Mother's Day - May 10

Mother's Day is May 10. To celebrate and honor our mothers, we will do a special Mother's Day drawing. Three gifts will be drawn for especially picked out for our moms- you will love them! ! To enter the drawing, all mothers will put their name in during the Sunday School hour. In morning worship three names will be drawn for three winners. Don't miss out Mother's Day! Come to Sunday School for a chance to win!

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” Washington Irving

Prayer Requests

There were several prayer requests shared during Wednesday night prayer meeting. You are encouraged to keep these close to your heart in prayer.

Theresa H.'s step-father passed away, please keep their family in your prayers.

Kathy C.'s mother is very low, please keep her in your prayers.

Eldora B. is also very low in health and is in the hospital.

Ean L. received a good report on some recent tests. We rejoice with him and his family.

Rex and Dianne's daughter Susanne is undergoing tests. Please pray for her and for wisdom for the doctors.

Pat & Sandi R. have asked for prayer for a situation that is going on close to them.

Pat's grandfather is undergoing surgery, please pray for him and the procedure.

The Ladies Bible Study will begin Monday night, please pray for the Lord to touch each lady attending.

Relay For Life is an event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This event will be held in town Friday and Saturday. Please pray that this event will be a success.

Adult Class Sunday School Party

The adult Sunday School class led by Mike M. will have a fellowship Saturday (May 2). Adults and children are welcome. The fellowship will be at Margaret T.'s home and will begin at 4:00 PM with a swim time for the children. A meal will be served around 6:00 PM. All class members are encouraged to join in for a great time of food, fun and fellowship. See Mike or Gayle M. for more information.

Quote For the Day

We must not be led to belive that the disciplines are for spiritual giants and hence beyond our reach, or for contemplatives who devote all their time to prayer and meditation.

Far from it. God intends the disciplines of the spiritual life to be for ordinary human beings; people who have jobs, who care for children, who must wash dishes and mow lawns.

In fact, the disciplines are best exercised in the midst of our normal daily activities.

J. Oswald Sanders

Sermon Recap

Last Sunday we heard a powerful message on "A Mature Christian". There were some excellent points brought out that can benefit and encourage Christians on the path to maturity. Here are a few highlights of the sermon.

Immaturity:
Immaturity is the number one problem in marriage. Many times a simple solution to complex problems is to "grow up". Immature decisions and ways often get people in trouble.

God's will is for Christians to "Grow Up" Hebrews 6:1 "Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God," God's desire is to grow and mature in Him.

What is Maturity? How do you know when you reach maturity?
Maturity has nothing to do with age, accomplishments, education or academic standing.

To be mature - attitude is what makes the difference. It has been said that character is what you are in the dark - when no one else is around. It is not important what man says about you, but what God says about you. Our attitude should be Christ-like and should be compared or measured alongside of God's Word - not others.

5 Marks of Maturity:

1. A mature person is positive under the pressures of life.

2. A mature person is sensitive to people.
They are concerned about the needs, cares and desires of others.

3. A mature person has mastered his mouth.
Self control comes from tongue control. Our words have the ability to build up or to tear down. To bring help and healing or harm and hurt.

4. Mature Christians are peacemakers, not trouble makers.
Peacemakers avoid arguing to get their point across, guard against hurt feelings or hurting others feelings. Peacemakers are not defensive, taking things personal, but seek the peace of others.
Selfishness is the first cause of conflict. God expects us to look beyond ourselves.
Judging others is the second cause of conflict. God alone sees and knows every circumstance. He alone is the judge.

5. A mature person is patient and prayerful.

This was a deep and powerful message that invites self examination. May we always strive to be mature in Christ and be a blessing to one another.

Prayer Request

A couple quick prayer requests this morning:

Meghan T. will be having surgery on her ankle today. Her mom will be updating through the day on the progress. If you want to keep up with how things are going, visit Danell's blog.

There will be 27 ladies attending the Just Give Me Jesus revival Friday and Saturday. Please pray for safe travels and a time of refreshing and renewal for all those attending.

As a reminder, you may email any prayer requests to the addresses on the sidebar of the blog. Prayer requests are also listed on the back of the church bulletins.

Men's Softball

This year our men are getting a team together for a church league men's softball team. All men and boys ages 16 and up are invited to play and enjoy some great fun, recreation and fellowship. The cost will be approximately $40.00 per person and the games will begin May 8. For more information or to sign up, please see Mike K.

Baptist Men's Meeting and Meal

An association wide Baptist Men's meeting and meal will be held Tuesday night at 6:30 at First Baptist Church. All men are invited for a great time complete with a meal, fellowship and devotion. The church van will leave at 6:15 PM for men who would like to ride together.

Camp Sonrise

It's time to register for Camp Sonrise! For the last several years, our children have been going to Yogi Bear campground and joining with a few other churches for Camp Sonrise. The children have a great time of fun and fellowship along with great biblical teaching that plants seeds into each heart.

This year's camp will be June 15-18 and the registration deadline will be May 17. The cost is $65 which includes everything except spending money. All children that finished 2nd through 6th grade are welcome. Applications are available at the church. Please see Bro. Dave for additional information.

Love In the Name of Christ

Sunday night at 6:00 PM we will hear a presentation from Love In the Name of Christ. Love INC is a local ministry whose mission is to mobilize the church to transform lives and communities in the Name of Christ.

Love In the Name of Christ enables churches and ministries in a community to pool their resources and outreach services so that those in need are not turned away.

As churches show Christ’s love to their neighbors, communities see exciting results:
Families in need receive immediate and long-term help.
Church members use their gifts and talents in hands-on ministry.
Local churches come together, modeling the unity of the Body of Christ.
Communities are transformed.

You can read more about this ministry at Love INC Suwannee County.

Make plans to be at church Sunday night! There will be no Children's music to allow the children to be a part of the presentation.

Easter Sunrise Service

Early Easter morning, about 80 people gathered for the Easter Sunrise service at Antioch.

It was a wonderful service filled with singing:

Gathering to worship in the church courtyard:

We enjoyed a message from God's Word as the sun rose:

Following the service, a breakfast was served:

Even our teenagers enjoyed the early service and the breakfast!

This and That

Here is a collection of upcoming activities, prayer requests and church news.

Saturday morning at 10:00 AM Outreach Visitation will be held. This is an opportunity to reach out into the community and visit and invite people to our church. All are welcome and encouraged to come. Please pray for good attendance and that those visited will be blessed and encouraged to be in God's house.

Some prayer requests to share are:

Carol A's brother -they found a kidney mass and he is seeking treatment

Sandi's R. has a cardiologist appointment today (Thursday)

Caroline M. is away ministering to her parents needs, and she took a fall and hurt her knee. She has a doctor visit today.

Tom and Lisa K. are back from being with Tom's family. Tom's step mother passed away and his step brother is suffering with terminal cancer.

Meghan T. will be undergoing surgery on her ankle next week in Tampa.

Corey C. will be deployed soon overseas for military service.

Some church news:

We have been praying for little Rebecka C. as treatment for some hip problems has been sought. She has been fitted with a brace and is doing well with that.

You won't want to miss Sunday's sermon on "Being A Mature Christian". Please pray for the Lord to speak to our hearts and bring the growth and maturity in Him to make us fruitful.

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 4:2

True Love Waits

True Love Waits® challenges teenagers and college students to make a commitment to sexual abstinence until marriage. Created by LifeWay Christian Resources, True Love Waits encourages moral purity by adhering to biblical principles. This youth-based international campaign utilizes positive peer pressure by encouraging those who make a commitment to refrain from pre-marital sex to challenge their peers to do the same.

You can read more information HERE.

This seven week study will begin Sunday night at 6:00 PM and the girls and boys will be divided into separate classes. All teenagers and college students are encouraged to take part of the study.

Happy Easter

Good Friday

By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:10

Special Easter Service

This Sunday is Easter Sunday. Antioch will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord beginning with an Easter Sunrise Service at 7:30 AM. Following the service there will be a light breakfast served in the fellowship hall.

In the 11:00 AM Morning Worship Service, the choir will rejoice in song by sharing " Amazing Grace" in song. Make plans to attend Easter Sunday and join us as we proclaim - We Serve A Risen Savior ~ He Lives!

Ladies Bible Study

"The Vision Of His Glory" is a Bible Study created by Anne Graham Lotz. If you have never read the book of Revelation, or sometime in the past, you tried to read it but lost your way or grew weary, this book will guide you to a new understanding of the vision of Christ's glory. With skilled teaching, an inspiring sense of wonder, practical insight and heart-touching parables, Anne brings clarity to the glorious pageantry and imagery of the book of Revelation. Sharing her passion for God's Word, she will lead you step by step through John's eyewitness account of God's plan for our future. The Vision of His Glory brings you to an intimate encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, our one Source of true, life-changing hope.

Our church will begin a seven week series of this study on May 4. The study will begin at 6:00 PM and run weekly on Monday nights. All ladies are invited. A book to correspond with the study will be needed and the cost is $7.00. Books need to be ordered soon. If you are interested in participating, please see Kisha L.

Prayer Requests This Week

As we begin the week leading up to Easter Sunday, it is with thanksgiving that we remember Jesus' great sacrifice on the cross for our sins. It is with everlasting joy that we celebrate His resurrection from the dead. Truly we serve a Living Savior.

Here are a few requests this week to share with the church family:

Caroline's mother and father will both have surgery this week. Please keep them all in your prayers.

Meghan T. suffered an ankle injury and had an appointment this week to discuss treatment. Surgery will be necessary and the arrangements are being made.

Laura M. who is Norine B.'s granddaughter, received some unfavorable test results. Treatment will be planned for her soon.

Remember the Easter Sunrise service at 7:30 AM Sunday and the morning service at 11:00 AM where the choir will celebrate Easter in song. Invite your friends and neighbors!

5th Sunday Night Sing - Part 2

Here are more photos from the recent 5th Sunday night sing:

This is a sight our church dearly loves:

Our M&Ms singing!

Salvation - So Easy, Even A Caveman Can Do It...

Thanks again to all who blessed the church through their talents and gifts.

5th Sunday Night Sing - Part 1

Recently there was a 5th Sunday Night Sing at Antioch. There were many who shared their talents with the church as we worshiped the Lord in song, music and skits. Here are some highlights:

Communion This Sunday

Communion is a memorial of Jesus Christ's body being broken for sin and His blood being shed to atone for sin. The bread was broken to remember how Jesus Christ was broken. It does not become the literal body of our Lord but rather it SYMBOLIZES that body. The cup of juice is also a SYMBOL of Christ's blood . When you participate in its commemoration, you are testifying that Jesus Christ died for YOU and shed His blood for YOU. You are remembering what He did for YOU. Every time you partake of the elements in commemoration of that last supper, you are giving personal testimony that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is alive today. That is of course what the gospel is a all about!

The message of the Lord's supper is one of SELF-EXAMINATION for the Christian. God doesn't want you to partake of the elements in the Lord's supper as if you are eating a normal meal. He wants you to me sober and praying to make sure everything is right between you and Him.

The main thing to remember is that this is a time for REMEMBRANCE .

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (King James Version)

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Prayer Requests

We wanted to share a few prayer requests for today:

Melissa B.'s brother Cliff passed away on Wednesday. The viewing will be held Friday night from 6:00-8:00 PM and the funeral will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM at Daniels. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Don R. will undergo a heart cath. today.

Caroline is still with her parents tending to their needs. On Monday her mom will be having surgery and of Tuesday her father will have eye surgery. It will be a very stressful week for them, please keep them close in your prayers.

Vacation Bible School

Our Vacation Bible School is not until July, but we are actively seeking volunteers now! There are many ministry opportunities for VBS. Some include: teachers for small children, pre-K, missions study, Bible study, music leaders, kitchen help, arts and crafts...there are lots of jobs that need to be done through the week such as, counting pennies, leading children to their classes, holding babies in the nursery etc. Please pray about where the Lord would have you to serve this year. Please see Kisha L. if you are interested and stay tuned for more information.