Weekly Message from Pastor Tommy-12/25/11

Merry Christmas to you all. Not many times do we have Christmas on Sunday but today is one of those times. I know the kids are excited today with the opening of gifts and I hope that we as adults are excited about celebrating the Birth of our Savior. Jesus is the reason for Christmas. There would not be gift giving if God had not given to us His Son. We need to keep the Spiritual part of Christmas alive with Thanksgiving and Praise to our Lord. Having Christmas on Sunday seems to mess up some people’s Christmas but think about it; Why do we have Christmas anyway? Don’t lose the meaning and message of Christmas because it is on Sunday. Sundays are our day of worship and we worship because of the gift of life God has given us in Christ. Family and friends are important, but Christ is the most important thing today. We should worship him.

Thank you for a special day last Sunday. It will always be memorable for me. The meal was wonderful and I will miss those meals, but the Love you’ve shown is what will stick with me. The watch is a cherished gift especially with the inscription. The tie Courtney had made with the picture of the Church on it will always be a part of me. The cards, gifts, and the personal words are priceless. I wanted to see and talk to each member personally and thank them for all they have done for me and what they mean to me, but time has not allowed that to happen. Thanks to Greta Burke for coming back and singing for me my favorite song, “He Is An On Time God” Wednesday night.

Know that I love you and am proud to have been your pastor and proud to have served here 20 years. Remember the next Pastor will need your Love and support which you gave to me. Here is a word of caution, be patient in the search for a new pastor. This just does not happen overnight. The Leadership is trying to do all they can for you. They haven’t had to do this for 20 years and some have never had to do this. Work with them not against them. God has a pastor for New Bethel. He is an on-time God.

I Love You Church. Thank you. Keep the Faith. Support the Church. They need you and you need them.

Pastor Tommy

Weekly Message from Pastor Tommy-12/18/11

Today I am writing my last article as your Pastor and I do it with mixed emotions. There are times that I enjoy writing these articles because I have something to share with you that I think is necessary and helpful. Brenda has to wait on me to email her these articles before she can finish the bulletin. Sometimes I get it to her on Thursdays, but most of the time its Friday before I do it. I am thankful for her and her patience over the years with me not only with these articles but with many things in the ministry. She has been more than a church secretary keeping up with my doctor’s appointments and many, many other things that were not church related. Thank you Brenda. Now who am I going to depend upon. I guess I should have thought of that!
Church I love you and thank you for all that you have done for me in my 20 plus years as pastor here. Many emotions are running through my heart at this time. Many memories come to mind also. Families, faces, friendships, and fun times are in my thoughts today. Births, marriages, funerals, ballgames, trips, choir practices are things that made the ministry so beautiful for me. Thank you for today and what you are doing for me. To say that I am excited but sad is an understatement. Most pastors leave when there are problems in the Church or just before the church runs them off. I thank the Lord that I do not have to leave and you do not want to run me off. I am leaving on great terms and can come back anytime without fear of facing a problem or pain. We have seen God do some mighty miracles here and I am sure there are more miracles to come. I am leaving because I know God is leading me in a new ministry. I have not quit the ministry but am traveling down a new path with the Lord. Over the years my strengths have been in times of adversity, difficult times, and dealing with life’s troubles. I have tried to make my ministry one of being there when you needed me. I can say I have fulfilled that to the best of my calling. We have gone down many roads together and I don’t regret them. I do wish I could have done more at times. I try to love everybody the same and treat each one special because you are special.

Pray for me and I will pray for you. Support one another and you will be fine. Work with your leadership. Keep the Faith.

Pastor Tommy

Weekly Message from Pastor Tommy - 12/11/11

December 11, 2011

Time is going by so quickly for me and I am sure for you too. The Christmas season is upon us. Before we turn around a few times Christmas day will be here. I haven’t done all my shopping yet either. I am looking for those great bargains but they seem to be things that I don’t need. Now about the time going by so quickly I’m really referring to the time I have left here. Wednesday night was a special time for me. The first part of the service talking about Jesus and who He is was wonderful. All the input from you was powerful. I wish that we had a way to list all that you said because that seemed to be the highlight of the service. It is hard to describe Jesus, but you did a great job. I love how the Living Bible translation put it, “Thank God for his Son-his Gift too wonderful for words.” Our language does not have the vocabulary to justify who Jesus is. With all the names in the Bible as to who He is we fall short with our words.

I am taking a lot of training on my New Ministry. It is an exciting time for me but a scary time because pastoring is all that I have done in the past 30 years. I know I will enjoy it and I will miss the Church work. Now if you have anything you want from me before the 18th make sure you tell me or get word to me.

The Leadership is on the ball of getting things done with the remodeling and the new kitchen. I sure they will share some things with you today as to what they are doing. Be patience with them as they are working to do what is best for the Church and for you. They are working hard to start the New Year off with excitement and joy. Remember who you are serving, The Lord and not Pastor Tommy. God will also be there for you and the ministry will continue without me. I am honored to have all the Love shown to me in these past few weeks. I know for some it has been a shock and seems like a setback, but the Lord will see you through. It is a time to draw closer together and do the work of the Lord. Support one another and you will be fine. Keep the Faith.

Pastor Tommy

Weekly Message from Pastor Tommy

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. I enjoyed my Thanksgiving week. All week was great for me being with family and friends. I was able to go and be with my mother and family. It is always a special time with family, but it seems to be even more special time at Thanksgiving. There were times when ballgames, hunting, and other things were on the agenda instead of a meal and family. The older I get, God’s blessings seem to be at the front. Children need to know that Thanksgiving is a time of faith and not just fun and food. When we research the meaning of Thanksgiving we see that praising God was at the beginning. People took time to thank the Lord for all He had done and all that He was doing. Without God we have nothing and are nothing. This is a time to call our nation to focus on God. America is so blessed and we are blessed. Just think back to all that you had this past Thanksgiving. The world as a whole doesn’t enjoy all that we have. America, God has shined his light upon her. Thank you Lord for loving me and giving me things that I don’t deserve; you truly are gracious.

Thank you Tim and Pam for heading up our Thanksgiving meal. We had plenty of food and the fellowship was wonderful. I don’t know when I enjoyed a better meal than this one. They say your last one is the most memorable and I would have to agree. This was my 21st Thanksgiving meal here at New Bethel and the one that will stay with me. Not to have a kitchen and water I think things went very well. The crowd was great too. This is a tradition that needs to be part of New Bethel ministry for years to come. There are some things that need to be done away with, but not this one. The Church is going through a lot of changes and a lot of changes are yet to come. The main thing is to find God’s will and follow it. You have great leadership: Listen and follow them. Miracles are still on the way for New Bethel Church. I am just glad that I have had a small part in it. Keep the Faith: God is still on the Throne.

Pastor Tommy

Pastor's Weekly Message - 11/20/11

November 20, 2011

Today we are celebrating Thanksgiving as a Church family. I am so thankful for the Leadership of our Church for having this special day even though we are not in the worship center and do not have a kitchen to cook in. Tim and Pam, thank you so much for your part in the planning, and Judy for the decorating. Some people would not be rejoicing because of having the meal and the service in the same room, but I am. There have been a lot of things we have had to adjust to in the last several weeks because of the fire. Don’t forget to thank the Lord for what we do have. We are a blessed people. Look around at the things we have here in this building: Friends, family, and faith. What more could we ask for? The worship center has been painted and that is a praise. We were told this week again that by Christmas day we should have a service in our updated worship center with new paint, new carpet, new pad pews, new ceiling, new sound equipment, and much much more. We are blessed!

My Big Praise is 20 years ago I became the Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church. I did not know what the journey would be and here we are 20 years later celebrating Thanksgiving together. As I am typing this article my mind goes through some wonderful memories which the Lord has allowed us to enjoy together. The fire reminded me just how quickly it all can be gone and it will be one day. I am proud of the things that the Lord has accomplished through my ministry here. I have failed to tell some of you what you have meant to me but each family has a special place in my heart. The births of all the babies, the marriages, the celebration of answered prayers, the outreach in the communities, the wonderful funerals where you just felt the presence and power of God, to hospital visits and so much more. I am thankful I was the one God chose to be part of this. Miracles after miracles have taken place here and we were a part of them. Church, let’s just Praise the Lord. Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving without thanks. Thank you Lord and Thank you New Bethel Baptist Church.

Pastor's Weekly Message - 11/13/11

November 13, 2011

We are seeing some progress on the Church buildings. The ceiling in the worship center is now removed. All the downstairs rooms are gutted. By that I mean all that’s left standing are the 2x4’s. The sheetrock, paneling, ceiling, wiring, and carpet have are all removed along with the contents. In the upstairs they have built back the floors which were burned. Brenda’s office and my office still lack a lot of work.

As most of you know by now the church voted to build a kitchen between the old fellowship building and the new fellowship building, which is on the side where we park the bus. It is going to cost somewhere around $10,000. Praise needs to be given here because someone came forward and offered to loan the church the money at no interest for the next two years plus pay the loan off at the bank, which was less than $10,000, and let us have that free of interest too.

God is so good to us. When I begin to see how he has worked though this fire I have to say Praise the Lord. Miracle after miracle has come through for us as a church. We now have classes for all the Sunday school classes and Wednesday night classes. We are almost back to doing things like they need to be done. We still have to have the Porta-Potties: Hope that will change soon.

Let me remind you that we are taking care of some families for Thanksgiving with a full meal and all the trimmings. A lot of you have already given food for this project, but there is more to do. If you don’t want to bring canned goods you can donate some money for this project. Speaking of Thanksgiving, we are going to have our Thanksgiving meal next Sunday with the deacons and myself fixing the meal and we want everyone to come. This is a way to thank the church and show you we love you. We may have to do something a little different, but we will make it work. This is always a special Sunday for our Church.

Pastor Tommy

Pastor's Weekly Message - 11/6/11

November 6, 2011

This past week one of the finest men that I have ever known went home to be with our Saviour. Charles Lee Fitzsimons was 82 years old. Charles lived across the road from our home where we were reared up. Growing up without a dad he was the one who we depended on for hundreds of things and became the father figure in my life. As a boy, he was the man that I wanted to be like when I became an adult. He was the most godly man that I have ever known. In my 59 plus years on this earth he stood head and shoulders above all others in my eyes.

Many years before I knew what a godly man was I could see that he was different than other men. He was a deacon in our home church and I later found out it was Charles who got us to go to Church. If any person fulfilled the call of a Deacon, Charles was the man. He took care of church duties which included the less fortunate and the poor. He was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. He was always doing things at the church. Any work that was going on he was in the forefront. He never missed any services unless he was very sick.

He was the junior boys Sunday School teacher and the best I have ever seen. Every boy in his class could say the books of the Bible by the time they were out of his class. Today I still can recite them because of him. Charles had no boys of his own but had three girls. He took us as his boys. Charles bought me my first Coke and took me on my first camping trip. He made sure we always had something for Christmas. He got me my first job at US Pipe. He helped me get my first car loan. Anytime I needed help he was there.

When the Lord was calling me to preach, he was the one who prayed with me and counseled me. He was there when I preached my first sermon. I owe so much to him for the time and love that he put into me and my family. Any one of us boys could be writing this article today because he was the man. Everyone needs a man in their life like Charles. I thank God for allowing Charles into my life.
​
Pastor Tommy

Pastor's Weekly Message - 10/30/11

October 30, 2011

Another week has gone by and the cleanup and recovery is going on as you can see on the website. It is a slow process and time-consuming but things are happening. All the carpet has been removed and the youth room has been taken apart: walls, ceiling and furniture. The nursery has been cleaned up: beds, rocking chairs, and other things. We are hoping to have some buildings here in the next few days for the Sunday School classes and for the Wednesday night classes. The baking soda blasting is cleaning up the charred boards in the old fellowship building. See pictures on website. The committees are doing a great job getting things in order.

We are planning to have a Thanksgiving meal on Sunday the 18th. You will be hearing more about it in the days ahead and we will be posting it on the website also. Tim Moore is heading this up for us this year. We also are having “Can and Quarter” project for Thanksgiving families. We have changed it to “Can and a Dollar since things are costly now. There will be a box for you to put things in here in the Fellowship Building. Our food banks are low on canned goods and other things this year, so we need to help out all we can.

I want to say again Thank You to each one who reached out to me this month. Everything was appreciated, the kids, notes, the meals, the cards, the gifts, the desserts, the visits, and the love. My heart has been overwhelmed with all the kindness. The timing could not have been any better. Thanks Church. Sometimes it is hard to be on the receiving end, but I do thank you so much.

Much Love, Pastor Tommy

Pastor's Weekly Message - 10/23/11

October 21, 2011

What a great service we had last Sunday. I am still rejoicing. I do believe that people are looking at us to see what we are doing since the fire. I am not talking about where we are meeting and who is singing and preaching, but what we are doing as serving the Lord and what our spirit is like. Look around, things are looking up and God is getting the glory that He desires. Does not the Bible say in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you? Yes, even from this fire we can grow if we keep our eyes on the Lord and not on what was lost.  The fire has caused many people who have never before mentioned our church to ask about the Church and what we are doing.

Today would have been our Homecoming special service.  We can still make today special if we just open our hearts to the Lord. Who has a praise to give? Who has a testimony to share? Who has a song to sing? Who holds the key to today’s service? Somebody needs to let go and share with the Church what God is doing.

This is Pastor Appreciation month and I want to say Thank You for all that you are doing for me. Every day has been a blessed surprise for me. The Calls, the Cards, the Gifts, the Meals, the Desserts (pies, cakes, and cookies) have all been appreciated. With all that is going on will the Church, for you to reach out to me I am truly grateful.  I am putting on weight but that’s the fruits of enjoying eating. 

Pastor Tommy

Pastor's Weekly Message - 10/2/11

What a wonderful week of Revival here at the Church. My heart was overwhelmed with the power of the Lord. First let me state what a joy it was to be with Bro. Duane this week looking back over the years when he and his family were here and remembering all the things that we did together, and we did a lot of things.  He was a joy to work with because we had a bond and a relationship of trust. I have been blessed to work with some wonderful people in my ministry over the years, but this one exceeded them all. “What if we …” came up so many times during our ministry together, or “I was thinking about trying this today, what do you think?” Having someone around who is thinking of ways to serve the Lord or trying something different was a help and also  rewarding. I think we are too much like the ones Jesus rebuked in the New Testament who always had their ways of doing things which wasn’t working but they kept on doing them thinking one day it would work. Let’s look around at our Church and see what needs to be done differently or what is not working effectively. Just “doing things” because we have always done them that way is not always the answer in ministry.  We will soon start a New Year and what a great time now to look at what we are doing and to make changes that are not working. The Nominating Committee will be meeting soon to look at the New Year programs and positions. What would you like for us to do as a Church? Or, what would you like to do as a Christian? It is something to think about and pray about.

Wade Buice is being baptized today and he is excited as am I.  Anytime someone makes a statement that they are following the Lord in believer’s baptism is powerful and a blessing. Every believer needs to be baptized. It is important to share your faith this way and just as important to share in the Lord’s Supper.

We need to elect three deacons for this upcoming year so pray about this. There is a sheet to sign up if you are willing to serve.  See one of the deacons about this if you have any questions.  We are working on our Homecoming Service, so kept this in your prayers also.

Pastor Tommy

Pastor's Weekly Message - 9/25/11

Welcome to New Bethel Baptist Church. This is the start our Revival week with Bro. Duane Eller. Pastor Duane was with us about 12 years ago. Wow, time does fly. We had some of the sweetest services one could ever enjoy. Duane’s love for the Lord and his Love for people shows through in his ministry.

Looking back for a moment brings joy to my heart. I never worked with anyone who I trusted so much with my ministry. He was always amazing me with his insight on worship and service. He always had a fresh look at life. His leadership was priceless. He is a gifted man who knows how to worship the Lord and involve others in service.

I have been blessed to serve with some great servants over the years, but the impact Duane had on me was wonderful, and I am grateful to him for that. “Susan, I’m sure is the reason for it all.” Duane worked with the youth, led the choir, preached, visited, as well as had the vision for our preschool and deacon retreats. He is also good at doing any plumbing, electrical, or carpentry work. Those were some happy days for us here at New Bethel Church. I will always be grateful to him and Susan. Friends are hard to find in life but he is a friend. For you that do not know Duane you are in for a treat this week.

I don’t know what the Lord is going to do this week in Revival, but I know that our hearts will be blessed through the Word that is preached. Remember that the altars are always open for you to come to the Lord. We may be singing or Pastor Duane may be preaching but you don’t have to wait until the end of the service to come to the Lord. Come anytime you feel led by God. We are expecting God to do some powerful things this week starting this morning.

Invite your friends to join you in Revival this week. They too will be blessed. We the people will make the difference in Revival because we know God wants us to have Revival. Duane is the vessel that will be used of God to Preach the Word, but it is us who must hear, repent and surrender to the Lord. If we do not then we will only have a good meeting. But I want Revival. What about you?

Pastor Tommy

Pastor's Weekly Message - 9/18/11

Revival starts next week (Sept. 25-28) with Bro. Duane Eller from Nails Creek Baptist Church. I hope you have made plans to be here each service. We need a Revival in our Church. We need to get serious about our walk with the Lord. God has blessed us so much and we are thankful for all he has done, but are we living the way that he wants us to? What is Revival? The synonyms are: revitalization, renewal, restoration, stimulation, reinforcement, recovery, resumption, resurgence, rebirth, rehabilitation. Charles Finney said “It presupposes that the church is sunk down in a backslidden state, and a revival consists in the return of the Church from her backslidings and the conversion of sinners.” Amen to that.

1. The foundations of sin need to be broken up. A revival always includes conviction of sin on the part of the church. Backslidden professors cannot wake up and begin right away in the service of God without deep searching of their heart. The fountains of sin need to be broken up. In a true revival, Christians are always brought under such conviction; they see their sins in such a light that often they find it impossible to maintain a hope of their acceptance with God. It does not always go to that extent, but there are always, in a genuine revival, deep convictions of sin, and often cases of abandoning all hope.

2. Revival is a new beginning of obedience with God. Just as in the case of a converted sinner, the first step is a deep repentance, a breaking down of heart, a getting down into the dust before God, with humility, and a forsaking of sin.

3. Backslidden Christians will be brought to repentance. A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God.

4. Christians will have their faith renewed.

5. A revival breaks the power of the world and of sin over Christians. It brings them to such vantage ground that they get a fresh impulse towards heaven; they have a new foretaste of heaven, and new desires after union with God; thus the charm of the world is broken, and the power of sin overcome.

6. When the Churches are thus awakened and salvation of sinners will follow.

7. When a revival can be expected? A revival may be expected when Christians have a spirit of prayer for a revival. That is, when they pray as if their hearts were set upon it.

Pastor Tommy

Pastor's Weekly Message - 8/28/11

August 28, 2011

If you missed last Sunday’s services you missed Rondale Banks giving his testimony. It was powerful, touching and funny. (All but his baptism.)  The part “made in God’s image” was priceless and powerful, and where he talked about finding God’s purpose for his life made us all stop and think.  Everyone has a testimony. God always give us something to say. If you missed it go our website and listen to it.

Pastor's Weekly Message - 8/21/11

August 21, 2011

Today is another wonderful day to Praise the Lord. We are so blessed by the Lord daily and many times fail to Thank Him for all he has done. The weather has been wonderful: Not as hot during the day and cool nights. Change is in the air. School is back in session (Monday for Stephens County) and lives are getting back to normal - whatever normal means. I completed my classes this past Friday. Praise the Lord! But many of you are just starting.

Pastor's Weekly Message - 8/14/11

August 14, 2011

Today is another wonderful day to worship and praise the Lord.  Last Sunday's service was great.  The testimonies of Ms. Karen and Ms. Gina were so uplifting.  You could feel the love they have for the Christian Preschool and each child who attends.  They not only help the children who came last year.  Seven of them will be returning to school this year.  We have ten enrolled for the first time.  Orientation is tomorrow night from 6 to 8pm.  School will start Friday August 19th.  If anyone would like to sponsor a child so they can attend the Registration fee is $75.00.  Monthly Tuition for 3 days a week is $80 and for 5 days it is $95.  Last week there was a family who wanted their child to come, but could not financially afford it.  A couple from New Bethel made a donation so this child can attend.  Blessing after blessings can be yours.  People, God's love is real.  Let's share His Love with others.  It will not come back void.

Pastor's Weekly Message - 8/7/11

August 7, 2011

Today we welcome our teachers from the preschool: Karen Thomson and Gina Ayers. These two ladies have been with us for the last two school years and will be here this year.  You will be hearing from them both today. We are so blessed to have two ladies that love the Lord and love kids. They put in countless hours here at the preschool and many more hours at home for the kids. We have stated before that their families are very supportive of the school and their burden for kids. I am amazed at the love and passion that these ladies give each day for our kids. They are here during the summer getting ready for this new school year. It doesn’t take a person very long in talking with them to see they have a heart for kids. You will see in today’s bulletin how many kids have come through the preschool in the past. Several of them are church kids or family of church members who have attended.

Pastor's Weekly Message - 7/24/11

July 24, 2011

We are coming to the close of the Book of Genesis and it has been a great Wednesday night study for me. I have enjoyed teaching and preaching through this wonderful book. The study has been on time for us and there has been a lot of information we have learned. Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph have been the main characters in this book. The Nation of Israel was birthed and all that God had promised Abraham came true just like He said it would.  I am going to miss the studies when we conclude them. Wednesday is my favorite time together with you because we have time to do an in-depth subject or a study.   I am not sure where we will be going after we finish this Book but it will be another Book study. It is amazing how the Books we are studying cover things we are dealing with today in life.

Pastor's Weekly Message - 7/17/11

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

July 17, 2011

How would we react if for the past 22 years we were misused, abused, lies told about us and eventually we were put in jail?  What would be our “standard of behavior?”  Would we be bitter, angry, or want revenge? We have been looking at a man on Wednesday nights who faced all these things.  Some of the people who mistreated him he saw daily and he behaved as if they did nothing to him.  Wow! Could we behave that way?  The Lord made the difference in his life.  For 22 years he stayed positive concerning his behavior.  He couldn’t help what the people did to him but he could help how he treated them.   

We all have a choice to do what is right.  Our behavior comes from our belief in God.  How well are we behaving?  Attending a meeting Thursday morning, the Holy Spirit revealed to me some areas of need in my life.  How well do we make eye contact and smile at people we are talking with?  In assisting with needs do we listen to what they are communicating?  They have trusted us to share their burdens, needs and desires, but do we speak to those?  The old saying, treat others as you want to be treated goes a long way.  Be not judgmental towards them or their actions.  Talk with them not at them. This is a big one for me because we are trained to fix people’s problems.  Everybody’s needs  are special and need special attention addressed to them not just general answers.  Provide quality care to every person every time.  Take time to listen and show that you are listening to them by repeating what they have conveyed to you.  Listening skills are important because it may not be what they are saying, but the nonverbal word that needs to be addressed.  Be honest in what you say and do.  Our belief does affect our behavior; both ways good and bad.

Pastor Tommy

Pastor's Weekly Message - 7/10/11

July 10, 2011

We just celebrated 234 years as a Nation, one that I am proud to be a part of. Do I agree with all that is going on with our Nation? No! What I am proud of is the history that our Nation was built upon: Faith in God. Faith in God was the key to America becoming a powerful influence in this world. Yes, we are losing the powerful influence in this world because our Faith in God is not what it should be. This is where the Christian can and should make a difference. If we have been set free by the blood of Jesus Christ then we should give the glory to God daily for what he has done for us.

Pastor's Weekly Message - 7/3/11

July 3, 2011

On July 4, 2011 we will commemorate 235 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This is the document that gave us independence from Great Britain and was the birth of our new country! Believe it or not, I was not living then, but just recalling this event gives me and most of us a sense of pride.  Hope you have a fun 4^th of July, but remember our freedom which we enjoy today cost a lot from our founding fathers. What we are enjoying today at New Bethel was part of what our forefathers envisioned. Any man, woman, boy or girl can praise the Lord without fear of what will be done to them.