June 2017

Brothers and sisters,

Happy Monday to all! It was great to be back with the family of God at East Madison yesterday. I pray yesterday’s sermon helped all of us be more certain in our salvation that comes to those who see Jesus as King dying for our sins. There are those who mourn for Jesus’ death on the cross, who but do not understand its significance. There are those who refuse to believe and mockingly reject its message. And then there are those who receive salvation and forgiveness as they come to see the Savior-King dying for them and believe in Him. The thief on the cross believed and called on Jesus to remember him. Jesus’ message to him was “Today, you will be with Me in paradise.” The thief on the cross had a lifetime of sin forgiven the moment he believed in Jesus as King. The moment you believe in Jesus as your King and call on Him, a lifetime of your sin will be forgiven.

Remember to pray for Emily and Kelsey as they serve at Hands of Hope in Janesville this week. Also pray for Annette and Tricia as they help serve as sponsors alongside them.

Most of you know the church was burglarized last week. I have been visiting with reporters today about this and there might be some news on about the break-in on the local news on three local stations. I sent a quick text to ask some of you to pray for me when I talked with reporters. I also know many of you pray daily for me. Thank you for praying. Pray that God would use this event and any stories that are aired about it to the glory of His name.

5-Day Club will be held for children ages 5 to 12 Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM daily. I encourage you to invite children this age to the club. Parents are always free to attend with their children to see what is happening. We have some printed invitation that will be available Sunday for you to give to children or families that might be interested. Please be praying for this outreach and all who will attend it.

I want to thank Jason Donaldson for preaching for me while I was away. Also, I want to thank many who stepped up when we were presented a possible way to minister to the community while I was gone. Even though this event did not happen, it was wonderful to know that you all were willing to do the work to make it happen while your pastor was away. Way to go East Madison!

We will be having the Lord’s Supper during our worship next Sunday, July 2.

Love being your pastor!

Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church

Sisters and brothers,

Happy Monday! Yesterday was a good day of worship and fellowship. We had a great time in worship as we praised the One who made us and bought us with His blood. As we worship week by week, we weekly offer ourselves to Him to believe in and live for Him alone. We learned a little bit more of how to win the battles against evil and the evil one. We must be men and women who prayerfully depend on God’s power, strength and courage in our struggle to stand for Him and against evil. As we depend on His Spirit and His Word, we will be people of courage and truth. As we depend upon the Holy Spirit, we can always be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. We can stand strong!

We also had a good time last night at Hiestand Park. Thanks for all who made the time of fellowship and outreach possible.

We want to congratulate Daniel Smith on his graduation from Monona Grove High School yesterday. Way to go Daniel! We are proud of you! We are looking forward to the great future God has for you.

Love being your pastor!

Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church