Today, let’s briefly continue the theme of FAITHFULNESS. In three of the churches where I was the Pastor, there were long-term Organists. Each began as a young teenager. In fact, one told me that she was so small that someone had to pick her up and place her on the organ bench. Her hands could reach the keyboard but her legs were too short for her to reach the foot pedals. It has been over 50 years. Two are still playing each Sunday. The other played over 50 years but when her church changed music styles they no longer wanted organ music.

In 50 plus years, how many good sermons and how many “not so good” sermons have they heard? How many good Music Leaders and how many “Not so good” Music Leaders worked with them? How many times did they not feel well, but went to church anyway? They knew their church was depending on them. Thank you, Judy. Thank you, Rebecca. Thank you, Brenda. Your decades of FAITHFUL years at the organ have led your congregation in worship, have honored the Lord, and have been a blessing.

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“Regifting” is a practice that some find “tacky”, others hate, and still others find to be a good practice. Someone gives you an item you already own. Maybe they give you food that you cannot eat because of your medical condition. Perhaps, you receive clothes that are not your size. You have three choices, trash the gift, put it on a shelf to collect dust, or “regift” it to someone else who will appreciate it and gladly use it. Personally, I am a fan of thoughtful and prayerful “regifting”.

I am also a huge fan of another type of “regifting”. Let me explain. Most of you who read these Newsletters are Christians. Jesus gave you the gift of salvation when you believed in Him as your personal Lord and Savior. That gift probably came through a relative, Pastor, friend, or Sunday School Teacher. They told you about Jesus. You listened and believed. You received Jesus, the greatest gift of all. Now you are forgiven, changed, and on your way to Heaven.

Now, those of us who have been given the gift of salvation, have the honor, privilege, and responsibility to “regift” Jesus to others who will accept and appreciate that gift. The amazing, wonderful, thing about “regifting” Jesus is that while we give Him to someone else, we still get to keep Him for ourselves. We give, but, still have!!! How long has it been since you “regifted” Jesus to a person who desperately needs Him?
   …”Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. [Matthew 28:19]

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. During the month of November we will be giving our annual Thanksgiving Offering for our NC Baptist Children’s Homes. Give as the Lord leads
5. Boston Butt sale for mission projects
   Order by Tuesday, November 19
   Pick up Saturday, November 23 from 9-12 am
   $ 45 each
6. Children and Youth Christmas Program practice every Sunday at 5 pm
7. Adult Church Training–November 10 and 17. 5:30 pm

“Regifting” Jesus is a great idea

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church