ACTS of Prayer

What are you devoted to? Most of us have a handful of things we spend our time and energy on. Where does prayer fit into your spiritual life? Sadly, I know in my life prayer often becomes a last resort instead of a first priority. I believe if we are to see spiritual awakening in our Land and revival in the Church, prayer must become a central priority in our lives.

Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. We have that prayer recorded in Matthew 6. The key is our prayer must also be followed up by action. We must pray and then love, serve, and go wherever God instructs us. Prayer without obedience is just wishful thinking. As believers, we cannot sit idly by and not act on our prayers.

The outline of the ACTS of Prayer is a great way to specifically remember key points on prayer and how to pray effectively.

Adoration: Praising God for WHO He is and His awesome power! (Psalm 31:23-24)

Confession: Confessing our need for His forgiveness, love and cleansing! (1 John1:9)

Thanksgiving: Thankful for God’s provisions! (Psalm 100:4-5)

Supplication: Praying for Others! (1Timothy 2:1)

On Mission,

Pastor Johnny

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Young Lives Ablaze Kids Camp 2018 by Beth Aultman

What an incredible week of growing in the Lord our kids and I had at camp this year!  Our camp Pastor Colby King challenged each one to share their story with friends and family.  He is a great evangelist when it comes to relating to kids and the way he accurately and concretely demonstrates what it means to be a Christian.  Throughout the week kids would ask, “What time is it?”  Pastor Colby shared it is always 3:30.  This is their ministry theme verse. “He must become greater, I must become less” John 3:30.  Pastor Colby also shared a very simple way to have a conversation with those around us.  It starts with a question.  Can I tell you about the greatest thing that ever happened to me?  Then after sharing your story, you end with, “and that’s how I know I’m going to heaven, what about you?” I encourage each of you to give that simple way of sharing Christ with someone you know or have an acquaintance with a try.  Thanks for taking time to hear a little bit about our camp week.  It was terrific!

“GAME ON” – 2018 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – by Beth Aultman

“In Jesus, we have everything we need to live a life that honors God.  When we trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, He rescues us from sin and death and gives us power to live joyfully for Him.”  Because that statement is true, we invest prayer, time, effort, planning and yes, dollars to provide a VBS experience that has great life-changing, rescuing potential.  You might wonder, is there a role for me in VBS?  Oh, so glad you asked!  Here are some ways for you to be involved that you may not have considered:  Sound/technical support, prayer team, teachers, helpers, crafts, music, missions, recreation, registration, security, decorations, 4th of July parade workers, and more.  This year’s goal is to get kids from our community to VBS, and we need your help.  Parents with kids who’ve completed Kindergarten through 5th grade, would you encourage your child to invite a friend or two, particularly friends who are unchurched?  All children are welcome, but think of how you might impact the life of a child by inviting them and perhaps providing transportation to and from VBS each day. If there are kids in your neighborhood, would you make it a point to invite them?  We will be providing flyers to be handed out to kids you know or that live near you.  I can’t wait to see how God will use VBS this year!  I encourage you to be a part.  VBS is July 9 – 13 from 9 a.m. to noon and is open to kids who have completed Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Student Ministry – MAY 2018 – by Sid Ware

BCNM Student Camp

BCNM Student Camp, formerly known as Lives Ablaze Student Camp, is coming June 25-29.  Early registration ends May 25th, and I need to know who will be going by May 20th so I can reserve our spots.  The cost of Camp has increased to $192.00.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you or your student will be going.

Camp dates:  June 25-29

Cost:  $192.00

Deadline to register: May 20th

 

Elevate Summer Schedule

During summer, Elevate will follow the schedule listed below:

June

6 – Garden Party

13 – Cancelled

20 – Cancelled

27 – Cancelled (Student Camp)

July

4 – Cancelled (Parade)

11 – Cancelled (VBS)

18 – Family Play Evening

 

We will be returning to our regular schedule on July 25th.

 

Follow this link to find this information and more:

https://newsletter.dymapps.com/read/17061

Children’s Ministry – Young Lives Ablaze Conference – by Beth Aultman

Attention parents with kids in grades 3 through 6. You are invited to begin planning now for your child to attend the Annual Young Lives Ablaze Conference. This year’s conference theme is #Never the Same, based on 2 Corinthians 5:17. It will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is a day packed full of fun: Entertainment by Jesse Joyner the Juggler, Worship Artist Yancy and the speakers Kolby and MaryBeth King. This exciting event is sponsored by the Baptist Convention of New Mexico. Registration before April 6th includes a T-shirt for $30. Registration after April 6th is $35 and does not include a T-shirt. Please be sure to see the poster at the entrance to the Children’s hallway or see me for more details. Permission slips (required to attend) are currently available in the welcome/check-in area. Transportation to and from the YLA Conference will be provided as well as breakfast and supper before and after the sessions. Lunch is included in the Conference fee. We encourage kids to invite their friends who are also in 3rd – 6th grades for a wonderful, fun day where the gospel presentation will be specifically geared for this age group.

Student Ministry – February 2018 – by Sid Ware

Our Student Ministry will be attending the Rock & Worship Roadshow on Saturday, February 24th at Santa Anna Star Center.  Admission to the concert is first come first seated so we plan to depart from the Loft at 2:00 p.m., be there around 3:00 p.m. as the doors open around 4:30 p.m. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. so it is anticipated that it will be over some time around 9:30 p.m. which in turn suggests a return to the Loft around 10:30 p.m.  We will have students start contacting parents once we headed home. Artists include For King & Country, Matthew West, Natalie Grant, Bethel Music, Zac Williams, & Social Club Misfits.

Summary of Details:

DATE:  February 24

DEPART FROM LOFT:  2:00 p.m.

RETURN:  Unknown (Assuming around 10:30 p.m.)

COST:  $15.00 ($10.00 cash to get into the concert and $5.00 for a meal)

Please follow this link to read an article about Generation Z, the new and emerging generation of teenagers.  https://newsletter.dymapps.com/read/14886

Faith for a Lifetime, Part 2 – by Beth Aultman

Last month the focus of this article was primarily on the role of parents and families in the development of helping kids have faith that sticks.  Now our focus will shift a little to see what the authors of Why They Stray, by Steve Parr and Tom Crites and Sticky Faith, by Kara Powell and Chap Clark tell us their research on this subject revealed about the churches’ role.

• They were part of a strategic youth Ministry
• Parents who were ‘all in’
• Whether they had a church that had a ministry for them after high school
• The child’s own personal sense of commitment
• A college ministry
• A watch-care church (a church that kept in contact and still ministered to the young adult)
• The child’s own personal view of scripture

While a few of the items on this second half of the list still reflect somewhat on the parent/family influence, we as a church body bear the responsibility of the majority of this list.  I believe the adults at church who live out an ‘all in’ attitude in spiritual matters, have a high level of personal commitment to the Lord and live lives that show the importance of Scripture, are all positive influences to those forming their opinions about how to live the Christian life.  If you are an adult believer, and you haven’t already done so, seek to connect with a least one young person at church.  You just might be one of the ‘difference makers’ in that young person’s life.  Let’s prayerfully strive to be the Christian examples and strong Godly influences for all of those watching, especially when we think no one is watching.

Faith for a Lifetime, Part 1 by Beth Aultman

Parents often wonder, am I doing enough or doing what is needed to pass on my faith to my children?  Turns out researchers have also been wondering that too.  What is it that makes a difference regarding whether or not kids who’ve grown up in church will hold onto their faith as they become young adults. In their books, Why They Stray, by Steve Parr and Tom Crites, and Sticky Faith by Kara Powell and Chap Clark, these authors have compiled a list of 15 issues that matter greatly to young adults that are still in the church.

• Conversion as a child
• Baptism
• Home life that encourages and lives out Biblical principles
• Child’s personality (Strong willed children, a little less likely to stay in church)
• Parents’ style of discipline
• Parents’ marriage
• Families that sit together in Worship
• Kids who liked their Pastor

The first two on the list have primarily to do with the child him/her self and their openness to responding to the gospel in both decision and obedience to follow the Lord in Baptism. Certainly the teaching and example of the parents as well as hearing the gospel presentation at church, home or other events provides opportunity as well.  If you are like me, you are going through the list at least mentally checking off which issues you/your family and your child meets.  As the list continues, the focus switches slightly to reflect things about a child’s family situation.  You will notice the last one on this list mentions a child’s relationship or thoughts about the Pastor.  We as adults can have a positive impact with this one as well by sharing the positives of our Pastor with our kids, being his cheerleader so to speak rather than frequently criticizing.  Consider this list if you will and then check out part 2 of this post next time with the second half.  The second half of this list shifts slightly to focus a little more on the role the church body plays in this issue.  So the good news is this: We are in this together! Yes, the parents have primary influence in spiritual matters, but the church has an important role also.  Please read the rest of this story next time.  Until then, stay encouraged parents, we’re here to support you!

Student Ministry – December 2017 – by Sid Ware

A few dates to mark on your calendar:

Student Christmas Party:

On Saturday, December 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. we will have our Christmas service project and gift exchange.  We will travel to Bee Hive Homes in Edgewood where we will join the Children’s ministry to decorate Christmas cookies with the residents there.  Returning to the Loft, we will eat lunch, play games, and have a creative gift exchange ($5.00 limit) to wrap up the evening.

New Year’s Eve Lock-in:

This year, our annual New Year’s Eve Lock-in is going to move to the Edgewood Elementary Gym. Starting at 7:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, we will be engaged in activities all through the night. We will be busy all night and through the morning wrapping up at 7:00 in the morning on New Year’s Day.  Please mark your calendar, and let’s make this the biggest New Year’s Eve event this side of the mountains.

Please follow this link for additional information along with an article discussing holiday traditions.

   https://newsletter.dymapps.com/read/13767

Children’s Ministry Events by Beth Aultman

Families of children and preschoolers, mark your calendar for a great night of Christmas memory making called Keepsake Christmas – Making Memories at the Manger, on Friday, December 1, 2017 at 6:30 pm. This will be a fun interactive time not only to reflect on the Christmas story, but also to reminisce about your own family in a relaxed atmosphere designed to create memories your family will cherish for years to come.

During this engaging, approximately one-hour program, families will hear a dramatic retelling of the Christmas story from a cast of Mary, Joseph and an Angel. This will provide a unique look at how the amazing events unfolded on that first Christmas. Each family will create their very own keepsake nativity scene. You are encouraged to think of a family who you would love to share the Christmas story with and make plans to bring them along.

In addition to our Keepsake Christmas, we are planning a visit to the Bee Hive home in Edgewood with the Youth Department on the morning of Saturday, December 9, more details to come. We hope you will make plans to participate in each of these events.