The Gift That Keeps Giving - God s Love By Sarah WAtkins

Transcription

1 We are a body of believers united in Christ to proclaim, live, and love according to God s Word. I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Advent Series 2 Advent Devotional Advent Workshop Annual Meeting 5 Book Bound 5 Birthdays and Anniversaries Budget & Finance 7 6 Calendar 9 Church s 5 Christmas Eve Service Church Mouse Nursery School Community Choir Cantata 4 7 Deacons 6 Excel Youth Conference FBC Christmas Celebration FBC Christmas Celebration Cookies 5 Food Pantry 5 Lessons & Carols Service 4 Library 8 Light in the Darkness Missionary Update: Niles 4 8 Poinsettias 4 RMMO 6 Toys for Tots 4 Trustees 5 Watkins Open House 4 Youth Groups 5 The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa Messenger D E C E M B E R V O L U M E 7, I S S U E 1 2 The Gift That Keeps Giving - God s Love By Sarah WAtkins Mary Poppins is a favorite Disney Movie that is celebrating its 51 st anniversary. Mary certainly had a way of doing the unexpected. Do you remember her magic carpet bag? In front of two astonished children she pulls out one thing after another from her bag: a hat stand, a mirror, lamp, plant, and much more. Michael and Jane look in, under and around her bag but can t discover the secret to her magic. When questioned, Mary states that they should never judge things by their appearance, even a carpet bag. The scene ends with Mary declaring that she is practically perfect in every way. Figuratively, God has his own magic carpet bag from which he has revealed His blessings, covenants, promises, deliverance, and grace. His ways are amazing and beyond comprehension. Let s take a look. Creation God spoke creation into existence. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good (Genesis 1:1). Mankind God created man in his own image... male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27). He planted a garden where His people could live, God dwelt there, and with them He established a covenant relationship. God s Covenant with Noah God destroys mankind in a great flood, saving only Noah, his family and representative animals. Afterwards, God promises Noah Never again will life be cut off. The rainbow is a reminder of the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures (Genesis 9:11, 16). The Covenant with Abraham God promises Abraham that I will make you a great nation, your offspring will be as many as the stars in heaven, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed (paraphrased Genesis 12:2 and 15:5). In this covenant God binds himself to keep both sides of the covenant, the promise and the obligation of taking the blessing to all the families of the earth. He would not let this covenant fail. God s Deliverance God saw the suffering of the Israelite slaves, in Egypt, and sent Moses to free His people. I am the LORD, I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment (think 10 plagues and parting of the Red Sea). I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God (Exodus 6: 6,7). Continued on next page

2 P A G E 2 Immanuel, God with Us Mary wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger (Luke 2:7). God came in the form of a babe to be closer to us. Rather than God over us, God above us, God before us, God on the mountain, in the temple, in the cloud, God chose to be with us, inseparable from us, permanently indwelling us (Dan Schaeffer, Moody Magazine 12/97). The Life and Miracles of Jesus God proved His commitment to us by living among us for years. He taught the crowds (Matthew 5:1-12), he approached lepers with a touch (Matthew 8: 1-), the blind with compassion (Matthew 9:21-4), raised a widow s son (Luke 7:11-17) and fed the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). The Crucifixion and Resurrection The angels reported You are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; he is risen, just as he said (Matthew 28:5, 6). When our sins had reached the saturation point throughout the ages God sealed the very act by which He would forever bind Himself to us, Jesus death on the cross. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John :16, 17). Born Again Jesus teaches, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit (John :5). Because of God s great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4, 5). Praise God we have been redeemed! Now back to Mary Poppins. Whereas, Mary Poppins stated that you can t judge things by their appearance, we are absolutely certain that God is the real-deal, and that He is 100% perfect in every way. God is faithful to his covenants and promises and will always love us. He has provided the way for us to live now and throughout eternity, in fellowship, and love with Him. The reality of all the wondrous works and mercies of our Lord and Savior should cause us to react, like Michael and Jane reacted, when they saw Mary Poppins pulling things out of her magic carpet bag. The expressions on their faces were of utter amazement. We should exude that same awe and wonder. One final question, is God s magic carpet bag empty now? A resounding, No! God continues to reveal new mysteries and truths to us, his believers. His work is not done. He does not want anyone to perish, but wants everyone to repent (2 Peter :9). He has commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded (Matthew 28: 19, 20). Because we are bound to God we are participants in the mystery of His redemption work. Along with him, God asks us to reach into his magic carpet bag, and together draw forth new life in Christ our friends, families, neighbors and strangers alike. Won t you invite someone to meet Jesus this Christmas season? In grateful service to Christ, Sarah HARK THE GLAD SOUND! During the Advent/ Christmas season, beginning on Nov. 29, our worship services will be focused around the theme Hark the Glad Sound! In this church season filled with music, we will hear the biblical songs of God s people as they awaited the coming of the Messiah. Each week we will learn about a song from scripture that will help us be prepared for Christ s coming among us as a baby in Bethlehem s manger. We will hear and ponder the Song of Zechariah, the Song of Mary, the Song of the Angels, and the Song of the Church. We will also learn and sing an Advent theme hymn which will be used each Sunday in the series.

3 PAGE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION HARK THE GLAD SOUND! ADVENT DEVOTIONALS Advent Devotionals are available at both entrances of the sanctuary. Use these meditations to consider the words of treasured Christmas songs and the spiritual insights that deepen our Christmas celebration. This music, this gift of the Holy Spirit, has transcended generations to become part of the soundtrack of our lives. Hear these songs with new ears, read them with new eyes, and sing them with a renewed spirit. ADVENT WORKSHOP Sunday, December 6, 11:0 a.m. -1:0 p.m. Wooden soldiers on parade, singing beasts and bells? Pack up the kids and invite the neighbors as the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa once again celebrates the season with a wonderful evening of song, storytelling, and imagination. The program will feature the Adult Choir, Bells of Faith, Men of Faith, Sweet Harmony and the Cherub Choir. If you've never attended an FBC Victorian Christmas or a First Friday event, it's time to make a new tradition. The annual holiday parade kicks off at 6:0 p.m. Come early for parking, and get a great view from our own front yard. After the parade passes, come sample our delicious dessert buffet and settle in the sanctuary by 7:0 p.m. You don't want to miss this and we don't want to miss you! FIRST BAPTIST CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION COOKIES The Board of Christian Education is looking for volunteers to bake cookies for our First Friday Celebration at FBC. There will be a sign-up sheet in the church lobby for anyone who would like to bake 2- dozen of their favorite holiday cookies. Cookies will need to be dropped off at FBC by Thursday night, December rd. Please contact Cailin Rabideau if you have any questions or would like to help out. Join us for an afternoon of festive, fun and creative crafts for the Advent Season Sun. Dec. 6 immediately following worship. The Board of Christian Ed will continue the tradition of the Advent Workshop that began in 2010 with Christine Rudnick. Please join us for fellowship and crafts to welcome in another blessed Advent Season. Pizza and beverages provided. Inspired by a Celtic Christmas Carol Tom Fettke & Thomas Grassi Presented by The Combined Church Choirs of Ballston Spa Directed by Eve Kenyon Sunday, December 1, 6 p.m. Preceded by Hors d oeuvres at 5 p.m. At The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa

4 P A G E 4 CAROLING AT SARATOGA CENTER FOR REHAB Sunday, December 1, 2:15 p.m. People with smiles wanted! Come join us and the Cherub Choir as we bring Christmas cheer to the residents of Saratoga Center for Rehab! We will be singing Christmas carols, reading scripture, and visiting with the residents. Good singing voices not required, just people willing to share a smile! POINSETTIAS Order Christmas poinsettias in memory or in honor of a loved one. They will be placed in the sanctuary the Sunday before Christmas and Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each pot is $ Please use the envelope provided in the pews or in the back of the sanctuary. Envelopes may be placed in the offering plate or in the church office. Last day to order is Dec. 1. MERRY CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Friday, December 6:0 p.m. at the Watkins home 29 Van Tassel Ln, Take a moment to relax and enjoy the Christmas season. Stop by for as short or long as you like. Share in the warmth of a fire and fellowship of friends. Enjoy a whole variety of hot drinks or cold punch. Please bring a favorite dish to share. RSVP helpful, please contact Sarah Watkins by Dec. 15th. HOLIDAY PARADE DEC. 4 TOYS FOR TOTS Ballston Spa Christmas Parade will spotlight the Toys for Tots campaign in partnership with the Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corps, Saratoga County Sheriff Dept and US Marine Corps. Volunteers from these organizations will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys from spectators along the parade route as well as at the tree lighting. LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS A Service of Comfort and Hope Monday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 22 W. High St. Christmas can be a painful time. The constant, inescapable refrain about the happiness of the season reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. Recognizing that Christ came to comfort those who struggle with sadness and pain, First Presbyterian Church will host a community service of scripture, prayer, music and candle lighting to invite God's Word to shine light into our darkness. Everyone is welcome. CANDLE LIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Thursday, December 6:00 p.m. The culmination of Advent is Christmas Eve, when we expectantly await Christmas Day. We invite you and your family to join us on Christmas Eve for an evening of meaningful worship, music, and recalling of the Christ event that will touch your heart and soul as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. The evening culminates with a moving candle lighting celebration. LESSONS AND CAROLS SERVICE Sunday, December 10:0 a.m. Join us the Sunday after Christmas for a service of Lessons and Carols. The first Lessons and Carols worship service was celebrated in England in 1880 during the Christmas season. In 1918, it was adapted for the chapel of King s College, Cambridge. This worship follows God s work from the Old Testament to the Gospels with Christmas carols throughout. The story of God s salvation is celebrated through this worship service and highlights the Christmas story through story and song. This service is a wonderful experience because it blends together traditional carols with fun.

5 P A G E 5 NOTE FROM THE TRUSTEES: ROOF REPAIR Mid-State Roofing has started the replacement of our flat roof. The majority of this project will be paid for by our earnings from our endowment fund, but the remainder will be paid with our inheritance from Mr. Robert Scanlon who gave us 5,000 for church repairs. YOUTH GROUPS HS Bible Study meets every 1 st and rd Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.@ Episcopal Church, 15 W. High St. (Dec. 1 & 15) MS Youth meets every 1 st and rd Thursday, 5:0 Presbyterian Church, 22 W. High St. (Dec. & 17) Girls Group meets every first 1 st and rd Sunday, 1 Baptist Church (Dec. 6 & 20) Excel HS Youth Conference January is just around the corner and it ll be time for the Excel High School Youth Conference January This is an annual Youth for Christ retreat in Saratoga Springs. A combination of praise and worship, prayer, drama, comedy and music with strong biblical teaching to bring you to a life-changing encounter with God. Registration forms are available on the Youth Bulletin Board next to the stairs. Online registration is also available on the Excel YFC site Register before December 18 for $78 and save $10. CHURCH S Have you been receiving our weekly s of FBC Happenings? If not and you would like to, please go to the church website to subscribe, bspabaptist.org or bspabaptist202@gmail.com. BookBound! THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BALLSTON SPA BOOK CLUB BookBound! will meet on Dec. 14. We will discuss A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg. BookBound! meets on the second Monday of each month from 4:0-5:0 p.m. in the Upper Room. Read the book for the month and come join the discussion and tea. All are welcome (but if you haven t finished the book, be prepared for spoilers!) Childcare is available; please let us know if your child will be attending so we may provide care accordingly. Contact Laura Wright, tigerlily91@yahoo.com. January 11 - Moloka'i by Alan Brennert February 8 - Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee FOOD PANTRY DIRECTOR NEEDED Christ s Cupboard food pantry is a vital ministry of our church serving Saratoga County residents. We are still seeking a new Director(s) to take over at the end of this year. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve. See any of the Mission Team, or Mandy Hardt Appell, with any questions. Is God calling you to a new mission? ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BALLSTON SPA Sunday, January 24, 2016 After worship service Annual Reports are due by January 11, Please submit reports to the church office bspabaptist202@gmail.com or place a hard copy on the office desk.

6 P A G E 6 BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE Through the month of October, income was $216,767 and expenses were $199,244. Pledges received were $29,950 behind projections, and non-pledged projections were behind by $5,469. During the last month, the FBC Budget & Finance Committee completed a reasonable 2016 budget, which is actually $25,000 lower compared to this year s budget. After two weeks of receiving pledges toward our 2016 budget, we have a total of 7 pledges for $19,670. This puts us short of the numbers we had last year at this time, which were 60 pledges received for roughly $225,000. Based on the current pledge amount, we are $90,000 short of our projected budget expenses for We appreciate those of you who have already offered your pledges, and we know that we will receive more pledge cards before the end of the year. So, for those of you who are still giving thoughtful prayer to your pledge amount, please know that your commitment to our church truly matters. As one of the senior members of our Budget & Finance Committee said to me after our last meeting, the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa has always moved forward on Faith, and will continue to do so. Troy Filburn BOARD OF DEACONS Your Deacons have been busy, both individually as a board, and collectively, as part of the leadership group of the church. We pray for the congregation to continually lift us up before God, seeking His guidance and direction. On Tuesday, Nov., we held a dessert hour and came to meet our interim pastor, Dr. Bill Tatum. We were very pleased at the turnout of people who came to greet him and gather some information from him on the process of going forward in our church life. He also explained the process by which we would form a transitional team to set in place to start getting ready for a permanent pastor. The congregation voted on this proposal and it was carried forth. Dr. Tatum will work with the Deacons, Pastor Staff Relations Committee and the Advisory Committee on the ballots that are sent in by the congregation on both Nov. 22 and Nov. 29. A point of interest: the monies you give toward communion, go to BACA (Ballston Area Clergy Association) which gives help to those in need in our community. Many thanks to all of you for your service in this area. As we anticipate another Advent season, let us reflect on this most joyous season of Christ's birth and that HE is the greatest GIFT, forever. Amen. Together in service, Pat Rogers Deacons are: Val Albert, Diane McGarry, Pat Rogers, Keith Sprenger, Bob Staulters, Terry van den Heever and Sherry Wardell. THE GRACE OF GIVING Retired Ministers and Missionaries The roots of the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) goes back to the mid-190s, when American Baptist Congregations received a Communion Fellowship Offering on the first Sunday of each month to support retired ministers, missionaries, their widowed spouses and elderly clergy within their churches. In 1977 American Baptist Churches USA launched the RMMO offering to continue this time-honored tradition of expressing thankfulness. The ability to give is itself a sign of God s grace. The ultimate grace flows from the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. Our lives are enriched by God s loving forgiveness because of Jesus willingness to diminish his own status and endure the humiliation of the cross. (2 Corinthians 8:9). This offering provides support for those who have dedicated their lives to God s service by providing emergency assistance in times of need and a thank you check at the end of each year. Please consider your gift during the collection this December to the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering, and let Jesus flow through you to bring joy to others. The Mission Team

7 P A G E 7 CHURCH MOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL What a wonderful November at The Church Mouse. Mrs. Rowe s Pre-K class enjoyed their visit to Brookside Museum for their Harvest program. All of the children have been busy learning about the harvest, and preparing for our Thanksgiving feasts. They made their own placemats, necklaces and headbands. Each class prepared some of the food in their classrooms as well. The parents were invited to the end of class on feast day to listen to the children sing the Thanksgiving songs they have learned. Once again our Church Mouse families and Church families have been extremely generous. Over 70 shoeboxes were collected for Operation Christmas Child. We also had a Mitten Drive. Mandy Hardt Appell informed us that many children come in to the food pantry with no mittens or gloves. Our parents as usual responded so generously. I have taken two bags up to the pantry already. The box fills quickly. We did not have our annual food drive in November for the food pantry. Our Parent Forum will be organizing a kid friendly food drive in February. Parents will be asked to bring in snacks, toothbrushes, shampoo, etc. especially for the children of the families that visit the food pantry. The Church Mouse staff once again sponsored two children from Family and Child Services. We enjoyed our annual dinner together, and then an evening of shopping to purchase the gifts. It was a wonderful evening spent with a wonderful group of ladies who are always willing to give and to serve. The staff is busy preparing for our Christmas Pageants. Parts have been assigned, and songs are being rehearsed. We are thankful for this opportunity to share the story of Jesus birth with these children. Please pray these pageants will touch the hearts of all who are in attendance. Our Christmas play schedule is listed below: Thursday, December 17: 9 a.m. Mrs. Heckmans s 10 a.m. Mrs. Hallas AM s 11 a.m. Mrs. Rowe s PreK 12:0 p.m. Mrs. Hallas s PM s Friday, December 18: 9 a.m. Mrs. Heckman s 4 s 10:0 a.m. Mrs. McGlynn s 4 s You are more than welcome to attend one of our pageants. Prepare to be blessed. After our pageants, we will have our staff Christmas luncheon at Bentley s Adirondack Grill. The Church Mouse will be closed for Christmas break from December 2 through January 4. We pray you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends as you celebrate Christ s birth. Serving Christ together, Cheryl Dunkelbarger December Birthdays 1 st Andrew Conklin 1 st Kaitlin Rossi 2 nd Mary Ann Becker 4 th Louise Goudy 5 th Brenda France 10 th Michael Crowe 10 th Daniel Hinckley 11 th Anthony Audette 11 th Linda Conohan 11 th Brendan Hopper 12 th Fred Whittredge 1 th Gwen van den Heever 16 th Dennis Ulery 17 th Paul Gyomory 18 th Sarah Watkins 19 th Bill Hinckley 20 th Mason Livingston 21 st Debbie Gyomory 21 st Linda Mundell 22 nd John Downing 2 rd Dorothy Barney 29 th Kolby Cox 1 st Julienne Audette 1 st Mary O Connell December Anniversaries 11 th Fred and Cheryl Whittredge 28 th Troy and Susan Filburn 1 st John and Laura Marino If we missed your birthday or anniversary, please let the church office know!

8 P A G E 8 Dear Friends, MISSIONARY UPDATE: NILES November 14, 2015 What a celebration last weekend at the inauguration of new Nursing Arts building at the Miriam Fountain School of Nursing at Vanga! The building was constructed using money generously given by friends and family in memory of Katherine s mother. If you have been following, you will remember that the first stone was laid June Katherine, now an experienced building contractor, spent the ensuing months with a Congolese engineer, ensuring that a quality structure was built within the available budget. young nurses continues in the amazing new facility. Through them and us, hope, healing, and the message of God s love will go out to hurting and needy patients all over Congo. IM missionary Kathy Rice, RN, was installed as the director of the nursing school. Thank you for partnering with us! Together we are stretching forward, pressing towards that goal of establishing God s Kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven. Your prayers and financial support are keys to God s work here. God bless you! Wayne & Katherine Niles Missionaries, Democratic Republic of Congo American Baptist International Ministries CHURCH LIBRARY Katherine shared about her parents vision for nursing education in Congo, founding the school in What a GREAT day, and everyone is rejoicing, a day made possible by the grace of God, partnerships across oceans and tribes, generous contributions, and the faithfulness God s children at Vanga who have carried the standard of high quality nursing education through the years. We invite you to rejoice with us at the completion of this construction endeavor, and support us now through your prayer as the work of mentoring The Library has many Christmas books to read, and many videos and DVDs to watch. In fact, there are too many to list! Ranging from new to cherished old favorites, there is sure to be something your family will enjoy this holiday season. Be on the lookout for the Christmas display. We wish you a Merry Christmas and remember JESUS is the reason for the season! Have a Joyous Christmas Season. For the Library, Mary Morelock

9 6 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 1 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 20 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 27 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Moms Bible Study 9 6:00 p.m. Cherubs 10 10:00 a.m. Men s Coffee 2 7:00 p.m. Choir 24 6:00 Candlelight 4 7:0 p.m. FBC December 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday December is Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering month. Each Sunday we will collect an offering for RMMO. 10:0 a.m. Worship Service 11:0 a.m. Advent Workshop 1:00 p.m. Girls Group Second Sunday of Advent 10:0 a.m. Worship Service 2:15 p.m. Saratoga Center for Rehab Worship Service w/ Cherub Choir 5:00 p.m. Community Christmas Choir Cantata Third Sunday of Advent 10:0 a.m. Worship Service 5:00 p.m. Girls Group Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:0 a.m. Worship Service :00 p.m. Book Bound 10:00 a.m. Food Pantry 6:00 p.m. HS Bible Episcopal 10:00 a.m. Food Pantry 7:00 p.m. Board Meetings :00 a.m. Food Pantry 6:00 p.m. HS Bible Episcopal 10:00 a.m. Food Pantry 10:00 a.m. Food Pantry 2 6:00 p.m. Cherubs Choir 7:00 p.m. Choir Choir sing at Home of the Good Shepherd 7:00 p.m. Choir 8:20 p.m. Christmas Choir Rehearsal 16 7:00 p.m. Choir :00 a.m. Men s Coffee 4:0 p.m. Food Pantry 5:0 p.m. Middle School Youth Presbyterian Church 4:0 p.m. Food Pantry 9:15 a.m. Moms Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Men s Coffee 4:0 p.m. Food Pantry 5:0 p.m. Middle School Youth Presbyterian Church Christmas Eve Service Carter & Brooks Wedding Christmas Celebration Church Mouse Nursery School Christmas Pageants 6:0 p.m. Open House at the Watkins Home 10:00 a.m. Christmas Choir Rehearsal Christmas Day

10 The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Avenue Ballston Spa, NY (518) Church Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:00 a.m. :00 p.m. Church Staff DARRYL DREW, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC RITA DREW, CHOIR DIRECTOR JUSTINA DANISON, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR CHARITY BUCKBEE, CHURCH SEXTON KATE DASHIELL, YOUTH WORKER The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Avenue Ballston Spa, NY 12020