TODD'S TAKE
Good Morning and welcome to our worship services today. Today’s sermon will come from Genesis 11—the Tower of Babel.
This story marks the end of the Genesis record of the early history of our world. Genesis 12 begins the story of Abraham and although he is not mentioned by name outside of the Bible his time seems to correspond with other recorded historical events. In other words, we can verify with more confidence the places and events of his day.
Yet, when it comes to Genesis 1-11 very little is known about these times. There are only a few documents and archaeological remnants from this era, sometimes referred to as pre-history. Because of this, there remains so many unanswered questions about the spread of humanity, the nature of our world geologically, and the development of civilizations. Other fields of study like anthropology and paleontology continue to uncover the mysteries of these prehistoric times. Genesis gives us some information, but as we study these chapters it’s important for us to know that Genesis is neither an anthropological or paleontological textbook. Genesis, as is the rest of the Bible, is a theological book. Not to say that it doesn't speak to other disciplines or that it is in contradiction to those disciplines, but simply to say that the Genesis record is to give us insight into who God is and what our relationship is with Him.
I enjoy delving in to these prehistoric mysteries and I would encourage you to as well. But I also encourage you not to get too caught up in all the unanswered questions regarding the scientific and anthropological mysteries. I would also advise that you be aware that much of the secular research needs to be taken for what is is—a secular, non-theistic explanation of our origins. Much of what we read is speculation, granted educated speculation, but the fact remains that many of these questions will go unanswered.
Yet one thing remains for sure. God created the heavens and the earth. He loves us fiercely and he has a plan for this planet that no one can thwart.
NEWS & NOTES
Some Changes on Sunday Mornings
Our in-person adult Bible class has resumed at 9 AM in the Atrium. We will continue our discussion of the One Year Bible. Also, as the weather is changing we have moved our 8 AM service from the Prayer Garden to the Ark. That service will conclude at 8:45. Children’s classes PreK-6th grade are open. Children will be dismissed before the sermon time and dismiss at 11:30 AM.
North Texas Food Bank
The North Texas Food Bank is looking to extend its reach into specific communities in the North Texas area with their Mobile Pantry, one of which is Denison. Like a market on wheels, the North Texas Food Bank's Mobile Pantry program is a traveling pantry that delivers nutritious food, including fresh produce and refrigerated items, directly to communities with high need. We have been asked to partner with them and have arranged to do so on Monday, October 19 from 9-11 am. The Mobile Pantry will be distributing food from our West parking lot. We need 15 volunteers to help. Some lifting of boxes will be required for some volunteers. We’ll also need some to coordinate. Let us know on your communication card if you can help or call the church office. Another way we are For Texoma!
Sympathy
Our sympathy is with Marilyn Landrum after the passing of her mother, Clara Hagena, on October 2. Services were held in Lennox, South Dakota last Tuesday.
Thank You’s
Thank you for all the prayers, concerns, phone calls, and cards. It means so much to know I have a Christian army rooting for me. Love you all, June Washburn
Thanks for all the prayers. They are much needed an appreciated. Love to all, Joyce Henshaw
Operation Christmas Child
Today we launch Operation Christmas Child. Students of Flight 56 will once again lead the congregation in this project.
Trunk 'n Treat
We will need an abundance of candy for the Trunk 'n Treat! Please place donations of individually wrapped candy in the marked tub in the Atrium under the TV monitor by Oct. 18. To sign up to volunteer your trunk go to pacoc.com/trunkntreat
Men’s Conference—December 4 –5
Registration for the Men’s Conference is now open. Go to RiseUpTexoma.com for information and registration.
Baby Shower
Join us for a baby shower honoring Melanie Truxal on Sunday, October 18 from 1:30-3 PM in the atrium. Matt & Melanie are having a baby girl. We are requesting that everyone wear a mask. They are registered at Amazon, Pottery Barn Kids & Sandi’s Boutique in Kelly Square.
Civilian Response & Casualty Care Seminar
There will be a CRCC seminar this Saturday, October 17 from 9-3 at Parkside Baptist Church in the main sanctuary. The seminar will deal with a response as a congregation to an active shooter situation. It will also cover the use of tourniquets to stop blood loss due to potential injury. There is no cost for the seminar. If you wish to attend please contact Jim Russell.
Youth Ministry