First  Baptist  Church of Joplin, Texas
August  2004  Newsletter
 

August 2, 2004  This has been a very busy week. Brother Loury Drue has
attended the annual four-day seminar of the Texas Society of the American College of
Osteopathic Family Physicians at the Wyndham Hotel in Arlington, Texas. It
was good to see colleagues with whom he graduated from Texas College of
Osteopathic Medicine over nineteen years ago. The seminar was full of lectures
concerning new drugs and old diseases.

At Bible study on July 28, Freda Nero, Flo Milton, Heather Van Remmen, and
Brother Loury discussed the role of angels. Matthew 18:10 indicates that
children have angels who are in the presence of God. Revelation 22:8-9 plainly
teaches that we should not worship angels or bow down to them. We are taught to
worship God.

Sunday's service on August 1 was very special. The youth and young adults
class led the service with the assistance of Mrs. Edie Bartlett their teacher,
and Mrs. Vickie McAnear on piano. Jessica Vaughn led the singing. Wesley Fry and
James Hall assisted in the service. Darryl Self gave the sermon based on John
10:10 proclaiming that Jesus has come that we might have eternal life and
have life more abundantly. Darryl has delivered several sermons since adolescence
and God's call on his life is evident.

FBC Joplin will host an old time singing followed by refreshments at 6 p.m.
on the fifth Sunday of August, 29. All are invited to come and to participate.


August 9, 2004  It has been so refreshing having a north breeze and moderate
temperatures and we thank God for this break from the scorching heat.

We welcomed Wanda Rose back from her trip to Midland, Texas. She has welcomed
to the world her new great grandson, Aden Taylor who arrived at seven and
one-fourth ounce. We congratulate her and her family.

Jolynn Self has completed her LVN studies and will graduate on Friday, August
13, at Weatherford College. Our congratulations go out to her for her hard
work and well-deserved reward. Our prayers also go out to her as she prepares
for the Board Exam.

Avis Radford and her sister Judy have returned from a wonderful trip to New
Mexico. They are rested and refreshed. We are happy to see them back.

Lewis and Bonnie Montgomery surprised the church with a wonderful gift. They
brought 40 of their delicious black diamond watermelons and freely gave them
to all who wanted one. We thank them for their loving gift and we guarantee
that the watermelons will be enjoyed.

Freda and Loury Nero visited Freda's sister, Kay Baker, in Mineral Wells on
Sunday. Kay is in the midst of intense chemotherapy and radiation. Prayers for
Kay's recovery are greatly appreciated.
Rene Spencer visited her daughter, Nelda Cox, who is also undergoing
treatments. Prayers for Nelda's strength and recovery are greatly appreciated.

During the service on Sunday, the young adults who participated in last
week's Young Adult Service were recognized. James Hall and Wesley Fry were
presented Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life, Jessica Vaughn and Jolynn Self were
presented the Holman Bible Dictionary, and Darryl Self was presented Wayne
Grudem's Systematic Theology. Our sincere appreciation also goes out to Mrs. Edie
Bartlett who assisted these young people in glorifying God through their
service.

Sunday's sermon was "Following Christ: Stay On Course!" The text was 1 Peter
5:6-11. We learned from Peter that despite troubles we can stay on course in
our Christian walk by humbling ourselves before God, resisting the devil, and
praying for one another.

Please, remember that FBC Joplin will host an old time singing followed by
refreshments at 6 p.m. on the fifth Sunday of August, 29. All are invited to
come as you are and to participate. We hope to make this a tradition by which
everyone regardless of church or non-church affiliation can come together and
focus on God's love, mercy, and grace by making "a joyful noise unto the Lord
(Psalm 100:1 King James Version)"


August 16, 2004 Our prayers are with Kenneth Lee's family as they experience
the sudden and unexpected loss of their loved one. The Joplin community and
First Baptist Church of Joplin wish to serve them as the need arises through
their bereavement.

Congratulations go out to Jolynn Self. She graduated from Weatherford College
on Friday, August 13 and awaits her board exams by which she will be come a
Licensed Vocational Nurse. She has worked hard and her husband Darryl has
supported her through it all. Many family members were present along with Brother
Loury Drue and wife Freda from FBC Joplin.

Sunday's sermon was "Following Christ: Contend For the Faith." The text was
Jude verses 3-4. "The Faith" was described through Scripture. False teachers
and false prophets can be identified by their ungodly, and unclean
characteristics along with the bad fruit they produce. Jude teaches us to contend the faith
through study and application of God's word, prayer, love, and compassion.

Please, remember that FBC Joplin will host an old time singing followed by
refreshments at 6 p.m. on the fifth Sunday of August, 29. All are invited to
come as you are and to participate. We hope to make this a tradition by which
everyone regardless of church or non-church affiliation can come together and
focus on God's love, mercy, and grace by making "a joyful noise unto the Lord
(Psalm 100:1 King James Version)"

August 23, 2004 School is back in session. We wonder, "How did the summer
vacation go by so fast?"

Bill and Brenda Rutledge have returned from visiting Bill's mother in
Arkansas. The Rutledge family joined the Self family and the Vaughn family this
weekend for their annual outing.

Once again the First Baptist Church of Joplin was treated to homegrown
watermelons by Lewis and Bonnie Montgomery this past Sunday. The melons are
delicious and our sincere thanks go out to Lewis and Bonnie for being so thoughtful.

Tommy Spencer was hospitalized and released from Wise County Hospital this
week. He is now recuperating in Vernon, Texas. We pray for his rapid and
complete recovery.

Freda Nero's sister, Kay Baker, was hospitalized on August 17 in Campbell
Hospital in Weatherford, Texas. Freda and Brother Loury Drue, Kathy Reeves,
Frances Reeves, Nolen Bradley, Gary Davis with daughters Becky and Stevie, and
Marsha Raines were present at the hospital on August 23 as Kay underwent a
surgical procedure. Kay went through the procedure well. She is still in need of
prayers as she continues medical treatments.

Sunday's sermon at FBC Joplin was "Following Christ: Bring Others With You,"
and was based on Acts 17:22-34. As Paul addressed the philosophers of Athens
on Mars Hill, he demonstrated that God given opportunities and locations can be
used as we proclaim God's truth to people of different cultures.

Following the service on Sunday morning, September 5, FBC Joplin will have a
Yellow Ribbon Dedication honoring men and women in uniform. The monthly
fellowship meal will follow this ceremony.

Please, remember that FBC Joplin will host an old time singing followed by
refreshments at 6 p.m. on the fifth Sunday of August, 29. All are invited to
come as you are and to participate. We hope to make this a tradition by which
everyone regardless of church or non-church affiliation can come together and
focus on God's love, mercy, and grace by making "a joyful noise unto the Lord
(Psalm 100:1 King James Version)"


August 30, 2004 As August comes to an end, we are thankful for such moderate
temperatures and the wettest summer in the history of American weather
reporting. FBC of Joplin is also thankful that the new roof was in place and ready
for this week's rains.

Tommy Spencer is feeling much better and we pray for his continued recovery.
Irene Owens's sister, Rachel Peppers, is out of the hospital following her
injury. Freda and Brother Loury Drue were with Freda's sister, Kay Baker, during
her surgery on August 23 at Campbell Memorial Hospital. Kay is now at home and
has begun a new round of chemotherapy. Prayers for the ill and mending are
always appreciated.

Wanda Rose is in Fort Stockton this week. She has bought a house there;
however, she has not sold her present house here yet. Our prayers are with her as
she makes her move.

Sunday's sermon was, "Following Christ: Sing to the Lord!" The text was
Colossians 3:16-17. Having the word of Christ dwell richly within us, we have the
foundation of wisdom through which we teach and admonish one another. God has
given us the ability to sing. Through the singing of psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs we are able to present the word of Christ and praise God.

Sunday evening witnessed the beginning of a new tradition. First Baptist
Church of Joplin hosted the Fifth Sunday Singing. Brother Grady Kays and many
members of Gibtown Baptist Church, along with Brother Joe Cross and many members
of First Baptist Church of Wizard Wells, joined the congregation of First
Baptist Church of Joplin for an evening of singing hymns and spiritual songs as we
worshipped God together. The service began with patriotic songs remembering
our men and women in uniform. Miss Haley Irwin sang "Victory In Jesus," and
Master Cooper Van Remmen sang "God Bless America." Connie's Choir sang "Army of
the Lord" and "Sing Hosannah" directed by Heather Van Remmen. Jerry Robbins sang
and played guitar adding to the success of the evening of glorifying God.
Mrs. Virginia Roper led many of the songs, with Brother Loury Drue and Brother
Grady assisting. Mrs. Vickie McAnear played the piano and is to be recognized as
the one who suggested that the Fifth Sunday Singing be started as a
tradition. The fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ encouraged all and
glorified God. The First Baptist Church of Joplin thank all for coming and we look
forward the next "fifth Sunday" when we will again meet together, if the Lord
wills.

Following the service on Sunday morning, September 5, FBC Joplin will have a
Yellow Ribbon Dedication honoring men and women in uniform. The monthly
fellowship meal will follow this ceremony. Everyone is invited.