Gear Up For Learning

Alice Drive Baptist Church exists to help as many people as possible take their next step toward Jesus Christ. We do this by helping them Know Jesus, Know Community, Grow Character and Go Share.

Over the next 4 weeks we have an opportunity to Go Share with our community. We are partnering with United Ministries of Sumter County for the annual Gear Up For Learning drive. This is an effort to raise school supplies for the coming year for those in our community who are less fortunate.

We have pledged to contribute 900 book bags and 1,550 bundles of pencils (9 pencil bundles). Beginning this Sunday there will be cards on the back wall of the Worship Center with these items on them. Take a card and bring the item back between now and August 2.

Together we can share what God has blessed us with as we help the children of Sumter get ready for a great year of learning.

Summer Camp

Yesterday morning we had the opportunity to send 100 students, children and chaperones to camp for the week. Camp is a great time for people to take their next step toward God. Many grow in their walk with Christ during the week. Some take their first step and ask Jesus into their hearts as a result of their participating in camp. Others began to grow and develop as leaders. As you can see, this week of camp is far more than just a good time - it is a week of next steps. Keep the 100 in your prayers this week and ask God to move in each one of their lives as they each continue their journey.

Why Giving Matters

Giving is an important part of our walk with Christ. Part of our vision at Alice Drive is to help people Grow Character because we need to be like Jesus.

Some of the reasons I believe giving is important are:
Giving draws our hearts toward Christ – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
Giving develops character.
Giving allows us to invest for eternity – “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven….” Matthew 6:20

Is it time for you to take your next step? Step in and see how giving can transform your life and grow you to be like Jesus.

Opportunity

Over the next three weeks we have the opportunity to reach our community and state in incredible ways. This weekend we are hosting the SC Women's Missionary Union convention at Alice Drive Baptist Church. Over 500 participants will be coming from all over the state and the world to take part in the meeting.

On April 4 Operation In As Much will be taking place. We will start the day at 8:30 AM with a rally at ADBC and then go out to blanket the community with acts of service. As of yesterday we had 300 volunteers signed up. Our goal is 724. It is not too late to sign up and be a part of this great day of service to our community.

April 12 is Easter. This day more than ever is the day when people will come to church. We are expecting a great crowd that day. This is the best opportunity to reach people who only give church one chance a year.

Please keep all of these opportunities in your prayers. Pray that we will give our best in service to God and that thousands will take their next step towards Jesus Christ over the next three weeks.

What Are You Doing in 2009?

Today is Vision Day at Alice Drive Baptist Church. The mission of Alice Drive is to help as many people as possible take their next step toward Jesus Christ. We do this by helping them Know Jesus, Know Community, Grow Character and Go Share. Today Clay gave us some practical ways we can fulfill this mission in our own lives.

During 2009 we want to help people come to Know Jesus and be baptized. Our goal for the year is 90 people. Invite a friend or neighbor to go to church with you and most importantly let them see you living like Jesus every day.

Everyone needs to feel like they belong to something and Know Community. At ADBC this is best done through our Bible Community groups. If you aren't currently in a group, there are three new groups starting this month. Find a group and plug in and experience the community of others and share life's joys and struggles together.

Last year we challenged you to read through the Bible in a year and commit to pray every day. This is one way we can Grow Character to be like Jesus. Discipleship Journal has an easy to follow plan to guide you through the Bible in a year's time. For a down loadable copy follow this link (Discipleship Journal). If giving is not a part of your discipleship, try it in 2009. Turning your money and possessions over to God is often the hardest step to take in your Christian walk. Try it for the month of January and see if it doesn't make a difference in your life.

Finally, we are challenged to Go Share with others the blessings God has given us. Do a random act of kindness for someone this week, for no reason. Take them a bag of candy or roll your neighbors trash can out to the street for pickup - show them the love of Jesus through your actions.

2009 is full of opportunities. Discover your next step and be willing to take it and this will be a year like no other you have seen.