Santa Fe River Baptist Association
Gainesville, Florida

News and information about the Santa Fe River Baptist Association—and more
Prepared by Wayne Harvey, Director of Missions

News from Your Association—and More

Association Semi-Annual Meeting
Mon., March 15, 6:30 p.m. fellowship and refreshments; 7:00 p.m. meeting
River Cross Church, Haile Plantation (Haile Village Town Hall) (Map and directions)
Elect your messengers to represent your church.

Church Achievement Awards will be given to those churches that excelled in the following categories during 2008-2009:

• Best baptism-resident-church-member ratio
• Greatest percentage of undesignated receipts given to the association
• Greatest percentage of undesignated receipts given to the Cooperative Program
• Greatest percentage increase in SS attendance over the previous year

Speaker: Dr. John Sullivan, Executive Director, Florida Baptist Convention
Topic: The present and future church and Florida Baptists

Note: Only messengers elected by their churches may vote in the business session. A church can register its messengers by sending in its 0registration sheet or calling the association office. Messengers not pre-registered must bring printed verification of their election.

Vacation Bible School 2010 Association Training for All VBS Workers

Thur., March 25

Lighthouse Church, 2611 NW 68th Avenue, Gainesville (Map)

6:30 p.m. Assembly and Introductions

7:00 p.m. Training

Directors/Operating on a limited budget—Jen Smith

Evangelism/and follow-up missions—Tonya Bates

Special Needs—Jenny Lord

Music—

Snacks—Rose Kirby

Crafts—Becky Zolt

Recreation—John and Amy Nichols

Youth—Alan and Nicole Tyner

5th-6th (VBX)—Nancy Speel

1st-4th—Elinor Pearson

3-K—Patsy Coleman

Childcare will be provided. Please call the association office, 352-373-5030.

From your Church & Community Ministries Director:
We have started off the year right with ministries that will impact the Kingdom of God. I had the opportunity recently to speak at FBC of Altoona. The church was having a weekend missions conference and asked me to speak on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. I shared with them two of the ministries of our association. Because of time constraints, I could only share about two ministries. The church invited me to come back and share all the ministries so that they can glean ideas of how their church can be involved in their local community. Here’s how you can help:

• During the month of March we will be collecting women’s underwear for the Rape Crisis Center.
• Continue to donate washcloths for our hygiene kits that will be distributed in June at the Mobile Dental Clinic to clients attending. Volunteers to fill out paperwork are also needed during the day for a four-hour block during the first week of June.
• I have two openings left for a Saturday ministry to Tree Trail Apartments, Sept. 11 and Nov. 6. Ministry will include devotion, lunch, crafts, and games.
• We are just beginning a ministry at the Alachua Apartments. Fellowship Church will conduct an Easter Egg Hunt in April. FBC of High Springs will conduct a field day in May. If your church would like to participate in these events or host one of your own, let me know.

Thank you to the many churches that donated toilet paper to St. Francis House. Also, thank you, ladies group from FBC of High Springs, that donated time at Arbor House this past month. I know that God will bless you for your efforts.

Come join in the ministries of our association. You will be blessed!

Vicki Lawrence

Season of Prayer for North American Missions

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

March 7-14

North American Mission Study Theme

Live With Urgency: Share God’s Transforming Power: Romans 1:16

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering 2010 Goal: $70 million

Association Calendar for March

1 Monday night prayer mtg., Ridgeview Church, 6:30 p.m.

5 World Day of Prayer

6 Prayer Council Mtg., Ridgeview Church, 10 a.m.

6 Blind Fellowship, Lighthouse Church, 4 p.m.

7-14 Season of Prayer, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

8-12 UF Spring Break

8-12 International Learning Center closed

11-14 Gatornationals

14 Daylight Saving Time begins

15 Semi-Annual Mtg., River Cross Church, 6:30 p.m.

17 St. Patrick’s Day

20 First day of spring

25 Association VBS training, Lighthouse Church, 6:30 p.m.

28 Palm Sunday

Alachua County Considering Fire Assessment for Churches
There will be an informational workshop Wed. March 3, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Church at 2505 NE 8th Avenue in Gainesville. The County Commission is considering the implementation of an Enhanced Fire Assessment on churches.

Friends of Children of North Central Florida News: 1K Club for Kids
Imagine that you are the oldest of six children and you and your five siblings are in the care of strangers. You wonder, "Will we be living in different homes? How often will we be able to see each other?"

Four of your siblings are going to live in separate homes. Two will be living together in the same home. Imagine again that a new campus of the Florida Baptist Children's Homes were to open near you. If this were true, what a huge difference there could be for you and your siblings. They could all live together in the same house.

You may think this is just fiction but it is based on a true situation right here in one of our five-county service areas.

Imagine too that you're a parent who is temporarily unable to care for your children and that they must be taken from you to live at a Florida Baptist Children's Homes campus in another city, either Tallahassee or Jacksonville. In order to see your children, you will have to drive to the campus where your children live. But, if there were a local campus in north central Florida, you could visit them without the long drive and could visit them more often while they're living on the campus temporarily.

To help make this campus possible and to keep families together, join the 1K Club for Kids and give $1000 to the Friends of Children of North Central Florida in 2010. One thousand individuals giving $1000 each will finish the task and make the dream of a local campus a reality! Make a difference, join the 1K Club for Kids.

Be a part of this ministry by:
• Personally donating $1000 or more by Dec. 31, 2010
• Joining with your Sunday School class or other group to donate $100 per month in 2010
• Pledging to donate $100 per month in 2010
• Asking your civic organization or club to adopt the project
• Praying that the project will be completed in 2010

For more information, visit focncf.org or call the association center.

The 2010 Exponential Conference | April 19-22, 2010 | Orlando, Florida
The Exponential Conference is the largest and most influential church planting conference in North America. Leaders from dozens of networks, denominations, and independent movements make the Exponential Conference their core event each year. With the synergy of so many, the speaking lineup is unparalleled and the opportunities for every member of a church planting team are extensive. In addition to powerful main sessions, dozens of workshops target every stage of new church development and every role on a church planting staff. Exponential serves the broadest range and most diverse interests in the important calling of building the kingdom through new communities of faith. To register click here. Receive a $20 per person discount off the registration rate by entering “2010namb” in the discount code box.

World Day of Prayer

Friday, March 5

Bethlehem Celebration 2010
Dec. 9-12, 2010
Several churches and some individuals have formed the Bethlehem Celebration Association and begun preparing to celebrate Christmas with a live scene of Bethlehem. For more information, contact Sonny Edmondson at 386-454-8700 or at sonny@bethlehemcelebration.org. The event will be held at The Oasis at High Springs, 25914 NW 82nd Ave. (Poe Springs Road/CR 340).

Thank You for Your Church's Contributions to Your Association

News and Information from Our Churches

We extend our sincere sympathy to Brian Coleman (pastor, Living Covenant Church) in the recent death of his sister, Brenda Christopher.

Forest Grove Church News
Sunday, March 28 - Living Lord’s Supper at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, April 2 – Living Lord's Supper at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 4 – Easter Sunrise Service at Forest Grove Cemetery at 7:00 a.m.

Iglesia Hispana Gainesville, which meets at Ridgeview Church, will celebrate its second anniversary at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 21, with worship and a meal afterwards. Also, please pray for their new church that meets at First Church, Alachua, at 11 a.m. Sundays.

Iglesia Evangelica Building for Sale
Now that Iglesia Evangelica has moved to their beautiful new building on NW 39th Ave., west of I-75, their former building is for sale. If you know a church that would be interested, ask them to call Jonathan F. Colon (800/226-0440 or 352/538-1453). The facility seats about 160 people, has four rooms that could be used as classrooms or office space, has a media/sound area and a fellowship room that can accommodate about 100 people, and has space for about fifty cars to park.

Lake Forest Church, Gainesville, has the following positions open and is prayerfully seeking God's choice to fill them:
Piano player for our services
Song leader
Youth leader

If God is moving your heart in the direction of ministry, please contact the church at 352-378-1100 or email LFBCGF@ATT.NET. Our office hours are Mon.-Wed. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Our address is 5121 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32641. Donald Farley is pastor.

First Church, Lake Butler, Seeking Full-Time Youth Pastor

Minister to students in middle school and high school.

Resumes should be sent to: Jason Johns, Pastor; 195 E Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054.

Our churches without pastors: New Hope, Northwest, and North Pleasant Grove  

Parkview Church, Gainesville
Staff Wanted:  Part-Time Minister of Music
Contact Parkview Church (352.378.2606) or gremag@bellsouth.net for details.

Jews for Jesus Seder
Mon., Mar. 22, 6:30 p.m., Ridgeview Church, Gainesville
A Passover celebration in which everyone can sample some ingredients of the meal. All are welcome.

Gainesville Mayoral Forum
Parkview Church and the Stephen Foster Neighborhood Group are sponsoring a candidate forum for the Gainesville mayor's race on Sunday, March 7, at 5 p.m. at Parkview. All candidates have confirmed their attendance.

Joyce Meyer Event
Parkview Church, Gainesville, will host a women's event on March 20 at 7 p.m.: An Evening with Joyce Meyer. Click here to register online.

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Course to Be Offered
Ridgeview Church, Gainesville
Free preview: Sun., Mar. 28, 5:30 p.m. and Tue., Mar. 30, 6:30 p.m.
Classes begin Apr. 6, 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call 352.317.3197

This Should Make Church Staff Meetings Easier to Plan
The student pastor, Zach Dickson, and the Upstream Kids Director, Ashley Surrency, both staff members at River Cross Church in Haile Plantation, will wed soon. Congratulations and best wishes!

Gainesville Mayoral Forum
You are invited to attend a forum for the candidates for Gainesville mayor
Sunday, March 7, 5:00 p.m.
Parkview Church, 3403 NW 13th Street, Gainesville
352-378-2606
Sponsored by Stephen Foster Neighborhood Association and Parkview Baptist Church

March Birthdays

3 Pr. Dean Slocumb, Pine Grove

4 Pr. Sam Brown, Hague

6 Daniel Morris (music/worship leader), Westside

10 Kelly Redding (ministry assistant), High Springs First

11 Al Hull (music leader), Grace

11 Kathy Beck (children’s leader), Forest Grove

12 Buddy Ball (music/education leader), Sardis

17 David Redding (husband of ministry assistant), High Springs First

22 Roxanne Burroughs (wife of pastor), Journey of the Word

22 Suzanne Warren (ministry assistant), Lake Butler First

23 Sandra Killian (wife of pastor), Lighthouse

25 Mary Lynne Moore (ILC Director), Alachua First

28 Patsy Coleman (ministry assistant), Association Center

30 Shannon Braddy (pianist), Forest Grove

31 Terry Matchett (wife of pastor), Island Grove

 March Wedding Anniversaries

4 Wayne (Director of Missions) and Joan Harvey, Association Center

5 Brad (worship leader) and Robin Steele, Alachua First

10 Sammy (outreach/children) and Belinda Nelson, High Springs First

11 Shawn and Sheryl (missions leader) Bennett, Westside

21 Samuel and Suzanne (ministry assistant) Warren, Lake Butler First

26 Brian (youth leader) and Staci Shepherd, Lake Butler First

28 David and Kelly (ministry assistant) Redding, High Springs First

March Ministry Anniversaries

Nancy Smith (ministry assistant), Grace, 3/9/2009

Pr. Johnny Goodwin, Ochwilla, 3/10/2001

Wayne Harvey (association center), 3/15/2000

Al Paulson (youth minister), Northwest, 3/16/2008

Tim Rose (youth minister), Sardis, 3/16/2006

Pr. Don Farley, Lake Forest, 3/21/2007

Shelley Donnelly (ministry assistant), High Springs First, 3/24/2008

Et Cetera

Blind Spots: Why We Sometimes Can't See Problems with Our Church Facility
James Rodgers
With a nursery that smelled musty and had mold marks on the walls, we were sending a terrible message to visitors: "Your babies may not be safe here, and we aren't doing anything about it."

Worship Wars: How Do We Determine Musical Excellence?
Chuck Colson
I prefer the older hymns of the faith over modern praise choruses. Other people feel strongly the other way. So I'm not surprised that full-scale music wars have erupted in some churches.

But is there a right and wrong kind of music for worship?

Religion in Schools: The National Free to Speak Campaign
Chuck Colson
Do you understand your child’s religious rights at school? Chances are your school principal doesn’t either. A national campaign is underway to fix that.

For Those Who Endured to the End

During training exercises, the green lieutenant was driving down a muddy back road. He encountered another car stuck in the mud with a red-faced colonel at the wheel. "Your jeep stuck, sir?" asked the lieutenant as he pulled alongside. "Nope," replied the colonel, coming over and handing him the keys. "Yours is."

A friend is a person who can step on your toes without messing up your shine.

The more you have, the less likely it is to be enough.

If a church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

Find the Hidden Bible Books
The names of 25 books of the Bible appear in the paragraph below. See how many you can find. Yes, they're all there. Ignore periods, commas, and other punctuation to make the names.

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu; kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of our readers. To others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now, for there really are 25 names of books of the Bible in this paragraph. From answers we get, a pastor or a scholar sees some of them at the worst. Something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books. During a recent fund-raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them shouldn't gloat. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you.

If you need some help, scroll down to see a list of the books in the paragraph.

1. Mark
2. Luke
3. Kings
4. Acts
5. Revelation
6. James
7. Ruth
8. Numbers
9. Job
10. Amos
11. Esther
12. Judges
13. Titus
14. Lamentations
15. Hebrews
16. Peter
17. Romans
18. Matthew
19. Genesis
20. Philemon
21. Chronicles
22. Daniel
23. Nahum
24. Hosea
25. Malachi

If you still need help, send fifty dollars to . . . . No, just scroll down for the solution where all the books are underlined.

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu; kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of our readers. To others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a reader with good eyes to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now, for there really are 25 names of books of the Bible in this paragraph. From answers we get, a pastor or a scholar sees some of them at the worst. Something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books. During a recent fund-raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them shouldn't gloat. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you.