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Dear Shiloh Family,

The morning air was fresh and crisp after the winter shower.  As I strolled across the teacher’s parking lot, there was a pleasant familiarity that began to flow through my soul.  One of the teachers smiled and offered a casual good morning glance.  Then, she stopped and did the proverbial double-take. 

“Good morning, Coach O’Neal.  You looked so normal; I had forgotten you were retired.” (Which, I guess means you’re no longer normal when you retire).  “Does it feel any different?”

I replied, “Good morning.  No, it actually feels comfortable, like I’m supposed to be here.”

Making my way down the hall toward the office, I was bombarded with various types of greetings.  The hugs, handshakes, and hellos warmed my heart (mostly hellos, due to COVID).  Consequently, I knew that most of the elation was because I was willing to sub.  Since substitutes are in such high demand, I’m confident that a fairly intelligent monkey would be just as welcome.  In my case, maybe more so.  However, they made me feel at home, like I’d never left, and my former team and I hit the ground running.  

I was thinking; maybe some of you are still sitting at home because it has become familiar and safe, or because you are afraid you will not be welcomed if you return to church.  Let this Pastor assure you; you are missed, you are valuable, and you are welcome.  PLEASE, COME HOME!

 Philippians 4:21-22: 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household. NKJV

Shiloh, in the previous verse, we could replace “Caesar’s”, with “Shiloh’s”.  It is our responsibility to reach out in love to those who are struggling.  Refrain from statements like, “Where have you been?” and “It’s about time.”  Instead, let’s encourage, love, and make them feel as if they had never left.  

Hebrews 10:24-25:  24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.  NKJV

This Sunday, we will welcome Kirk and Melanie Lewis, founders of Desperately Dependent Community, a ministry focused on discipling and mentoring Christian leaders.   I am praying that we are challenged and uplifted through their ministry.  They will be speaking in both services and are coming on a love-offering basis, so please pray and help us support and appreciate them.  You can give online in advance, or on Sunday at the end of each service.  

Psalm 122:1:  I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.  KJV

Don’t let the local bar be the only place that welcomes everyone, regardless of their past. 

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell

Refer to the ministry announcements for new times and locations in various ministries. 


General Announcements:  If you have announcements for the newsletter or Sunday morning service, please get them to Melissa by 12:00 PM on Wednesday.  This will allow the AV team to process relative schedules, letters, videos, etc…

Covid News: Your startup team, who kept us safe through the original crises, is monitoring the virus situation.  We are continuing to sanitize the main auditorium and outlying areas.   If you are concerned about social distancing, you might consider coming to the early (8:30 AM) service because the numbers are somewhat less.  However, there is still room in the second service as well.  I encourage you to continue attending, but please, be considerate of those who are more vulnerable or might have concerns. 

Please!  If you are sick, have experienced symptoms in recent days, or think you might have been exposed, stay home.  We can’t eliminate the virus, but we can help prevent an outbreak in our church.

ONLINE GIVING: We are pleased to announce our new text giving platform. Simply text the word "Give" to (844) 949-4039. You can also use our smartphone app. You can still give via mail as well.

 The church address is:  Shiloh Baptist Church, 24 Kay St., Rossville, GA  30741. 

We will continue to stream the 11:00 service as usual.  If you are sick, please stay home.  The staff and I understand how uncomfortable mass gatherings can be for some of you during these unusual times.    We don’t want anyone to feel pressured into coming if you are not comfortable doing so.  

If you choose to meet at the church during the week, PLEASE!  Let Melissa know the time and location (room) for your ministries.  It is imperative that we coordinate all gatherings at the church. If you have questions about Shiloh ministries, contact us at secretary@shilohbaptistministry.com.

 2021 NEW MEMBERS:   Jack Mayo, Samuel Craig McDonald, Caroline Rouse, Emily Sullivan, Jesse Woodard, C. J. Gentry, Patrick, Lori, Ellie, Joey, Frannie, and Penny Bowers, Tyler Jacobs, Lilly Farmer, Ada Fletcher, Austin Starr, Bain Carson.

PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS:  If you would like to meet to discuss membership at Shiloh, I would love to meet with you between the two morning services from 10:00 – 10:30 AM.  Please schedule the appointment through the church office.

 

 

Ministry Announcements:

 

 SPECIAL GUESTS: Sunday, January 23rd.  Kirk and Melanie Lewis, founders of Desperately Dependent Community, will be ministering in both services.  Their ministry is focused on discipling and mentoring leaders in the church.

 

SHOWERS: There will be a shower for Hannahbelle Clemmons Morehead, March 6, at 6:00 PM. They are registered at Target.

 

Men's Retreat: We will be headed back to the White River in Flippin, Arkansas for our trout fishing retreat. We are partnering with Brother David Haynes and Lake Drive Baptist Church.  The event will be May 18-21, and the cost is $600.00.  If you are interested in going, contact David Wilson, or the church office.   

 

New Sunday School Class:  David and Tya Mercer have begun a new young adult Sunday School class.   This was formerly the 2430 class and will include married couples and single attendees.

 

 

Sunday Morning Worship:  8:30 and 11:00 AM in the main auditorium.

Sunday School:  9:45-10:45

CHILDREN’S CHURCH:  Tya Mercer will be conducting children’s church (Pre-K & Kindergarten) during the 2nd service.

JR. CHURCH:  (1st-5th grade) will meet upstairs in the FLC during the 2nd service.

Nursery:  Nursery will now be provided in both services.  However, we are still in need of adult workers in both services.  If you would volunteer to work in either service, please contact Lea or call Melissa at the church office. 

Men's Bible Study:  The men are meeting every Monday night in the FLC at 6:30 for the “Pursuit” Bible study.  Everyone is welcome.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: 

  • ADULT BIBLE STUDY:   Bro. David Jones and Pastor Paul will continue the Wednesday night Bible study and prayer meeting.  They are currently teaching a series on "Knowing God." Please plan to attend each Wednesday at 7:00.

  • COLLEGE AND CAREER:  Jon Carson and Garry Trulove will be leading a Bible study each Wednesday night.  The group will be meeting downstairs in the main building.  

  • YOUTH:  The High School/Middle School youth group will meet upstairs in the FLC.

  •  AWANA:  3 Yr Old through 5th Grade - Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 PM


SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Several of our SS classes and small groups are meeting at various non-traditional times throughout the week. Morning Sunday School will be between services and will begin at 9:45. Some of the locations have temporarily changed.  Teachers, please contact members and prospective members and inform them of the times and location of their class.