by Lyndall Jones - Worship Pastor

This past Sunday, I started our service off by reading Psalm 150. It states:
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

A lot of us want to believe that there is a "right way" or "better way" to do music worship. Our music, our volume, our lighting, our instrumentation, our vocals, etc. is the "right way to do worship". It's personal preference, rather than actual truth. Note in Psalm 150 just how many things they were told to use to praise the Lord. It's a whole lot more than just our voices. Yet, there is beauty and rightness in just singing acapella at times in our worship, right? Of course! But let's remind ourselves that God loves it ALL if we worship with this directive in mind that also comes from Scripture:

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

We aren't here to put on a production and call it worship. We aren't here to follow someone's rules of how to do music and services and then call it worship. We aren't even here to put our two cents in and exclaim what the "best way" is and call it worship. If we want to be obedient to Scripture in our worship, then we need to figure out if we are bringing things before the Lord in spirit and in truth. Are you and I giving all of ourselves each week in honoring God? Are we following what His Word says? If we can say yes to both of those questions, then whatever the songs are, however loud or quiet we do them, and whatever lighting or other production goes into it should reflect this and, we pray, honors the Lord and brings people to a recognition of the Gospel. I pray that is your goal as it is mine. We can do this together! And we will use the voices, people, and instruments we have to honor Him in the process. God, may You use CHBC each week in our corporate worship to reflect open and humble people who want to worship You in spirit and in truth!
See you Sunday!

(If you need more)
Pray for our choirs and activities as we start back in rehearsals and meetings to learn music and prepare to lead others in our worship services. These are critical both to our groups and to our church as a whole. Our kids choir meets Sundays at 5pm in our kids wing, our youth choir starts back on Sundays at 4:15 in the youth room, and Adult Choir has begun again on Wednesdays at 6:30 in the music suite.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Lyndall Jones

by Chris Watkins - Student Pastor

Daniel 6

The book of Daniel has been on my heart this fall. In September, for my Bible reading plan I read through the chapters of Daniel and the Holy Spirit has just kept this message in front of me. I actually already had it on our midweek schedule to teach a few weeks on the book of Daniel in October and early November. I hope as we stay Amazed at the Christmas story that we also allow God’s Word to amaze us daily, especially in taking a look at Daniel 6 below:

It starts when Faithfulness is often tested, not in the easy moments of life, but in the hard and uncertain ones. When everything is going well, it’s simple to honor God. But when pressure rises, comfort disappears, or obedience costs us something, staying faithful becomes a daily decision.

Daniel’s life shows us what unwavering faith looks like through both the good and the bad seasons.

Daniel served faithfully under multiple kings. Yet his commitment was never to a throne, it was to God. When a law was passed that directly opposed his devotion, Daniel didn’t panic, protest, or compromise. Scripture tells us:

“When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house… three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” (Daniel 6:10, CSB)

Notice the phrase “just as he had done before.” Daniel didn’t become faithful in the crisis, he was already faithful long before it arrived. His consistency in the good prepared him to stand firm in the bad.

Daniel’s faithfulness led him into the lions’ den, not away from it. Following God does not guarantee safety from hardship. But it does guarantee God’s presence in it. When Daniel was thrown to the lions, God proved Himself faithful in return:

“My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they haven’t harmed me.” (Daniel 6:22, CSB)

God did not abandon Daniel in his trial. He honored Daniel’s faithfulness and used his life as a testimony to everyone watching.

Faithfulness is not about outcomes, it’s about obedience. We stay faithful when life is comfortable, and we stay faithful when life is painful. We pray when it’s easy and when it feels costly. Like Daniel, we choose consistency over compromise.

When you remain faithful through every season, your life becomes a witness that God is worthy, no matter the circumstances.

by Jeff Kimes - Executive Pastor

One of the things my wife, Glenda, enjoys doing is working puzzles. At the end of a busy day, it helps her slow down and focus on one thing. When she starts, she dumps all the pieces onto the table, and at first it’s impossible to tell what the picture is supposed to look like. Each individual piece seems insignificant on its own. But as those pieces are carefully fitted together, a beautiful picture slowly comes into focus. And when the final pieces are placed, you can finally see the whole image.

Our World Missions Offering is much like that puzzle. It is made up of many individual pieces coming together to reach a greater goal. By ourselves, we may feel like our contribution is small, but when we connect our resources together, we are able to accomplish something far larger than any one of us could do alone.

Our World Missions goal this year is $70,000. This Sunday, during the morning service, we will take time at the beginning of the service for each of us to be a piece of that larger picture. You will have the opportunity to bring your missions gift to the front of the church and place it in a basket. If you have already given to the missions offering this year, plan to give at the end of the year, or have given online, we would still love for you to participate by bringing an envelope forward to place in the basket as a symbol of unity with the church family.

Whatever you can give—large or small—it all comes together for one purpose. Together, we are helping the gospel message go out in Oklahoma, across North America, and around the world.

by Griff Henderson - Senior Pastor

Merry Christmas! As we pause to reflect on all that God has done for us, I am deeply grateful for His faithfulness in every season. This year, I am thankful for so much more, and I wanted to share just a few of the blessings on my heart:
1.    A wonderful staff—it’s a joy to serve alongside such dedicated people.
2.   A community of unity—thank you for the love and support we share.
3.   The opportunity to preach and share the gospel—I am blessed to serve a church that is passionate about spreading God’s Word.

As we move into this Christmas season with anticipation:

1.    I celebrated in the Lord’s Supper Last Sunday.

2.   I rejoiced with over 300 people Our “Come to Christmas” service.

3.   We ministered to 20 families on Monday night for Joyous Christmas—We distributed gifts to families in need.

4.   Christmas Village—It kicks off tonight! If you are a new member or haven’t yet signed up to help, we need you. Please call the church office, let us know your availability, and we’ll find a place for you to serve, whether it’s one night or all five.

5.    World Mission Offering—Please pray about your contribution to our World Mission Offering. Your generosity will help spread the gospel worldwide.

6.    One More Gift—As we approach the close of the year, we ask you to prayerfully consider your part in helping us meet our budget. Your support is a vital part of our ministry.

Shari and I are so grateful for each of you. We love you and are continually blessed to be part of this church family.

Blessings,
Pastor Griff

by Lyndall Jones - Worship Pastor

Christmas season is HERE! While we are blessed to do the Lord's Supper on Sunday morning, I want to invite each and everyone of you to be part of our Sunday night "Come to Christmas" service at 5pm! What is it all about, you might ask? It is the ringing in of the Christmas season by sharing the reason why we needed Christ to come to earth in the first place - to redeem us from our sin and death and to bring glory to Himself. He is now "God with us, Emmanuel". Come and take time to reflect on our need of Christ, the joy of our salvation in Christ, and the fulfillment of the promises God has made both then and NOW to His people. Come hear inspiring Christmas music from our Adult Choir with some help from both our Youth and Kids Choirs. You'll also participate in singing songs you know and a couple of new Christmas hymns. Trust me, you don't want to miss this! Come, be part of what God is doing this Sunday. Come, hear the beauty of His music. Just come... "Come to Christmas"! You'll be glad you did.
As part of the joy of seeing our entire church family together for this special service, we will not have a nursery. Please encourage families to come and bring their babies and young children. It will be a wonderful time together.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Lyndall Jones

by Robin Roady - Director of Childhood Ministries 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”  Psalm 100:3-5

Fall is my absolute favorite season with the falling of colorful leaves, the cooler crisp air, football games and, of course, Thanksgiving. It’s a special time for families to gather and enjoy lots of yummy food. I love a warm slice of pecan pie!

According to Webster’s dictionary, the definition of thanksgiving is “the expression of gratitude, especially to God”. I am thankful for my family, my church family, my friends, good health, and of course my relationship with Jesus. What are you thankful for? Parents, are you being intentional on teaching your kids to be mindful of all God is doing around them? God is so good to us! He graciously gives us more than we ever deserve.

What are you thankful for this year? Might I suggest you sit down and write out all God has done for you this year from the smallest of things to the greatest of blessings in your life? Give God ALL the praise, honor and glory for those things. I bet you will be surprised of all the work God has done in your life over the past year.

Brad, Marlo, Moriah and I are so grateful to each one of you and the love and support you have shown us over the past 3 years as I have served as your Director of Childhood Ministries. Your encouragement and prayers mean so much to us. It has been a joy and certainly a blessing to work with our Chisholm Preschoolers, Kids and Preteens. All glory goes to God for the work He is doing in our children’s ministry. We are looking forward to many more years serving Christ together!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Robin

by Rusty Stowe - Senior Adult Pastor

None of us are exempt from suffering, loneliness, discouragement, or unjust criticism. Why? Because those are things Jesus experienced and we need to experience them, too, for God to develop the character of Christ in us. Does this mean God causes tragedies? No! We know that God is good and He will not cause evil or do evil. But God can use dark times and stressful times for good. He can use our current troubles to teach us to trust Him. He will use these times to show us how to help others and to draw us closer to other believers.

In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 the Bible says, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (NLT)

So, what do we do when we find ourselves in some very difficult times? First, refuse to be discouraged. Second, remember God is with you. Finally, rely on God’s protection and guidance. God’s light shines even in the darkest shadows.

Be strong and courageous as we finish out yet another year here at CHBC. God has done and will do great and mighty things through His people!

by Chris Watkins - Student Pastor

This weekend, our students are heading out to Camp Rock Creek in Norman for a weekend designed to help them grow deep in their faith and strong in their walk with Jesus. Our theme for the retreat is “Rooted”, inspired by Colossians 2:6–7:

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.” (CSB)

In a world and culture where so much changes so quickly, we want to help our students develop a faith that’s not shallow or temporary—but one that’s rooted deeply in Christ. Over the course of the weekend, we’ll focus on what it means to live a “Rooted” life. We’ll start the retreat by focusing on the foundation of our faith: Jesus. Students will be challenged to make sure their lives are truly built on Him—not popularity, success, or even good works. This lesson will remind them that everything starts by being connected to Christ.

On Saturday our students will explore how to grow spiritually by being grounded in God’s Word. We’ll walk through Psalm 1 and Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders, helping them understand that strength in life comes from obeying and trusting Scripture. And then Saturday evening we will look at the Christian life that was never meant to be lived alone. In this lesson, students will see how the early church supported one another, prayed together, and grew in unity. We’ll talk about what it means to have real, godly friendships that encourage faith instead of pulling it down.

On Sunday morning before we head back to the church we’ll wrap up the weekend with a short devotional and challenge. Students will be encouraged to take what they’ve learned and live it out—to go home ready to connect, grow, and go to share Jesus wherever they are planted.

Our prayer is that this retreat will not just be a fun getaway, but a moment where students take real steps toward spiritual growth. We believe that when young people become rooted in Christ, truth, and community, they can stand firm no matter what life brings—and make a lasting difference in their world.

We’re thankful for our cook team and volunteers who are helping make this retreat possible, and we invite the entire church to pray for our students—that this weekend would be a defining moment in their walk with Jesus.

by Jeff Kimes - Executive Pastor

I know, I know it is not even Halloween yet. But as the stores put out Christmas decorations for sale for those early shoppers, we are also preparing for Christmas.

Our church Thanksgiving meal will be Wednesday, November 5th at 6:00 pm. You may be saying, that is awful early for a Thanksgiving meal, but we always have the meal the first Wednesday in November so we can start preparing for the Mustang Christmas Village.
 
We will meet in the gym at 5:30 pm on Thursday, November 6th to move the MCV buildings over from the bus barn. The more help we have the less time it will take to move the set. It usually takes about an hour and half to get it all moved. Then on Saturday, November 8th we will start the construction of the set at 8:00 am. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. We will be done before noon and donuts will be provided.

If you are new to the church and don’t know what the Mustang Christmas Village is, it is our gift to the community. We transform our gym into a Victorian Christmas village and the first two weeks in December we will host school choirs to come sing in the village. We also hand out freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate, candy, and dill pickles.
 
So be here on November 6th and 8th and let’s get the Christmas season kicked off. You don’t need to bring any tools but gloves may help.
 
God Bless, Jeff Kimes

by Lyndall Jones - Worship Pastor

"In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified. In my life, Lord, be glorified today."
(song written by Bob Kilpatrick)

This simple chorus from my childhood popped into my head the other day. For those of you who remember it, I'm sure you're now humming it in your head so you're welcome! This song got me to thinking about how critical the words and idea of this prayer is for each of us to exude and practice as believers in Christ if we are to see not only healthy individuals, but a healthy church. Let's look further at what I mean.

The second verse is often "In our song, Lord, be glorified". As a believer, we can't sing a song that truly glorifies God, if we haven't first sought the Lord in our personal life to glorify Him. The song builds from an overflow of where our heart is. Once our life is bringing glory to God, then our song together brings about an overflow of glorious praise.

The third verse then usually (if you grew up in my church) was "In our homes, Lord, be glorified". Again, this is a building process and each step of healthy praise follows the next. Whether or not our homes and families are healthy will depend on if we are seeking for glorify God in each and every aspect of our private and personal growth. You can't have a home that glorifies God and a song that glorifies God if you don't have a personal life that glorifies God.

So we come to the last verse, which is usually "In our church, Lord, be glorified today". Of course, by now you've seen the pattern. We all want to be part of a thriving, exciting, and vibrant church that glorifies the Lord, right? In order for this to become a reality, we must continue to desire to glorify Him privately only our own, sing songs with a heart that desires to glorify Him, and raise up families in homes that glorify God. Only then can we see a Church that truly can say "be glorified today in us, Lord". That's a pretty cool reminder in such a simple song.

See you at church!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Lyndall Jones

by D'Lacey Grimes - Parent's Day Out Director

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Parents Day Out is off to a great start. We have almost 50 families that our ministry serves. We are so thankful for these sweet children, their families, and for our supportive church family. Our kids have been learning about creation and will soon be starting to learn about Noah’s Ark. It is so precious to watch these tiny kids tell us what God has made! Even our 1 year olds have been learning to say a prayer before lunch time. What a great foundation for these sweet souls!

I encourage you to pray for our kids, teachers, and families. We’ve been getting lots of our PDO families as visitors on Sunday at church. Please pray that our program is used to not only introduce our youngest people to God’s great love, but to also bring their families to learn about Him.

We’re so thankful for all the prayers, support, and encouragement from our church family!

By Rusty Stowe - Senior Adult Pastor

Ephesians 6:16 identifies faith as a shield capable of extinguishing the flaming arrows of the evil one. Just be careful, your confidence in God is a primary target for the devil. Just as an out- dated or unused shield provides ineffective protection.

Knowing this, God implores you not to throw away our confidence. Confidence is a function of trust. Love is the perfect soil for growing trust. God is love and He is so worthy of our trust. God and His Word are one. God, who cannot lie, watches over His word to make it come true. So, take refuge in God’s commitment to you.

In Jeremiah 31:3 we read: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. 
 
Joshua 1:5 tells us: “…As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
 
When difficult circumstance arise – and they will arise,  know they are perfect platforms to demonstrate God’s grace and sovereignty in our lives.

In Isaiah the Lord says: “Even in your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)

Throughout the Word of God, we are challenged to wholeheartedly TRUST God.

Have a great week and trust in a loving God.

by Chris Watkins - Student Pastor

“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:12-17 CSB

When we think back over the last couple of weeks in our community, country, and world, we have been through a lot. Prayers of thanksgiving for God's protection over the Minco softball team. The prayers for God's protection and peace after various tragedies at schools around the country and the conflicts around the world. If you're online at all, reading the news, or on social media it may seem like it's only getting worse all around us.

I know I'm one of the younger guys in the office, but I love history and I recall reading and hearing from my elders over the years that similar mindsets were prevalent around the major world wars or times of epidemics. Back then and today may we be reminded that it's not about political leaders that are in place, but about who is on the throne. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Our purpose in life is not to debate our "friends" or strangers on social media about our opinions. Our purpose is not to stir up hatred for people that believe differently than you may believe. Our purpose in this life is to know God and to make Him known. So as the passage above states, "whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

There's not a better time to live out our purpose than today. Can I encourage you? Jesus loves you. He sees you. He knows you. If you have trusted in Him as Lord of your life, then know that the Holy Spirit speaks to the Father even when you don't have the words to say. He alone is our source of Truth. He is the Prince of Peace and a Mighty God and He is in control! Trust in Him and share His love with a family member, friend, neighbor, or stranger today.

by Jeff Kimes - Executive Pastor

Football season has started  and that can only mean one thing. It’s time for the Tailgate Cook Off!

That’s right Sunday night October 12 is the CHBC annual Tailgate Cook Off fellowship. If you are not familiar with the cook off let me fill you in on what it is. Firstly, it is a cooking competition where those that enter the competition will make their favorite tail gate food either a savory or dessert dish. They are asked to turn a serving in to be judged and also have samples of their dish for those attending the event to eat. There will be prizes for 1st and 2nd place in the savory category and dessert category. There will also be a 6v6 sand volleyball tournament as well as a cornhole tournament. There is plenty of things for the kiddos also, including a bounce house, snow cones and a firetruck for them to see.  

So invite your friends, neighbors and people on the street to come join us for a great time of fun and fellowship.

If you would like to enter any of the competitions please contact the church office at churchoffice@chbcmustang.org so we can get you on the list.

Blessings,
Jeff Kimes  

by Griff Henderson - Senior Pastor

This week the Lord has led me to the servant hearts of our church members. Do you know that close to 600 different people come into our church buildings for Sunday and Wednesday ministries? Out of those 600 people over 150 of our members lead out in responsibilities. Well done church!

In addition, there are close to another 200 people in our buildings on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with close to 50 people leading out in leadership responsibilities.

Every member at Chisholm Heights Baptist is called to take the Gospel inside and outside our church.

We are ONE Together.

God has given us a strong year financially in our church. New members have joined with faithful long-time members to help give the resources that God would like us to have to make a difference for his kingdom. The tithes that church members give goes to general budget offering. The Bible teaches that all members give a regular offering to their church,
Over the next four months, in addition to our regular tithe and offerings, you will also hear about three special offerings for our church family to participate in.

We ask that all church members pray about giving to these three special offerings for the whole church. Throughout the Bible special offerings for important things are shared.

The three are:

• World Mission offering starts in November:  SBC missions are International Missions, North American Missions, and Oklahoma State Missions.   We call this our World Mission offering.
• A Benevolence offering will be taken at our Thanksgiving meal to help those in need in our area.
• This year I ask that you pray about giving “One More Gift”.  This would go to our budget to help us reach the financial needs of our church.  Since 2015 – present we have received an average of 93 percent of our budget from tithes & offerings. That is really good. But I am excited to see what the Lord will do as we pray about and give “One More Gift”.

These three offerings will help emphasis well the things our church believes in.

Note: Your pastor would desire that you don’t take away your extra mission giving or your benevolence giving to give to One More Gift. This would be on top of those offerings.

Finally, Shari and I were blessed last night to visit with a new young adult couple who visited our church for the first time. They talked about all ages worshipping together, how everyone sang joyfully, the friendliness of the church and that the preaching was decent!

To God be the Glory.

by Lyndall Jones - Worship Pastor

Do you ever wonder what the goal is? You do your normal routines, you spend your day going about your business, and often we do this without thinking "this is my goal for today". Many times, this type of thinking can happen with going to church and our spiritual routines. We do these things because they're good to do as spiritual disciplines, but do we ask, "what is my goal for today?" in doing these things?

Our motivation is critical in doing what we do to honor the Lord. Jeremiah had a calling from the Lord to warn the people of his day to turn back to God, all the while knowing that they weren't repenting nor even listening to him. In fact, he was threatened with physical violence and death for it! Talk about a predicament! I wonder at times what he actually hoped his goal would be for each day. You even see his conflict in chapter 20:7-13 as he voiced his frustration and anger. But what you also see is his unshakable desire to obey God's calling in His heart. It was like a fire inside him! And, in the end of this passage, he is voicing his praise to our God. Talk about gaining some perspective!

I wonder today what our goal is in serving the Lord? Do we go through the motions without being under any real convictions? Are you so frustrated today at your current season of life that you are struggling with God? Are you wanting to see a human result to validate where you are obeying the Lord? I want to encourage you today to have a Jeremiah mindset - obey God, trust Him in the hard times, rest in that your obedience is honing you to His will regardless of the human result, and praise Him with all your heart. You and I might just see our "goal" change to become obedient and content to exactly what God's will is, both for our church and for yourself. That would be a good thing. See you on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Lyndall Jones

by Rusty Stowe - Senior Adult Pastor

Kingdom disciples are called to confess their loyalty to Jesus both in words and actions. In Luke 9:36 Jesus says to us: "Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will save it."

Just what does it mean to confess Christ with our whole life? People talk about the things they enjoy! Fishermen talk about the "one that got away." Golfers talk about that one putt that came up just a little short. Those who work with wood talk about the special projects they are creating. And this particular time of the year sport fans have no problem entering conversations about their favorite sports, players or teams. Right now, every high school football team is convinced they are Number 1 in their division, their conference and even in the state.

Sport fans know scores and statistics. They identify with one or more teams to the point that their closets at home are filled with the "colors" of their favorite team. Can we say the same about our identification with Jesus Christ? How many people know where our allegiance lies? How many people know we are followers of Christ? Do we just wear the shirts and hats from Falls Creek or CHBC? Are we verbal / visible followers of Jesus or do we just hide in the crowd?

The key to the Christian life for kingdom disciples is Jesus Christ. The ability to live victoriously and advance God's kingdom agenda comes through the unique master key called "total surrender" to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Only when the Lordship of Christ is reflected and represented through HIs people will the world experience God's rule and authority as the Creator of the world.

Have a great week in "representing" our Savior to a lost world!

by Bridgette Lancaster - Preschool Coordinator 

“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

Preschool had a fabulous summer! We went on six different Play Days. We joined Chisholm Kids for two of their Adventure Days, went to 3 different splash pads, and ended with a hot day indoors at the Mustang Playbox. I have a GroupMe page where I share all the fun things we do, plus some adorable pics. If you have a child in Preschool and are not in my GroupMe page, please let me know so I can get you added. We don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun!

Preschool is starting a new study in the New Testament on Wednesday evenings. We have childcare for babies-3, and I teach 3’s (must be potty trained)-Kindergarten. Every week, we have a lesson, craft, and a fun game or two. It’s a great time and I have a great group of volunteers that help me keep it fun. If you would like to join us, please let me know. We could always use the extra help.

God has blessed us and provided us with the Sunday school teachers we needed! We had a great Promotion Sunday. We had donuts, donut holes, juice, and cute goodies for the kids. We had lots of visitors. Our little hall was full. I had to call in extra help during Extended Teaching Care (ETC) to help out. Any of my volunteers who could be on my last minute call list, please let me know. I have been needing it more often as we continue to add new members and have more visitors. I still need more help during ETC, which is during Morning Worship. I provide everything you need. If you would like to help out, please swing by the Preschool Hall and let me know. We would love to have you join our team.

May your joy be full,
Bridgette Lancaster

by Chris Watkins - Student Pastor

“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? … But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” —Matthew 6:25, 33 (CSB)

Worry is like quicksand—it promises stability but pulls us deeper the more we struggle. In life and at the beginning of school years, we’re often surrounded by needs: budgets to meet, people to care for, schedules to organize, new outfits and supplies to buy. It’s easy to slip into worry mode. Jesus addresses this head-on—not by promising us an easy life, but by giving us a clear priority: Seek first His kingdom.

As we individually seek his kingdom, may we stay focused together on this mission. The following points are some things that we see from this passage in Matthew 6. Verses 25-34 will be the focus passage for this year in our student ministry, which I will be teaching a little bit this midweek..

1. Worry is Unproductive (vv. 25-27)
Jesus asks, “Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying?” Worry burns energy without moving us forward—it’s like revving an engine in neutral. What God has called us to in this life is too urgent to waste our strength on what we can’t control.

2. Worry Distracts from God’s Care (vv. 28-30)
Jesus points to the lilies and the birds—creatures who don’t toil over spreadsheets or stress about the weather, yet God faithfully provides for them. When we worry, we live as if God isn’t paying attention. But He is—and His care is personal.

3. Worry Fades When the Kingdom Comes First (vv. 31-34)
Our job isn’t to secure every outcome—it’s to seek His kingdom and righteousness. The promise? “All these things will be provided for you.” That doesn’t mean God will give us everything we want, but He will supply everything we need to accomplish His will.

• Let today be the day we establish that with any meetings, decisions, and plans we start with the kingdom first mindset.
• When an anxious thought comes, ask: “Is this mine to carry or God’s?”
• Remember—worry is a poor use of our mind; prayer is a better one.

By Jeff Kimes - Executive Pastor

Well it may not feel like fall outside, but most of our fall midweek lineup of classes are ready for you starting August 20. If you will look at the list below you will find several options to choose from to enrich your spiritual walk. Pam Wald’s class and the two ladies' classes require a book that you will need to purchase before the class. The book for Pam’s class can be found at scopeministriesinternational.cloversites.com/store and you can get “The Way of Wisdom a Study of Proverbs” and the book “Esther” by Kelly Minter at Amazon or Mardel.

Other good news, breakfast will be starting back Sunday, September 7 from 8:30 – 9:30am. Amy Jacobs has graciously stepped in to prepare and provide breakfast. To cover the cost of the breakfast, we are asking for a $3 donation per person with a maximum of $12 per-family. I can almost taste the biscuits and gravy now.

Our Wednesday night dinners are on pause. Michelle Stewart is still looking for a couple of people to help with the Wednesday night meal and we will not be able to start the meal until those positions are filled.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out.

God Bless, Jeff Kimes

Midweek Adult Bible Studies

Ladies’ Bible Study @ 6:30 pm // 119A
Begins August 20th led by Ashley Berger
A Way of Wisdom a study on Proverbs

Ladies’ Bible Study @ 6:30 pm // Learning Center
Begins August 20th led by Glenda Kimes
Esther - Daring Faith for Such a Time as This

Co-Ed Bible Study @ 6:30 pm // Rm 117E
Begins September 3rd led by Pam Wald
Be Transformed: Discovering God's Solutions to Life's Problems

Co-Ed Bible Study @ 6:30 pm // Rm 117D
Begins August 20th led by Scott Philips
How to Study the Bible on Your Own- Galatians

Adult Bible Study @ 6:30 pm // Multi-Purpose Room
led by Griff Henderson
covers various topics through the year

GriefShare @ 4 and 6:30 pm // Rm 117F
Begins August 27th led by Mary Scott
a support group for those dealing with loss

by Griff Henderson - Senior Pastor

I believe a mission trip can change a life. Not just who you go to help, but it can change you and others.

You are invited to go to Rhode Island with us. Join us on Wednesday, July 30th @ 7:15 pm or Sunday, August 3rd @ 5:15 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room to find out more information.
This month, we are studying The Unchangeable God in our worship service. Please pray for our love of God to grow. Come expecting God to move Sunday morning, as we celebrate Romans 8 and God’s great love.

Hey pick up the phone and check on someone this week.

Shari and I love you,
Pastor Griff

by Robin Roady - Director of Childhood Ministries 

Chisholm Kids are having a blast this summer!! VBS kicked off our summer, then kid's camp and we are now in the middle of our Summer Adventure Days. These are 6 days during the summer when we take 25 1st-6th graders and 5 sponsors on different field trips. We started off our summer at the OKC Zoo, then went to an indoor inflatable place where we jumped out our energy, and while the students were at Falls Creek we rented a huge inflatable waterslide and enjoyed a day at the church. Last week we went to the Moore Water Park. We will end our summer with a pool party.

Chisholm Preschoolers have also enjoyed several play dates this summer. Bridgette has done a great job in making sure that even our littlest Chisholm kids are forming bonds with one another through fun days together.

The school year is fast approaching! Here's a few dates for you to remember:

• August 7th is our Back-to-School Bash at the Mustang Aquatic Center 6:30- 8:30pm.
 The entire church is invited to this fun evening! IT’S FREE! Come enjoy some
pizza, slide down the waterslide and enjoy a fun evening together as a church family.
• August 10th is Promotion Sunday. All children babies through 6th grade can stop
by the preschool welcome desk and pick-up a donut and a small gift from me and
Bridgette.

It’s been a fantastic summer, and we are rejoicing in all God is doing in Chisholm Preschool and Chisholm Kids!

We still need to fill a few more Sunday School teaching roles in preschool. If you feel God is calling you to work with our precious little children please reach out to Bridgette and let her know. Her email is blancaster@chbcmustang.org.

Let’s serve Christ together,
Robin

by Rusty Stowe - Senior Adult Pastor

We have many friends and family members who are experiencing what they would refer to as “dark times”. Events like flood waters, wildfires, cancer, undetermined sickness, etc. We must remember that none of us are exempt from suffering, discouragement, or trauma. We must remember that Jesus experienced these things in His life, so we might need to experience them in our lives for God to develop the character of Christ in us.

This does not mean that God causes tragedies! We know that God is good, and He will not cause evil or do evil. But we also know that God uses the dark times for good. He can use our current troubles to teach us to trust Him, show us how to help others and to draw us closer to other believers.

The Word of God says, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”  (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

So, what do we do when we are going through difficult times? Use the three R’s - REFUSE to be discouraged. REMEMBER God is with you through the good times as well as the bad. RELY on God’s protection and guidance when you must make difficult decisions. God’s light shines even in the darkest shadows.

Rusty

by Lyndall Jones - Worship Pastor

Psalm 150 states:
1 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

While this is obviously a powerful Psalm and it is a right thing to do, how do we feel like praising Him with this type of exaltation when our world or the people around us are struggling? Given the pain and loss going on in Texas right now along with the chaos in our society, praising the Lord with loud instruments and declaration seems kind of hard at times like these. But, sometimes, being honest in our hurt with God can be worship as well. The prophet Habakkuk wrote: "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted." (Hab. 1:2-4)

In our pain and confusion over why He is allowing such hard and painful things to happen, we can remember that God is still sovereign, He still has a plan to give eternal life and hope, and He hears us when we cry out. Trust Him even when things are rough. The Lord's answer to Habakkuk's cry might just be coming to you and me as well. "Look among the nations and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." (Hab. 1:5) There is a song we will be singing soon in our worship services that expresses this hopeful trust we have in God despite pain and this is the chorus:

Your plans are still to prosper, You have not forgotten us.
You′re with us in the fire and the flood.
You're faithful forever, perfect in love.
You are sovereign over us. (Sovereign Over Us by Michael W. Smith)

Now God may not solve or redeem every pain and hurt we are seeing now like He did for Habakkuk and the people of that day, but the point should still be the same for us. God has or will redeem all things, if not in the immediate future, then eternally when we are with Him in Heaven. Our resolve needs to be to stand steadfast in our faith, crying out to Him for help and direction, and to desire to grow in Him. And THAT will lead us back to being able to declare words like Psalm 150 with conviction and passion. May you and I be encouraged today to trust that God is still doing a work that we would not believe if we were told and continue to seek and celebrate Him today.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Lyndall Jones

by Jeff Kimes - Executive Pastor

As I type this article, it is July 2 and that is the halfway point of the year, so we are closer to end of 2025 than the beginning of 2025. Mull on that a bit.

I was talking with my grandson a day or so ago about Falls Creek. He mentioned one thing he came back with that he is really focusing on: it is, as a Christian, whatever you do not only reflects on you but also on all Christians. So if you are a Christian and do something wrong, people don’t just see it as a person doing something wrong, but as a Christian doing something wrong. Therefore it also gives Christianity a black eye.

Matt. 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Jesus said in this passage, in Matthew, that we as followers of Christ are the light of the world. I remember touring a cave and at one point they turned the lights out in the cave and there was total darkness. You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. Then the tour guide turned on this small flashlight and everybody’s attention was turned to that light.

If we are letting the light of Christ shine through us in this dark world, people will see it and it will give glory to God. In the same way if we are doing something wrong people will see it and our witness will be tarnished.

So as we move through the last half of this year, let’s look for ways we can let our light shine and bring glory to God.

God bless,
Jeff Kimes