Author: obcsecretary

Okatee Baptist Church exists as a family of baptized believers in Jesus Christ who are dedicated to prayer, evangelism, worship, ministry, missions and fellowship through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Rev. Woody Oliver / Pastor
Dr. Tim Searcy / Associate Pastor
March 30, 2025

The Lord’s Day
March 30, 2025
Special Music
“Here I Am to Worship” Choir
Welcome / Greeting
Worship in Song
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” Hymn #657
Scripture Reading and Prayer Pastor Woody
Ephesians 1: 19b-23
Mission Moment Jim Phillips
Worship in Song
“’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” Congregation
Praise Team
“Made for More” Praise Team
Message “Full of Him” Dr. Tim Searcy
Ephesians 1: 19b-23
Worship in Song
“Jesus, I Come” Hymn #439
Announcements Pastor Woody
Offering Prayer and Benediction

CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Children’s Church is provided upstairs in this building. for children K-4.
Children will be dismissed after Scripture Reading and Prayer time.
WELCOME
Thank you for worshiping with us today. An offering plate is located on a table in the foyer as you came in for your convenience. Thank you for your unwavering support of the ministries here at Okatee Baptist Church.

Okatee Baptist Church, 5467 N. Okatie Hwy., Ridgeland, SC 29936
843-987-0885
www.okateebaptist.com

ATTENDANCE
Worship Service / 110 Sunday School / 56
Sunday Evening / 33 Wednesday Evening / 39
Our people gave
Weekly Budget: $ 8,860.00 Budget Offering: $ 10,100,99

Week OF march 30TH - APRIL 6th
Sun 3/30 6:00pm “Ordinary Angels” Movie
Tues 3/31 11:30am Tuesday Prayer Gathering
Wed 4/1 5:30pm Prayer Meeting
6:00pm Bible Study
7:00pm Choir
Sun 4/6 9:45am Sunday School
11:00am Worship Service
6:00pm Evening Service: “Existentialism”, Dr. T

MOVIE NIGHT AT OKATEE
THIS EVENING AT 6PM
“ORDINARY ANGELS”
A struggling hairdresser finds a renewed sense of purpose when she meets a widowed father working hard to care for his two daughters. With his youngest critically ill and waiting for a liver transplant, the fierce woman single-handedly rallies an entire community to help.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Family Movie - “The King of Kings”
April 12th / 10:30am at Cinemark Bluffton
Tickets are $8.00 for children and $8.50 for adults. A parent must attend with their child. The church will provide a kid’s pack popcorn for your child. We hope to see you there. See Gail Lenga with any questions.

Website: Okateebaptist.com; Youtube.com@okateebaptistchurch;
Facebook.com: Okatee Baptist Church

Foundational Truths for the Body of Christ
Fullness in Christ: The concept of being "full of Him" implies a saturation of one's being with the transformative influence of Christ’s love, compassion, and wisdom. This fullness extends beyond acknowledgment, urging believers to actively embody Christ's teachings in their daily lives.
Church as the Body of Christ: The metaphorical depiction of Jesus as the head of the church emphasizes not only leadership but also the source from which the entire body derives its purpose, direction, and vitality. This symbolism extends beyond the church, encompassing all facets of existence.
Divine Appointment: Recognizing Jesus as the head of the church signifies a purposeful and intentional design, with Jesus serving as the conduit through which the fullness of God's wisdom, grace, and divine presence is channeled to the body of believers.
Comprehensive Completeness: The acknowledgment of Jesus filling all things speaks to a universal and cosmic significance, highlighting Jesus as the appointed source for completeness in both the ecclesiastical realm and the broader spectrum of existence.
Holistic Integration of Faith: Being "full of Him" encourages a holistic integration of faith into every facet of life, fostering interconnectedness and reinforcing the idea that the Church, as the Body of Christ, is a unified entity.
Holistic Understanding of Faith: Believers are encouraged to recognize the interconnectedness of their faith with every aspect of existence, embracing a perspective that extends beyond the ecclesiastical sphere.
The Role of Jesus: Jesus stands as the divine mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and the transcendent realm, and imparts spiritual abundance to the Church.
Holistic Approach to Faith: The Church, as the Body of Christ, is called to be a living testament to the transformative power of Christ's message, with each member contributing to the overall embodiment of His divine attributes.
The Church's Source of Fullness: The spiritual richness and completeness of the Church emanate from its connection to the ultimate source-Jesus Christ.
These foundational truths provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the transformative nature of the Church as the Body of Christ and the significance of being "full of Him" in every aspect of life.

STEPHEN: The Message
By Stephen J Cole
In 1777, William Dodd, a well-known London clergyman, was condemned to be hanged for forgery. When his last sermon, delivered in prison, was published, a friend commented to Samuel Johnson that the effort was far better than he had thought the man capable of. Dr. Johnson replied, “Depend upon it, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates the mind wonderfully.”
I cannot say whether Stephen sensed that he was about to be stoned to death when he delivered this message before the Sanhedrin, but his mind was wonderfully concentrated! More than just speaking well because of the threat of death, Stephen spoke powerfully because he was filled with the Holy Spirit (7:55). It is the longest sermon in Acts, and so the Holy Spirit thought it to be important enough for Luke to record it to the extent that he did. Perhaps Luke wanted his largely Gentile audience to get a brief history of God’s dealings with Israel.
The sermon also serves as a transition to the Gentile mission that follows this chapter, in that it shows Israel’s continued stubborn rejection of God’s message and messengers. It shows that God had worked in many places and ways with His servants down through the centuries, and so worship is not limited to the land of Palestine or to the temple. Like Abraham, who obediently followed the Lord, so God’s people must go where He leads.
Stephen was charged with speaking against Moses, against God, against the temple, and against the law and the customs handed down by Moses (6:11. 13, 14). While overall his message shows the charges to be false, it is more a sermon that traces God’s historical dealings with Israel, Israel’s history of rebellion against God, and a climax that indicts his hearers of the very charges that they were bringing against him. They were guilty of rejecting Moses and the law, and even worse, they had just killed the Righteous One whom God had sent for their salvation.
Thus the overall theme is that …
Stephen’s message focuses on three issues: (1) the patriarchal period (7:2-16); (2) Moses and the law (7:17-43); and, (3) the tabernacle and temple (7:44-50). The conclusion (7:51-53) is a scathing denunciation of the Sanhedrin, who were following in the rebellious pattern of their forefathers.

WEDNESDAYS AT OKATEE
Wednesday evening activities (formerly called the Midweek Service) is a time to pray together, grow together, and for those who sing (or make a joyful noise) together. At 5:30, we pray together by reviewing our extensive prayer list, creating prayer cards to sign and send to those in need, and joining together in prayer. At 6:00 the Praise Team is in the Sanctuary preparing for Sunday morning, and a Bible study led by Pastor Woody takes place in the Seminar Room in the Education Building. Pastor Woody will continue the series Esther this Wednesday. At 7:00 the choir prepares for Sunday morning in the Sanctuary. Come join in on Wednesdays as we grow together in our walk with Jesus Christ.

WEDNESDAYS AT OKATEE
5:30 Prayer Gathering / Perhaps one of the greatest moments of the week when we gather to sign prayer cards, call out people in need by name, and pray! I am convinced that God is honoring our church through this effort.
6:00 Ezra: A Study / The Israelites are making their way back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the city wall as they encounter opposition, complacency, and disappointment.

Women On Mission (WOM)
WOM is held on the 2nd Monday of each month. It is a group of women engaging in outreach, study, prayer, friendship and mission projects. We pray for the nations to hear God’s love and for the missionaries who serve Him. Besides keeping in touch with the missionaries that WOM supports, we do mission projects which are distributed throughout the community. WOM encourages women to help each other by developing loving, caring and sharing characteristics as part of a mission’s lifestyle. Please join us September 9th at 1pm in Fellowship Hall.

SC CMA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
April 12 / 9am to 3pm
Pine Grove Baptist Church in Leesville, SC
This event is open to all Women, including non-CMA members. Cost of Conference is $25 & includes snacks, drinks, lunch & ministry supplies. For more information phone Debbie 803-476-6163 or Johna 601-278-5084.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR SAVANNAH RIVER BAPTIST
ASSOCIATION/CLARENCE HANSHEW MISSIONS
Today through Sunday, May 19th, is the Week of Prayer that we’re observing for the Savannah River Baptist Association/Clarence Hanshew Missions. Next Sunday, May 19TH, a special offering envelope will be in your bulletin to use to help us reach our goal of $1,800.00 for the “Clarence Hanshew” offering for the Savannah River Baptist Missions.

WOMEN ON MISSION
Monday, October 14th, at 1:00pm
Fellowship Hall
WOM is held on the 2nd Monday of each month. It is a group of women engaging in outreach, study, prayer, friendship and mission projects. We pray for the nations to hear God’s love and for the missionaries who serve Him. Besides keeping in touch with the missionaries that WOM supports, we do mission projects which are distributed throughout the community. WOM encourages women to help each other by developing loving, caring and sharing characteristics as part of a mission’s lifestyle. Please join us October 14th at 1pm in Fellowship Hall.

Dr. Tim Searcy, 2024. The Church: The Body of Christ.

LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING
FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
December 1st - December 24th
Lottie Moon was sent as a Southern Baptist missionary to China from 1873 to 1912. She saw firsthand the world's greatest problem — LOSTNESS. Meeting so many people who had never heard the gospel compelled her to write letters to American churches describing the need for a greater missionary presence. She pleaded for increased prayer and financial support to send and sustain more missionaries. This challenge became known as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®.
Every year, Southern Baptist churches collect an offering to send and support missionaries to be steadfastly present among those who have never heard the gospel. 100% of your gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering enable gospel transformation among the unreached.
On Sunday, December 8th, we’ll have our Lottie Moon Offering Emphasis. You will receive a special offering envelope in your bulletin for this offering. Please make checks payable to “Okatee Baptist Church” with a footnote “Lottie Moon.”

“What a glorious thing it is to be a co-worker with God in winning the world for Christ.” Annie Armstrong

WOMEN ON MISSION
WOM is held on the 2nd Monday of each month. It is a group of women engaging in outreach, study, prayer, friendship and mission projects. We pray for the nations to hear God’s love and for the missionaries who serve Him. Besides keeping in touch with the missionaries that WOM supports, we do mission projects which are distributed throughout the community. WOM encourages women to help each other by developing loving, caring and sharing characteristics as part of a mission’s lifestyle. Please join us February 10th at 1pm in the Education Building.

LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal to support international missionaries is $25,000.00. We have received $ 23,537.00 to date with pledges of an additional $3,085.00 bringing the total of our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering to $26,622.00!! What an incredible offering and what an incredible God that He would enable us to support international missionaries at such a high level. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! People who make up Okatee Baptist Church are amazing.
$26,622.00

ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING
AND WEEK OF PRAYER FOR
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS
The North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention serves a diverse and complex region comprised of: United States, Canada and U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa.
The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (AAEO) is the primary way Southern Baptists fund missions in North America. One hundred percent of gifts given to AAEO go to the field to support more than 2,900 missionary families serving across the United States and Canada. Gifts to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering are used to train and resource missionaries in church planting and compassion ministries. Gifts are also used to create evangelism resources. New churches are being planted, hearts are being healed and lives are being transformed by the gospel because you give.

GRIEFSHARE
Pastor Woody is facilitating Grief Share Groups on Tuesdays at OBC from 6:30pm to 8pm. Anyone experiencing the death of a friend or family member can benefit from this program. Sessions last for 13 weeks. Call Pastor Woody at 864-554-7335 if you would like more information.

PRAYER MEETING 5:30 (Seminar Room)
Come and pray together interceding on behalf of people in our church and others
connected to our church through our members. Anyone and everyone is invited.
BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP 6:00 (Seminar Room)
PRAISE TEAM 6:00 (Sanctuary)
The praise team, led by Dr. Tim Searcy, practices each week in preparation for Sunday’s service. Reach out to Dr. T if you are interested in being part of the Praise Team.
CHOIR PRACTICE 7:00 (Sanctuary)
The choir, led by Suzanne Tomlinson, meets every week to prepare to lead worship in our Sunday services. Anyone is welcome to be a member of the choir.

SUNDAY NIGHTS at 6:00 in the FELLOWSHIP HALL
Coffee and snacks provided
Walking through the Book of Revelation can be an exciting adventure. It is a wonderful book that has been misunderstood, misrepresented and misinterpreted by many. The book of Revelation has been avoided because many seem to believe that it cannot be understood and that reading it, studying and preaching from it will only lead to confusion. Those who take time to study Revelation will soon discover that it is not hard to comprehend, because the diligent student of the book will also soon discover the fact that Jesus Christ is more clearly revealed than He is anywhere else in the Word of God.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS at 6:00 in the SEMINAR ROOM
Coffee and snacks provided
Wednesdays at 6:00 in the Seminar Room on the 1st floor of the Education Building we are going through the Book of Acts to discover the birth and growth of the church. It is amazing to see the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of the people who were God’s instruments in planting and developing the church. This week we will examine Acts 8:26-40 Phillip witnesses and baptizes an Ethiopian Eunuch.
SUNDAY MORNINGS at 9:45 in ED BUILDING CLASSROOMS
Donuts and coffee provided
One key to spiritual growth is studying scripture together in small groups, and Sunday morning Bible Fellowship is an ideal way to grow in Christ and grow closer together with other believers. We currently have 3 classes: a ladies class, a couples class, and a mixed class.

GRIEFSHARE
Tuesdays at 6pm in Seminar Room
GriefShare is a Christ-centered biblically based program that helps people apply biblical principles as they deal with the emotions and life stresses following the death of a loved one. Anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one is invited to attend. Meetings are at Okatee Baptist Church on Tuesdays at 6pm. Call Pastor Woody with any questions.

FELLOWSHIP MEAL
Wednesday, January 15th, 6pm
Invite your friends to this special evening of Christian fellowship, food and fun with our church family. The church will provide taco condiments and drinks. Please bring something to share that goes with tacos or bring a dessert, if you are able. Any questions, please contact Judy Hinds at 843-705-9135.
MEN’S MINISTRY BREAKFAST
Saturday, January 18th / 8am
Food, Fellowship, and a challenge for men on Saturday, January 18th at 8:00am. All men and boys are invited. . Great food / no cost.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR SAVANNAH RIVER BAPTIST
ASSOCIATION/CLARENCE HANSHEW MISSIONS
Today an offering envelope is in your bulletin for your use to help us reach our goal of $1,800.00 for the “Clarence Hanshew” offering for the Savannah River Baptist Missions. $50.00 has already been given. A special Thank You to all who are giving to this Missions offering today, and, Thank You to those who have already given!

PASTOR APPRECIATION
We are honoring our pastors on Sunday, October 27th during the 11am worship service. Please remember to put your notes of thanks in the boxes at the back of the church.

A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS
WEDNESDAYS AT 6:00
The Book of Philippians was written by the apostle Paul to thank the Philippians for the special offering they had sent him while he is under arrest in Rome and awaiting trial. In addition to thanking them for the gift, he updates them on his circumstances modeling how to evaluate one’s life on the basis of the gospel.
For Paul, what really matters is how the gospel is doing and that he honors Jesus, even while he’s in custody. He calls the Christians in Philippi to deal with their circumstance the same way. So they need to stand together in the face of the opposition they’re experiencing in a manner worthy of the gospel. They need to live together in harmony by being humble, following the example of Jesus. They should follow Paul’s example of considering everything as loss for the sake of Christ. In everything, their life and their joy should be found in Jesus and the gospel.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER
Clifford Wright joined OBC on Sunday, February 2nd. His address is 28 Glencairn Avenue, Bluffton, SC 29910.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Children’s Church is provided in the Education Building for children K-4. Children will be dismissed after Family Prayer Time.

WELCOME
Welcome to Okatee Baptist Church. Thank you for worshiping with us today. OBC values biblical stewardship and we praise God for your generosity in supporting the ministries of our church and the spread of the Gospel where we live, work, and play. An offering plate is located on a table in the center aisle for your convenience.

WOMEN ON MISSION
Monday, November 13th, at 1:00pm
WOM meets the second Monday of each month at 1:00 pm to review specific information about missionaries who are assigned to positions nationally and internationally. We pray for all missionaries who have birthdays each month and for specific needs within our group. All ladies are welcome.

MEMORIAL DAY
We wish everyone a safe Memorial Day holiday. Enjoy being with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend and celebrate its meaning.

Our State
South Carolina Baptist Convention $12,984.70
Anderson University $2,136.10
Charleston Southern University $1,955.70
North Greenville University $1,693.30
Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries $1,312.00
Ministries for the Aging $1,295.60
Woman's Missionary Union $717.50
Baptist Courier $250.10
Our Nation
North American Mission Board $3,833.50
Theological Seminaries $3,698.20
Executive Committee & SBC Operating $487.90
Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission $287.00
Historical Library & Archives $32.80
Our World
International Mission Board $10,315.60