Independence Day Oikos Luncheon This Sunday!

Bring your Oikos this Sunday for a Special Program

This Sunday, July 3, we'll be having a special potluck lunch with an Independence Day program.  Come hear your favorite national hymns along with a great time of fellowship celebrating our nation's independence.  It will start after the service and run till around 1pm.

This is a great time to invite your oikos (the people in your relational world), especially if you know people who have served or currently serve in the military, or people in the older generations. The purpose of this time is to develop relationships with the people in your oikos. 

Can you help with the Potluck?   We still need main dishes as well as other items.  Also, we need people to help clean up afterward (and come early before church to take care of last minute set up.)  If you can bring a dish or otherwise help, please email Carri Butler.

Also on the Calendar:

July 3 - July 9:  Middle School and High School Summer Camp at Hume Lake.

Sunday,  July 10:  Family Picnic at Standley Park. - Everyone is invited to our family picnic after church on Sunday, July 10 at Standley Park.  Bring lunch, lawn chairs and whatever you need for a great time together.

Sunday July 17:  New to FBCSD?  Come to our new person's luncheon right after church on Sunday the 17th.  Meet the staff, learn more about our church and how to connect, and meet other people new and not-so-new to the church.

July 18-22:  Summer Blast!  Summer Blast Kid's Camp begins Monday, July 18.  Register your kids now online at SummerBlast.org!

Our Sunday series in the book of Revelation continues through July - don't miss it!

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2011 - Day 26

As we come to our final week of this period of prayer for our church, please plan to fast on Thursday, June 30.  Many people will abstain from food on that day, however, please do as the Lord leads you and participate in some meaningful way.  As you fast, each time you desire to eat or do whatever you are refraining from today, stop where you are and pray for our church.

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

 ¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
   where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the LORD,
   the Maker of heaven and earth.

 ³ He will not let your foot slip—
   he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵ The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
   he will watch over your life;
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore.

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2011 - Day 23

 Today, please pray for our Church leadership, specifically, our church board, ministry teams, teachers, small group leaders, and volunteers who serve us so dilligently every week.  When you see someone who you know serves, please thank them next time you see them.  Ask God to let you know who needs encouragement, and let them know.

Colossians 1:15-20

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

 

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2011 - Day 19

Today, Father's Day, please be in prayer for our men's ministry, in particular Men's SteakOut, this Saturday at 5pm. 

Pray that it will be a good time of fellowship for the men in our church, as well as a time of encouragement, strengthening, and an inspiration to accomplish new things together in discipleship and ministry.

Proverbs 27:17

¹⁷ Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another.

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2011 - Day 11

Today, pray for the missional events going on this weekend at FBCSD, the Pajama Jam movie night and the Great American Bake Sale (More information here).  Both of these events are designed to bring Fellowship opportunities within our church and with the people that God has placed in our relational worlds (oikos).  The Bake Sale also addresses the issue of hunger, which is very great even in our own country.  We must be aware of suffering and realize we are called to make a difference in the name of Jesus Christ.

Please pray that through these events, relationships of all kinds are stronger, that people will hear and see the Gospel through these relationships and that much will be done to address the issue of child hunger in America.

Matthew 5:13-16

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

   ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

FBCSD 

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2011 - Day 9

Today, please pray for our missions in El Salvador. Our ministry in El Salvador is through a mission called “Enlace.” Please pray for the leadership of that mission group.

Also, pray for our church partners in El Salvador, Pastor Marcos (http://www.enlaceonline.org/sjen/) and Pastor Miguel (http://www.enlaceonline.org/las-delicias/), and their congregations.

You can find out more information here:

http://www.projectmilagro.com/
http://www.enlaceonline.org/

Matthew 25:31-46

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
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.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

FBCSD

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2011 - Day 5

 
Today is the 142nd birthday of the First Baptist Church of San Diego!  Organized June 5, 1869!

Today is also Day 5 of our 30 Days of Prayer and Fasting.  The emphasis will change this week, but for today, please continue to give thanks to God for His great blessing in our church.  Please keep our church in prayer and give thanks that God has used us for so many years. 

The passage for today is Colossians 3:15-17

Colossians 3:15-17

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The pictures on the left are 4 of the 5 worship centers of the First Baptist Church of San Diego, the first one being the first protestant church building in San Diego. (The missing one is the Fellowship Hall at the current Governor Drive location).


FBCSD

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2011 - Day 3

Day 3 - Continue to pray and give God thanks as we are in our first week of 30 Days of Prayer and Fasting.  Today, watch the video below and read Psalm 96.  Give God praise and thanksgiving for all He does!






Psalm 96

         1      Sing to the LORD a new song;
         sing to the LORD, all the earth.
         2      Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
         proclaim his salvation day after day.
         3      Declare his glory among the nations,
         his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

         4      For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
         he is to be feared above all gods.
         5      For all the gods of the nations are idols,
         but the LORD made the heavens.
         6      Splendor and majesty are before him;
         strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

         7      Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,
         ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
         8      Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
         bring an offering and come into his courts.
         9      Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
         tremble before him, all the earth.

         10      Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
         The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
         he will judge the peoples with equity.
         11      Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
         let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
         12      let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
         Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;
         13      they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
         he comes to judge the earth.
         He will judge the world in righteousness
         and the peoples in his truth.

FBCSD

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2011 - Day 2

As we continue in prayer, please continue to thank God today!  Read Psalm 100 below (or in your favorite Bible) and pray.  Consider each line and "Know that the Lord is God!"  You can comment below or put down your thoughts on Facebook.

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving thanks.

         1      Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
         2      Worship the LORD with gladness;
         come before him with joyful songs.
         3      Know that the LORD is God.
         It is he who made us, and we are his;
         we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

         4      Enter his gates with thanksgiving
         and his courts with praise;
         give thanks to him and praise his name.
         5      For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
         his faithfulness continues through all generations.


FBCSD

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2011 - Day 1

Today begins 30 Days of Prayer and Fasting at the First Baptist Church of San Diego!  Check this blog each day during the month of June for suggested devotional subjects, prayer requests for the church and more.  We have posted today's passage below in the NIV and also in the KJV, which you may enjoy (the video below will explain.)

Please watch the video below and spend some time today giving thanks for our church and all the ways God has blessed us.





Psalm 116 (NIV)

         1      I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
         he heard my cry for mercy.
         2      Because he turned his ear to me,
         I will call on him as long as I live.

         3      The cords of death entangled me,
         the anguish of the grave came upon me;
         I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
         4      Then I called on the name of the LORD:
         “O LORD, save me!”

         5      The LORD is gracious and righteous;
         our God is full of compassion.
         6      The LORD protects the simplehearted;
         when I was in great need, he saved me.

         7      Be at rest once more, O my soul,
         for the LORD has been good to you.

         8      For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
         my eyes from tears,
         my feet from stumbling,
         9      that I may walk before the LORD
         in the land of the living.
         10      I believed; therefore I said,
         “I am greatly afflicted.”
         11      And in my dismay I said,
         “All men are liars.”

         12      How can I repay the LORD
         for all his goodness to me?
         13      I will lift up the cup of salvation
         and call on the name of the LORD.
         14      I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
         in the presence of all his people.

         15      Precious in the sight of the LORD
         is the death of his saints.
         16      O LORD, truly I am your servant;
         I am your servant, the son of your maidservant;
         you have freed me from my chains.

         17      I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
         and call on the name of the LORD.
         18      I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
         in the presence of all his people,
         19      in the courts of the house of the LORD—
         in your midst, O Jerusalem.

         Praise the LORD.


Psalm 116 (KJV)

            1      I love the LORD, because he hath heard
                  My voice and my supplications.
            2       Because he hath inclined his ear unto me,
                  Therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
            3       The sorrows of death compassed me,
                  And the pains of hell gat hold upon me:
                  I found trouble and sorrow.
            4       Then called I upon the name of the LORD;
                  O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
            5       Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
                  Yea, our God is merciful.
            6       The LORD preserveth the simple:
                  I was brought low, and he helped me.
            7       Return unto thy rest, O my soul;
                  For the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
            8       For thou hast delivered my soul from death,
                  Mine eyes from tears,
                  And my feet from falling.
            9       I will walk before the LORD
                  In the land of the living.
            10       I believed, therefore have I spoken:
                  I was greatly afflicted:
            11       I said in my haste,
                  All men are liars.

            12       What shall I render unto the LORD
                  For all his benefits toward me?
            13       I will take the cup of salvation,
                  And call upon the name of the LORD.
            14       I will pay my vows unto the LORD
                  Now in the presence of all his people.
            15       Precious in the sight of the LORD
                  Is the death of his saints.
            16       O LORD, truly I am thy servant;
                  I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid:
                  Thou hast loosed my bonds.
            17       I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
                  And will call upon the name of the LORD.
            18       I will pay my vows unto the LORD
                  Now in the presence of all his people,
            19       In the courts of the LORD’s house,
                  In the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.
                  Praise ye the LORD.

FBCSD

Memorial Day Sunday

All of us are called to a certain life, a certain role as part of God's family. For many in our congregation, that call has included military service. That calling is not just for soldiers and sailors, but also for their families who also sacrifice much during due to their loved one's service. In many cases, all is sacrificed. Memorial Day is a national holiday created to honor American Servicemen and women and to honor those who have died while in the military.

Today, we have many in our church on active duty, both at home and abroad, and many veterans We also have many who have lost loved ones in past and current US wars and other service. This Sunday, we would like to acknowledge and honor those of you who Memorial Day has a personal connection.

This year, it is notable that the new Miramar National Cemetery has opened right across the 805 freeway from our church. I have already performed one ceremony there and I believe we will have new opportunities to serve military families for many years to come. I am excited about new ways God will call our congregation to serve related to military families. Please be in prayer about this.

If you currently serve, or have served previously, feel free to wear your uniform this Sunday if appropriate. For those who have lost loved ones in military service, we will remember with you and thank you for your sacrifice for each one of us. We are glad you are a part of our church family at 1st B.

Please feel free to invite others you've served with on Sunday, and those you know who need to be a part of a church family. We would be honored to be with them on this important day.

See you Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Scott

Welcome David Popovich as New Youth Director

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to introduce David Popovich as our new Youth Director!    

David comes to us from Olive Drive Church, our sister church in Bakersfield, CA, where he served as the Middle School Pastor.  His energy and love of kids is evident as is God's direction in his life.  David recently graduated with a Master's Degree from Fuller Seminary and we are excited to have him as a part of our ministry together at 1st B. 

We'll be hearing more about David in our service this Sunday.  Please be in prayer for his ministry to our church kids and the many kids in our community that are connected with our youth group.   

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Scott

Revelation 8 - 30 Mintues of Silence and You

Please comment below...

Are You Lukewarm? Revelation 3 Devotion Follow-UP

Greetings!

I hope you are having a great Christmas season!  

On Sunday, I told you about a devotional I would send you related to our topic on Sunday from Revelation Chapter 3.   Here's the passage we studied:

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:  These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.   Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.  To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.   Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

This devotional (link below) is part of a small group curriculum called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.  It contains a list of 18 different descriptions of "Lukewarm People" with a scriptural reference for us on each one.   Since the book of Revelation begins with Jesus' concern for His church, I thought it would be good for us to be challenged to respond during these next few weeks before we continue with the book.

So, for the next 18 days, just take one of these thoughts and scripture references each day and have a devotion and prayer about it.  Ask God to examine your heart and to draw you closer to Him.  No doubt, this will be challenging for us all, but following Jesus is the most serious part of our life, so its worth it.  Keep in mind, we all struggle, but God's grace through Christ not only brings you forgiveness, but also spiritual growth.

As we consider all there is to consider this Christmas, remember our little Advent Conspiracy slogan - Spend Less, Give More, Worship Fully.  More about that on Sunday.  See you then.

Blessings,

Pastor Scott

Click here for the "Lukewarm People" PDF


Want to use Crazy Love in your small group?  Here's a link to the book - we have the DVD at church in the Resource room.

Crazy Love

Need to get caught up on Revelation sermons?

Click here to subscribe to our sermon podcasts.

Click here to download or stream the sermons online.

Oikos Christmas Party is THIS SUNDAY - Michael Jr.

I am so excited about this year's Oikos Christmas Party!  You know why?  Because I get to spend time with some people that I've been praying for all year:  your oikos and mine!  Your oikos is our primary missional group, and this is one of the easiest opportunities to build your relationship with the people that God has purposefully and providentially placed in your life.

This year, we are pleased to welcome comedian Michael Jr.  Michael is a clean comedian with a solid Christian testimony.  He has been on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as many other television and other venues.  He will not only be making us laugh, but he will also be showing us the way he uses his comedy to minister to the broken in prisons, homeless shelters, homes for abused women and kids, and elsewhere.  We'll laugh a lot - and maybe cry a little too.

Here's a promo video - more information below...



We call this event the "Oikos Christmas Party" because it is a party designed for your oikos - it's for them to have a good time with you, building a relationship that is necessary for you to make disciples.  By getting to know them better, you'll be more ready to discover and meet needs they have; an opportunity to show them the love of Christ.  You will also be a person they know who knows Jesus.  As Peter reminds us, we must be prepared to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ.  (1 Peter 3:15) 

Please be in prayer for them now.  If you haven't already, make a list of those people in your oikos, the people you interact with on a regular basis, and pray for them every day.  Ask God for the opportunity to invite them and that God would be moving in your relationship with each other.

Keep in mind that there are further opportunities for you and your oikos.  Our Christmas Eve Service is on December 24th.  Also, we'll be starting "Financial Peace University" with Dave Ramsey in January.  And also in January, our "Starting Point" class will begin again.  This class is for anyone who is a new believer, seeker, or otherwise interested in the faith.  We'll be promoting these things at the Oikos Party.

Tickets are available now for $10, but if cost is a problem we have quite a few complementary tickets.  We want you to be able to invite your oikos, so if you need a comp ticket, please contact the office ASAP at info@fbcsd.com.   I recommend that you purchase them for your oikos and give them as a gift.  Think of it as an investment in your relationship with them.  We do want everyone in your oikos to be able to go, so if you need to buy more tickets than you can afford, please let us know on Sunday at the Connection Table, we will have a few comp tickets for your oikos.  Also, if you want to buy extra tickets for other people's oikos becuase you can easily afford it, please do this at the Connection Table as well on Sunday.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! - Sign up to help THIS Sunday or send an email to info@fbcsd.com letting him know what you will do:

• We need people to make Christmas goodies and hors d'œuvres.  Baked goods and finger foods are perfect!
• Also, if you can make Apple Cider, that has been a huge hit every year.  Pots can be set up in the church kitchen if necessary.
• Set up and tear down teams

This is a great opportunity for you to get to know your oikos better.  I encourage you to ride together and make plans to get to know each other further.

Looking forward to seeing you - and your oikos!

Blessings,

Pastor Scott

Baptism Testimony Video from September 19, 2010

[Our next baptisms are scheduled for Sunday, October 24, 2010.  Contact Pastor Scott if you have questions or would like to be baptized - pastorscott@fbcsd.com.]

We are so excited to see what God is doing in Ashley's life!  See her testimony and baptism in the video below.



I should mention that we do not teach that a person is saved by baptism.  Baptism is a symbol of regeneration, the work of the Holy Spirit in a person's life, the washing away of sin, the resurrection and new life of someone who believes in their heart that Jesus died and rose again for their sins, and who confesses with their lips that Jesus is Lord.  (Romans 10:9-10)   It is notable that when people come to faith in Scripture, and in modern experience, they seek to be baptized.  I believe this is the Holy Spirit moving that person into trusting Jesus with their life, a life that is now a witness of the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

Also, re-baptism is not something to do often.  We don't see it in Scripture.  Through Ashley's testimony, a couple of people have rededicated their life to Jesus, but we won't baptize them again.  Ashley's testimony is one of spiritual rebirth for the first time, in truth, so she was baptized like any new believer.

Ashley's testimony is not at all uncommon.  Does her story sound familiar to you?   If this resonates with you, do not be embarrassed!  Instead, ask your questions and know the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We have a class starting this Sunday at 9 am, Starting Point, that is for you.  If you don't know Jesus, or aren't sure, even if you've been in church for a long time, please do not hesitate to come.

Blessings to you!

Pastor Scott
pastorscott@fbcsd.com

Summer Blast Is June 28-July 2 - Sign Up Today!

It’s that time again! 

Register your kids for Summer Blast today... Here is the information that you need to know:

SIGN UP TODAY HERE:

www.SummerBlast.org

What is Summer Blast? Summer Blast is our weeklong camp put on by FBCSD. For an entire week, elementary students will be immersed in an adventure of a lifetime. The action doesn’t stop with music, teaching, snacks, crafts and games! Join us as we go OUT TO SEA to explore God’s love! You and your family are also invited to our SUMMER BLAST FAMILY NIGHT that will take place on Friday, July 2nd at 5:45 pm. Come hear about your child’s week at Summer Blast, meet other families and get in line for Beach Pit BBQ! You may sign up your family when you register your child for Summer Blast. Cost is $6 each additional family member.

What are the details?

• Theme: OUT TO SEA
• Dates and Times: June 28th-July 2nd/ Doors open at 8:45 and pick-up is from 12:00-12:15.
• Who’s Invited: Kid’s going into Kindergarten-6th Grade (2010-2011 school year)
• Where to Register: Register on Sunday Mornings outside the Worship Center, in our Church office (Mon-Thurs. 9am-4pm) OR online! www.SummerBlast.org 

What’s the cost and what does it include?

• Early Registration: Sunday, May 2nd- Sunday, June 20th: $35
• Late Registration: Monday, June 21st- June 28th: $40
• Cost includes a t-shirt, a tour guide, activities for the week and a one free child admission for SUMMER BLAST FAMILY NIGHT.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Once you register your child/ren, you will receive an email with additional Summer Blast information!

Hope to see you and your kids again soon!

Sign up today here:  www.SummerBlast.org

Lyndsey Mercer
Children’s Ministry Director
First Baptist Church of San Diego

The Book of Proverbs: Reading Together as a Community - Chapter 1

Dear Scott,

As we continue our Sunday series through the book of First Peter, we are learning that we, "like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Note that "stones" is plural. It is something that God is doing in us together.

For the next 31 Days, I invite you to do something with me, with each other, in community. Let's read the book of Proverbs together - one chapter a day for 31 days. Its not very much, barely a page a day in most Bibles, and it isn't meant to replace your own devotions or other study. But the invitation isn't simply to read the scriptures together, its an opportunity for us to share with each other what we are learning from the text, what God is saying to you, whatever is beneficial and encouraging. It is an opportunity to grow spiritually together, as a congregation, in relationship with God and with each other.

So here's the deal. Read one chapter a day, starting with Proverbs chapter 1 on May 31. Then spend some time reflecting on what is most impacting to you, and pray through it. Then share it with people who are a part of our church community at First Baptist. This can be done in many ways including in person or on the phone. Many of you reading this are connected wtih our church Facebook page, and that is a great place to post your responses. Another place to post online is to leave a comment on our church blog - we'll have a special posting every day for your to leave comment and share your thoughts.

However you are led to share, we know God is going to work through His word in those who participate. I believe God will use your sharing to build community with brother and sisters in Christ in our congregation, and to encourage spiritual growth for all who are a part of our fellowship. So, I urge you to not keep to yourself what you have learned - pray through it and then share with the community one way or another.

I am excited about this time in our ministry together - and I know you will love the next 31 days as you are blessed each day by wisdom that comes from God who loves us.

So, go ahead, take a break, read Proverbs Chapter 1, and see what God does...

Blessings,

Pastor Scott

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for attaining wisdom and discipline;

for understanding words of insight;

for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,

doing what is right and just and fair;

for giving prudence to the simple,

knowledge and discretion to the young-

let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance-

for understanding proverbs and parables,

the sayings and riddles of the wise.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

- Proverbs 1:1-7

Youth Ministry Working With "The Cause" Friday May 21

Here's 2 events to be praying about today and Friday. 

Brandon Hall, our Youth Director, is working with the "Livin' it" team from San Diego Cityfest to promote "The Cause" to UC High School.   Brandon serves the student run Faith Club at UC High School who is sponsoring a skateboard demonstration at the lunch hour at UC on Friday May 21.  The purpose of the demonstration is to promote "The Cause", a Youth Outreach event that is part of the San Diego CityFest "Season of Service."  

The second event is "The Cause" itself, which will be Friday evening at Horizon Christian Fellowship in North County.  After a great demonstration from some of the top skateboarders, the Gospel will be presented to High School and Middle School kids from all across San Diego County. 

This event is unique from other CityFest events in that it is joining with an event for the Chelsea's Light Foundation.  With the recent tragedies of Chelsea King and Amber Dubios, awareness is being raised by this foundation for how to prevent these things in the future.  But in the midst of this and the publicity is a remarkable opportunity to share the Gospel of JEsus Christ, and so CityFest has been invited to participate.

Please pray today for Brandon's leadership and the students that will be participating, along with anyone else involved.  Pray for the safety of the skaters and that God would use the testimonies to reach people for Christ.

Below is an article from CityFest giving you more information, and also a promo video.

The Cause – CityFest’s 1st Livin It pre-event May 21 

SAN DIEGO’S YOUTH GATHER TO SUPPORT CHELSEA KING AND AMBER DUBOIS

Professional Athletes and Musicians Partner with Campus Christian Clubs to Bring Awareness

(May 4, 2010) – Youth will gather at Horizon North County on May 21 with professional skateboarder Brian Sumner, professional surfers Bryan Jennings and Matt Beacham, NFL player Marlon McCree, and Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher for an evening of music, extreme sports demonstrations, and presentations in support of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois.

The Cause is designed to raise awareness among middle and high school students about legislative and educational reform efforts by Chelsea’s Light Foundation™. The professional athletes will share with students about overcoming tragedy and will challenge them to make a difference in their own communities.  Fletcher will be present in support of Chelsea’s Law, sharing how San Diego’s youth can make an impact.

This event is hosted by Horizon’s I-180, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, UrbanYouth Collaborative, and Walking on Water, a member of the San Diego CityFest with Luis Palau Livin It^® Team.  The purpose of the Livin It^® Team is to engage youth in their own culture and to meet them in their questions about faith and their role within the community.

The Cause will take place on May 21 from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Horizon North County, 6365 El Apajo Rd in Rancho Santa Fe (92067).  All youth are encouraged to attend.

Blessings,
FBCSD

Video for Chris Hearn's Last Day at FBCSD

Today is Chris Hearn's last day at FBCSD!  Here's a special video announcement...

We will be having a potluck luncheon right after church on Sunday, May 23rd to send him off to his new position as Sr. Pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Sweden, Maine.  More information is available this Sunday!

THANKS CHRIS!