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Dear Shiloh Family,

     Several years ago, a family of skunks decided to take up residence under our bedroom.  Pastor David’s sermon last week on “Facing the Enemy” reminded me of the stinky story because after about a week of pungency, it was all out war.  I sent Anita and the kids to Mamaw’s, opened all the windows and doors, and broke out all the traps and home remedies.  One desperate night, I was under the house with a .22 rifle.  What a story…the redneck and the polecats.  After seven skunks, a new HVAC duct system, and a good fumigating, we were somewhat scent free.  

     A few days ago, I decided to wear a pull-over I hadn’t worn in over 10 years.  It was stuck back in the corner of my closet hidden behind some large winter jackets.  As I pulled it over my head, I noticed a slight musky smell.  However, as the day wore on, the odor became way too familiar…you guessed it Mephitis mephitis, genus Chickamauga skunk. After years, the nasty aroma still clung to the stitches and inner lining.  Consequently, hindsight revealed that the garment had not been washed nor aired out since the incident.  

     I am reminded of what the Psalmist said in Psalm 51.

Psalm 51:6-7

6 Behold,You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. NKJV

     It seems that God’s desire for us is to be fresh, clean, and new.  We should be a literal breath of fresh air to the world, and our sacrifice of praise should be a sweet fragrance, acceptable to the Lord.  However, we sometimes get pushed back into nooks and crannies of past battles or guilt from old failures.  Unfortunately, much too often, we intentionally crouch in the dark corners of complacency and defeat; and the stench of the enemy seeps from our spiritual pores, where once flowed the essence of Spring and new life.  

     That garment still belonged to me, and it was still useful.  There was no need to have it re-made.  It simply needed to be taken out of the dark, washed, and wrapped around the body once more.  

     John said if we confess, God forgives and removes all the unclean odors of sin in our lives.  The Lord is patiently waiting for us to step out of the dark, allow Him to clean our hearts, and let the world experience His Holy Spirit as it flows through the body of Christ.  

Psalm 51:10-13: 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.  11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.  12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.  NKJV

We only air out our dirty laundry when the purpose is to allow the wind of the Holy Spirit to freshen us.  

God bless you all, 

Pastor Derrell
 

General Announcements:  If you have announcements for the newsletter or Sunday morning service, please get them to Melissa by 12:00 PM on Wednesday.  This will allow the AV team to process relative schedules, letters, videos, etc…

 2024 NEW MEMBERS:  Haven Johnson, River Johnson, Thomas, Lisa, and Mary Grace Gray, Philip, Ariana, and Isabella Rayburn, Wesley Fisher, Shane Johnson, Matt, Amanda, Parker, and Emily Ray,

Brooklyn Britton, Gracie Wood, James Wood, Kerri Wood, Hayden Gardner, Elbert and Stephanie Britton

2024 BAPTISMS: Havan Johnson, River Johnson, Shane Johnson, Wesley Fisher, Brooklyn Britton, Gracie Wood, James Wood, Kerri Wood, Hayden Gardner

UP AND COMING EVENTS:   

NEW FOUNDATIONS STUDY:  Brother David Jones will begin the FOUNDATIONS study next Wednesday, February 28th at 7:00 in the Main Auditorium. 

WEDDING SHOWER: There will be a wedding shower for Speshal Wilson and Parker Salmon Sunday, March 3rd, at 4:00 PM in the FLC.  They are registered on Amazon

CHEST OF JOASH DAY: April 21st. Chest of Joash Day is a Sunday set aside specifically for special offering and prayer for our building program.  Please, pray what God would have you give on this exciting day. 

 PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS:  If you would like to meet to discuss membership at Shiloh, I would love to meet with you between the two morning services from 10:00 – 10:30 AM.  Please schedule the appointment through the church office.

ONLINE GIVING: You can use our online giving app for Benevolent Fund, Building Fund, or any other ministry.  Please use our Tith.ly app and designate the intended recipient.  If you haven’t already done so, you can download the app here for Apple or here for Android. You can also use our secure form or text the word "Give" to (844) 949-4039

If you choose to meet at the church during the week, PLEASE!  Let Melissa know the time and location (room) for your ministries.  It is imperative that we coordinate all gatherings at the church. If you have questions about Shiloh ministries, contact us at secretary@shilohbaptistministry.com.

RIGHT NOW MEDIA:  To access, text the code SBCROSSVILLE to the number 49775 and they will receive a text back, welcoming them to RightNow Media and providing you the link to register.

You can also use this link or the QR code below.

 

MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 NEW MINISTRY!!!

 SHILOH FOUNDATIONS CLASS:  If you are a new convert, a new member of Shiloh, a regular attender of the Wednesday night auditorium class, or would like to know more about what we believe, you are invited to attend the FOUNDATIONS class in the Main Auditorium.  Brother David will begin the study this Wednesday, February 28th at 7:00 PM.

 SHILOH HELPING HANDS:  Eddie and Polly White have begun a new ministry.  They are coordinating with church members to care for the needs of widows, shut-ins, elderly, etc….  If you have a skill (carpentry, lawn care, auto mechanic, painting, manual labor, etc.) and would be willing to volunteer to help those in need, please contact the office or Eddie and Polly.

 MINISTRY NEEDS:

Audio/Visual Team:  Anyone interested in working in with the A/V team contact David Jones or Ricky Trew.

 Kitchen ministry:  Anyone interested in working with the kitchen ministry contact Kami Gentry or call Melissa in the main office.

 AWANA:  Our AWANA team needs Men to serve in the children’s ministry on Wednesday nights.  If you are willing to teach or simply listen to Bible verses, please, contact Melissa in the office.

 USHERS MINISTRY:  We would love for all men, ages 16 and up to sign up for our usher ministry.  The more people who participate, the less each person will be asked to work each month.  There are signup sheets in the vestibule or on the church website. If you have questions, contact Baylee Brown, Bill Newbille, or you can call Melissa in the church office.

 CHOIR PRACTICE:  Every other Thursday night at 7:00 PM.

 WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Ladies Bible Study “Sacred Rest” by: Saundra Dalton Smith, February 20th at 6:30 in the FLC. Please See Angela Brown, Juie Overall or Rhonda Jones for more details.

 Ladies Easter Craft Day, March 10 @4 PM. The cost is $25 per person/kit. Please see Kami, Juanita, or Rhonda for more info.

 MEN’S MINISTRY: Men's Bible study every Monday @ 6:30 PM.  Come enjoy Physical and Spiritual food and fellowship in the FLC.

 Men’s breakfast will continue on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 in the FLC.

 SUNDAY WORSHIP:  8:30 and 11:00 AM in the main auditorium.

 SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45-10:45

 CHILDREN’S CHURCH:  Tya Mercer will be conducting children’s church (Pre-K) during the 2nd service.

 JR. CHURCH:  (K-5th grade) will meet upstairs in the FLC during the 2nd service.

 NURSERY:  Nursery will now be provided in both services.  However, we are still in need of adult workers in both services.  If you would volunteer to work in either service, please contact Lea or call Melissa at the church office.

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Several of our SS classes and small groups are meeting at various non-traditional times throughout the week. Morning Sunday School will be between services and will begin at 9:45. Some of the locations have temporarily changed.  Teachers, please contact members and prospective members and inform them of the times and location of their class.

 WEDNESDAY NIGHT: 

  • ADULT BIBLE STUDY/Foundations: If you are a new convert, a new member of Shiloh, a regular attender of the Wednesday night auditorium class, or would like to know more about what we believe, you are invited to attend the FOUNDATIONS class in the Main Auditorium.  Brother David Jones will begin the study this Wednesday, February 28th at 7:00 PM.

  • COLLEGE AND CAREER: Jon Carson will be leading a Bible study each Wednesday night.  The group will be meeting downstairs in the main building.  

  • YOUTH: The High School/Middle School youth group will meet upstairs in the FLC.

  • AWANA: 3 Yr Old through 5th Grade - Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 PM