Our 120th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration on Sunday proved to be a wonderful day of rejoicing in the Lord. Through worship, fellowship, testimonies and the preaching of God’s Word, our time together served to encourage the church and exalt our Savior.
I want to say that I am so thankful for our Homecoming Committee members and many others who have worked so hard in planning and preparing for our celebration. I want to thank those who have given financially to help cover the expenses. And I want to thank those who participated in the service, and everyone who attended.
God has been so faithful to us! For 120 years, the Ridgway First Baptist Church has experienced abundant blessings from His hand. He has given us godly teachers, zealous missions workers, wise leaders, faithful pastors, servant-minded deacons, inspiring musicians, sacrificial givers, fervent prayer warriors and bold evangelists. He’s given us caring nursery workers, effective children’s ministers, patient youth directors and faithful adult leaders.
God has given His church caring and compassionate minds, generous and gracious spirits, loving and helpful hands, merciful and kind hearts, and willing and beautiful feet.
Some serve behind the scenes while others minister in the spotlight. Whether helping with crafts at VBS or going on Disaster Relief missions, whether delivering meals to the homebound or giving money to feed the poor in foreign lands, God’s love and grace have reached through us into our community and throughout the world. God has raised up countless servants of the Lord Jesus from the pews of Ridgway FBC who have been encouraged and equipped to take the gospel to our neighbors and to the nations.
Though the gifts are diverse and the members are many, all are equally needed and useful in the Body of Christ. Indeed, God has equipped the church with everything we’ve needed to carry out the work He’s given us to do. And it’s all for His glory.
That’s not to say we’re perfect or that we perfectly follow His lead as we should. In the course of our 120 year history there have been some highlights and there have been some lowlights. But God has brought us through, and we continue to praise Him for who He is, what He’s done and what He’s promised He will yet do.
Why not come and join us for worship this coming Sunday? If you do not have a church family where you belong, where you’re loved and valued, where you’re hearing from the Word of God, where you’re encountering Christ as Lord, and where you’re expected to use your gifts and abilities to serve and help build up the Body for the glory of God, then I want to ask you to come and experience God’s faithfulness to His church as we move forward into the rest of His story.
Let me also give you a heads up on what’s next on the calendar for us. On Friday, Aug. 27, at 7:00 p.m., we are privileged to welcome The Lesters in concert! You may remember The Lesters performing last year for Gospel Night during Popcorn Days. They are an incredibly talented and warm-hearted family, and I know you’ll be blessed by their music and ministry. This will be a free concert event, though we’ll receive a love offering to help with their expenses. Everyone is welcome, and we’d love to see you at the Ridgway First Baptist Church on Aug. 27.
Then for this year’s Gospel Night, on Thursday, Sept. 9, a group called The Whisnants will be featured on the Popcorn Day stage. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear one of Southern Gospel’s top performers. Bring your lawn chair, bring a friend, grab some funnel cakes or cheese fries when you get there, and be prepared to be encouraged through the music ministry of The Whisnants.
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