Church News
January 28, 2002
JESUS SAID, "EVEN THE SON OF MAN CAME NOT TO BE MINISTERED UNTO, BUT TO MINISTER, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY." Matthew 20: 28
AS I OPENED THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER THIS PAST SATURDAY MORNING after reading the Sports section I turned to the Business part. There was much troubling news with articles about the failure of Enron as well as Kmart filling for Chapter 11, the nations third biggest discount retailer.
HOWEVER, ON THE SAME PAGE THERE WAS AN ARTICLE THAT CAUGHT MY EYE: WAL-MART POISED TO BE NO. 1, THE BIGGEST COMPANY IN THE WORLD. I am sure that most of my readers have already visited Wal-Mart in the year 2002 if not in the last week. Ironic it seemed to me that here was K-Mart filing for Chapter 11 and on the same page the announcement that Wal-Mart is now the largest company in the world. How is it that a company that makes nothing has surpassed Exxon Mobil, General Motors, Ford Motor, General Electric, etc.? What is the secret to their rapid rise?
OF COURSE THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO THEIR SUCCESS. HOWEVER, WARREN BATES, A professor of Management at the University of Chicago School of Business states: "It's indicative that we have made a major shift in this country to a service economy." I immediately thought about my visits to Wal-Mart where I often shop for toothpaste, fishing supplies, hardware, etc., and I thought about the people who work there. It is obvious when you arrive they are prepared to meet many if not all of your shopping needs. Lots of employees with courteous and friendly smiles greet you and are ready to help you with finding merchandise as well as checking out. Moreover, if you need to return an item they will take it back.
OUR LORD PLACED A PREMIUM ON SERVICE TO OTHERS. On one occasion as the disciples were bickering about who was the greatest. Jesus said: "Whosoever shall be chief among you, let him be your servant."
AS WE ARE NOW SO CLOSE TO ENTERING INTO OUR NEW FACILITY I want to remind you that EVERY MEMBER IS A MINISTER. No doubt many new guests will come to visit, and I am praying that we are ready to minister unto them in the name of Christ. Keep in mind, our ministry does not begin with worship, or even Sunday School, but it actually begins in the parking lot and foyer where visitors will be warmly greeted by our members. A service attitude on the part of the dedicated workers in the Children's Department to parents and their children will be of utmost importance. Also, as we make transition from Bible Study to Worship, it will be important that Greeters, Ushers, and Choir Members are in their place ready to minister in the name of Christ. Our new building is a tool that the Lord has given unto us through which to minister.
REMEMBER IN THIS FAILING ECONOMY THERE ARE CHURCHES THAT ARE DYING AS WELL AS COMPANIES. Could it be that they too have forgotten why they exist?
PEACE, LOVE, & JOY IN CHRIST,
PASTOR BILL
CIRCUS IN CHARLOTTE
On Sunday, February 3, the children will be traveling to Charlotte to attend the circus. They will be leaving the church following the Morning Worship Service and should arrive back around 8:00 P.M. The cost is $20.00 per person.
TEEN VALLEY RANCH
Our youth will be attending Teen Valley Ranch on Feb. 1-2. Please pray that they will have a spiritually rewarding experience.
FIRST BUILDING UNIT UPDATE
The heat and lights are on, most of the furnishings are in place, carpet is down, wallpaper has been installed in the rest rooms, and the parking lot is paved. Much of the work has been finished, but there are a few items remaining before we can occupy the building. Special thanks to Pam W. and Tammy A. for hanging our wall paper and to all who are working and giving to make this building become a reality. A workday was held Saturday Jan.19.
CHRISTMAS SEASON 2001
