Pea Ridge News | August 2024
Being and doing
by Dan Londeree, pastor
Our church renewal process is now in full swing, and we would like you to begin asking God two specific questions:
Lord, who do you want us to be?
Lord, what do you want us to do?
These questions are placed in this order for a reason: who we are determines what we do. Our tendency is to focus on doing rather than being, because we humans are generally task-oriented in nature. As we do this, our identity becomes wrapped up in what we do instead of who we are. In fact, when we first meet someone new and they ask us about ourselves, we often share our profession as our identity.
Jesus did not find his identity in how many people followed him or what types of miracles he did. His identity was firmly rooted in the words of his Father, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” (Matthew 3:17). God the Father said this about Jesus before he called any disciples and before he performed any wonders. His identity as the Son was already established, and this identity then moved him to do the Father’s will. His heart determined his actions.
As individuals, we are people who have trusted in Jesus and follow him. Our identity as children of God determines what we do. In the power of the Spirit, we exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As a local church body, we are a Jesus community that exhibits this fruit in our relationships with one another and demonstrates them to the world around us. Our identity is in Christ and the fruit of the Spirit is an outflow of this identity, as we are submitted to Christ.
As you pray, I ask you start with that first question as a personal prayer of, “Lord, who do you want me to be?” Meditate on the fruit of the Spirit, and seek to cultivate these characteristics into your life throughout the day. Then move to the collective question, “Lord, who do you want us to be?” Envision what it looks like to exhibit that fruit as you interact with members of your church family, and what it looks like for us as a larger group to exhibit it as we interact with our community. Pray over these pictures in your mind, and then ask, "Lord what do you want me to do?" and as He reveals this, continue with the final question, "Lord, what do you want us to do?"
As God answers these prayers for you, write them on a prayer card and place it in the basket in front of the connection center in the sanctuary on Sunday or Wednesday, or type them in the online prayer card and send them. Keep in mind, you can submit more than one. The renewal leadership team will look at these and pray over them as we continue to develop the vision for our church.
Together, let’s trust the Lord to lead us.
Lord, who do you want us to be?
Lord, what do you want us to do?
These questions are placed in this order for a reason: who we are determines what we do. Our tendency is to focus on doing rather than being, because we humans are generally task-oriented in nature. As we do this, our identity becomes wrapped up in what we do instead of who we are. In fact, when we first meet someone new and they ask us about ourselves, we often share our profession as our identity.
Jesus did not find his identity in how many people followed him or what types of miracles he did. His identity was firmly rooted in the words of his Father, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” (Matthew 3:17). God the Father said this about Jesus before he called any disciples and before he performed any wonders. His identity as the Son was already established, and this identity then moved him to do the Father’s will. His heart determined his actions.
As individuals, we are people who have trusted in Jesus and follow him. Our identity as children of God determines what we do. In the power of the Spirit, we exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As a local church body, we are a Jesus community that exhibits this fruit in our relationships with one another and demonstrates them to the world around us. Our identity is in Christ and the fruit of the Spirit is an outflow of this identity, as we are submitted to Christ.
As you pray, I ask you start with that first question as a personal prayer of, “Lord, who do you want me to be?” Meditate on the fruit of the Spirit, and seek to cultivate these characteristics into your life throughout the day. Then move to the collective question, “Lord, who do you want us to be?” Envision what it looks like to exhibit that fruit as you interact with members of your church family, and what it looks like for us as a larger group to exhibit it as we interact with our community. Pray over these pictures in your mind, and then ask, "Lord what do you want me to do?" and as He reveals this, continue with the final question, "Lord, what do you want us to do?"
As God answers these prayers for you, write them on a prayer card and place it in the basket in front of the connection center in the sanctuary on Sunday or Wednesday, or type them in the online prayer card and send them. Keep in mind, you can submit more than one. The renewal leadership team will look at these and pray over them as we continue to develop the vision for our church.
Together, let’s trust the Lord to lead us.
Worship Ministry Update
by Luke Creasy, director of worship ministries
It’s hard to put into words just how much fun our recent Worship at the Park event was. With five musical acts representing four different church bodies, it truly was a community of believers that came ready to worship. The event grew in participation and attendance from one year to the next and I expect even more growth next year. Through this event, we are building connections with local churches that will only strengthen our collective efforts to spread the Gospel in our area. A big thanks to the numerous people from our congregation that worked tirelessly to pull this event off behind the scenes.
Youth Ministry Update
by Zach Stevens, director of youth ministry
This month, our youth group was engaged in several areas of ministry. Many of our students have been campers, helpers, or counselors at Camp Cowen. PRBC had representatives at High School 1 Camp, Junior High 2 Camp, and High School 2 Camp. Our students were also involved in a movie night and spent an evening out serving at the Ronald McDonald House providing relief and cleanup help for the staff that work to serve families there. We are finishing our Seamless lesson series and will begin a new series chronicling the full life and ministry of Jesus in the fall. If you’d like to know how you can pray or be involved with our youth group, please text Zach Stevens at 304-654-5331.
Children's Ministry Update
by Sadie Creasy, director of children’s ministry
Our kids have been learning about the wisdom of God and how to obtain that wisdom through faith and prayer. They have asked many questions about how to relate this to their own lives. On top of that, our sweet Abby Atkins and Jenna Reed taught our Wednesday Night Ridge Kids class about David and Goliath. In what has become kind of tradition, the girls will planned a lesson, craft, game, etc. and taught the others a lesson from the Bible. We are thankful for the volunteers who impart the wisdom from the Bible to our kids who then feel confident in teaching their peers.
Worship at the Park
On Saturday, July 20, Pea Ridge Baptist hosted an evening of worship in the Barboursville Park Amphitheater. O'Goodness Mini Donuts and Frios Gourmet Pops food trucks were available to enjoy while listening to the music! We were led in worship by Big Branch Church, reGeneration Church, Pea Ridge Baptist Church, Ashton Harrison featuring Hannah Carter, and GFour (Greg Withrow). The evening weather was perfect and we hope everyone had a great time worshiping with each other!
Faith Stories: Katie Losh
Hi! My name is Katie Losh. I’m a senior at Marshall University and I am studying elementary education. I grew up in a loving Christian family and was surrounded by so many amazing people. I can’t remember a specific moment when I accepted Christ, but I remember asking questions about God and Heaven at a young age. I believe that is what led me to accept Christ.
Throughout my life, I have always been a worrier and overthinker. This led me to overthinking and worrying about God’s plans for the future. I asked myself, “how could all this be real?”, “doesn’t it seem too good to be true?”. During this time, I found a verse that gave me peace and comfort. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This verse reminded me that regardless of my worries and doubts, God has overcome the world.
I was also reminded during this time that it is not my job to fully understand God’s plan, but to trust that He will do what He said He would do. I still struggle at times, but this verse helps me find peace in the unknown. I hope that this helps someone who may be struggling with worries and doubts. Remember that God has overcome the world and that He has a perfect plan. We just have to trust in Him and remember who He is.
Throughout my life, I have always been a worrier and overthinker. This led me to overthinking and worrying about God’s plans for the future. I asked myself, “how could all this be real?”, “doesn’t it seem too good to be true?”. During this time, I found a verse that gave me peace and comfort. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This verse reminded me that regardless of my worries and doubts, God has overcome the world.
I was also reminded during this time that it is not my job to fully understand God’s plan, but to trust that He will do what He said He would do. I still struggle at times, but this verse helps me find peace in the unknown. I hope that this helps someone who may be struggling with worries and doubts. Remember that God has overcome the world and that He has a perfect plan. We just have to trust in Him and remember who He is.
August Calendar of Events
Sunday, August 4 10:45 a.m.
Camp Cowen testimony and Communion
Monday, August 5, 10 a.m.
Preteen Girls Ministry | Barboursville Park, Shelter 9 near the lake | Nature hike
Saturday, August 10, 2 p.m.
Wedding shower for Sarah Warnock (daughter of Bob and Kim Warnock) and Jacob Grimes | Fratelli's restaurant, Barboursville
Wedding Registry
Sunday, August 11, 10:45 a.m.
Camp Cowen testimony and Back to School Sunday | We will be praying for students and teachers who are returning to school!
Monday, August 12, 6 p.m.
Church council meeting
Wednesday, August 14, 6:30 p.m.
Youth group senior celebration night | We will be celebrating graduated high school seniors who are moving out of the youth group
Sunday, August 18, 10:45 a.m.
Camp Cowen testimony and Step-up Sunday for children's classes | Students entering new grade levels will switch will move up as needed (3-year-olds to preschool class, kindergarteners to elementary class, 6th graders to main worship service)
Wednesday, August 21, 12 p.m.
Golden Group Lunch | Tequila Grill
Wednesday, August 21, 6:30 p.m.
Step-up Night | Students entering middle school will move into the youth group
Sunday, August 25, 10:45 a.m.
Camp Cowen testimony
Camp Cowen testimony and Communion
Monday, August 5, 10 a.m.
Preteen Girls Ministry | Barboursville Park, Shelter 9 near the lake | Nature hike
Saturday, August 10, 2 p.m.
Wedding shower for Sarah Warnock (daughter of Bob and Kim Warnock) and Jacob Grimes | Fratelli's restaurant, Barboursville
Wedding Registry
Sunday, August 11, 10:45 a.m.
Camp Cowen testimony and Back to School Sunday | We will be praying for students and teachers who are returning to school!
Monday, August 12, 6 p.m.
Church council meeting
Wednesday, August 14, 6:30 p.m.
Youth group senior celebration night | We will be celebrating graduated high school seniors who are moving out of the youth group
Sunday, August 18, 10:45 a.m.
Camp Cowen testimony and Step-up Sunday for children's classes | Students entering new grade levels will switch will move up as needed (3-year-olds to preschool class, kindergarteners to elementary class, 6th graders to main worship service)
Wednesday, August 21, 12 p.m.
Golden Group Lunch | Tequila Grill
Wednesday, August 21, 6:30 p.m.
Step-up Night | Students entering middle school will move into the youth group
Sunday, August 25, 10:45 a.m.
Camp Cowen testimony