Friday, November 14, 2014

Preparation for Worship

We are mindful as we make ourselves ready for "church" each week, that more thought must be given to what and why we are coming to church.  Over the last several weeks, I have mentioned and encouraged our congregation before worship service begins to focus on the importance of preparing for worship. There is a need for us all to make preparation to worship our God and King. The time we have before the 10 AM worship begins is critical to our own blessing  and that of the entire congregation gathered. So often we enter church and the sanctuary on Sundays unprepared to worship The Lord. Our time is spent in conversation and laughing and looking around, even playing games on our devices and walking in and out of the sanctuary. Yet we are told through the Word that we are to enter into His gates with praise and into His courts with thanksgiving.
Our effort is about getting ourselves prepared to worship our God who is deserving of being worshipped in truth and in spirit. For the blessing of God to be manifest in our lives and for the power of a God to fall mightily upon us to meet our needs, we must get prepared to worship. We must focus and refocus on the goodness of The Lord toward us. All the ways He has made for us, all the provision He has given to us, all the protection He has covered us with, tells me that we need to and must worship,praise and offer thanksgiving to Him.
So let us prepare for worship, not with conversation with man, but conversation with God. Prepare for worship, not by sitting idly by watching what others are wearing as they come and go, but by remembering what He has provided us for our welfare. Let us prepare for worship by prayer and praise, song and testimony, by humbling ourselves before a truly wonderful and loving God.
For when we would have prepared for worship, we will be well able to worship and receive the blessings of God that can only come through worship.

Be blessed,
Pastor

Friday, March 15, 2013

Guidelines for Reporting the Death of a Member


Greeting to my Springfield family,
This information has been recently placed in the Sunday bullentin so that we can make that we get this out to as many of our members as possible. If you have seen it before, just know that we are endeavoring to get this important information out to all in all possible ways.
We want each of you to stay informed and to know how we wish to assist you in all matters.
Please review this information below.
God Blessings
Pastor Sanders
Guidelines for Reporting The Death of A Member

Unfortunately death is a thing that is unavoidable, even for the saints of Springfield.  In the event of the death of a member, please follow these guidelines so that we, the Pastor and church can offer our assistance, guidance and support. 

I. Upon learning of a death of a member of the church, it is vitally important to notify the Pastor's office, at 919-772-3616, as soon as possible. Time of day or night is not an issue or concern in notifying the Pastor.  Please call immediately.  If no one answers, PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE (WITH A PHONE NUMBER TO CALL BACK TO), it will be forwarded directed and immediately to the Pastor’s cell phone and I will call you back as soon as I receive your message.

II. After receiving your call, the Pastor will meet with the family as soon as possible to determine what is needed for the family and to begin discussion on funeral arrangements. All details will be covered in private with the family in preparation for the funeral.  Guidance concerning any and all funeral matters as well as help with family matters and issues will be given as needed and requested.   

III. The date and time for the funeral service will be finalized by the Pastor after discussion with the family as to their wishes and the church's calendar.   If you meet with the Funeral Home before speaking with the Pastor, remember, no plans are final until the Pastor has been notified and has approved of any arrangements.

**The main need is to make contact with the Pastor as soon as possible. Remember, call my office number and speak to me, the Administrative Asst. (Mrs. Perry), or LEAVE A MESSAGE ON MY VOICEMAIL. (If no message is left on the voicemail, my cell phone will not receive a call.)


Be Blessed,

Pastor Daniel Sanders

Monday, August 13, 2012

GUEST POST: Mission Accomplished at the Annual Compassionate Senior Dinner

It can truly be said that God was present before, during and after the plans, presentation and blessings brought forth by the efforts of the Springfield Compassionate Ministry in the outcome of our Senior Dinner on Saturday, April 24, 2012.
 Our speaker was our own Minister Renee Jones, who brought forth a message of encouragement from our theme "LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET YOU" for all present. It was done with the inspired love of God. 

The highlight of this year's event was having Larry Butler, our worship leader who formed the group MISSIONARY UNION MALE ENSEMBLE  with our minister of music, Mr.Titus Pollard to bring the music for the day. 

The Fellowship Hall was filled with members  of  different churches in and out of the area. We were told by them how much they enjoyed and looked forward to coming each year because the program and the food got better.

The food was plentiful and delicious from the first course to the desserts. Thanks to all the great people we have in Springfield  who brought those special dishes that were so good.  We look forward to adding new pounds each year.

Presentations were made to special people who have given themselves with compassion and love to the glory of God. One of those people, not withstanding all the others who were given gifts, was our own Sister Ethel Curtis.   

Again, we want to thank everyone who had anything to do with making the Compassionate's annual senior dinner a complete success. God bless you, always.
 
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.  Psalm 20:6-7"

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

GUEST POST: SBC Women's Day - A Big Success!

Beginning with the theme:  “Women:  Fully Equipped with GPS (God’s Plan of Salvation)” Women’s Day 2012 was a huge success!   Following directions from Women’s Day Chairman Sis. Johnnetta Wilson, SBC women set their GPS and reached the appropriate  destination for choir rehearsal, for Saturday’s luncheon and for Sunday morning service. 

The Women’s Day Luncheon opened with devotion after which Sis. Beatrice “BB” Smith  set the mood for a fantastic day with her moving rendition of “I Look to You” (Whitney Houston).  The luncheon speaker, Min. Teresa  Turner  got the ladies fired up speaking from the subject “Final Destination” after which  Sis. Danyelle Sanders brought us to our feet with her rendition of “I Want to Say Thank You” (Lisa Paige-Brooks).  After a delicious lunch SBC women prepared for the runway! The “GPS Fashion Show,” narrated by Sis. Donna Hale, showcased fashions and accessories acquired from North Carolina to Kuwait.  FUN! FUN! FUN! was the name of the game as the sisters paraded the runway (some with a strut and some with a swagger) modeling appropriate attire for differing occasions - from the golf course to the sanctuary.  It was awesome!  I think everyone in the house was wearing their biggest smile!  Just when we thought we’d had the best time the committee announced that we would be treated to facials and manicures by students from Sherrill’s Cosmetology & Barber College.  Needless to say all was well!

On Sunday morning, we reached our week-end’s final destination.   Approximately 100 women of Springfield dressed in white entered the choir loft and opened the praise service with “Women of Faith”  .....united in God’s love – sisters in grace.  It seems as if the whole of SBC women were represented and had a role in this service – younger, older, new members and seasoned members. “High In All the Earth”.......” When My Season Comes”.......“There Will Be Glory After This”  After a special presentation to First Lady Deborah Sanders and Sis. Maxine Grice, the speaker of the hour, (our own) Min. Adrienne Keller came forward with the message from Ephesians 4th Chapter entitled, “While On the Journey:  How Are You Living?”  I can only speak for myself on this one; but her voice was so calm and easy as she spoke to us about ourselves and how we should be living. She spoke in a way that allowed Paul’s words to live in 2012.  It was as if she was our big sister giving us instructions on how to manage the ways of life. Thank you Min. Keller, thank you Women’s Day Committee 2012 and thank you Lord for a memorable occasion!!!

Sandra Garris

Friday, May 27, 2011

A Time of Fast

WE here at Springfield have been called into a time of fasting and pray by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This fast comes at a time when much is taking place throughout our world, our country, our state, our churches and most definitely, our homes. What we are witnessing is a time of "assault" by the enemy of God and His people (Satan). Yet there are also the judgements and warnings of God at work. Satan is on the attack to steal, kill and destroy all that is holy and righteous. God on the other hand is moving to remind us all that He is the one in charge of all things and that He wants each of us to turn to Him in sincerely and faith, to live our lives as it pleases Him. Therefore, in an effort to fight off the attacks of Satan and to refocus ourselves in true commitment and devotion to God, we turn to fasting and pray. For Jesus tells us that there are somethings that will come to pass only through prayer and fasting (Matt. 17:21). This is certainly one of those times.
In our effort of fasting we are to remember that fasting is more than just a refraining from food. It also involves, even more importantly, our our drawing closer and nearer to God. There is a need to seek God out through prayer and through His word. This time of fasting must be about strengthening our walk with God and seeking His guidance and direction for our lives. There must be purpose to our fast and that purpose for this time is SPIRITUAL WARFARE. We are warring against the attacks of the enemy. All that each of us are going through now is the result of spiritual warring. The only solution to it is to turn to God and seek His way and will concerning us. No other way is available for us in this hour other than that which is directed by God.
We ask you to commit yourselves to this week of fasting and praying in the following ways:
First determine the kind of fast you will follow. We have mentioned three possible ones: a partial fast; a normal fast and a absolute fast. We do not recommend an absolute fast to any that have not fasted before, as it requires abstaining from both food and liquid for a set amount of time. The normal fast can be followed which is to abstain from solid food but intake liquids such as juice and water. The partial fast is the fast that most should follow. It allows for the abstaining of some foods and not necessarily all food as well as possible set times and meals to be determined. We are asking those that will follow this fast to remove meat (including fish) and sodas from your diet. If you do not eat meat, substitute all sweets in its place. With the partial fast we ask that you commit to one particular way. Determine how you are going to set up your partial fast and stick to it. DO NOT CHANGE IT day to day.
Next, search within yourself to know what it is that you need God to do in your live. Seek God for your answer to whatever is warring against you, your family or others in your life. Whether it is health, relationship, financial, mind, body or soul, take it before the Lord and let Him direct you. By faith, trust Him to guide you in the right way.
Lastly, be confident that God will accomplish for you what you seek Him to do. Know that God will not turn from you if you are sincere in your approach to Him. He will answer. Once He does, do not doubt, but trust and obey His will and direction.

Scriptures that reference fasting are plentiful, here are some for your consideration;
I Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18; Daniel 9:3, 20; Joel 2:12; Jonah 3:8; Nehemiah 1:4; Isaiah 58:6-8; Matthew 6:16-18.
Scriptures that encourage us at this time:
Afraid\Fearful - Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 54:17; St. John 14:27; Psalm 112:7-8; Psalm 23:4-5; Psalm 27:1-3; Psalm 91:4-7, 10
Discouraged - II Corinthians 12:9; II Corinthians 4:16-17; II Thessalonians 2:16-17; Philippians 4:13;
Health\Healing - III John 1:2; James 5:14-16; Proverbs 4:2-22
Determination - II Thessalonians 3:13; Colossians 3:2; Ephesians 6:13; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:35-36
Strength - II Corinthians 12:9; Colossians 1:10-12; Ephesians 3:16-17;Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 18:2
Doubt - Isaiah 41:13; Isaiah 55:10-11; Hebrews 10:23; Psalm 116:13; Psalm 12:6; Romans 10:17; Galatians 6:9; Jude 1:24-25.
There are many many more scriptures that can direct and guide and instruct you in this time. Let God's Spirit guide you through His word. God has a special message just for you.

We will be victorious in this time of time because our God is unfailing in all His ways toward us.

Updates

Hello Springfield,
It has been a while since my last blog. Much has happened of course since December, so let's try to catch up a little.
First, as all of you well know by now, the Red Corridor Route has been eliminated and no longer poses a threat to Springfield or the homes and businesses of Garner. To this we give God the praise. We are most thankful to the many persons who worked to get this corridor off the map for consideration of the 540 Extension. The mayor and officials of Garner and NC State Senators Dan Blue and Ralph Stevens, as well as NC House Representatives and the Governor, are to be applauded for the efforts they made to make this possible. Springfield is forever grateful. U. S. Senator Elmer, who mentioned Springfield by name on the floor of Congress, is to be thanked also. Most especially the people and friends of Springfield, near and far, are to be thanked as you all rallied to the cause and let your voices be heard in such a way that we as a church could not be ignored. I want to leg
T each of you know how proud and appreciative I am of each one of you for what you have done in this matter. Every letter, signature, email, phone call, Facebook comment and prayer worked! We are victorious!!
It had been our plan to invite many of the persons mentioned above to a informal gathering of hotdogs and hamburgers just to say thank you. However time to work it in with everything else that has taken place has made that difficult. We have not given up on this effort, so please stay tuned for more information on this.
Lastly, I want to remind all of us, not to fall asleep on what we have come through with this Red Route issue. We have been blessed by God and must stay attentive to anything else that might come from this turnpike situation. We will continue to monitor efforts of the NC Turnpike Authority so that we can stay in the know about what is taking place in our community and surroundings.
Let us all be reminded from this experience that with God as our leader, we can do all things through Christ who will strengthen us.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

The 540 SE Extension Issue

As many of you are aware by now, the alarm has been sounded here at Springfield concerning the possible impact that the proposed 540 Extension corridors will have on Springfield church if one of three of the five options are chosen.

Currently there are five options under consideration by the NC Turnpike Authority to complete their effort. Three of the five options (Red, Pink and I-40 Corridors) directly cross the properties of Springfield in such a way that our church and property would by drastically and permanently impacted in way that could force us to relocate from where we have existed for 144 years.

It is our belief that Springfield has well proven itself in this community, this county and this state in such a way that we are of great value and worth to the moral character of this community. We have long been active in affairs of our people and this Garner community and have extended our services in all possible ways. We are a people of faith who believe that God has called us to great work here in this area where we now dwell and that it is our right to remain where God has placed us.

We continue to urge each one of you that read this message to GET Busy to do your part in helping to get the message across to the Turnpike Authority that we are totally opposed to the Red, Pink and I-40 Corridor options. How do you do this? Send letters to the NC Turnpike Authority, to the attention of Steve DeWitt expressing your concern and opposition to these corridors coming through Springfield. Better still, click on the link on our home page concerning the 540 extension and send an email directly to the Authority.

Springfield, this is a time in which each one of us MUST be a voice and not leave it to the pastor, deacons and trustees to speak alone. Our faith in God must not be shown merely by saying "we are praying and trusting God to make a way." We must get up after praying and walk in "the way" God has made for us. Remember my brothers and sisters, the Bible clearly says that "Faith without Works IS DEAD!" Let us have faith in God about this issue and the boldness to stand up and standout to show that we have the works to back up our faith in God.
If you have any questions, ideas, suggestions of how we can continue to address this matter, please call us, write or email us here at Springfield.

The email address is revsanders@springfieldbaptistchurch.com, office number is (919) 772-3616 and church address is 4309 Auburn-Knightdale Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.

Be not weary in well doing . . . . we will reap in due season.
Your Pastor