Get Real with David Tarkington

Biggest Loser - Here in January

Did you know that each year the number one New Years' Resolution in America is "to lose weight." 

 

Pastor David will be presenting a new series beginning January 10 titled "Biggest Loser."  The television show of the same name has become a cultural phenomenon, as many in our nation have tuned in to watch everyday people work to become more healthy physically and to lose weight.

 

While physical health is important, this series will not just focus on this aspect, but also emotional, mental and spiritual health. 

 

Based on Hebrews 12:1, we must "lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely" and serve Christ with all our being. 

 

As a part of our "Biggest Loser" series, we have partnered with Fit4You, a local company dedicated to personal fitness.

 

JOIN OUR BIGGEST LOSER TEAM

Would you like to be a part of our Biggest Loser Team?  We are going to offer one month of personal physical training here at the main campus (1140 Kingsley Avenue) beginning Thursday, January 7 at 5:30pm.  For three days each week, our team will be coached by certified trainers.

Training will take place Tuesdays at 5:30pm, Thursdays at 5:30pm and Saturdays at 10am at the church campus.

 

Details. . .

• Each workout is approximately 45 minutes long

• The start date is Thursday, January 7

• The end date is Tuesday, February 2

• The cost per person is $99

• Payment due at the first workout to Fit4You (Don't pay through the church)

• There is no long-term commitment

• There will be twelve workout sessions

We have space for 30 adults of any age, so sign up soon.  Workouts are customized for each individual. 

 

Sign up individually or as a group.  It's more fun to workout with friends.  There is no child-care available during these times.

 

How much can be lost in one month?  Join the team and find out.  We will celebrate victories together as we all discover through this series that He must increase and we must decrease.

 

If you have questions about what the workouts will be like or details about the program, contact personal trainer Katie Holder at katieholder01@gmail.com or call 904-509-7007.

An Orange Park Christmas - Part Two - 12/13/2009

Last week we looked at the angel Gabriel's announcement to Zechariah and Elizabeth regarding the birth of John.  This week, he visits Mary.

01 2 - An Orange Park Christmas - Pa

"Private Eyes" - Psych & Hall & Oates

I posted this on Facebook yesterday.  It makes me laugh every time I watch it.  One of the best shows on television now (my opinion) is "Psych" on the USA network (White Collar is a close second).  This is their new ad.  For all you children of the 80s, the Hall & Oates look will bring back memories.

Here's the original Hall & Oates video. . .

A Clearer Vision and Practical Strategy

Every so often I hear one of our church members express frustration in that they aren't sure what our vision here at the church is or on a more personal note, they're not too sure of their part in the story.  I hear this and it bothers me.  I have to ask "What about our vision isn't clear?"

It hit me the other day.  our vision has never changed - it's based on the Great Commission and Great Commandment, but perhaps that's such a broad vision that people just don't know how to internalize it.  What good is it to have a vision as a church if the church (i.e. the people) do not have a strategy or plan to fulfill it.

The vision of our church is the same as it is for all evangelical churches - to honor God and serve Him by loving Him and others and growing disciples.  This is to be done in our local communities and throughout the world.  But, the question remains, "How do I fit in?"

Beginning in January, we are going to implement a strategy that I believe will help each member and attender grow personally and begin to understand the role of the individual in the bigger story.

On Wednesdays in January, we invite everyone from both campuses to our Main Campus on Kingsley Avenue.  Dinner will be served beginning at 5pm in our Family Ministry Center (as we do each week) then at 6pm we will begin our STEP Classes (No, they're not aerobics classes.)  These classes will last until 7:30pm.

STEP ONE:  Newcomers & Worship Connection

This first class is our newcomers class and is designed for all who think they may want to join our church (either campus) as well as describe the unique things about Orange Park First Baptist.  You will understand what it means to be a believer in Christ, what baptism means and why we baptize by immersion, the significance of the Lord's Supper or Communion and why we observe this ordinance the way we do and the importance of worshipping God and how we express our worship to Him.  At the close of this class, you will have the opportunity to join our church if you so desire.  Some of you who already are members may be wondering why you would want to take this class again.  I encourage everyone to go through this again as a refresher and this time, invite someone to go through it with you.

STEP TWO:  Spiritual Maturity & Small Group Connection

What are the habits necessary to grow as a believer?  This class will cover this information.  Also, details about why we believe small groups are essential for personal growth.  This is more than a commercial for joining a group.  We wish to explain and share how and why this is part of God's plan for every believer.

STEP THREE:  Serve Connection

This class is one that many people in our church have been asking for.  The focus is to help each believer determine their unique SHAPE for ministry.  This includes discovering their spiritual gifts, heart for ministry, abilities, personality and experiences.  Everyone has been shaped to serve in God's church and unless we know our shape, we will all feel like puzzle pieces with no guide or direction.

STEP FOUR:  Community Connection

Our church is committed to love the people and serve the people of our community.  By doing this, we are serving and loving God.  How big is our community?  Read Acts 1:8.

Plan to be a part of these classes.  They will be offered three times a year.  The next offerings will be in May, then in August.  Beginning in May, they will be offered at The Creek (CreekChurch) on Sunday mornings following worship.

I know it will get to the point that many of you have taken all four classes.  Remember, the goal is to bring someone through them the next time through, so be thinking and inviting new believer, members and potential members.