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THE WINDOW A BIG LOT OF THANKS, TWO GREAT CHALLENGES Near the end of another year, I want to thank you, my church family and valued friends, for your many joyful contributions to the Kingdom in 2015. We have contributed to Kingdom causes near and far. We have shared sorrows. We have caught glimpses of God’s future. Thank you, by and in the grace of God, for making Winstanley the kind of church that loves to gather on Winstanley Hill, but which is not satisfied to remain there. Know how much I love and appreciate you for who you are!
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Now I want to highlight two great challenges for the coming year. The first hinges on and relates to the still developing communication plan for the church. Actually, I think of it as both a communication and evangelism plan, because its goal is to reach out in Jesus’ name and its methodology will include everything imaginable—all forms of communication, old and new events, and a constant focus on those who do not know Jesus.
ment, and your willingness to speak a word on behalf of Jesus. I am very excited about what this may mean to the immediate future of our church. The second involves the search for a minister of students and education. We entered this process a few months ago, realizing that, for one thing, we would be taking a financial step of faith to call a full-time staff member. Currently the committee is reviewing a short list of candidates. We value your prayers at two specific points—that we know who this person is, and that we have a clear path to resources necessary. I realize that potential is an often overused word. Frankly, the word has struck terror into my heart sometimes. But there is a valid use for it, as well, and here’s what I think— Winstanley’s potential is substantial because God’s reality is unlimited. Pray like never before, and let’s do this thing! Grateful to be your pastor, Dr. Steve
Volume 67, Issue 1 January 2016
Congratulations to the Cahokia School District for collecting over 2,800 canned items for the Winstanley Ch ri st ma s Ba sk et program!
If you can help with flower deliveries to our homebound, please see Joni Garrison. (530-7829)
We will need your involvement—your prayers, your participation, your ideas, your commit-
What It Means To Be A Deacon… On the wall in my office at Memorial Hospital are a number of certificates and diplomas that are important to me. Included are a diploma from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Certificate of Ordination to the Gospel ministry, and a Certificate of Certification from Hospital Chaplains Ministry Association. Included among these significant documents is my Certificate of Ordination as a deacon from Winstanley Baptist Church. Clearly being a deacon is important to me. Here’s why. The word deacon (diakonos in the Greek) means “servant.” This word is used three times when Jesus rebuked his disciples for wanting a high rank in His kingdom. Jesus said, “Instead, whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served (diakoneo), but to serve(diakoneo), and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26b-28). If being a servant is good enough for Jesus, it certainly should be good enough for me! “There is Joy in Serving Jesus” is the title of an old Gospel song. How true it is! Jerry Wylie
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