West End Baptist Church

Wednesday Wisdom from the Proverbs

2010-04-28T09:30:00.003-04:00

"Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But such as keep the law contend with them.
Prov. 28:4

Whatever other applications we might draw from this proverb, one certain application is the truth of this proverb in the area of evangelism. Christians who fail to use the law to bring conviction of sin which leads to Godly sorrow and to repentance, end up only giving false assurance to religious people who profess to be saved, but in reality have never been born again.

Welcome to our Family!

2010-04-19T07:00:00.002-04:00

This article is an effort to help everyone get to know a little better two of the newest members of our church, Charles and Carol O’Rourke. The following is the questions in which I asked them and their response.

1) How long have you lived in Williamston, NC? 2 ½ years

2) How and when did you and your spouse meet? Oct 12th, 1962 at Woolworths store (Newport News, Va) lunch counter.

3) How long have you been married? 45 yrs. (April 10th ,2010). We were high school sweethearts.

4) What do/did you do in your career(s)? Carol: childcare, retail sales & Real Estate Charles: IT (Information Technology/Info Processing/Data Processing/Unit Record) & Real Estate

5) Do you have any children? Grandchildren? Yes, we have 2 sons: Chuck (34) & Ryan (31), and 3 grandchildren: Jacob (11), Brandon (3), Alyssa (9)

6) Where have you lived besides Williamston? Newport News/Hampton, Chesapeake, Fairfax County (Va), Shallotte (NC), Va. Beach.

7) When and how did you come to know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? Carol: I was baptized at age 10; Charles: And I was baptized at age 9. For both of us, our coming to know the Lord has definitely been a journey that continues.

8) What brought you to West End Baptist Church? Our son bought house in neighborhood in June 2002), and then shortly later moved away. We came down to live July 2007. The church was within walking distance, and we also met some people while walking in the neighborhood. We decided to join Jan 24th, 2010.

9) How long had you been visiting before you joined? We visited off and on for over two years. During that time we attended First Baptist of Norfolk and other churches in the Williamston area.

10) What activities do you enjoy doing as a family? We enjoy visits by sons & grandchildren, eating out, seeing new places & things, meeting people, learning about this area, vacations, etc.

11) What are some of your individual hobbies? Carol: watching football & basketball; Charles: following events/issues that affect current/future generations, and staying up with the Internet’s potential as a tool, which I believe is one of the most powerful/disruptive technologies in my lifetime.

12) Do you like to read; do you have any favorite books or authors? Carol: Nicholas Sparks & Richard Evans. Charles: several mgt./leadership, Marilyn vos Savant’s Q&A articles. Both: Dr. Bob Reccord (our former pastor First Baptist of Norfolk (Va) & former Pres. of the North American Mission Board.

13) Do you like sports, what is your favorite team? Carol: football Florida State & Jacksonville (Pro). Charles: basketball… NCAA March Madness (esp. Duke & Louisville per coaches)

14) Do you have any pets? Yes, one cat “Jake” (Jackie).

15) Do you have a favorite Scripture verse or book of the Bible? Yes, 1 Cor.13:4-8, 13. (NIV): Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13

Fun Over Easter Weekend

2010-04-05T12:25:00.003-04:00

Here are just a few pictures from the Children's Easter Egg Hunt this past Saturday.

And here are a couple of videos from the Easter Egg Hunt.

You're Invited...

2010-03-29T15:15:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone. We have a big weekend planned here at West End Baptist Church.

First there will be the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3rd beginning at 10am for the all the kids.

Second, will be our Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30am with breakfast to follow on Sunday, April 4th.

And then finally later on that same day, we will have our regular worship service at 11am. But there will be nothing regular about it. This year's service will be different and special.

So, come join us as we worship King Jesus!

Reminder: Church-wide Family Picnic

2010-03-17T10:26:00.002-04:00

Just a brief reminder to everyone about the Church-wide Family Picnic this Sunday immediately following the worship service. We will be meeting at the Godwin-Coppage Park here in Williamston. Bring lunch for your family (& maybe a little extra to share), along with your blankets, lawnchairs, and some fun outdoor games or equipment (football, frisbee, kite, horseshoes, etc).

Because of this great time of fun and hanging out, we will not be having our regular Sunday evening service.

Just in case, if it rains... the Picnic of course will be post-poned to a later date.
See ya there!!

Encouragement from the Scriptures

2010-03-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

"When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers." - (Gal.6:10 NCV)

Where is the Devotion to Prayer Today that is Supposed to Characterize the Church?

2010-03-05T06:09:00.003-05:00

Last night, I thought it was going to be a discouraging night b/c when I showed up for our Men's Small Group Bible Study and Fellowship, only one other man showed up, out of a possible 9. Not exactly encouraging. But it ended up being a very blessed night of encouragment and prayer, b/c we (the two of us) decided to join the Intercessory Prayer Group that meets every Thursday night at 7:00 pm. And it was indeed a sweet time of fellowship and prayer.

However, as happy and thrilled as I am that a small group of believers sense the urgency and need to pray and intercede for our church and community, as a Christian and a Pastor, I am also grieved at the great numbers of believers in our church, who evidently have no such desire or sense no such need.

We average anywhere from 95-110 worshipers on any given Sunday. But sadly, last night there were only seven people in the Intercessory Prayer meeting (including myself and the other man). Seven out of One hundred. Where is the devotion to prayer today that is supposed to characterize the church?

When the church was born in Acts 2 and 3,000 souls were saved in one day, the Word of God says, "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized;.... And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

But not only do we see the example of the church, but there is also the Scriptural admonition to the church concerning prayer found in Col. 4:2 where the Apostle Paul writes, "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."
(New Living Translation).

What does it mean to be devoted to something? To sacrifice for... to make it a priority... to discipline yourself to perform? Yes, all those and more. And we, as God's people, are devoted to so many things. We're devoted to our spouses... We're devoted to our children... we're devoted to our jobs and careers... and those things are good things that we should be devoted to. But sadly, we're also devoted to things like sports, hobbies, television, the internet, etc... many things that have no eternal value, when we should be more devoted to the Spiritual Disciplines of the Faith so that we might grow as Christians and so that God's Kingdom might be advanced around the globe.

I have heard many years ago that if Satan can defeat us (the church) then he will make us busy. I think he has succeeded on many levels at doing precisely that. May God help us return to a pure and fervent life of faith and devotion, not only as a church, but also as individuals... for His glory, for our well-being, and for the sake of the elect around the world!!

Encouragement from the Scriptures

2010-03-03T06:28:00.001-05:00

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Phil. 2:3-4 (NKJV)

Thank you for letting me serve ALL the Baptists in this State

2010-02-25T21:46:00.002-05:00

Some of you may not know this, but last November at the annual meeting of the Baptist State Convention, I was elected to serve on the Committee on Nominations for the Baptist State Convention. This committee has a very important service to perform for the convention. Each year the Committee on Nominations searches out and nominates Baptists from all over the state to serve on the Board of Directors, on the four main Baptist institutions (The Baptist Hospital, The Baptist Children's Homes, The Biblical Recorder, and the Baptist Foundation), and for several other committees. The reason these appointments are so crucial is because the people nominated and elected to serve in all of these positions will infleunce and shape the convention for years to come.

I feel very priveleged and honored to have been asked to serve on this committee, and I want to sincerely thank my church family for allowing me the opportunity to serve not only you, but ALL 4300 Baptist congregations across this state that are currently cooperating with us to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the state and around the world. And I would ask for your prayers for myself and for all the other committee members who are involved in this vital process. May God give us great wisdom and discernment as seek out His servants.

Sincerely,
Pastor Travis

Congratulations David and Emily!

2010-02-23T07:25:00.002-05:00

Congratulations are in order for David and Emily on the birth of their new little boy, Jonathan Walker. Jonathan was born last night around 6:30pm, and was 9 lbs, 15.2 oz and was 21.5 inches long! Big boy!! And mother and baby are both doing fine. Keep David and Emily in your prayers as they begin the new and exciting adventure of parenthood!

Rejoicing in the Midst Trials - Video Re: Wedgwood Tragedy

2010-02-21T15:47:00.001-05:00

Hope This Helps You Prepare for Worship

2010-02-20T22:47:00.001-05:00

Wake Up Call to the Church

2010-02-17T05:28:00.002-05:00

This may come as a shock to you, but with 200 million non-churched people in the United States of America, the good old USA is one of the four largest "unchurched" nations in the world.

Is it just me, or is it time for the church in America to rethink what it means to be the church?
And how we "do" church?

(The above figure was taken from a sermon by author and pastor, John Piper, which was preached on Jan. 31st entitled "I will build My church")

Encouragement from the Scriptures

2010-02-16T08:06:00.002-05:00

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Col 4:5-6 (NLT)

This Weeks Calendar

2010-02-15T14:05:00.003-05:00

Tuesday, Feb. 16th
-G.A.'s meet after school.

Wednesday, Feb.17th
-Normal Mid-week Activities (Awana, Youth, & Adult Bible study)

Thursday, Feb.18th
-Intercessory Prayer group meets
-Small Group Bible Study for Men

Saturday, Feb. 20th
-"Frazzled" Female Retreat - for all the ladies who signed up.

Sunday, Feb 21st
-Special Presentation from Eric & Mandy Keel. (in the evening worship service)
(A love offering will be taken for them.)

-"Share Jesus Without Fear" Training for Youth at 5pm.

Revised Schedule for Sunday, Feb. 14th

2010-02-13T18:32:00.002-05:00

Due to the icy conditions and the yard being a total mess right now, we will only be having morning worship tomorrow at 11 am.

There will be no Sunday school and no evening worship.

For all who do come, please be extremely careful coming in and going out. A big "Thank You" to Jeff Harrell who did the initial clearing of all the sidewalks!

Special Request for Prayer for Violet Bowen

2010-02-12T12:57:00.000-05:00

Please keep Ms. Violet Bowen in your prayers. She was taken to the hospital late last night, and remains at the hospital at this time. No news yet as to exactly what the issue is. Just keep her and her family in your prayers.

Sermon Download

2010-02-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

I just thought I would share a sermon by a pastor from D.C. by the name of Mark Dever. This sermon is about the power of the Word of God, which is something we should never forget. Listen to it if you get a chance: Click Here.

Apologies for any Misunderstanding

2010-02-11T10:50:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note about Andrea...
She was taken to the Doctor... Not the hospital. So sorry if this misled anyone!!

But everything is fine now... False Labor. The midwife said she had an "irritable uterus."

Thanks for any and all prayers!!

Special Request for Prayer for Andrea Wood

2010-02-11T07:38:00.000-05:00

Please be in prayer for Andrea Wood. She had a really bad night last night; alot of pain and cramping. Pastor Travis will be taking her to the hospital this morning.

Pray that everything will be in God's timing and in God's will. She is still a little early by medical standards; she will be 35 weeks along on Monday. But again, God has His own timing, and we are trusting Him completely. To Him be all the glory and praise.

An Encouraging Word from Spurgeon

2010-02-10T08:04:00.000-05:00

"How are we to handle this sword of 'It is written'? First, with deepest reverence. Let every word that God has spoken be law and gospel to you. Never trifle with it; never try to evade its force or change its meaning. God speaks to you in this book as much as if he came to the top of Sinai and lifted up his voice with thunder.

I like to open the Bible and pray, 'Lord God, let the words leap off the page into my soul; make them vivid, powerful, and fresh to my heart.'"

-Charles Spurgeon, "Spiritual Warfare in the Believer's Life" (pg.81)

Meditating on this week's Sermon

2010-02-09T05:20:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday morning, we talked a little about how James had a proper perspective of himself. He could have been proud and self-inflated because he was Mary's son, Jesus' half-brother, or even the head of the Jerusalem Church. And he could have taken the opportunity to puff himself up in the opening verses of the letter that bears his name.

But James didn't do that; he simply referred to himself as the "slave of God." James was humble. He knew that by himself he was no eternal value. He knew that his identity that gave him any worth was his identity in Christ.

As Paul wrote in Rom.12:3, "Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves..." (NLT)

The Life Application Bible states:
"Healthy self-esteem is important because some of us think too little of ourselves; on the other hand, some of us overestimate ourselves. The key to honest and accurate self-evaluation is knowing the basis of our self-worth - our identity in Christ. Apart from him, we aren't capable of very much by eternal standards."

Personally, I believe that last part is stated a little too softly. Jesus said clearly in John 15:5, "Apart from me, you can do nothing."

We have worth because we were created in the image of God and because He loved us so much that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, to come and die for our sins. Nothing else matters.

Are you too hard on yourself? Constantly putting yourself down and hating who you are, what you look like? Etc. Are you implying that God made a mistake? That you are not His masterpiece?

Are you too soft on yourself? Thinking you're really somebody and that the world should revolve around you? Do you think others owe you? Or worse that God owes you? Have you forgotten that it was we who rebelled against Him, and that the only thing God owes us is death and an eternity in hell? If so, maybe you should read again Rom.3:9-20.

A good and healthy self-esteem is one that recognizes that we are rebellious sinners in desperate need of God's grace and that only through Christ we become the apple of God's eye and His special purchased possession, with all the blessings and privileges of being His sons and daughters. Rather than self-esteem, maybe we should focus on Christ-esteem.

Selah - Meditate on this.

This Weeks Calendar

2010-02-08T10:12:00.000-05:00

Wed, Feb 10th
- Midweek Bible Study & Fellowship For all Ages

Thurs, Feb 11
- Intercessory Prayer at 7pm (open to all)
-Men's Small Group at 7pm (open to men)

Sat, Feb 13th
-WMU Luncheon at Immanuel in Greenville at 10am
-Church wide Valentine Dinner sponsored by the Youth at 6pm.

Sun, Feb 14th
-Sunday school at 10am
-Worship at 11am
-Evening Worship at 6pm
-Deacon's Meeting at 7pm.

Special Request for Prayer

2010-02-07T08:01:00.000-05:00

Please keep Pastor Travis and his family in your prayers at this time. His grandmother passed away this past Thursday evening. It is comforting that her suffering is over and that she has obtained the glory that is the hope of every born again child of God, but she will definitely be missed.

Pastor Travis will be leaving this morning immediately following the morning worship service in order to attend the funeral near Louisburg, NC. For this reason, the Lord's Supper that was supposed to be celebrated today is postponed until next week.

Important Upcoming Events

2010-02-03T16:08:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, Thursday Feb 4th
1) at 6pm - Children's Council Meeting
2) at 7pm - Intercessory Prayer Meeting (open to all)
3) at 7pm - Men's Small Group Bible Study (open to all men)

Sunday, Feb. 7th
at 11am - Worship and Celebration of the Lord's Supper (open to all)

Also, don't forget to sign up for the Church-wide Valentine Day Dinner sponsored by the Youth Group, for Sat., Feb.13th. (open to all)

Monday, Feb. 8th
at 6:30pm at the Morotac Restaurant, The Church Council Meeting

Making Family Devotions a Priority

2010-02-02T05:44:00.001-05:00

This morning, I was reading and meditating on the importance of reading and studying Scripture, but not just as an individual, but also as a family. The question in the book I am currently using was... "Have you and your family developed a consistent pattern of Bible-intake? If not, what keeps you from developing such a pattern?"

I had to confess that no, we haven't. I mean we do devotions here and there, and we memorize Scripture at times, sing songs about Jesus and the Bible. But to say we have a consistent pattern of family devotions on a daily basis, I had to say no. When I started to answer why, I immediately responded "I guess b/c we don't have a set routine. Everyday is a little different." And immediately... I mean IMMEDIATELY the Holy Spirit convicted me so hard. The thought rushed into my mind, "You have no set routine, but you eat breakfast everyday!" - meaning, eating breakfast is more of a priority for our family than reading and meditating on God's word. Ouch!! Conviction!

This is definitely something we will have to do something about, and what better place to read Scripture and begin our day with thoughts on God's truths than first thing in the morning around the breakfast table. Pray for me that by God's grace this will become a very consistent pattern for our family.

-Pastor Travis

Meditation from the Psalms...

2010-02-02T04:57:00.000-05:00

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." - Ps. 118:24

"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!" - Ps.119:1-2

SERVICES CANCELED - JAN 31st

2010-01-30T10:28:00.000-05:00

Well, because of the inclement weather there will be no services tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 31st. Worship our Lord at home with your family and enjoy a day of rest.
Stay warm and be safe. See you soon!

Our New Blog!

2010-01-29T05:46:00.000-05:00

Greetings friends and family in the name of the Lord Jesus!

Now, there's yet another way for you to keep up with all the latest events, happenings, and important announcements about our church family... Right here with the WEBC Blog.

This blog will be updated regularly so, check back often to see what's going on!

Until then, may God bless you and keep you in His matchless grace!

Your fellow servant for His glory,

Pastor Travis