The Baptist Men led worship this Sunday. Members memorialized the great men that left us this year: Price Heritage, Jeff Johnson, and Edison Temple. The winner of the Bryan McLamb Baptist Man of the Year Award is Scott Whitley. Scott is a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, a devoted leader of the RA's, an usher, and so many other things to us. The guest speaker, Ryan Matthews, shared his testimony and the message.

We all want our way because we think it's best. We look to all these things to fill the space only God can fill. These are called idols. Anything can be an idol, but they all have in common that they seek to benefit us. Jesus allows us to restore God to his true place. We get more messages about who we are than any other generation before us: on social media, the internet, television, countless ways. None of them tell us who we are in Christ. We have to learn to put our faith in what God tells us, not in the messages the world gives us.
Ryan Matthews, Jan 27, 2019

All Wednesday night groups (RA's, GA's Acteens, CMIT, and Mission Friends) wrote Valentine's for Veterans Wednesday night. Valentines are distributed to veterans in the VA hospitals and other care organizations. 

Today we say good-bye to Myrtle Lee. Among countless other works of service, she taught Sunday School, led the Sunbeams, organized Vacation Bible School, and led the Young-at-Heart. She was WMU Director from 1975-77 and from 1988-1991. She was our poet laureate and a devoted member of our choir. Your love is with us always. 

My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, O my soul. Psalm 57:7-8

We pray for our church, for all of you
We pray for each other, we get closer too
Our hearts are attuned to God much more
When we retreat for prayer, close to His shore
--Myrtle Lee, Jan 27, 1997
Reprinted in First Baptist Church Four Oaks, 1891-2016
Photos: Annette Langdon

Today we say good-bye to Jeff Johnson. Jeff and his daughters brightened all our lives. Jeff was a devoted member of the Baptist Men, and worked on so many community projects. Jeff took good care of our church. When the elevator or the air conditioner gave us trouble, Jeff was always there. Through his long battle, Jeff was the one who gave us hope. Your love is with us always.

I know my Redeemer lives and that in the end, He shall stand on the earth. Though my body be destroyed, yet with my eyes shall I see God. And not as a stranger. Job 19:25-27

Photo: Ron Sloan