In church, it can be tempting to reach beyond our limits; tempting to try too hard. It is tempting to focus on numbers, productivity and the bottom line, for these are the

measures of success in culture. The rhythms and goals of the world, however, are not the rhythms and goals of the spiritual life. An elder monk in the middle ages once said, “The reason why we do not get anywhere is that we do not know our limits, and we are not patient in carrying on the work we have begun. But without any labor at all we all want to gain possession of virtue.”

In many ways, the ancient challenges of faith remain. We want holiness but often don’t want to work for it. Quick fixes and self-help books abound in the religion section of every bookstore. All churches want more disciples but few actively disciple new believers, as if folks will magically reach spiritual maturity as soon as they walk through the sanctuary door.

For Christians and for churches, knowing our limits is an important part of growing in Christ. Having patience and discipline, and being in for the long haul are necessary for personal spiritual development, as well as effective ministry in a local church. As our church continues to grow, we will face the best kinds of challenges any church can face—incorporating new members at every level of ministry, effectively ministering to a growing number of children and youth in our midst, focusing on Biblical measures of success rather than worldly ones, and honoring our rich heritage while fixing our eyes towards God’s future for Urbanna Baptist.

As we consider what it means to be the church, let’s be grace-filled people as we face these challenges together. Let’s commit to what Eugene Peterson calls “a long obedience in the same direction,” realizing that maturity, vitality, and progress ultimately come from patience, faithfulness, and diligence; realizing that church is community, and realizing that there are no instantaneous solutions to the challenges ahead. As Paul wrote to the Colossians: “continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel” (Col. 1:23). Sounds like a long-term commitment to me.

In Christ,

Volume XLV Number 7 August 2014

Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00-Noon Church Email: urbannabaptistchurch@yahoo.com

Pastor: Jonathan Davis Jane Folliard: Day Care Director

Office: (804) 758-2720 Day Care Phone: (804)758-4783

Find Us Online At

www.urbannabaptistchurch.org and www.facebook.com/urbannabaptisthurch

Church News

Congratulations to one of our own! On Saturday June 28, 2014, Harriet Roane received her masters degree in theology at the Gloucester campus of Metropolitan College of Theology. Harriet was also ordained by Reverend Malcom Lee & Dr. James Streeter as a minister to spread the good news that Jesus Christ is our LORD and Savior. Praise the Lord for her accomplishments. Harriet has been a member of Urbanna Baptist Church for numerous years, and has attended Sunday School regularly. She is also a member of our choir. God called Harriet to pursue her degrees and she has been a faithful servant. During her years of study, she took many hours of off to minister to patients at our local nursing homes to show love and compassion to those with special needs. Thank you Harriet for demonstrating just what someone can do when God calls you to serve.

God bless you Harriet! Pete Robins Superintendent of Sunday School

Ps. When you see Harriet, give her a hug and congratulate her. **************************************************************************************************

D inner!

******************************************************** J O Y ! Jesus Others You!

Along with much prayer and faith you graciously, purchased, delivered, cooked, prepared, fed and served at least 250 youth and adults, representing Impact Va, after they had spent the day working to make sure homes were Warm, Safe and Dry. Everyone's part played a significant role in making this dinner a huge success. Communication is so important, and you did an outstanding job with that too. May you experience great joy from being such a blessing.

Thank you for answering the call to serve together in Christ, Ricky Longest and Garth Wheeler ——————————————————————————————————————

Welcome our New Members!

Diane Duke

Valery Sullivan Lavelle Sullivan

Janice Rice I live in Locust Hill, Va. Before com-ing to Middlesex County four years ago , I lived in the Northern Neck ar-ea for 21 years. I was a member of White Stone Baptist. I have em-braced Middlesex County and UBC as my forever home.

Destiny Johnson I’m 16. I live in Urbanna Harbour. I attend Middle-sex High School. I am a Varsity cheerleader.

Other New Members not shown: Jonathan & Bethany Smith Chris and Samantha Murphy and children

Non-profit Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Urbanna, VA 23175

Permit No. 2

Address Service Requested

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16

“Do all the good you can by all the means you can in all the ways you can in all the places you can at all the times you can to all the people you can as long as ever you can.”

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement

Nursery: Billie Eubank

Grades 1-4: Shirley Jean Brown-teacher Irma Ryman-sub Grades 5-7: Eileen Smith-teacher

Mary Ann McChain-sub Grades 8-12: Garth Wheeler-teacher

Annette Greenwood-sub

Adult I: Diane Luttrell-teacher Dana Longest-teacher Adult II: Patty Wheeler-teacher Tom Lowe-sub Frances Hall-sub Jimmie Williams-sub