this weekend @ sfbc - December 30th

SFBC Family,

Only 2 more days until 2010. Time passes so quickly. It should remind us to do the things that matter and last, Jesus said, to seek first His Kingdom and invest our lives in things of eternal value. I hope that will describe your life and our church in 2010.

2009 was a great year, one of the best (in my opinion) for our church. Our Lord added to our church family, as we were blessed by great growth. It was a strong financial year in a tough economy and the church demonstrated an unwavering commitment to vision and mission. Our Sunday School attendance increased tremendously in the last 6 moths, averaging more than 22 more people each week than the first 6 months of 2009. I am excited to see this increase. Sunday School classes help connect you to one giving you an avenue of growth and service that you can't find in attending worship alone. I would encourage you to begin 2010 by joining a Sunday School class, I will be glad to help you find one that will be a fit for you.

Sunday is the last day to give to the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. We have received just a little more than half our goal. I have asked you to give so much and you have responded in unbelievable ways. Here is what I would challenge us all to do this Sunday, everyone give something to Lottie Moon. I am not suggesting a big or sacrificial gift, just give an extra $1 or $5 this week to this offering. If everyone will participate it will go a long way to extending our love to missionaries waiting to go to the mission field. Remember 100% of this offering goes to support missionaries. My family gave to Lottie last week and we will give a little extra this week, will you join us?

Tonight, we will have a joint worship service with the students at 7pm. Several youth groups from the community will be joining us and I am encouraging you to attend, I hope to see you. Sunday and next Wednesday, we will return to our regular weekly schedule. Please start 2010 by getting involved in your church, there are many ways to serve and we need your help.

Sunday morning, I will begin a short 3 week series about getting back on track as we start the New Year. I am looking forward with great anticipation to what God is going to do in 2010. Please continue to pray for your ONE! I am hearing God is working already!

See you this weekend. Happy New Year!
Bro Norm



Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions
It is not too late to give to missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. We will receive this offering through January 3rd. Please give a special Christmas blessing to support our missionaries. We are behind, way behind our goal. I know this is because you gave so much during Crazy Love. Let me encourage you to give even a small gift during the next two weeks, any gift will help and its not too late. Click here to read more about the offering http://www.imb.org/main/give/pagelm.asp?StoryID=8078&LanguageID=1709

Christmas Cards
Please check your card box each on Sunday. The boxes are located in the back hallway near the fellowship hall. Be sure to pick up your cards. Sunday will be the last day to pick up your cards.

Reading the New Testament together
I am encourage our church family to read through the New Testament together during 2010. The plan will be to read one chapter per day Monday - Friday, with no reading assigned for the weekend. This plan will take us through the entire New Testament in one year. It begins January 4th in the book of Mark. The readings are not in sequence but in a special plan for our church. There are reading plans you can pick up at the welcome center. Our Wednesday night devotions will come from the daily Wednesday readings.

Christmas Decoration Removal
The church is wonderfully decorated for Christmas, thanks to a great team of people who came and gave a Saturday morning to serve. We need you again, on Saturday, January 9th, 8am. We will be removing and storing the Christmas decoration. While this is not as fun as seeing them go up, it is really important that several people help. Please do help us with this project. Melinda Howell who leads our decorating team, will be having surgery after Christmas and will need extra help, so please plan on attending to help Melinda and our church.

Offering Envelopes for 2010 and year end giving
We encourage you to use our offering envelopes each week. It encourages giving, reminds us to be consistent, and provides a record of your giving. We are asking that you sign up at the welcome center to receive your box before January 4th. Even if you have always used envelopes please sign up. It helps us to prepare the boxes. 2010 Offering envelopes will be placed in your Christmas Card box.

Your year end gifts to South Fork must be received or post marked no later than December 31 to be included for 2009 taxes. Your end of year giving is a blessing to our churches ministry. The church office will be open Monday - Wednesday next week or you can mail your offering to the church.

this weekend @ sfbc - Christmas Edition

sfbc family,

Merry Christmas! I hope the next days bring you the blessing and peace of Christ as you celebrate God's greatest gift this Christmas. I pray that because of Christ Christmas is different for you. Remember to take some time to slow down, read the Christmas story, and remember that without Christmas there is no Easter.

Tonya, the kids, and I want to thank each of you for your cards and gifts. We have read each card and thank God for you. Thank you for your prayers and support, not only at Christmas, but each day throughout the year! You make serving at South Fork such a blessing. Thank you for your gifts to our family. We love each of you, Merry Christmas from our family.

There will be a student Christmas party at church tonight, the student worship team will share some songs and you are welcome to attend. There are no other activities tonight. Sunday, we will have Sunday School and morning worship. Dewayne will be preaching on Sunday. If you can please do attend. We are following a some what abbreviated schedule during the next week. We will return to a normal schedule on Sunday January 3rd.

A special thank you to our Christmas Choir and to Randy. I hope you were able to attend "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", it was a great job choir, you all were "wonderful" and a blessing! Thanks for saving the best performance for South Fork, really enjoyed the twist to the story. By the way, did you remember to say Merry Christmas and thanks to our staff? We do have a great team at South Fork. Pam, Machelle, Randy, and DeWayne: Thanks for an awesome year!

Have a wonderful Christmas, enjoy your the time you get with your family, make memories, and remember to celebrate Christ!
See you on Sunday,
Bro Norm

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions
It is not too late to give to missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. We will receive this offering through January 3rd. Please give a special Christmas blessing to support our missionaries. We are behind, way behind our goal. I know this is because you gave so much during Crazy Love. Let me encourage you to give even a small gift during the next two weeks, any gift will help and its not too late. Click here to read more about the offering http://www.imb.org/main/give/pagelm.asp?StoryID=8078&LanguageID=1709

Christmas Cards
Please check your card box each on Sunday. The boxes are located in the back hallway near the fellowship hall. Be sure to pick up your cards.

Reading the New Testament together
I am encourage our church family to read through the New Testament together during 2010. The plan will be to read one chapter per day Monday - Friday, with no reading assigned for the weekend. This plan will take us through the entire New Testament in one year. It begins January 4th and in the book of Mark. The readings are not in sequence but in a special plan for our church. There are reading plans you can pick up at the welcome center, I have also attached a copy in word to this email. Our Wednesday night devotions will come from the daily Wednesday readings.

Christmas Decoration
The church is wonderfully decorated for Christmas, thanks to a great team of people who came and gave a Saturday morning to serve. We need you again, on Saturday, January 9th, 8am. We will be removing and storing the Christmas decoration. While this is not as fun as seeing them go up, it is really important that several people help. Please do help us with this project. Melinda Howell who leads our decorating team, will be having surgery after Christmas and will need extra help, so please plan on attending to help Melinda and our church.

Offering Envelopes for 2010 and year end giving
We encourage you to use our offering envelopes each week. It encourages giving, reminds us to be consistent, and provides a record of your giving. We are asking that you sign up at the welcome center to receive your box before January 4th. Even if you have always used envelopes please sign up. It helps us to prepare the boxes. 2010 Offering envelopes will be placed in your Christmas Card box.

Your year end gifts to South Fork must be received or post marked no later than December 31 to be included for 2009 taxes. Your end of year giving is a blessing to our churches ministry. The church office will be open Monday - Wednesday next week or you can mail your offering to the church.

this weekend @ sfbc - December 20th

sfbc family,

I realize there are only 7 more shopping days until Christmas, but I just couldn't resist this weeks cartoon! Fact is Christmas is here. We will celebrate big this weekend with 3 presentations of It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Christmas Musical. Friday night at Magnolia Baptist, Saturday in Hodgenville at the old First Baptist Church building, and Sunday at South Fork. All services are at 7pm. Please be sure to join us for one or all of the performances. Sunday morning during worship will be awesome as we focus on Christmas and get to celebrate baptism!

Please remember these things for this weekend; check your Christmas Card box after church on Sunday, sign up (at the welcome center) for 2010 offering envelopes, and give to the Lottie Moon offering that supports International Missionaries, our goal is $3,000.

Awesome crowd at South Fork for the LaRue County Band Christmas Concert, at least 800 people. Parking was a challenge and the sanctuary was a little warm but it was a great night and a wonderful concert, thanks for sharing our building.

I read this article this morning by Stephen Altrogge, it is worth a look . . .
Wanted: Perfect church. A small, tight-knit community of believers. Close friendships a must.
Sometimes we talk about the early New Testament church as if it were a small, quaint country church with about one hundred intimate relationships, and killer pot providence (not luck) dinners. And that’s exactly what it was. For about a month.

Then Pentecost happened (Acts 2) and everything went crazy. The Spirit fell. People talked in foreign languages. Tongues of fire danced over people’s heads. And 3,000 people were added to the church in one day. In one day the church went from intimate small group to giant mega church.

Suddenly things weren’t so intimate. Everybody couldn’t be friends with everybody. The leaders were less accessible. The worship service didn’t have the close, sing around the campfire, feel. Everyone was required to sacrifice and serve in new ways.

But that’s what happens when the gospel is being preached. Sinners are saved. The church grows. New friendships are formed, new small groups are formed, new services are added to accommodate all the people that God is saving. If the gospel is preached, people will be added to the church. For people to be added to the church, sacrifice is required.

It takes sacrifice to welcome people with messy lives into the church. It takes sacrifice to reach out to people you don’t know. It takes sacrifice to figure out who is going to be in what small group. It takes sacrifice to see a church grow from small to big. But it’s glorious sacrifice. Sinners are being saved. God’s kingdom is going forth. People are being pulled from darkness into the kingdom of God. Lives are being rearranged and transformed.

To be a part of this sacrifice is to be a part of something beautiful.

If the gospel is going to spread, and the church is going to grow, sacrifice and serving must happen. Sacrifice and serving are hard, but the result is beautiful.

See you this weekend
Bro Norm

PS - This weekend will be sent on Wednesday, December 23rd and Wednesday, December 30th for the next two weeks.





It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Christmas Musical
Presented by the joint choirs of Magnolia and South Fork. Three performances to choose from. December 18th at Magnolia Baptist, December 19th at Hodgenville Community Center (old First Baptist Building), December 20th at South Fork. Performance times 7pm nightly.

Christmas Cards
You may bring Christmas Cards for our church family and drop them in the baskets located near each main entrance. Please check your card box each Sunday. The boxes are located in the back hallway near the fellowship hall

Offering Envelopes for 2010
We encourage you to use our offering envelopes each week. It encourages giving, reminds us to be consistent, and provides a record of your giving. We are asking that you sign up at the welcome center to receive your box before January 4th. Even if you have always used envelopes please sign up. It helps us to prepare the boxes. 2010 Offering envelopes will be placed in your Christmas Card box.





Lottie Moon offering for International Missions
I know we have asked a lot but remember 100% of gifts to Lottie Moon go to the International Mission Board to support missionaries. Our church goal is $3,000. Offering envelopes are available in each pew. Here is the web site http://www.imb.org/main/give/pagelm.asp?StoryID=8078&LanguageID=1709

Wild Game Feed at Parkway Baptist in Bardstown
January 16th at 5pm. Guest speaker will be David Hale of "Knight and Hale Game Calls." If you would like to attend this event please sign up at the welcome center. While the event is free we must reserve our tickets in advance. Please sign up by December 27th.

this weekend @ sfbc - December 13th

SFBC Family,

I hope you are praying for your ONE! Our challenge to you is to let God bring one person to your heart, the person who would just blow you away to see following Jesus then begin praying for that person every day for the next year. To intentional invest your life in them seeking to share Christ with them during 2010. This reminds us of the importance of prayer and that God works through the prayers of His people. It outs a priority on praying and reminds us that Connecting People to Jesus is one person reaching one person. There are prayer walls up in the sanctuary, these walls have the names of people we are praying for written on them. Remember, if your person comes to Christ, your challenge is to continue to pray everyday for them during the next year, to help them in their following Christ, and encourage them, Connecting them to Jesus is more than sharing about your relationship, it is showing how to love and live for Christ everyday. The Bible calls this discipleship.

I am asking that we as a church read the New Testament together in 2010. We have prepared a reading guide that calls for you to read one chapter per day (Monday - Friday) beginning January 4th. There are no weekend readings. This is something I really wants us to do together. A reading guide will be in your Christmas Card mail box and more copies available at the welcome center. Please be sure to pick up a reading guide and begin reading with us on January 4th.

Let me explain our Christmas card boxes at church. You may bring Christmas Cards for our church family and place them in the baskets located at each main entrance to the sanctuary. Everyone should have a box located in the back hallway near the fellowship hall. The boxes are in alphabetical order. We could have missed someone, so if you can't find your box please let us know. We also have a Christmas Card list prepared to help you with Christmas cards, you can pick it up at the welcome center on Sunday. Please check your box each Sunday.

Thank you for a great weekend last week. Saturday was busy, but lots of people showed up to help decorate the church. Thank you for your help! Attendance on Sunday at both worship and dinner was wonderful. May have been the largest Christmas dinner ever. Thank you to Katrina Thomas for taking Santa pictures and to Santa for his help! You all keep amazing me!

This Sunday Bob and Bonnie will be with us. For those who may not know, we partner with Bob and Bonnie in Ghana Africa, to help them plant seeds of the gospel. They work with children teaching them the Bible and plant churches among a people who are unreached, only 2% of the people have heard the gospel, http://www.peoplegroups.org/Detail.aspx?PID=13299. God has great used Bob and Bonnie in Africa and has used their ministry to great effect our church. On Sunday, we get to experience a little of the mission God has called us to.

Sunday night at 6pm, we will celebrate Christmas with our children's musical. Please come see and hear our kids sing about the good news of Jesus!

See you this weekend!
Bro Norm

Bob & Bonnie Parker
Join us on Sunday morning as we host Bob and Bonnie and hear how God is working in Ghana!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Christmas Musical
Presented by the joint choirs of Magnolia and South Fork. Three performances to choose from. December 18th at Magnolia Baptist, December 19th at Hodgenville Community Center (old First Baptist Building), December 20th at South Fork. Performance times 7pm nightly.

Larue County Bands Christmas Concert
The Middle school and High School bands will be sharing their Christmas Concert on December 15, 7pm at South Fork! We are excited to host this event for our community and church! Please join us for this special Christmas concert.

Christmas Cards
You may bring Christmas Cards for our church family and drop them in the baskets located near each main entrance. Please check your card box each Sunday. The boxes are located in the back hallway near the fellowship hall

Offering Envelopes for 2010
We encourage you to use our offering envelopes each week. It encourages giving, reminds us to be consistent, and provides a record of your giving. We are asking that you sign up at the welcome center to receive your box before January 4th. Even if you have always used envelopes please sign up. It helps us to prepare the boxes. 2010 Offering envelopes will be placed in your Christmas Card box.

Lottie Moon offering for International Missions
I know we have asked a lot but remember 100% of gifts to Lottie Moon go to the International Mission Board to support missionaries. Our church goal is $3,000. You will receive a prayer guide in your bulletin this Sunday. Offering envelopes are available in each pew. Here is the web site http://www.imb.org/main/give/pagelm.asp?StoryID=8078&LanguageID=1709

Wild Game Feed at Parkway Baptist in Bardstown
January 16th at 5pm. Guest speaker will be David Hale of "Knight and Hale Game Calls." If you would like to attend this event please sign up at the welcome center. While the event is free we must reserve our tickets in advance. Please sign up by December 27th.

this weekend @ sfbc - December 6th

sfbc family,

I am still very speechless about the way our church has given to others this fall. So many good things are going on, we need to be sure that we do not miss how God is blessing our church family. In this tough economy, we have seen God do amazing things in and through you. God is simply amazes me more and more. There is and should be a good spirit and feeling at church, I am glad for the positive upswing, and pray that this is just the beginning and that God is preparing us for a huge 2010.

Last night, Cole Hughes (great job Cole) shared a message during student worship. Not only did he do an excellent job, you could sense that God is growing our students spiritually. I really believe this group has the ability to impact the entire county for Christ. They are special. We are also hearing this from other churches about their youth, God is working, keep praying for a mighty move of God in their lives

There is much to do this weekend. We need you all to help us decorate the church for Christmas. This is one of those times when somebody else is usually who gets the nod to do the work, but we need everybody to step up. There are trees to put up, decorations to hang, tables to set up, as we prepare for our Christmas season. We need men, women, youth, there is something each of us can do.

Sunday night is our Christmas Dinner. I always look forward to this night of fellowship. Here is the way it works, we will meet in the sanctuary at 6pm for prayer and dismiss for the meal. The church provides meat, chicken and ham. We ask everyone to bring a side dish (or 2 or 3), a dessert, or a cooler of drinks. After dinner, Santa makes an appearance for the children. Katrina Thomas will be doing pictures with Santa for our children. Please attend, bring your family and friends, we are preparing for our biggest dinner ever.

Sunday morning, I will be sharing about ONE, a vision we have to Connect People to Jesus and how that will look in your life for 2010. I am asking that everyone attend. I know that I think every service is a big deal at South Fork but I promise this is ONE Sunday you don't want to miss!

Hope to see you this weekend.
Bro Norm






Men's prayer fellowship meets tonight 7pm at the home of Randy and Suzanne Hines. This is a time of praying for our church and community and an opportunity to fellowship together. Hope you can attend!


It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Christmas Musical
Presented by the joint choirs of Magnolia and South Fork. Three performances to choose from. December 18th at Magnolia Baptist, December 19th at Hodgenville Community Center (old First Baptist Building), December 20th at South Fork. Performance times 7pm nightly.

Larue County Bands Christmas Concert
The Middle school and High School bands will be sharing their Christmas Concert on December 15, 7pm at South Fork! We are excited to host this event for our community and church! Please join us for this special Christmas concert.

Lottie Moon offering for International Missions
I know we have asked a lot but remember 100% of gifts to Lottie Moon go to the International Mission Board to support missionaries. Our church goal is $3,000. You will receive a prayer guide in your bulletin this Sunday. Offering envelopes are available in each pew. Here is the web site http://www.imb.org/main/give/pagelm.asp?StoryID=8078&LanguageID=1709




Sunday, December 6th at 11am. ONE Service you don't want to miss!


Ministry Opportunity for LaRue County Jail
This is a good idea. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25 - 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Here is the note from Sandy . . .

To South Fork Church Family:

Thank you so much for your food that you prepared for the annual Thanksgiving luncheon. This was the first year that we included the Larue County Jail in our deliveries. I have received numerous thank you's from the inmates. I am well aware that the jail does employ a cook but your food was prepared with love and that is what this ministry is all about. One of the inmates said that we not only filled their bellies but filled their spirit. We helped them to know that they are not forgotten. Our goal was to touch one life and we touched and blessed many.

So, with that I have a request, I would like to see how many people will help me prepare homemade goodie trays to be taken to the jail on Christmas Eve. I know that all of you are busy through Christmas so the delivery part has been taken care of. I need homemade goodies. Cookie, candies, brownies, etc. I want to take to the inmates what I would prepare for my family, that is why I am asking for homemade only.

There are 150 inmates, I know that is a lot to prepare for as we will be preparing around 20 trays. I was hoping for an assortment for each tray. If you cannot prepare something for 150 maybe you could get with another family or two and make enough together to make up 150 or more.

Before we commit to this endeavor, I wanted to see how many people would be willing to prepare goodies. Please contact me by email or phone. My evening number is 358-5089. Thank you for your willingness to share God's love with others.

Blessings,
Sandy

this weekend @ sfbc - Thanksgiving edition

SFBC family,

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! I am so blessed. It has been a great year. Oh we have had our share of tough times, but God is good and I am blessed. One way He continues to bless is through you. I wish you knew what a blessing I get just by worship and being able to share God word with you each week. South Fork you are a great church family and one of my many blessings.

There is much to do at South Fork this week and I am looking forward to this weekend already. Thanksgiving lunch will be served at South Fork on Thursday from 11am - 1pm. If you know someone who may need a meal(s) or may be alone this Thanksgiving call the church office, we will be glad to deliver a meal or prepare it for pick up. People can also eat at church. If you aren't celebrating Thanksgiving until later this weekend why not stop by and help. Call Sandy Kidd or Pam at the church for details.

Sunday morning we will have a service of Thanksgiving and receive the Crazy Love offering. Sunday night we will host the Heart of Kentucky Men's Choral. They we present their Christmas program at 6pm. This will be a great evening as begin looking forward to Christmas.

Remember to email me a picture or two, (ok three) of something you are thankful for, it can be anything, picture of your family, parents, church, where you trust Christ, your baptism picture, be creative. I need them by Saturday. You will enjoy this surprise!

There is no AWANA on Wednesday night, We will have a prayer time at 6pm and student worship at 7pm. Your children are welcome to attend either service.

8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men . . . Psalm 107:8 (NIV). He is good, be thankful.

Have a great week, see you this weekend!
Bro Norm



SFBC Christmas Dinner
Our church family will gather on Sunday, December 6th at 6pm for Christmas Dinner. Invite your family and friends to join us for this great time of fellowship. Please bring side dishes and desserts. Chicken and Ham will be provided. Santa will make an appearance following the meal.

Christmas Decorating @ sfbc
December 5th at 8am, we will be decorating the church for Christmas. Please see Melinda Howell for details and ways you can help. It takes a lot of people to decorate our building and we need several men to help move and set up trees. Please come help prepare our church for Christmas!

Poinsettias
Orders are being taken for Poinsettias to decorate the church for Christmas. You may purchase them in memory or in honor of some one. The cost is $9 for a small and $15 for a large. See Brenda Miller or Reba Highbaugh to place your order.

Middle School Event December 6th
All Middle School students are invited to Mr. Gatti's and Bowling on December 6th. The group will leave following morning worship. Students will need $7 for 2 hours of bowling and some money for Mr. Gatti's. See Dewayne for information.

High School Event December 13th
All High School students are invited to dinner and a movie on December 13. The group will leave following morning worship. Students will need $6 for matinee and money for their meal. See Dewayne for details.


. . . Coming December 6th! Don't miss this important day for our church family.

this weekend @ sfbc - November 22nd

sfbc family,

We will celebrate Thanksgiving with a special service on Sunday, November 29th. For this service, I would like you to do something . . . I am asking that you email me one or two pictures of something you are thankful for. These can be anything; a picture of your family, your home, our church, your spouse, your grandchildren, your best friend, your parents, your car, your Bible, you get the idea. I would love to have one of two pictures from everyone. I will be using them for that service, it is a surprise. I do need them by Saturday, November 28th at noon. Easiest thing is to email them to me, you can bring them on a cd or memory card to the church office or by the house but remember I need them by Saturday, November 28th. You will like the surprise . . . I promise!

There are a lot of great things happening in our church family. Some are things that are showing up because of your desire to love others. Things like 90 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. These were collected, sorted, and moved this week. Children around the world will be blessed this Christmas because you cared enough to prepare a shoebox. You can find out more about Operation Christmas Child here
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/. You have sent more than 100 jars of peanut butter to Magnolia CP Church to help feed families in our community and you have provided Hoodies for students in LaRue County this fall.

The latest God still amazes me thing happened yesterday. Around 40 jars of change for World Hunger was counted. We knew it was a lot of change . . . what we didn't know was how much there was! When it was counted there was almost $1,000 in coins! That is a lot of pennies! But here is the awesome God part, this will bring our World Hunger offering to just over $7,500!! Read that, the largest offering given at South Fork for a special mission's emphasis. Remember 100% of that offering will help feed people in the name of Christ around our world. Check out this site for more information

http://worldhungerfund.com/.

Sunday night our church named a planning committee to look into and bring a recommendation to the church for adding a kitchen and some room to our fellowship hall, This is exciting as we need the added space and kitchen to use for ministry. The committee members are Jim Hornback, Gary Clifford, Dean Hornback, and Gary Clifford. Please begin to pray about this project that God would bless it and that we would see it as another way of connecting people to Jesus.

We will have a clean up/work day on Saturday. There are several jobs that you can do and we need you. Truth is anybody can do them problem is nobody is usually the one who gets the job. We need your help. We will begin at 8am, hey the Africa team will be hosting a country breakfast fund raiser beginning at 7am. Come for breakfast stay a little while to work. A great way to bless your church and say thank you to God for our church family and building.

Hope to see you this weekend,
Bro Norm




Thanksgiving Day Lunch @ sfbc
We will be serving Thanksgiving meals from 11am - 1pm. These meals will be buffet style for eating in and delivery is available. If you know a family that needs a meal please stop by the welcome center and provide their name, address, phone number, and the number of meals needed. There will be a list of food items to prepare and a sign up sheet for those who can make deliveries. For information see Sandy Kidd.

Country Breakfast and Yard Sale
On Saturday November 21st. Beginning at 7am join us for a country breakfast provided by the Africa Mission Team. There will also be a yard sale that day in the fellowship hall. All donations and proceeds will be used for Africa Missions.

Crazy Love Offering
We will be receiving this offering on November 29th. Remember 50% will be used at South Fork (toward fellowship hall project or debt principle retirement) 50% for South Fork mission trips (Africa 2010 and MFUGE 2010 student trip). Please pray for this offering as we prepare for a special Sunday of Thanksgiving.

Clean up / Work Day this Saturday @ 8am.
There are several jobs around the church we need to do. There are jobs for both men and women, nothing to hard. Light bulbs, light clean up, some maintenance. We need you!

Toy's for Morrison's
We are still collecting new and gently used toys for Morrison's Christmas Toy Drive. We are also accepting clothing. Please put your items in the tubs located near each entrance. See Kelly Hornback for information.

WOM (Women on Mission) Thanksgiving @ Sunrise Children's Services
WOM group will be going to Sunrise (formerly Glendale) on Friday, November 20th, leaving at 6pm. They will be taking Thanksgiving dinner to the girls. See Melinda Howell for information.

this weekend @ sfbc - November 15th

sfbc family,

Thank you for your generosity, God is showing up in "crazy" ways through your love and gifts this fall. Thank you for giving to World Hunger, so far our church has received more than $6,000 for this offering and we still have about 40 jars of change to count! Absolutely Awesome! This is the largest World Hunger offering we have ever received. Remember 100% of this offering helps combat hunger in our world. Thank you for bringing peanut butter for the Magnolia CP Church food ministry. Our church has given over 90 jars of peanut butter to help this ministry feed families in our area. Operation Shoeboxes are already showing up at Church, I really believe we are going to reach our goal of 100 boxes. Remember this Sunday is the day to bring them to church! We must get them to the area drop off next week for delivery to Samaritan's Purse.

Please don't forget the Crazy Love offering on November 29th. This offering will bless our ministry in many ways, we need everyone to participate in some way. We have asked for much this fall and God has shown up and is still coming through. I believe, we are going to be amazed at what God will do through this time of giving thanks and giving back to Him!

We are preparing for our annual Community Thanksgiving meal. There are many ways you can help in this important ministry from cooking, to set up or delivery, and by providing names of people who might like a meal on Thanksgiving Day. The goal of this ministry is to provide a Thanksgiving meal to people or families that might be alone, homebound, or just wouldn't have Thanksgiving dinner without it. If you know a person who would like a meal on Thanksgiving please stop by the welcome center and provide their name, address, phone number, and number of meals needed. See Sandy Kidd for information about the meal or how you can help. We will be sharing more about this ministry on Sunday.

Sunday night at 7pm, we will have a special business meeting to name a planning committee that will look into the possibility of adding a kitchen, storage and space to our fellowship hall. This committee will then bring a recommendation to the church in the future. This is a real need for ministry, the larger kitchen and the addition of space would be a big help for fellowship and ministry.

God things are happening at South Fork, hope you will get connected this weekend,
See you Sunday,
Bro Norm

Operation Christmas Child - Shoeboxes
All shoeboxes need to be returned this Sunday, November 15th. Our goal is to pack 100 shoe boxes this year. Here is the link to the web site http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/ for more information.

Christmas Choir Rehearsal
Sunday November 15th, we will have a joint Christmas choir rehearsal with Magnolia Baptist Church. The rehearsal will be at South Fork from 3pm - 5pm.

Thanksgiving Day Lunch @ sfbc
We will be serving Thanksgiving meals from 11am - 1pm. These meals will be buffet style for eating in and delivery is available. If you know a family that needs a meal please stop by the welcome center and provide their name, address, phone number, and the number of meals needed. There will be a list of food items to prepare and a sign up sheet for those who can make deliveries. For information see Sandy Kidd.

Country Breakfast and Yard Sale
On Saturday November 21st. Beginning at 7am join us for a country breakfast provided by the Africa Mission Team. There will also be a yard sale that day in the fellowship hall. All donations and proceeds will be used for Africa Missions.

Crazy Love Offering
We will be receiving this offering on November 29th. Remember 50% will be used at South Fork (toward fellowship hall project or debt principle) 50% for South Fork mission trips (Africa 2010 and MFUGE 2010 student trip). Please pray for this offering as we prepare for a special Sunday of Thanksgiving.

this weekend @ sfbc - November 8th

sfbc family,

I am looking forward to a great Sunday at South Fork. Last Sunday was simply awesome! We are taking a couple of weeks to refocus and be reminded that God has called us to live on mission. John Moxen stirred our hearts in that direction this past weekend and Charles Juma will challenge us this Sunday. Charles is from Kenya. His ministry takes him to some of the poorest and most difficult areas of East Africa. You will hear a word from God on Sunday. This should be another one of those special Sundays. Pray that it is and that we will not only be reminded that we are to be witnesses but that we will respond with a God sized burdened to do everything we can to reach our community and world for Christ. It is His mission and He has called us to follow Him.

Thank you for giving to World Hunger. We have almost received $6,000 toward this offering so far and jars are still to be counted, so we will go well over $6,000. This is the largest gift to World Hunger we have ever given! Our church gives so much, you are a blessing to so many. Remember 100% of the funds given to World Hunger go to feed people all over the world! Check out http://worldhungerfund.com/ for more information.

You will be receiving a letter today or tomorrow about the "Crazy Love" offering on November 29th. Please do read it and pray about it. "Crazy Love" small groups are in the home stretch and should be in week #8. I have had several people call or email and share how this book and its message has impacted their lives. It has caused many to look at their commitment to Christ and to take it more seriously. The study is designed to cause you to love God with all your heart and in response to that love live differently.

There are still a few openings for the women's retreat this weekend. It will be at Three Oaks Cabin and the study theme is Beth Moore's "Loving Well". The cost is $25 but this includes, dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday as well as over night lodging at the cabin. If you would like to attend please contact Jamie Hines or Libby Blair for more details. This is a great opportunity, hope you will join our women's ministry this weekend.

Please pray for the Oneida Mission Team as there week on mission ends on Friday and they begin their travel home!

God is working at our church! I shouldn't have to type that, I hope you already know that and can feel it. My encouragement to you is don't miss it.

See you this weekend
Bro Norm




Men's Prayer Fellowship Tonight
Men's prayer and fellowship will meet tonight at 7pm. We will meet at the home of Dean and Kelly Hornback. Please join us for prayer, you will be blessed!

Peanut Butter
We would like to collect 50 jars of peanut butter for the Magnolia Cumberland Presbyterian Food Ministry. They are feeding 50 families per week through this ministry and would like to include peanut butter. They have been unable to do that. This where we come in, we are asking you to bring a jar of any brand peanut butter to church with you on Sunday. These will be given to their ministry and will help local families. Please drop off your jar in the tub at the missions map on Sunday.



Operation Christmas Child - Shoeboxes
Please pick up a Shoebox packing guide on Sunday. Our goal is to pack 100 shoe boxes this year. The shoeboxes need to be returned on Sunday, November 15th. Here is the link to the web site http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/ for more information.

Thanksgiving Day Lunch @ sfbc
We will be serving Thanksgiving meals from 11am - 1pm. These meals will be buffet style for eating in and delivery is available. If you know a family that needs a meal please stop by the welcome center and provide their name, address, phone number, and the number of meals needed. There will be a list of food items to prepare and a sign up sheet for those who can make deliveries. For information see Sandy Kidd.

Country Breakfast and Yard Sale
On Saturday November 21st. Beginning at 7am join us for a country breakfast provided by the Africa Mission Team. There will also be a yard sale that day in the fellowship hall. All donations and proceeds will be used for Africa Missions.

this weekend @ sfbc - November 1st

sfbc family,

Got a wonderful surprise last night. Students presented Dewayne and me with a signed picture of our group. What a great gift of appreciation, thank you. I love our students want to see God do amazing things in their lives. We are blessed to have so many students and children at South Fork. But it reminds me and should all of us of the great responsibility to teach them about Christ and to live as examples for them.

I also want to thank everyone for working, cooking, cleaning, hosting, last weekends Fall Sports Sunday. It was a fun day! Thank you for showing the love of Christ to others.

We have a really busy weekend of ministry planned at South Fork! Here is a quick run down of events . . .

Trunk or Treat at 6pm. Rain is in the forecast and a lot of it. If it is raining, we will do our creative ministry program at 6pm. The program will be about 30 minutes. After the program will will give away candy as people leave. So please do stop at the church on Saturday night at 6pm and if you are planning to give away candy do come to help us after the program. If it doesn't rain everything will be as previously scheduled, 6pm giving away candy, program at 6:30pm.

John Moxen from Ireland will be our guest during our Morning worship service on Sunday. This is our first guest in a two week emphasis on Missions. Our mission goal is to continue to be an Acts 1:8 church and to go as Jesus has sent us. Our guest on Sunday, November 8th, will be Charles Juma from East Africa He will be sharing about missions in the countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.

We will be sending a mission team to Oneida Baptist Institute to serve next week. They will be leaving on Sunday. Oneida is a Christian Boarding School that reaches students from all over the world. We are blessed to send a couple of teams each year to serve at Oneida. There are about 20 people participating in this trip.

Celebration of Baptism on Sunday. We will be celebrating during worship as we have 5 people who will be baptized on Sunday morning. God is at work at South Fork!

The WOM (Women on Mission) group will be going to Sunrise Children's Services on Friday at 6:15pm. This is a rewarding time of ministry with teenaged girls. Please contact Melinda Howell for information or call the church office.

As you can see there are lots of ministry going on at South Fork. There are so many ways to be involved. Please join us as we seek to reach others for Christ.

Don't forget to fall back on Saturday night, set your clock back one hour when you go to bed.


See you this weekend,
Bro Norm




5th Quarter
5th quarter will be hosted by the FCA on Friday night following the LaRue County football game. This is the last 5th Quarter of the year. We need snacks, cookies, brownies, etc. for this event. 5th Quarter provides a place for students to gather for worship, fellowship, and some fun after home football games. Please help us provide snacks for this event. You may drop off your snacks at the church fellowship hall Friday afternoon. Please contact DeWayne for information. Dewayne.gibson@larue.kyschools.us

World Hunger
Please return your World Hunger Jar on Sunday, November 1st. We will receive this offering until November 8th. Here is a link to the web site http://worldhungerfund.com/ for more information.

Women's Fall Retreat
November 6th - 7th @ Three Oaks Cabin in Hudgins, Ky. We will be using Beth Moore's weekend retreat "Loving Well". The cost is $25 which covers lodging and food. Slots are limited, please sign up and prepay at the welcome center. See Libby Blair or Jamie Hines for information.

Operation Christmas Child - Shoeboxes
Please pick up a Shoebox packing guide on Sunday. Our goal is to pack 100 shoe boxes this year. The shoeboxes need to be returned on Sunday, November 15th. Here is the link to the web site http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/ for more information.

Peanut Butter
We will be collecting jars of any brand of peanut butter for the food ministry Shepherd's Pie at Magnolia Cumberland Presbyterian church. This ministry provides food for 50 local families each week and they need peanut butter. We would like to collect 50 jars. Please bring a jar on November 1st or 8th. Collection area is located at the missions area, near the welcome center.

this weekend @ sfbc - October 25th

sfbc family,

We have a huge Sunday planned for this weekend! It is Fall Sports Sunday. We have invited students, families, and coaches to attend worship on Sunday and stay after church for lunch. This is a great opportunity to connect with people in our community. I hope you will be able to attend. We need lots of people to help with the meal and with serving during lunch. If you could bring a dish or dessert or even two or three would help a lot and be a great investment. If you would like to know more about how to help, please email me, call the church office, or contact Denise Lawless or Theresa Banks. This event was awesome last year, a great attended Sunday and a lot of fun for everyone. Please do dress casually, were a LaRue County shirt or school colors (blue and white) if you like. I am really looking forward to Sunday.

This is the time of year when we are very busy and asking for much. There are places we need you to serve like truck or treat and fall sports day, there are things we are asking you to do, like World Hunger, Operation Christmas Child, there are things we are planning for our future like fellowship hall additions, mission trips, and looking at two services on Sundays. Thanksgiving is coming up and we will be preparing a Community Thanksgiving meal and receiving the Crazy Love Offering. There is much to be done, we need you. Here is why to be involved at South Fork. God is moving! Lives are being changed. There were 4 commitments for Christ last night during Student Worship! There were lots of kids in AWANA. Ministry is going on and there was much fellowship in the halls. It is good to see people talking, laughing, and enjoying being with each other. Pray that as we pursue Christ that God will lead us in knowing and doing His will.

Mission Sundays in November. Sunday November 1st our guest will be John Moxen from Ireland and on Sunday November 8th our guest will be Charles Juma from Kenya. These men will share their heart for Christ and reaching the nations. Join us as we celebrate an Acts 1:8 emphasis.

See you on Sunday, Please don't miss it, going to be a great celebration!
Bro Norm

PS - prayer update. Julie Robinson is home from UL Hospital. She is recovering from a MS attack last week. Please continue to pray for her, Craig, and their family.




World Hunger Offering
World Hunger Day is October 11th. You may pick up your offering jar on Sunday, please return your jar and offering on November 8th. These will be available at the welcome center. Here is a link to the web site http://worldhungerfund.com/

Women's Fall Retreat
November 6th - 7th @ Three Oaks Cabin in Hudgins, Ky. We will be using Beth Moore's weekend retreat "Loving Well". The cost is $25 which covers lodging and food. Slots are limited, please sign up and prepay at the welcome center. See Libby Blair or Jamie Hines for information.

Operation Christmas Child - Shoeboxes
Please pick up a Shoebox packing guide on Sunday. Our goal is to pack 100 shoe boxes this year. The shoeboxes need to be returned on Sunday, November 15th. Here is the link to the web site http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/ for more information.



Trunk or Treat
We are collecting candy for trunk or treat through October 25th. A tub is located at the missions area. We will be setting up in the parking lot on trick or treat night to give away candy. You may sign up at the welcome center to host a trunk. We need at least 30 people to make this work. Here is what you do, you step up in a parking spot and give away candy during Trunk or Treat. It is great fellowship, lots of fun, and a great way to love our community.

Christmas Toy Collections and Clothing
We are collecting new or gently used toys for the Morrison's toy drive for Christmas. Please drop off your toys in the tubs located near each entrance. Clothing can be dropped off in the church trailer. Please see Kelly Hornback for details.

this weekend @ sfbc - October 18th

sfbc family,

I had the honor of preaching at Round Top Baptist Church last night. As a pastor, it is always a privilege to be invited to share God's word with people. I really had a good time and enjoyed the hospitality of the people. Speaking at Round Top was extra special due to our connection with Donnie Davis, their pastor. Donnie, Teleana, and their family are one of our own. Donnie grew up here at South Fork, surrender to ministry here, and we sent him out to serve. He is doing a good job and the church is experiencing growth and health.

But, even one night away from our church caused me to be reminded of how much we are blessed at South Fork. We (me) take it for granted and shouldn't. Here are some things we should be grateful for . . ..

1. Children. You may never know what a blessing it is to have kids at church. Each Sunday, there are children in the nursery, Sunday School, in Children's Church. On Wednesday many children gather for AWANA. Without children there is just something missing in a church, really not complete. Many churches have few or no children attending. We are blessed.

2. Students (youth and college). This group is unbelievable at South Fork. God is doing great things in this ministry, Can you believe that we will have 100 or more students involved at South Fork on a weekly basis. I can't begin to tell you how this interjects life into our church. Next time you think about how different students are or their music maybe, or their style think what it would be like to have none! We are blessed.

3. Workers. We beg for more workers to step up all the time. But many churches don't have people to do the work of ministry. Each week we have teachers in Sunday School, greeters at the doors, nursery volunteers, AWANA workers, people who cook for Wednesday meals, drive vans, chaperon kids, run the sound, and many others give their time and money to see that ministry gets done. We are blessed.

4. Attendance. Some people think they will like a smaller church or they think the church is too big. More people do more things, period. Without people, we aren't able to do many of things we do to connect people to Jesus. A bigger church is just able to do more. Bob Russell said this about South East after one of the Florida hurricanes a few years ago. They as a church collected enough food to pack several semi trailers to send to Florida, no other church could even get close to that because of the numbers of people at South East. We are able to do much more in this community and in our world just because we are blessed to have a larger attendance in our community. I would rather be part of a larger church and do more for the cause of Christ than just be a few people complaining that we are able to do anything. We are blessed.

5. Young adults and couples. They sometimes the busiest people in our congregation. They are working hard to begin their lives, their families, to make everything and get started in life. They are sometimes so busy that people misunderstand and see lack of commitment. Hear me, the far majority of churches are made of older members. They do not have kids, students, or young adults at all. If they do they are few. We have a great group of young adults at South Fork, who sooner rather than later will be the leaders of this church. We will not survive without them. We must do everything we can to encourage and reach these groups not just for survival, but for the Kingdom. Look around on Sunday and encourage a young couple in our church. Serve in the nursery so a young couple can sit together for worship. We have young adults and families at South Fork. We are blessed.

6. Staff. We have a talented staff who really want to serve Christ. DeWayne, Machelle, Randy, and Pam, work hard each week to help our church and seek ways to advance the kingdom. Leadership takes the brunt of criticism. They are out front and become easy targets. Next time you are tempted to say something about the leadership, think would I like someone to say that about me, my family, or one of my kids. Answer is no. I get the privilege of serving with a great staff, while we are not perfect, one thing motivates all our staff they want to glorify Jesus. Be thankful for them, tell them, pray for them. We are blessed.

7. Missions and purpose. We know what God has called us to do . . . Connect People to Jesus. The minute a church is derailed from the mission it begins to turn inward and to die. We will not be distracted from that simple purpose and mission. We are sticking it out. If some misunderstand, if some leave over this direction, then we wish them well, love them, miss them and keep striving forward. We can not stop, we can not give up, we can not miss the goal. We desire to stand before Christ and hear well done, faithful, servant, you were willing to risk everything for the sake of Christ. It is worth it. We are blessed.

I know I didn't get each group, there are others, many others, who help make South Fork a great Church. You are one of them, Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. I am blessed.
See you this weekend
Bro Norm


Prayer update - Please pray for Julie and Craig Robinson, Julie is in UL hospital room 915. She will be there at least 5 days. Please send her an e card to let her know you are praying.
thanks!




Pray, Care, Share - Saturday, October 17th, 10am - noon.

This is a time of prayer and encouragement for women of all ages. There will be short testimonies, prayer time, special singing, health notes, followed by a sandwich lunch. Contact Suzanne Hines with questions.

Hoodies for Kids - all cards have been picked up and returned! Thank you if you still have a card please return it on Sunday.
We are participating in a project to provide a new hoodie for kids in LaRue County. The hoodies are $20 and will be provided to a needy child in LaRue County. Here's how to help. Pick up a card at the welcome center (the card will remind you to provide the gift and help us in know how many hoodies we are providing.) Our goal is to provide at least 30 hoodies. Then, return the card with a check designated Hoodies for Kids. The card should be returned with your check, there will be a paper clip on each card. We need to have them returned by October 18th. Sorry, we can not except used hoodies for this project. But, we will soon be collecting clothes for giveaway and will glad take used hoodies then. Thanks for your gift for a child.

Moving Help Needed
One of our students Evan Cline and his family will be moving on October 24th (meet at 9am), from their home on McDowell Road to a home in Hodgenville. The family needs help moving big items on this day and also trucks and/or trailer is needed. Evan's mother is Heather Cline. This is an opportunity to show love to a family in our community and our church. Please contact DeWayne if you are willing to help or can provide a truck/trailer. Email Dewayne at dewayne.gibson@Larue.kyschools.us. Some of our students will be helping but we need several adults too.

World Hunger Offering
World Hunger Day is October 11th. You may pick up your offering jar on Sunday, please return your jar and offering on November 8th. These will be available at the welcome center. Here is a link to the web site http://worldhungerfund.com/

Women's Fall Retreat
November 6th - 7th @ Three Oaks Cabin in Hudgins, Ky. We will be using Beth Moore's weekend retreat :Loving Well". The cost is $25 which covers lodging and food. Slots are limited, please sign up and prepay at the welcome center. See Libby Blair or Jamie Hines for information.

Operation Christmas Child - Shoeboxes
Please pick up a Shoebox packing guide on Sunday. Our goal is to pack 100 shoe boxes this year. The shoeboxes need to be returned on Sunday, November 15th. Here is the link to the web site http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/ for more information.

Trunk or Treat
We are collecting candy for trunk or treat through October 25th. A tub is located at the missions area. We will be setting up in the parking lot on trick or treat night to give away candy. You may sign up at the welcome center to host a trunk. We need at least 30 people to make this work. Here is what you do, you step up in a parking spot and give away candy during Trunk or Treat. It is great fellowship, lots of fun, and a great way to love our community.

Christmas Toy Collections
We are collecting new or gently used toys for the Morrison's toy drive for Christmas. Please drop off your toys in the tubs located near each entrance.

this wekend @ sfbc - October 11th

sfbc family,

I would really ask that you say an extra prayer for our church the next couple of weeks. We are at the point where many of our Crazy Love groups will be reading and discussing Chapter 4 and 5. These chapters are the wake up and take a look at yourself chapters. They call us to genuine rake a look at how we are living for Christ, is He really making a difference in us and is that causing our lives to be different, Christ like. It should be a time of renewal, revival, and salvation as these groups see themselves before God and begin to ask God to change their lives. I pray that this will spread to our entire church. No one can read Chapter 4 and walk away with the attitude I am living on fire for God, we all can see areas of our lives that need to be submitted to Christ. It is time, pray for our church family. If you aren't in a small group, give this book a chance, God is using it in many lives, it will stretch and grow you.

There are several announcements so I am keeping this short. Please pray that God will bless, encourage, grow, challenge, our church to connect people to Jesus!

Hope you have had a great fall break!
See you this weekend at sfbc,
Bro Norm

WOM Ministry Need
We have a need for basic baby items for a young soon to be mother. Diapers, wipes, baby powder, lotion, etc. All of the things anyone would need to get by. This baby is due very soon and the doctors have indicated that there could be some issues due to the brains under development. The is a boy so any new or gently used clothing or blankets would be great as well. Let's extend the hand of God to show love to this family. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact Sandy Kidd or Machelle McDowell. Items need to be received by October 11th. Thank you.

Hoodies for Kids - all cards have been picked up! Please return them on Sunday.
We are participating in a project to provide a new hoodie for kids in LaRue County. The hoodies are $20 and will be provided to a needy child in LaRue County. Here's how to help. Pick up a card at the welcome center (the card will remind you to provide the gift and help us in know how many hoodies we are providing.) Our goal is to provide at least 30 hoodies. Then, return the card with a check designated Hoodies for Kids. The card should be returned with your check, there will be a paper clip on each card. We need to have them returned by October 18th. Sorry, we can not except used hoodies for this project. But, we will soon be collecting clothes for giveaway and will glad take used hoodies then. Thanks for your gift for a child.

World Hunger Offering
World Hunger Day is October 11th. You may pick up your offering jar next Sunday. These will be available at the welcome center. Here is a link to the web site http://worldhungerfund.com/

Pray, Care, Share
Saturday, October 17th, 10am - noon. This is a time of prayer and encouragement for women of all ages. There will be short testimonies, prayer time, special singing, health notes, followed by a sandwich lunch. Contact Suzanne Hines with questions.

Women's Fall Retreat
November 6th - 7th @ Three Oaks Cabin in Hudgins, Ky. We will be using Beth Moore's weekend retreat :Loving Well". The cost is $25 which covers lodging and food. Slots are limited, please sign up and prepay at the welcome center. See Libby Blair or Jamie Hines for information.

Christmas Toy Collections
We are collecting new or gently used toys for the Morrison's toy drive for Christmas. Please drop off your toys in the tubs located near each entrance.

Trunk or Treat
We are collecting candy for trunk or treat through October 25th. A tub is located at the missions area. We will be setting up in the parking lot on trick or treat night to give away candy. You may sign up at the welcome center to host a trunk.

Choir Rehearsal
Joint Christmas choir rehearsal at Magnolia Baptist on Sunday, 3pm - 5pm.

Business and Missions Meeting
Sunday night Mission groups will meet at 6pm followed by Quarterly business meeting at 7pm.

this wekend @ sfbc - October 4th

SFBC Family,

This weekend begins fall break for many of our students and families. If you will be traveling this weekend or next week please have a safe and blessed trip. A little down time is good for everyone. It can helps us to refocus our lives and what is really important. On Sunday, we will be on our regular schedule. There are several people involved in Crazy Love Bible Studies on Sunday evenings but there is still a Bible Study time in the sanctuary at 6pm and choir rehearsal at 7pm. On Wednesday next week there will be a joint service at 7pm. There is no AWANA and this joint service will allow us to all be together for a time of worship. DeWayne will be leading the service and I will be there. Please plan on attending.

This week I read an article written by Thom Rainer. In it, Dr Rainer, warns of the signs an unhealthy church. I am interested in church health because healthy churches grow both spiritually and numerically. They love God and seek to make Him know. Here is a portion of the article.

Five Warning Signs

What were some of the warning signs my team saw? Though the list is not exhaustive, these five issues were common. Some of the churches had a one or two on the list; some had all five.

1. The church has few outwardly focused ministries. Most of the budget dollars in the church are spent on the desires and comforts of church members. The ministry staff spends most of its time taking care of members, with little time to reach out and minister to the community the church is supposed to serve.

2. The dropout rate is increasing. Members are leaving for other churches in the community, or they are leaving the local church completely. A common exit interview theme we heard was a lack of deep biblical teaching and preaching in the church.

3. The church is experiencing conflict over issues of budgets and building. When the focus of church members becomes how the facilities and money can meet their preferences, church health is clearly on the wane.

4. Corporate prayer is minimized. If the church makes prayer a low priority, it makes God a low priority.

5. The pastor has become a chaplain. The church members view the pastor as their personal chaplain, expecting him to be on call for their needs and preferences. When he doesn’t make a visit at the expected time, or when he doesn’t show up for the Bible class fellowship, he receives criticism. In not a few cases, the pastor has lost his job at that church because he was not omnipresent for the church members.

Where Do We Go from Here?

The bad news is that few churches recover if the patterns above become normative. The church is a church in name only. It is self-gratifying rather than missional. It is more concerned about great comfort than the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
The good news is that a few churches have moved from sickness to health. The path was not easy. It first required that the congregants be brutally honest with themselves and God. It does no good to speak glowingly of a church that is unhealthy and getting worse.
Many of the turnaround churches we consulted then moved to a time of corporate confession and repentance. They confessed to God their lack of obedience and their selfish desire for their own comfort.

And still other churches made an intentional effort to shift the ministries and the money of the church to a greater outward focus. This step can be particularly painful since a number of church members often protest with vigor that their needs are no longer being met.

To Become a Healthy Church
Indeed we could focus on the reality that the great majority of sick churches do not recover. But that focus provides little value.

We should look at the admittedly few churches that have moved from sickness to health. We should learn how they turned from an inward focus to an outward focus. We should follow their examples of moving from selfish desires to radical obedience to God.

In His power the unhealthy church can become healthy.

Heed the warning signs.

It could be the difference between life and death.

The good news is that our church family has often been identified as a turn-around and healthy church. But, it is easy to slipped back into bad habits. I know what to do and to avoid to be personally healthy, I know to east right and exercise. But these things take work to keep me on the path to physical health. As a church, we need to be sure we do the things that cause and bring spiritual health to our congregation.

I hope to see you this weekend.
Bro Norm

Men's Prayer
Men's prayer and fellowship will meet tonight at the home of Gary and Jan Clifford. The meeting begins at 7pm. Please join us for a special time of prayer.

WOM Ministry Need
We have a need for basic baby items for a young soon to be mother. Diapers, wipes, baby powder, lotion, etc. All of the things anyone would need to get by. This baby is due very soon and the doctors have indicated that there could be some issues due to the brains under development. The is a boy so any new or gently used clothing or blankets would be great as well. Let's extend the hand of God to show love to this family. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact Sandy Kidd or Machelle McDowell. Items need to be received by October 11th. Thank you.

Hoodies for Kids
We are participating in a project to provide a new hoodie for kids in LaRue County. The hoodies are $20 and will be provided to a needy child in LaRue County. Here's how to help. Pick up a card at the welcome center (the card will remind you to provide the gift and help us in know how many hoodies we are providing.) Our goal is to provide at least 30 hoodies. Then, return the card with a check designated Hoodies for Kids. The card should be returned with your check, there will be a paper clip on each card. We need to have them returned by October 18th. Sorry, we can not except used hoodies for this project. But, we will soon be collecting clothes for giveaway and will glad take used hoodies then. Thanks for your gift for a child.

World Hunger Offering
World Hunger Day is October 11th. You may pick up your offering jar next Sunday. These will be available at the welcome center. Here is a link to the web site http://worldhungerfund.com/

5th Quarter
5th Quarter following the Larue County football game on Friday will be hosted at First Baptist Church. Students please attend.

this weekend @ sfbc - September 27th

SFBC Family,

The Bible tells us that Christ has made us free. We have been freed from the the slavery that sin brings to our lives. Because we are free we choose to live for Him. While, we are free from sin to live for Christ, the Bible, also reminds us not to allow our freedom to be an excuse for our sin (1 Peter 2:16). An example would be, I can do anything I want since God has or will forgive me. The correct thought is because I have experienced God's love, grace. and mercy and I am free from condemnation (Romans 8) I will live to bring glory to Him! Crazy Love Chapter 2 reminds us to make our lives count for the glory of God. Life is but a vapor, God has lavished His love on us, let us live to reveal His grace and glory to our world. You are free, live for Him today!

Reminding everyone to please attend this weekend. Sunday will be a special day. We are encouraging High Attendance in Sunday School and asking that everyone attend morning and evening worship. We are praying for a great day of renewing our focus on Christ and our mission . . . Connecting People to Jesus.Let's reach 250 this weekend in Sunday School. Get Connected to a Sunday School class this weekend. There are many options to choose from and classes for all ages. If you are looking for class stop by the welcome center for a list of classes, teachers, and rooms.
Jimmy Disney from Two Rivers Baptist Church will be our special guest. Evening worship will be at 7pm (this will allow Crazy Love Groups to meet early and attend evening worship)

Should be an awesome day . . . Please don't miss it.

See you on Sunday, Bro Norm




Eliza Broadus Mission offering for Kentucky
Sunday, September 13th will begin a week of prayer for missions in Kentucky. This week Baptist all across Kentucky will be praying for missionaries and ministries that reach out to the ethic groups and unreached people right here at home. Kentucky has a great number of unreached people and people who have been in church at some point in their lives and have left the church, many of these people have never truly trusted Christ. There will be a prayer guide in this weeks bulletin and offering envelopes in the pews. Please pray for missions in Kentucky and give so that we might reach our state for Christ. Here is a pdf file of the prayer guide http://www.kywmu.org/clientimages/36717/eboprayerbulletin09.pdf.

Sunday School Teachers / Leaders Meeting
All teachers and workers please meet with Bro Norm on Sunday, September 27th, at 9am. We will have a light (donuts, pastries, juice, and coffee) breakfast. Then we will begin our meeting at 9:15am. You will be dismissed to allow you to be in your classroom at 9:45am.

Men's Prayer and Fellowship
October 1st at 7pm. Join our men for a time of prayer and fellowship at the home of Gary and Jan Clifford.




This Sunday @ sfbc. Special guest Jimmy Disney. Join us for a Great Day at South Fork!