July Newsletter 2024

THE DISCIPLE

The Newsletter of Franklinton Baptist Church

102 West Mason Street

Franklinton, North Carolina 27525

Volume Sixty, Issue Seven

July, 2024

July 2024 – Newsletter for Franklinton Baptist Church

Dear Church Family,

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of my first pastorate in Virginia at First Baptist Church Appalachia, nestled in the heart of the Appalachian mountain range. In those days, I didn’t worry about church attendance, worship, or evangelism. The community was deeply rooted in Christian values, and faith was an integral part of daily life. Sociologists and theologians have termed this era “Christendom,” where Christianity was the center of Western cultural life.

We’ve come a long way since then. Our society has undergone significant changes, and the landscape of religion has shifted dramatically. Sundays are now more about soccer and Starbucks than the Sabbath. Christian student groups on university campuses are dwindling, and the fastest-growing religious affiliation among young adults are the “Nones” (those who don’t identify with any religious group). The moral consensus built on Christian tradition is no longer the norm.

However, amidst this change, Franklinton Baptist Church stands at an exciting crossroads. We are embarking on a new journey, venturing into uncharted territory with a new pastor. But we are not alone; the Spirit of God goes before us guiding us toward a future that may be unfamiliar but is full of promise. As Revelation 11:15 reminds us, “The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever.”

This transition requires courage, vision, strength, and a willingness to embrace the adventure. We must lead the church into a future that is vastly different from the past. I believe the next steps will be exciting and demanding, but with faith and perseverance, we will navigate this new terrain together.

Let us embrace this new day with hope and confidence, knowing that the mission of Christ will not

fail.

Grace and peace,

Dr. Richard Childress

A Word from Our Music Director

Patrick Woods

Jesus in Matthew 16:24 says, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Henry Blackaby, in his study “Experiencing God," describes the God-Centered life as one that places confidence in God. Depends on God and His ability and provision. Focuses on God and His activity. Is humble before God. Denies self. Seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Seeks God’s perspective in every circumstance and Chooses holy and godly living.

Take my life and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my hands and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love,

At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my will and make it Thine.

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is Thine own.

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

-Frances Havergal

Birthdays

1 Justin Champion

2 Minnie Shirey

3 Tom Iversen

4 Toby Dement

4 Rose Stroud

5 Bill Day

6 Dorcas Pearce

7 Betty Hinton

9 Martha Holloway

9 Melissa Hunt

9 Linda Newton

10 Matthew McKee

10 J.R. Mendenhall

16 Judy Mendenhall

17 Samuel Hoffman

21 Jeremy Jackson, Sr.

21 Vanessa Matthews

24 Addison Edwards

24 Nathan Lyles

28 Danny Fuller

28 Bob Truitt

Now Accepting Donations for Christmas Toy Giveaway

We are heavily focusing on the Christmas Toy Giveaway from now through July 7. We are

looking for gently used toys as well as donations of new items such as: deodorant, individually wrapped candies, etc. We are not looking for clothing donations. If you have any questions about what items we are collecting, etc., please call Phil DeFrancesco at 919-724-3304.

Help Our Children

Go To Camp

We praise God for the donations from you that we have already received and ask for your continued consideration to help our children (ages 6-11) go to Caswell this summer. The cost is $250 per child, but we would appreciate any donation, no matter how small. As you know, the families of some of our children cannot afford to send their child or children to camp. If your donation is by check, please write “Caswell” in the memo line.

Homebound Need

We are in need of two people to serve on our Homebound Committee who are able to travel to Durham once a month to visit Sarah Hagwood. This may be two people who want to travel

together or two people who are willing to switch months with someone else—thus traveling to Durham every other month. Please call Cheryl in the church office at 919-494-5121 or Linda McGhee at 919-494-2097 if you are willing to serve in this way.

Message from Our Pastor

I am truly blessed to be called as pastor of Franklinton Baptist Church! Over the past few months I’ve had the privilege of getting to know this wonderful faith community, and I’ve been struck by the church’s mission driven objective and desire to spread the gospel.

It is clear that the people genuinely love and appreciate one another and I’m humbled to be a part of it. I’m committed to being the best pastor I can be, though I acknowledge I’m not perfect. I love the Lord and I love people. I am willing to serve with humility and grace.

I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to seeing what God has in store for us. And, while I may not be the legendary Pastor David Averette, I will do my best to follow in the footsteps of his visionary leadership.

I’m not him, but I strive to be the best version of myself and trust that God will guide and direct me for the journey ahead.

Grace and peace,

Richard Childress

Welcome Luncheon

We will have a pig pickin' with all the trimmings in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, July 14, following our morning worship hour, to welcome Richard and Pam Childress to our church. We would like each of you to bring your favorite dessert.

Staff:

Dr. Richard Childress, Pastor

Patrick Woods, Music Director

Cheryl Hollar, Secretary/Treasurer

Anita Fuller, Worship Leader

Danny Fuller, Custodian

Kay Mendenhall, Nursery Attendant

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