First Ferriday seeks ‘illegals’
FERRIDAY – First Baptist Church is looking for “illegals,” reports Butch Hosea, Minister of Music.
“One of the hottest topics in our nation right now is this illegal alien issue and closing our borders,” Hosea wrote in a recent issue of the church’s newsletter.
“I have good news!” Hosea continued. “The choir is perfectly willing to accept ‘illegal’ choir members.”
No visas, passports, or green cards are needed to join the choir at First Ferriday, he said. Indeed, now is an especially good time to join, even if you’re an expatriate of the choir.
“We are offering full amnesty,” the music minister said. “You are not only wanted back, but are being begged.
“Aren’t you glad serving in God’s Kingdom is a lot more cut and dried and a lot less complicated than some government policies?” he added. “God’s policy is the same now as it ever was. All applicants accepted.”
First Haughton looks at ‘Planet Earth ‘
HAUGHTON – As a response to the Discovery Channel’s recent documentary Planet Earth – which some say promotes the idea of evolution – Brandon Digilormo, minister to middle school students at First Baptist Haughton, has designed a student summer Bible study series to address questions about the earth and creation.
The series is conducted on Wednesday nights as well as during Sunday school.
“We do a lot of theme stuff in summer to create excitement,” Digilormo said. “The documentary caught my eye on the Discovery Channel; it’s supposed to be the greatest documentary on earth. I thought it would be cool to do “Planet Earth” from a biblical standpoint.
The series focuses on such issues as evolution versus creation and our purpose, Digilormo said.
Each Sunday school class has chosen a mascot, and the class earns points for attendance, he added. Members earn one point for the class, while visitors earn two and new members earn three.
The class with the most points earns a free trip to Six Flags.
There’s more creative stuff going on at First Haughton. Worship service visitors can expect some special treatment, especially if they fill out a visitor card.
The church ministers to visitors by having “Minutemen” place a care package – filled with Campus Crusade’s Jesus film, popcorn, a six-pack of soda, and church information – on the visitors’ doorsteps before the visitors even get home from church.
First St. Francisville students telethon
ST. FRANCISVILLE – On Sunday, June 3, ten students from First Baptist volunteered at WBRZ channel 2 for a Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, reports Kevin Cheatham, minister of music and youth. Children’s Miracle Network is an alliance of premier children’s hospitals.
“The kids had a good time,” Cheatham said. “I think even some of their parents called and made donations. … It was a chance to give back in that way. We were glad to participate.”
First St. Francisville has a habit of reaching out. They opened their church doors in May to Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), where Mary Moody is pastor. Joe Ratcliff, pastor at St. Francisville, has known Moody for years, he said.
“They have services once or twice a month in their church,” he continued. Several weeks ago a rain caused the AME church to flood and the sewer to back up, creating a terrible smell that lingered even after the mess was cleaned.
Planning for a Lord’s Supper service the next Sunday, the AME congregation faced a dilemma.
Moody called Ratcliff, who quickly agreed to loan the St. Francisville worship center to the AME congregation so they did not have to put off their Lord’s Supper service, Ratcliff said.
First Oakdale members write testimonies
OAKDALE – Pastor Stephen Laughlin at First Baptist took time during a recent Sunday worship service to ask those present to write out their personal testimonies – the stories of how they first met Jesus Christ, and the difference a relationship with Him has made in their lives.
“I have had the honor and privilege of reading these testimonies over the last few hours,” Laughlin wrote in a recent issue of the FBC Connections church newsletter. “A few things have struck me:
“1. The vast majority of believers who responded were primarily influenced by either vacation Bible school, Dry Creek Camp, Sunday school, or the personal witness of their parents/grandparents.
“2. Not one of the 90 responses I read was boring or routine in any way. We’ve each got a wonderful story to tell!
“3. There were a few responses turned in hat made me realize the authors either didn’t understand what it means to be a Christian, or that they weren’t Christians. In either case, let’s commit to pray for those who sit around us in church each week. Who knows? Maybe the Lord is waiting for YOU to share your story with the person next to you!”
Laughlin is putting the testimonies into booklet form for those who’d like to read them, and will be publishing them in the church’s newsletter, too.
– Sources: Various church newsletters