Worship site June 4, 1916 – November 14, 1976
114 North Caswell Street
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802 South Caswell Street
La Grange, North Carolina 28551
Ronnie V. Hobgood, Pastor
Joshua T. Hobgood, Youth Pastor
Bulletin Cover: Water Color by Esther Flowers
History of La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church
The La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church was begun as a result of a revival meeting which was held in the La Grange Methodist Protestant Church building. (The Methodist Protestant church had ceased to exist.) Elder H. R. Faircloth conducted the revival meeting. He was assisted by Elder J. F. Casey. The following is recorded in the first minutes of the church records:
Organization of La Grange Free WillBaptistChurch on June 4, 1916. Congregation met in the rented M. P. Church and after the sermon by Elder R. Faircloth: Elder J. L. Casey of Goldsboro, N. C. acting as Moderator, the church was organized by electing the following officers: Clerk J. W. Wilson, Treasurer Florence H. Anderson, Deacon George Williams, Deaconess Susan Williams. Finance Committee O. Taylor and Vinie Wilson. Pastor Eld. H. R. Faircloth.
According to an article written by Mrs. H. R. Faircloth for THE FREE WILL BAPTIST PAPER, there were twenty-four Charter Members (June 14, 1916, page 2). The twenty four Charter Members are as follows: Florence H. Anderson, I. Edward Braxton, Julia Braxton, Annie Croom, W. J. Dawson, Herman Rudolph Faircloth, Lula Faircloth, Mac Lee Fields, Florence Gainey, J. I Gainey, Maggie Gainey, Lettie Hughes, Noah Russell, Octavis Taylor, M. L. Turner, Carl Wade, Eliza Wade, L. W. Wade, Lela Wade, Mary Walters, George Williams, Joseph Walter (J. w.) Wilson, and Vinie Wilson.
Mrs. Faircloth also stated in the June 14, 1916 article that the church planned to have worship service every third Sunday and “…the Lord being willing, we want o organize a Sunday School on the fourth Sunday and also have prayer meetings every Wednesday night.
On March 6, 1917, the North Carolina Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church sold the La Grange Methodist Protestant Church, located at 114 North Caswell Street to the La Grange Free Will Baptist Church, at a price of $1,750.00 (Refer to copy of deed in Appendix I). The purchasing of this building included, pews, marble top altar table, pulpit, three pulpit chairs, communion set, offering plates, bookcase, organ and song books. All of these items have remained with the church with the exception of the bookcase and pews. The church borrowed $900.00 dollars to pay on the church. The church was insured for $1,000.00 dollars and the fixtures for $200.00. (Minutes, March 17, 1917).
Over the past 98 years many individuals have played outstanding roles in the growth and history of the La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church. We thank God for all who have loved and labored here in the past. Their unwavering faith and magnificent courage have created and sustained a spiritual heritage to be treasured forever. Supported by the prayers of her people, sustained by their sacrificial giving, nurtured by the inspirational of worship and led by the Spirit of God, the La Grange First Church will continue to win souls to Christ and bring Glory to His Name.
Welcome to Worship and Celebration!
Welcome to La Grange First Church as we gather as part of the family of our heavenly Father. We invite you to join in as we worship the Lord and celebrate the salvation we have in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord of our lives. A sincere welcome goes out to our visitors, guest, former members, and members as we gather here in celebration of 98 years of Christian Ministry in this community. Please be sure to greet one another in the Name of our Risen Savior!
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Opportunities for Service and Growth
Sun. June 1Ascension of the Lord Sunday
98th Anniversary of La Grange First
9:15amPartners in Prayer
9:45amSunday School
11:00amWorship & Celebration
4:50pmChoir Rehearsal
6:00pmSunday Night Live (All Ages)
“Your Move” – Andy Stanley / Session 4
Ice Cream Social to Follow
Mon. June 2 7:15pmSunday Night Live Band Practice
6:30pmWilson/Creech Circle
Wed. June 4 7:30pmBible Study
7:30pmLifeGroups
Thu. June 511:15amPrimetimers
Sat. June 7 4:00pmThe CRIB Band Practice
6:30pmThe CRIB (Grades 6 and up)
“The Other Story”
Sun. June 8Pentecost – Graduation Sunday
9:15amPartners in Prayer
9:45amSunday School
11:00amWorship & Celebration
4:50pmChoir Rehearsal
6:00pmSunday Night Live (All Ages)
Mon. June 9 7:15pmSunday Night Live Band Practice
Wed. June 11 7:30pmBible Study
7:30pmCollege Bible Study @ The CRIB
LifeGroups
Sat. June 14 4:00pmThe CRIB Band Practice
6:30pmThe CRIB (Grades 6 and up)
Sun. June 15Trinity Sunday - Father’s Day
8:30amMen’s Fellowship
9:15amPartners in Prayer
9:45amSunday School
11:00amWorship & Celebration
No Evening Worship Services
Announcements
Throughout our lives, we are confronted with decisions we never anticipated having to make – relationship decisions, career decisions, financial decisions, parenting decisions – the list goes on and on. To complicate matters further, the timeframe for making a decision is often short and our options limited. Regardless, a decision must be made. So, what do you do when it’s your move and you aren’t sure what to do? In this four-part series, we will learn how to involve God in the decisions we make. Our last session will be Sunday, June 1st @ 6:00pm. Ice Cream social to follow.
Vacation Bible School
VBS will be June 22-26. If you are willing to help, please sign the list on the Bulletin Board or contact Joshua Hobgood or Sue Shivar. Registration forms are in the Gathering Hall. Please fill one out if you are planning to attend VBS.
Graduation
Graduation time is near! Any youth that is a member of our church or youth program is graduating from High School, please give information to the pastor. Anyone graduating from College this spring or last fall, please contact the pastor. Up-date on graduates is as follows: College – John Fields, Travis Harrison. Madison Hines, & Taylor Holmes. Graduation Sunday is planned for June 8th.
Rev. Chris Singleton – Interim Minister
The Rev. Chris Singleton of our church will begin today serving as interim minister at Friendship OFWB Church near Trenton. Please remember Chris and Vickie in your prayers.
Brief History of La Grange First Church
We have printed a “Brief History” of the church which also includes articles on “Our Witness” as church, future ministry plans, our Christian beliefs, convention ministries, other ministries of the church, past building programs, and future building programs.
Anniversary of Pastor
Today our pastor begins his 8th year as pastor of La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church. Ronnie served as pastor from August 29, 1982 – August 29, 1988. He was called as pastor for a second term in 2007 with his first Sunday as pastor on June 3, 2007. During his first term as pastor the church received 37 new members; 15 by profession of faith and baptism, 20 by letter, and 2 by re-affirmation of faith. During the second term the church has received 91 members: 46 by profession of faith and baptism, 42 by letter, and 3 by re-affirmation of faith. We give Glory to God only for what has been done! May we continue to present ourselves as living sacrifices unto our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we strive to know Christ, build His Church and make Him known to all people as we continue to seek His will.Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
Article – Sexual Immorality
The clear teaching of the Scriptures is that Christians are to live holy lives. The world challenges this holy living today. Recently, certain leaders in a denomination stated they wanted a peculiar sin concerning sexual immorality taken off the list of sins. God’s Word does not change; we cannot rewrite the Word of God. With such confusion in our world, the pastor has written a short article on “Sexual Immorality” to aid in our understanding of these sins. The article not only addresses these sins, it also teaches how the body of Christ is help restore people to a right relationship with the Lord. You are encouraged to pick up the article, read it and search the Holy Scriptures for yourself.
Convention of Original FWB
The Convention of Original FWB met on May 21-22 at the University of Mount Olive. The theme for the convention was: “Being People of Service in the Community,” Acts 1:8. Our Pastor was elected Vice-President of the convention. He requests the prayers of all our members as we seek to move forward as a denomination. The Rev. Al Warrick was elected President. Keep them both in your prayers.
Tim Lovelace & Wilmington Celebration Choir
The Convention of OFWB is sponsoring an evening of family, fun, and entertainment on Friday, June 27, 2014 on the campus of the University of Mount Olive. Tim Lovelace is a singer, songwriter, and comedian. The Wilmington Celebration choir share through music and they will be a blessing to all. If you would like to attend, tickets are $10.00 each. Sign the list on the church bulletin board if you would like a ticket.
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In the WORD
Memory Verse for 2014
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV
Book of the Month–1 & 2 Corinthians
Sign list on Bulletin Board when you have finished reading Acts.
WE WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
6- 3Bailey Sutton6- 5Gwen Wade
6- 6Susan Bigler6-10McKinnon Wade
6-10Martha Harrison6-11DeeAnn Maready
6-11Delores Foster6-14Debbie Herring
6- 14John Craft6-16Christina Creech
6-17Joel Sutton6-19Tony Creech
6-20 Kelsey Holmes6-21John Titus Westbrook
6-22Kendrick Harrison, Jr.6-22Jennifer Sutton
6-23Avery Harrison6-27Joseph Harrison, Sr.
6-30Robie Killette
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CHURCH WORKERS FOR JUNE
Deacon of the Month: Royce Holmes
Greeters for Worship
North Vestibule South Vestibule Gathering Hall
1- Ushers Kendra Harrison Jamie & Laura Beth Daughety
8- Ushers Tanya Craft Robie & Eloise Killette
15- Ushers Edna Johnson James & Jennifer Sutton
22- Ushers Fran Gibbons C. J. & Dee Foster
29- Ushers Sue Shivar Jeff & Pam Thomas
Candlelighters
1- Tyler Holmes8- Riley Craft
15- Payne Thomas22- Olivia Sutton
29- Julie Holmes
Children’s Church (ages 3-3rd grade)
1- Jennifer Sutton & Kathryn Hart8- Laura Eason & Christie Westbrook
15- Father’s Day22- Vicki & Kevin Bannister
29- VBS Commencement
Infant Nursery (Birth – age 1) / Toddlers Nursery (Ages 1-2)
1- Mary Gresham, Ruth Scott, & Shirley Sorrell
8- Morgan Harrison, Sheila Harrison, & Kim Wade
15- Christina Creech, Delores Foster, & Pam Thomas
22- Ashley Holland, DeeAnne Maready, & Sarah Letchworth
29- Joyce Harrison, Cassidy Hipkiss, & Irene Wilson
Grass Cutting
7- ______14- Ted Harrison
21- Ronnie & Josh Hobgood28- Clifton Harrison
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Attendance for May 25, 2014
Sunday School...... 69
Worship & Celebration...... 117
Worship & Celebration
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June 1, 2014 The Lord’s Day Eleven O’clock
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Celebrating 98 Years Of Christian Ministry
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Welcome and AnnouncementsPastor
Quiet Reflection with God People
Lighting of the CandlesTyler Holmes
CALL TO WORSHIP
“Praise You”...... Choir
INVOCATIONYouth Pastor
HYMNS AND SONGS OF PRAISE
“I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”(verse 1, 2, & 4)...... Number 280
I love Thy kingdom, Lord, The house of Thine abode, The Church our blest Redeemer saved With His own precious blood.
I love Thy Church, O God! Her walls before Thee stand, Dear as the apple of Thine eye, And graven on Thy hand.
Beyond my highest joy I prize her heavenly ways, Her sweet communion, solemn vows, Her hymns of love and prayer.
(Public Domain)
“The Bond of Love”...... Number 281
We are one in the bond of love: We are one in the bond of love. We have joined our spirit with the Spirit of God: We are one in the bond of love.
Let us sing now everyone; Let us feel His love begun. Let us join our hands that the world will know We are one in the bond of love.
(First Church # 2376035, CCLI # 14459)
“The Family of God”...... Number 282
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God – I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I’m part of the family, the family of God.
(First Church # 2376035)
(A time of Fellowship for the family of God.)
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
SUNDAY SCHOOL PROMOTIONS
OFFERTORY
Offertory PrayerLaity
Giving His Tithes and Our OfferingsPeople
“Doxology”People
RESPONSIVE READINGThe Church, Number 646
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
TIME OF PRAYER
Sharing our prayer concernsPeople
Morning Prayer
ANTHEM
“On This Day of Celebration”...... Choir
(Children age 3 – 3rd grade are dismissed to Children’s Church)
MESSAGE FROM GOD’S WORD
The Christian Family SeriesPastor
“The Family of Faith”Ephesians 3:14-21
TIME OF INVITATION AND COMMITMENT
“The Church’s One Foundation”...... Number 277
ALTAR PRAYERPastor
AFFIRMATION OF FAITHThe Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into the grave; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit; the Holy Church Universal; the fellowship of the saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
CHORAL BENEDICTION
“Sanctuary” (sing twice)
Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true;
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.
(First Church # 2057646CCLI # 2057646)
POSTLUDEMusicians
Amen Amen Amen
Prayer Ministry
“My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer”
PRAISE…
Praise the Lord for the great and mighty things He has done.
SICK…
Tommy Allen (Brother-in-law of Irene Wilson), Frances Alphin (Christine Parrish), Gina Bannister (Sister of Bruce Bannister), Rex and Jeannie Bannister (Parents of Bruce Bannister), Flonnie Buck (Mother of Sara Maxwell), Valerie Burmahl (Sister of Gwen Wade), Christie Carlyle (Wife of Wayne Carlyle), Joyce Cherry , Estelle Creech (Mother of Pat Creech), Lou Criscola (Friend of Ray Kennedy), Caleb Eason (Nephew of Laura Eason), Aiden Egan, Kari Elwart (Darlene Creech), Herma Ferris (Bethany Jones), Angie Greene (Susie Harrison), Martha Harrison, James Herring (Grandfather of Braxton Holland), Marjorie Hines,Dalton Hinson, Pat Hinson-Deaver, N. C. Holmes, Virginia Holmes,Bryan House (Ruth Scot), Carol Jones (David Letchworth), Ronnie King (Sandra Rouse), Barbara Lambert (Friend of Bethany Jones), Tiffany Langston (Zack & Alex Liles), Bob Lee (Brother-in-law of Vickie Singleton), Fay Letchworth, Jayden Manning, Linda Manning, Joyce Martin, Roger Mewborn, Muriel Murphy (Grandmother of Pam Thomas), Cherish Naylor (Pam Thomas), David Nipple (Wade Family), Hannah Beth Roddy, Jack Rouse (Brad & Angela Taylor), JoAnn Rouse, Glennie Rumschlag (Herring family), Don Seymour (Dixie Letchworth), Helen Sloan (Sherwood Shivr), Christy Smith, Danny Tucker (Ted Sheila Harrison), Wade Tucker (Dalton & Frances Hinson), Christian Turner (Edna Johnson), Margaret Vail, Chuck Wackerman, Cindy Wackerman (Step-mother of Chuck Wackerman), Crystal Wackerman, Gwen Wade, Veronica Wooten (Jennifer Sutton), and Gale Yarborough.
SYMPATHY…
To Sara Parker Maxwell in the loss of her Grandfather, Dick Parker.
HOMEBOUND…
Joyce Edwards, Myrtle Hanchey (Grandmother of Lucretia Creech), Rev. J. B. Narron (Hobgood Family), Stan Rouse (Husband of Sandra Rouse), Enzie Singleton, Joel Sutton.
CHURCH AND DENOMINATIONAL…
First Church, Pastor, Youth Pastor, Deacons, Sunday School Leaders/Teachers, College Students, Convention of Original FWB, Denominational Ministries, the Lost, and all Christians.
SPECIAL CONCERNS…
Our military & their families, Josh & Holly Balance [Korea (Son-in-law of Hilda Sutton)], Alex Ferrell (nephew of Bethany Jones-service), Adam Harrison (Service), Mike Hammond, Josh Manning (Zack Liles), Josh Ormond [Service / Texas (Son of C. J. & Dee Foster)], Sons Family (Service – Ray Kennedy), Revival in the church.
CIVIC LEADERS…
US: President Obama, Vice-President Biden, Cabinet, Congress, and the Supreme Court’
NC: Governor McCrory, NC Senators and NC Representatives.
La Grange/Lenoir County: Mayor Gurley, Town Commissioners, County Commissioners, County & Private Schools, and Lenoir Community College.
(As of May 30, 2014)
The Christian Family Series
The Family of Faith
Ephesians 3:14-21
Introduction
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Major Thoughts
1. The Church – All Christians everywhere.
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2. The Church – We gather together to worship God.
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3. The Church – The Sacred ordinances.
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4. The Church – A Witness to the world.
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Conclusion
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