Finding God’s Will DLABC is in a search. Not just a search for pastoral leadership, but a search for God’s will. Jesus gives us guidelines for His Father’s will in Matthew 6. 1) Giving to the needy: Obviously this is a practice consistent with showing the Father’s love. But we are warned not to do it for recognition. “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Mt 6:1 “...your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (v.4)
2) Prayer: v. 6 "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen." V. 7 "when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans... your Father knows what you need." “if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. “
3) Fasting: v. 16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do." V.18 "Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
4) Treasures in Heaven: v. 20 "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven;" v. 21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” V. 24 "You cannot serve both God and money."
In each of these things the Lord is pointing us to deny ourselves and to trust God. We sometimes get a survival instinct - which is self-preservation. In following this course we draw attention to ourselves. We think like advertising and marketing execs. We have to be seen. In contrast Jesus said “when I am lifted up I will draw everyone to myself.” John 12:32.
We don’t have to worry so much about being seen. We should concern ourselves instead with people receiving Jesus’ love. He takes care of the rest. Because this is unnatural we are taught not to worry. Don’t trust in yourself; trust in God to meet your needs. Don’t worry v.25 do not worry about your life. V. 32 your heavenly Father knows (your needs).
We will find God’s will when our focus is on Him (and not on us) v 33 "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. v. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. “ Amen
Trust in His promise and rest in His peace.
Love you all. Pastor Tom
American Baptist Women’s Ministry
Please join us on Saturday June 10 when DLABC is hosting Church Women United Human RIghts Celebration at 1:00 p.m. We need additional help - 2 ushers, 2 registration ladies, pianist, reception helpers (appetizers, relish tray) and set up on Friday June 9 at 9:30 a.m. We will serve finger foods and cookies at the reception. Habitat for Humanity is the recipient of the award and we will have a speaker about Dayton Habitat for Humanity.
On Friday June 16 at 6:00 p.m. we will gather at the home of Bessie Smith for a picnic. Bring a dish to share. Judy Teeters is coordinator if you have any questions. Gayle Jordan will give the devotions.
Thanks to all who donated Pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House. We donated 5.7 pounds at the Tab-a-pull-ooza. Next one will be Sunday, May 19, 2024, so continue saving the pull tabs.
Also thanks to those who donate used postage stamps. We donated quite a few stamps to Alliance Stamp Ministry. Due to Hurricane IAN on September 28, 2022 the area where volunteers worked was under four feet of water. They lost many of their supplies, decorations, and packing materials. Now the ministry has allocated a new location on the fourth floor. As of the end of December 2022, God has enabled the Stamp Ministry in Fort Myers, Florida to generate $8000 at the end of April 2023. The ministry income goes to support preparation, publication and distribution of a Spanish language curriculum for Sunday Schools.
DLABC Men’s Fellowship The fellowship meeting will be Friday, June 9, 2023 at Jimmie’s Ladder #11 Restaurant, 11 a.m. Jimmie’s Ladder #11 is located at 936 Brown Street, Dayton, OH. If you would like to bring a friend, please do so.
Board of Christian Education Starting this fall, we will have a more structured program for the preschoolers. We will work on this over the summer. If anyone would like to volunteer to teach, see Connie Sinks.
Rummage Sale The Rummage Sale will be on June 22, 23, and 24th. If you have donations, please bring them to the back of the Fellowship Hall.
June Events
June 9 - Men’s Fellowship, 11 am At Jimmy’s Ladder 11 June 11- Board Meetings June16 - ABW Picnic, 6:00 pm At BessieSmith’s June 22-24 - Rummage Sale
July 23 - Picnic at Delco Park Shelter #1 after service. More info to come.
June Birthdays
Mo Horn Kalati Mebrahtu
Susan Sinks
Brad Jordan
Jerralyn Wood
Hanna Harman
June Anniversaries
Bill & Mary Jane Salyers Tom & Janny Kehr
Bob & Flo Heizer
Thanks to all the volunteers who serve
June Preschool Schedule 4 11 Kelly Medina
18 Brian Sinks
25 Susan Sinks
June Worship Assistant - Megan Farnham
June Greeter - Bev Scarpelli
Ushers 4 Brian Thompson
11 Gayle Jordan 18 25 Gayle Jordan
June Refreshments 4 Megan Farnham & Connie Sinks
11 Board Meetings - Trustees 18 Brian & Amy Thompson 25 Jerri Wood & Ernie Keucher