Originally sent to the distribution list on 10.11.24. Posting here for reference purposes.
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Hey friends!
Once again, thank you for showing your interest in Coram Deo Baptist Church by signing up for our monthly newsletter. Many of you have subscribed recently, so let me extend a warm welcome to you along with my appreciation. If you’ve missed prior newsletters or would like to go back and review, you’ll find them on my personal website (www.nealthornton.com) under “Articles” for reference.
Here’s the latest news for this month:
First Interest Meeting
At the end of last month we crossed a significant milestone. We held our first in-person gathering with great success. Our goal was to simply get those interested in the church plant to meet together on the same soil. We sang together, prayed together, and of course, ate together!
I’m thrilled to share that we had a fantastic turnout of 33 couples and many children gathered in our backyard. Mark it down, something special began on Sunday afternoon September 29, 2024. We look forward to many more opportunities to fellowship together in the future. See the attached picture, and linked bulletin. (Note the prayer requests.)
Ways to Serve and Connect
Central to our church planting effort is that we would first engage the community. By building these relationships, we begin the process of disciple making even before the physical church is planted. Last month we met together, this month we’ll serve together as a means of community engagement. An easy way to do so is at local “trunk-or-treats.” There are two opportunities for you to meet and mingle with the community, and our sending church—Fairview Baptist.
- Saturday, October 26 at Jack Marley Park, Angier (sign up here). Here we’ll be present among the people of our church plant location. I’m told by Angier Parks and Rec they need assistance in two areas. If you’re interested, you can sign up to sponsor a trunk or if you’d like something requiring a less commitment, the city needs a team to simply help pass out candy and serve in various ways. Sign up via the link above to host a trunk or contact me if you are willing to help serve at the event. Either way, let me know if you’re planning to participate.
- Wednesday, October 30 at Fairview Baptist, Apex (sign up here). Each year our sending church puts on a Fall Festival for the broader Fairview community. If you are active, or interested in being active at Fairview over the next year, this festival would be a great place for you to connect. Feel free to sign up to sponsor a trunk or, at the least, simply show up and enjoy the event with your family.
Note: Next month we’ll hold a second interest meeting. It will likely be indoors at Fairview or another similar location. Date forthcoming.
New Supporting Churches!
Church planting is in part fundraising work. Though I’m thankful for our partnership with the Send Network and Pillar Network, there’s no substitute for local church partners. Money, people and resources from one church to another can be leveraged for kingdom growth. Last month the Lord raised up two more supporting churches to come on board with Coram Deo as financial partners.
Calvary Baptist in Winston-Salem, NC
Pastor Will Toburen
First Baptist in Cary, NC
Pastor Pat Kilby
We hope every partnership is a mutual blessing. Pray for these congregations as they join in what God is doing through our church planting effort. May the Lord honor their support. (Phil. 4:17-19)
If you are interested in making a personal contribution towards our 2025 budget, you can do so through our family’s NAMB profile giving link.
Upcoming Preaching Opportunities
Over the next few weeks I’ll be guest preaching in two North Carolina churches.
October 13 | Shelter Church, Cary | Psalm 19, “The Revelation of God”
October 20-23 | Peachtree Memorial Baptist, Murphy | Acts 11-18, “The Church In Antioch” (multi-day event)
Pray for fruit, specifically for these churches to join in the work of church planting. Perhaps the Lord would forge a partnership between these churches and Coram Deo.
At the close of each newsletter, I’ll promote a resource to help us prepare to plant. This month is Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Blessings to each of you! Coram Deo.
If you are looking for ways to engage in hurricane relief ministry, let me direct you to Baptists on Mission. They are one of the many organizations doing good work.