Friday Update - March 16, 2007

Pastor Tom will bring important messages at the morning and evening services this Sunday on the church's mission and vision.

It has been a busy week at the Fellowship of Joy - at least for me.

A few updates:

We are negotiating with a possible landlord for a new men's home under the auspices of the church and New Hope Ministries.

Pastor Jack's father is out of intensive care and will soon be transfered to a rest home.

Mike Lenhof needs prayers for a room at a rehabbilitation place where he can continue to regain his motor functions. He is alert and aware.

Falma Parker is undergoing some tests and needs our prayers.

Please be in prayer for:

The family of Alan McWhorter who passed away earlier this week. Alan is the son of Month & Bev McWhorter and brother of Randy McWhorter. If you would like to send a card here are addresses:

Monty & Bev McWhorter

2240 E. Brandywine Lane, Fresno, CA 93720

Randy McWhorter

c/o CSBC

678 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710

Association News

ESL (English as a Second Language) -- Learn to teach English as a Second Language as a Mission Outreach. This workshop is to help train and equip believers to share the love of Christ with people in our communities whose first language is not English. Share in the joy of teaching and showing Christs's love with international students, migrant workers or visiting family members.

• Location: Copper Springs Church, 1365 Fifth St, Clovis
• Dates/Times: Thursday May 3, 5:30 pm-9:30 pm; Friday May 4 5:50 pm - 9:30 pm; Saturday May 5, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
• Trainer: Monta Jo Erikson, CA SB Literacy Missions Coordinator
• Cost: $35/person or $45/couple (includes manual, continental breakfast, and lunch on Saturday)

Registration will be accepted until April 3 at the Mid-Valley Association office via email at mvsba@yahoo.com or phone at 297-5550.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions

In 2005, Mid-Valley churches gave $38,000 to support North American mission efforts. Gregg Farah, church planting missionary in New York City, speaks of the impact of this offering, "I know of at least 21.5 million reasons to give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions! That's the number of people we are praying will find a church home in our community. Without funding through the Annie Armstrong offering, we would never have started a church in the heart of New York City!" Find resources to promote the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering here.

Church Mission Leaders - Next meeting will be Thursday April 12, 2007 6:00PM - 8:00PM at the Mid-Valley office. This Missions Priority Action Team is open to all who share a passion for Great Commision action through local churches.

Mid-Valley Children's Camps 2007:

Teen Camp, Our Space.Com -- God's Network, June 17-20, for students who have completed grades 6th-8th. Cost $135.

Children's Camp, Bible Bee -- The Challenge, June 20-23, for students who have completed grades 3rd-5th. Cost $100.

At camp in 2007 Larry Bubb, House Band, volleyball and soccer clinics, polar bear swimming challenge, mission projects, bible study, building networks of friends, great food, experiencing God in Creation, meeting Jesus face to face. For more information contact MV office at 297-5550 or Pastor Lee Yarbrough, Camp Director at 584-7255 or check out www.campideas.blogspot.com. Camp registration forms, medical forms and counselor forms will be mailed to churches this week and available on our web site next week.

Men's Fraternity Workshop - This event is for men's leaders and pastors who are looking for an excellent option to spiritually challenge men through a weekly men's gathering. Men's Fraternity is a proven men's resource that helps churches begin or revitalize their men's ministry. March 24, 2007 from 9:00AM to Noon at the Ministry Resoure Center, 678 E Shaw in Fresno. Register Here.

Association VBS Workshop

This event will provide VBS workers a winning game plan afor Mid-Valley Churches in reaching children and families for Jesus Christ through VBS. This workshop is a forum for VBS workers to learn effective strategies, resources, share ideas, and build momentum toward an effective VBS.

• Workshop Coordinator: Susie Mendez
• Location: Crosspoint Church, 2518 N. Cedar Avenue (on Cedar, south of Shields)
• Date/Time: Saturday, April 28, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
• Cost: $5/person (includes continental breakfast and lunch)

Lunchtime Leadership

Series - Pastors and ministerial staff meet at Cross Point Church from 11:30AM to 1:15PM. Bring a lunch. Willow Creek Summit DVD and discussion.

• Thursday, March 22, 11:30-1:15 pm "Tribal Warfare" by Peg Neuhauser
• Thursday, April 12, 11:30-1:15 pm " When Business Thinking Fails the Church" by Jim Collins

The fellowship of Joy - March 18, 2007 - Both Services

4 Congregations – 1 in Christ

Hmong Baptist Church, Iglesia Nueva Vida (Pastor Carlos: 275-6000)

Set Free Ministries, Baptist Temple Church: 559-229-9379 Pastor Tom: 559-647-2203, Pastor Jack 559-355-7361

Tomsims1@compuserve.com www.fresnojoy.com

Pastor’s Main Blog: www.pastortomsims.com

News from BT at: http://fresnojoy.blogspot.com

Check out the Skate Church web site: http://templesk8.zoomshare.com/

10:00 A.M. English Songs – Bilingual Service

Yes, Lord, Yes - Yes, Lord, yes to Your will and to Your Way.

Yes, Lord, yes. I will trust You and obey. When Your Spirit speaks to me

With my whole heart, I’ll agree, And my answer will be Yes, Lord, yes.

Shout to the Lord (See 11:15 A.M.)

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11:15 A.M. Order of Worship – English Service

We Have Come Into His House

We have come into His house And gathered in His Name to worship Him. (3x)

Chorus: Worship Him, Christ, the Lord.

(v2 : Let us lift up holy hands and magnify His Name and worship Him.)

(v3: So forget about yourself and magnify His Name and worship Him.)

© 1976, Sound III, INC, CCLI363739

On Eagles Wings

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord Who abide in His shadow for life,

Say to the Lord: 'My refuge, My God in whom I trust!'

Chorus: And He will raise you up on eagles' wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun,And hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear:
Under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield. Chorus

You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day;
Though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come. Chorus

For to His angels He's given a command

To guard you in all of your ways' upon their hands

They will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Chorus

© 1997, New Dawn Music, CCLI363739

Shout to the Lord

My Jesus, my Savior Lord, There is none like you
All of my days I want to praise The wonders of Your mighty love

My Comfort, my Shelter, Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have In You

©1993, Darlene Zschech/Hillsongs, CCLI363739