Canaan Baptist Family Blog

Freedom is not Free

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”

Psalm 33:12

Sunday we’ve prepared a special Memorial Day service to remember veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for the liberty we enjoy.  It’s important that we reflect on the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. Periodically we should be reminded that freedom is not free. This will be a special time honor those veterans and their families.

The primary election season is in full swing. June 1^st our church is transformed into a polling center. It’s also a time to welcome the community onto our campus. May we take our responsibility seriously to be Christian Citizen’s. Understand the issues, research the candidates and then vote according to our Christian values. Pray that we will be a nation God can again bless – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!”

Let me introduce our new Wednesday focus called The Sunday Connection. Each Wednesday we begin at 6:30 with a brief time of worship. On June 2^nd I’ll launch a new study. We’ll overview the lesson for the vast majority of our Sunday School classes. This will help prepare teachers in every department from preschool through seniors. It will also whet the appetite of every member to get in the word and study the lesson for Sunday. This could inject some exciting participation in each of our classes! If you’ve not been in the habit of coming on Wednesdays I hope you’ll consider joining us.

Let me remind you about our Shepherd’s Touch emphasis for the summer. I’m praying that every class from Preschool through our Seniors will commit to updating their rolls and contacting every absentee weekly. Teachers can enlist members to help them contact weekly through calls, cards, e-mails, visits and prayer. Each Sunday I’ll highlight a different aspect of this important concept.

Patriot and Evangelist Tim Lee will be with us Sunday evening June 13^th. God is using Bro Tim mightily to see scores come to faith in Christ. For us to see a harvest we must begin now inviting our unchurched family and friends! Will you join me in praying and working for the harvest?

What a joy to be your pastor & friend! Let me thank each of you for daily praying for our healing. We join you in expecting God to work supernaturally!

Your grateful partner in the Journey,

Bro Morgan

Bro. Morgan had his scan this past Thursday.  The scan did show two spots on his liver.  The doctor’s opinion is to watch it for three months and repeat the scan to see if anything has changed.  As Bro. Morgan echoed yesterday, God still is in control and using this time in his (and our) life to show His grace and love to others!  Thanks for your continued prayers for our pastor and Mrs. Ritta!

Hobby Christianity

“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold not hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth…”

Jesus (Rev 3:16)

This past Sunday I coined a phrase that makes us all squirm a little. I wonder if the church in our western culture doesn’t treat their Faith like a hobby. A hobby is something we enjoy doing in our spare time. Hobbies often consume us with real passion. But at times the business of life pushes them to the back burner and they remain in storage only collecting dust. For a season many are passionate about God but then life seems to push our faith to the proverbial back burner. Christ is not indifferent about our indifference – it sickens Him! May we heed the admonition of the Apostle Paul and daily be filled with the Holy Spirit walking circumspectly in wisdom redeeming the time (Eph 5:15-18). Genuine Christianity is not a hobby it’s our life.

Sunday was another stellar day for the Family of Families! Our attendance continues to creep upwards, the Spirit punctuates our services, your enthusiasm for God is contagious and God sees fit to add to His Family. I believe our children’s musical was another milestone in the life of our church. How the children (and our pirate) blessed our hearts! I believe decisions were made for God’s Kingdom. I want to personally thank our children, their leaders, the many helpers and especially Kristie for here leadership. God used each of you wonderfully!

Our Annual Family Fun Day on May 2^nd is less than two weeks away! This will be a wonderful time of relaxed fellowship (Sharing Life) for our Family. Our theme this year is the Great Sunday school Challenge. We’re asking you and your SS class to begin now inviting your unchurched neighbors and inactive members to join us. As we reach each of our attendance goals 525, 550 and 575 a staff member will be dunked by the winning class! After we eat we’ll enjoy the SS challenge between departments in our relay races for each age group. Again the winning departments will have the privilege of dunking some of our staff. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for the community to discover real joy and for souls to be saved along the way?! Let’s all get behind this great opportunity.

Thank you church family for your incredible support! We have felt so loved through your recognition of our 4^th anniversary at Canaan. We also are uplifted by your prayers as we enter the next phase of our Journey with cancer. Our prayer is that we remain a portrait of God’s amazing Grace. We love and appreciate each of you!

Don’t forget our Quarterly Membership Class Sunday at 3:30PM. Please encourage our new members and opportunities to join us!

Your grateful partner for the Journey,

Morgan

Reveling in the Resurrection

“That I may know Him and

the power of His resurrection…”

Philippians 3:10

The echoes of amens from Harvest Sunday continue to resonate in the hearts of our members and the halls of our campus! All the prayer, planning, preparation and perspiration paid off in a supernatural way. Well over 600 attended our worship and nearly 500 were in Sunday school. There were nearly 50 family units that visited on Easter. It looks like 27 families (approximately 75 people) are opportunities for Canaan. I believe many of those families were here as a result of our Across Alabama emphasis. They need to make the transition to our small groups this week. While there were no outward decisions Sunday, rest assured the Lord of the Harvest is still at work – we need to be ready!

Our TOUCH Training Camp launched this past Monday. At this time it looks like we’ll have 18 teams or just over 50 participating. While we had prayed for more willing workers I know God will use those who’ve made themselves available to Him. Please be in prayer as we follow up with the 27 new families that the Father sent us Easter. Ask God to help the laborers remain faithful for the duration of the seven weeks.

This week our follow-up mass mail-out went to 5500 homes. If projections are accurate we could see another 20-25 new families again this Sunday. We don’t need to relax! We need to keep our “whatever it takes” posture for each Sunday in April. It is essential for classes to contact absentees and opportunities weekly! The Father is at work around us and we want to be in the center of His activity!

Remember to pray for our Bro Michael and D-Now staff as they prepare for this special weekend with our youth. Pray that the 20 students who’ve signed up will really hear from God and comprehend what it means to be a fully devoted Christ follower.

Calling all men! Men and boys I hope you’ll sign up for the Annual Fish Fry on Friday, April 16^th being held in the FLC. There is an awesome menu and program planned for you. We’ll also have lots of door prizes. Be sure to invite your unchurched family and friends. Men we’ll also have our annual fishing tournament for missions on Saturday, April 16^th. This is always a wonderful day of fellowship. Don’t forget to sign up for this event as well. Call Mike Turley or the JOURNEYMEN team if you have questions.

Our children have several activities on the calendar as well. We’ll want to show our support for them in Bible Drills and the musical on the 18^th.

Your grateful partner in this exciting Journey!

Bro Morgan

“And the Lord added to the church daily those

who were being saved…” Acts 2:47

We’ve prayed, planned, plowed, planted and now it’s time for God to provide the harvest. It has been such a joy to watch the Body of Christ at work during the month of March. Members were prayer walking, gospel distributing, painting, landscaping, or sprucing up everyone was doing their part (Eph 4:16) to get ready for Easter. Members you have blessed the heart of the Father and your pastor. Let’s call upon the Father to send the Spirit now to draw the community to church this Sunday and ultimately to Christ. I’m trusting God to fill our sister churches this Sunday.

Please remember our special instructions for this Sunday – park behind the FLC if possible, honor the designated parking, greeters be in your place early, everyone fill out the registration, invite guests to Sunday School, and above all be flexible!

We will also be launching a new class Sunday so be in prayer for Kenny Smitherman’s class as they multiply. Remember it’s not about us – it’s about Him and them!

Thank you Bro Jeff, choir, praise band and sound/tech team for an incredible evening of worship! It may be a worn out phrase but it is so true – heaven came down and glory filled our souls! I really believe that God used all of our services Sunday to take us to another level of worship maturation. It will be exhilarating to see what Christ has in store for His Bride in the weeks and months to come.

There are a couple of events on the horizon I hope you’ll remember. Our students will be having a Discipleship Now weekend on April 9-10^th. I hope all of our students will participate. Then on April 16^th we’ll have our annual Men’s Fish Fry – this is always an exciting evening. The fellowship is followed by our Annual Fishing Tournament on Lay Lake on April 17^th. Sign up for the tournament soon if you plan to participate. All of the fees go to support missions. Finally our children will be leading us in a bible drill Wednesday, April 7^th. I hope you’ll be in attendance to support them.

Shepherds continue to contact absentees weekly!

Your grateful partner in the Journey,

Bro Morgan

A New Day

“Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us…?” Luke 24:32

God Graced us with His presence in a supernatural way this past weekend. Just as the disciple’s hearts affirmed they were in the presence of Christ so our hearts burned this past weekend. Everyone on hand for the Prayer Walk Saturday will attest to His presence. Truly it was a God moment as our people streamed into the Family Chapel. Our Jerusalem was saturated with prayer as God used our intercession to harrow hearts for the Gospel Seed to be sown. Sunday Jesus seemed to affirm His work in and through His Bride. Yes, it was a special weekend!

Saturday promises to be another milestone in Canaan’s storied history. I hope you’ll join the 100+ participants as we gather at 8 AM for fellowship, instruction and prayer. We’ll hang the Gospel track and an invitation to our church on nearly 1900 homes. Everyone can participate – we need drivers and hangers. So be a part of history as God sweeps our community and the Nation with the Good News.

As we approach this most sacred of seasons I hope you’ll plan on being an integral part. There has been an incredible amount of prayer, planning and perspiration that has gone into this important time.

Let me mention a few things to consider…

·        S.S. Classes please contact absentees weekly!

·        Gospel Distribution Saturday – March 27^th

·        Palm Sunday Services – March 28^th

·        Easter Musical on March 28^th – invite someone!

·        Harvest Sunday (Easter) – April 4^th (No evening)

·        Follow up Sunday (After mail out) – April 11^th

We need everyone to be prayed up and in their place!

Let me use this time to share a few notes of appreciation. We’re grateful for the work of our Building Team (Wayne Keller team leader) and our Grounds Team (Sandi Oglesby team leader) as they help get us ready for Easter. A beautiful campus allows us to make a great first impression. Our Across Alabama Team is also doing an incredible job along with Bro Charles. Only heaven will be able to record fully the dividends. Finally

We thank Margaret Rosser our WMU and host of volunteers for making our Annual Missions Meal such a joy. It is so rewarding to see so many joyfully Serving Others.

Shepherds and S.S. members we need to faithfully contact absentees weekly!

Your grateful partner in the Journey,

Bro Morgan

Everyone Doing There Share

“The whole Body (Canaan), joined and knit together (thru Grace) by what every joint (member) supplies…and every part (member) does its share (serving and sharing), causes growth (numerical and spiritual) in the Body” Ephesians 4:16

Canaan was a living epistle Sunday as Ephesians 4:16 came to life! The Father smiled as members streamed down the Isle placing their commitments on the alter for Across Alabama and TOUCH. Too God be the glory – great things He is doing! While the commitments are continuing to trickle in at this time the totals are as follows – 81 for the Prayer Walk; 96 for the Gospel Distribution and 41 for TOUCH! We also experienced a very meaningful Haven of Prayer Sunday evening. Continue to remain in prayer for our key Saturday’s in March on the 20^th & 27^th as well as Easter Sunday, April 4^th. There’s still time for you to get in on what God’s up to – call the church office with your commitment.

I hope your class is participating in the Marks of our Mission emphasis in March. We need to create a culture were Touches (contacts) are made and reported weekly. It would be incredible to have a month were absentees were contacting weekly and members monthly. If we employ the basic strategy we will experience a marked increase in attendance. Not only will attendance grow but the level of ministry care will dramatically increase.

What a joy it was Sunday to have the orchestra in place again to compliment our worship. I know I speak for the entire congregation when I offer a note of appreciation to Bro Howard Beckner and all the rest of the team. If you enjoy playing an instrument let me encourage you to join the orchestra each Wednesday as they practice in the choir room.

God’s sending a lot of visitors each week, but I hope you’ll take the time to invite someone this week!

Your grateful partner for the Journey,

Bro Morgan

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:14

We’ve been relishing in the Joy of our Journey  Sunday’s in January.  Each Sunday our hearts have been stirred by the testimonies of our members. This past Sunday we ended the day with a special evening service. How refreshing it was to hear how God is working in the lives of our members through each step of the process. This Sunday we’ll celebrate the last step – “Showing Jesus” and culminate the day with our annual Journey Commitment. God has used our services and Church Leadership Team Retreat in January to reinforce in a profound way the benefit and blessing of God’s blueprint for the Family of Families.
Sunday afternoon we’ll convene our Quarterly Membership Class. I enjoy leading this informative class for our new members and those who are simply new to Canaan. This class is designed to help our new folks get connected to the Journey. I’m also encouraging our long standing member s to consider coming. You’ll enjoy the class and be an example to others who need to participate.
Our Second Annual Marriage Enrichment evening is Saturday, February 6th. We have a very special evening planned for couples of all ages. The night begins with a candlelight catered meal. There will be special music followed by an inspirational and instructive evening led by Michael and Crystal Mason. What a special time for couples to strengthen their marriage while enlarging their fellowship with other couples.
Sunday, February 7th we’re scheduled to have five families participating in a Family/Baby Dedication. These are always moving services as families and congregations commit to disciple the children God entrusts to us.
Let’s remember to contact absentees weekly and everyone monthly!
Your grateful partner in the Journey,
Bro Morgan

Recapping Paul’s Commentary on the Journey

Chosen by Christ to Love God

“We who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.” Eph 1:12

Called by Christ to Share Life

“What are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Eph 1:18

Created for Christ to Serve Others

“We are His Workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Eph 2:10

Citizens for Christ to Show Jesus

“For He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.” Eph 2:17

 Journey month proved to be an enlightening and encouraging season for the Family of Families. The banners, worship, testimonies and sermons all served to reinforce our desire to become a Church of fully devoted Christ followers. Sunday morning the Father smiled as the alter was covered with commitments to be witnesses to our world while being on the Journey with His Son. While we’ve completed the emphasis we know that the Journey continues as we embark upon a new year.

Thursday we launch our Church Basketball League. This promises to be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship for our men and families. Probably a lot of good laughs as well! If this season goes well hopefully this can be a model for other recreational opportunities to share life. We also hope to expand the league and use this for an outreach in the future.

Saturday we’ve planned a wonderful evening of marriage enrichment for couples. At this writing we have 50 signed up – there may still be a space available for you if you call the church office. Also  pray for our youth as they attend the True Love Waits conference at Belleview B.C. this weekend.

Sunday we have another special day planned. We begin the day with four families participating in a Family/Baby Dedication Service. We’ll be continuing our survey of the Ephesians looking at chapter 3 discovering how we’re Commissioned by Christ to share His unsearchable riches. We’ll also launch many of our Winter Growth Groups Sunday afternoon. Pick up a brochure and find a group to join.

Let’s remember to contact absentees weekly!

I’m reminded daily how grateful I am to be your partner in the Journey,

Bro Morgan

“For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which he prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Eph 2:10

Guidance, purpose, meaning, direction, family and joy are but a few of the Journey’s benefits we’ve heard from our testimonies through two Sundays. This coming Sunday we’ll explore the third step in the Journey – Serving Others. We know that we’re most like Jesus when we immerse ourselves in ministry. All of us have stories of how our lives have been impacted when someone took the time to minister to us. What we often lose sight of is the real blessing is found in the doing more than more receiving. Join us Sunday as we discover how Loving God and Sharing Life should naturally evolve into a life of Serving Others. What a privilege to be His workmanship, created for good works!

There are many important events on the horizon at Canaan. Please pray for the Spirit’s leadership for our CLT retreat at Shocco this weekend. Help me to encourage those that are new to Canaan attend the upcoming Quarterly Membership Class on the 31^st. Couples I hope you’ll make plans to participate in our Annual Marriage Enrichment evening on Saturday, February 6^th. We have a great night planned. On February 4^th we’ll launch our Church Basketball League with a draft and inaugural games. This could be a wonderful time for families to Share Life in a different setting.

Please pray that we might be able to thwart the ongoing work of the enemy concerning gambling. Keep your state representatives informed of our opposition against any form of gambling.  Our very own Bessemer City Council continues their deliberations concerning Bingo in the city. If one of the four councilpersons (currently in favor of bingo) eyes could be opened to the evil of the industry the tide could be turned. Let’s remain vigilant in our prayer and opposition.

Let’s remember to contact absentees weekly and everyone monthly.

Your grateful partner in the Journey,

Bro Morgan