Pastor Bill’s Babbling Brook
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Weekly Edition of Church News & Notes: 3.24.2023
Tenebrae Service: Thursday, April 6 at 7:30 PM
Holy Week is meant to be a special time for Christians around the world. We have the opportunity to proclaim to our community that Jesus died for us. This year, our church will offer a special Thursday service the week of Easter. It is called “Tenebrae” which in Latin means darkness. This worship experience will begin with the lights on but as the passion story is read, the darkness will set in. In fact, we are encouraged to leave in silence signifying that Jesus is in the grave. Please consider attending this unique service and invite a friend as well.
Easter Sunrise Service, April 9 at 7:30 AM
Since I was a child, Easter Sunrise Service has been a part of my tradition. I don’t remember being forced to go (my dad was the preacher), we just knew that is what we did. Where I grew up, we didn’t have it at the church but rather at the Adkins’ home. They had a beautiful big yard on a hill that made it ideal to see the sun come up. Back then, we were served doughnuts and juice. I am so glad that our church offers a Sunrise Service. Our front lawn serves as a perfect setting for such a worship experience. One of the highlights of this gathering is the testimonies that are given about God’s faithfulness. We would love for you to make this part of our Easter tradition. The Sulser men will once again make an incredible breakfast for us to enjoy following the service.
Softball Prayer Line-up
This week, our softball teams began their season. It was good to see many of our friends who we want to see come to know Christ. With this in mind, would you consider regularly praying for these ball players? Here is our line-up: Austin, left center; Tanner, right center; Jesse, third baseman; Scott, pitcher, Red, catcher, Sean, DH, Mike, right field, Jeff, utility infielder, Bredan, left field, Chandler, first baseman, Roger, shortstop, co-ed lineup; Jordan, left center, Abby, first base, Brittney, left center, Russell, shortstop, Hailee, catcher Adam, pitcher, Vickey second base, Tiffany, DH. It would be interesting to see what would happen if our prayer warriors would lift up these athletes by name before the Lord. Be a part of the team in this most significant way. Thanks.
Martin Minute: Teaching Teens to Become Leaders
We have a growing group of teens and they are always willing to help. We’d love to begin training them to not only help, but become powerful leaders. We are looking for young ladies and gentlemen who are currently 8th graders and above. There will be monthly meetings where they will go over the Nazarene Articles of Faith, and enjoy opportunities for community projects. These teens will be first up to help greet, work with adults during children’s church and VBS, and we hope for them to become very visible around the church. We believe this will help them grow closer to the Lord and learn to use their talents for the Lord. Please be in prayer for this mission.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Download link for PRAYER GUIDE
February is all about the heart:
Here are some ways you can show love while assisting others.
Here are some ways you can show love while assisting others.
Community Opportunities:
Jackson Lowrimore
Jackson and his family recently spent time at the
Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati, Ohio and will return in April.
The Ronald McDonald House allows families to stay at limited or no costs.
Funds are raised for this cause through the collection of soda tabs.
If you would like to send Jackson back with a large collection,
there will be a drop off box in the church foyer.
Emily Smoake
Emily had her heart transplant on January 30 in Charleston. She is progressing well
and has been moved to a hotel near the Charleston hospital. She and Jeremy will
remain there for the next few months. If you would like to assist with offsetting
their costs, please drop your donation in the offering marked “Emily”.
Thank you for your generosity.
Emily had her heart transplant on January 30 in Charleston. She is progressing well
and has been moved to a hotel near the Charleston hospital. She and Jeremy will
remain there for the next few months. If you would like to assist with offsetting
their costs, please drop your donation in the offering marked “Emily”.
Thank you for your generosity.
Crisis Care Kits
The Nazarene denomination collects Crisis Care Kits each year.
Specific items are placed in a large ziploc, boxed up and sent to our
headquarters in Kansas City. As needs arrive, in any part of the country,
these kits are sent out to offer relief and comfort. During the month of March,
we will be collecting bottles of shampoo (12-16 oz.)
and pocketsized packs of tissues (4 individual packs in each kit).
There is a box in the foyer to place your donations.
Thank you for giving.
Annual Steak Supper Fundraiser
Saturday, April 29
Tickets now available to sell
Interested In Being Part of Our Drama Team
See Michelle Pilgrim
Performing Skits for Worship
Volunteers needed for the following ministries:
Nursery Attendants during the service
ZOOM Meetings to Keep us Connected
Contact Pastor Bill and enjoy the fellowship
Reconciliation Ministries
Resident Recovery and Discipleship Program Root & Grounded Campaign
Our friends are attempting to buy a couple more buildings in their neighborhood where they could minister to more people with drug addictions. Right now they have individuals that will match our gift so that it will double the effect. Please consider giving at reconciliation-min.org.
Debbie Riley, who runs our Food Pantry Ministry,
would like to thank everyone who brings in items or who financially support our program.
Countless families receive groceries that will help them.
Items needed for January Food Pantry:
Spaghetti Noodles
Cup of Shrimp or Chicken Noodle
Soup
Peanut Butter
Elbow Noodles
Dried Beans
Cake Mix & Icing
Thank you for your generosity!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Service Schedule
Morning Worship at 11 AM at Church and on Facebook Live
Sunday Evening Drive In Service at 4:00 PM
Choir Practice at 5pm
Wednesday Youth & Teens at 6:30 PM
Wednesday Men's Bible Study at 6:30 PM
“No More Excuses”
by Dr. Tony Evans
Be The Man That God Made You To Be
Wednesday Ladies Bible Study at the Church or on Zoom at 6:30 PM
"Elijah"
by Priscilla Shirer
Adult Bible Study
Encouraged By People’s Giving
People have been giving to the Lord and the church. We can’t tell you how much this means to us. There are five ways one can give. We have resumed Sunday morning worship services at 11 am at the church so you may bring your offerings with you. Many like to use the church’s secure website (wcfn316.com) to give their tithes and offerings. A few might like to text their gift to 803-219-4288. While others will mail it to the church at 350 Wattling Rd, West Columbia SC 29170. If you would like me to pick it up or if you would like to drop it off at the church, please just call me to set up a time. Again thank you for your faithfulness.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Letter From Pastor Bill
Hello Friends,
Hope all is well on this beautiful Friday. Spring has definitely sprung. Here at the church we are preparing for a fabulous Easter season. This year, we are adding a Tenebrae service on Thursday night of Holy Week, along with our kids' Egg Hunt on Saturday. For the second Sunday of Easter (April 16), Dr. Geoff Kunselman will bring the message. It is going to be a wonderful April. As far as prayer requests, please remember Linda Dent's sister-in-law's family. She passed away on Thursday. Also continue to lift up Emily Smoak, Brenda Yon, Roxan Weed, Marie Mahaffey and all of our shut-ins. Thanks for being part of our church family.
God Bless,
Pastor Bill