MAY THEME – CHURCH ALIVE: Living As His Body In A Broken World.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
We began by celebrating three remarkable graduates—Allysa, LaShay, and Olivia—honoring their perseverance, faith, and the new chapters before them. From the moment we gathered, there was a tangible expectancy of God’s presence: burdens lifted, hope renewed, and every gift—from greeters to prophets—working in divine harmony. We saw that true worship isn’t passive but an encounter with the living God that carries His healing, strength, and life through us and into our community. As a united body, we don’t just sing melodies; we become a visible testimony of Jesus, serving in selfless love so that His glory fills our midst and spills over into a hurting world. And as we step into the week ahead, we carry this encounter with us—inviting others to experience the same transformative power. May we never forget that every smile, every prayer, every act of service extends the ripple of God’s grace beyond these walls.
Then came the call to move from mere attendance to wholehearted alignment—each of us shaped privately to fit corporately, using our unique gifts to supply strength and build up the whole. Like living stones joined by covenant love, we’re empowered to shine His light, reflecting Christ in every corner of life. We remembered that one disengaged member can stall the body’s function, while every connected joint unleashes unstoppable grace. Finally, on this Memorial Day weekend, we honored those who gave their lives for our freedom and pointed to the greatest sacrifice of all—Jesus Christ—urging us to live worthy of both our national liberties and our eternal citizenship, committed to being the living, breathing church the world desperately needs. As we pause in silent remembrance and lift our hearts in prayer, let us resolve to carry forward their legacy through our daily witness. May our freedom not only be remembered today but lived out each moment in humble service to Christ and neighbor.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
COMING EXPECTANT
As you step onto the church grounds, slow your pace and quiet your mind. Imagine opening a door not merely into a building, but into God’s very presence. Pause at the threshold and declare in your heart, “Jesus, I welcome You here.” Let this moment of intentional stillness remind you that the roof above us is secondary to the presence beneath it. Notice the sounds around you—the rustle of people greeting one another, the distant hum of anticipation—and let them draw your focus inward. Offer up any burdens from the week as you cross the threshold, entrusting them to His care before the service even begins.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20
Ask yourself: do I come expecting only a sermon, or do I come expecting the living Christ? If you truly believed He was here, how might you lift your hands differently, listen more intently, or worship with greater boldness? Consider how anticipating His nearness would transform ordinary hymns into intimate conversations. Reflect on moments in past services when you sensed His touch—what were you doing, and how can you recreate that posture of openness? Envision how a heart full of expectancy might color every word spoken and every song sung today.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as the center of our gathering. Remove every distraction and doubt from my heart. Fill me with expectancy for Your touch, Your word, and Your power. May I sense You moving among us from the first breath I take inside these walls. Amen.
Challenge: Before you sit, stand in silence for thirty seconds. Breathe in slowly, praying inwardly, “Come, Holy Spirit.” Breathe out, offering a quiet “Thank You, Jesus” for coming to meet you here. Let this simple act set the tone for your entire worship experience.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Sadie Almand & Unborn Baby
Paula Ferus – Cataract Surgery 5/28, 6/3
Ann Stanley – Heart Procedure June 13th
Doug Stephens
Mary Williams – Rehab
Jill Haines
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Debbie Foskey
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Garner
Jessica Headrick
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Mike, Gwen, Michael Rice Family – Friends of Blount’s – Car Accident
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Roy Loyd
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Tom Witcher