Services

Sunday

10:30am Sunday Service

Sunday School– 9:30a (Some classes have resumed, find more under Adult S.S. Page)

5:30pm Vida Abundante (Spanish Service)

Sunday Morning Worship Service

Our Sunday Morning Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. is a great time of fellowship and worship. The music is based upon both the great hymns and songs of the faith as well as more contemporary worship songs and the preaching is from the solid foundation of God’s word. Come join our praise team of choir members and pianists for a great time of worship with us on Sunday morning and a time of refreshing, Biblically solid teaching10 Vida Abundante On Sunday night at 5:30 p.m. join the Spanish service for guitar-led worship and a beautiful time of fellowship and praise, which carries a latin feel and wonderful Bible-based preaching in Spanish.

About Us

OUR MISSION

Sharing Christ & Building Believers

OUR VISION

First Baptist Church strives to be a community where, in Christ,

we pursue a better way to live, where outsiders seek to belong,

and where everyone is equipped and encouraged

to fully trust Jesus and serve Him.

OUR PURPOSE

The Purpose of Holyoke First Baptist Church is to glorify God through: Evangelism, Worship, Fellowship, Edification, and Service.

OUR CORE VALUES

We unashamedly and uncompromisingly strive to be:

Biblically Based – God’s Word is our guide, authority and conscience in everything. We stand firm where Scripture stands firm and remain flexible where it is flexible. It is through the teaching and preaching of God’s Word where we have knowledge of the Gospel, where sinners are convicted, where hearts repent, and where people are moved to serve Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:16).

Passionate About Prayer – We believe the attitude and action of prayer is essential to everything we do as individuals and as a corporate body. Nothing of eternal significance or value is ever accomplished apart from prayer. It is through our prayers that we align our hearts to listen to God’s Spirit, we declare the goodness of God, give God thanks, seek forgiveness, find supplication and abide in His presence (Psalm 45:18, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Matthew 6:9-13, Colossians 4:2).

Committed to those far from God- We believe that lost people matter to God; therefore, they matter to us. Jesus came to seek and save the lost and has left us here, in part, to do the same. Our individual lives and corporate efforts will reflect this conviction to pursue the dead churched, de-churched, and unreached in our community and beyond with the love of Jesus Christ and the hope of the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 19:10, Rev. 2-3).

Invested With Our Gifts – We believe that each believer has been employed by the Holy Spirit with at least one spiritual gift and many God given talents in order to serve the body of Christ. Believers are called to be good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Spiritual giftedness and maturity determines where and how a believer serves. We believe excellence honors God and reflects His character. We strive for excellence without compromise in all areas of our ministry and lives. (1 Peter 4:10; Colossians 3:17).

Committed To Community – Belonging to our community requires a commitment to being intentionally involved with others in accountable, encouraging relationships. We believe life-change happens best in the context of abiding relationships that together are pursuing spiritual growth in Jesus Christ. In clusters of caring people, participants share and encourage each other toward spiritual growth. (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Relevant in Ministry – We believe that to be biblical we must be traditional. We also believe that to be effective in our ministry, we must share those traditions in a manner that engages our culture and in a way that they understand. The Bible does not tell us to use only certain styles of music, or to present our message only through words. The Bible does make it clear, however, that we are to find ways to effectively bring the message “into all the world” in order to make disciples. We believe this will require careful scrutiny of everything we do – new practices and old – and a willingness to change when necessary within biblical parameters, in order that we, “by all possible means might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 3:6; Ephesians 4:11-16).

Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Please feel free to come by the church during office hours Monday through Friday between 8am-12pm.

First Baptist Church

1000 E Johnson St., PO Box 465

Holyoke, CO 80734

Office Phone: (970) 854-2452

Email: info@holyokefbc.com

To contact Interim Pastor Rick Reitz:

rick.reitz@gmail.com

or contact secretary , Laura Beth at the office:

(970)854-2452, or info@holyokefbc.com

To contact Vida Abundante Pastor Ismael Lopez:

Home Phone: (308) 882-4987

Cell Phone: (970) 580-1195

Email: lopezvida007@gmail.com

To Contact the Deacons:

Rick Haynes: (970) 520-2004

Harry Kinner: (719) 659-2484

Troy Killin: (970)580-4586

Imer Rodriguez: (970) 580-2985

Ivan Wiebke: (970) 580-8147

To Contact the Trustees:

Israel Rodriguez :(970) 571-3619

Ron Koch: (970) 854-4040

Aaron Powell: (970) 854-5178

Curt Schroetlin: (970) 466-1228

Jason Frost: (970) 580-3360

Erik Robledo (970) 580-4728

Alberto Ramos (970) 520-8379

For information about our Children’s Ministries: Contact Sue Cooper: (970) 581-9893

For information about our Adult Ministries/Small Groups:

Click here to go to our Adult Ministries Page

Para informacion cerca de nuestro Ministerio Espanol/Vida Abundante: Haga clic aquí para ir a nuestros Ministerios Españoles

Our Beliefs

The Bible

We believe the Bible, the original autographs of the 66 books that compose the Old and the New Testaments, is the divinely inspired Word of God, the supreme inerrant authority in all matters of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21).

The Trinity

We believe in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), omnipotent (Revelation 19:6), omnipresent (Psalm 139), and omniscient (Psalm 147:4), existing co-eternally and co-equally in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14).

God the Father
We believe in God the Father (Ephesians 1:2-3) who is perfect in holiness. We rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully and sovereignly in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 16:31).

Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal and only begotten Son of God (John 3:16). We believe that He is not only fully God, but fully man, conceived of the Holy Spirit, of virgin birth, sinless in His life (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:35, John 1:1, Hebrews 4:15) making atonement for the sins of the world by His death (1 Peter 1:18-19). We believe in His bodily resurrection (Luke 24:6), ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and the visible, premillennial return to the world according to His promise (Acts 1:11, Revelation 20:3-4, Matthew 24:42).

The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from God to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and to regenerate, sanctify and comfort those who believe in Jesus Christ (John16:7-11, Titus: 3:5, 1 Corinthians 6:11).

Creation

We believe that the Universe and the world in which we live were created by God in six literal, 24-hour days as described in Genesis 1-2.

Humanity

We believe man was created by God in His image (Gen 1:26), and that through Adam’s sin all people by nature and by choice are sinners (Romans 5:12), but that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). We believe, therefore, that those who place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will rejoice forever in God’s presence, and those who refuse to trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will be forever separated from God (Daniel 12:2, John 1:12, 1 John 5:11-13).

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Ps 139.)

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female (Ps. 139). These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God through the purposeful creation of human sexual anatomy for the purposes of pleasure and procreation, whereby mankind is to function as image bearers of God, stewarding the creation of God (Gen 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person and abandonment of his responsibility over creation.

We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen 2:18-25.) We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4.) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10.).

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11.)

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of First Baptist Church of Holyoke.

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of First Baptist Church Holyoke as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the First Baptist Church Holyoke members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by First Baptist Church Holyoke in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on Humanity, Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality. (Matt 5:16; Phil 2:14-16; 1 Thess. 5:22.)

Justification by Faith

We believe that only those who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become Children of God (John 1:12, 3:16).

Heaven and Hell

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust (Daniel 12:2, 1 Corinthians 15:42, 43), the everlasting blessedness of the saved (Revelation 21:3-4), and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost (Revelation 20:11-15).

The Church

We believe in the Church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the Head and of which all regenerated people of the church age are members. We believe that a local church is a company of believers in Jesus Christ who have given a credible confession of faith (Acts 2:41-42), have been baptized by immersion (Matthew 28:19), and have associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:22-26) were committed to these local churches for perpetual observance. We believe that God has laid upon these churches the task of proclaiming to a lost world belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and enthroning of Him as Lord and Master (Acts 1:8). We believe that human betterment and social improvements are by-products of such a Gospel. This government of this church is vested in the body which composes its membership, guaranteeing equal rights to all and special privilege to none.

Personal Relationship with God

We believe in the right of every individual to approach God without human mediation (1 Timothy 2:5).

Autonomy of the Local Church

We believe that each church is independent and autonomous under the Headship of Christ (Matthew 18:17, Ephesians 1:22-23, Acts 14:23, Revelation 1:20) and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority. Therefore, Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from the dictation or patronage of the other. For purposes of promoting fellowship, benevolences, world missions, and other matters of mutual concern, this church shall be affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conservative Baptist Association and the Conservative Baptist Association of America. This church may also cooperate with other churches for the betterment of the community.

Our New Facility

First Baptist completed work on a new church building and held its first service there in February 2013. It’s located on the southeast edge of town right by the new hospital.

Missions

Except for Hope Uganda, each of the Missionaries listed below has their page under Missions for you to read more information about their mission field and to learn how you can pray for them.

Ismael & Esmirna Lopez, Missions Door

Location: Holyoke, CO, USA

Ministry: Ismael and Esmirna have planted a Spanish-speaking church in Holyoke, Colorado. Following their vision of planting seven new churches in northeastern Colorado and southwestern Nebraska, they are planting another new church in Imperial, Nebraska.

As part of their ministry, they work with many migrant workers who do not speak English, helping them with legal issues, housing and food distribution, teaching them English as a second language and caring for many other physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.missionsdoor.org/missionary/lopez-ismael-and-esmirna/

Gary & Laurie Scheer, World Venture

Location: Rwanda, Africa

Ministry: The Scheers work in Rwanda with the local churches and focus on training the local pastors and leadership.

Contact Info:

Website: www.ncmrwanda.org

Tim & Joy Butler, Youth for Christ

Location: Denver, CO, USA

Ministry: Tim works for Youth for Christ in Denver focusing mostly on youth in the youth prison system.

Contact Info:

Website: www.yfcdenver.org/who/team;

Phone: 303.843.0370

Rick & Sonja Cleaver, Youth Challenge

Mike & Micaila Frazier, Youth Challenge

Location: Serving Northeastern Colorado

Ministry: The Cleavers split their time working at Camp Machasay and working in their local church, as well as with Bible quizzing teams in northeast Colorado.

Contact Info:

Website: www.yci.cc

Randy & Marlene Green, Mission Mobilization International

Location: Based in Colorado Springs, CO while taking trip throughout the years to Mexico and South America

Ministry: The purpose of Mission Mobilization International is to reach government officials, military, police, and firefighters with the gospel. They accomplish this by offering many practical seminars dealing with stress, family, leadership, and ethics, during which they have opportunities to share the gospel and see many saved.

Contact Info:

Website: www.missionmobilization.org

Phone: 719.761.6258

Email: randygreen527@aol.com

Tim & Janet Hall, World Venture

Location: Rome, Italy

Ministry: The Halls work training church leaders in Italy and also serving with the European Ministry Leadership Team in Eastern Europe.

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.worldventure.com/sslpage.aspx?pid=731

Phone: 720-288-6104

Email: t2j3hall@msn.com; janethall710@msn.com

HOPE Uganda (Helping Other People Engage Uganda)

Location: Wera, Uganda

Ministry: The FBC joined hands with Children’s HopeChest to provide support for the village of Wera, Uganda, through sponsoring children and helping fund projects. This is a community to community model of helping vulnerable people groups to gain their dignity and sustainability back due to circumstances beyond their control. James 1:27.

Contact Info:

Church Office: (970) 854-2452

Email: info@holyokefbc.com

First Baptist Church Holyoke also supports the general funds of Rocky Mountain Church Network

Recent Sermons

May 9, 2021

Can I See Some Identification? Surf’s Up: Ephesians 6: 5-9

By: Pastor Rick Reitz

Series: Ephesians

May 09, 2021

WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle

May 9, 2021Can I See Some Identification? Surf’s Up: Ephesians 6: 5-9

May 9, 2021
Can I See Some Identification? Surf’s Up: Ephesians 6: 5-9

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
May 09, 2021
May 2, 2021Can I See Some Identification? Submission in the Home and Parenting: What I Wish I Had Known, 30 Years Ago

May 2, 2021
Can I See Some Identification? Submission in the Home and Parenting: What I Wish I Had Known, 30 Years Ago

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
May 2, 2021
Apr 25, 2021Can I See Some Identification? Submission in the Home, Part 2: Real Men. Ephesians 5:23-33

Apr 25, 2021
Can I See Some Identification? Submission in the Home, Part 2: Real Men. Ephesians 5:23-33

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
April 25th, 2021
Apr 18, 2021Can I See Some Identification? Submission in the Home, Part 1. Ephesians 5: 22-24

Apr 18, 2021
Can I See Some Identification? Submission in the Home, Part 1. Ephesians 5: 22-24

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
April 18, 2021
Apr 11, 2021“Its Not Over. What God Does With Failure.”

Apr 11, 2021
“Its Not Over. What God Does With Failure.”

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: no series
April 11, 2021
Mar 28, 2021I Never Thought It Would Turn Out This Way

Mar 28, 2021
I Never Thought It Would Turn Out This Way

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: no series
March 28, 2021
Mar 21, 2021Can I See Some Identification? How Can I Help You?

Mar 21, 2021
Can I See Some Identification? How Can I Help You?

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
March 21, 2021
Mar 7, 2021Can I See Some Identification? Taking a Good Look at Yourself: Evidence of Being Filled with the Spirit: Ephesians 5:19-21

Mar 7, 2021
Can I See Some Identification? Taking a Good Look at Yourself: Evidence of Being Filled with the Spirit: Ephesians 5:19-21

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
March 7, 2021
Feb 28, 2021Can I See Some Identification? Fill ‘er Up and Keep the Tank Full: Ephesians 5: 15-21

Feb 28, 2021
Can I See Some Identification? Fill ‘er Up and Keep the Tank Full: Ephesians 5: 15-21

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
February 28, 2021
Feb 21, 2021“Can I See Some Identifications? Rise and Shine” Ephesians 5: 8-14

Feb 21, 2021
“Can I See Some Identifications? Rise and Shine” Ephesians 5: 8-14

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
February 21, 2021
Feb 7, 2021“Can I See Some Identification? Just Like Jesus” Ephesians 5: 1-7

Feb 7, 2021
“Can I See Some Identification? Just Like Jesus” Ephesians 5: 1-7

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
February 7, 2021
Jan 31, 2021“Can I See Some Identification? Bomb Threat” Ephesians 4:31-32

Jan 31, 2021
“Can I See Some Identification? Bomb Threat” Ephesians 4:31-32

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
January 31, 2021
Jan 24, 2021“Can I See Some Identification?: Home, Home on the Range”: Ephesians 4:29-32

Jan 24, 2021
“Can I See Some Identification?: Home, Home on the Range”: Ephesians 4:29-32

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
January 24, 2021
Jan 17, 2021Can I See Some Identification? Truth Be Told and Anger: Warning Lights on the Dashboard Ephesians 4:25-27

Jan 17, 2021
Can I See Some Identification? Truth Be Told and Anger: Warning Lights on the Dashboard Ephesians 4:25-27

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
January 17, 2020
Jan 10, 2021Can I See Some Identification? Mind Over “What’s a Matter?”: Ephesians 4:22-24

Jan 10, 2021
Can I See Some Identification? Mind Over “What’s a Matter?”: Ephesians 4:22-24

By: Pastor Rick Reitz
Series: Ephesians
January 10, 2021

Graduation Reception: Church family, you are invited to come greet and congratulate the Seniors we will be honoring on May 16^th at 10:00am in the Fellowship Hall. Light Refreshments will be served and a special gift from the church along with cards from the congregation will be given to the graduates during this time. The graduates we will be celebrating: Janel Rodriguez graduating from cosmetology school at NJC, Rylee Oakley and Erick Marroquin both graduating from Holyoke High School.

Office Closed Friday, May 14th. If you need to reach someone while the office is closed, please call the church’s phone, 854-2452, and leave a message for Pastor Rick with your contact information so he can return your call when he gets to Holyoke. Thank you!

Join us for Pre-Service Prayer Time Sunday Mornings at 9:15 in the church office!

Nursing Home Services to start again! More details and the schedule will be announced at a later date.

Missions Update: please pray for the Cleavers as they search for a new director for Camp Machasay; pray for that process and for God to lead the right person to the position. Pray also for the Scheers as they are retiring soon from World Venture; they plan to come up in July or August to say farewell to everyone and to thank everyone for the tremendous support over the years: the exact date for this visit will be announced later.

Great Opportunity to Give! The United Methodist Church Food Pantry is raising funds for their organization by asking community members to give gently worn used and new shoes. Find out how they then use the shoes to support their ministry and collection dates by viewing the announcement on the welcome cart.

Baptism: If you have recently trusted Christ as your Savior and wish to take the next step in your faith by being baptized, please call the office so our Pastor can be made aware.

The Pre-K through 2^nd grade announcements:

This class will not meet on Sunday, May 16^th but the kiddos are welcome to attend the reception with a parent or family member. May 22^nd will be our last class for the year, we are going to break for the summer and pick back up when schools starts again in the fall.

Church Emails: If you would like to receive church emails and prayer requests via email please call the church secretary at 854-2452 to get on the list.

Worship Team: If you have any desire to come practice with the worship team, we meet on Thursdays at 7pm and Sundays at 8:30am to practice. We would love for you to join us!

Pre-K – 2nd Sunday School class will break for the summer on May 22nd, which will be their last class until school starts up.

If you have a prayer request and would like the church body to be lifting you up in prayer, please contact the secretary at the office either by phone: 854-2452 or by email: info@holyokefbc.com

Contact Information: If you are new or perhaps your contact information has changed and would like to receive information from the church via e-mail, please contact the church or fill out a form in the foyer.

Adult SUNDAY SCHOOL Class: Sunday School for adults continues with “The Story”. If you haven’t been attending, this video format and discussion makes jumping in at any time easy, and with a big room we are able to socially distance. The atmosphere is thought-provoking and discussion oriented as we seek to harmonize what God is doing and has done throughout history with our life experience and our understanding of that same history.

Do you wish to share a prayer request? Please utilize the church website or app to submit prayer requests.

If you have any requests to share, they may be submitted though any computer or mobile device. To submit a request, please visit: http://www.holyokefbc.com/prayer. All requests will immediately go to the pastor, all the deacons, and the church secretary. The requests will then be shared with the prayer chain. If you have any questions about how to submit requests online, please let pastor know or any of the deacons or the church secretary. We will be happy to help.

Ministry Update:

BASIC Training has been averaging about 25-30 kids since opening back up after Christmas Break. The kids enjoy the whole night of fun offered on Wednesday nights which include game time, praise and worship time, story time and breakout sessions for the lesson and review.

An end of the year celebration for BASIC will be held in May sometime, more information to come soon.

Monthly Calendar

Blog

Rick Writes:

Posted on Dec 11, 2020 in Uncategorized |

Who You Gonna Call?

Many years ago, during the holidays, I found myself stranded in a dark Wal-mart parking lot. My car would not start so I decided to call the Triple A response team, but all to no avail. Julie my wife wasn’t feeling well that night and had taken some Nyquil to get some rest and hopefully feel better in the morning. Let me tell you, that stuff really works.

Rick Writes:

Posted on Nov 5, 2020 in Uncategorized |

The Value of a Good Question

I still remember the question. I remember where I was, and what we were doing when he asked it. Struggling with a relationship where I barely knew the young lady, a friend of mine asked, “Are you thinking about marrying her?” “Marry her?” Of course not. I hardly knew her, but when he asked that question, it was as if part of the struggle was lifted. Someone had taken me and the issue seriously. I still remember the question. I still remember the event.

Rick Writes:

Posted on Sep 28, 2020 in Uncategorized |

Singular Focus from a Box of Candy

Years ago, when our children were young, we planned a small trip, and before we jumped in the car, I made an executive decision and planned an activity that I thought might get the kids involved memorizing Scripture, if only for a few miles. After printing some verses on 3×5 index cards and filling a box with candy and a roll of quarters, it was time to move on down the road and let the games begin. Recite a verse and pick a Hershey bar or a quarter from the box. Then, once you had recited the verse, you earned the bonus question, which if answered correctly, meant another trip to the loaded box. The bonus question? What does the verse mean?

That’s when the unexpected happened. Our daughter, who must have been around the age of 12, was quick to answer the bonus question, and it didn’t matter what the verse was, her answer was always the same. Whatever the verse, the meaning was the same: Love God and Serve other People.

September’s Letter

Posted on Sep 1, 2020 in Uncategorized |

In Acts chapter 11, the Word of God tells us that after Stephen’s death, persecution against believers in Christ was unleashed. They scattered and some went to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, where they preached the gospel of the Lord Jesus. Many in Antioch believed in Christ because of the preaching of those courageous believers. News of these things came to the church in Jerusalem and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he immediately saw the grace of God reflected in many saved souls and exhorted all to continue preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Barnabas went to find Paul in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch. Barnabas and Paul spent a year in Antioch, teaching the Word of God to many people and it was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.

Dear First Baptist Church

Posted on Aug 24, 2020 in Uncategorized |

Recently, my wife shared this illustration that shows us the importance of sticking together.

Flying in a flock is the key to survival for birds living on the plains, and the best display is the annual migration of the American snow goose. A million and a half birds stop to roost in Mound City, Missouri, and the bald eagles know it. They gather to feast on this delicacy before winter comes, but geese are as big as the eagles and hard for them to catch.

When geese sense danger, the entire flock takes flight forming what looks to the eagle like a great noisy wall. The confused eagles are not able to penetrate that united wall and harm them. But the eagles are hungry and patiently wait for another chance.

When the weather turns colder, the geese separate into smaller groups along the shore and marshes. The eagles take advantage of the divided groups by diving over them. The geese scatter in flight and in the chaos injure their flock mates, breaking wings and leaving them vulnerable to the enemy.

I think, in some ways, this story describes the current situation of our church.

The church is the group of people who have believed in Christ for salvation and who come together to worship God and to celebrate biblical ordinances.

Transitions

Posted on May 1, 2015 in Uncategorized |

*Transitions*

*The Inevitable Cycles of Life*

Transitions are an inevitable part of life. Beth and I have been reminded
of that truth just this Christmas. All of our children and grandchildren
gathered together with us in Holyoke. We enjoyed a tremendous time of
fellowship, joy, reminiscing and eating. Our family experienced a wonderful
season of family!
Beth and I used to play the role of parents. Now we play the role of
grandparents. After two of our children and their crew departed f …

A Living Hope

Posted on Apr 11, 2015 in Uncategorized |

A Living Hope

The resurrection of Jesus Christ fundamentally changes everything about
life, both the present and the future. Here are a few areas impacted by the
resurrection:

· The ultimate defeat of death and Hades (1 Corinthians 15:55).
· The promised destruction of Satan and his hordes (Revelation 20:10).
· Christ’s presentation of gifts to people (Ephesians 4:11)
· The promised resurrection of all people from the dead, both believers and
the lost (Daniel 12:2).
· Power for liv …

Flat Tire

Posted on Feb 1, 2015 in Uncategorized |

Feb_2015.pdf

Thanksgiving: An Acceptable Sacrifice to God

Posted on Nov 3, 2011 in Uncategorized |

Thanksgiving—a wonderful concept that finds its roots, not with the
pilgrims, but in the Scriptures. Thanksgiving is a natural consequence of
our relationship with God! Included below are several passages that give
reasons we should be thankful. Ponder the truths of these passages and
respond appropriately.

Psalm 50 teaches us that we cannot truly offer the LORD anything that He
already possesses. The cattle of the field, the birds of the mountains, and
the goats of the fold all belon …

In the World, but not of the World

Posted on Oct 4, 2011 in Uncategorized |

The Christian life is full of tensions and the need to reconcile seemingly
contrary truths. There are many theological tensions—things we cannot
grasp, yet key doctrines we must accept by faith! These would include, for
example, an understanding of the Trinity or the relationship between the
sovereignty of God and human free will. There are other tensions that
relate to our Christian living. One such tension is the concept of being
“in the world, but not being of the world.” The Lo …

The second photo, under Tim and Joy, is a photo of a facility pod to give an idea of what a living unit inside a youth facility looks like. The third photo shows what ministry looks like right now in two of the facilities where Tim serves as Chaplain, he is having a virtual visit with the young people through the computer. On Sunday afternoons/evenings, Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings, Tim “meets” with the young people, sometimes for 15 minutes while other sessions have lasted for more than an hour. Sometimes a volunteer is with Tim, as is the case in that third photo, and the visits are never the same. Some visits include a group bible study with maybe 5 kids crowded around a computer screen at the facility, and those can be tough and a challenge to hold their attention given the distractions on the units. Often Time shares a Christian video with them and those always have an impact. The third facility allows Tim to offer a Protestant service every other Sunday, and he is praying that in the near future, he can start offering weekly Bible studies and “pastoral visits” to the guys who request them.

Here is the latest update from Tim on the work he is doing with YFC.

I Samuel 23 records an incident in David’s life when he, and the 600 men who were following him, were on the run from Saul. After rescuing the city of Keilah from the Philistines, God reveals to David that the people would soon turn on him and hand him over to Saul. Talk about getting stabbed in the back! David had to be devastated, so I’m sure he was energized and thrilled to see his close friend Jonathan. Verse 16 reads “And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God.” I pray for you that when those times of deep discouragement come – and I am sure they have come many times! – that God will send a “Jonathan” to strengthen your hand in God, even as your prayers have strengthened me over the years. Just this past week, I received a letter from Alec (one of the STEM shooters from 2 years ago) letting me know he is now at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility where he’ll probably spend the next 18 years until he’s eligible for parole. (Alec has identified as a male but is biologically a female.) I am humbled by the opportunity God has given me to speak hope and JESUS into his life and pray that someday soon he’ll surrender his life to Christ. (Alec’s mom has also texted me about a dozen times since December, so pray for that relationship as well that she will come to a saving faith in Jesus.) Thank you for praying for the in-person ministry that I’m having again at the Ridge View Academy in Aurora. Right now, a Catholic Deacon and I are offering services on alternating Sundays, so pray that in time, I can begin offering a weekly Bible study and individual pastoral visits to the youth on an “as requested” basis. The “re-certification” training I was to receive last month at Marvin Foote was postponed since one of the instructors came down with COVID. Hopefully, the training will be rescheduled soon so a couple volunteers and I can begin in-person ministry soon. (The virtual visits are going well, so that’s a praise!) Continue to pray for “Edgar” – I mentioned him last month, and many other times. He’s been at the Arapahoe County Jail since February, and his trial begins next month. During my last video phone call, he admitted he’s really discouraged and has stopped reading his Bible. My letters to him and time on the phone can only do so much, so pray God will powerfully surround him with His peace. If found guilty, I’m sure he’s looking at a 20+ year sentence. I ask for your continued prayers for the Gilliam facility (28^th and Downing) – despite my numerous emails to the director, I’ve not received any indication as to when they will allow in-person ministry. The “virtual” Bible studies and one-on-one conversations I offer each Wednesday are going well, but at times, there are too many distractions for meaningful interactions. Our Parent Life ministry has begun a monthly job training class for the young parents, and the CEO of Jersey Mike’s has been involved in the training. Pray the participants will grow in their personal confidence and job skills, and that this will open the door to many meaningful conversations about a relationship with Jesus.

Bullet points (3):

Last week, I received a letter from Alec (one of the STEM shooters from 2 years ago) letting me know he is now at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility where he’ll probably spend the next 18 years until he’s eligible for parole. (Alec has identified as a male but is biologically a female.) I am humbled by the opportunity God has given me to speak hope and JESUS into his life and pray that someday soon he’ll surrender his life to Christ. (Alec’s mom has also texted me about a dozen times since December, so pray for that relationship as well that she will come to a saving faith in Jesus.)
Continue to pray for “Edgar” – I mentioned him last month, and many other times. He’s been at the Arapahoe County Jail since February, and his trial begins next month. During my last video phone call, he admitted he’s really discouraged and has stopped reading his Bible. My letters to him and time on the phone can only do so much, so pray God will powerfully surround him with His peace. If found guilty, I’m sure he’s looking at a 20+ year sentence.
I ask for your continued prayers for the Gilliam facility (28^th and Downing) – despite my numerous emails to the director, I’ve not received any indication as to when they will allow in-person ministry. The “virtual” Bible studies and one-on-one conversations I offer each Wednesday are going well, but at times, there are too many distractions for meaningful interactions.