First Baptist Church of LaPlace
Pastor's Letter | August 18, 2026
FBC LaPlace Family,
The emotions of a week can be overwhelming at times. This past week, we have experienced both incredible highs and difficult lows. We remembered and celebrated the homegoing of a dear saint of God whom we all loved. The life she lived; reminded us of the hope we have in Christ and the promise of eternity.
At the same time, we have experienced the excitement of seeing our church family focus on reaching the next generation as Ignite Students and FBC Kidz kicked off their Midweek ministries. Pastor Michael Catt once said, “Whoever wants the next generation the most will win them.” What an exciting opportunity God has given us to invest in the next generation and point them to Jesus!
It is especially encouraging to see our Babies–PreK Extended Session full of children each Sunday. We are seeing families come together, children being cared for and taught, and the next generation being surrounded by people who love Jesus and want them to know Him.
God is also continuing to change lives among us. As we gathered for worship Sunday, we celebrated another baptism. What a joy it is to see baptisms becoming a regular part of our worship gatherings as we watch God reach people and transform lives!
We are also seeing excitement and growing interest in our Sunday School/Small Groups at 9:00 a.m. Classes are filling up with people who desire to study God’s Word, grow in their faith, and do life together in biblical community.
Our worship gatherings continue to be marked by authentic worship—through praying, singing, praising, giving, and the faithful preaching of God's Word. It is refreshing to see our church family worshiping together and seeking the Lord.
And then there is the fellowship we see taking place in the Welcome Center before and after our worship gatherings. There is something special about seeing generations come together, relationships being built, guests being welcomed, and our church family simply loving one another.
We are also seeing God send us on mission regularly. He is giving us opportunities to be His hands and feet and point people to Jesus—from right here in our backyard throughout the River Parishes to the ends of the earth.
And finally, God is entrusting us with the people He sends our way as they sit in the empty chairs among us. Every empty chair represents someone who needs to hear the gospel, experience the love of Christ, be saved from their sin through faith in Christ, and find a church family where they can grow as a disciple of Jesus.
These truly are some great days in the life of the FBC LaPlace family!
May we remain faithful—walking daily with Jesus, boldly sharing Jesus, and continually loving one another. God continues to show us that He wants us at FBC LaPlace to be a church focused on reaching people, discipling people, and sending people for His glory!
MidWeek is back on Wednesday Nights for everyone starting at 6pm.
FBC Kidz for K-5th grade
Ignite Students for 6th-12 grade
Adults Studies in the AEB Building:
Spiritual Formation 101 with Dylan Newton
Have you wondered what it really means to follow Jesus? We know we are suppose to follow Jesus but what does it actually look like? Formation 101 is a 13-session course to help us explore what it means to become apprentices of Jesus--to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did. In this study will help develop rhythms that help us intentionally arrange our lives around the presence of Jesus. This isn't just a class; it is an invitation to be formed.
Book: Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Revelation Study with Paul Dahmer
Do you want to take a journey the Book of Revelation? The book of Revelation unveils Jesus Christ in his glory and victorious return. Pastor John MacArthur will take us through the book, passage by passage, so that we can better understand everything from the historical context to the coming of Christ's Kingdom. Through the use of vivid imagery, John writes Revelation to reveal the end of human history, the return of Christ, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth.
Book: Revelation: The Christians Ultimate Victory by John MacArthur
Old Testament Survey with Shane Newton
Are you curious about how the Old Testament fits with the New Testament? Or how the Old Testament points us to Jesus Christ. This calls will teach us how the Old Testament joins with the New Testament to give ONE STORY. ONE GOD. ONE PROMISE. ONE SAVIOR. Whether you've read the Bible for years or are just beginning--this class is for you!
Book: The Holy Bible
Grief Share with Patty Cortez
GriefShare is support group to help someone move through the grief process. It is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability—and gain solid support each step of the way.
Book: The GriefShare Participant Book
As we gather together, we are strengthening one another to reach people with the gospel, disciple people to follow Jesus, and send people to live on mission for His Kingdom.
Updated Church Website
We are really excited about our new, refreshed, and updated website. Our website provides all that you need from upcoming events, ministry opportunities, sermons, giving, or simply learning more about the church and ministry at First Baptist Church LaPlace. Take a few minutes this week to explore it at www.lpfbc.org. We hope it will be a helpful resource for your family and an inviting place to share with friends and neighbors who are looking for a church home.
Deacon Nominations
It is time for deacon nominations. Deacon nomination forms are in the Welcome Center for you to pick up. We will receive nominations through the month of August. You can put your completed forms in the black deacon nomination box in the Welcome Center. We looking to add up to three more deacons for our deacon ministry. As you pray about men to serve, consider this question: Who in our church family demonstrates a genuine servant’s heart, loves Jesus, is becoming more like Christ, and leads his family with the Lord at the center?
Thank you for allowing me to serve alongside you. I am praying for you, praying over you, and asking the Lord to continue to make us a church that reflects the heart of our Shepherd. May we faithfully follow Him as we continue reaching people, discipling people, and sending people for His glory.
I love you, church family. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
Only God!
[Image: Shane Newton]
Shane Newton
Senior Pastor
Also available as Markdown.