July-August News

Summer is barely a month old now, but things are shifting into “high gear” for us at USBC.  Since this issue of our newsletter will cover two months, July and August, I would like to highlight a few of the things which will be occurring soon. I believe that God will use these to be great times of encouragement and blessing.

First: Vacation Bible School is taking place during the week of July 12-16.  VBS will be held each evening, 6:30-9:00 P.M., for children ages four years old and up.  Our theme is Saddle Ridge Ranch: Roundin’ up Questions; Drivin’ Home Answers and is based on the Scripture text of James 1:5.  I have looked over some of the lessons and activities, and I believe that this year’s VBS will provide exciting times for all, when the truth of God’s Word will come alive.  I am grateful for all those who have volunteered to serve this year and for all of their hard work in preparation for the week.  We could still use several additional workers and helpers.  If God might be leading you to be a part of VBS 2010, please contact Donna Limparis.  I am looking forward to a great week.  I am excited about what God is going to do in VBS this year!

Second: I will be leading a group through the study of The Old Testament Made Simple.  This is something that I have wanted to do for some time; so, I am glad that we have been able to organize this “pilot” group.  The Old Testament Made Simple is not an in-depth, verse-by-verse Bible study.  Instead, it provides a number of techniques which will help us to gain a better overall grasp of the Old Testament Scriptures and also of the unfolding of God’s plan and purpose through His covenant people.  For those who take part in this study, they will learn a variety of simple, yet effective structures upon which they can build from their continued study of God’s Word for the rest of their lives.  We will begin on Wednesday, July 21, at 7:30 P.M., and we will meet weekly after that.  Each session will last no longer than ninety minutes, with a short break about the middle.  By doing the study this way, we should be able to complete it in about six weeks.  If you know of those who might want to join with the group, invite them to come.

Third: The 2010 Montgomery Baptist Association Fall Revival will be held September 12-15 at the Georgia Avenue Baptist Church, 12525 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring (Glenmont).  This began for our association with the revival that we planned at USBC in September 2008.  Working in coordination with our MBA leadership, it was decided to make it an “associational” revival. Our churches were called to come together before God in worship that we might hear from Him.  We had never done anything like that before.  Those services were such a blessing that all involved believed that we should have an associational revival annually. So, we came together again at USBC in March 2009, for a wonderful time of renewal and blessing.  In planning for this year, we felt that the services should be held at one of our churches in a different part of the association.  Due to both its location and its accessibility, Georgia Avenue Baptist Church was chosen.  Our guest preacher is Dr. Don Wilton, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC.  Originally from South Africa, Dr. Wilton is widely known as a powerful preacher of God’s Word.  I personally have heard him preach several times at the Billy Graham Schools of Evangelism.  He will share God’s message each evening along the theme: “Hope and a Future.” Services will be held at 7:30 P.M. nightly.  Worship and praise in song will be led each night by MBA churches.  Pray that God will use these services to pour out His Holy Spirit anew throughout our association and beyond.  Attend with an open heart to God and invite others to attend with you.

Have a truly blessed summer.  Take advantage of the opportunities that God gives you for relaxation and for recreation.  Remember to keep our church’s ministry strong throughout the summer months by your prayers and by your participation, so that we might be able to seize every opportunity that God gives to touch lives with His great love in Jesus Christ.

Your Pastor         <><