It has been a long time since we last updated the blog and for good reason.  We are transitioning our comments from the blog site to our new web site.

We'll tell you all about it a little later.

Favorite Quote of the Day "The storm was raging. The sea was beating against the rocks in huge, dashing waves. The lightning was flashing, the thunder was roaring, the wind was blowing; but the little bird was sound asleep in the crevice of the rock, its head tucked serenely under its wing. That is peace -- to be able to sleep in the storm! In Christ, we are relaxed and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments, and perplexities of this life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest. We have found peace -- at last!"

Billy Graham


Financial Support from the Carolina Baptist Bible Fellowship

I'm glad to report that the Baptist Bible Fellowship in North and South Carolina have started to support Journey Baptist financially for at least one year. 

We are grateful that these pastors are excited about this new work and will sacrificially contribute to the cause. 

Choir

Journey has launched a choir ministry.  We're super excited about this ministry.  I've heard some of the songs for Easter and they are inspiring.

Our men have built a choir loft which looks great!

If you're looking to get involved with a great ministry, this is one opportunity.

Choir practice is every Sunday at 4:30 PM. 

Kid's Worship

We have officially launched our children's worship w/ children's choir at the 11AM hour.

Wow!  It's only been two weeks, and already we are seeing all kinds of exciting things.  More mom's and dad's welcome the new addition.

This ministry is led by Jeannette Farr, Whitney Hodge, Julius Craven and John and Ruth Heacock.



The Kelly Family
On a sad note, our condolences continue to go out the Kelly family in the homegoing of Rhonda Kelly.  Rhonda went to heaven on February 23. We love Rhonda and her family. Journey is blessed to have her husband Scott and the children Bekah, Jared and Elizabeth (Lizzie) as members of Journey Baptist.  We will continue to minister to the family and provide as needs arise.


Blessings

Since the inception of Journey Baptist, I have referred to God's blessing coming as surprise boxes.  It seems that every week we receive a pleasant surprise. It's like opening a box not knowing what's inside.  This week we received such boxes.

An anoynomous giver gave Journey 100 beautiful, comfortable chairs as a gift. 

This came after John Heacock built a choir loft.  After the loft was built, Jamie Rodgers was instrumental in obtaining commercial grade carpet from a local carpet company to cover the loft.  The carpet was another surprise as the company gave the carpet as a gift to the church.  Jamie also took time out from his busy schedule to carpet the loft.  Kudos to the men for all their work.

"My Mama always said, 'Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.'" - Forest Gump 1994





New Website

Journey has a website.  Right now we're still in the early stages of developing some pages, but in the future it will be the tool of many that the church will utilize to promote the church and it's activities.  You can access the website at:  http://www.journeybaptistchurch.org/


Missions

Journey stepped up to the plate by helping a young missionary working in Alaska at a camp.  Collin Amick is a friend of Journey.  Recently, he wrote with a need to replace his dialysis portable machine.  Journey without hesitation, was able to help him in this time of need.

On another occasion, one of our neighbors to Journey Baptist church called about the possibility to help a young lady going to the African bush to spread the gospel.  Again, after this young lady made her presentation and call to serve, Journey stepped up again and gave a generous love offering to help shave off cost.  In speaking with this young lady after returning, she testified that 41 Africans recieved Christ as Savior while they ministered during their 10 day trip.  Now this is missions at it's finest.

What's the latest at Journey?

Journey will be 5 months old on February 12, 2011.  It is hard to believe we are headed towards six months already.

Here are a couple of things planned for the immediate future.

Baby Dedication - 2/6 @ 11:00 AM
There will be a special dedication service for baby Grace daughter of Doug and Jennifer Wilder on Sunday February 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM. 

Baby Shower - 2/6 @  4 PM

There will be a special celebration shower for Grace and her parents on Sunday Feburary 6 at 4 PM at the church. The plan is to provide this family with diapers and wipes.  Let's see if we can give them a year's worth of supplies.

Study on Islam - 2/6 @ 5:30 PM
With so much attention Egypt's current events, Pastor Hector will be teaching on how current events in Egypt are found in Scripture.

When?  Beginning Feburary 6 at 5:30 PM, a Study on Islam will start at Journey Baptist Church.  We encourage everyone to invite friends to this timely series.

Superbowl Party - 2/6 @ 6:30 PM
Immediately following the evening service on Sunday Feburary 6, the Brazell's have invited the church to come over and enjoy the Packers defeat the Steelers in the Superbowl game.  Everyone is asked to bring a little something to eat and share.  However, bringing food is not a requirement, you just come and enjoy the time together.

Movie Night - 2/18 @ 6:30 PM
We had a fun time at the last movie night.  It was great to laugh and just hang-out.  Let's do it again on Feburary 18, 2011 beginning at 6:30 PM.  Popcorn, subs and drinks will be served.

January
This month has been a good month.
Journey will celebrate 140 day's old on January 30.

Charter Membership Picture

If you joined the church between September 12, 2010 thru January 2, 2011, we will be taking a group picture on January 30, 2011 at the church immediately following the worship hour.

Movie Night

Getting Ready!


Movie night was a success!
We had new families come and join in the fun. 
We loved that popcorn machine.  That was perfect!
Our next movie night is February 18 at 7 PM. 
You're invited to attend if you can.

Pastor's letter to NCPO Wayne Quinn Director gets featured in the Bible Baptist Tribune Magazine.

You may read the article at: http://www.tribune.org/?p=1692

Pastor Hector will be going to Sprinfield, Mo. in May to get formerly approved as a church planter by Baptist Bible Fellowship International. 

Service Times:

Sunday's
9:45 AM - Sunday School - Suite D
11:00 AM - Worship Hour - Suite D
5:30 PM - Evening Service - Suite D

Wednesday's
5:30 PM - Tutoring for children - Suite B
6:30 PM - Service and Prayer Meeting - Suite D

Thursday's
Celebrate Recovery - Suite B
6:00 PM - Tailgating
7:15 PM - Big Group
8:00 PM - Small Groups

Saturday's
Lifelines for Men
8:00 AM - Suite B
Lifelines Reading Schedule: https://cid-a7cff6f923fe7529.office.live.com/view.aspx/Reading%20Schedule%20and%20Memory%20Verses.xlsx


Church Address:
638 Pine Ridge Dr., Suite D
West Columbia, SC 29172
Pastor's Cell: 803.447.7339
Email: pastorhector@live.com

Ministry Locations:
Sanctuary - Suite D
Nursery & Children - Suite B
Jr. & Sr. Students - Suite A

Favorite Quote of the Day:

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.- Robert F. Kennedy

Service Times:

Upcoming Events:
Movie Night
Friday January 21 at 7:30 PM - Suite D

Sunday's

9:45 AM - Sunday School - Suite D
11:00 AM - Worship Hour - Suite D
5:30 PM - Evening Service - Suite D

Wednesday's
5:30 PM - Tutoring for children - Suite B
6:30 PM - Service and Prayer Meeting - Suite D

Thursday's
Celebrate Recovery - Suite B
6:30 PM - Tailgating
7:00 PM - Big Group
8:00 PM - Small Groups

Saturdays'
Lifelines for Men
8:00 AM - Suite B
Lifelines Reading Schedule:  https://cid-a7cff6f923fe7529.office.live.com/view.aspx/Reading%20Schedule%20and%20Memory%20Verses.xlsx

Church Address:
638 Pine Ridge Dr., Suite D
West Columbia, SC 29172
Pastor's Cell: 803.447.7339
Email: pastorhector@live.com

Ministry Locations:

Sanctuary - Suite D
Nursery & Children - Suite B
Jr. & Sr. Students - Suite A

Favorite Quote of the Day:

"Brethren, we shall not adjust our Bible to the age, but the age to the Bible."  C.H. Spurgeon

What's the Latest News?

1.  January 2 was a big day.

• 73 were in attendance in the AM service. Our goal is to go over 76.  Getting closer!
• 4 families joined the church.
• The Memory Singers were a blessing at the evening service.  We had a full house at the PM service.

Celebrate Recover Begins!

2.  Our Celebrate Recovery Ministry began on Thursday January 6.  We had 13 in attendance. 

What is Celebrate Recovery?

• If you are struggling with tough addictions like drugs, alcohol, pornography, eating disorders, or co-dependency, CR is for you.
• If you’re struggling with any kind of hurt, habit, or hang-up, CR is for you.
• CR is a family of compassion and empathy.  We have walked where you have been!
• CR is a proven, Christ-centered, Bible based, 12 Step ministry.

Lifelines is a Men's Small Accountability Group

Every man a lifeline!  Lifelines are designed to keep someone from falling overboard.  Likewise, every man is a lifeline for another man to keep them from falling into sin. 

Every week, we read five assigned chapters from the Bible, we journal main thoughts and then we come together to discuss what we discoverd each week.

We also memorize a verse from the same book we're reading. 

Your invited to come and meet new friends every Saturday at 8 AM at the church.  This ministry is truly a life savor.

Lifelines Reading Schedule: https://cid-a7cff6f923fe7529.office.live.com/view.aspx/Reading%20Schedule%20and%20Memory%20Verses.xlsx

You're invited to attend our very first movie night on Friday January 21 at 7:30 PM at the church.  Bring a friend or the entire family. 

All movies will be comedy in nature. 

Invite a friend and bring the entire family.  We're sure to have a few good laughs together.

Service Times:


Sunday's

9:45 AM - Sunday School - Suite D
11:00 AM - Worship Hour - Suite D
5:30 PM - Evening Service - Suite D

Wednesday's
5:30 PM - Tutoring for children
6:30 PM - Service and Prayer Meeting - Suite D

Church Address:
638 Pine Ridge Dr., Suite D
West Columbia, SC 29172
Pastor's Cell: 803.447.7339
Email: pastorhector@live.com

Ministry Locations:
Sanctuary - Suite D
Nursery - Suite B
Children (K5 - Grades 1-5) - Suite B
Jr. & Sr. Students - Suite A
Fellowship Hall - Suite A

Schedule Change:
Comedy Night will be rescheduled due to the USC Gamecock Bowl game on Friday December 31 AT 7:30pm.  Everyone is encouraged to have family and friends over for the game. 

Favorite quote of the Day: "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition".  Abraham Lincoln

Eternal Life

How to receive eternal life:

Admit that I AM NOT PERFECT. Romans 3:10 “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.”

Acknowledge that EVERYONE HAS SINNED. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Understand WHERE SIN CAME FROM. Romans 5:12 “When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”

Realize THE PENALTY OF SIN. Romans 6:23a “...the wages of sin is death.”

Repent for your sins. CHRIST PREACHED REPENTANCE.  Mark 1:14-15, 9:13. "... I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance"

Believe that JESUS PAID FOR YOUR SINS. Romans 5:8 “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

Accept THE GREATEST GIFT. Romans 6:23b “...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Confess the Lord Jesus to RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE. Romans 10:9,10,13.“...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; Vs.10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” Vs. 13. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Sin Separates us From God

Did you know that we are separated from God without Jesus Christ in our life as Savior? If we're separated from God, only our faith in the Gospel of Jesus can restore our relationship with God. Jesus is the only known person that made promises only a God can deliver. He is the only God among gods that rose from the dead and was seen by many after His resurrection.

Only through Jesus can we restore our relationship with God

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6. Therefore, if we wish to escape the penalty of sin, restore our connection with God, and reap the benefit of eternal life, we must turn from our sinful ways, believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and simply ask Him to be Lord and Savior of our lives.

Salvation Prayer:

Here's a simple prayer you may say: Dear God, I admit that I’m a sinner and realize that my sins have separated me from You. I repent for my sins. I acknowledge and believe you are the Son of God and that you died, was buried, and rose on the third day to offer the gift of eternal life. I give my life to you by trusting in You now and forever. Come into my heart right now as I claim your forgiveness for my sins and save my soul from eternal wrath. I accept your gift of eternal life. From this day forward, I will turn from my old life and live for you. Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, let it be known that it is not the prayer that saved you, it is your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus that saves a person.

Please contact the church, if you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.

latest updates:

Candlight Service

What a nice evening. The Spirit of the evening was sweet and peaceful. It's wonderful to be part of a great church that loves God.  So many have great talents and gifts that are used for God's glory.

Where's the candles?











Luv'n our Neighbors

Farrah and her children have been faithful to Journey Baptist Church.  The church rallied around them at this special season to show God's love.  Pastor Hector and his wife Jean and Jimmy and Donna Smyrl delivered a trunk full of presents just before Christmas.

Christmas at the Rodriguez Home

Family and friends join the Pastor Hector and Jean for Christmas dinner.

South Carolina gets Snow the day after Christmas in Lexington

Service Times:

Sunday's

9:45 AM - Sunday School - Suite D
11:00 AM - Worship Hour - Suite D
5:30 PM - Evening Service - Suite D

Wednesday's

5:30 PM - Tutoring for children
6:30 PM - Service and Prayer Meeting - Suite D

Church Address:

638 Pine Ridge Dr., Suite D
West Columbia, SC 29172
Pastor's Cell: 803.447.7339
Email: pastorhector@live.com

Ministry Locations:

Sanctuary - Suite D
Nursery - Suite B
Children (K5 - Grades 1-5) - Suite B
Jr. & Sr. Students - Suite A
Fellowship Hall - Suite A

Favorite quote of the Day: "All great change in America begins at the dinner table."  Ronald Reagan

Salvation Message:

Questions to ponder:
1. Is their an afterlife?
2. If there's an afterlife after death, what will I be like, where will I live, who will be with me?

All these are good questions and can be answered, but it's takes faith in believing in what seems impossible.  The more important question is "in whom are you putting all your trust and faith to see the afterlife?"

Civilizations have always had a sense or belief in the afterlife. Even in the Holy Bible the Apostle Paul in defending the juxtaposition of creation and cultural situation ethics, brings to the forefront the fact that creation stands alone in divine revelation. Rom. 1:19, 20.  When one begins to investigate what exists naturally, you begin to percieve the unthinkable, design!  Everything in existence has design.  Just like man- made inventions have design and purpose, so does creation or all natural things that are easily seen.

When someone begins to subjectively accept the premise of design, we begin to objectively see how the theory of evolution is but a broken map of life progression from it's inception. We begin to entertain the idea by faith that there is a Creator.  This Creator loves design and continues to design things yet to be enjoyed in heaven.

However, we cannot enjoy those designs until we reestablish a relationship with God the Father, His Son Jesus, and be under the supervision of the Holy Ghost. 

Just as the existence of a Designer is sure, so is a relationship with God and His Son Jesus the Christ, but it takes believing in something bigger than ourselves. That something is believing in the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. The Gospel is that Jesus came to earth, He was crucified and He arose on the third day and now resides in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Jesus Who was crucified for the sins of the world, gave us the greatest hope of eternal life when He conquered death.  He promises eternal life but only if we believe in the Gospel which means Good News and we accept Him as both Lord and Savior. 

Many would dismiss the simplicity of the Gospel, but yet it's the simplicity that's the beauty of the Gospel. It's not hard to receive eternal life.  We can be sure we will go to heaven when we expire.

Jesus says that He "came to seek and to save sinners". Fortunately, there is Hope before we die.

You might worry that you have done too many wrong things to qualify for eternal life or that you don't meet God's expections, but be assured that the blood of Christ is sufficient to cover all sins past, present and future. His grace is adequate. "And this was the answer of Jesus: I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be in need of food, and he who has faith in me will never be in need of drink. But it is as I said to you: you have seen me, and still you have no faith. Whatever the Father gives to me will come to me; and I will not send away anyone who comes to me." John 6: 35-37

Here are verses that give a birdseye view on what we need to know and do to receive eternal life:

• Admit that I AM NOT PERFECT. Romans 3:10 “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.”
• Acknowledge that EVERYONE HAS SINNED. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
• Understand WHERE SIN CAME FROM. Romans 5:12 “When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”
• Realize THE PENALTY OF SIN. Romans 6:23a “...the wages of sin is death.”
• Believe that JESUS PAID FOR YOUR SINS. Romans 5:8 “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
• Accept THE GREATEST GIFT. Romans 6:23b “...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 
• Confess the Lord Jesus to RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE. Romans 10:9,10,13.“...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; Vs.10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” Vs. 13. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Sin Separates us From God
Did you know that we are separated from God without Jesus Christ in our life as Savior? If we're separated from God, only our faith in the Gospel of Jesus can restore our relationship with God. Jesus is the only known person that made promises only a God can deliver. He is the only God among gods that rose from the dead and was seen by many after His resurrection.

Only through Jesus can we restore our relationship with God
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6. Therefore, if we wish to escape the penalty of sin, restore our connection with God, and reap the benefit of eternal life, we must turn from our sinful ways, believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and simply ask Him to be Lord and Savior of our lives.

Salvation Prayer:

Here's a simple prayer you may say: Dear God, I admit that I’m a sinner and realize that my sins have separated me from You. I repent for my sins. I acknowledge and believe you are the Son of God and that you died, was buried, and rose on the third day to offer the gift of eternal life. I give my life to you by trusting in You now and forever. Come into my heart right now as I claim your forgiveness for my sins and save my soul from eternal wrath. I accept your gift of eternal life. From this day forward, I will turn from my old life and live for you. Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, let it be known that it is not the prayer that saved you, it is your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus that saves a person.

Please contact the church, if you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Update on what's happening at Journey

A huge thank you goes to John Heacock and his wife Ruth for contributing time, expertise, and resources to finish custom made doors separating  the departments in the student center. John contributed lots of personal time to beef up the church building.  The doors provide a great sound barrier and controlled excess into the different areas.

A new mural was drawn free hand by a great artist this week as the children's department adds exciting colors and creates a friendly environment.

Don't spill that paint!  Not sure why this picture is in here today! Just looks interesting.

Hey Eddie, Have you seen Jean? Where's Jean?

Where's Teresa?

Ruth and Kailen join in to decorate.

A master piece!

Smiley face goes here:)

Service Times:


Sunday's
9:45 AM - Sunday School - Suite D
11:00 AM - Worship Hour - Suite D
5:30 PM - Evening Service - Suite D

Wednesday's
5:30 PM - Tutoring for children
6:30 PM - Service and Prayer Meeting - Suite D

Church Address:
638 Pine Ridge Dr., Suite D
West Columbia, SC 29172
Pastor's Cell: 803.447.7339
Email: pastorhector@live.com

Ministry Locations:
Sanctuary - Suite D
Nursery - Suite B
Children (Grades 1-5) - Suite B
Jr. & Sr. Students - Suite A
Fellowship Hall - Suite A

Favorite quote of the Day: "No matter what I preach or what we claim to believe in our heads, the future will depend upon our times of prayer."  Jim Cymbala

What's the Latest Scuttlebut News?

1.  Journey Baptist is 12 Sundays old. It crossed the treshhold on December 5, 2010. 

2.  The church offered it's first class to certify workers that will care for children 18 years and younger.  We had 17 volunteers complete the class.

3.  Our children's took part in helping to decorate the Christmas tree in the sanctuary.  

Prayer Ministry

Jimmy Smryl will head our churchwide prayer ministry.  Beginning in January we will put a greater emphasis on when, how and why we pray.

1.  Messages in January will cover different aspects of prayer.
2.  A prayer chain will be officially launched.
3.  Prayer walking will take place on campus every week.
4.  Monthly "house prayer" times will be organized in the Pine Ridge area and Lexington.
5.  Prayer resources will be made available at the information table.
6.  Involvement in local community prayer rallies will be encouraged.
7.  A prayer hotline will be incorporated in the September of 2011.
8.  New prayer cards/prayer grams will be made available for everyone's convenience.


Upcoming Events:

December 24 - Candlelight Service 6 PM
December 31 - Comedy Night 7 - 10 PM