When residents in one McMinnville, Tenn., subdivision go to their area park, the first thing they think of is CrossRoads Fellowship Church.   Shortly after the Baptist mission was launched, it surveyed the subdivision - which represents one of its target communities.   One of the survey questions asked residents, "How can our church be valuable to you and your community?" When residents in one McMinnville, Tenn., subdivision go to their area park, the first thing they think of is CrossRoads Fellowship Church.   Shortly after the Baptist mission was launched, it surveyed the subdivision - which represents one of its target communities.   One of the survey questions asked residents, "How can our church be valuable to you and your community?"   Response after response indicated work needed to be done on the local playground, badly in need of repairs and renovation. The park had been started by the area developer but never completed.   Church members decided to do so.   "Surveys are pointless if you don’t respond," pastor Mike Gay points out.   "I advocate doing more servant evangelism. It means more to the people because they see you … [Read more...]

It was one of those muggy mid-May days in South Louisiana, with its pale blue sky and motionless clouds of humidity hanging high.   The temperature was warming up for its summer stretch, and the only air moving was what blew in the open window of the truck as it rolled on its way.   In other words, it was one of those late spring training days Louisiana residents use to prepare themselves for the unforgiving rigors of July and August.   The driver accelerated down the two-lane back road, feeling his sweat-wet tee-shirt pressed against his back as he glanced left at the open country scenery. Note: The following is the third of three devotions on the Nativity published in the Louisiana Baptist Message in celebration of Christmas. This devotion was written by LBM Associate Editor C. Lacy Thompson.   It was one of those muggy mid-May days in South Louisiana, with its pale blue sky and motionless clouds of humidity hanging high.   The temperature was warming up for its summer stretch, and the only air moving was what blew in the open window of the truck as it rolled on its way.   In other words, it was one of those late spring training days Louisiana … [Read more...]

For the week of December 19, 2002 Potpourri • BAKER - First church: Kathy Overfield and Rita Williams in concert; Dec. 22, 6 p.m.; Jim Bain, interim pastor. Youth • BATON ROUGE - Goodwood church: "Carols and Candles" children’s drama/special music; Dec. 22, 5 p.m.; Dana Lux, minister of music; David Campbell, pastor.   • PITKIN - First church: Preschool and children’s choir presents Christmas cantata; Dec. 22, 6 p.m.; Kelley Stewart, Sharon Jordan and Laurie Jordan, directors; Stephen Laughlin, pastor.   • WEST MONROE - McClendon church: Youth dinner theatre; Dec. 20-21, 6:30 p.m.; Vickie Arthur, youth director; Rick Crandall, pastor.   • JONESVILLE - First church: "Away In a Manger" children’s play; Dec. 22, 6 p.m. Gary Norris, interim pastor.   • HAUGHTON - Koran church: Children’s musical; Dec. 22, 11 a.m.; Ester Hall, children’s choir director; George Rogers, pastor. Christmas Programs • HOUMA - Mulberry church: Special Christmas caroling service; Dec. 22, 6:15 p.m.; Montez Coyle, minister of music; Tommy Harrell, pastor.   • WEST MONROE - Ridge Avenue church: "Christmas Shoes" musical; Dec. 19-20, 7 p.m.; Dec. 22, 6 p.m.; Grant Blakeney, minister of … [Read more...]

These days, it just seems that almost everybody takes credit cards - even God or, at least, God’s people.   Indeed, while one will not find credit card terminals in many churches and synagogues, a growing number are accepting donations by automatic billing to credit cards. This approach allows people to donate to religious groups in the same way they pay their utilities or other monthly bills. These days, it just seems that almost everybody takes credit cards - even God or, at least, God’s people.   Indeed, while one will not find credit card terminals in many churches and synagogues, a growing number are accepting donations by automatic billing to credit cards. This approach allows people to donate to religious groups in the same way they pay their utilities or other monthly bills.   This fall, the Roman Catholic archdioceses in Chicago and San Jose, Calif., started offering electronic donation by credit card or deduction from a checking account. Besides offering convenience, Tim Dockery said giving electronically allows people to be more intentional in their giving and to know exactly what their giving level is.   "They can ask, ‘Does the amount I am giving … [Read more...]

For weeks now, speculation has run high about a first-century burial box that some say represent the earliest-known reference to Jesus.   Now, others are saying that differences in the handwriting on the limestone box represents something else - a forgery.   The appearance of the box certainly has stirred interest.   Some say it is the most significant biblical archeological discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls, dating to 63 A.D. and representing the only New Testament-era mention of Jesus. For weeks now, speculation has run high about a first-century burial box that some say represent the earliest-known reference to Jesus.   Now, others are saying that differences in the handwriting on the limestone box represents something else - a forgery.   The appearance of the box certainly has stirred interest.   Some say it is the most significant biblical archeological discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls, dating to 63 A.D. and representing the only New Testament-era mention of Jesus.   The find is a common burial box used by first-century Jews. However, it features the inscription - "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus."   However, … [Read more...]

When residents in one McMinnville, Tenn., subdivision go to their area park, the first thing they think of is CrossRoads Fellowship Church.   Shortly after the Baptist mission was launched, it surveyed the subdivision - which represents one of its target communities.   One of the survey questions asked residents, "How can our church be valuable to you and your community?" When residents in one McMinnville, Tenn., subdivision go to their area park, the first thing they think of is CrossRoads Fellowship Church.   Shortly after the Baptist mission was launched, it surveyed the subdivision - which represents one of its target communities.   One of the survey questions asked residents, "How can our church be valuable to you and your community?"   Response after response indicated work needed to be done on the local playground, badly in need of repairs and renovation. The park had been started by the area developer but never completed.   Church members decided to do so.   "Surveys are pointless if you don’t respond," pastor Mike Gay points out.   "I advocate doing more servant evangelism. It means more to the people because they see you … [Read more...]