To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Tonight (Tuesday night) we have our Spring General Business Meeting, 7:00 at the church, and it is a reminder for me as to one of the reasons that I praise God for our church family. We have this opportunity to gather to seek God's will in terms of direction for our church family, and this is so important. I love the commitment we have to prayerfully come to these meetings, and to seek God's will together in a way that honours Him. If you are a member, please join us and prayerfully engage. If you want to come as a non-member we would welcome your prayers and watchful attendance. May our God help us to know His will, as we seek it together and may we discover in Him a joy not only of knowing where He wants us to go, but also of the unity we have in pursuing that in a God honouring manner.
This week it was exciting to welcome a number of new members into the church, and to have 24 more people go through our membership class. It is exciting to see God at work in our family, and many joining us in this pursuit of the glory of God through His local family. It is an honour to serve Jesus with you, and to see God at work. It is exciting to be with you in ministry here. Pursuing this kind of commitment and unity is so important as we seek to encourage one another and see God's mission accomplished. Thank you for all you are doing to help us in this.
Reminder: Ramzi Guirguis went to be with the LORD last week, and his celebration of life service will be at CBC at 1:00 on Saturday, June 3. You are welcome to join us as we celebrate the life of Raed's dad, and are reminded again of the importance of being prepared for death and living well. We who grieve do so with hope, and in this we offer our prayers to this family, and rejoice in knowing that in Christ, death is swallowed up in victory! May each celebration of life remind us to live well, and to be sure and secure in our faith so that we are ready for eternity!
Sunday we are celebrating communion, and it is good to prepare before that for this amazing celebration! Take the time to reflect on what God has done for you through the cross, and as you prepare for Sunday may your life reflect this focus on remembering and in joy recommitting your life to be lived in the shadow of the cross in freedom and full devotion!
We will be having a baptism again soon, and if this is something that you are interested in obeying Jesus in, please contact one of your pastors.
Please remember our College and Career family as they camp out this weekend. These retreats are a great opportunity to deepen their relationship with God. Please pray for Pastor Thomas as well as he uses this opportunity to build relationships and teach God's Word to these precious people!
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: The Battle Plan: Armour On
Text: Ephesians 6:10-19
Why is it so important to remember that we are in a spiritual battle in every day life?
How can we make sure that we are fixing our eyes on Jesus so that our relationship with Him is always growing?
As you read through Ephesians 6 in preparation of Sunday, try to imagine yourself standing next to Paul and the Roman prison guard, and ask why you think he chose (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) these particular reminders for us in terms of armour we are to be wearing for the battle we are in.
Have a great week, as you are engaged in the battle remember that our goal is to bring glory to God, and to see everything that happens to us as an opportunity to display how great He is, and what His love looks like when on display between believers. Choose this day who you will serve, and do so in His strength every day!
Privileged to join you in this battle,
Pastor Rob