Seasons Friends, we're in the season of change. DLABC is in the midst of significant changes.... pastoral change with decisions regarding merging with another congregation or finding a part-time pastor. Most times we fight to keep things the same. Sometimes we want change; we might even be the change agent. Regardless, it is a difficult process. I want to offer a few words of comfort from scripture.
Though our culture seems chaotic and in constant flux, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 God is not surprised. “I am God and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purposes will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:9-11. God has not changed, human nature has not changed, there is no issue that scripture does not address.
No matter what happens around us, God is our constant, “For I the Lord do not change.” Malachi 3:6 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” Hebrews 13:8 “God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man that he should change his mind.” Numbers 23:19 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Is 40:8.
You may have to move from the place you’re in. He called Abraham from Ur, Moses from the desert, David from the pasture, Jonah from his home, the prophets from their comfort and the disciples from their jobs and land. Be prepared; God is on the move. Go with Him.
Hold onto what is eternal. Jesus called us to be in the world, but not of the world. John 17. “God so loved the world that He gave (Jesus to die in our place) that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only son.” John 3:16-18 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20. Jesus' message was grace through repentance. Luke 13:3 “Unless you repent, you will perish”. There is no special status or classification, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.
Just remember you do not have to change your theology to love anyone. Biblical theology produces love, not just knowledge. “God is love.” Belief in scripture is belief in love. 1 John 4:16 Jesus calls us to love even our enemies. Luke 6:27, 28. I have every other gift “but do not have love, I gain nothing.” 1 Cor 13:3. Walk in truth and love and God’s word will be the light unto your path.
Pastor Tom
American Baptist Women’s Ministry All women are invited to a salad supper at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Bring a salad to share and table service, beverages, and dessert will be provided. Hostesses are Beverly Scarpelli and Judy Teeters. Devotions will be given by Joyce Kelley. We welcome Kris Holmes to the evening as she will provide our program “Intro to Mindfulness”. Kris is the Ohio State Extension Service Director for Montgomery County. The program is designed to equip healthy adults with practice and skills to strengthen the mind and body connection.
We will be collecting items for our DLABC Kitchen...bring dish detergent, paper towels, coffee, etc.
There will be a Spiritual Growth Retreat at First Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, OH on Sept. 22-23. Registration forms are in the foyer on the cabinet.
On September 30, 2023 all women are invited to the Church Women United Area C Program. It is entitled “Justice and Righteousness for the Sacred Earth. It will be 1:30-4:00 p.m. at the Dayton Public Library Northwest Branch at 2410 Philadelphia Dr. Our program focus is to support local farmers, learn about being good stewards of our Sacred Earth, learn how to eat healthy and share with those who hunger for justice and food for the body and soul. There is no registration fee, but an offering will be received to support the programming of Shekinah Aquaculture Center. Keynote speaker is Pastor Donovan Larkin, CEO of Shekinah Aquaculture Center in Dayton area. Let Jerri Wood know if you want to carpool.
Save the date for October 19 at 10:00 when we will meet the new executive director of the Dayton Christian Center, Yvonne Watkins.
DLABC Men’s Fellowship The fellowship meeting will be Friday, Sept. 8, 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 We are so excited to start our Kindergarten Children’s program, Kids’ Connection. It will begin September 10th. Please make sure your kids are on time!
September Birthdays
Elizabeth Durig
Kelly Medina
Linda Emmons
September Events
Sept. 8 Men’s Fellowship
Sept. 10 Board Meetings Sept. 14 ABW Salad Supper
Sept. 15 Firepit Fellowship @ 6 pm
Sept. 30 Church Women United Program
September Volunteers
Thank you to all who give of your time and energy to keep our church running.
September Preschool Schedule Sept. 3 Brian Sinks
Sept. 10 Connie Sinks
Sept. 17 Hy Palmer
Sept. 24 Susan Sinks
September Worship Assistant - Amy Thompson
September Greeter - Pat Trent
Ushers
We still need ushers for Sept. 10 and Sept. 24. Please contact Brian Thompson to volunteer. Sept. 3 Brian Thompson
Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Brian Thompson
Sept. 24
September Refreshments Sept. 3 Susan Sinks & Hyacinth Palmer
Sept.10 Board Meetings - Trustees Sept.17 Megan Farnham & Connie Sinks
Sept. 24 Joyce Kelley & Linda Emmons
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26