Why The Bible Is Important in Fells Point Baltimore

As Haven City Church prepares to start public services we have given thought to the liturgy (worship service structure). Depending on the church there are various emphasis and habits placed in the worship service. There are different styles of music and various arrangements of that music. The length of the service can very. The way the congregation participates can very.

We have considered many of these things as our church takes shape. 

For Haven City Church the Bible is the core part of our worship service. When we gather we dedicate a large chunk of our service to reading, understanding and applying the Bible to our lives. A quick rundown of what the Bible says it has to offer is the reason for this emphasis. 

  • “The Bible penetrates our hearts and deals with our attitudes, motives, and thoughts”
    • For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
       
  • “The Bible teaches us, rebukes us, corrects us, and trains us to do what is right”
    • All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
       
  • “The Bible is a guiding light for life”
    • Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
       
  • “The Bible gives us instructions to follow”
    • Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
       
  • “The Bible shows us how to be pure”
    • How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9
       
  • “The Bible stands the test of time and still is valid”
    • The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:8
       
  • “The Bible brings a blessing to those who obey it.”
    • He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28
       
  • “The Bible is the best foundation a person can build a life off of”
    • Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24
       
  • “The Bible has no errors”
    • As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30
       
  • “The Bible teaches the simple”
    • The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130
       
  • “The Bible nourishes our soul in the same way that bread nourishes our bodies”
    • Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
       
  • “The Bible is right and true”
    • For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4
       
  • “The Bible is praiseworthy”
    • In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me Psalm 56:4
       
  • “The Bible is like a mothers milk that contains all the nutrients needed for a baby to grow”
    • Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. 1 Peter 2:2
       
  • “The Bible makes a person wise”
    • For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
       
  • “The Bible can save a person from the moral corruptness of society”
    • Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:21

All of these things are needed in Fells Point, Harbor East, Washington Hill, Little Italy. And so as you attend Have City Church worship services expect to spend a lot of time in the Bible. Make sure you have a Bible that you like and bring it with you when you come!

The Fells Point Compassion Center

Back in early June the Lutheran Mission Society reached out to me about the Fells Point Compassion Center. They have a compelling story. The LMS has owned the Center for the past 50 years and it serves a vital role in the community. On any given day the homeless, first generation immigrants and those impoverished stop into the center to look through the items on the distribution floor. At first glance it looks like a thrift store, but it functions as a center meeting peoples physical and spiritual needs. 

But... The Center has been in bad shape for the past few years. Foot traffic has declined and the building has fallen into disrepair. It was in need of a change. 

The LMS offered to let our church use the building as long as we would manage the Center and get it back in good shape. It is a great trade for a new church and an amazing opportunity to love the people of Fells Point. 

Pastor Josh is now running the Center on Wednesdays and Fridays and the church will begin meeting in the Center on Sunday evenings. We will also begin the cleaning and rehab process over the next couple of months. The walls need to be repainted and the first floor needs to be dramatically improved. 

Summer Schedule and More

Haven City Church has experienced God's awesome shaping throughout the Spring. He has grown us numerically and connected our lives. He has given us a vision for reaching our family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. He as entrusted to us a ministry building with a functioning weekly outreach. He has also connected us with a pastor who already established a ministry framework in Fells Point and is willing to turn that over to us.

The kingdom of God is moving forward and we have had the exciting experience of joining God in this gospel movement. He is is forming a new church and allowing us to be a part of it.

As I’ve said a number of times, the process we are in is similar to a pregnancy. And as the months have passed the “baby bump” is more and more obvious. I am honored to be a part of this with you all. The next few months are crucial. And your involvement is important. I don’t know all that will transpire. But’s lets keep going in anticipation and faith.

Over the Summer we will continue gathering to build community, pray for the city and develop into a gospel-centered church. We are moving out of our home and into a public space in Fells Point. We are also going to be doing weekly outreach through the Compassion Center in Fells Point.

Our gatherings are moving from Friday night to Sunday evenings, biweekly throughout July and August. I have also scheduled a few Saturday morning workdays for the Compassion Center. Now is the time to begin inviting people into our Sunday evening gatherings. All are welcome. In addition to Bible teaching I will make it a point to share a short gospel message so that those who do not have a personal relationship with God can respond. We will also try to incorporate meals into our Sunday evenings so that hanging out is all that much more fun.

Please add the following dates to your calendar. Sunday Summer Gatherings

  • July 9, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
  • July 23, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
  • August 6, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
  • August 20, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Compassion Center Workdays

God has entrusted us with the Compassion Center off of Eastern Avenue to run and use for church gatherings. It is a pretty crazy opportunity! A few of us met there this past Sunday night, got a tour and prayed for the building.

This facility touches the lives of hundreds of people in Fells Point on a weekly basis. But there is a lot of work that needs to be done to get the center functioning and looking good. I have scheduled two work days in July to begin the cleaning process. It would be great to have your help. I will have lunch available for all who serve.

  • July 1, 8:30 AM - Noon
  • July 15, 8:30 AM - Noon

If you are interested in volunteering in the Compassion Center beyond these Saturday work days please let me know. There are a number of tasks that need to be accomplished on a weekly basis.

Thanks for loving Jesus and praying for Baltimore!