Thanks to all of the folks who came out and participated in Homecoming 2010 at FBC. I believe that the day was a great success! If you were not with us, here's a copy of my letter to the congregation in this year's homecoming book:
October 17, 2010
Greetings!
Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate our 129th Homecoming Sunday at First Baptist Bayou La Batre. It’s a joy to welcome you. Whether you are a member, former member, or guest we want you to know that we appreciate your presence this morning. It’s a blessed thing to be a part of a church that has enjoyed an enduring witness in the community for so many years. In a day in which most of our life is marked by the transient nature of change, there is great comfort in worshipping the God who has not.
Our church has seen a lot of changes over the past 129 years. There have been good days and difficult days. We’ve shared joys and sorrows together. In the midst of storms, our God has faithfully seen us through to this day. Today is a day that we share together in hope, the hope of a risen Savior.
Today is a day of celebration! We remember those who have gone before. We consider their sacrifices and we examine the impact that they have made on our lives. We give thanks for men and women with the foresight to invest in the lives of future generations, to the glory of God.
Today is also a day of reflection. As we look to our past, we reflect on our present situation? As we share the joy of a family reunion, we remember those who are separated, lost, and searching for the hope that we share.
Will there be a lighthouse to shine a beacon of hope for them? Will we embrace the challenge of a new day? Will our city know that the God who has been at work in and through our church for so many years is seeking them? 129 years from now, will we be remembered as men and women who carried the Gospel to a lost city?
Will you pray with me that God would raise us up to fulfill the Master’s call to lift His name high? I’m convinced that God wants to work through faithful men and women to do a new thing here. Will it be like the old days? No, it probably will not. I do believe, however, that God has a new vision for us and it is greater than anything we can imagine. What will our future hold? I don’t know, but I know that I’m excited to be a part of it.
Blessings,
Rev. Clint Landry
Pastor
First Baptist Church
Bayou La Batre
As part of yesterday's service, I've asked our church, along with the many friends of First Baptist out there to join us in 40 days of focused prayer for the future of our church. From now until November 25th (Thanksgiving), we're going to praying for a renewed sense of vision and direction. Will you join us in seeking God's vision for FBC?
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