Restoration

“Restoration” means to return something to its original purpose, design, or intent. While it is fun to see homes, cars, and even old films restored, God does His greatest work of restoration through Christ. The following is a synopsis of Chris Stull’s sermon entitled Restoration.  If you would like to watch the sermon, you can find it at www.fbcmckinney.com/live or you can watch it on the First McKinney iPhone app or Android app.

The experience of loss can create challenging emotions. It can be gut wrenching and wipe us out physically, emotionally and potentially spiritually. People who have a close relationship with God through Christ are not immune to the challenges of loss. Those who are distant from Christ during loss may choose to deny God’s love and existences because of the pain.

Faith and hope are at the core of restoration that can help during times of loss. Faith is the belief that God will ultimately create something good out of loss. Hope is the confidence that He will.

God has a plan of restoration. In Genesis 1, God created the heavens and earth and it was good. Then sin entered the world in Genesis 3 and marred what was good and brought with it pain and loss. God did not walk away from His creation but instead began the process of restoration with His people and His world. It is through Christ that God’s plan of restoration is supremely revealed.

By placing one’s faith in Christ, He begins the process of restoration in the Christian’s life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s work of restoration from sin brings salvation, freedom, renewal, and hope. God’s work of restoration is not a quick process but one that does not disappoint.

Please let us know how we can best serve you as you seek to make these truths a reality in your life. For more information about groups at FBC McKinney, please go to www.fbcmckinney.com/groups.  Also if you would like more information about what is going on in the life of the church, check out this week's newsletter.

3.18.12 Announcements

We are hearing great reports from the Youth’s trip to Honduras! Thank you for praying for them. Just a quick reminder that Wednesday Night Activities will be starting back this week. Thank you for letting your groups know about these opportunities to love, grow, serve, and share. 

March 18, 2012

Volunteers are needed for Incredible Fridays, Friday March 23 

Please help serve with Incredible Fridays on March 23 from 5:15 to 9 p.m.  Volunteers are provided dinner and training.  Childcare is also available for a volunteer’s child.  This evening provides a much needed break to parents with special needs children.  You will be blessed by the evening as you play with these very special children.  Contact kari@loth.me

April 14^th Run for Cover

www.runforcover.org

Run for Cover is a one day 3e McKinney 1, 5 & 10K walk/run to raise money for the Samaritan Inn (Collin County's only homeless shelter). All gross proceeds from the event go to The Samaritan Inn. The race is through Stonebridge Ranch. The 5 and 10K courses are fun, challenging and certified. There is music, prizes and awards! We always run rain or shine. At this year's Run for Cover event we will be collecting gently used shoes (in good to excellent condition) to help benefit the men, women and children of the Redbud Apartments.

Wednesday Night Activities are Back on Track this Week!

• Wednesday Night Meal 5:15-6:00 pm (served in the gym)
• Understanding Mormonism, Room 1215, 6:15 pm
• Taking Care of Elderly Loved Ones, Room 1207, 6:15 pm (Led by Randy Morlan)
• Parenting Through Uncharted Waters , Hospitality Room, 6:15 pm (Led by Dr. Melissa Ewing)
• Bridges: Reaching Muslims through the Bible, Room 1205, 6:15 pm (Led by Darryl Chavis)
• Open Study, Room 1210, 6:15 pm (Led by John Shapiro)
• Men’s Groups, Rooms 3116 & The Multi-purpose Room, 6:15 pmn

Easter Service Information

Good Friday, 4/6 – 6:00 & 7:30 pm in the Worship Center

Easter Sunrise Service at 6:45 am

Worship Center: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 & 11:00am

LiveLink: 9:00, 10:00 & 11:00am

Restoration Family: 9:00 & 10:00am

Chinese Church: 10:00am

Korean Church: 1:00-4:00pm (Chapel)

John 17: Unity through Diversity

The world is watching to see if what Christians claim is true about the Gospel is reflected in the way they live. One of the areas where those who do not know Christ are watching is how Christians interact with different races and cultures. The following is a synopsis of Richard Lee’s and Derrick Scobey’s sermon entitled John 17: Unity through Diversity.  If you would like to watch the sermon, you can find it at www.fbcmckinney.com/live or you can watch it on the FBC McKinney iPhone app or Android app.

Jesus wants those who have placed their trust in Him to be unified. In John 17:20-26, Jesus prayed: 

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

Jesus prayed for those who trusted in Him to be unified because it would give evidence to the world of His deity. Unity does not mean uniformity. The work Christ does is to make Christians, with all of their differences, into one thing, literally one body…His body... to do His work. A clear presentation of the Gospel requires that Christians be unified. When Christians are not unified, the witness of the Gospel suffers.

Today, many do not attend church because they have seen hypocrisy within the church. A lack of unity by the church leads to others being hurt. For us to be “salt and light,” which is what God designed us to be, Christians must allow the Holy Spirit to unify us. Those outside the church are paying attention to see if we are living out what we believe. Much like the Canaanites and Perizzites watched Abraham and Lot argue, so the world is watching the church.

The world will take notice of Christ when Christians live out His love in unity toward one another. The world will be drawn to that kind of love. When Christians live together in unity, living under God’s authority, then the world will see the message of Christ’s love clearly. Let’s make a difference through our unity for eternity.

Please let us know how we can best serve you as you seek to make these truths a reality in your life. For more information about groups at FBC McKinney, please go to www.fbcmckinney.com/groups.  Also if you would like more information about what is going on in the life of the church, check out this week's newsletter.

3.11.12 Announcements

Please be in prayer for the Youth Group as they go to Honduras for “A Work of Love” starting Saturday. This weekend many families will be traveling because of Spring Break. This is also the weekend that Restoration Family Church of McKinney will also be having their first service on our campus at 10:30 AM in the Theater. Finally, don’t forget to adjust your clocks on Saturday Night!

March 11, 2012

Upcoming Wednesday Night Classes!

All of the following classes start on March 21st and begin at 6:15 PM. Contact susan.collins@fbcmckinney to reserve your spot in one of these classes.

Understanding Mormonism, Room 1215


Taking Care of Elderly Loved Ones, Room 1207 (Led by Randy Morlan)
A few topics are:

• Healthcare Challenges
• Options of When and Where to Move
• Estate Planning
• The Sensitive Topic of “End of Life Issues”

Parenting Through Uncharted Waters , Hospitality Room (Led by Dr. Melissa Ewing)

• Week One will look at the challenge of limit setting at all ages. We will start with the basics and explore how you can set boundaries for your children from toddlers to teenagers.
• Week Two will tackle the daunting task--"Talking to Your Child about Sex". Parents will learn how to begin early with short, easy conversations.
• Week Three will focus on teaching your children to follow Jesus. Parents will learn practical tips for incorporating spiritual truths into all aspects of daily life.

Bridges: Reaching Muslims through the Bible, Room 1205 (Led by Darryl Chavis)

Volunteers are needed for Incredible Fridays, Friday March 23 from 5:15 to 9 p.m. Volunteers are provided dinner and training. Childcare is also available for a volunteer’s child. This evening provides a much needed break to parents with special needs children. You will be blessed by the evening as you play with these very special children. Contact kari@loth.me

April 14th Run for Cover, www.runforcover.org
Run for Cover is a one day 3e McKinney 1, 5 & 10K walk/run to raise money for the Samaritan Inn (Collin County's only homeless shelter). All gross proceeds from the event go to The Samaritan Inn. The race is through Stonebridge Ranch. The 5 and 10K courses are fun, challenging and certified. There is music, prizes and awards! We always run rain or shine. At this year's Run for Cover event we will be collecting gently used shoes (in good to excellent condition) to help benefit the men, women and children of the Redbud Apartments.

Easter Service Information

Good Friday, 4/6 – 6:00 & 7:30 pm in the Worship Center

Easter Sunrise Service at 6:45 am Worship Center: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 & 11:00am 

LiveLink: 9:00, 10:00 & 11:00am 

Restoration Family: 9:00 & 10:00am 

Chinese Church: 10:00am
Korean Church: 1:00-4:00pm (Chapel) 

Roadmap to 2020: Review

For many, the church described in the book of Acts is the highpoint of the church Christ established. The book of Acts shows us a picture of the early church. There is much to learn from Acts.  It is not the pinnacle but the starting point for what God wants to do through His followers. The following is a synopsis of Richard's sermon entitled Roadmap to 2020:Review.  If you would like to watch the sermon, you can find it at www.fbcmckinney.com/live or you can watch it on the FBC McKinney iPhone app or Android app.


The book of Acts tells us what happened after Christ's ascension. Through these pages we learn how Christ's followers joined together to form the living body of Christ: the Church. God's desire was for the Church to be and display His glory to the nations. God wants the Church to be a place where a hurting and watching world can be drawn to Him.


Because lost people matter to God, First McKinney desires to help people find and follow Christ. First McKinney's purpose is to make disciples of our neighbors, the nations, and the next generation. The four words of Love, Grow, Serve, and Share frame the process First McKinney uses to help make disciples for Jesus Christ. 


The next few years are crucial for First McKinney as a group of Christ's followers. To expand and accelerate ministry to embrace the McKinney of the future, we seek to:

• Develop a holistic approach to stewardship
• Reach the next generation
• Utilize media and technology to be culturally relevant
• Become more like heaven on earth
• Fully equip believers for ministry
• Model God's heart for our community and the world
• Expand our headquarters to reach the lost

When addressing the future of First McKinney, many have all kinds of questions that revolve around how First McKinney will label herself. Labels tend to divide. First McKinney wants to be a group of people who are following Jesus, plain and simple. However, if there must be a "label" - here it is: First McKinney is a traditional, Bible-based, seeker-friendly, attractional, missional, discipleship driven Southern Baptist church that seeks to make much of Jesus and less of ourselves...and even less of labels!

The Roadmap to 2020 is a guide that First McKinney will follow as she seeks to carry out God's will. There be a few potholes and turns in the road, but First McKinney is committed to staying on course and staying consistent in our direction. Do you want you join us?

Please let us know how we can best serve you as you seek to make these truths a reality in your life. For more information about groups at FBC McKinney, please go towww.fbcmckinney.com/groups.  Also if you would like more information about what is going on in the life of the church, check out this week's newsletter.

2.26.12 Announcements

I hope you were able to join us for the Ash Wednesday service. It is an important time for us as we turn our attention toward Good Friday and Easter. You will see that there are several classes starting on Wednesday Nights on the announcement sheet. Thank you for letting your people know about these activities and opportunities.

Median and Young Adult Leaders – This Sunday (2/26) we are having a directors meeting! It will start at 8:00 AM in the Fireside Room. Thank you for making it a priority to be there!

February 26, 2012


Family Mission Trip – Informational meeting TODAY
Would you like to take your family on a trip with a purpose? The Family Mission Trip will be headed to Joplin, Missouri in July 26-29. The cost will be $275 per adult and $175 per child. There will be a 30 minute informational meeting TODAY at 12:00 PM for parents only in the Multipurpose Room. For more information, please go to familymissiontrip.blogspot.com or contact John Shapiro at john.shapiro@fbcmckinney.com.




Upcoming Wednesday Night Classes!
All of the following classes start on March 21st and begin at 6:15 PM.
Contact susan.collins@fbcmckinney to reserve your spot in one of these classes.


Understanding Mormonism – Have you wondered what the difference is between Christianity and Mormonism? Do you wish you knew better how to reach out to your Mormon neighbors? Understanding Mormonism is a five week class to help equip you to better understand Mormonism.


Taking Care of Elderly Love Ones – It is difficult helping those who we love as they experience the challenges of aging. Many times we feel unprepared as care givers on how to love them well in this stage of their life. Randy Morlan, First Baptist’s Senior Adult and Pastoral Care Minister, will be leading a four week class on Taking Care of Elderly Love Ones.


Parenting Class – Parenting is an art not a science. Dr. Melissa Ewing, First Baptist’s Children’s Minister, will be leading a three week class sharing practical wisdom on parenting and raising children.


Bridges: Reaching Muslims through the Bible – The Bible provides Christians a tool to reach out to our Muslim neighbors. Darryl Chavis is leading a six week class on how to share Christ love with Muslims.




Finch Camp Help
These next few weeks our 5th graders are doing a couple of fund raisers to help earn money to go to camp. Our students have worked very hard at raising money, but some of them still need a little more in order to go to camp. Below are 2 ways that our First McKinney friends could help us.

1. 5th graders are hosting a Petra Spirit Day on Monday, Feb. 27 and then again on Monday, March 26.
   Anyone who goes orders food from Petra’s on those days and mentions Finch will help earn money for our 5th graders. 20% of money earned will go for 5th grade camp. So please tell your friends to stop by Petra's on those Feb. 27 and March 26 and mention Finch when ordering.
   
2. Our teachers often provide scholarships to our 5th graders to go to camp. These scholarships go to students who have worked fund raisers, but are still short some money to go to camp. We were hoping that some of our BFGs might be able to provide a $25 scholarship to students who are still in need of funds for camp. If any BFGs are interested in providing scholarships they can contact Pam Voss @ pvoss68@yahoo.com. 
   

Roadmap to 2020: Go and Be

Jesus’ mission was to bring God glory by seeking and saving those who were lost. He trained and equipped His followers through His teaching and example. Christians develop faith as they Go and put Christ’s teachings into a daily life practice. The following is a synopsis of Richard's sermon entitled Roadmap to 2020: Go and Be.  If you would like to watch the sermon, you can find it at www.fbcmckinney.com/live or you can watch it on the FBC McKinney iPhone app or Android app.

As people began to follow Jesus they quickly learned that He expected them to go out into the world and practice what He taught. First McKinney is more than a gathering place. She is a missions-sending center. The strength and testimony of this church is not her seating capacity but her sending capacity. The “attractional” component of the church supports the sending component of the mission Christ commanded in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

First McKinney does everything for the sake of helping men and women grow to healthy in their relationship with God and others and carry out this mission. This church equips parents to raise strong families so that the community can see evidence of Christ in our homes. The classes offered each Wednesday night, such as Reliability of Scripture or Understanding Mormonism, provide ongoing discipleship to help Christians actively live out their faith.

This church is already in a great location to minister to the city and the surrounding area. The current campus of First McKinney needs to be expanded to maximize global impact. Our mission-sending capacity will increase as we continue to introduce Christ to McKinney. The Recreation and Family Sport’s Ministry provides vital gateways into the surrounding communities. Even as we continue the build-out the current location, First McKinney will need to launch new campuses for the sake of introducing others to Christ.

How will you take part in helping Roadmap to 2020 become a reality? How has God equipped you to help First McKinney become more of the church God wants it to be? Take a step with us on the Roadmap to 2020.

Please let us know how we can best serve you as you seek to make these truths a reality in your life. For more information about groups at FBC McKinney, please go to www.fbcmckinney.com/groups .  Also if you would like more information about what is going on in the life of the church, check out this week's newsletter.