The Fellowship of Joy

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We received news this morning of the death of Virginia Dill. Virginia was a long time member of Baptist Temple. I officiagted her husband, Eldon's service years ago. She was a stalwart prayer warrior for our church and a cheerful spirit. I will miss her. She had been homebound for quite a while at Senior Citizen Village due to osteoporosis. Her mind and spirit remained keen till the end. The service will most likely be next Monday. It was a joy to welcome new members over the last couple of weeks: Shayre Zamora came by statement. Jeff Sims cam on profession of faith seeking believers' baptism. Charles Johnson came by letter from a sister church. Finally, we opened a men's discipleship home on Saturday - just in time. God is working through New Hope ministries under the direction of pastor Darryl Curry.

We let one house go for the men's home this week and immediately, two more opportunities opened up as possibilities about two blocks from the church. pray for God's guidance and provision. We feel that God was protecting us in the first home. The best choice, in our opinion is a 4 bedroom house on Ashlan with a huge family room for Bible studies, a double size (two lots) yard, an office in the big garage, and a lot of room. The rent is $1200 per month. The only draw back is that it has a pool. Some might say, "What draw back?" We can cover the rent with what the men contribute and earn and our insurance company will write a rider for it. The new air/heating system for the office will be installed next week. John Munoz has been doing a great job on the grounds and in keeping the building nice and clean. Thanks, John! This tear's Good Friday service will be at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Good Friday, April 6 at Noon. There is an opportunity for those who'...

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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, Fr...

Because of some designated capital gifts to the church, specifically in memory of Caryl Borges, we are going to be able to replace the worn-out, non-operational air conditioning and heating unity for the offices in the West wing. That is good news.

I post this for two purposes: (1) To share my faith. (2) to help you share yours. Salvation Through Christ: A Matter of FAITH What do you think it takes for someone to get to heaven? Is it luck? Good deeds? Nothing at all? Or is there something more? The Bible has the real answer to this question. It's a matter of FAITH. F stands for FORGIVENESS. We cannot have eternal life without God's forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7a says, "In Him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins." A is for AVAILABLE. Forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." But forgiveness is not automatic. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven," says Matthew 7:21a. I is for IMPOSSIBLE. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven because of who He...