Everyone will be split into teams and then be transported to different baking sites (church members homes). Each team will then come back to the church after they’re finished and their cake will be judged and eaten.

Come show your baking skills and see if the guys defeat the girls.

Sharon and I appreciate your prayers so very much. We have been blessed by your hugs, emails, cards, letters and words of encouragement.

My surgery date has been set for Friday, July 17. I am so encouraged by the words of my surgeon who feels confident that the cancer has been discovered early. He has expressed his expectation of a successful surgery and total removal of the cancer. I like hearing that!

God is good. Keep praying. Sharon and I love you very much. To God be the glory.

Andy

We had a record number of participants sign up this year.  We have 33 players enrolled this season, and we will begin practice on Mondays at 6 pm starting July 6.  We are excited to get the season underway and see what God has planned for Buddy Ball 2009!

For more information about how you can help with this exciting ministry, please contact Rick and Tracy O’Banon at (254) 939-8636.

Helping Hands is a faith-based non-profit organization focused on meeting the needs of people in the local community in order to share the love of Jesus Christ.

Note that Helping Hands has changed location.  They are now located at 2210 Holland Rd [map].

Some of you were unable to be present last Sunday, June 21, so I want you to know what I shared with those attending both morning services.

Last week I received the news that I have been diagnosed with cancer of the prostate. Through the years I have prayed with literally hundreds of people in the churches I have pastored who have cancer; I never expected to hear the word in reference to myself.

I will see a surgeon on July 6.  At that time, he will set a date for surgery. I anticipate that taking place in mid-July. If the surgery goes as anticipated, I will not have to have radiation or chemotherapy. Of course we all know that there are uncertainties associated with any cancer, but prostate cancer is very treatable and, assuming it has been caught early, offers great hope for a complete cancer free recovery.

The doctor believes I will be out of the pulpit for about three weeks. I believe that I will be back to “normal” by the time we have Celebration Sunday on August 23.

I am asking you to pray for Sharon and me. Of course I desire complete healing, but there is something more important. I want you to pray that through all of this that God will be glorified. I want to be a witness to the greatness of our God. Will you make that your prayer? Our sovereign God is in control.

I love you. I know you will pray. I will keep you informed as best as I can. I am thankful for an incredible staff that will lead us in these days. I believe that First Baptist Belton’s greatest days are right in front of us.

God bless you all!

Andy

Children from all across the city, along with dozens of workers, have come together to learn about Jesus through Vacation Bible School.  We have had over 800 people (children and workers) in the building for the last two days.  Continue to pray that God will move in the lives of these young people.

The video above is from the “Weekly Wednesday Webisode.”  It’s only on Facebook.  If you’re on Facebook, but you haven’t become a fan of the church page yet, do it today.  Click on this link, get logged in, then click “become a fan.”

Legal documents

The drafting team met again on June 4 and came to consensus on the key elements of the Constitution and Bylaws. Filing of Certificate of Formation is temporarily delayed to resolve a name conflict with Body of Christ Ministries in San Antonio.

Construction

The construction team met with the architect last week and finalized the floor plan. We expect to apply for building a permit within 30 days. The team estimated the cost to complete the entire clinic project is $195,000 and anticipated that it can be done by the end of 2009.

Relocation of Kim’s Closet and Bundle of Joy within Helping Hands to make way for the clinic has been completed by volunteers. Both operations are fully functional in their new locations. We have commitments to build the new outlying offices bordering the chapel next to the food operation, install the new doors that will be the entrance to the clinic, and hang a dust barrier allowing work within the clinic area during Helping Hands operations. We will continue to use volunteers for some portions of the clinic construction. Subcontractors that wish to bid on the work are encouraged to contact us as well. There have been some subcontractors that are planning on working on the clinic at discounted rates, and we wish to say thanks to them. Please contact Ron Emerson at (254) 760-1863 if you are interested in knowing more.

Finances Designated for the clinic

We have a balance on hand of over $78,000 with another $30,000 pledged.

Volunteers

There are currently over 140 individuals who have expressed interest in the project and are on the “mailing” list.

Churches

14 churches are interested or formally involved, and many are already contributing.

Next meetings

• Core and Lead Planning teams expect to meet in early July, possibly July 9 at 6 am at First Baptist Belton or Harris Community Center to review recommended logo and branding, draft constitution and bylaws, and construction plans and timeline.
• An open meeting for all interested parties is anticipated in mid to late July, possibly July 22 at 6 pm in either First Baptist Belton or Harris Community Center to present the logo and branding, constitution and bylaws, and construction plans and timeline.

We will need pressure washers and hoses. Everyone is welcome, so come and enjoy the fellowship as we work together. We will meet by the playgrounds, next to Pearl Street.

For more information, contact Nathan Parr at (254) 939-0705.

Celebration Sunday is August 23. We will promote to our new small groups at that time, and the schedule will be different than normal.

• Everyone will meet for small groups at 9 am in their new classes, and
• There will be one worship service at 10:30 am.

The following Sunday, August 30, we will begin our new permanent schedule.

• 8:30 am is our classic worship service (more traditional style, led by our choir and orchestra)
• 9:45 am is small groups for all ages
• 11 am is our modern worship service (more contemporary style, led by our praise band)

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re happy to help. Just add a comment in the box below or call (254) 939-0705.

Please join us for our next Fellowship on Friday, June 19 from 6 – 9 pm. It will be held at the home of Will and Jessica Alley, 2910 Amber Forest Trail, Belton [map] (Red Rock Hills Subdivision). Kingdom Kids is available. If you are interested in reserving a spot for your child(ren), please contact Treasure Hanna by Wednesday, June 17th.

For everyone planning to attend the fellowship, please RSVP to Elaine Durham at (254) 939-3709 by noon on June 18 so that we can have an estimated count for seats and drinks. Please bring your favorite dish, your spouse, and a friend. Be prepared to see old friends or make new ones. For those who have husbands deployed, you are encouraged to come and meet others who are in similar situations or have been there before.