Newsletter Dec 14th GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

The Quarterback takes center stage on a football team. Most football fans can name several past and present, college and pro Quarterbacks. We discuss their completion percentage, yards gained, touchdowns versus interceptions. However, any sensible Quarterback will assure you of this one truth——He never completes a pass when he is on the ground, flat on his back, with a 300 pound defensive lineman on top of him. The Quarterback is dependent upon his offensive linemen [center, tackles, and guards] for his success. Yet, mostly these men are unknown. We can name the Quarterback, but how many offensive linemen can we name?

A few Saturday mornings ago, I drove out to Barbee’s Grove. The Fellowship Hall was a busy place. Boston Butts were being drained, wrapped, and bagged for delivery. Earlier, a group had spent hours cooking those Boston Butts. [Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen, for your service.]

As I drove away from the church, I began to think of that football analogy. Most of the time, it is the Pastor [and musicians] of a church that get the recognition. If I say, First Baptist Church of Atlanta, many of you will immediately think of Dr. Charles Stanley. Yet, any sensible Pastor knows that he is dependent upon his faithful church members. They are the key to his success [winning]. Without serving members, the Pastor may be “flat on his back with the devil sitting on his chest”.

Since Barbee’s Grove is a small in number congregation, many of you serve in several capacities. You have to stop and think, “Which group am I meeting with this time?” As your Pastor, I am so thankful for you:
   …When the Church Council meets to discuss activities for the month, the room is full  
   …When it is time to cook Easter Breakfast or chicken\oyster stew, the kitchen is overrun with cooks and helpers
   …Someone is always willing [unasked] to go to the Nursery during Morning Worship and care for a visitor’s baby
   …Our Sunday School Teachers take their job seriously and are so faithful
   …The same can be said of our musicians
   …Sometimes, at Bible School, we have more workers than children
   …Sound and video operators, ushers, youth workers, offering counters, those willing to blow leaves and take away the trash, the list goes on and on. I may not have listed your ministry, but do know that you are appreciated.

I had never heard this phrase until I heard Jeff Keplinger use it, “Many hands make for light and quick work”.  It is so true. Working together, each member fulfilling his or her ministry, and we accomplish God’s ministry at Barbee’s Grove. As your “Quarterback”, I appreciate you and I am totally aware that without you we would accomplish very little. THANK YOU!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also  available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. NO meeting on December 24
4. $ 1865—Latest total for the Baptist Children’s Homes Offering
5. $ 250—Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions to date—-Continue to give through December
6. Interested in a food and movie night on New Year’s Eve? Sign up so we know of your  interest

GO TEAM!!!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church