Vol. XXVI Issue 9 September 2009

Metropolitan Times

Metropolitan Baptist Church Oklahoma City, OK

Annual

Missions Festival

September 27272727—October 4444

In just a few weeks, we will again host many missionar-

ies for our Missions Festival at Metropolitan Baptist

church. I encourage you to attend the prayer breakfast on

Saturday, September 26, from 8:30-10:00 a.m. in the Fam-

ily Life Center, Room 138. Our theme, “Make Disciples of

All Nations,” marks an essential, God-given focus for our

Festival.

Our Sunday speaker on September

27 will be Dr. A. Charles Ware.

He is President of Crossroads Bi-

ble College in Indianapolis, Indi-

ana. The school is a national

leader in modeling and promoting

multi-ethnic ministry. They are

committed to the city, and to bibli-

cal, racial reconciliation. His mes-

sage on Sunday morning will be

“The Mission of the Church Is

Missions,” (Matthew 28:18-20).

His message on Sunday evening will be “Reaching All

Nations” (1 Corinthians 9:19-27).

One event in the Festival this

year merits special mention. Our

Wednesday night Fellowship Din-

ner will bring children, students,

and adults together in the Gymna-

sium at 6:45 p.m. They will sit and

eat with our attending missionar-

ies. AWANA children and leaders

(except Cubbies who will have

their usual schedule), Middle

School and High School students

and leaders will sit in pre-assigned

seats with missionaries. Adults

will fill in open areas at the tables. After sharing together

David Flynn, the U.S. Director for the Perspectives Pro-

gram will present a dramatic monologue on the life of Wil-

liam Carey, often called “The Father of Modern Missions.”

Rev. Ashton T. “Tat” Stewart

will speak on Sunday, October 4.

He is Director of Persian Minis-

tries for World Witness. He grew

up in Iran as the child of medical

missionary parents. After higher

education in the States, he re-

turned to Iran to pastor in Tehran.

He was one of the last American

missionaries to leave Iran after

the hostage crisis of 1979. As Di-

rector of Persian Ministries, he travels extensively to Ira-

nian communities around the world, preaching and training

in discipleship. He also teaches the Bible on satellite which

is aired in Iran. His messages will be “Rekindling Your

Passion for Missions” (Psalm 42:1-2; Matthew 28:18-20)

in the morning services and “Open Hearts in a Closed

Land”—a look at why Christianity is growing so fast in

modern-day Iran—in our evening service.

You can learn how to become involved in practical ways

during the Festival by reading and responding to the forms

on our Sunday bulletins or in your Sunday School class.

You can also call the church office at 722-2550. Please

open your hearts to our attending missionaries. Help them

to feel our love, respect and commitment to them. Encour-

age them in every way you can. Host them in your home,

either for housing or for a dinner with others. You can take

them to lunch on Sunday, or have breakfast with them on

Saturday. Come to an adult Sunday School class to hear

from them. Meet with them informally. Pray with them

and for them. Support them financially as God enables

you. Together, with them, let’s grow in “making” disciples

of all the nations.

—Pastor Rick Hermansen

THE METROPOLITAN PULPIT Expository Messages by Pastor Randall Faulkner—8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

September 6 “Christ our Shepherd” Psalm 23

September 13 “Christ our Sovereign” Psalm 24

September 20 “Christ for the Nations” Psalm 72

September 27 “The Mission of the Church Is Missions” (Matthew 28:18-20) Dr. Charles Ware

Sunday evenings resume September 13 at 6:00 p.m.

David Flynn as

William Carey

Eric, Julie, Rick and Mike Smedlund and their families in the

passing of Jeanne.

Beth Evans in the homegoing of Neil.

Kay Bradford in the loss of her mother, Ruth DeLong.

Mary Norris in the passing of her mother.

Donna Holman in the death of her brother, Jim.

MISSIONS FESTIVAL

2009 EVENT SCHEDULE

September 27–October 4

Saturday, September 26

8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Continental Prayer

Breakfast, FLC #138

Sunday, September 27

8:30/11:00 a.m., & Dr. Charles Ware,

6:00 p.m. Speaker

All Missionaries Presented

9:45 a.m. Missionaries in

Sunday School Classes

12:15 p.m. Missionaries to Lunch

with Members

Monday, September 28 Evening Home Dinner Meetings

Tuesday, September 29 Evening Home Dinner Meetings

Wednesday, September 30

6:45 p.m. All-Church Dinner

with Missionaries

“William Carey” Presentation

by David Flynn

Thursday, October 1

11:30 a.m. Lunch for attending missionaries

with Primetimers, FLC #138

Evening Home Dinner Meetings

Friday, October 2 Evening Home Dinner Meetings

Saturday, October 3

Morning Fellowship Breakfasts

with Members

Sunday, October 4

8:30/11:00 a.m., Rev. Tat Stewart, Speaker

& 6:00 p.m. All Missionaries Presented

VOICES—Singing in P.M. Service

9:45 a.m. Missionaries in

Sunday School Classes 12:15 p.m. Missionaries to Lunch

with Members

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven

and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and

make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of

the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach-

ing them to obey everything I have commanded you. And

surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

The Church Offices will close

Monday, September 7, for

Labor Day.

They will re-open Tuesday,

September 8.

EVENING SERVICES RESUME EVENING SERVICES RESUME EVENING SERVICES RESUME EVENING SERVICES RESUME

SEPTEMBER 13 AT 6:00 P.M.SEPTEMBER 13 AT 6:00 P.M.SEPTEMBER 13 AT 6:00 P.M.SEPTEMBER 13 AT 6:00 P.M.

Some members of the staff recently enjoyed

a planning retreat at Lake Eufaula.

Pictured (l. to r.) are Paul Purifoy, John Strauss, Cindy Katter-

son, Matt Menhennett, Casey Oliver, Trudy Hoffsommer, Rick

Hermansen and Randy Faulkner.

Cinnamon Roll Cinnamon Roll Cinnamon Roll Cinnamon Roll Sunday , September 6Sunday , September 6Sunday , September 6Sunday , September 6

Support the student ministry as they serve cinnamon rolls during the Sunday School hour on September 6. All proceeds are used to help defray costs for mission trips, retreats, and other special events. Pre-order for your class through Mary Lynn Murray (728-3322).

Thank you for the many prayers and expressions of

love extended to us in the recent death of Kay’s

mother, Ruth Irene DeLong, in Illinois. God has truly

blessed us with our Christian family at Metropolitan

—Mike & Kay Bradford

STUDY CHOICES FOR STUDY CHOICES FOR STUDY CHOICES FOR STUDY CHOICES FOR PERSONAL GROWTH PERSONAL GROWTH PERSONAL GROWTH PERSONAL GROWTH

AND AND AND AND ENCOURAGEMENTENCOURAGEMENTENCOURAGEMENTENCOURAGEMENT

Ladies’ Wednesday Night Bible Study Ladies’ Wednesday Night Bible Study Ladies’ Wednesday Night Bible Study Ladies’ Wednesday Night Bible Study Through the Bible in 90 DaysThrough the Bible in 90 DaysThrough the Bible in 90 DaysThrough the Bible in 90 Days August 26—November 18 6:45-8:15 p.m. — Room 136 Cost: $25 at Mardel for Participant Guide and Essential Bible Companion Leader: Joy Heidebrecht (947-8522)

Ladies’ Thursday Morning Bible StudiesLadies’ Thursday Morning Bible StudiesLadies’ Thursday Morning Bible StudiesLadies’ Thursday Morning Bible Studies Precept Bible StudyPrecept Bible StudyPrecept Bible StudyPrecept Bible Study————Daniel, Part 2Daniel, Part 2Daniel, Part 2Daniel, Part 2 Kay ArthurKay ArthurKay ArthurKay Arthur September 10 9:15-11:30 a.m. — Room 114 Cost: $26 per student Leader: Jan Craycraft (340-5795)

Precept Bible StudyPrecept Bible StudyPrecept Bible StudyPrecept Bible Study————EphesiansEphesiansEphesiansEphesians Kay ArthurKay ArthurKay ArthurKay Arthur September 3 9:15-11:30 a.m. — Room 128 Cost: $23 per student Leader: Carolyn Churchill (749-2294)

Ten Women of the Gospels We’ll Meet in HeavenTen Women of the Gospels We’ll Meet in HeavenTen Women of the Gospels We’ll Meet in HeavenTen Women of the Gospels We’ll Meet in Heaven September 10 9:15-11:30 a.m. — Room 111 Cost: None Leaders: Karlann Wilks (722-2115) and Mary Lynn Murray (728-3322)

Childcare is provided, but you must register for it. To re-serve childcare, please call Jan Craycraft.

September 12

Dodge City Paintball

Cost: $25

Leave MBC at 7:30 a.m. Arrive back at 1:00 p.m.

Call Pastor Casey Oliver or Matt Menhennett for information.

CONNECTING

WITH METROPOLITAN

If you are interested in becom-

ing a member of Metropolitan or

just want more information, you

will want to attend the next class

for prospective new members on

Sunday, September 13.

Subjects in this informative seminar include the his-

tory and character of our church as well as our Vi-

sion, Mission and Core Values. We also cover our

basic beliefs, teaching on discipleship and steward-

ship, a look at our church’s organization and govern-

ment, and ministry opportunities.

The class will be held from 9:00 to 12:00 a.m. in

room 136 of the Family Life Center. Please sign up

by calling the church office at 722-2550 or by talking

to the elder or pastor near the communion table at the

end of our Sunday morning services.

—Jerry Burton

Men’s Retreat

October 9-10

Guest Speaker:

Mike Cunningham Mike Cunningham Mike Cunningham Mike Cunningham of Entrusting Truth

Helping fathers effectively influence their children to follow the Lord

Cost: $40.00

Steak Cookout on Friday Night

Mark your calendars!

EDUCATING

THE CHURCH STAFF

Pastor Doug Brown is about to finish his.

Pastor Casey Oliver has just started his. What

are we talking about? We’re talking about a

graduate seminary degree program. We be-

lieve continuing education for our pastors is

both desirable and important. It enhances their ministry at Met-

ropolitan. They are able to incorporate the ideas and concepts

learned in the classroom into their day-to-day ministry at Metro-

politan. It also helps keep a fresh perspective on their ministry.

Interaction with professors and with other students involved in

ministry keeps them invigorated and helps prevent ministry

burnout.

However, graduate education today is expensive. The leaders

of Metropolitan have recognized both the importance and cost of

continuing education. In response, they have established an Edu-

cational Assistance Plan to help full-time employees of the

church with the cost of further education. Any person may make

contributions to the church to help with education for church

staff by designating “educational assistance” on their check.

—Pastor John Strauss

Come Come Come Come Join Us!Join Us!Join Us!Join Us!

WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO? All children in grades 1st through 6th

(Kindergarten by permission) Open to all children (Not only those who sing well!)

WHAT? WHAT? WHAT? WHAT? Music Makers (K-3), Room 113

Young Musicians (4-6), Room 124

WHEN?WHEN?WHEN?WHEN? 6:00 TO 6:40 p.m.

WednesdaysWednesdaysWednesdaysWednesdays Choir RoomChoir RoomChoir RoomChoir Room

Ensemble Rehearsals: NewSong — 6:00 p.m. The Guys — 8:30 p.m.

Adult Choir Adult Choir Adult Choir Adult Choir RehearsalRehearsalRehearsalRehearsal 6:45 p.m.6:45 p.m.6:45 p.m.6:45 p.m.

Sunday Night Study

Begins September 13

Questioning Evangelism: Engaging People’s Hearts

the Way Jesus Did (by Randy Newman) will be the

topic of study in this Fall’s Sunday Night Life (SNL). This very helpful book ex-

plores evangelism from a different perspective or

“method” than we usually discuss in the church. New-

man says, “...methods don’t go very far when

a conversation about faith runs squarely up against a brick wall of defensiveness or veers

off into an unfamiliar landscape of arguments and objections. What’s a disciple of Christ to do? Ask a question. It is, after all, what Jesus

did.” If you’re interested in studying this book

with us, come on over to my house on Sun-days, 6:00 p.m., beginning September 13.

Ephesians 3:20,

Trudy Hoffsommer

Boundaries in Marriage

Marriage Enrichment Elective

Sunday Evenings—Room 106

Beginning Sept. 13

A marriage enrichment class offered

this fall will help husbands and wives

move beyond friction points and seri-

ous hurts in their marriages to build

stronger, more loving relationships.

This class will be designed for hus-

bands and wives who want to know

and respect each other’s needs,

choices, and freedom. By applying the

powerful, biblical principles in this

course, couples can make good mar-

riages better and rescue marriages that may be headed for

disaster.

In each of the eight sessions there will be exercises and

activities, coupled with discussion, to help partners con-

nect principles with marriage-strengthening application.

The class will begin on Sunday, September 13, at 6:00

p.m., in Room 106.

—Pastor Doug Brown

Wednesdays—6:45 p.m.

Open to children starting at

2 years before Kindergarten /

Ending at 5th grade

Lots of fun activities planned

� Bring a friend

� Come join the fun

� Learn about our Lord

Interested in helping? Call Doris Heald

(388-7908).

Begins September 2

Wednesdays & Fridays

9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Call 722-6314 for enrollment information.

COMING EVENTS

Sunday Night Study Begins September 13

FALL RETREAT October 31—November 1

This year’s retreat will be at Canyon Camp, a

beautiful campground near Hinton. This Saturday/

Sunday conference will feature Pastor Doug Brown

as our speaker. Any age single interested in going,

needs to get this event on your calendar.

Call me if you have any questions.

—Trudy Hoffsommer

Middle School / High School Students!

Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday, September 23September 23September 23September 23

Join other believers in prayer for your friends, fellow classmates and teachers. Ask God to move in their hearts and lives and bring them to Christ. Pray that God will make you an effective witness for Him this year among your peers.

Special Film series To prepare us

For missions festival Wednesdays in September

Adult prayer meetings have resumed. Every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. the church is called to-gether for intercessory prayer in the Fellowship Hall. To help inform us on how we can pray more intelligently and faithfully for missions, we will be viewing some excellent films depicting missionary work—past and present. Come every Wednesday in September to see: “Worth It All” - The story of Roni Bowers, mis-

sionary martyr who was tragically killed in Peru in 2001;

“Mama Heidi” - The story of Heidi and Rolland Baker who serve the forgotten children of Mozambique;

“Ee-taow, the Mouk, Story” - How primitive tribes-people were won to Christ;

“The Yali Story” - The transformation of Stone-Age cannibals through the translation and teaching of the Scripture.

—Pastor Randy Faulkner

Vintage Vintage Vintage Vintage Kickoff Event Kickoff Event Kickoff Event Kickoff Event

On September 23 MBC middle

school and high school students are

going to join with several other lo-

cal churches at PCO’s stadium for a

night of worship. This night will

focus on bringing together the

Body of Christ here in Oklahoma

City. Vintage is an event in the

spring focusing on Christians from

all churches coming together to reach their schools and

communities for Christ. This kickoff event will be one

opportunity to come together and build that unity across

church lines before Vintage takes place this spring.

—Pastor Casey Oliver & Matt Menhennett

Student Ministry Discipleship Groups consist of coming together for a brief time of fellowship and wor-

ship on Wednesday nights, then splitting into grade and

gender-separated groups for deeper study of God’s

Word. These groups take time to focus on prayer, scrip-

ture memory, accountability, study of God’s Word, and

support for problems they are facing in life.

These groups meet from 6:45-8:15 p.m. each

Wednesday. For more information, contact Pastor Ca-

sey Oliver or Matt Menhennett at 722-2550.

MBC WomenMBC WomenMBC WomenMBC Women’s Ministry s Ministry s Ministry s Ministry — Connecting You toConnecting You toConnecting You toConnecting You to

Girlfriends in the LordGirlfriends in the LordGirlfriends in the LordGirlfriends in the Lord

Upcoming Events for Upcoming Events for Upcoming Events for Upcoming Events for 2009200920092009

October October October October 30303030----31313131:::: Women of Faith presents

“A Grand New Day”“A Grand New Day”“A Grand New Day”“A Grand New Day”

at the Ford Center, Downtown OKC

Diana Dawkins

(204-0637-Cell; 721-3223-Home)

$89/person;

$79/person with group of 10+

NovemberNovemberNovemberNovember 6 6 6 6----7777:::: Metropolitan Baptist Church

“Women’s Retreat on a Shoestring”“Women’s Retreat on a Shoestring”“Women’s Retreat on a Shoestring”“Women’s Retreat on a Shoestring”

Mark your calendars now

for this fun and refreshing event!

December December December December 4444----5555:::: “Deeper Still”“Deeper Still”“Deeper Still”“Deeper Still”————

Multicultural, Multigenerational Event

at the Cox Center, Downtown OKC

Speakers: Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer,

Beth Moore

Lifeway.com/women/deeperstill or

e-mail Shelley Urton at

urtoncm@sbcglobal.net

$75/person

Metropolitan Baptist Church

“Christmas Sampler” “Christmas Sampler” “Christmas Sampler” “Christmas Sampler” (TBA)

— Louise Cheek

TUTOR MEETING & TRAINING TUTOR MEETING & TRAINING TUTOR MEETING & TRAINING TUTOR MEETING & TRAINING Tuesday, September 8Tuesday, September 8Tuesday, September 8Tuesday, September 8 at Olivet Baptist Church at Olivet Baptist Church at Olivet Baptist Church at Olivet Baptist Church

1201 NW 10th St.1201 NW 10th St.1201 NW 10th St.1201 NW 10th St.

TUTORING BEGINSTUTORING BEGINSTUTORING BEGINSTUTORING BEGINS Tuesday, September 15Tuesday, September 15Tuesday, September 15Tuesday, September 15 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

(Every Tuesday evening(Every Tuesday evening(Every Tuesday evening(Every Tuesday evening school is in session )school is in session )school is in session )school is in session )

Interested in being a part of this important minis-try? Then contact Karen Mickle by e-mail or phone (tedmickle@cox.net or 818-1361).

Wednesdays

6:45 - 8:15 p.m.—FLC #132

For Children (ages 5-12)

Wednesdays

6:45 p.m.—FLC #130

For Adults

For more info or to register, contact Trudy

Hoffsommer at 722-2550 or e-mail her at

thoffsommer@mbcokc.org.

They were excited and had pre-

pared for months for this trip, not

knowing what God was going to do,

but ready to be used in anyway He

desired. We met as a team at the

Oklahoma City airport. We said our

goodbyes and went through security

and then boarded our plane that

would take us to our first stop in Dallas. With only a short

layover in Dallas we were back on a plane, which would

take us on in to Costa Rica.

Finally, we arrived after a four-hour plane ride to our

destination, and the excitement level was high. But…we

had to get through customs! It’s never been a problem be-

fore, however, this time they wouldn’t let us through with-

out an address of where we were going to stay. Students

looked at me and asked for the address to which I replied,

“I don’t have one.” I knew at that moment that God had

something big in store for this team. You see, in Costa

Rica when you look around at all the houses and stores

you will notice they don’t have addresses!

I had no doubt God would get us through customs, so I

waited patiently with a smile on the inside waiting for God

to open the doors for us. Finally, after about 40 minutes

we made it through. From there we moved on to where we

were staying, which was a packed house of 24 people!

Imagine two weeks with high schoolers and not much

wiggle room! The next day we attended a local church in

the morning and then came back to the house to get ready

for grocery shopping and to prepare for the week.

Monday we hit the work site after breakfast and 45-

minute devotionals. The work was at a local high school

and our job consisted of preparing the ground for concrete

sidewalks that would enable kids in wheelchairs to get

around and make it to class easier. I was amazed as I

watched our group that didn’t know much about construc-

tion lay concrete so well. Not only did they get done what

was expected of them but relationships were built with the

local students even though there was a communication

barrier.

God did some amazing things on this trip. All of us are

still learning from what He taught us while we were there

in Costa Rica. Please continue to pray for each of our stu-

dents that they would continue to grow in love and find

ways to serve others throughout this school year. We

would also love to share more with you about what God

did while we were on the trip, so look for our Sunday

night time that we will be sharing more about Costa Rica.

Why not stop a student that you see in the hallway at

church and ask them how they saw God work in and

through them this summer?

—Pastor Casey Oliver

High School Costa Rica Mission Trip Images From the Trip

OKC Fall 2009 Discipleship Conference

MARKS OF A DISCIPLE September 11-12

Chapel Hill UMC Pick up a brochure

in the racks to register.

COME PRAY WITH US Saturday, September 26

8:30-10:00 a.m., FLC 138

� Pray for our Missions Festival � Pray for our missionaries � Pray for the lost � Pray for our church � Pray that God will use us to ““Make Disciples of All Nations””

A continental breakfast will be served.

The Anna’s House Foundation

of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Invites you to join News 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAYNews 9’s ED MURRAY

for our

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Supporting the ministries of AHF and the Foster children and families they serve!

Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m. Express Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center BallroomExpress Events Center Ballroom

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Dinner catered by Iguana Grill Reservations—$25/individual

Corporate Sponsorships welcome

RSVP: Jason Nelson, Norma Thomson Charles Mooney, Carolyn Churchill or Robert Black

www.annashousefoundation.org

Encourage those serv-

ing our country by writ-

ing notes or sending

cards to military per-

sonnel with Metropoli-

tan ties. Contact the

church office for names

and addresses (722-

2550).

Help support our faith

promise missionaries

by sending cards or

notes on their birthdays

and anniversaries. Get

in touch with Jane Tan-

ner for contact informa-

tion of those serving our

Lord here and abroad

(janetanner8@att.net or

720-2527).

Stephen Ministry Training Starts October 11

Stephen Ministry is a system of caring ministry we continue

with this fall at Metropolitan Baptist church. Stephen Ministers,

who are specially trained congregation members, provide one-

to-one Christian care to people who are experiencing a life chal-

lenge or crisis.

Stephen Ministers receive over 40 hours of training in Chris-

tian care-giving skills. This training involves general topics like

listening skills, feelings, assertiveness, and boundaries, and spe-

cialized topics like praying together and using other Christian

resources in ministering to someone experiencing grief, a termi-

nal illness and more. Once trained, our pastors and Stephen

Leaders pair up each Stephen Minister with a member of the

congregation or community who needs care. These relationships

are kept confidential, and those paired have weekly contact for

an appropriate time period.

Why do we want to have Stephen Ministry here at Metropoli-

tan? We want to expand our pastor care ministry. All of us are

called to care. We want to put spiritual gifts to better use. The

needs are there! We want to reach out with Christ’s love in our

church and community. Our vision is to know God and share

His love by serving people. Jesus commanded us to love one

another and to make disciples of all nations. Stephen Ministry

provides a vehicle to accomplish this.

Beginning Sunday, October 11, we will continue to train

Stephen Ministers. We will meet on Sunday afternoons from

4:30-6:30 p.m. If you would like to know more about this train-

ing, please call me, Trudy Hoffsommer, or Merlyn Pearson.

Application forms can be found on a table in the foyer of the

main building. Come join the 20 already trained people who are

involved in this vital ministry of our church.

—Rick Hermansen

THE POWER OF SONG

Earlier this year, newspapers reported

a multiple murder in El Reno, Okla-

homa. A single mother and her four

children, sadly, were strangled to death

in their apartment. The man accused of

the murders is a fan of Insane Clown

Posse, a rap/hip-hop duo known for pro-

fane lyrics about murder fantasies, necrophilia and violent acts.

They perform in concert as “wicked clowns,” wearing black and

white clown makeup.

A line in one of their songs says, “I’m killing today to take this

feeling away.” The lyrics of another of their songs include the

lines, “Choke ‘em. Kill ‘em. And sleep right through the night.”

The man accused in the El Reno murders has a tattoo with the

words “Wicked Clown’o.” He listed Insane Clown Posse as his

favorite musical interest on his MySpace website.

Criminology experts do not claim that such music is a primary

cause of violent acts. But they agree that violent lyrics can con-

tribute to them. Fans of ICP have been accused of violent crimes

in other parts of the country, according to police.

In the Bible there is an inference about the power of music for

evil purposes. Near the end of Revelation is a description of the

downfall of Babylon, a symbol of an end-time world system

under Satan’s control. As Babylon is destroyed in preparation

for the coming kingdom of Christ, it says, “The music of harp-

ists and musicians, pipers and trumpeters will never be heard in

you again” (Revelation 18:22). Apparently the music of Babylon

contributed to her evils as “her sins are piled up to heaven, and

God has remembered her crimes” (Revelation 18:5).

The opposite is also true. The heavenly song depicted in Reve-

lation 14:2-4 is sung by the redeemed who “were purchased

from among the human race and offered as firstfruits to God and

to the Lamb.” It is like the new song sung to Jesus by the inhabi-

tants of heaven in Revelation 5:9.

“You are worthy,” they sing, “because you were slain and with

your blood you purchased for God members of every tribe and

language and people and nation.” This new song is a song of

thanksgiving. It communicates the truth of redemption. It is a

song about Jesus!

In the 1500s as the Reformation was sweeping across Europe,

people were rediscovering the biblical gospel. Their spiritual

leaders encouraged them to sing. They learned to sing songs of

praise (“Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”), songs that

taught doctrine (“A Mighty Fortress”), and songs about Jesus

(“Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation”).

God invented song. There is singing in heaven, and He intends

that there be singing on earth. Song has always been a powerful

influence, motivating thanks, teaching truth, reinforcing obedi-

ence, giving joy and prompting praise to Jesus. If Satan co-opts

song for evil purposes, how much more should we embrace

singing for God’s purposes!

It is significant that the longest book in the Bible is a song

book. It is located in the middle of the Bible. In that collection

of Hebrew songs are specific prophecies about Jesus. These

Messianic psalms will be the basis for my pulpit ministry in the

weeks ahead. The series, titled “Singing About Jesus” will guide

us in praise, teach doctrine and motivate us to love and obey our

Savior and Redeemer.

Your friend,

Randall Faulkner

MOPS – What’s the point?

MOPS stands for Mothers

of Pre-Schoolers. (That’s

moms of newborns to kin-

dergarten.) But what is

MOPS all about? MOPS is

about bringing moms closer to Jesus Christ. Moms of little

ones are in a stage of life with its own unique struggles

and sometimes intense feeling of aloneness, much of

which eventually fade into memories of cherished chubby-

cheeked cherubs. But when you are in it, you are IN IT.

It’s a time of life when that God-shaped hole in our heart

cries out to be filled. Lost moms are ready to be found!

Whether it is because they have no clue about God’s free

gift of salvation, because they’ve wandered from the path,

or because they are just going through the motions; lost

moms are ready to be found. When a lost mom is found all

of Heaven rejoices. And just think—due to her influence

on her family—of all the potential for celebration!!

Why come to MOPS when I am not lost? A MOPS

group needs moms who love Jesus, who are willing to

reach out—just across the table—to a mom who needs a

shoulder, a hug, a friend, and the Savior.

A new MOPS year begins this September 15. I am so

excited to see what God will do this year! We are welcom-

ing back our beloved Moppets Coordinator, Laura Love,

and our devoted Hospitality Coordinator, Sarah William-

son. We are excited to welcome brand new steering mem-

bers as well: Chandra Roush as Finance Coordinator and

Jan Craycraft as our Titus Woman.

We are praying and looking forward to the Lord’s pro-

vision of a few more servant-hearted individuals to care

for the Moppets (our precious children), and although we

have a few open spots on our steering committee, we are

more focused on praying that more Metropolitan moms

will come just to be a part of the MOPS ministry, and

most of all that lost moms will be found. Will you pray

with us?

We will start our year with a visit from Merry Weather-

bee, Life Observer. “Discovering the merry moments in

daily living is Merry's constant quest. Her mission is

to bring laughter in the midst of slice-of-life frustrations,

wisdom from many of life's most unexpected teachers, and

healing hope by sharing a practical UP-Look on the Lord

Jesus Christ, resulting in a joyful OUT-Look on

life.” (www.merryweatherbee.com)

Hope to see you there!

—Shari Wile

MOPS Coordinator

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

September

Events

1

2

Son Light Preschool Children’s Choirs Adult Prayer & Bible Study Ladies’ Bible Study Adult Choir Rehearsal DivorceCare Groups MS & HS D-Groups AWANA Clubs

3 Ladies’ Bible Study

4 Son Light Preschool Mobile Meals

5

6 Worship

Labor Day Sunday School Cinnamon Roll Sunday No Evening Service

7

Church office Closed

8 MBC Prayer Group Whiz Kids Training

9

Son Light Preschool Children’s Choirs Adult Prayer & Bible Study Ladies’ Bible Study Adult Choir Rehearsal DivorceCare Groups MS & HS D-Groups AWANA Clubs Deacons’ Meeting

10 Ladies’ Bible Studies Prayer for Muslims

11 Son Light Preschool Mobile Meals Navigator Conference

12

13 Worship Sunday School Connecting with MBC Missions Committee Mtg.

Evening Service Resumes Marriage Class Begins Financial Peace Begins SNL for Singles

14

Young at Heart Luncheon Elders’ Meeting

15 MBC Prayer Group

MOPS Begins

16

Son Light Preschool Children’s Choirs Adult Prayer & Bible Study Ladies’ Bible Study Adult Choir Rehearsal DivorceCare Groups MS & HS D-Groups AWANA Clubs

17 Ladies’ Bible Studies

18 Son Light Preschool Mobile Meals

19 Primetimers to Hermit Basin

20 Worship Sunday School Evening Service SNL for Singles

21

22 MBC Prayer Group Whiz Kids

23

“See You at the Pole” Son Light Preschool Children’s Choirs Adult Prayer & Bible Study Ladies’ Bible Study Adult Choir Rehearsal DivorceCare Groups MS/HS Vintage Kickoff AWANA Clubs

24 Ladies’ Bible Studies Prayer for Muslims

25 Son Light Preschool Mobile Meals

26 Missions Festival Prayer Breakfast

27 Missions Festival Begins Worship Sunday School Evening Service

M I S S I O N S

28 Home Dinner Meetings

F E S T I V A L

29 MBC Prayer Group Whiz Kids Home Dinner Meetings

30

Son Light Preschool Children’s Choirs All-Church Dinner Missionary Interaction “William Carey” Drama