Baptist Standard/Common Call

          Our staff recently went on retreat to evaluate ministry at Calvary and to talk about the direction God would have us to take this year.  One of the items we identified as needing our attention is communication.  We realize we need to do a better job of communicating with the congregation and our community what our vision, values, programs and events are.  We will be working on improving our bulletin, webpage, worship slides, e-mail, verbal communication, etc.

          One of the areas of communication that I believe is important for our leaders, if not for the entire congregation, has to do with information about the broader Baptist family and Christian community.  Calvary is a church that is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, also known as Texas Baptists.  We are strong financial supporters of mission, benevolence and education endeavors through the Texas Baptist Cooperative Program.  I believe that the more informed you as a leader are in regard to our Texas Baptist Family, the stronger our congregation will be.

         It is for that reason that I have requested a subscription of two publications for you: (1) Common Call: The Baptist Standard Magazine, and (2) Baptist Standard, Digital Edition.  The Common Call publication is a new monthly magazine from Baptist Standard Publishing.  It will be mailed to your home each month and it contains stories about everyday Christians who put their faith in action.  Additionally, it explores topics like missions, evangelism, family life, leadership and effective ministry.  The Baptist Standard, which has converted from a print to an entirely digital publication available on computers, tablets and mobile devices, will be e-mailed to you every other Monday.  The Standard will maintain its focus on Baptists, religion around the globe, trends affecting faith and life, missions and ministries, and faithful people.  If do not receive an e-mail from the Baptist Standard, this week, please let me know.  (Make sure that you add info@baptiststandard.com to your address book and check your junk mail folder for it).  You can read the Standard in its e-mail form, using the links to direct you to different stories.  You can also set up a user name and password in order to login and access previous issues of the standard and use other features of the page.

          You may also access the page directly and sign in through there:

http://www.baptiststandard.com

          You may know that the Baptist Standard is a self-supporting organization and it is not owned by the BGCT, which means it can speak to issues with freedom.  I have known Marv Knox to be a very professional, knowledgable and trustworthy editor for many years. I am grateful for his fine work and the contribution it makes to God's kingdom.

        Enjoy the publications and let us know how we might be of help to you.