A Note from Pastor Michael
A Note from Pastor Indorf
The choir sang last week about the deer panting for water . . . why would they sing such a thing?
If you know your Bible, you may recall that those words come from Psalm 42.
In this beautiful psalm, we find some very passionate words and images.
The psalmist expresses the intensity of his spiritual hunger and thirst for God, by comparing it to how eagerly a deer may seem to want a refreshing drink of cool water, perhaps after desperately running to escape a chasing predator!
- [v5, 11] Notice how the psalmist ask himself questions!
Why
are you cast down, O my soul, and
why
are you in turmoil within me?
Perhaps you should follow his example if you feel yourself to be depressed or in turmoil. Ask yourself if you are really trusting in God at this moment. Ask yourself if you have offended anyone. Ask yourself if you harbor any sin that you need to confess to God or others. Many reasons like these could be the cause of your discouragement or turmoil.
- [v5,11] Notice how the psalmist does not just ask questions, but reminds himself of certain things that are true about God.
“my salvation” . . . “my salvation and my God.”
Perhaps you should follow his example if you feel yourself depressed or in turmoil. If you are saved, that is because God is your salvation! If you are a Christian, you now realize that God is your God!
- [v5,11] Notice how the psalmist urges himself to do the right and most important thing.
“Hope in God” Perhaps you should cultivate this habit as well? When you feel depressed or in turmoil, ask yourself why that could be, remind yourself of things that are true about God, and urge yourself to HOPE IN GOD! Whatever your situation might be at this moment, if you are a Christian, your sure and certain hope is God, so HOPE IN GOD! Beloved, as we enter into the new year, whatever may confront us, we have a mighty savior, and almighty God . . . so let us together hope in Him.
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White Stone Baptist Church Service worship
Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.
We hope you will join us!
Online Services are also available also:
Phone Numbers And Web Address
You can listen to our worship service by calling
1-551-241-6061 or by going online at https://join.freeconferencecall.com/wsbc11.
““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““January Food Pantry News
Ok, it’s been really cold outside at the food pantry this month. Two Tuesdays with cold rain, high wind, and low temperatures. For the first time in memory, we were wishing no one would come so we could stay huddled and somewhat protected on the porch. But we did in fact serve 22 families on those two days. Two of our volunteers are in Florida and Hawaii and we wish them a good warm vacation but are trying not to think too much about the sun and warmth. This past Tuesday was much better; we said in contrast it was almost Spring.
We have had lots of eggs again this month, enough for two, three and four dozen according to family size. We have continued to have produce: lettuce, collards, apples, strawberries, broccoli, and others. We have also had half hams to give out because Omega Products bought hams for their employees for Christmas, and they had about 30 left over and gave them to us to distribute.
We are thankful for the contributions that we received over the holidays. This money will hopefully tie us over until the spring.
Speaking of Spring, we know we have at least one more month of cold weather….so keep us in your prayers that we are able to continue to do our mission. One of our clients said they thought we would close because of the cold weather but we told them, “We never close” unless there is a great emergency.
Cold would not be enough to close.
Oh, and we made four deliveries of food this week; three for our regular clients that couldn’t get transportation to come and one to Whispering Pines for a man and his adult son who needed food. Most people who live in Lancaster probably don’t realize that we also have a homeless population.
We are wishing for an early Spring.
Roger and Sue Donaldson
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MTBA
- If your schedule permits, please be present for MTBA Prayer Gathering on Monday, January 29 at 6 pm at Saluda BC. This is a re-schedule of Prayer Gathering on January 15 that was cancelled due to snow. Come to raise prayers to our Lord and Savior.
- The MTBA Association Choir is a go! E-mail or call the Program Chair, Tammy Faulkner, to confirm you still want to and are able to participate in practices for the April 28 MTBA program at Saluda Baptist Church. Tammy’s e-mail is: creek3@yahoo.com, or call to leave a message on a land line 804-725-7903 , or text name and e-mail to 804-815-6373, by February 4th. We need to begin planning rehearsals and such. April will be fast approaching.
- Grief Share Support Group begins on Saturday, February 3 at Philippi Christian Church, Deltaville. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, this support group will bring encouragement and transformation. (see flyer).
- MARK YOUR CALENDAR – April 28, 2024 MTBA Spring Meeting, Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church
MTBA Hope For Appalachia 2024 Packing Event
Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Hermitage Baptist Church, Church View
The 30 churches that make up the Mid-Tidewater Baptist Association will come together on February 10 to pack 1200 Hope Boxes for students who live in the Appalachian Mountains area. Each box will include such things as pencils, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, gloves, school supplies, and age-appropriate fun items.
The Community Ministries team of the MTBA has already begun preparing for our packing event. Many of the items ordered have been delivered. They are confident that all the needed packing items should be here and ready for our packing on February 10. They are counting on the support of our 30 churches to complete this Hope Mission Project. The following are the ways our churches can participate in this MTBA Mission Project
- Pray for those who serve on the Community Ministries Team, the volunteers who will participate in the packing event, and the children who will receive the Hope Boxes, as well as the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Give to the MTBA Week of Prayer Offering, which provides all the funding for this mission project. The projected cost is between $12,000. & $15,000.
- Attend the packing event hosted by Hermitage BC on Saturday, February 10, at 10 AM. Hermitage will provide lunch for all in attendance. Mark your calendars and plan now to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact Eddie Heath or Barbara Bareford at the MTBA office (804-758-4385).
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An Extra Helping Hand Will be open in February.
No clothes will be needed at this time.
Barbara Owens, WMU Director
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FELLOWSHIP DINNER
Monday, February 12th , 6:00 p.m.
Menu: Spaghetti, Tossed Salad, Rolls & Dessert
Program: Identifying the animal within
Reservations required by Feb. 8th – Call 804-435-1413
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Choir Practice – February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – 7:00 p.m.
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EMMAS Meeting
February 19 at 4:00 p.m.
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An Extra Helping Hand Will be open in February.
No clothes are needed at this time.
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February Deacon of the month – Mark Dameron
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NO ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you are interested in teaching please call Brenda Pittman, S.S. Director.
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White Stone Baptist Church 