Promotion Sunday…Most preschoolers, children, and youth will change to new classes this Sunday. See you in Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.

Walk for Life to benefit the New Hope Pregnancy Care Center, is Sat., September 18 at 9 a.m. If you support life and purity, then get involved! You can sign up to walk or sponsor a walker online at www.newhopepcc.org or get a sponsor form in the Welcome Center. Contact Sheri Mowery for details.

Are You IN? It’s good to be IN! Mark your calendars and be IN ATTENDANCE on September 12. Invite your unchurched friends and family.

Volunteer Fans are invited to Tailgate Time on Saturday, Sept. 11 beginning at 5:30 at the Shed. Hot dogs, buns, fixin’s, chips, and drinks will be provided. Bring other tailgate goodies to share. Kickoff time for the game is 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Men on Mission.

Youth Choir will begin on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. in the choir room. All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us.

Early Risers’ Bible Study will resume on Tuesday, September 14 in the Annex. Join us for coffee and Bible study at 7 a.m.

Sunday School University is a training session for teachers of all ages. It will be here at NCBC on Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 6:30-9 p.m.

Singles Game Night will be on Saturday, September 11 at the home of Kathy Murphy beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Tennessee River Gorge Fall Foliage Cruise  – Friday, October 15. We have a few spaces left aboard the Blue Moon Cruise Line. Cost is $30 per person, which includes the cruise and a Bar-B-Q lunch. Payment reserves your space. Jay and Michelle McCluskey will host this event. If you are interested in going, please pay this week.

Congratulations to Nick and Cheyna Mason on the birth of Lauren Kimberly Mason on August 27. She weighed 2 lbs and 4 oz. and was 14 ½ inches long. Proud grandparents are Jim and Judy Mason and great-grandparents are Glenn and Dot Mason and Jack and Sue Matthews.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5:

         8:30 AM…Early Worship

         9:45 AM…Sunday School/ Bible Study

       11:00 AM…Morning Worship

         12 Noon…Private Use – Annex

          6:00 PM…Skate Night – Cleveland Skate Place

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6:

Church offices will be closed for Labor Day.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7:

          6:30 PM…Men’s Bible Study –  Annex

          6:30 PM…Ladies’ Bible Study -  Annex

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8:

          6:00 PM…Bible Study/Prayer Meeting - Annex

          6:00 PM…Band Practice – Sanctuary

          6:00 PM…Preschool  Choir – Room 312

          6:00 PM…Children’s Choir – Room 412

          6:30 PM…Youth Activities – Activity Building

          6:45 PM…GA’s and RA’s – Upstairs Ed. Bldg.

          6:45 PM…Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal – Choir Loft

          7:00 PM…Stewardship Committee – Conference Room

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9:

         9:30 AM…Prayer Group – Choir Room (213)

          6:30 PM…Drama Practice – Activity Building

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11:

          5:30 PM…Tailgate Party – The Shed

          6:00 PM…Singles Game Night – Kathy Murphy’s

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Welcome and Announcements…Jason Cox

Prayer…Jason Cox

Call to Worship…Congregation

 “Shout to the North”

“Shout to the Lord”

Skit…Drama Team

Choral Worship Sanctuary Choir

“Use Me”

Soloist: Janelle Martin

Children’s Sermon…Dr. Jay McCluskey

Offertory Hymns…Congregation

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” (Hymn 202, Verses 1 & 4)

“We Fall Down”

“Holy, Holy, Holy” (Hymn 2)

Offertory Prayer…John Ownby

Giving of Tithes and Offerings…Congregation

Offertory Music…Instrumentalist

Special Music…Jan Schroll

Message from God’s Word…Dr. McCluskey

“The Klangfarben Church”

John 12:1-3, 9-11, Luke 10:40-42

Invitation Hymn 277.. Congregation

“Take My Life, and Let It Be Consecrated”

Recognition of Decisions…Pastor

Closing Words…Pastor

Benediction…Pastor

Sunday Evening

Skate Night – 6 to 8 at Cleveland Skate Place

 We will roller skate to Christian music, play games, and include a brief devotion. Bring your family and invite your friends, especially those you know who do not have a church home. Cost for skaters is $4.00. Everyone else will be admitted free of charge.

Thank you so much for all the prayers, cards, and phone calls during my recent sickness and hospital stay.  – Buddy and Sue Hicks

Lorena Dixon…SkyRidge

Marge Houston…Clair Bridge

Glenna Hunt…SkyRidge

Jim Hurst…Bradley Rehab

Elmer Jacobs…Life Care

Leon Lewis…Erlanger

Lauren Kimberly Mason…Erlanger NICU

To Terry and Renee Morrow and family in the recent death of her birth mother, Patricia Gatins of Pennsylvania.

September 5: Ed and Shirley Boring

September 12: Mary and John Morrow

September 5-11: John Ownby – 400-5880

September 12-18: Greg Miles – 650-6536

    Another fall is on the Horizon and once again school has started back.  Alarms clocks are going off earlier than they have in months and sleepy-eyed students are heading off to the local schools.  Football season is in the air and excitement has been building around our community for weeks now.  But of all of these things there are some unsung heroes among us and those are our local “Christ-following” educators.  I single out “Christ-following” educators because I think most of us appreciate our teachers, but we sometimes forget how much influence the “Christ-following” teacher can have for the Kingdom we work for.  Teachers are in a classroom for hours at a time with the same student five days a week for at least 18 weeks.  The students listen to them, watch them, talk with them…and on and on.  The influence on each student’s life can be substantial.  We celebrate our missionaries that we send to the far reaches of the world, but our Christian educators are as much missionaries as those folks.  In the nine years I spent in the classroom I always said that if I got fired for sharing the gospel in my classroom, I would be the most popular person in Cleveland!  I would say that because of the unique place we live.  In Cleveland there are many people that love the Lord, but there are many students that need the Lord!  So the point of my article is twofold: (1) Let’s keep our teachers and especially our teachers from NCBC in our prayers this school year.  They are unsung heroes that need all the prayers they can get.  (2) Teachers, I challenge you to not shy away from sharing Christ with the students in your classroom.  Your influence is great with those students and the opportunities you will have to share may come out of nowhere. So, as Paul says to Timothy, “Be prepared, in season and out of season”.

I hope you all have a GREAT school year!

In Him

Jason

It has been a while, but I remember going to any number of big church-wide or community-wide picnics that included a variety of lighthearted field games.  Sack races, egg toss, a three-legged race, and various relays were all standard activities.  But the BIG climactic event always seemed to be the tug-of-war.  A long rope was laid out with competitors equally divided into two teams.  To prepare, folks spit into their palms to get maximum grip.  As you read these words most of you can envision the snap of tension on the line with two determined groups pulling in opposite directions. 

            The thing I like about the tug-of-war is that it was all-inclusive.  Everyone who wanted to participate was welcome.  Boys and girls, men and women, people of all ages contributed to their team’s collective “tug.” Every little bit helped add to the torque.  

            Participating in church ministry is much like being on a tug-of-war team.  There is a place for everyone to contribute to our collective effort.  In most sports there are only a certain number of players that participate at any given time.  For example, football teams can play only eleven players at a time.  If you come out of a game, another player goes in and takes your position.  But in a tug-of-war, if you do not participate, the overall strength of the team is diminished. 

            Too often Christians consider church ministry like one of those team sports that limit the number of active players. When we don’t participate, we figure that someone else will take our position.  But that is not the way it works at all.  The ministry of the church is more like a tug-of-war unit where every person is helpful and anyone who does not show up to grab and pull together diminishes the overall strength of the team.

            On Sunday September 12 we will celebrate Are You IN? Sunday.  Thanks again to the hundreds who have said that they will be IN attendance.  Remember, no one can take your position.  Unless you are providentially hindered, we need you here to help in Bible Study and worship.  Take a grip and help us pull together.  Remember also to be INviting your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to join you here on September 12.  It is highly unlikely that anyone else will invite them if you don’t. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.  Jay                                        

September 5:

  11:00 AM..Donna Urban and Sam Harris

   6:00 PM…Skate Night

September 12:

  11:00 AM…Linda Alford and Mike & Dorothy Beavers

  6:00 PM…Jackie Rumble, Barbara Olson, & Carolyn Muir

New Bible Studies are now being offered… Sign up on the registration slip if you want to attend one of these classes. Today is the last day to sign up:

Ladies: Here and Now…There and Then by Beth Moore. This is an 11-week course and the cost is $9.00. Evening class begins Tuesday, September 7 at 6:30 p.m. led by Barb Olson. Day class begins Tuesday, September 14 at 10:00 a.m. led by Linda Alford.

Men: Crazy Love by Francis Chan is a 10-week course led by Dave Olson and begins on Tuesday, September 7 at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $12.00.

Walk for Life to benefit the New Hope Pregnancy Care Center, is Sat., September 18 at 9 a.m. If you support life and purity, then get involved! You can sign up to walk or sponsor a walker online at www.newhopepcc.org or get a sponsor form in the Welcome Center. Contact Sheri Mowery for details.

Are You IN? It’s good to be IN! Mark your calendars and be IN ATTENDANCE on September 12.

You are invited to a baby shower for Chad and Crystal Sherk, Sunday, August 29, from 2-3:30 in the Annex. They are expecting a baby boy.

5th Quarter…beginning around 10 p.m. on September 3 after the BCHS and CHS ballgame in the Activity Building.

SKATE NIGHT – Sunday, September 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. we will host a special time of fun and fellowship at Cleveland Skate Place on Candies Lane. We will roller skate to Christian music, play games, and include a brief devotion. Bring your family and invite your friends, especially those you know who do not have a church home. Cost for skaters is $4.00. Everyone else will be admitted free of charge.

Congratulations to Chris and Lindsey Ownby on the birth of their son, Isaac Samuel Ownby, on August 20. He weighed 6 lbs. and 8 oz. Proud grandparents are John and Robin Ownby.

SUNDAY,  AUGUST 29:

         8:30 AM…Early Worship

         9:45 AM…Sunday School/ Bible Study

       11:00 AM…Morning Worship

          2:00 PM…Sherk Baby Shower – Annex

          6:00 PM…Evening Worship

          7:00 PM…Building and Grounds – Conference Room

MONDAY, AUGUST 30:

          6:30 PM…Drama Practice – Activity Building

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1:

          6:00 PM…Bible Study/Prayer Meeting - Annex

          6:00 PM…Band Practice – Sanctuary

          6:00 PM…Preschool  Choir – Room 312

          6:00 PM…Children’s Choir – Room 412

          6:30 PM…Youth Activities – Activity Building

          6:45 PM…GA’s and RA’s – Upstairs Ed. Bldg.

          6:45 PM…Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal – Choir Loft

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2:

         9:30 AM…Prayer Group – Choir Room (213)

    9 AM-2PM…Private Use – Annex

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3:

                10:00 PM…5TH Quarter – Activity Building               

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Welcome and Announcements…Jason Cox

Prayer…Jason Cox

Skit…Drama Team

Call to Worship…Congregation

 “Blessed Be Your Name”

“Indescribable”

“Give Us Clean Hands”

Children’s Sermon…Dr. Jay McCluskey

Choral Worship…Sanctuary Choir

“For Every Mountain”

Soloist: Cheri Burt

Hymn of Worship…Congregation

“How Great Is Our God”

“How Great Thou Art” (Hymn 10, Verse 1, 3, & 4)

Video

Special Music…Leah Green

Message from God’s Word…Dr. McCluskey

“When God Shows Up”

Job 38:1-7; 40:1-7; 42:1-16

Invitation Hymn 447…Congregation

“Trust and Obey”

Recognition of Decisions…Pastor

Offertory Prayer…Dave Olson

Giving of Tithes and Offerings…Congregation

Offertory Music…Instrumentalist

Closing Words…Pastor

Benediction…Pastor

Sunday evening worship will include special music from Becky Satterfield, warm fellowship, and an inspirational message from Dr. Jay.

Dear Church Family, It is so hard to find the right words to say that could convey even a little bit of my gratitude for all the concern, visits, love, food, cards, calls, and help during our darkest of times here on earth. I can tell you first hand how precious all those efforts are to me. I ask for your patience as I try to express my thanks to each of you. Please continue to keep my family in your prayers. I love you all – Jean Tucker & Family

   The outpouring of love, food, kind words, hugs, and prayers will forever be in our hearts. God bless all. – Cliff & Karen Tucker

    Dear North Cleveland Baptist, Thank you all so much for the wonderful breakfast and fantastic treats! Your concern and prayer support are truly a blessing. With love and appreciation, Thoroughbred Team, Ocoee Middle School

Lorena Dixon…Life Care

Marge Houston…Clair Bridge

Jim Hurst…Bradley Rehab

Elmer Jacobs…Life Care

Cheyna Mason…Erlanger

August 29: Kevin Hicks

September 5: Ed and Shirley Boring

August 29 – September 4: Dave Olson – 941-720-1102

September 5-11: John Ownby – 400-5880

 Because it included a story on new Tennessee Football coach Derek Dooley, my in-laws gave me a copy of the August edition of Knoxville magazine.  But what caught my attention was the article by the publication’s editor, Janet Testerman, featuring a listing of pre-game rituals performed by some famous athletes. Did you know that…

• Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher eats two chocolate chip cookies before every game. 
• Because he considers “3” to be his lucky number, basketball star Dwyane Wade wears it as his jersey number, does three pre-game pull-ups hanging from the rim, chews three pieces of gum and drinks exactly three bottles of Gatorade during every game.
• Peyton Manning reads a game day program from cover-to-cover before every game.
• Tennis star Rafael Nadal lines his water bottles up with the labels facing the baseline from which he is playing.
• And former Tennessee player and Oakland Raiders defensive tackle John Henderson gets amped up to play by having a team trainer slap him open-handed across the face as hard as he can. 

Such behaviors vary from the odd to the ridiculous, but somehow serve the purpose of preparing these athletes for what is to follow. 

               Do you have any “pre-church” rituals you go through in preparation for Bible study and worship?  I personally have a set schedule for getting up on Sunday mornings, spending a couple of hours reviewing my sermon, getting dressed (always in a white dress shirt), and arriving at the church somewhere around 7:30 a.m. As of yet, I’ve not asked a deacon to slap me across the face before I preach. 

              Some kind of routine preparation will certainly enhance our worship experiences.  Think in advance about your Sunday morning schedule and what you will wear.  Read the Bible study lesson in advance.  Pray for our teachers, worship leaders, and your own readiness to encounter God.  

    An equally valuable ritual is the habit of inviting someone to attend with you.  This week we start our INviting stage of our Are You IN? campaign.  Who can you invite to church this week? Extending an invitation is a way to bless your friend, your church, and yourself.  I pray this act will become a regular part of our pre-worship experience each week. 

                                                                                     Jay      

“Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”

  Matthew 19:14

    This is one of my favorite verses in the book of Matthew. In this situation, when Jesus said, “come to me”, he didn’t mean a life commitment. Notice what Jesus did when the children came to Him. He put His hands on them to pray and bless them (Matthew 19:13). I imagine there were giggles and wiggles and all the normal behaviors of children. And I imagine Jesus smiling, playing with, and enjoying the little ones. Then, He sent them on their way to do what children do. He did not burden them with facts they could not understand. We are to follow Jesus’ example and touch them with love and pray for them.

    It is never too early to nurture our children in faith. We can be a godly example of love at all stages of growth. Crying is God’s plan for getting you two together. When you respond to a baby’s cries for help, he learns to depend on you and trust you in his time of need. Just like us as adult believers, we know we can depend on and trust God. So give plenty of hugs, cuddles, and kisses because that’s God’s plan for the spiritual development of our children.

    We have preschool choir and missions on Wednesdays beginning at 6:00 p.m.