Our prayers for high school graduates have us thinking about all that is “next” for our friends who wear the “green” and will receive their diplomas soon from Crest High School. I was thankful to hear all the plans they are making about the next season of study and preparation that is before them. Across North Carolina and down to Florida and over to Alabama, our Poplar Springs graduates are already embracing the “next” steps of life’s journey. We pray for them in “all the places they will go” as the next things begin to happen for them. I like the way Dr. Seuss put it:
Out there things can happen
And frequently do
To people as brainy
And footsy as you.
And when things start to happen,
Don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Just go right along.
YOU’LL start happening too.
(Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go, ©1990)
We pray for our graduates as they are “happening” into their next steps in life and their next steps following Jesus. Our prayer for them is that they live into Peter’s image for us, “Christ left you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus’ example is always “next” for Christ Followers at every season of our lives.
Speaking of the “next” for us at Poplar Springs, please make every effort to be in attendance next Sunday, May 28, as our Pastor Search Committee announces the name of our candidate to serve as the next Pastor of our church! Then, plan to be in worship on Sunday, June 4, to hear our candidate preach in view of a call prior to the called church conference at which the vote will be received on his recommendation.
And then, we will enter summertime at Poplar Spring Baptist Church and our “next” ministry opportunities as we share Jesus with our community and beyond! Thank you for your prayers, your presence, and your encouragement for these summertime ministries in our church. They position us to share Jesus’ love, Jesus’ teaching, and to see our church family grow in following the steps of Jesus every day. Please pray for:
- Camp HoriSon, June 5-9, 9 AM – 3:30 PM: 107 elementary aged campers are expected for this packed-out week of challenge to “Go, Share, Repeat!”
- Camp Caswell, June 12-17: This week of youth camp will bring our youth the challenge from Ephesians 6 as they “Suit Up” with the armor of God each day!
- Vacation Bible School, June 26-28, 6:00-8:30 PM: Spread the word for this great time of interactive Bible study for children (3-year-olds – rising 6th graders) as they learn how God’s presence cares for us when going “Into the Wilderness.”
- Flay Carpenter Memorial Golf Tournament, June 16, 1:00 PM at River Bend: This Brotherhood fund raiser makes ministry actions possible throughout the year.
- Triple L Summer Season continues the second Monday in June, July, and August: This monthly fellowship time builds our relationships with one another as the body of Christ!
- Little Rock, Arkansas Mission Trip: This 40-person team will travel to “The Natural State” to minster to needs and share Jesus’ love at work sites in the area. I’m thankful that mission and service is “the natural state” of our Poplar Springs Baptist Church family!
Yes, it is the time of year to pray for the “Next” for graduates and summertime ministries at Poplar Springs as well as the all-important decision about our next Pastor. These are exciting days! Thank you for your faithfulness to pray without ceasing!
In the Love of Jesus,
Tony Tench