annual church picnic beginning with the potluck meal at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 at Elk Lake.
Everyone is invited to wear their comfortable work clothes and participate in the church-wide work day to spruce up the outside and inside needed areas at the church beginning at 9 a.m.   Aug. 21.

First United Methodist
Sunday’s service was a very special one dedicated to Holy Communion. The responsive scripture came from Isaiah 53:1-10. It was a wonderful service filled with prayer, scripture, and beautiful music. Bro. Matt explained the meaning of Holy Communion to the kids during the children’s message and encouraged them to participate. Don’t forget to come out and bring your children to Vacation Bible School Saturday morning. VBS will begin at 10 a.m. and lunch and a carnival will follow. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and learn about the Fruit of the Spirit with us.

Gratz Baptist
Bro. Lewis’ message came from Hebrews 12:1-2, “A Christian’s Race.” We all like holding on to things from the past. We can’t do that and move forward. We have to do what we can for today.
Our Lord and Savior gave his life for us. We need to give in return. He asks so little, and at times we run from him. What he has to offer is free. It’s up to us to take his hand. With him we are never alone unless we leave him. If you are lost and don’t know Jesus, find a church. Someone there will tell you all about this great man.
Upcoming events: Aug. 10, business meeting; Aug. 14, communion; Aug. 21, fellowship meal
Happy birthday to Leonard Chadwell.
Remember all those on our prayer list.

Monterey Baptist
On Sunday, MBC hosted “Be Cool Going Back to School.” More than 80 students in grades K-12 shopped for three school outfits and other essentials to make going back to school as cool as possible.
This Sunday, during our morning worship hour, Kathy Slone and her fellow missionaries will be sharing testimonies from their recent trip to Africa.
On Wednesday night, a Back to School Bash will be held including slip-n-slides, water balloons, and hot dogs. Children should wear clothes that are OK to get wet and bring a towel.
Our next service night at Meeting the Needs is 6 to 8 Aug. 25.
Beginning Sept. 12, MBC will offer Beth Moore’s “Inheritance” for women at 7 Monday nights. This nine-week study (with no homework) will remind us that our inheritance comes from God’s promises. Listening guides are $5. See Patti Clark for more information.
Please donate your unused coupons from the Sunday papers to the MBC coupon ministry. There is a tray in the back entrance room for them.

Mount Pleasant
Thank the Lord for the rain that seems to come at just the right time.
Barry and Peggy Winkle, Emily Myers, and Carla Marston sang,”Alleluia” Sunday morning. 
Bro. Dale’s Sermon for celebrating the Lord’s Supper was from Hebrews 9:22, “God’s Holiness and Righteousness.” What God demands, he provides. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.
 Happy anniversary to Anna and Jeremiah Morgan.
Happy birthday to Jeremiah Morgan, Dakota Perkins, Taylor McAlister, Kaylynn Workman, Brandy Loman, Little Miss Emily Ohmer, Amber Minch, and Peggy Winkle. 
Please pray for Mary Cheesman, Emily Myers, Miss Lenora Kelly Olds, Delois Clifton, Joyce Ann Clifton, Miss Norma Dawson, Greg Heuser, Kenny Perkins, Rodney Smith, Frankie Fitzgerald, Peggy Fleek, Marilyn Lancaster, Jerry Duncan, Lanetta Hensley, Clark and Connie Shelton, Penny Smoot, Jerry Towles, Vickie VonBokern, Wand Ivey, Kaylynn Workman, the family of Annabelle Beverly and Larry McBurney, military families of those killed in helicopter crash, and our military — Glenn Albert, John and Jessica.
At 7 p.m. tonight, we will have a prayer meeting and Bible study.
At 6 p.m. Aug. 14, we will have homemade ice cream and dessert.
Save pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House.
Glenn Albert Smith’s address in Iraq for letters and care packages is:
 PFC Smith, Glenn
Charlie Company 1-149th IN
APO, AE 09301
He likes tuna with pull tab can, peanut butter, gum, salty snacks, and especially letters and pictures from home.

New Columbus Baptist
For Sunday, pastor Brad Vincent’s message will be titled “Brought Near From Afar,” and will cite Ephesians 2:11-22 as text.
When a person gives their life to Jesus, there is more than a life in Heaven. When we come to faith in Christ, we are brought near to him and to his body. Join us Sunday as we celebrate our union in Jesus Christ.
Our WMU Ladies will be meeting Monday at 6 p.m.
At 6 p.m. Aug. 21, our creative ministry team will have a special presentation. The team has been working on this presentation for several weeks.
Also, mark your calendar for Sept. 24. That is the date for our annual New Columbus Community Festival. Games and fun activities will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.,  we’ll have gospel music from several groups. This will be a great time to meet your friends or neighbors

Old Cedar Baptist
What a wonderful day it was to be in the house of the Lord.
Our church opened up with Bro. James doing announcements and the congregation singing “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace.”
Bro. James’ message entitled, “Christian Love,” was taken from I Corinthians 13.
I remember a story I read long ago about a man who was bitten by a dog. When he learned the dog had rabies, he began making a list. The doctor told him there was no need to make a will, that rabies could be cured. “Oh, I’m not making a will,” he replied, “I’m making a list of all the people I want to bite.”
Couldn’t we all make such a list? You’ve already learned that friends aren’t always friendly. Neighbors aren’t always neighborly. Some workers never work and some bosses are always bossy.
You’ve already learned this haven’t you? We tend to fight back. To keep lists and snarl lips and growl at people we don’t like.
God wants your list. He wants you to leave the list at the cross. So learn to show others the same love God has shown you.
Special music was presented by Joy Morse and Cecilia Webber. Job well done, ladies. We would like to thank Dillion Smith for operating our sound system and Krissy Swigert for playing our piano. It was also nice seeing Bro. Wilson’s grandson and his family visiting us. Bro. Wilson was the one who built Old Cedar.
 At 7 p.m. Sunday, New Beginnings practices.
At 7 p.m. Wednesday, our prayer meeting will be at Macy and Cecilia Webber’s home.
Next Sunday, Bro. Cornelius from Lawrenceburg will be delivering our morning services. Everyone come join us and hear how this young man’s life was turned upside down, and he is now an ordained minister.
Remember in prayer this week David New, Richard Miller, Lou Ann Tupts, Rebekah Gaines, George L. Cook, Robert Swigert, Barbara Clarkson, Crystal Harmon, Bill Karsner, Ron Holland, Kandee Turrell, the soldier’s family who was killed last week, the rest of our servicemen and women, and the rest on our extended prayer list.
Happy birthday to Vernoica Chisholm.

Pleasant Ridge Baptist    
The Rev. Wotier’s message, “When God Whispers to Us,” was taken from 1 Kings 19:11-14. Elijah was told to go to the mountains. God was going to meet him there. There was a powerful wind, an earthquake, a fire and then a gentle whisper. God speaks in many ways. God also has a full range of emotions, such as joy, sadness, loneliness and anger. Remember the Lord lived on the earth for 33 years and has felt everything we have felt. He was completely divine, completely human. He walked where we have walked.
The deacon of the month is Danny Jacobs.
At 7 p.m. tonight, we’ll have Bible study/prayer meeting. The nominating committee will meet following the Bible study. A youth swimming party will be held at Kae Crenshaw’s house starting at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Pat Gibson needs the money for the senior adult celebration by Monday. Our emphasis for Meeting of the Needs Ministry is shampoo. We work at Meeting the Needs 6 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. Don’t forget to order your throws and get your cookbooks.
Please pray for Glen Dunavent, Billy Lathrem, Rebekah Wright, Flo Ransdell, Bish and Bessie Bishop, Maxine Partin, Lucy Jacobs, Billie Jo Taylor, Patty Hamilton and all on the extended prayer list.

Salem Baptist
Welcome and prayer concerns were given by Michael Stewart.
Bro. Jared’s message was from Matthew 27:57-65, “The heart and the tomb.”
We know it’s not Easter, but we should keep in mind that Christ was raised from the grave for us. Roll away that heavy tomb that is on your heart and let Jesus in. Confess your sins and let Him work in your life. No matter what your stone may be — doubt, fear, shame — God can and will forgive and let you start a new life with him. Be a temple for him. He paid it all for you on the cross.
Come worship with us at Salem.