Homecoming
When I mention the words ”Church Homecoming” what comes to your mind? Some people think about seeing old friends and renewing old acquaintances. Others think about good food and fellowship. Many others think about returning to the place where they were brought up and taught about the Lord.
All these things are important. They are wholesome thoughts and are an important part of a church homecoming day. But when I think of church homecomings I think of another word, that word is faithfulness. This faithfulness in two areas, the faithfulness of God and the faithfulness of God’s people.
Throughout scripture we see verses talking about the faithfulness of God. Peter tells us in his second epistle that the “Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward.”
The psalmist tells us that, “Forever, O Lord thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations.” Isaiah declared, “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.”
And Moses reminds us, “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”
The hymn writer said, “Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father! There is no shadow of turning with thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not; As thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercy I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided – Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!”
Truly most of us could testify to the faithfulness of God. He has been so good to us. Down through the years He has brought all of us a mighty long way. Not only has He saved our souls and made us whole, but He also blesses us in numerous ways each and every day.
By His grace and mercy He wakes us up each morning and allows us to see the day that He has made. He walks with us the whole day and when we lay our heads down He is right there looking after us through the night. He is such a wonderful and faithful God.
Not only do I think about God’s faithfulness, but also I think about the faithfulness of God’s people. We are able to have homecoming each year because of people like you who are interested in the work of the Kingdom. Back around 1830 there was a group of people in this area who had a dream and a desire to have a church where they could worship God. From that dream and desire has grown Elm Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church.
I am not sure if the church has had a homecoming each year, but regardless this will be our 193th celebration of God’s faithfulness to the ministry of Elm Grove.
Throughout those years there have been godly people who have had a desire to worship God and perform ministry. The church has come a long way over the past 193 years. From humble beginnings we now have wonderful facilities to worship and programs to help us do ministry. Over the years the church has seen many people come to know Christ as Lord and Savior.
As we gather this year for homecoming may we remember what God has done in the past and praise God for what He is going to do in the future. But may we also dedicate ourselves to be willing to be used of God so that Elm Grove can continue to touch lives in our community and around the world.
May the Lord place a smile on your face and love and joy down deep in your heart as you we celebrate God’s faithfulness and dedicate ourselves to the work of the Kingdom.
-Pastor Baggett
This October, we are beginning our series on Peace! As we learn that Peace is about connection to God, ourselves, others, and creation, we also note that it requires us to live differently than the world and the desires of the flesh. We must spend reflective and intentional time with God, acknowledge the presence of God, Immanuel - God with us, listen for the voice of God, and read the word of God.
During Kid’s Worship and on Wednesday Afternoons and evenings, we are creating a deeper understanding of how to live differently and choose to create Peace in our hearts. Want to join our kids in learning Memory verse about Peace? The Scripture calendar will be in the church lobby and the encouragement file table.
We have a few events happening this month, and we would love to see you there! Parent’s Night Out is Oct. 13th; if you are a parent and need a night off, drop off the kids and connect with your spouse, God, and yourself (bonus points if you connect with nature, too!) Not a parent and want to help babysit? Come out and join us!
We also will be having our annual FUN FEST! This is a night of fun for our kids and adults! We will have games, food, and a Trunk-or-Treat! As we did last year, we will divide Elm Grove Kids (nursery to 5th grade) from Grove Youth (6th - 12th grade) and have something special for all ages! We will need people to DONATE chips, drinks, cupcakes, candy, and small prizes!
We will also be doing Reverse Trick-or-Treating again this year. If you would like to bring candy, please bring it by Wednesday the 25th.
We appreciate our volunteers! We could not do all that we do with our kids without them. We currently have 2 nursery positions that need to be filled and 4 Children’s Worship Volunteer positions. If you would be willing to help once a month, it would greatly impact our kids! If you are willing to help, please see Chandler Baggett Whitford.
TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS EVERY DAY
This Fall Grove Youth has been focused on a big aspect of our faith knowing God’s Word and the Bible. Our teens know that the Bible has many stories in it, but it is also God’s Story of how much He loves us. From the beginning of creation, to the downfall of sin, through God’s people sometimes listening and still failing, to Jesus coming to redeem humanity, and seeing the early church sharing Jesus to the world. God’s story is powerful and most importantly God is not done with our own stories. God wants to use us - to follow Jesus - and help others in their walks with Him! We each have a story of how God is working in us and through us that can help point others to Jesus! Are we going to tell the story of Jesus?!
As the Fall is here we are excited for all things we have going on!
Fun Fest is for all ages, kids and teens alike! We are going to have a blast that evening on October 31st!
We are having our first Grove Youth Fall Retreat!!!! November 10th and 11th!!! We are going to be here at Elm Grove those 2 days with exciting games, food, worship, devotions, team building, and activities off campus. This will be a packed 2 days, and we ask for your prayers as we are preparing to spend intentional time with our teens and help them grow closer to Jesus!
We still are in need of others to join us and volunteer with our Grove Youth! Please pray and consider joining us as we minister to our youth and be the light of Jesus to them!
Grace & Peace, Pastor Jonathan ~ Youth Pastor of Elm Grove Church
Each week we recognize one of the families in our congregation. We ask that you lift them up in prayer and find a way to encourage them. Please take a few moments to send them a message, call, or in some way, let them know that you are thinking of them. If you don’t know who they are, this is an excellent opportunity to get to know some new people! We love all of our community here at Elm Grove and are so glad that you are part of it!
September 3 - Jeff and Orphy Thomas
September 10 - Teresa Garris
September 17 - Amber, Dalton and Harrison Adams
September 24 - Wayne and Mary Briley
In Loving Memory of Ann V. Clark by James and Jennie Lou Garris
In Loving Memory of Jacqueline Pitt by James and Jennie Lou Garris.
