Newsletter

I was roughly 11 years old when I was given the opportunity to be “saved.”  I say roughly because I was convinced that I was 13 for many years. I was in AWANA on a Wednesday night. My father had taken me and my sister to AWANA’s that night just like any other Wednesday night. My teach, Jennifer, was very down to Earth and the way she read Bible passages to that night made me curious of salvation. I read bible passages with her, said a few prayers, and asked Jesus Christ into my heart and to save me. I was painfully shy leading up to this night and even a little shy after my salvation because I felt I was hiding a secret. My mother was an addict and as a child I didn’t know how to process those sad/mad feelings. But the more I prayed, read my bible, and went to church my shyness, sad/mad feelings melted away. I’m so very grateful for my Heavenly Father, my salvation, my earthly father,  and all of my family. I’m absolutely positive without salvation, God, and Jesus Christ in my life, my path would’ve taken a very dark and depressing turn. I’m not perfect in any way, shape, or form. I make terrible choices sometimes but I can’t express how thankful I am for salvation.

Felicia Mastrangelo and Family

To retreat is proposed by the Psalmist, who says: ‘Be still, and know that I am God!” (Ps 46:10) It is encouraged by Jesus when he says to the Apostles, ‘Come aside and rest awhile.’” (Mark 6:30-34)

The Renew Leadership Team has been meeting for fourteen months in consultation with Dr. Ed Rogers of Renew Transformational Strategies. A strategy map is in place, with subgroups working on each objective to develop initiatives and identify expected key results. One of these subgroups is looking specifically at two objectives: to enhance relationship building activities and create an offsite Spiritual Retreat. The initial retreat anticipated for Fall 2026, is intended to be one of many opportunities offered to members of Pea Ridge Baptist Church. The recent Camden Park Family Fun Night was one of the results of this subgroup working towards renewed relationships, restored hearts and revived compassion by providing an opportunity for church members to interact and bond over fun activities. While waiting for formal planned activities is an option for developing relationships with other church members, there are ways you can do this right now. For instance, how many times have you gone to lunch following a church service? Consider asking someone to go with you and then discuss the sermon message and scripture verses from the reading plan in Psalms. Did you know there are free devotional books outside the church office? Take one of these booklets and give one to your friend, neighbor or co-worker. Perhaps you could then use the devotional to talk to others about the love of Jesus. Pastor Dan has been faithful to encourage us to join a small group. This is a wonderful way to get connected to other believers and to live out our renewed vision in an intentional God-honoring way. When we devote ourselves to sharing life together through intentional time in Christ-centered relationships we experience deeper connections and spiritual growth. In addition to small groups, you can serve in one of the many ministries at Pea Ridge Baptist Church. The life of the church is vibrant and ready to equip those who are not yet serving. While the church renewal process uses the time and talents of the pastor, staff and volunteer leaders, its foundational strength relies on the prayers and participation of the whole congregation. Please continue to pray for our pastor, staff and volunteers. Seek out opportunities to participate in activities if you haven’t already and challenge yourself to take that next step of faith to grow, connect and place God first in your life.

Planning a church outing and want to use the church van? Whether it’s for a ministry outing, youth event, or other church related activity, we’d love for you to make use of it.

To reserve the van, please contact the church office or reach out to Brandon Maynard, chair of the trustees. Making a reservation helps us keep things organized and make sure everyone gets a chance to use this wonderful resource! When you reach out to reserve the van, Cari or Brandon will let you know the requirements for driving the van.