Adult Sunday School Class
Begins New Study
Forever-Why You Can't Live Without It
Dexter, Missouri - The Sweet Prospect General Baptist Church young adult Sunday school class will be starting a new study titled, Forever, why you can’t live without it.
In this new study Paul David Tripp will answer questions such as:
Why is it so hard for us to be satisfied? What do so many of our marriages struggle? Why do we have such a hard time getting along with family and friends? Why are we in so much debt? Why do we stand in front of full closets and say we have nothing to wear? Why do we look into fully stocked refrigerators and say we have nothing to eat? Why do so many of us spend more than we earn? Why do we struggle with envy? Why do people disappoint us so much? Why does life in the here and now never seem to deliver what we hoped it would? Where do you go to find answers to questions like this? What helps you understand life?
Tripp says, "We are all looking for meaning and purpose in our life. No matter who you are, where you are, and how old you are, you long for the perfect world and struggle with the fact that the address where you live is anything but perfect."
In Tripp’s video and book he points out that we can find the answer to these questions by focusing on eternity or forever. The class will study and explore the possibility that maybe this present life is not a destination, but a preparation for our final destination. Young Adult class leader Rod Jetton said, “We will consider that how we live our lives has real consequences in the next. We will learn that God created us to live forever and that we can't make sense out of our present life without considering eternity.”
Pastor Ray Rowland mentioned, "The first class will start this Sunday at 9:45. A light breakfast with donuts, coffee and orange juice will be available. We also have children's classes for those who have kids." There is a $10.00 charge for the class to help defray the costs of books and videos. If you cannot attend the first week don't worry, this is a study you can drop into anytime and not miss a beat.
It is a ten week study and each Sunday participants will watch a short video then join a group discussion on the key points. During the week students will also be reading the book, "Forever, Why you can't live without it."
Jetton added, "I've enjoyed reading the book, and watching the videos. It really helped me reflect on my life and what is really important. I'm looking forward to going through the class with others were we can talk about life's big issues and encourage one another."
Sweet Prospect is located at 1201 E. Elk St. in Dexter across from Tyson. The class starts at 9:45 am on Sunday Morning's before their worship service at 11:00 am. The "young" adult class is for married couples or singles ages 20 to 50. For more information call, text or email Rod Jetton at 573-225-4444 or rodjetton@gmail.com
Jetton concluded, "If you are looking to join others who are searching for the right answers to the big questions in life while trying to make a positive difference, then I hope you will consider attending our class. We are far from perfect, but we are a small and friendly bunch that cares greatly for one another."
Roxanne and Greg McGhee held the 3rd Annual Prayer Walk at Southwest School parking lot.
"It's back to school time and we begin a new school year with many concerns, apprehensions, and hopes," stated Roxanne. "What better way to begin this school year than to begin in prayer?"
Her husband, Greg, serves as the youth minister at First Baptist Church in Dexter; however the Prayer Walk is open to anyone and is completely independent of any one church.
“Lord, we pray that you will grant our educators wisdom as they deal with an ever-changing society. Help them to remember that every effort is an opportunity to change a life, to inspire, to energize, to bring out that special gift you You have blessed to each and every one of us.”
Several were on hand to help pass out a typed prayer guide prior to walk.
Below is a copy of the hand-out that fits all types of education.
Students (Southwest and Central): Desire to honor God above all else, Sweet attitude toward others, Submissive spirit toward authority, Choosing to follow God rather than follow others, Best effort for God's glory, Self-control, Discerning heart for truth (versus non-truth), Godly friend choices, Begin a good influence on their friends, Protection and safety (including physical and spiritual).
Students (Middle School and High School): Desire to honor God and walk consistent with their faith, An awareness of being an ambassador of Christ, Developing Godly friendships and relationships, Wisdom, Resist temptation and a desire for purity (both in thoughts, online and sexually), Respond well to pressure and hardships (academics, relationships, tests), Transitions from building to building, changing schools, changing districts, Safety at school, during athletics, while driving.
Teachers: Wisdom in preparation (content, time management), Graciousness toward students (poor attitudes, disobedient, disrespectful, when sinned against), Patience with struggles (with getting the content, with life in general), Handle stress in a Godly manner as it builds up throughout the year, Purity with other teachers (friendships, attitude), Choosing to be a mentor to the children who are paying attention, Kindness, tenderheartedness, and love, Ambassadors of Christ wherever they are.
Support Staff (cooks, cafeteria, transportation, office, paraprofessionals, counselors, maintenance, custodial, safety officers): Awareness of the necessity and importance of their positions - often the first person with whom students, staff and the public interact, Servant spirit, God-honoring relationship with students, Patience with all types of constituents, Godly communication with each other and other constituents, God-honoring conflict resolution, God-honoring attitude under pressure, Safety.
Administrators: Respond Godly to authority (the board of education other administrators, head masters, legislature, Department of Education), Lead by Godly example, Exhibit servant leadership, Engage others with general grace, Empathy with parents, Respond to the pressure from various constituents, Wisdom related to curriculum (common core debate, state standards, etc.).
Volunteers (in the classroom, outside the classroom, in the offices, with coaching, PTA, PTO, and more): Servant and selfless spirit, awareness of ministry opportunities as they present themselves (maybe as simply as a smile or a word of kindness), Sweetness of spirit toward others, Gospel and Christ-centered intention, Resistance to entertaining gossip, Deaf ear to politics.
Dexter, Missouri - The 3rd Annual Prayer Walk will be Tuesday, August 11th at 7:00 p.m. beginning at Southwest Elementary School in Dexter.
Two years ago Roxanne McGhee felt there was a need to pray for Dexter Public Schools, students, teachers, and administrators.
Her husband, Greg, serves as the youth minister at First Baptist Church in Dexter; however the Prayer Walk is open to anyone and is completely independent of any one church.
"It’s about community and our faith in God," commented McGee.
It is a wonderful opportunity to pray for our students, teachers, school bus drivers, parents, school employees, athletes, board members, and administration before school begins on Thursday.
You may pray at your own pace and go to each school and the football field. Feel free to bring chairs and sit if you are not able to stand or walk for a long period of time.
You can walk, or just stand and pray. Groups may form or you may stand by yourself or even with family. The point being, YOU are invited to come.
This is a wonderful way to start off the new school year! It doesn’t matter what church you attend or even if you attend a church,
EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE PRAYER WALK FOR DEXTER SCHOOLS!
Dexter, Missouri - Operation Missouri Medical is a joint military exercise of Army and Navy medical providers and technicians.
Task Force Heal has landed upon Dexter and will provide FREE medical, dental, and optometry services from until July 23rd with the exception of Sunday, July 19th.
Mostly made up of Army and Navy Reservists along with active duty men and women they are happy to offer these FREE services. During their time here they will be located at the Lighthouse Church in Dexter from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
They will also be at the Malden High School on Burkhart St. during the same times.
These wonderful military personnel will be practicing their skills and get face time with the community. It’s a great opportunity for them and gives the community a FREE service.
Eye exams are 100% free and you get fitted for glasses along with a prescription and then two days later can pick-up those glasses. No one is ever turned away.
They are providing medical screenings and prescription refills; so bring in your old bottle of medications that would be extremely helpful.
Dental services are also available with three dental chairs providing teeth extractions, cleanings, etc.
Concessions are from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
For more information please call the Lighthouse Church at (573) 624-2500.
Sikeston, Missouri - On September 1, 2015, Mr. Brad Aycock will join the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church full-time as Director of New Church Development.
"I will deeply miss my family and friends here in Missouri. Only God could pull me away. I'm very honored and excited to be joining one of the leading states for strategic and innovative church growth in the country. West Ohio is the "point of the arrow" in this renewed movement that is beginning," stated Aycock.
"I have a passion to help change peoples' perception of Jesus by changing peoples' perception of the church - the hope of the world. I would like to thank God for this opportunity to be on a broader platform to help influence today's Church. I would also like to thank the many people who have helped to make me who I am," continued Aycock. "I wouldn't have this opportunity if it weren't for the many who have invested in the vision and selflessly made me look way better than I am."
Brad currently serves as Executive Pastor at First United Methodist Church (UMC) in Sikeston, Missouri, where he has played a key role in revitalizing that declining church into an active part of the community with a missionary focus on reaching people for Christ. As Director of New Church Development for the Conference, he will work with the bishop and cabinet to strategically identify new mission fields in West Ohio and partner with existing churches in developing satellite worshiping communities. Brad will also guide new United Methodist worshiping communities to move toward becoming chartered, outwardly-focused, financially sound and fruitful centers of worship.
"Brad comes to us after a extensive national search and a multi-layered interview process that included new church start pastors, conference leaders, the bishop and cabinet," stated Bishop Gregory V. Palmer. "He is a gifted, skilled cutting-edge leader in creating new places for new people. I am overjoyed that at last the people of the West Ohio Conference will have someone working full-time on new congregational development. We have been fortunate that Rev. Marcus Atha has been willing to do some of this work as a labor of love while serving full-time as a district superintendent.”
Brad received his Bachelor's degree at Southeast Missouri State University and his Master of Arts in Christian Leadership at Asbury Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to First UMC Sikeston in 2010, he served in key leadership roles as laity and staff at two Missouri Churches. He also has managed a successful consulting business since 1994. For the last three years, Brad has served as an annual guest trainer and prescription coach for West Ohio's Missional Church Consultation Initiative (MCCI), led by Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey.
Brad and his wife, Ann, along with their two children will be relocating to central Ohio.
