Snyder Memorial Baptist Church is excited to welcome Tim Jackson as our new Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Care! As he and his wife, Tina, settle into life at Snyder, we wanted to give our church family an opportunity to get to know a little more about him and his heart for ministry.

When asked what first drew him to Snyder, Tim’s answer was simple: the people. He shared that the kindness, gracious spirit, and deep commitment to faith and service he saw in the congregation made a lasting impression on both him and Tina. That “sweet spirit” played a significant role in their decision to join the Snyder family and even purchase a home in the neighborhood. If you see them around the church or community, please introduce yourself. They would love to hear your story!

Tim and Tina have been married since their college days. Dr. Tina Jackson, a physician and psychiatrist, grew up in Appalachia and is completing a ten-year commitment with the National Health Service Corps. As of now, their plans are for her to move here in the coming months. They have five adult children and two granddaughters, and spending time with them is one of Tim’s greatest joys. He also enjoys writing and has authored several books (available on Amazon).

Tim’s heart for discipleship and care is at the center of his ministry. He came to faith at the age of 26 through the influence of Pastor Mark Caldwell, who personally discipled him and helped shape him into the man and pastor that he is today. Tim believes discipleship is a lifelong journey in which believers grow in their faith and help others do the same wherever God has placed them.

As he begins this role, one of Tim’s first priorities is listening - learning from the staff, Sunday School leaders, small group leaders, and the many faithful members who have helped make Snyder such a strong church family. He is praying that God will stir revival among us, deepening our commitment to discovering God, developing faith, and displaying Christlike love. Tim would love to see every member committed to bringing glory to God by advancing the gospel wherever they live, work, and go to school, under the leadership of power and the Holy Spirit.

Tim hopes to help strengthen Snyder’s discipleship and care ministries by building a churchwide care system and creating clear pathways for discipleship and spiritual growth.

From Tim: Tina and I are grateful for the warm welcome we have already received. We are praying for Snyder Memorial Baptist Church and look forward to serving alongside you as God continues His work in this church and community.

Generations Project Update – October 2025

Since our last in-person update in June, tremendous progress has been made on the Generations Project. Over the past several months, our Project Team—alongside our architects, contractors, and consultants—has been working closely with staff, the Furnishings & Decorations Committee, and other ministry teams to finalize the scope and design for each area of the project.

As plans have taken shape, the design and construction documents have continued to evolve, with the contractor providing updated cost estimates along the way. Each round of refinements has reflected feedback from staff and ministry leaders, product and finish selections, and the broader goal of ensuring that every dollar pledged is stewarded wisely toward the mission and ministry of Snyder Memorial.

We are now deep in a “value management” phase—an intentional effort to balance priorities between the three main project areas: the Sanctuary, Children’s Wing, and Fellowship Hall. This careful work ensures that the project remains within the pledged funds while still achieving as many of our campaign goals as possible.

As with any large and detailed project, the process of aligning design, budget, and timing may add a modest amount of schedule extension compared to our original expectations. This additional time allows us to make thoughtful decisions that protect both quality and stewardship.

Our team expects to complete final architectural drawings and construction pricing in December. Pending those approvals and the City of Fayetteville’s permitting timeline, we anticipate beginning work on the Sanctuary in early 2026.

We remain encouraged by the collaboration, diligence, and prayer that have carried this project forward. Please continue to pray for wisdom and unity as we move into this next exciting phase. The Project Team looks forward to sharing additional in-person and written updates as plans continue to unfold.

By: George Rose
Project Team

Snyder Connect Night: Life is Better Together

One of the strongest things about Snyder through the years has been the sense of community, and this makes sense because God never intended for us to go through life alone. He designed us to live in fellowship with Him and with one another, cheering each other on, sharing life together, always pointing one another to Jesus.

That is why I want to personally invite you to Snyder Connect Night on Wednesday, August 27, from 5:00–7:00pm in the Gathering Hall and Fellowship Hall. This evening is designed with one simple purpose: to make it easy for people to find their place here at Snyder. But it will also give us all a deeper sense of community.

Each small group, Sunday school class, and Snyder ministry will have a table you can visit to meet with leaders, ask questions, and learn how you can get involved. You don’t have to commit to anything right away. Just explore and notice what excites you and what God might be calling you to do. Connect Night isn’t just for those who are new; it’s a night for all of us. You might discover a new ministry, meet someone you haven’t crossed paths with before, or simply encourage others who are looking for their place. Sometimes God uses moments like this to open our eyes to fresh opportunities to grow and to display His love in ways we hadn’t thought about.

We’ll have games and activities for the kids in the courtyard just outside of the Gathering Hall, treats and an ice cream bar, along with a delicious Chick-fil-A dinner provided for everyone who attends! You don’t need to bring anything except yourself and maybe a friend or two—everything else will be taken care of!
More than the games, food, or the fun, what makes Connect Night meaningful is the opportunity to truly connect and live out our purpose: to lead people to Discover God, Develop Faith, and Display Christ-Like Love. Whether you’ve been part of Snyder for decades or you’ve just started visiting, this evening will be a chance to sit down across the table, meet new people, and share life together. My prayer is that conversations started at Connect Night will grow into friendships, support systems, and small group communities that encourage you to run hard after Jesus.

So, mark your calendar, invite a neighbor, and join us as we celebrate the gift of community together.

Looking forward,
Blake Benge

Welcoming Mike Ramos as Our New Executive Pastor!

The Personnel Committee and Deacon Body are excited to announce the hiring of Mike Ramos as our new Executive Pastor. With deep roots in both ministry and organizational leadership, Mike brings a rare blend of spiritual passion, strategic vision, and operational expertise that will help advance our purpose of leading people to Discover God, Develop Faith, and Display Christ-like love in attitude and action.

Mike’s background includes decades of proven leadership in both the church and business world. Most recently, he served as Project Management Supervisor at AgCarolina Farm Credit, where he built and led the Project Management Office following a major merger. His leadership in strategic planning, digital transformation, and change management—supported by certifications in Lean Six Sigma and PROSCI—demonstrates his commitment to excellence and wise stewardship.

In ministry, Mike served as a Site Pastor at Manna Church in Fayetteville, shepherding a congregation of over 250 members. There, he developed leadership teams, preached regularly, launched a thriving small group network, and provided personal pastoral care. His heart for outreach was clear through his active work with local organizations, meeting needs and extending Christ’s love beyond the walls of the church.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts in Divinity from Grace College of Divinity (Summa Cum Laude) and a degree in Information Systems Security from American Military University. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Mike is uniquely gifted to help us grow as a church that communicates the Gospel clearly, loves deeply, and leads with purpose.

As Executive Pastor, Mike will oversee the daily operations of our ministries and staff, steward our resources with integrity, and partner closely with our Senior Pastor and lay leadership to carry out the vision God has given us. He will provide spiritual and strategic leadership, ensuring every part of Snyder remains aligned with our mission and values.

More than his credentials, it is Mike’s heart that sets him apart. He is a godly man who tenaciously holds to the truth of God’s Word and is deeply devoted to his wife and children.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Mike, his wife Sattin, and their children—Michaela, Alyssa, and Daniel—into this new season. We truly believe God has called Mike “for such a time as this,” and we look forward to what He will do through Mike’s leadership at Snyder.

Sincerely,
John Bigger, Deacon Moderator
Blake Benge, Senior Pastor

By: Jason McAmis

Day 4

Holy Hospitality is alive and well in Kenya. I came here with the phrase “the little we have, we share” in my head from previous mission trip experiences. The MOHI family of teachers, social workers, staff, children and families live this out every day.

We have been welcomed with open arms into peoples’ homes and hearts. We have tried our best to receive their hospitality graciously and to return it with the same warmth and intent. No matter how small and cramped the homes we visited and how large our team was, there was always room for us to “fit” – because it was holy ground and God was among us.

Christ is our ultimate example of hospitality. He welcomes us with extravagant joy; everyone is invited; and there is always room at the table because the table continuously gets bigger.

By: Eileen Hatch

Day 3
(Day One of VBS WOW)

As the children in Bondeni say when prompted by their teacher – “1 2 3 WOW!!!”  Today was a WOW day, as we did our first day of VBS.  When we arrived on the bus, the children were lined up to sing to us a traditional Kenyan welcome song – “Jambo, Jambo Sana!”  (This means you are welcome very much!)  The song was complete with a drummer and 2 lines of students for us to walk through!  WOW!

We continue to practice flexibility, as we adjust to schedule changes, and class size changes!  The 4 classes we had this morning averaged about 36 students in Grades 3 and 4.  WOW!  That’s a lot of excitement to try and contain!  We had our ‘tea break’ at noon, and then started our afternoon sessions.  The average size of these groups was 16 – MUCH more manageable!  Following a delicious Kenyan lunch, those of us on the trip who have sponsored children got to meet and spend a little time with our sponsored children!  Agnes is the little girl I sponsor in Bondeni, and she came over from the new secondary school in Bondeni.  She is a lovely 7th grade young lady now, and mathematics is her favorite subject!  She especially likes square roots and putting fractions in ascending and descending order.  Joy is the 6-year old that my Sunday School class sponsors.  She is very shy and quiet, but will answer questions as briefly as she can!

We then split up into 4 groups to do home visits.  What a treat that was!  I went with Sue Byrd and her grandson, Braxton, to visit the home of her little girl, Ruth.  We were welcomed with open arms, and we met Ruth’s mother, sister and 1-month old nephew, Aidan.  It was a sweet time together, and I enjoyed this opportunity.  We visited the next-door neighbor as well, and we thought we were just meeting this lady.  We learned today that you really need to sit down when you visit someone so that you ‘leave a blessing.’  If you just stop by and don’t sit, that is not really acceptable in Kenyan culture.  WOW – who knew!

We got to Grace House about 5, and were greeted with more singing by the staff of Grace House!  They had moved all of our luggage into our rooms and were so welcoming and helpful to us.  What a trip this has been and what a trip it will continue to be!  We are learning lots each day, and we love the ‘God moments’ we experience so often!  We are grateful for your prayers and look forward to sharing more each day and even more when we return!

By: Lisa Orr

Day 2

2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” That’s what I have witnessed during my time in Kenya.  From the mother in the slums holding her 5-month old baby asking that we pray for God’s favor over her, to the mother or father in the market today selling whatever they can of their goods to provide for their family, they truly have faith in God and that He will provide.

This morning we worshipped in the Outreach Hope Church in Bondeni, one of the most poverty-stricken communities in Kenya. The people of Outreach Hope Church made us feel so welcome into their congregation.  They praised God in song, dance and worship.  Knowing and seeing the struggles these people must face in their community daily you would have never known. Their faces when they sang and danced showed joy, life, and a great love for God.  

My time in Kenya has been a blessing. God is using me in ways I never imagined he would.  This is my first international trip and FIRST to Kenya. I totally stepped out of my comfort zone to come here. What in the world was I doing to sign up to come? Remember “For we walk by faith, not by sight” and now God is showing me His goodness and the true meaning of walking by faith in a whole new way. And now I see the meaning of true faith in him.

By: Heather Walters

Day 1

When one wakes up in a new country, with mostly new people, all that can be expected is the unexpected. What do you want when you travel? A question we all ask ourselves. Luxuries you wouldn’t normally have at home? Food you never knew you’d love? A view to forever remember? A better question is what do you need when you travel.
Today showed me the answer. Faith.

Upon our groups arrival at orientation, there was an immediate air of reverence. We walked into the Pangani School serenaded the sweet sounds of worship through song. The beauty of which was only furthered by the story of Mary Kamau. A woman with more will and strength than most of the men I’ve ever met. From the humble beginnings of two classrooms with just fifty students, to now the second largest education/support system behind the Kenyan government itself, Mary’s story grew into an odyssey of tens of thousands.

The core of all of this growth? Faith.

And when one sees faith so raw and real, it shocks to the core.

This shock was a shared sentiment, as my grandmother (Sue Byrd), Joanne Copeland, and I were guided through the slums. People who are living on the absolute fringes of their society, for so long seemingly forgotten and uncared for; yet I saw more smiles in one block of slums than I’ve seen in the wealthiest neighborhoods in my city.

Faith turns fire into fuel. It’s not just all we need when we travel, it’s all we ever need.

By: Braxton Bond

Every Sunday, it takes around 10 Tech team members to make each service run smoothly. From running sound and lights to projecting lyrics and operating cameras, it’s a behind-the-scenes ministry that creates an environment where people can discover God, develop faith, and experience worship without distractions. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a total beginner, there’s a place for you on our team!

Why Join the Tech Team?
Because it’s more than just technical work—it’s ministry.
Every light, lyric, and camera angle is an opportunity to help someone connect with God. Whether you’re mixing audio, running slides, or directing a camera feed, you’re helping create space where people can truly worship and discover who God is.

Training Kickoff - June 4 at 6pm
We’re kicking things off with an introductory meeting on Wednesday, June 4, at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. This will be a relaxed, no-pressure evening where you’ll get an overview of our audio/visual ministry, a behind-the-scenes tour of our tech setup around the church, and the chance to ask questions.

From there, every Wednesday evening in June will feature hands-on training sessions tailored to specific roles: 

• audio production
• camera operation
• lighting design
• graphics/lyrics projection.

No experience? No problem. Our team will walk with you every step of the way and give you all the training you need. If you’re interested, curious, or want to explore what it takes to support worship from behind the scenes, you’re invited!
 
Just Show up, or contact: Dave Clark

Step into a new way to serve. Help others discover God—one Sunday at a time.

When I was a kid, summer wasn’t complete without a Slip ’n Slide in the backyard. A long stretch of plastic, a hose, and a good running start was all it took to send us laughing and sliding through the grass. It was a joyful, harmless thrill—until the inevitable wipeout.

But not all slips are harmless.

This summer, we’re starting a new series called Slip ’n Slide, where we’ll explore how easy it is—even for sincere followers of Jesus—to slowly slide away from core truths of the Good News. Not with a big dramatic fall, but through small, subtle shifts in how we think about God, ourselves, and the world around us.

The series begins with a deceptively simple idea: Jesus as an example. While He is indeed the perfect model of love, compassion, and integrity, He is first and foremost Lord. When we reduce Jesus to a role model or mascot, we lose the power of His identity and the authority of His call on our lives.

Week by week, we’ll examine ideas that sound good on the surface—“You are enough,” “Judge not,” “Keep the peace”—but that often pull us away from the truth Jesus actually taught. Each message will highlight a  “slip” and contrast it with the stable foundation of Jesus.

We’ll also talk about what it really means to give, to love, to judge with wisdom, and to engage our mission right where we are. From how we view freedom and responsibility, to how we understand grace and truth, we’ll discover how easy it is to drift from Jesus’ way while still claiming His name.

This summer, we’re not just cooling off—we’re diving deep. And it may get a little uncomfortable at times. But the goal isn’t to scare anyone; it’s to steady us. In a world where truth often feels slippery, we want to anchor our lives in the unchanging words of Christ.

So grab your towels—and your Bibles—and join us for Slip ’n Slide. Let’s learn together how to stand firm when the ground beneath us gets slick.

Looking Forward,

Blake Benge

Heavenly Father, thank You! Thank You for the Class of 2025. Some of these Seniors have been with us since their days in the nursery. Some we first met through Girls in Action or Royal Ambassadors. Others have joined us more recently—and yet, every one of them, no matter their journey to Snyder, has blessed us beyond measure.

These Seniors have given their hearts in service—whether during Operation Inasmuch Blitz Day, on their trip to Kenya, or while packing shoeboxes for missions. They have faithfully served You, Lord. They have given their time and talents—dancing at Keen Teen, leading in the Youth Praise Band or Student Leadership Team, or expressing their faith through Steps of Faith. They have served our church with joy and dedication.

They have prayed for others. They have supported their peers. They are the best of us—the light on the hill.
But You, Lord, have known them all along. Thank You for the time You’ve given us to grow alongside them. Our congregation has had the privilege of witnessing their faith, their growth, and their love in action.

And to our Seniors: As you step out into this new adventure, remember—you’re not just chasing your dreams. You’re walking hand in hand with the One who created them. So dream big. Walk boldly. And know that we’ll be right here—praying for you, cheering you on, and always ready to welcome you home. Amen. 

By Kellie Ross
Interim Student Ministry Event Coordinator

Kellie Ross is Snyder's Interim Student Ministry Event Coordinator

Several weeks ago, I served in our 4th and 5th grade Sunday School small group. It was the week before Easter, and we were talking about Jesus being crucified and the hope that we have when our circumstances are hard. I asked the group, “What are some things you can do when life is hard?” It was hard not to be emotional when hands shot up all across the room with things like “prayer!”, “Go to church!”, “Talk to your small group leader!”, “Read your Bible!”. It was a special time. All I could think about was the investment that Snyder made in each of these kids – some of them for just a few weeks, and some of them since they were babies.

Moments like that remind us: when we invest in the next generation, we are part of a bigger story — one God is writing in the hearts of our children every single day.

Jesus didn’t push children aside. He welcomed them. He saw their faith as powerful, their hearts as worthy, and their place in His kingdom as essential. And He calls us to do the same.

I invite you to pray about where God might be calling you to serve.

We have many ways you can serve with Snyder Kids, but I’m going to highlight a few:

1. 8:40 Worship Service — Best for People Who Attend the 11:00 Service

• What You Do: Help during the 8:40 service by greeting families, assisting with check-in, helping with classroom activities, and helping kids stay safe and have fun.
• When: You serve during the 8:40am service, which frees you up to attend worship yourself at 11am.

2. Preschool Area During Sunday School (9:45-10:45am)

• What You Do: Care for and teach our littlest ones by playing, doing activities, reading Bible stories, and helping them feel safe and loved.

3. VBS –

• Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of one of the most impactful weeks at Snyder! (Sign-Up to serve at VBS)
• VBS Kick-Off Dinner – May 28 at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall
• VBS Prep Party – June 7 at 9am (Sign-Up Here)

Important Notes for Each Role

• All volunteers receive training and resources.
• You serve on a rotation, so you are not committed every week (unless you want to be!).
• A background check is required for all volunteers working with children.
• You’ll always be serving on a team — you won’t be alone!

We'd love to have you join us!
Jen Rabon
Director of Children & Family Ministries

Jen Rabon is the Director of Children and Family Ministries at Snyder.

A lady said to me, "I would like to hear a sermon from you that is not a part of a series." She wanted a message that was just for the Sunday - what is called a "Stand Alone" message. This posed a quandary. Even as an Executive Pastor, I would be called upon to either present a single message in a series of messages or create a short two or three-part series, so I have been conditioned to think in series. Nevertheless, I like the challenge her request presented.

Hopefully, the coming weeks will allow me to "rise" to her challenge. So, here is the "Not Series" of messages ahead of us:

Identification. This coming Sunday, we will join churches around North Carolina to collectively baptize 1000 people on a single Sunday. This is the first Sunday after Resurrection, making this Sunday an ideal time to talk about why this initial act of obedience to Jesus matters.

Tripped. Something that often causes us to stumble in our pursuit of following Jesus is when someone we admire for their walk with Jesus turns out to be fake. Those unfortunate moments when someone you have looked up to spiritually turns out not to be the example you thought they were, and instead becomes a cautionary tale. At worst, it can leave us questioning the validity of our belief in Jesus, the Bible, the church, and people. How can we maintain stability when someone else's instability shakes us?

New. Mother's Day is one of my days of the year, as we get to be a part of parent-child dedication. My eyes always brighten on this day. Seeing a baby brings me increasing joy each year as we celebrate new life that points us to hope and reminds us of the creator of life. Amid such a beautiful day and joyful celebration, it can be easy to forget that Mother's Day is difficult for some. It was for me. My mother passed from this earth when I was 12. She was only 42, brilliant and beautiful. Over the years, the presence of Jesus, who my mother led me to follow, has transformed Mother’s Day from something sour and bitter into something sweet and lovely.

Leaving. Graduate Sunday is also one of my favorite days of the year. Again, I find my face forming a smile that I am unable to repress. However, there is also a measure of concern and caution around this day. We know these young graduates are leaving home physically and many geographically. Both they and their parents have worked hard to prepare them for this day. However, how can they know they are ready to leave home spiritually? How can any of us be prepared spiritually for our next transition? Whether it is a graduation, marriage, "PCSing", or retirement. This is what we will deal with on Sunday May 18th.

So, here we go, the "Not Series" of messages. See you Sunday!

Blake

This week is most special for many reasons. Obviously, for those who follow Jesus, this is the week we remember the execution of Jesus and celebrate his resurrection. In essence, we celebrate salvation, the ultimate reason for its unmatched specialness. However, there is so much to see within this week, and something that may get overlooked is the most holy of tears - the tears of Palm Sunday.

This past Sunday, our children celebrated Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday - which is the first of the “8 Days” we have been walking through as a church in our current series. There was a grand celebration that day as Jesus rode into Jerusalem to accolades that disrupted the ancient metropolis. It was a glorious day. However, this is the only time other than Lazarus’ death that we have a record of Jesus crying (John 11:35; Luke 19:41). Of course, if you think about it, we might cry too if we were Jesus and were about to endure what waited for him the following weekend in Jerusalem. However, his tears fall not for himself; instead, they fall for the people of Jerusalem. His heart is for them. He loves people, and his hope is that none should perish (I Peter 3:9).

Recently, our staff has been talking and thinking more deeply about the heart of Jesus to reach individuals with the Good News. A Christ-like longing to see our children, students, neighbors, friends and extended family come to know Jesus. This longing produced emotion so deep in Jesus that he wept when he saw the city containing people he loved. He wept not for the hell He faced in the coming week but for the hell they faced in this life and the next for having rejected the peace he came to offer.  It was true on that first Palm Sunday, and it is true today; Jesus desires that no one misses out on the full life he offers.

As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus this Sunday, a day unmatched in its glory, may our understanding of this day be reflected in our presence this coming Thursday evening to remember his death and Sunday morning in celebrating his resurrection, but moreover, in our longing to reach others with the Good News. His resurrection opened heaven to all people, but he left us to invite people into heaven by sharing the Good News. May we have the same longing for Fayetteville that Jesus had for Jerusalem.

Looking forward,
Blake

Snyder is blessed with a beautiful carillon which rings each quarter hour from our Sanctuary steeple and has the potential for playing hymn tunes and symbolic proclamations for special sacred occasions. During the season of Lent, starting on Ash Wednesday through Maundy Thursday, our carillon has played an intentional hymn ministry during this season of personal reflection on the state of our hearts - a season for striving to follow Jesus Christ more faithfully and preparing our hearts and minds for celebrating His Resurrection on Easter. Below are the words to 2 hymns which have rung to frame the start and close of each day during Lent, reminders to draw near to Jesus for these 40 days. At Noon and 3:00 pm, other hymns have rung in rotation throughout each week of Lent.

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross (Start of day 9:00 am)
Jesus, keep me near the cross. There a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream, flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star shed His beams around me.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day with its shadow o’er me.
Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait, hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand, just beyond the river.
In the cross, in the cross be my glory ever,
till my ransomed soul shall find rest beyond the river.

Purer in Heart (Close of day 6:00 pm)
Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;
May I devote my life wholly to Thee.
Watch Thou my wayward feet, guide me with counsel sweet;
Purer in heart, help me to be.
Teach me to do Thy will most lovingly:
Be Thou my friend and guide, let me with Thee abide.
Purer in heart, help me to be.
Until Thy holy face one day I see:
Keep me from secret sin, reign Thou my soul within;
Purer in heart, help me to be.

(During the day at Noon & 3:00 pm)
I Am Thine, O Lord / Lord, I Want to Be a Christian / All to Thee / Am I a Soldier of the Cross?
My Jesus, I Love Thee / Take Up Your Cross / Take My Life and Let It Be / Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee

For this Holy Week, on Good Friday, specially selected hymns will be rung every hour tracing the time frame believed to be Christ’s crucifixion journey, and then again on Holy Saturday, symbolizing our keeping watch.
At sunrise on Easter morning, a peal of celebration bells will announce that Christ has risen! Easter hymns will continue to ring throughout that most glorious of all days!

The Snyder church tower, clock, Westminster chime and carillon bells have been given by members and friends of the congregation. Thanks be to God for this beautiful instrument! May it draw hearts toward Him.

The Project Team senses and understands the desire of the congregation to hear about the progress of the Generations projects, and we are grateful for your continued interest in and support of our efforts.

The extensive and deliberative pre-design work of our architectural team, WGM Design (in conjunction with input from the Project Team, the staff, and congregational committees), has begun to produce the final concept drawings that will allow our contractor Edifice Construction to generate critical project budgets.  Those budget estimates will allow us to make decisions about project scopes and phasing, and they will ultimately give us the information needed to authorize WGM to begin work on the final architectural designs.  

WGM has been either on-campus or hosting Zoom meetings multiple times over the last sixty days, and we now have fairly defined concept drawings for the major projects being considered for the Children’s Wing, the Sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall, and the hallways/Gathering Hall.  Within the last two weeks, WGM has produced a series of drawings, spreadsheets, and other documents that further detail the various project scopes, colors, and finishes.  Edifice will use this information to develop the initial budgets, and they will be bringing subcontractors and vendors to the campus later this month to refine the scope of work needed from each of the various trades.  

Please know that we fully understand your great interest in seeing some of the drawings that have been produced.  The budget estimates we hope to have by late spring will result in more finalized concept drawings that we can share with you before final design work begins in mid-to-late summer.  We ask for and covet your ongoing prayers for wisdom and guidance, and we will continue to update you on our progress with additional in-person and written announcements.    

By: George Rose

Think back to when you were a kid. Who made a lasting impact on you? Maybe it was a teacher who believed in you, a coach who encouraged you, or a family member who always had the best advice. Now imagine, being that person for the next generation – someone who shows up, speaks life, and points kids to Jesus. That’s what kids ministry is all about!

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Jesus saw kids as a priority. He welcomed them, blessed them, and made time for them. Kids mattered to Jesus. He saw their value, their potential, and their importance in the Kingdom.

The reality is, most people who gives their lives to Christ do so at a young age. Kids are open, curious, and hungry for truth. Kids ministry is front-line Kingdom work! Children are in the most crucial years of shaping their faith. They are full of curiosity, asking big questions, and forming the foundation of their beliefs. Every week, kids come to church looking for connection, fun, and truth. Some may be hearing about Jesus for the first time, while others need to be reminded that God sees them, knows them, and has an amazing plan for their lives.

And here’s the best part: You don’t need a theology degree to make an impact. If you can listen, encourage, and share a smile, you’re already qualified. Whether it’s leading a lesson, helping with crafts, playing games, or simply welcoming kids as they arrive, there’s a place for you.

Ways you can get involved –

• Join our Sunday School or Launchpad volunteer team! – We have volunteers who do everything from welcoming kids and helping them feel safe and excited to be at church, to bringing Scripture to life in a way they can understand. We have volunteers who lead crafts and games and volunteers who work behind the scenes.

• Sign up to serve at our special events – Serve at the Resurrection Celebration, Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt, and VBS!

• Pray – Ask God if He is calling you to serve in kids ministry. Pray for the kids, their families, and our volunteer teams.

The opportunity is here, the need is great, and the impact is life-changing!

By: Jen Rabon

Recalling the exact words exchanged is not something I can do, but I will not forget the substance and feeling of the conversation I had on Sunday. It was after the 8:40 service. A seven-year-old girl and her father walked up to me. The father said, "My daughter would like to speak with you."
 
Talking with children is one of my favorite things, so I sat down on the steps in front of the stage where we were standing, putting me at eye level with this charming individual. She said with bright eyes and bold confidence, "Want to be a pastor when I grow up." Recognizing this would be a good conversation, I asked, "Why do you want to be a pastor?" She replied, "So I can tell other people about God's love." We discussed this and several other subjects, like her two little brothers. Seeing that our short conversation was concluding, I returned to her original words and said something like, "Keep seeking God; we need more good preachers and pastors." She will make a fine pastor one day, and the church needs more ministers like her, who are intent on sharing the truth of His word and the wonders of His love.

Having that joy-filled conversation with a seven-year-old inspires me at a hard-to-describe level. Her eyes' brightness and understanding of God's love oblige me to see tomorrow. God always calls us to touch tomorrow.

I find myself wondering if she will be like the prophetess Anna, speaking the truth concerning "the New" God was doing in sending His Son at long last (Luke 2:36-38), or maybe a leader like Debra of old saving her nation (Judges 4-5), or perhaps phoebe the deacon who God likely used to give us the apostles Paul's seminal work called "Romans" (Romans 16:1-2).  

As we move into the New Year, I am excited about our January series called "New," I pray that each of us who call Jesus Lord, the Bible God's Word, and Snyder home will get our heads up and our eyes looking forward. In this series, we will deal with things like When the "New" God wants to do seems impossible, How to respond when the "New" God is calling you to is not what you want, and the significance of looking forward.

The future is as bright as that little girl's eyes because His word and love are true, and "He holds the future."

Looking forward (indeed),
Blake

Thank you!

The 46th Singing Christmas Tree presentations ended Sunday night, December 8. This was a church-wide effort to lead folks to either discover Christ for the first time or to celebrate the Christmas story once again. Hundreds of people worked to present the message and a few thousand people shared in receiving the timeless story of Jesus. I wish to thank Sara Barefoot, the choirs, tech crew, orchestra, children’s groups, handbells, youth choir lead team, children’s leaders, parents, food workers, ushers and greeters, office & facilities staff, and the ministers who joined efforts to present the gospel story.

Our 9-month-old little granddaughter is seeing the WONDER of Christmas for the first time. My prayer is that each of us can follow a child’s lead and see the Wonder of Christmas through such fresh eyes. Thank you, everyone, for your work on the Singing Christmas Tree this year. Merry Christmas!

Richard Suggs