Newsletter:

Pastor's Column:     (March)

Celebrate Jesus the Anointed One!

As we celebrate Easter this month, I just wanted to take a few moments to reflect on our Lord*s anointing prior to His death, burial and resurrection.  The Gospel of Matthew tells us that while Jesus was reclining at Simon*s house, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it on His head.  After reading this passage, one may wonder, *What is the meaning behind this ancient, Middle Eastern act known as anointing?*  A quick study of the Bible tells us that people were anointed for three different events: death, setting apart, or healing.  Those who were anointed for the purpose of being set apart were usually kings or priests.  The anointing symbolized a setting apart by God, an official appointment of God, and one empowered by God.  In this case Jesus fulfills all three purposes for anointing.  The noun *anointed* comes from the same word in which we get *Christ*.  In other words, Jesus Christ is the anointed One of God.

Another question that might be raised when reading this passage of Scripture may be, *Does this seemingly archaic religious act have any significance for us today?*  The answer to this question is a resounding *yes*!  The woman who anointed Jesus was acting out of worship.  We too ought to worship our Lord with the same attitude.  First, the Lord is worthy of our best.  The woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume.  Her act of worship was costly.  The perfume was worth the equivalent of a year*s salary.  This was no simple *tip*.  Second, the Lord is worthy of our humility.  The Bible says, *When the others saw this they were indignant.  They thought her actions were a waste of resources.  They ridiculed her for her overzealous love for Christ.  Likewise, some may question your fanaticism over being obedient to worshipping Christ today.  Third, the Lord is worthy of our opportunity.  The woman knew that soon Jesus would die.  She knew her opportunity was short.  She seized the moment in order to worship.

What about you?  Have you come to the place this Easter season where you seek to worship the Lord with your best, your humility, and your opportunity?

                                               -Through His Joy

                                                   Pastor Amos

Spring Small Groups Are Here!

We have some wonderful offerings this semester. Some previous choices are back, and some brand new ones are here! Please examine the display in the foyer and sign up for a group. 

Ladies General Bible Study
Becoming a Woman of Prayer. Led by Nancy Price.


The Excellent Wife Ladies' Group
Be the godly wife God would want you to be. Learn biblical principles for your marriage. 
Led by Emily Albright.


The Exemplary Husband Men's Group
God designed marriage to reflect Christ's relationship with the church. Learn how Christ 
would have you relate to your wife. Led by Amos Albright.


Crown Financial Study
Learn how to manage your money God's way. Meetings are 2 hours. Led by Max Garwood.


The Truth Project (World View) Group
This is a video driven series on Christian worldview. Led by Ed Barnes.


Soup Kitchen Servants
Serve weekly in the local soup kitchen 4-6:30pm. Maximum of 10 group members. Led by Steve Eyers.


Accountability Partners
Learn what an accountability partner is and how they encourage one another. Come to the group with a partner or be paired up with a partner when you arrive. Facilitated by Steve Eyers and Joe Perkins.

Read Through the Bible in One Year

This past fall, we have been talking about the wonderful benefits of reading the Bible in a year. Some of us have done this in past and are planning to make the commitment to read the three to four chapters daily to complete this goal again for the year 2008. 

If you would like to make the commitment to join us on this reading adventure in God's Word please be sure to sign up with one of the deacons following morning worship services. You can receive a "Read through the Bible in a Year" Reading Guide at that time.
We will look for ways to help you be accountable in this year long adventure.

Sincerely,
HBC Deacons
Ed Barnes
 Rod Glasgow 
Dennis Jones
 Ernie Maslin

Bible Drill Tournament

We are hoping to have many of our children and youth participate in this year's State Bible Drill tournament. There are 3 categories of participation:

                                   Grades 1-3 ... Grades 4-6 ... Grades 7-9 

Beginning in January and lasting through April every second and fourth Sunday nights from 5:15-6:15pm, our youth and children will have an opportunity to meet and practice separately for this exciting event. Each participant will learn much about the Bible as they prepare for the tournament. Our youth and children will become very familiar with books of the Bible, key Bible passages, and even memorize several Bible verses. Those youth and children who choose to participate will be truly blessed as they grow in their understanding and application of God's Word.

Important Dates:
**Wednesday, March 26: 1st Church tournament during Adult Bible Study 
**Wednesday, April 23: 2nd Church tournament during Adult Bible Study 
**Saturday, May, 3: State Bible Drill Tournament, Highland Lakes Camp 

PS: Several adults are needed to help the various age categories. Please prayerfully consider helping us out!

HBC PRAYER CHAIN

Did you know that Huntington Baptist has a prayer chain? We have a number of people who are dedicated prayer warriors. If you have a prayer concern, please feel free to 
share it with us. 

You may send your request to: Barb Garwood at 260-672-8285 or at maxsbarb@yahoo.com. 
You may contact Barb to join the HBC Prayer Team also.

People Who Care

On Wednesdays we often pray for individuals who have spiritual needs.  It is truly a wonderful thing to bring someone's name before our Lord in corporate prayer. We know that somehow, someway, things will be different because we care and because God is God.
In addition to just praying about people, this semester we would like to make personal contacts with many of these people. Think about it! Wouldn't it be great if we not only pray for them but also encourage them with a caring personal visit?

If you know of someone who could use a friendly evangelistic visit, would you please prayerfully submit their personal information to our Pastor.