We're excited to announce the launch of Mark McKinney's podcast! Tune in for an Irish accent plus encouraging daily devotionals focused on the book of Psalms. In this time of isolation, we hope to challenge both students and adults alike to make time to be with the Lord each day, and respond to His Word in new ways. You can click here to start listening now!

P.S. If you have or know of any youths, feel free to forward this in their general direction.

A Message from Pastor Joe

Hola LBC Family,

Click here to watch a brief update from Joe White! And a few quick reminders:

• Weekly online prayer as a church: In light of the present crisis, the elders have issued a call to united prayer on behalf of our church, our city, and the world. Join us by Zoom video this Wednesday from 8:00-8:30 pm (call details below).

• Worship: If you've missed any of our worship services, click here to access them on our website. 

• Prayer requests: Please reach out to your elder, deacon, or community group leader if you have questions, prayer requests, special needs, or just want to check in. We are here for you! If you want the staff and elders to be praying for you specifically, click here to let us know how we can be supporting you.

• Ministries: Keep a weather eye on the cyber horizon for further updates from SPLASH and Youth, as well as our usual weekly update.

Love and love,


Lake Baldwin Church Staff

Just checking in...

The Church is everywhere represented as one. It is one body, one family, one fold, one kingdom. It is one because pervaded by one Spirit. We are all baptized into one Spirit so as to become, says the apostle, one body.

-Charles Hodge

Please reach out to your elder, deacon, or community group leader if you have questions, prayer requests, special needs, or just want to check in. We are here for you! If you want the staff and elders to be praying for you specifically, click here to let us know how we can be supporting you.

LBC Coronavirus Update March 17, 2020

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. --John 13:34

Dear LBC Family,

We continue to adapt to the changing situation related to COVID-19. As we do, we want to provide timely updates to keep you informed. All of our efforts are being shaped by the commands of Jesus to love one another and to love our neighbor.

• Worship: Many people joined our first online worship service last Sunday! Special thanks to Joe, Joel, Darin Baker, and Stephen Bowles who made quick work of a challenging project. We loved singing and hearing the message. If you missed the service, you can still view it on the homepage of our website, lakebaldwinchurch.com. You are invited to be part of online worship every Sunday at 10:45, via Facebook or the home page of our website, until we are again allowed to worship in person.

• Shepherding: We had a Zoom video meeting with our elders on Sunday evening. The elders want to increase our touch points with the congregation. Be sure to reach out to your elder and deacon with prayer requests and other needs. The deacons will be meeting by video on Wednesday evening to continue to shape our care plan.

• SPLASH Kids: Heather Shiflett will be working with the SPLASH team as part of their vision to partner with parents in nurturing the faith of their children. Look for children’s bulletins to help the kids enjoy the worship service this Sunday. Over the next week, you will hear from our SPLASH team about other resources for the kids.

• Social distancing: In keeping with guidelines from the government and the CDC, we will be cancelling all church meetings of 10 people or more.

• Youth: Youth group meetings are cancelled until further notice. Mark McKinney will be reaching out to youth through a variety of means. 

• Community Groups: Joe has reached out to Community Group leaders, as these groups are often the best way to provide care, prayer, and spiritual encouragement. We encourage Community Groups to stay in touch through calls, text, or group video meetings.

• Discover Grace series online: To encourage spiritual growth, there is a new “classes” link on the LBC website. You will be able to access Discover Grace 1 and the new Discover Grace 2 (starting next week). There are short videos with discussion questions, for personal or group use. Take some time to go through the whole Discover Grace series!

• Giving: You can continue to support the church financially by using the “Give” link on the website. Or you can mail your checks to: Lake Baldwin Church, 1300B Lake Baldwin Lane, Orlando, FL 32814.  New to online giving? Click here for more detailed instructions.

• Prayer: Contact your elder, your community group, or our church office (hello@lakebaldwinchurch.com) with prayer requests. 

In all these things we trust a sovereign and gracious God! Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6

With love and appreciation,


Mike Tilley

LBC Coronavirus Response

If you really fulfill the royal law according to Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. --James 2:8

Dear Lake Baldwin Church Family,

We have all been watching the developing story around the world related to the Coronavirus. This morning I was conferring with our ministry partners in Europe, where the situation has become acute, especially in Italy. One pastor captured the sentiment of many: “We are seeking to avoid the extremes of overreaction and underreaction.”

This week we have seen a travel ban from Europe, the cancellation of major sporting events, and other measures to slow the spread of the virus. In light of this we need to prepare for contingencies. We want to be alert to what God might be doing while taking prudent measures. Scripture reminds us to love one another and to love our neighbors. I would encourage you to view our response through this lens.

One step we took early on was to provide assistance for two of our members so that they could leave China and return to Orlando before the travel ban. Thanks to our deacons we were able to “love our neighbors” in a tangible way.

Here are some other measures we are taking (or can take) to love one another and love our neighbors:

1. Sunday worship: We will continue to gather for worship unless worship gatherings are cancelled by governing authorities. We have changed the way we will do communion, using pre-packaged grape juice and wafers that will be distributed. Your attendance at worship is, of course, up to you. If you or a family member are sick, then please do not go to public gatherings. If the public schools are closed, we have backup at The Geneva School, as we did during the hurricane. 

2. SPLASH Kids: Our team already has a practice of cleaning and sanitizing items that will be touched by children. We appreciate the safety plans already in place.

3. Hygiene and social distancing: As you have heard, be sure to wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds, with hot soapy water. For awhile, let’s refrain from touching though handshakes and hugs. If you cough, please cover your mouth.

4. Digital worship and preaching: In the event of a heightened ban on public gatherings, we will endeavor to provide a way to stay in touch online. If this becomes necessary, stay tuned for communication about that.

5. Smaller gatherings: Stay connected to your community group and shepherding group. That will be a way to offer care and to continue to share in the means of grace.

6. High risk individuals: If you need to stay home and cannot get out for food, there are many in our congregation, including our deacons, who will do whatever they can to help. Simply send a message to hello@lakebaldwinchurch.com. This could include purchase of food or picking up prescriptions. 

7. Prayer: Pray daily for those in need and for all in our church involved in caring for others. Pray, too, for those in other countries with high numbers of cases and where healthcare services are overstretched.  

8. Love your neighbor: You might become aware of needs around you, among people who do not have a church family. As God leads, offer practical help.

9. The peace of God: There is a chance that we and those around us will be worried about our health or our financial well-being (in light of the decline of the stock market and other economic consequences). As Christians, we have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). We have learned the secret of being content, whether in “plenty or hunger, abundance and need.” (Philippians 4:12)

If you have any questions or concerns in the coming weeks, do not hesitate to contact your elder, your deacon, or one of the staff.

Mike Tilley

The Meaning Behind Mardi Gras, Lent and Fasting

by Scott Crocker

An important season in the Christian calendar is upon us but many of us might not realize it. You've probably heard of the terms Lent and Mardi Gras but may not be familiar with their origins or what they truly mean.

Lent is a forty day season of focused prayer, repentance and fasting that takes place each year before Easter, the Sunday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These forty days represent the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness immediately preceding the start of His public ministry. Christians around the world have celebrated this season for a number of centuries and many continue to do so to this day.

For those of us in the West, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter. On Ash Wednesday, worshipers -- most commonly, Catholics -- have ashes rubbed on their forehead in the shape of a cross. This is to represent "repentance" -- or the turning from self to God -- during the Lenten season. During the time of Lent, Christians are expected to fast. It could be fasting from food completely or just meat or, in recent years, some have chosen other items like candy, caffeine or even forms of technology, like television or the Internet. (Technically, Lent lasts more than 40 days since Sundays were originally a day when one could indulge in whatever was being denied since it is the Lord's Day, a day of celebration.)

The day before Ash Wednesday is known as Fat Tuesday or "Shrove" Tuesday (or in the French language, Mardi Gras). Carnivale (which means "away with meat") is an extended festival before Lent that is commonly found in Roman Catholic societies. These are times of celebration and feasting before the entrance into the fasting period. For 2020 the Lenten season began this week with Fat Tuesday taking place on February 25th and Ash Wednesday falling the following day, February 26th. Palm Sunday is April 5th and Easter Sunday falls on April 12th.

For those of us that are Protestant Christians, the observance of Ash Wednesday and Lent is usually dismissed since many regard those as Catholic holy days. But I think that all Christians can appropriately recognize this season. For a number of years, I have participated in the Lenten season and have found it beneficial. It can be a time of dedicated Bible study, prayer, some sort of fasting and repentance and can be great preparation in leading up to the remembrance of the most significant event in world history, the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

Whatever you might choose to do or not do during this season, I trust that your focus will be on the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. Entering into a time of self-denial and focus on Jesus can help in leading us to a place of maturity where we are more committed to Him throughout the year, whether it is a designated holiday or not. May God bless you richly as we anticipate the celebration of His victory over sin and death.

Click here to read more from Scott Crocker!

Back Story 2019!

Click here to read our latest edition of Back Story!

Year End Letter

Dear Lake Baldwin Church Family,

I hope this letter (from your Associate Pastor!) finds you well as we begin another Advent Season. 2019 has been a year of God at work in our midst, and before life gets too holiday-crazed I wanted to encourage you to prayerfully consider being a part of yet another work of God—His financial provision for our church.

A LOOK BACK ON 2019

• Our youth ministry has grown to 40/week. They had their first ever Fall Retreat (“Launch”) in October.

• Over 100 of you are serving over 100 kids on a monthly basis in SPLASH! The kids have organized back-packs for under-resourced students at Glenridge Middle School and have had Skype calls with missionary families. A number of kids have affirmed their faith in Christ and have joined the church. This fall we added 2 new Splash classrooms to accommodate our rapidly growing children’s ministry.

• We had the privilege of encountering many stories of gospel transformation through our Telling God’s Story video series.

• This year’s Easter service was our largest yet at nearly 500 people, with many non-churched in attendance to hear the good news of Christ. Additionally, adult attendance is up 21% since June.

• This Summer Mike and Molly experienced the Holy Land, Ancient Ephesus and Corinth, and other European sites on their well-deserved (and much overdue!) sabbatical. They returned refreshed and excited to continue to serve and love our church!

• In our August Vision Engagement Series, we taught on our church’s mission: to make disciples through helping people CONNECT, GROW, and LOVE.

• In September, we announced the timeline and plan for the upcoming succession/transition plan involving Mike Tilley and the guy writing this letter.

• Thanks to our missions team and the leadership of Sarah Bergeson, we enjoyed a creative take on a missions festival: a dedicated missions Sunday followed by missions-focused shepherding dinners.

• God added new officers and leaders to strengthen our shepherding, care, and discipleship.

• Many in our church continued their involvement in grass roots efforts in serving the city.

• God has blessed us with a devoted and talented staff team. Our newest members, Margarita Smith and Katie Roggow, have both been such answers to prayer in 2019.

• As you may already know, a portion of our 2019 budget went to help local ministries making a difference in our city, front-line church planters domestically, and missionaries world-wide.

• We saw countless lives changed by the gospel through the various ministries of LBC this year.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Due to the many who faithfully give to LBC, we have 91% of our YTD expenses funded as of the end of October. This means that in addition to our expenses for November and December, we need to make up a shortfall of $67,000 to meet our annual budget. We are believing that God will do this as each of us decides in our hearts and gives joyfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

While there are many worthwhile ministries to which many of us give, we encourage you to make your local church a priority in your giving. This might be a chance to renew your monthly tithe, or to give a special year-end gift. As those who have walked this path can attest, on the other side of trusting God with our generosity is a tremendous joy. 

And we want to thank you in advance, as every year we’re blown away by God’s provision through your generosity. Thank you for being a part of this mission with us!  

In his grace,

Joe White and the Elder Team

P.S. You can give a secure gift here: https://lakebaldwinchurch.churchcenter.com/giving

2018 Year End Letter

November 30th, 2018

A Letter from Mike Tilley, Senior Pastor

Dear Lake Baldwin Church Family,

We’re gearing up for a beautiful Advent season, and I’m writing this letter to reach out to you before life gets busy for the holidays. My hope is to encourage you with what God is doing in and through your church, and to ask you to prayerfully consider the needs of the church as you plan your year-end giving.

Let’s thank God for some milestones in 2018!

• Our youth ministry has grown to 25/week. Five students came to Christ at camp!

• Over 100 of you are serving monthly in SPLASH. The kids have organized back-packs for under-resourced students at Glenridge Middle School and have had Skype calls with missionary families. A number of kids have affirmed their faith in Christ and have joined the church.

• LBC now supports six missionary families around the world, along with local ministries making a difference in our city. 3% of our budget assists front-line church planters.

• God has added new elders, deacons, deaconesses, and community group leaders to strengthen our shepherding, care, and discipleship.

• We voted unanimously to call Joe White as associate pastor.

• Last year’s Easter service was our largest yet, and God continues to bring new people.

• Many in our church are involved in grass roots efforts in loving their neighbors, caring for one another, and serving the city.

• Countless lives have been changed by the gospel, as we all have engaged the means of grace.

• God has blessed us with a devoted and talented staff team, fully engaged in serving the church and extending Christ’s kingdom.

Financial Update

Thanks to the many who give faithfully we have 87% of our expenses funded as of the end of October. We are trusting God for $83,000 in special year-end gifts to close the gap.

We believe that all of our ministries will be fully funded as we all participate in the grace of giving. Scripture encourages us to “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Please take a faith step in your giving.

While there are many worthwhile ministries to which many of us give, we encourage you to make your local church, the bride of Christ, a priority in your giving. This might be a chance to renew your monthly tithe, or to give a special year-end gift.

Those in our church who give generously would all tell you that there is great joy in giving. May you experience his joy and contentment as you give back to God the first fruits of what he has given you!

In his grace,

Mike Tilley, on behalf of the elders

P.S. You can give a secure gift at through our online giving platform, found here. 

---

Mike Tilley

Senior Pastor, Lake Baldwin Church
mike@lakebaldwinchurch.com