Katie McGuire. ties, judgments, loving qualities and other attributes, and recognize

Transcription

1 A publication of The First Baptist Church of Westfield, NJ January 2013 Imagine the sight (and the freight!) of a hot air balloon making its landing in your backyard all of a sudden! I learned from a friend of mine, whose friend s home was the subject of such a surprise, that it is tradition for balloonists to present those at the landing site with a bottle of champagne. Along with the champagne, there is a toast to soft winds and gentle landings. We ve landed in a new year, and for some folks, it indeed arrived with balloons and champagne, complete with a midnight kiss to ring in 2013! A new year brings with it new hopes and new resolutions; we ll finish that best-selling novel, fall in love, or finally begin a diet to shrink an immense waistline! Although, there are plenty of us with spirits so down, we can barely take flight, others feeling without purpose and not sure where they re headed, and ever so many who patiently await the arrival of something exciting. God uplifts us and delivers all the promises we ve been expecting! Let s make an effort to attend church regularly and tune into some Christian music while we exclaim praise, allow prayer to be our compass, and make ourselves available for a visit to others! When you and I can look at mankind with all its fears, insecuri- ties, judgments, loving qualities and other attributes, and recognize ourselves, then we are recognizing God s blessings. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17) Every good and perfect gift is from above, (James 1:17) but we must keep our eyes wide open because blessings from God don t drop in with balloons and champagne. Jesus was found lying in a manger full of hay. Together as we seek Him, let s look up, bow down, and may this be the year we toast to soft winds and gentle landings. Katie McGuire

2 page 2 Choir Notes What wonderful music we heard in December! THANK YOU! to our Chancel Choir, our Song Leaders, our Ringers, our Orchestra, and our Children s Choir for the someti mes triumphant, sometimes peaceful, but always inspiring Christmas music... to Matt, Tim, and Jeff Greenlaw, Scott Lind, Neil Pratt, Jim Redeker, Jon and Nikki Redeker, and Cristen Redeker Singer for singing with the Choir during Carols weekend (Grandma Nancy Redeker was on child care duty) to the members of our FBC Orchestra who played in worship on Dec 16: Katie Engel, Carleen Morris, and Kelly Yang, flute; Johnny Klikushin, and Maggie McGuire, clarinet; Owen Martin, tenor sax; Tyler Martin and Paul Koslowski, trumpet; Joseph and Melanie Della Peruti and Bill Mathews, trombone; Kathy Briedis and Wilda Francois, violin; Linda Battle and Beth Hanscom, cello; thanks to Steve Lind for conducting and Carl Della Peruti for assisting with rehearsals to Devin Araujo for playing drums with the Ringers on Dec. 9, and to Glen Brown for filling in as Bass Ringer on Dec. 16 as Steve Lind was conducting the combined Orchestra and Ringers to Carleen Morris and Kelly Yang, flute, and Glen Brown, guitar, for playing the prelude music before the Christmas Eve service to Paul Koslowski for playing accordion during the worship service on Dec. 30 and CONGRATULATIONS to Melanie Della Peruti who performed in The Nutcracker in December with the Broadway Dance Theatre in North Plainfield... "And so, as Tiny Tim observed... God bless us, every one was heard for the 15 th year on Dec. 15 th. The Westfield HS Concert Choir and Alumni along with Peter Horn, WHS Project 79 Coordinator and member of the Chorale bass section, added to our Christmas celebration with carols and the words of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. About 100 were in attendance and the free-will offering benefited Grace s Kitchen in Plainfield. Peter announced at the program that the donations that have been given in the 15 years of this program have been enough to feed those at Grace s Kitchen for an entire year. God bless us, every one, indeed! Music in January Chancel Choir January 13, 20 Chancel Ringers January 27 Song Leaders January 6, 13, 20, 27 The Messenger O Hear the Angel Voices...and we did as the Westfield Chorale celebrated their 25 th year together by leading us through the 29 th year of Carols in the Round. The designated 2012 charity is to assist those affected by Hurricane Sandy and the first donation will benefit the Manasquan Food Pantry. This year s donations pushed the grand total given since 1988 over the $64,000 mark. Thanks to all involved behind the music Tickets/Door: Wendy Engel, Nancy Lambros, Pam Greenlaw, Elaine Pratt Ushers: Alan Greenlaw, Dean Pratt, Ken Wooster Child Care: Linda Johnson, Colleen McGuire, Brian Morris, and Terry Wooster CD Orders: Mary Dobos, Cherie Parker, and Wendell and Trish Scott Readers: Mayra Castañeda Elaine Pratt, Maurice Blackmon, Bobby Dyckman, Megan Dyckman, Susan Dyckman, Peter Horn, Jillian Mathews, Tim Mathews, and Lauren Mazzarese Nativity set-up/candle replenishing: Steve & Donna Lind Christmas With the Westfield Chorale The 25th Anniversary Edition Recorded during Carols in the Round weekend, the double CD s are $15 and will be available in February or March. Their first recording in 11 years includes updated versions of the music from Carols in the Round that we have all come to know and love as well as some music sung in the early years of the Chorale. (There s also an appearance by our own Chancel Ringers!) Order forms, found in the narthex and on our web site, are due by January 15.

3 The Messenger page 3 What will 2013 bring? I am looking forward to a new year filled with hope and promises of the new things that God is always doing. Behold, I make all things new. (Rev. 21:5). I am looking forward to: Kenneth C. Bachman March 1, 1922 December 23, 2012 Ruth Lauritsen November 6, 1925 December 25, 2013 Coming January & February at FBC Baptism Sessions ---- Beginning Tuesday, January 8 at 6 pm. This I Believe A 4 week, indepth study on basic beliefs in the Christian faith so: God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Salvation through grace, Eternity (heaven-hell), Baptism, the Lord's Supper Course, beginning Thurs,, January 10 at 7 pm. Bible Basics 4 week course --- Saturdays, starting in February at 9:00 am. Call the church office for more information and to sign up. Celebration of new life through baptisms and conversions onto the Lordship of Jesus A year dedicated to matters of the family because Family Matters A church gathered and a church scattered and on mission Diverse opportunities to learn about our faith, the Bible and where daily life intercedes through Sunday activities and through courses taught throughout the year Singing to the Lord a new song! 2012 brought us many joys as well as many sad goodbyes. We celebrated the baptisms of Evans Antoine, Luis Araujo, Carl Della Peruti, Jim and Lynda Lloyd, as well as extended to each the hand of fellowship as new members. We also rejoiced that Cheryl Rosario became a member transferring her membership from her former church. We rejoiced at the number of children participating in children s moments and joyfully welcome their ready minds to learn all about God and Jesus and the Bible. Each child and their family is precious in God s sight! Happily we welcomed the inclusion of guitar and drums as a steady accompaniment to the beautiful voices of the youth and adult songs leaders each Sunday which help us to worship our Lord together. We said temporary goodbyes to long time members as they passed from this earthly home to their eternal home. We miss Ed Lehecka, Phil Foster, Doris Titsworth, Ruth Lauritsen, and Kenneth Bachman. We will continue to support their families with our love and prayers and presence. Others from our church family mourn the loss of a beloved family member and we embrace each and pray for God s comfort and peace. At the end of the year, we also accepted the resignation of our beloved Associate Pastor for Student Ministries, Suleima Rosario- Diaz, as she needs to devote time to her studies towards a Nurse Practitioner degree. Rev. Suleima will continue to assist with the young adult ministries, as well offer her many gifts as a member of our church.

4 page 4 The Messenger M issions at First Baptist Church is an evolving variety of projects that reveal the love of Christ to people who need assistance. We do this through making bag lunches, preparing dinners for homeless families, giving Thanksgiving baskets, collecting presents for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program and keeping the Food Pantry stocked. This work is not just done by members of the Missions Committee - there are many other members of the congregation who help, even the Youth Group and Young Adults were involved with mission projects. Christian Education plans activities that will create mission awareness for the little ones. Our children gave some of the ornaments they made at the Advent Festival for the Home First Christmas Party. Nova Spinner coordinated the craft projects for the Home First Christmas party. She showed them how to make marshmallow snowmen with gumdrop hats. She said she loves to watch the excitement and joy in their little faces. Paul Koslowski provided accordion music and one little boy stood in front of him and observed every move Paul made. Janet Winey enjoyed watching people choose the Angel Tree tag. I picked this child because she asked for books, one member commented. Sometimes children help their parent pick a child and take an active participate in selecting the gifts. She saw how excited they are when they bring the gift and put it under the tree. Maryann Friscia welcomes the opportunity to serve. In addition to being Church Clerk and a member of Deacons Committee, she helps make bag lunches and prepares part of a meal for the FISH program. Maryann is also the person who takes the canned food donations to the Food Pantry at First Baptist Church of Cranford/ Elizabeth. She doesn t get to see the result of the work she does, but she feels she gets to know her Church Family better. She said We grow in faith and love when we serve others. The Mission Committee welcomes your talents and ideas as we look forward to a new year of service. Janet Winey Chair, Missions Committee Stewardship Update #2 We have reached a pledge level of $183,000 as of December 31, 2012 and are close to reaching our goal of $200,000. In addition to this amount, someone has generously offered to match contributions up to $5,000 to help us meet our goal. Please make every effort to provide your pledge information to Ike Alvarado in the next couple of weeks as we close out the 2013 Stewardship Campaign. Also, if you find some spare time, please also reflect on the joy our church ministries bring! In Christ, Tyronne Singh all who purchased gifts in response to the Dove and Angel Tag requests; Weichert Realtors for donating new coats;...katie McGuire for preparing and organizing the Children s Christmas Pageant, as well as to all the children/families that helped make it happen; and to Erin Klein, directing Children s Choir; and Linda Johnson, who dressed our little ones as angels....lil Wheeler and Dot Waugh for helping with the Nov/Dec. Messenger....to everyone who helped with the Hygiene Kits and all those that donated! We made 40 that will be delivered to Bridges Outreach....Donna & Steve Lind and all our volunteers who helped to decorate the church for Christmas. Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 12 Jan 14 Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan 23 Jan 26 Jan 3 Jan 29 Birthdays and Anniversaries in January Judy Klein Brianna Virzi Lois Alpaugh Marlee Araujo Jillian Mathews Ike Alvarado Becca Hanscom Brittany Lambros Marcia Malcolm Johnny Klikushin Phyllis Shaunesey Megan Winey Ryan Siegel Darian Siegel Dwight Engel Maggie McGuire Bryan & Carleen Morris Jim & Lynda Lloyd

5 The Messenger page 5 for children, ages 4yrs 5 th grades Sunday, January 27 Following worship Saturday, January 26 We will discuss The Cat s Table by Michael Ondaatje. All are welcome. Showtime: Friday, January 18th Drop-off: 6p.m. * Pickup: 8p.m. Now Playing: Rio Pizza and Popcorn will be served! Please bring a pillow and sleeping bag / blanket & wear comfy pj s! Reserve your seat by January 14 th to Miss Katie! January 2013 Calendar (Ongoing Calendar on back page.) Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Baptism Session, 6pm; Facilities & Finance, 7pm; Missions, 7:30pm Deacons, 7pm 9 Christian Ed, 7pm 10 This I Believe course, 7pm Council, 7:30pm Cong. Mtg

6 170 Elm Street Westfield, NJ We re Here For You! Ph: /Fax: Pastor Mayra Castañeda Bill Mathews Katie McGuire Nancy Lambros ONGOING S CHEDULE (Weekly, unless otherwise noted.) Sundays: 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study, led by Pastor Mayra Singles Gathering Childcare available until 9-11:30 10:30 a.m. Worship Service (Lord s Supper Jan 6) 10:30 a.m. Children s Sunday School (pre-school-5th grades) 11:30 a.m. Children s Choir rehearsal (pre-school to 5th gr) 5:00 p.m. Youth Ministry/Supper (6th-12th gr) Tuesdays: 7 a.m. GRUB w/ the Guys (Jan 8 this month) 10:30am Women s Writing Group (monthly) Wednesdays: 12Noon Conversations w/god Prayer Time (sanctuary) 1-3pm Knitting/Craft Group - (2nd Wed, Jan 9) Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. The Hearing Society: Speech Reading Class 7:15/8 p.m. Chancel Choir & Ringers Saturdays: 10 :00 a.m. Women s Book Club (monthly, Jan 26) C HURCH S TAFF Rev. Mayra Castañeda, Senior Pastor William R. Mathews, Minister of Music Katie McGuire, Director of Children s Ministries Nancy Lambros, Church Administrator O UR P URPOS E Coming together in joyful worship, we re here To share the reality of God s love, To connect our lifestyles to Christian truth, And to put our faith into action through responding to needs in our community, nation, and world.

7