Antioch's Winner

Last weekend a local competition was held for the new Miss Suwannee County. The chosen girl will represent the county at various community events. One of our own - Tiffany R. was in the competition. There was a great turnout of support for her. There was a lot of her family there and here are a few of the Antioch people who came out. There were at least 5 others who were not in the picture - Go Tiffany!

Here she is modeling her casual outfit.

Here is the evening gown competition:

Tiffany was chosen as the most photogenic in the competition. She performed the entire evening with a beauty and grace which flows from within. Her song for the talent portion was lively and exciting. A different girl was chosen for Miss Suwannee County, but Tiffany is a winner in the hearts of all of us at Antioch.
Our church is blessed to have Tiffany and her family as an active part of our congregation. Tiffany and Hanna are beautiful girls filled with excitement and vitality! We love watching them grow in the Lord and use their talents for Him. It is exciting to watch them as they blossom into young women of God.

Tell Tiffany you saw her on the blog and how proud you are of her!

Help Wanted

Homecoming will be October 12 and we are looking forward to it. There is always a great crowd of friends from near and far who visit this day and of course there is always an abundance of good food and great fellowship!
There is a great need for volunteers to work in the nursery on Homecoming. There is a session from 9:45 - 10:45 AM and from 11:00 to 12:00 Noon. Many of our regular nursery workers will be needed in the worship service in the choir and also in the kitchen to help with food preparation. If there are enough volunteers, shifts could be taken and no one will have to miss the entire service. There will be two nurseries, one for babies up to 2 years old and a toddler room for children ages 3-5. There will be many children there and your service will be a blessing to our church and our guests. Please see Kisha L., Lajena P., or Joyce F. if you would be willing to help. Thank you!

Family Meal

Wednesday night will be the monthly Family Meal and Prayer. Beginning at 6:00 PM a covered dish meal will be enjoyed in the fellowship hall. At 6:30 the Youth will have Bible Study. At 7:00 the children will go to M&Ms and the adults will enjoy a devotion and time of prayer. Wednesday nights are a great way to uplift the week and enjoy great encouragement and fellowship with the church family. Bring a covered dish and the family - Wednesday night at 6:00!
*Reminder* The M&Ms treat the children to a snack each Sunday and Wednesday night. If you would like to provide a snack for the children, it would be appreciated. Please let Lisa or Kathy know.

Ladies Retreat

Recently some our ladies, accompanied by our extremely handsome and charming gentleman, went to a ladies retreat. Here we are traveling:

Four of our ladies attended and two teenagers went to help with the child care.

The retreat was a blessing and we hear Lauren Fletcher from Treasures of Truth ministries spoke based on II Peter 1:5 - 9. Some of the truths we learned were to Travel Lightly - loose baggage which can weigh us down and to Speak Rightly - Speak God's Word and talk like a winner. We all left encouraged and refreshed.

A delicious lunch was provided and we enjoyed the food and fellowship!

Ladies love to fellowship and share together and we have recently added two opportunities for this at our church. The first and third Tuesday mornings at 10:00 AM a quilting class is held and the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM, a scrapbooking class is held. Watch the bulletin for more details!

Sunday Blessings

Romans 10:8 "...The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Election Wisdom

The American Family Association distributes a voter information guide with different topics and the candidates views on these topics. You can find a copy here at AFA.
Informed voters are wise voters.

Amendment 2

As Christians, we need to make informed voting choices. The upcoming election is a vital time for Christians to stand for what it Biblically correct. Here is some information on Amendment 2 on our local ballot:

What is Amendment 2?

Amendment 2 is a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that will protect the definition of marriage in Florida between one man and one woman. The amendment will prohibit polygamy, group marriage and same-sex marriage from becoming legal in Florida.

When will Amendment 2 be on the ballot?

Amendment 2 will be on the ballot for the 2008 Presidential General Election on November 4, 2008.

What must happen for Amendment 2 to pass and be placed in the Florida Constitution?

Amendment 2 must receive at least 60% of the YES vote on November 4, 2008 to pass.

Isn’t homosexual marriage already illegal in Florida?

Florida has a Defense of Marriage Act. However, a YES vote on Amendment 2 prevents homosexual activists and liberal judges from legalizing homosexual marriage by striking down Florida’s state marriage law like they did in Massachusetts and in California. The people-- not judges should decide how marriage will be defined.

What happens if Amendment 2 does not pass?

If Amendment 2 does not pass, then the institution of marriage remains vulnerable in Florida to the national movement of homosexual activists who are working to redefine it. The Florida Supreme Court will go through a major transformation, with 4 new justices being appointed out of the sitting 7 justices in less than 6 months. With the new make up of the court, there is no way to know how the court would rule on a case challenging Florida marriage laws. What happened in California and Massachusetts could easily happen in Florida – with the court overturning the law protecting marriage and imposing same-sex marriage on the rest of society. This will require schools to begin teaching that homosexual marriages are equal to marriages between a man and a woman. Public schools will be forced to teach young children that two men being intimate are just the same as a husband and wife.

Here is the link for Yes2Marriage if you would like to read more information.

Maguire State Mission Offering

"Jesus said to him, 'Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.'" Mark 5:19 (NKJV)

The Maguire State Mission Offering is designed to underwrite short-term, one-time projects or pilot projects developed by Florida Baptist Convention program departments. Requested projects are eligible for State Mission Offering funds if the project is not primarily funded by the Cooperative Program budget or any other denominational budget source.
To read more about the Maguire State Mission click HERE
Please remember to read and pray using the prayer guide passed out Sunday. Please pray about your offering and what the Lord would have you do for this mission.

Prayer and Weekly News

We were blessed with another wonderful Sunday at Antioch this week. It is a joy to see many new faces and good attendance. The church family is encouraged to reach out in fellowship to our visitors and new families attending. Antioch has been known for it's friendliness through the years and we are again blessed to be able to extend that kindness to others.
A few updates to our prayer list and other requests to share are as follows:

Carol A. - Carol has been moved from the hospital to Surrey Place for some therapy and recovery. She is still struggling with some health issues and still needs our prayers. If you have a moment, she would love for you to stop by and visit her.

Janet W.'s mother - She had extensive surgery last week to remove a tumor. They were unable to remove the tumor during the surgery. The tumor is not cancerous, but she will soon be undergoing chemotherapy to attempt to shrink the tumor. Please pray for her and the family as they have doctor appointments and consultations coming up this week.

Bill D.'s son Ben.D. - Ben will be having a stent put in his heart later this week.

Michelle T. - Michelle is feeling better after recently suffering from a deflated lung and then pneumonia. She has a doctor visit to a lung specialist this week.

Beulah S. - Beulah has been feeling poorly lately, please keep her in your prayers.

Buddy H.'s sister - This lady recently had foot surgery and lives alone. Please pray for her healing and strength.

Things to look forward to this week include
Wednesday is See You At the Pole for students - meet 1/2 hour before school for prayer around the flagpole
Wednesday night for the family:
Youth Bible Study - 6:30 PM
M&Ms - 7:00 PM
Adult Prayer Meeting - 7:00 PM

Sunday Blessings

I will extol Thee, my God O King, and I will bless Thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless Thee; and I will praie Thy name for ever and ever.

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.

Walk For Life

Last Saturday several from our church supported the Pregnancy Crisis Center's Walk For Life. At the Walk For Life, there were 123 walkers who participated and helped raise over $5,000 for this ministry. Our church had the most participants from the same church with 9 present to walk. Here are a few photos of our group:

Election of Godly Leaders

Pray For Our Nation has put out a booklet for our churches and country to pray during the last 40 days before Election Day.
Here is a prayer from this booklet on Electing Godly Leaders:

Father, I desire to vote intelligently in all elections. I pray that You will bring to light the things that I need to know so I may vote in line with Your plan, will and purpose.
May things not only come to light for the Christian community, but may things be made clear to the unbelieving community as well. I pray that what is right would be clear that even unbelievers would vote using wisdom and demanding honesty and uprightness from their politicians.
Dear Father, in the name of Jesus, may the citizens of our nation become so weary of sin and degradation in our nation's leaders that they will seek out godly leaders to represent them on every level of government. Give such leaders favor with the public and the media.
Father, make our nation a fragrance in the earth, a force to be reckoned with, a hand extended to those in need.

Scripture references: Luke 12:1-3, John 16:13

Quote of the Day

Talking comes by nature,

silence by wisdom.

Quilting Class

Ladies, remember the quilting class which will be Tuesday morning at 10:00 at the church!

Prayer Requests

What a blessing and joy it has been to be in the house of the Lord! Sunday was a great day of worship as we reverently reflected on the sacrifice and love of our Savior as we observed the Lord's Supper. There has been great attendance the last two Sundays with people being touched by the Lord. There have been 4 people who have come forward to join the fellowship at Antioch and we are delighted to receive them!
Some people this week are in need of our love, support and prayers. Here is an update:
Carol A. - she is in the hospital and has undergone kidney dialysis. This will hopefully allow her kidneys to function effectively. Please keep Carol and her children who are by her side in your prayers.
Nell P. is Janet W.'s mother. - Nell is undergoing a very serious surgery today to remove a tumor from her intestines. Please pray for the tumor to be removed with no damage to her intestines.
Pat R. - He and his family have moved to Live Oak recently and they have been attending our church recently. Please pray as there has been a tragedy in Pat's family and he is seeking to minister to them. Please pray for the Lord to lead Pat and for his family to find strength, comfort and salvation in the Lord.
Michelle T. - she has been struggling with a deflated lung and lung issues. She was diagnosed with pneumonia last week and needs our prayers for healing and strength in her body.
Danell F. - she has been diagnosed with shingles and is enduring the pain and discomfort of shingles while maintaining her duties as wife and mother. Please keep her in prayer.

There were many men touched by the gospel message at the Men's Outdoor Extravaganza last weekend. Please pray that their hearts will be softened to the Lord and that the seeds planted would grow into a sprout of salvation in their lives.

Prayer is so important and vital in our church family. Please keep these in prayer and be sensitive to ways to minister to one another as the body of Christ.

Women's Conference

Step Up - Don't Give Up

Get moving towards God's best.

A woman's conference will be held on September 20 at Shady Grove Baptist Church. The special guests will be Lauren Fletcher as the key speaker and worship will be led by Westgate from Jacksonville.
Lauren has a fantastic website - Treasures of Truth - ladies, please check it out, you will LOVE it!

Lunch will be served at the church. Shady Grove will provide the meat and those attending are asked to bring a vegetable, salad or dessert.
We will be taking the church van and will leave the church at 9:00 AM Saturday.

Fireproof - Coming Soon

Fireproof the movie will premiere later this month. This is a must see movie for Christian couples. Movie will be showing in Valdosta, dates and times will be announced.

This would be a great opportunity for a church group fellowship...think about and let's share some ideas!

Prayer Request

The church family is asked to pray for Carol A. Carol was taken to Gainesville and is currently in the hospital with kidney problems and possible fluid build up in other areas. She is in serious condition and certainly her and her family need our prayers.

Men's Outdoor Extravaganza

Saturday afternoon will be the Men's Outdoor Extravaganza at Wellborn Baptist beginning at 4:00 PM. This event is sponsored by Cross Heirs Outfitters.
CrossHeir Outfitters is an awesome new ministry, ordained by God and Fueled by the passion of a “Few good Bubbas” wanting to see simple blue-blooded American country-boys come to the knowledge of the saving power and life-changing experience of a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Admittance is by ticket only and they have been passed out in the church. Please pray for this outreach to bring a harvest of souls and a renewing in the lives of Christian men.

Walk For Life

This Saturday the Pregnancy Crisis Center will hold it's annual Walk/Run For Life. This is one of the center's major sources of funding for ministry. The Pregnancy Crisis Center assists hundreds of women and their children with the material and spiritual support they need to live. The Pregnancy Crisis Center is in the process of transforming into a medical facility. Last year an ultrasound was donated to the center. A desire is to show abortion minded clients images of their babies and allow them to hear the baby's heartbeats. This will help moms realize the life truly begins at conception.

The Walk/Run For Life begins with registration at 8:00 AM and the walk beginning at 9:00 AM. A $10.00 registration fee is requested to walk and you are encouraged to adopt sponsors for additional support. There will be prizes available and the knowledge that you have been a blessing for this ministry. There is a 2 mile or a 5 mile route. Come out Saturday and show your support for life!

Sunday Blessings

As we gather for worship on Sunday, here is a Scripture to prepare our hearts:

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For you, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.

May the joy of the Lord overflow in our hearts.

September Events

There are many opportunities for September we are excited about sharing.

Here are a few dates to keep in mind.

September 7 - Children's Christmas Program practice begins at 6:00 PM

September 13 - Pregnancy Crisis Center's Walk/Run For Life - 9:00 AM

September 13 - Men's Outdoor Extravaganza - 4:00 - Wellborn Baptist

September 15 - Outreach Visitation

September 20 - Ladies Retreat at Shady Grove Baptist

September 21 - M&Ms hosting a Soup/Salad Luncheon followed by a Silent Cake Auction

September 24 - See You At the Pole

Keep a watch on the church calendar and bulletin and stay involved!

5th Sunday Night SIng

Here are a few scenes from the 5th Sunday Night Sing recently held. What a great time it was to hear children and adults sing praise to the Lord. Thank you to each one who participated by sharing their talent or just singing unto the Lord.

Opportunity To Be A Blessing!

The M&Ms, children's music and missions meet every Sunday and Wednesday nights. Their leaders - Kathy and Lisa have been providing snacks each time they meet, and us parents dearly appreciate that!
M&Ms are asking if others would like to be a blessing and provide the snacks for the children. If you would like to help out in this area, please see Kathy or Lisa. Thank you for your support!

This Week At Antioch

What a week filled with activities for our church family.

Tuesday morning a quilting class will begin at 9:00 AM.

Tuesday evening at 7:00, a scrapbooking class will be held.

Ladies, these are brand new opportunities to fellowship and learn a new craft!

Wednesday is the monthly Family Meal.

A covered dish dinner will begin at 6:00.
Following are activities for the whole family. Youth Bible Study will begin at 6:30, M&Ms will begin at 7:00 as well as Adult Prayer Meeting. Make plans to bring a covered food dish and the family for a night of Christian ministry and fellowship.

Friday afternoon at 12:30 the youth will be leaving for the Night of Joy - a night filled with Christian music from various contemporary Christian artists. They will return Saturday afternoon.

You are encouraged to take part this week in these church activities and as always, be aware of opportunities to share you love and support for one another.