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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

SBC CP, designated giving up in June

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM) — The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee released the June 2023 financial summary, July 6, reporting that gifts for the month to SBC causes through the Cooperative Program and via designated giving were up 6.05 percent and 6.45 percent, respectively, compared to June 2022. However, year-to-date figures showed both funding channels remained below 2022 levels. From October 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, total SBC CP contributions were 4.58 percent lower compared to the same timeframe for the last fiscal year. Likewise, combined designated giving was 2.57 percent less for the same months. Breaking out the two largest designated funds, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering continued to be down for the year (- 4.94 percent), while the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering moved into positive territory (+ 3.50 percent) for FY23. LBC Giving The national report showed giving by Louisiana Baptists to SBC causes in June was up 8.67 percent through CP and 10.33 percent for special offerings. Likewise, the year-to-date data revealed that Louisiana Baptist contributions through the CP and to designated offerings trended higher for both funding channels, 3.05 … [Read more...]

Bayou Church plans Aug. 6 expanded campus grand opening

LAFAYETTE, La. – The Bayou Church will celebrate the grand opening of an expansion to their campus Aug. 6. According to a news release from the church, individuals will have the opportunity to attend worship services (8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.) and tour the new 32,485-sq.-ft. facilities that will include a 250-seat multi-purpose venue with restrooms and a small kitchen area for hosting weddings, memorial services, and other community events. The expansion also will feature a lobby, coffee shop (featuring Reve coffee and Caroline’s cookies), covered patio, restrooms and expanded children’s space and preschool area that will be available at the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services for those attending kindergarten to fifth grade. Kent Design Build of Mandeville led this project from conception to completion. The expansion replaces a 45-year-old building that sustained significant damage to its roof and infrastructure after Hurricane Delta made its way through the Lafayette area in October 2020. Built in 1979, the former skating rink, known as Roller City, had served as a worship and event space since it was purchased by the church in 1986. “This project has never been about a new building for us,” Senior Pastor Sean Walker said. “This … [Read more...]

Five reasons you must see ‘Sound of Freedom’

I really didn’t want to see this movie. Does anyone want to see a movie about horrific crimes against children and the systems that support or fail to stop child sex trafficking? But I felt an obligation to support “Sound of Freedom.” And I was happy to hear the buzz in the conservative media sphere. “Sound of Freedom” was making noise in all the right places. … [Read more...]

Catching up on all that’s new and noteworthy

By Staff, Louisiana Baptist Message First Baptist Church, Blanchard: Terrific Tuesdays, July 11, 6 p.m., John Fream, Cypress Baptist Church; July 18, 6 p.m., Casey Johnson, Bonita Road Baptist Church, July 25, 6 p.m., Lane Moore, Associational Mission Strategist for Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association. Pastor: Clay Fuqua. Bellaire Baptist Church, Bossier City: Harvest Sunday, June 16, 8:15 & 10:15 a.m., Evangelist: Lyndon Longoria. Pastor: Randy Harper. Zion Baptist Church, Georgetown: Revival, July 17-20, 7 p.m. nightly. Speaker: Brent Smith. Worship/music will be provided by area church including East Winnfield, Friendship Baptist and Zion Baptist. A nursery for ages three & under will be provided. Pastor: Don Wright. First Baptist Church, Merryville: Strength for Today Ministries presents a Bible conference, July 23-25, 6-8 p.m. The ministry of Evangelist Lyndon Longoria is celebrating its 25th year. Speakers: Dalton Isbell, DeRidder, Wesley Jackson, Anacoco, Asa Longoria, DeRidder, Robert McClelland, Kirbyville, Texas, Jim McKeithen, Hebert, Johnnie Phillips, Olla, David Richmond, Columbia, and Lyndon Longoria. Worship will be provided by Kerry Longoria and Mark Humble. Pastor: Wayne Squyres. Willow … [Read more...]

Catching up on new & noteworthy Notables

First Baptist Church, Blanchard: Terrific Tuesdays, July 11, 6 p.m., John Fream, Cypress Baptist Church; July 18, 6 p.m., Casey Johnson, Bonita Road Baptist Church, July 25, 6 p.m., Lane Moore, Associational Mission Strategist for Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association. Pastor: Clay Fuqua. Bellaire Baptist Church, Bossier City: Harvest Sunday, June 16, 8:15 & 10:15 a.m., Evangelist: Lyndon Longoria. Pastor: Randy Harper. Zion Baptist Church, Georgetown: Revival, July 17-20, 7 p.m. nightly. Speaker: Brent Smith. Worship/music will be provided by area church including East Winnfield, Friendship Baptist and Zion Baptist. A nursery for ages three & under will be provided. Pastor: Don Wright. First Baptist Church, Merryville: Strength for Today Ministries presents a Bible conference, July 23-25, 6-8 p.m. The ministry of Evangelist Lyndon Longoria is celebrating its 25th year. Speakers: Dalton Isbell, DeRidder, Wesley Jackson, Anacoco, Asa Longoria, DeRidder, Robert McClelland, Kirbyville, Texas, Jim McKeithen, Hebert, Johnnie Phillips, Olla, David Richmond, Columbia, and Lyndon Longoria. Worship will be provided by Kerry Longoria and Mark Humble. Pastor: Wayne Squyres. Willow Point Baptist Church, Shreveport: … [Read more...]