www.obcbaptist.org www.obcbaptist.org February 2017

Our mission is to KNOW Jesus, SERVE Jesus and SHARE Jesus

One of my favorite children’s series is “Winnie the Pooh.”

Among the many friends of Pooh is a lowly grey donkey named

“Eeyore.” Simply put, Eeyore is a gloomy gus who just drags

through life hoping his tail doesn’t fall off again. The title of

Eeyore’s southeast corner of the 100 Acre Wood where he resides

is called "Eeyore's Gloomy Place: Rather Boggy and Sad." Sad,

discouraged, gloomy, and just plain depressed, would be words that describe this

poor little donkey.

Who hasn’t felt like Eeyore? I heard recently that we just experienced the

most depressing day of the year. Years ago, a researcher, who worked as a tutor

at Cardiff University, came up with a mathematical equation that determined the

third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year, according to the

International Business Times. So, January 16th was “Blue Monday” this year. I do

hope that was not an event you celebrated.

Depression is not a one-day-out-of-the-year problem for most. Depression is a

common problem that can plague anyone at any time. The term “depression”

literally means “to press down.” Jesus knew the tendency of our hearts would be to

become overwhelmed with life’s burdens. He spoke to us a word of caution, "But

take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and

depressed with the giddiness and headache…..and worldly worries and cares

pertaining to this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a

noose.” (Luke 21:34).

How does one begin to come up out of this state of “being pressed down?”

Depression can be complicated and difficult to treat as it affects the whole person

physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There is however, a way out. First, you need

to pray and ask God for discovery and recovery. Discovery of what is at the root of

the problem and recovery from it.

Secondly, get help! Speak with a biblical counselor or your pastor and see

your medical doctor for an examination. Your counselor can assist you in dealing

with the emotional and spiritual aspects of depression. Your doctor can help with the

many physical characteristics of depression including a review of any medications

you might be taking that could have similar side-effects.

Thirdly, you must change your thinking. A depressed person has difficulty

seeing anything in life to rejoice about. Their thoughts are always on the critical and

the negative. In Psalm 142 David decided to change his focus, “Look to my right and

see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to

you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the

living.’” (Psalm 142:4-5). Focus on God, the truth of the Bible, and your blessings.

Give thanks. Choose to think this way. (Phil. 4:8, Eph. 4:23, Rom. 12:2). Choosing

to be under the preaching and teaching of the Word of God is the best way to

discipline your mind.

Lastly, choose to be positive and godly regardless of how you feel. Read

God’s counsel to Cain in Genesis 4:6-7. Cain was angry and depressed. God

instructed Cain to “do well” regardless of how he felt. Of course we know that Cain

did not listen to God and went out and murdered his brother. Cain only did what he

“felt” like doing. That led to disaster! We must at times go against our feelings to be

the godly people God has called us to be. Let’s be in God’s House on a regular basis

so we can learn how to live the life of an overcomer according to God.

Pastor Mike

FEBRUARY 7TH

6:30 PM

(Fellowship Hall)

FEBRUARY 12TH

11:00 AM

FEBRUARY 19TH

BBQ Chicken Meal 4:30 PM

(Fellowship Hall)

$7.00/Person

FEBRUARY 25TH

Last upward game

FEBRUARY 25TH Mission Team

Celebration BBQ &

Chicken Plate

$6.00 Donation

Served from

11:00 AM-3:00 PM

in the Fellowship Hall.

(Eat in or take out)

FEBRUARY 26TH

Upward Awards Night

6:00 PM

OBC Family Life Center

These are month of December receipts only;

not the individual account balance.

NOTES:

1) Lottie Moon goal of $4,000 was met!

2) Southern Bank Building Loan/Paid in full.

You may still purchase a brick or foundation stone

on the light house in honor or memory of someone.

You may also have a Bible verse engraved.

Please call the office if you wish to have one of

these engraved to fill the spaces.

Let’s complete our “Lighthouse for Jesus”.

Monthly reports are placed in the

literature racks by10th of month.

If any questions, e-mail the treasurer at:

treasurer@obcbaptist.org or call the church.

Income & Expenses

General Fund Income $25,180.71

December Expenses $37,762.85

Difference ($12,582.14)

Designated Funds

Received in December

Building Fund $ 78.00

Disaster Relief Fund $ 100.00

Lottie Moon Offering $3,765.00

Love Offering $ 155.00

Mission Trip Income $6,487.00

SCLO $ 415.00

Sales Tax Adjustment $7,999.58

Upward Registration Fees $ 395.00

WMU $ 78.14

Youth $ 62.50

DECEMBER 2016

TITHES & OFFERINGS

Dear Oakdale Church Family,

I want to thank each one of you for your

prayers, cards, and visits during the time of

my accident and the recovery. Each one of

them touched my heart so much.

It is so wonderful to belong to such a loving church as

Oakdale.

Love Theo

************************************************

Dear Women’s Mission,

How very thoughtful of you to send me a goodie bag. I

want to tell you it meant so much to me. It is just great to

belong to a church that is so loving & caring for others.

In Christian Love,

Barbara Whitehurst

************************************************

I cannot say “thank you” enough times to cover each

thing done on my behalf during my latest health crisis. My

children were wonderful to me and met my needs with a

smile. My church family and my friends were there for me

with prayers, visits, gifts, flowers, food, smiles and concern.

I do not know if I will be able to walk without help or

pain ever again, but I am thankful that I can move around

and drive so I know that God still has His hands on me and

someday may see fit to heal me. Thank you Oakdale family

for making me feel loved.

Linda Ruffin

EAST COAST MEN’S BIBLE CONFERENCE

March 10-11, 2017

Calling all Oakdale Men!

On March 10th & 11th, Englewood Baptist Church

will be hosting the East Coast Men’s Conference.

This is the largest meeting of Baptist Men on the East

Coast.

If you have been to one or more of these conferences,

you know what a blessing it will be. If you have not

been to one of these meetings, pray about it and make

plans to go.

Please pray for the men of our church that will be at-

tending this meeting, the men from other churches, and

for the speakers.

We invite all children, K-5th grade, to join

us in fun and adventure, learning Bible skills

to last a lifetime. “Bible Drills, Thrills, and

Skills” are every Wednesday at 7:00 PM.

The children learn Bible verses, the books of

the Bible, and other skills in this class.

Class will be thirty minutes and choir will be the other 30

minutes.

Time to sign up for Camp Carraway,

which will be July 24-28. The cost is

$295, with a $75 deposit due by February

26th. There is a sign-up sheet by the

Welcome Center for camp.

Fundraisers are in the works to help

offset the expense of camp. The Youth

and Children’s Ministries are working the concessions for

Upward again this year. If you wish to help, sign up at the

table by the Welcome Center.

WORSHIP KIDSTYLE

SCHEDULE

FOR FEBRUARY

(CHILDREN’S CHURCH)

2-5 Dawn Rhodes & Justin Hipskey

2-12 Rickey & Karen Murray

2-19 Jeff & Joy Eatmon

2-26 David & Kim Wells

Please contact Sue Lassiter at 813-5938 if you cannot serve

your Sunday so we can make alternate arrangements.

Thank You!

If you would like to help, contact Sue Lassiter.

3:30 Student

Ministries

As we enter the month of February, let’s focus

on God and his love for us. Read 1 Corinthians

13 and find out what true Christian love is all

about. We will continue our study on Joshua on

Wednesdays and we will begin preparing for the

youth led church service in March, also.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Feb. 1st Wed. Youth Bible Study

Feb. 8th Business Conference

Feb. 12th Sunday Night Youth Church

(5:30 PM-7:00 PM)

Feb. 15th Wed. Youth Bible Study

Feb. 22nd Wed. Youth Bible Study

Feb. 26th Sunday, Upward Awards Night

(All youth are needed to help this night)

We are continuing with children’s choir on Wednesday nights at 7:00. The kids will be doing 30 minutes of Bible

study and 30 minutes of choir. The sanctuary choir continues to practice at 8:10 on Wednesday nights.

Come on and join the choir!! We would love to have you!

Angie

JOY Group Meeting

February 16, 2017

2:00 PM

(Oakdale Baptist Church Fellowship Hall)

Our “Health Instructor”, Mary Kaye Baker, RN

Devotion-Snacks-Games

Everyone is invited.

It’s mid season of Upward Basketball and Cheerleading. Coaches are presenting devotions with kids at every practice. Testimonies are being shared at halftime of every game. Please come out to enjoy a game or eat some awesome food. We have a lot of unchurched families involved. It’s a great opportunity to share the love of Christ with someone. Remember, Jesus not only can save souls. He can mend broken hearts, heal broken relationships, and give someone hope that’s struggling. Games continue to be played from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM every Saturday. Our kitchen crew, as last years, is being run by the Youth and Children’s committees, and they are doing a great job. Upward is also about fellowship with the Oakdale family. Come join your brothers and sisters in Christ for a meal or snack. Our last game will be Saturday, February 25th. The Oakdale Mission Team will be serving BBQ & Chicken plates from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. You can eat in or take out. Awards day will be Sunday, February 26th at 6:00 PM. Remember, it’s not the shoes, it’s the souls! In Christ, Aaron

2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 7:00 PM

Children’s Choir

Practice/Bible

Skills

7:00 PM

Regular Schedule

2 7:00 PM

Messianic

Synagogue

Upward Practice

3 5:00 PM

Joy Group to

Red Oak Baptist

Church

Upward Practice

4 Upward

Games

5

5:00 PM

Interpretive Dance

Practice

6

Upward Practice

7 6:30 PM

Women’s

Fellowship

Meeting

(Fellowship Hall)

Upward Practice

8 5:30 PM

Wed. Night

Supper

7:00 PM Business

Conference (No

other activities)

9

Upward Practice

10 7:00 PM

Messianic

Synagogue

Upward Practice

11 Upward

Games

12 11:00 AM

Baptismal Service

4:30 PM

Deacon Meeting

5:30 PM-7:00 PM

Youth Church

13 10:00 AM

Missions Prayer

Group at OBC

Upward Practice

14

Upward Practice

15 6:15 PM

Mission Team Mtg.

7:00 PM

Children’s Choir

Practice/Bible Skills

7:00 PM

Regular Schedule

16

7:00 PM

Messianic

Synagogue

Upward Practice

17

Upward Practice

18 Upward

Games

19 Women’s

Ministry Day

4:30 PM

Baptist Men’s

Supper @OBC

5:00 PM

Interpretive Dance

Practice

20

Upward Practice

21

Upward Practice

22 7:00 PM

Children’s Choir

Practice/Bible

Skills

7:00 PM

Regular Schedule

23

Upward Practice

24

Upward Practice

25 Last

Upward Games

Mission Team

Celebration BBQ &

Chicken Plate

Sale

10:00 AM

Messianic

Synagogue

26

6:00 PM

Upward Awards

Night @ Oakdale

27 28

Women’s Conference

Winterville, NC 6-9 PM 9 AM-12:30 PM

USHER TEAM FOR FEBRUARY

BERT PEELE-HEAD USHER

ROGER WALKER

ROBERT ELKS

WAYNE WALSTON

SECURITY FOR FEBRUARY

2/5 Tony Lassiter & David Wells

2/12 Shane Hodge & Brad Summerlin

2/19 Andy Batts & Jeremy Holloman

2/26 Steve Sturgill & Eric Stott

2/1 Brandon Mullins 2/20 Michelle House

2/3 Theresa Lassiter 2/21 Linda Davis

2/5 Lauren Holloman 2/22 Michael Howard, Jr.

2/5 Brad Summerlin 2/22 Jayci Webb

2/9 Joseph Bentley 2/23 Jean Brown

2/9 Tony Lassiter 2/25 Tim Taylor

2/10 Kaye Edmondson 2/26 Collin Spain

2/14 Elaine Harris 2/29 Jett Webb

FEBRUARY 2017

Here are a few reminders about the nursery. Most important,

if you work in the nursery and have NOT submitted a

background check, please do so immediately!

Crib nursery is for babies birth to 18 months to 24 months old

(parent discretion depending on the individual child). In crib

nursery, please make sure that your phone number is left with the

workers in case you are needed. Please, also make sure your

child has a nursery tag on his/her bag when you leave it in the

nursery. We are asking you to use the shelves to put bags on

instead of setting them in cribs.

Toddler nursery is for toddlers ages 18/24 months to 4 years

old. Once a child turns 4, they can go into the sanctuary with

their parents and join Children’s Church with all the other

children. Please make sure your phone number is left in case you

are needed.

Thank you all for your help with this.

February nursery coordinator – Kathy Calhoun – 883-2555–

please contact Kathy if you are unable to serve on your Sunday

so that she has plenty of time to find coverage.

2/5 – Crib – Barbara Whitehurst & Judy Walston-Lane Hodge

2/5 – Toddlers – Rose Ruffin & Lisa Whitley

2/12 – Crib – Angela Spain & Kathy Calhoun-Collin Spain

2/12 – Toddlers – Susan Cobb & Sandy Howard

2/19 – Crib – Lynn & Phillip Eason-Joey Batts

2/19 - Toddlers - Paige & Brad Summerlin

2/26 – Crib - Susie & Shawn Webb-Nathan Cobb

2/26 - Toddlers - Shelby Webb & Katie Lassiter

There is an audio version of the book “I Am A

Church Member” in Oakdale’s library.

Also, a copy of Pastor Mike’s book “Casting

Down Idols Through The Power of The

Gospel” is available for check out.

ONE CALL

Please note that “One Call’ is being rotated among the team

members and the following will be your Primary and

Backup contact for January, February, March and April:

Melissa Dixon 252-560-5096 (Primary)

May Howell 252-903-2983 (Backup)

MISSIONS

BAPTIST MEN

As Christian men we are called to be Watchmen. That

means that for both our families and our Church we are to be

on the lookout for trouble and to sound the alarm when we

see trouble coming. Now trouble might not always be

danger. It might be in the form of need. So not only are we

to sound the alarm when danger is coming, we also need to

sound the alarm when need is seen.

The men and women of Oakdale have answered the call of

need for many years. In just this past month through the

leadership of the Baptist Men, and with the help of the

Church, we have built a wheel chair ramp for a 90 year old

and delivered much needed school uniforms to our

neighborhood school.

Our next meeting is set for Sunday afternoon February 19th

at 4:30 where you can join us for a BBQ Chicken meal at the

low price of $7.00 and learn about all the upcoming plans of

the Oakdale Baptist Men.

Two big events for men in the coming months are the East

Coast Men’s Conference at Englewood Baptist Church on

March 10th – 11th and the 2017 Missions Conference at

Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem on March 17th-

18th. Make plans to attend these great events.

Robert Chadwick

Baptist Men’s Director

WMU

We have lots of exciting things happening in our

Women’s Ministry this month. We are meeting

on Tuesday, February 7th at 6:30 in the

fellowship hall for a fun SPA making night.

We’ll have Mrs. Terin Chapman giving us some

exercise pointers to get us ready for spring. We’ll also be making our

own spa exfoliant with your favorite scent to take home.

We also have another GREAT opportunity for a Women’s

Conference, Pursue the Passion women's conference at Covenant

Methodist Church in Winterville, NC. This is a fantastic live event

(not simulcast). The speaker for this conference is author Liz Curtis

Higgs and the worship leader is Meredith Andrews. The dates are

Friday February 17 through Saturday February 18th. Doors open at 6

pm Friday and session 1 ends at 9:00 pm. Sessions II and III are

Saturday beginning at 9:00 am and the conference ends at 12:30 pm.

We plan to use the church van to travel to and from the church Friday

and Saturday. Early bird/group tickets are $25 by January 29th.

Please make your check payable to Oakdale Baptist Church. Put on

info line Pursue the Passion. Then put your check in the church office

drop box.

If you'd like to go but missed the deadline, you can still order tick-

ets yourself by going to www.pursuethepassion.cc. Tickets are $45

after the deadline. See Melissa Dixon if you have any questions about

this event. We are looking forward to having you all attend!!

CELEBRATE Women’s Ministry with us on Sunday, February 19th

at 11 am!! We will have an all-women’s choir with testimony and

Pastor Mike has a wonderful message in store for us. Be in the choir

room Sunday morning, February 19th at 10:30 to practice some

special music to share with the congregation and be ready to celebrate

& worship!!

Blessings!

Karen Murray, Melissa Dixon, May Howell, Kaye Bulluck

Honduras Mission Trip

It’s never too late to join the team and get involved with Missions at home or abroad. The

Honduras team has now received their VBS material and is beginning the preparations to share

with Bible stories, crafts, music and games. There is a way for anyone who desires to get in-

volved and give back. If you have an interest in assisting, please see Kaye Bulluck as we realize not everyone can

physically take the trip, but you will all make the trip with us thru prayer or your contributions before we leave.

We will also be having a Wednesday night supper in February. Keep an eye on your bulletin for more details.

Saturday, February 25th will be our Celebration in support of Missions and the end of another successful Upward

Season. Gardner’s BBQ will cater a fried chicken, BBQ, potatoes, slaw and bread lunch from 11AM - 3PM. This

is for our entire church family and the upward family participants. Tickets are $6 donation. Eat in or take

out. Please support this project.

In His Service, Kaye

Oakdale Staff Pastor: Pastor Mike Dixon

Music Director: Ms. Angie Ruffin Upward Director: Mr. Aaron Rhodes Secretary: Mrs. Sharon Lynch

Oakdale Baptist Church 13037 US 64 ALT WEST HWY Rocky Mount, NC 27801 252-442-6587 Info@obcbaptist.org

https://twitter.com/obcbaptist Address Service Requested

These are exciting times for our Church. This past year we have accomplished a lot of goals thanks

to the persistence of the members. We called a new pastor who is on fire for the Lord, and it shows in

our attendance and fellowship together. We started the year with a debt of over $100,000.00 and

challenged our church to get that paid off, which we accomplished at the end of November. We

realized the need to replace our old worn out van with a new one which was accomplished in

December.

Now we can look forward to an even more exciting 2017. We have the opportunity to call a full

time Associate Pastor to assist with our Youth and Children Programs. This does not mean we can let

up but will give us more opportunity to serve. We look forward to serving with each member as we

enter a new phase for our church. We need your help both spiritually and financially. Just remember

that without the people there is no church.

Dan Howell

Prayer Coordinators Melissa Dixon-252-560-5096 (Primary)

May Howell-252-903-2983 (Backup)

E-Mail them at: prayer@obcbaptist.org

DEACON BEACON—News from Deacon Ministry Team

A guiding light to the rock