"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” " -- Hebrews 10:24-25

     Knowing where you came from is a part of knowing where you are going. With that in mind, I ask you to contemplate the spiritual roots of Grace. In 1956 the congregation of First Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri first had the leading to form an American Baptist Church in Kansas City North. That vision became Grace. The investment of prayer, time and energy of First Baptist, birthed Grace. I would encourage each of us to contemplate a trip home in the month of March.

     On March 8th from 9:30am to 3:00pm, American Baptist’s from Area V will be meeting at First Baptist Church, Kansas City, MO to equip, envision and encourage each other in our ministries. What an encouragement our presence could be to the church that invested so much in us. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children grades K-5th and children aged 4 and under are free. Lunch is provided as a part of the registration fee.

     But why would I want to attend another meeting? I see four main reasons. First, encouragement for the people of Grace, as well as people from our sister ABC churches. Being a Christian can feel lonely; but when we get together on special occasions, we see that God is working in all kinds of ways beyond our pale of influence. We see God’s great activity around the state as well as in our own back yard. And that is exciting. Second, doing God’s business. Area V does significant work in our churches and for our missionaries.

     By acting on God’s business we have the opportunity to see what our mission dollars are really up to. Third, learning new skills. There will be 7 workshops that will help Grace develop or sharpen skills in such diverse ways as the building project for the Gulf Coast to human trafficking. (A full list of workshops is on the bulletin board across from the church offices.) Fourth, practicing for heaven. We will be worshipping together with people from all across the state, with various traditions and different forms of worship. It is in gatherings such as these that we scratch the surface of eternity as we see the wondrous variety of worship that lifts up and glorifies God.

     I hope you consider a trip home to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ at the Area V Annual Meeting. All the details are on the bulletin board across from the church offices. Registration is due by March 1.