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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week scheduled Nov. 13-20

First Baptist Church in Monterey recently got in the Christmas spirit by packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, whose National Collection Week is fast approaching. Scheduled Nov. 13-20, National Collection Collection Week is a time when churches and other locations will open their doors for individuals to bring in the packed shoe boxes filled with hygiene items, school supplies and toys. From there, the boxes are shipped to a distribution site for processing before they are delivered to millions of children around the world, many of whom have never received a gift before and have very little to call their own. “A global movement begins this week across the US and seven other sending countries, millions are focused on making a difference in the lives of children facing difficult circumstances,” Operation Christmas Child Senior Domestic Director Randy Riddle said in a news release. “What a joy to be a part of something bigger than ourselves like Operation Christmas Child. Giving such simple gifts like those found in shoeboxes mean the world to children with great need and it’s something we can all do.” More than 100,000 volunteers including families, churches and other groups are joining forces to contribute to … [Read more...]

GuideStone offers two seminars on church security in Texas; tips to ensure your church is ready

By Roy Hayhurst, GuideStone Financial Resources communications DALLAS, Texas - With church security front-of-mind for pastors and other church leaders in the wake of the tragedy at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, many churches of every size are re-evaluating their security protocols. The tragedy in a small South Texas town helped shed light on an unfortunate truth: Violence can strike any church in any town. “The idea of ‘it can’t happen here’ has been shattered with the Sutherland Springs tragedy,” GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins said. “Churches and ministries need to take precautions that make sense given their profile, location and local needs.” GuideStone and Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company are offering two seminars for Texas churches who are interested in learning about implementing best practices for volunteer church safety and security teams, protecting kids in the ministry environment from predators, improving the volunteer screening process, and understanding active shooters and protecting the congregation. Space is limited; the cost is $15 per person and covers the cost for lunch and a copy of the detailed Church Safety & Security Guidebook, a 240-page guide that will equip your … [Read more...]

Bossier Schools and LC ink dual enrollment partnership

By Bossier Parish Schools communications BOSSIER CITY - Students attending Bossier Schools will soon have the opportunity to take academic courses never before offered, thanks to a dual enrollment agreement the district has entered into with Louisiana College in Pineville. Bossier Schools Superintendent Scott Smith and Louisiana College President Rick Brewer made the agreement official during a signing ceremony Nov. 8. Beginning in spring 2018, Bossier Parish students will have the chance to take online courses offered by Louisiana College and earn regular college credit prior to graduation from high school. A few of those courses include Art and Music Appreciation, Finite Math, Civilization I and II, Survey of the Old and New Testaments and Economics, among nearly two dozen others. “Our goal is to provide as many opportunities for our students as we can and this partnership with Louisiana College gives Bossier Schools the chance to do that,” said Superintendent Smith. “We are grateful to Dr. Brewer and his administrative team for working with us to make this partnership a reality to benefit the students of Bossier Parish.” Louisiana College also discounted the rate per three-hour course to $100, yet students will … [Read more...]

A Veterans Day tribute – thank you for your sacrifice

By Huey P. O'Neal WEST MONROE (LBM) – On Veterans Day, Americans honor all U.S. veterans, both living and dead, for their sacrifices in protecting the greatest country in the world. At exactly 11 a.m., each November 11th, a color guard, made up of members from each of the military branches, renders honors to America’s war dead during a heart-moving ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The president or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds Taps. The balance of the ceremony, including a “Parade of Flags” by numerous military veterans’ organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb. The bloodshed and sacrifice for our freedom began in 1776 when representatives of the 13 original colonies signed the Declaration of Independence to obtain freedom from the British. Many of the 56 signers -- educated men, and a good number having faith in God – were willing to sacrifice everything for our freedom to worship God and to achieve God-given goals. In the context of this legacy of sacrifice, American veterans have met major challenges for the past 241 years to protect our freedoms. Notably, the U.S. Constitution is based on biblical … [Read more...]