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THE TIDINGSGOD’S MISSION FOR TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH IS TO LOVE
HIM FULLY AND FOLLOW HIM FAITHFULLY.
THE TIDINGS (USPS #020005), Published Weekly except Christmas
by:Temple Baptist Church, Periodical Postage Paid, Ruston, LA
71270
Postmaster send address changes to:Temple Baptist Church, 1515
South Service Road West, Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (318) 255-3745 • Fax: (318) 255-0134 Website:
temple.life
THE TIDINGSMarch 20, 2019
Vol. 72 No. 12
As you read this article, sixty-nine of my closest friends (at
least for now!) and I are following the “Footsteps of Paul.” I
should say that we at least are retracing his steps through Greece,
with quick stops in Ephesus, Crete, etc. Paul carried many titles:
the apostle, the missionary, the theologian, the preacher, and the
pastor. But more importantly, he made a lasting impact upon the
Kingdom of God. No doubt, Paul’s passion for the Gospel and his
love for the church were unmatched. No place he traveled could
escape the apostle’s reasoned, empowered message of Christ.
Take Athens for example. Athens was named for the Greek goddess
Athena, whose “world-renowned temple, the Parthenon, stood on top
of the Acropolis in the heart of the town.” Known as the center of
classical studies in philosophy and literature in the ancient
world, the city exemplified Hellenistic culture. Poets,
philosophers, authors, sculptors, and architects all found
expression in Athens. Even Paul was familiar with Greek poets and
utilized their words in his testimony to the Athenians (Acts
17:28). Yet, by the time of the New Testament, Athens was a shadow
of its former self. Other cities like Antioch of Syria, Ephesus,
and even Corinth, had surpassed it in importance. McRay describes
Athens in this time as “a provincial backwater, a small university
town of about twenty-five thousand people, more concerned with
ideas than commerce, and living in the memories of its glorious
history.”
Paul entered Athens and confronted the philosophical as well as
the relativistic systems before him. He was particularly moved by
all the idolatry that he saw. Images of Greek and Roman gods
decorated the landscape, only to be accented by profiles of deified
emperors. Tragically, it is said that “it was easier to find a god
than a man in Athens.” From the agora (the marketplace) to the
Areopagus (the municipal council), Paul proclaimed his radical,
monotheistic faith in Jesus Christ. And while there was rejection
of the Gospel among the many in the council itself, “some people
joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a
woman named Damaris, and others with them” (Acts 17:34).
So many cities in our nation today reflect the Athenian
character of religious pluralism, pseudo-intellectualism, and
philosophical musings. They have sought more understanding, only to
embrace foolishness. The answer? Yep, you guessed it . . . the
Gospel! Jesus is the only remedy for such idolatry and immorality
we see in our cities today. Unfortunately, many individuals may
reject this good news, but I am encouraged that some will accept
it! The same power that energized Paul is the same resource we have
today! We must simply be faithful to proclaim Christ.
Thanks for praying for us as we are gone and for our South Asia
team as they complete their mission! Looking forward to being back
with you soon!
The Pastor’s PerspectiveDr. Reggie Bridges
Worship Attendance9 a.m. Blended
Worship Service543
9 a.m. the gatheringWorship Service
187
11:15 a.m. Combined Worship Service
286
The Springs Bible Study 43
Combined Morning Total 1059
6 p.m. Evening Worship Service 143
SSAttendance ‘19 ‘18
Adults 611 537
Singles/Young Adults 132 133
College 111 85
Youth 91 80
Children 122 123
Preschool 111 112
Local 1178 1070
Off Campus 105 111
Total 1283 1181
FROM THE RECORDS OF MARCH 17, 2019
Extended Session 3/24/199 a.m. Worship—Garson Woodard, Patrick
& Katie Golden,
Rebecca Williams, Tim & Jennifer McCarthy, Lauren Hull,
Dustin & Anna Alexander
11:15 a.m. Worship—April Winstead, Ciria Lee, Allison Davidson,
Jennifer Parker
Sunday, March 17, 2019 Budget $54,291.99
Share the Light $1,135.00Annie Armstrong Offering $36,532.40
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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU Church family for all the
support you gave to your college students during BEACH REACH.
During our week at Panama City Beach, over 3,000 van rides were
given, and over 1,300 pancakes were served. We also welcomed 9
brothers and sisters into the Kingdom family! During the second
week of Beach Reach, over 30 brothers and sisters were welcomed
into the Kingdom of God. GOD IS GOOD! Pray for week 3 of Beach
Reach which began this past Sunday night. It is reassuring to know
we serve a God who calls us to go to difficult places, do difficult
things and minister to difficult people. Nothing is too big, scary,
or difficult for our GOD. When you see a college student, ask them
to share their favorite story from Beach Reach 2019. Some of the
stories are crazy, and others will tear at your heart. But each
time we tell a story, God receives glory for the good things HE has
done.
Support your college students as they DEPLOY this summer. The
College Hike-A-Thon is April 26-28. We are asking you to sponsor
your favorite college student by donating per mile. A $1.00
donation per mile would yield a $28 donation at the culmination of
the hike. We will be hiking the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas. Eagle
Rock Loop is a 28.2 loop through the Arkansas wilderness. Each
donation will go to help summer missionaries from your College
Ministry serve the Kingdom of God this summer. E-mail Casey at
[email protected] if you would like to sponsor a college
student.
College ConnectionCasey Casady
WinShape Camp for CommunitiesJuly 8-12
Completed Grades K-8
Registration is open NOW! Cost:$219Sign up at
winshape.temple.life
Grade 9-Senior Adults are needed to volunteer.
Scholarship envelopes are available in The Journey Place and the
Church Office.Contact Sally, [email protected], 255-3745
Vacation Bible SchoolJune 3-7
Theme: “In The Wild”
Volunteers Needed! Contact Sally, [email protected],
255-3745
Candy and Eggs Needed!Children’s Ministry is in need of lots of
individually
wrapped candy AND Plastic Easter Eggs for our egg hunts.
(Please make sure the candy will fit inside plastic
eggs.)Drop-off baskets are located at each entrance.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Temple’s Goal: $63,000
Received to date: $36,532.40
The Journey Place Kids ZoneCheck out the “Kids Zone” located
near Guest
Services by the Sanctuary and in the Gathering Space. Worship
Guides, Big Church Bags for guests, and information on upcoming
events
can all be found at the “Kids Zone.”
Temple’s Jewels BanquetTuesday, April 2 | 6 p.m. | Fellowship
Hall
Widows, please call the Church Office at 255-3745 to reserve
your seat
and let us know if you need transportation to the banquet.
Reservation deadline: Wednesday, March 27
The Springs ~ A Ministry of Temple Baptist Church
On March 31 at 5 p.m., The Springs will hold its first worship
service. The Springs is a new ministry work our church is
undertaking in the
Barnett Springs community. To see how you can be involved with
this new ministry, please visit thesprings.life
or contact George at [email protected] or 318-255-3745.
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Hey church! A full week after daylight saving time, and I’m sure
many of you still are fighting to adjust. I know I am! Everything
will be okay though. We will all get back in our rhythm slowly but
surely.
This is an exciting time for the Music Ministry at Temple,
especially for our youth and college worship teams. For youth, we
have 8 new students who are getting involved in our Worship Band!
Some of these students already play a musical instrument, but
others are just beginning to learn. Thankfully, college students
who play in our Midweek Band are stepping up and teaching the youth
how to play guitar, piano, bass, drums, and voice. How awesome is
that?
The participation with College Worship Team has been
extraordinary! There were 15 new students who came to try outs for
Midweek Band this past quarter. With that, we now have rotations
for every instrument in the band and a choir for our college
worship ministry. The older college students have taken the
initiative to disciple the new students, so please be praying that
the Lord will work through that this quarter!
Just a reminder that Celebration Choir will sing on Sunday,
April 13, in the gathering at 11:15 a.m. (Rehearsal will be 10:15
a.m. in the Gathering Space on April 13)! Jeremy and I have been
praying for multi-generational worship to take place here at
Temple. We had multiple generations represented the last time we
had Celebration Choir, and I would love to see that continue!
Please contact me if you are interested in singing with Celebration
Choir. Contact Jeremy Asher if you are interested in singing with
the Sanctuary Choir.
Thank you all so much for supporting my ministry! Marissa and I
are beyond grateful that the Lord has called us to serve at
Temple.
Thank You cards have been received from...Dennis and Mildred
Smith;
Kathy Shealy and The Hoffman Family; Mike Brister; John and
Susan Corley; Elizabeth French;
The Family of Violet Branham (Norlyn Hyde) (Located on the
bulletin board in the Library window)
From the Associate Minister of MusicZach Husser
Our Newest Membership Candidates:
Dusty and Haley McHale
(Also pictured are Lily and Camryn)
Dalton Bernard
Jacob Butler
Andrew Ebeyer
Adam Bricker, Jr. (“AJ”)
Easter Egg Hunts ~ Invite Your Friends!Grades 4-6 Flashlight Egg
Hunt
and Cookout Thursday, April 18, 7-9 p.m.
at the home of Chris and Lisa Barr
Babies-Grade 3 Easter Egg Hunt Friday, April 19, 10 a.m.-12
p.m.
at the home of Larry and Nelda Neal
Church Offices ClosedFriday, April 19
in observance of Good Friday
Wednesday, March 27Family Night Meal and
Children’s Activities (M3) are canceled.
The Church Offices will be closed on Friday, March 22,
for annual alarm inspection.
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THE TIDINGSGOD’S MISSION FOR TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH IS TO LOVE
HIM FULLY AND FOLLOW HIM FAITHFULLY.
THE TIDINGS (USPS #020005), Published Weekly except Christmas
by:Temple Baptist Church, Periodical Postage Paid, Ruston, LA
71270
Postmaster send address changes to:Temple Baptist Church, 1515
South Service Road West, Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (318) 255-3745 • Fax: (318) 255-0134 Website:
temple.life
THE TIDINGSSunday, March 31Guest Speaker – Tim ElmoreAll Morning
Worship Services “Reach the Next Generation”
Evening Worship Service Sanctuary | 6 p.m.
“Huge Mistakes Parents Can Avoid”
Please help us spread the word!
Label here
Deacons of the Week—March 24-30 Walter Scriber & Cullen
Simmons
Family Life Center Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday: 8
a.m.-7 p.m.; Wednesday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.The
Journey Place Playscape Hours: Monday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday,
Wednesday, & Thursday: 2:30-5 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.-12 a.m.
Media Center Hours: Sunday: 8:15-9 a.m.; 10:15-11:15 a.m.;
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1:30-5 p.m.Broadcast: Sundays at 9 a.m.
Channel 11 (KAQY)
Core Values: Authoritative Truth • Strengthening Worship
Authentic Community • Intentional TransformationHands-On
Missions • Relational Evangelism
Compassionate Servanthood
Vision: To become authentic, loving followers of Jesus,
who are experiencing life transformation through God’s Word, For
the purpose of impacting our world.
Week-at-a-GlanceSouth Asia Mission Trip ~ March 15-25
Greece Trip ~ March 19-April 1
RA Congress ~ March 29-30
Sunday, March 24
9 a.m. - Blended Worship (Sanctuary); the gathering Worship
(GS)
10:15 a.m. - Bible Study for all ages
11:15 a.m. - the gathering Worship (GS)
4:30 p.m. - Children’s Bible Drill (JPMR)
6 p.m. - Evening Worship (Chapel); temple-tech Sunday Night
Supper
Monday, March 25
6 p.m. - GriefShare ( Rm 76)
Tuesday, March 26
9:30 a.m. - Women’s Bible Study - one in a million (Rm 275)
Wednesday, March 27
3:45 p.m. - Women’s Bible Study - Psalm 23 (Rm 275)
6 p.m. - Prayer Meeting/Bible Study (FH); GROW Visitation -
WHITE TEAM (FH);
Youth Wednesday Night Worship (Youth Rm)
6:45 p.m. - Baton Rouge (July 27-August 3) Mission Trip Team
Training (Rm 76)
7 p.m. - CORPS Meeting (Rm 270); temple-tech Freshman Bible
Study (Rm 216)
8 p.m. - temple-tech Midweek (GS)
Thursday, March 28
6 p.m. - Adulting-Study for Singles/Young Professionals (Mission
House)
