Do You Want to Grow? By Rev. Alan Rudnick

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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 : ABC/NYS 4 Adopt a Platoon 4 Amazon Smile 9 Anniversaries 10 Bible Busy Bags 2 Birthdays 8 Budget & Finance 6 CABA/ABWomen 9 Calendar 12 Chess in the City 3 Christian Education 3 Christ Cupboard 5 Church Mouse NS 7 Deacons 5 History Corner 8 Library 10 Men s Rally Mission Opptunty 6 Missionary: Chetti 9 Pastor s Reflection 1 Senior Event 2 Shepherding Plan 11 Summer Lunch Program Welcome New Members Youth Groups The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa Messenger V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 7 & 8 Do You Want to Grow? By Rev. Alan Rudnick It is summer! For many it is a time for vacation, fun and no school. For me, this is the right time of the year to buy black raspberries. Usually black raspberries start bearing fruit late June and early July. After years of going to the farm or store to buy black raspberries, my wife Christine said, Let s just grow our own black raspberries. Christine went to the farm and bought a young black raspberry vine. We found a great spot in the yard of the parsonage. We dug a little hole and filled it with planting soil. I took the plant vines and pointed the vines up a support cage. Soon, there would be black raspberries galore! After several years of growing, it was clear that the plant was not yielding the amount I thought proper. Three years went by and the plant only yielded enough fruit for a parfait! In frustration one day last year, I asked the plant, Do you want grow? The response? Silence, of course. What good is a plant if it does not yield much fruit? I was dejected. A similar question is being asked of American churches: Do you want to J U L Y & A U G U S T grow? The vast majority of churches will respond in the affirmative, but will not take the necessary steps for growth. This has left churches to continue to decline and die. Recently, a study was completed with churches in England. The study found that 18% of churches in Britain grew over a 10-year period. The study aimed to uncover what was different about those churches. Here are the findings: 1 While there is no single recipe for growth, they concluded there are some ingredients closely associated with growing churches. In many ways, these factors mirror findings in the United States from the Faith Communities Today research and that of others. Leadership: Those studying the Church of England found a strong correlation between growth and qualities of leaders when these qualities are combined with an intention to grow. Leadership qualities that stood out included the abilities to motivate, envision, and innovate. Mission and purpose: Churches with a clear mission and purpose were far more likely to grow. Two-thirds of such churches grew compared to onequarter of churches without such clarity regarding purpose. 1 From Anecdote to Evidence: Findings from the Church Growth Research Programme This is available at

2 P A G E 2 Willingness to reflect and adapt: Self-reflection was a prime characteristic of growing churches, whereas doing things by default was more common among declining churches. No particular style of worship led to growth Growing churches were willing to experiment and fail until they found the right match between tradition and culture. Lay leadership: Active involvement of lay members throughout the congregation s ministry was a hallmark of growing churches. They also found that rotating leadership roles was important, especially if younger members and new members are included in leadership and service. Focus on growth: The orientation of the congregation was outward toward engagement with the community and with those not involved in church. A welcoming and carefully planned engagement with new people in the church focused on establishing ongoing relationships. After learning what is required to grow a church, I ask you: Do you want to grow? In the past five years of being your pastor, we have grown. Our work has paid off and we have seen new people, ministries, opportunities, and spiritual renewal. However, we are not done. We have just started. Do you want to really grow this church? If you do, I promise you, God will do it. If you want to grow, we must begin preparations. We will need to spend resources and invest in things and people that will prepare the soil of our church for growth and fruit. We need you. We need you to help plant, tend, care, nurture, serve, and be a part of the harvest of this congregation. We need your trust, faith and patience. I cannot do it without you. After three years of planting, nurturing and harvesting, my black raspberry bush is thriving! So much so it is overflowing with fruit! My black raspberry planting and harvesting taught me a critical lesson about growing plants and fruit: you need the right ingredients of sun, water, soil, and patience lots of patience. It took time for my plant to mature and to bear fruit. I just had to tend it and wait. What fruit are you bearing for this church in order for it to grow? But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields Matthew 13:23 Love and Grace, Rev. Alan Rudnick NEW MEMBERS On June 29, 2014 our church welcomed four new members to our congregation: Rev. Wallace and Carol Cromwell and George and Delores Leber. SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM Volunteers are still needed. Would you like to help prepare, deliver or hand out lunches? There are two ways to sign up. Sign up on the calendar in the lobby or online at VolunteerSpot: It will take you through step by step. Easy! You will receive automated confirmation and reminders. VolunteerSpot does not share your address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your address, please contact Cailin Rabideau and she can sign you up manually, comeara19@gmail.com. SENIOR EVENT Save the Date! When: July 16, 2014, noon What: Pool-Side Party Where: Diane McGarry's, 467 Rt. 29, Saratoga Springs Menu: Bring a dish to pass & lawn chair (hot dogs, hamburgers & drink provided) Bathing suits or casual attire. Favorite Board Games welcome. Bring your suggestions for our future senior events (ie. movie & pizza)

3 P A G E 3 BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Vacation Bible School: Come to Vacation Bible School Jungle Safari where kids will explore the nature of God! Vacation Bible School for summer 2014 will be Monday, August 18 - Friday, August 22 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. To register your family for this awesome Bible adventure, please visit our website bspabaptist.org/vbs, pick up a hard copy of the registration form on the church VBS bulletin board, or call the church office, We are still searching for leaders to help with the following: Registrar, Photographer, Group Team Leaders, Snack Director, Decorator, Craft Director and Worship Leader. Register online with your volunteer interests and availability. Please prayerfully consider joining our VBS team. Any questions please call or Amanda Hardt Appell, , givrn93@gmail.com. Camp Scholarships The Board of Christian Education is offering scholarships to the youth of our church who attend a Christian camp this summer. The monetary amount given to each applicant is dependent upon the number of campers who apply. Applications are available on the bulletin board next to the water fountain. Please make sure you return all camp scholarship forms by July 31, Place them in Cailin Rabideau s mail folder. Sunday School Teachers There will be a sign-up sheet in the church lobby for Sunday School Teachers for the school year. Sunday School begins late September and ends late June. We are currently looking for 4 teachers and 4 teacher assistants to teach our PreK-1 st grade class, 2 nd -5 th grade class, 6 th -8 th grade class, and 9 th -12 th grade class. We are also looking for Sunday School substitute teachers. If you are interested, please sign up in the lobby. Please contact Cailin Rabideau at comeara19@gmail.com or if you have any questions! Children s Worship Volunteers are needed to facilitate children s worship starting in the fall. No experience is necessary, just a love of working with children ages 3 years old 3 rd grade. Lesson plans will be provided. If you are interested or need more information please contact Sherry Hoffman at or sherryhoffman64@gmail.com Baby Box The Board of Christian Education will be creating a new Baby Box Volunteer list starting in September If you are interested in volunteering for our Baby Box and would like to be placed on the new list, please sign up in the lobby or contact Cailin Rabideau at comeara19@gmail.com or Cailin Rabideau Board of Christian Ed Chair YOUTH GROUPS Youth Groups are taking a break for the summer. We will resume our activities and events in the fall. Check our website in the fall for updated dates, times and locations. CHESS IN THE CITY Under the Marquee in front of Proctors Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. City Mission of Schenectady is offering a unique outreach to Downtown Schenectady this summer. Men, women and children from the community gather under the marquee at Proctors and challenge each other to a battle of strategy over a friendly game of chess. Our residents love to play as well! We meet every Monday throughout the summer until our last week in August 25 when we have a special Blitz tournament: 5 rounds, 5 minutes for each player with prizes for winners and deserving players. Come join us!

4 P A G E 4 ADOPT-A-PLATOON We have received a new platoon! Our Platoon is a Patriot Missile Battery deployed to an undisclosed location in the Middle East, and consists of one woman and fourteen men. They will be deployed to the Middle East until January 2015 so we will have plenty of time to send packages of support to them. Our Soldiers live in 12 x 12 rooms, have AC, nonpotable running water for bathing and 220V power. Bathrooms and showers are shared by all. There is a small PX Store available with a limited selection and a Chow Hall is available with designated hours, but it may not be open when they are able to eat. Care Packages sent will be very much appreciated. We also have the capability to put Facebook notes on their Facebook Fan Page and they will see them and answer if they can. I placed a message from FBC on their Facebook page and got an answer from their Staff Sgt rather quickly. The link to their page is listed below, and if you do post to them make sure you tell them you are sending good wishes from First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa. They know we are supporting them. Facebook Page: Battery-3-4-ADAR/ We need items to send in support packages as our bin is now empty. Some items they would enjoy are: pocket snacks (nuts, seeds, power/protein/ granola bars, dried fruits, beef jerky, short slim jims, trail mixes), drink mix singles (hot & cold), pop-top canned foods, candy of all kinds, gum, shampoo, ready to eat meals, Ramen noodles, tuna/chicken packs, crackers, assorted toiletries for both genders, hand sanitizer, travel size Kleenex packs, OTC cold meds, foot powder, Bath/ Baby Wipes, feminine hygiene items, small flashlights/batteries, and anything to help boost Soldier s morale: letters/mail, current magazines, books (mystery, thrillers, spiritual, drama), board games, card games, puzzle books, sports balls, blank greeting cards to send home, pens, paper, etc. As soon as we have enough items in our Adopt-a- Platoon bin in the fellowship room, George Ball and I will pack up some packages and get them out to our soldiers. Thank you all so much for your support and your help with this ministry to our military. I will also accept monetary donations to purchase items for those who cannot get out to shop. Vallee Albert AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF NEW YORK STATE CHURCH QUESTIONNAIRE Last autumn the Region sent out a questionnaire to churches asking about their opportunities, challenges, successes and disappointments. We had a good response and the Board of Mission will meet late summer to digest all the information. Here is an initial summary of what we learned. 1. Challenges: Membership older generation passing away and not being offset by younger members. The younger members express their commitment to church differently. Increasing number of senior members are going south for a portion of the year. These factors cause diminished congregational lives, financial pressures especially in the maintenance of older buildings, and difficulty in attracting pastoral leadership. 2. How can ABC/NYS help? Prayer, more information about mission speakers and what is working well in other congregations. 3. Successes: there were upgrades and renovations of buildings, successful outreach ministries such as food pantries, clothes closets, music projects, community festivals, partnership with and use of buildings by community groups. Some hosted Chin and Karen congregations and called new pastors. Some streamlined their church structure to be less burdensome, and some worked through conflicts within the congregation. 4. Disappointments: lack of growth and absence of youth and children, successful outreach programs did not result in increase church attendance, lack of participation in activities, loss of ministerial leaders and inability to find qualified replacements. Conflict within congregations resulted in discouragement. 5. Ways your church is seeking renewal: community outreach, broadening support of mission beyond own church family, inward focus to create better atmosphere and reduce negativity, modernized worship for continued on next page

5 P A G E 5 a fresh feel and more attention to music. The role of pastor, Bible studies and small groups and prayer are important to foster renewal. Some churches restructured to make it easier to minister, some began using social media to strengthen discipleship, some invested more in ministry to children and youth. 6. Resources that would be helpful: the Missional Church Leadership Program, workshops and training on topics of leadership, administration and ministry to youth, and sharing of what others are doing. Region leadership will now seek ways to address these issues. We exist to enrich the life of our congregations and to strengthen and broaden their ministries. Thank you for sharing with us. It enables us to do a better job. Please reach out to us if we can be of service. I can be contacted directly at x 14, or jkelsey@abc-nys.org. Jim Kelsey, Executive Minister BOARD OF DEACONS God's wondrous works have come to fruition as summer arrives. The very beauty of a sunny day, cloudless and warm, helps to revive our energy and lift our spirits. Your Board of Deacons lifts up in praise all of the wondrous gifts that God has given us each and every day a fresh new start to help our Church, its congregation and our community. We wish to give thanks for the generosity of our congregation on the Communion offerings that are given in addition to our regular tithes each month. These offerings go directly to our Deacon's Fund and are used to help our community as well as the Ballston Area Clergy Association Fund. The BACA fund is a fund our local churches participate in to help those in need. Individuals seeking assistance are now going to this one resource supported by the pooling of local churches donations. For us, it is your personal generosity to our Communion offerings each month. We praise God that we have been able to do our part in supporting this fund, giving greater numbers of needy individuals in our town the opportunity to seek some financial relief. Times are tough for everyone, but First Baptist Church has been given the opportunity to be generous in kind. As Deacons, we are always proud of any ministries that are done through our congregational support whether they be local or global. The Adopt-A- Platoon effort is one we are especially proud of. George Ball and I package and mail boxes of goodies to our adopted Platoon. Our current one is in the Middle East on an undisclosed mission and are grateful for the many donations and continual support of our congregation. We are always accepting donations of cookies, candy, toothpaste, personal hygiene products, magazines, puzzle books and any other items that give our platoon a taste of home. It really helps to keep their spirits up while in such a dangerous part of the world. In our next package, we will be sending a miniature American flag for each member of our Platoon. Your Board of Deacons consists of: Vallee Albert, Debby Hodgkins, Gene Kenyon, Pat Rogers, Bob Staulters, Terry van den Heever, and Sherry Wardell. Over the next few months we will be working with the teens in our church, training them to usher at our services from time to time; we feel this will create a real and lasting connection to our congregation and service to God. We continue to serve you with God's guidance and are available for prayer, consolation and just be a good listener for someone who needs to talk. Please contact us at any time with your needs. We Serve With God's Loving Guidance, Vallee Albert, Board of Deacons CHRIST CUPBOARD FOOD PANTRY Christ Cupboard had its annual inspection and evaluation by the Regional Food Bank on Thursday June 12. The inspection went beautifully and pictures were taken of our expanded pantry to share as an example. Thank you for all your support, prayers, and dedicated service to our church mission.

6 P A G E 6 MISSION OPPORTUNITIES We finished one mission service and have two more exciting opportunities this summer! On July 12 several volunteers gathered with Rebuilding Together Saratoga. Both skilled and un-skilled volunteers took part in this community outreach program in our own backyard. Rebuilding Together Saratoga brings volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low income Saratoga County homeowners in need. It's said that No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. We have two more opportunities this summer. 1. Schenectady City Mission July 26th We will be serving a meal to the residents in the dining hall. We will need volunteers and 100+ Cupcakes. We're looking for 6-8 volunteers. 2. Backstretch Kids Summer Camp August 9th We will need a group of 20+ church members to facilitate a summer camp program for children of the Saratoga Race Course backstretch workers on Saturday, August 9th. The Ballston Spa Presbyterian Church is the coordinator of this unique summer camp program that provides a safe haven and educational opportunities for these children during the summer. The team from FBC will provide snacks, lunch, and a full roster of activities to minister to and fellowship with the 20 or so children. Please contact Jude Pierre judepierre@gmail.com or Debbie Porter pporter001@nycap.rr.com for more information. BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE This month we had to say goodbye to Dottie Sellers who ended her term on the Board of Christian Ed. We will miss Dottie and thank her for her service. We were fortunate to get an immediate replacement in Cailin Rabideau who will be serving as the C.E. Chair. Don t ask me how, but miraculously our financial standing is all in the black. We have a healthy balance in the Current Expense/Mission Account, Summer Lunch Program, and Food Account. Our Church has truly been blessed. Through the month of May, Pledges were behind by $8,412 although our Projected Income was only behind by $5,869. Income through May was $107,104 and expenses were $109,294. As proof on the morning June 29, our Congregation is well aware of the importance of a Good Foundation and voted to approve the Trustees recommended improvements. After researching the different avenues to fund this project, it was decided that the most economical way was to borrow from our Endowment Fund. A construction loan and a home equity loan on the parsonage would both be at a higher interest rate. By borrowing from ourselves, and not losing any interest in the account, we would only be paying a 1.75% interest rate. As there are many restoration and needed projects to address in the near future, (such as window replacement, roof repair, audio/visual improvements) we have asked the boards to get cost estimates and prioritize these projects. In that way our Committee will be able to present a plan to the Congregation for future funding. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. It s always better when we work together to make the best better. Serving Him together, Mary Ann Becker, Chair

7 P A G E 7 CHURCH MOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL Though the weather was rainy, (again), we had a good crowd of students and their families marching in the Memorial Day parade. There were also some alumni who marched, and many alumni cheering from the crowds. The parent organization also held a Bake Sale on the church lawn, which was very successful. In spite of the weather, it was a great morning. We had our annual Dessert with Dad on June 3 rd. Everyone enjoyed making their own ice cream sundaes. The children sang a couple of special songs and surprised Dad with a special gift. Joan Anderson announced her plan to retire at the end of this school year. Joan has been serving at the Church Mouse for 32 years. She is looking forward to having more time to help out with the food pantry, the summer lunch program, and wherever else God leads. The first thing planned is she and Lee will be going on a cruise in the fall, celebrating 50 years of marriage! The Church Mouse staff and board held a dinner at Pennell s Restaurant on June 19 th. Over 40 people were there to celebrate with Joan. We are thankful for the love and dedication Joan has shown over the years at The Church Mouse. We pray God continues to direct Joan and bless her as she serves in various areas. We know she will be as busy as ever. The BEST is yet to come! The 3 year old classes held their promotions in their classrooms at the end of their last class day. The children did a great job singing their songs. Most will be returning in the fall. The sanctuary was full on June 16 and 17 with parents, grandparents and friends to watch our graduation ceremonies. Each teacher prepared a slide show with pictures taken throughout the year. It is so much fun seeing how each child has grown! The children had a great time singing their songs. The classrooms are all cleaned and toys and equipment are stored away for another year. Jennie and I were in the office through the month of June, and will be again in August. We are already planning for next year. We will be ordering some new furniture with the money we made at the Church Mouse Golf Tournament. Some of our tables and chairs are in disrepair and are in need of replacing. The floors will be stripped and waxed over the summer as well. We are thankful for another wonderful year. Thank you for praying for our school, the staff, and the children. We are thankful that we survived the flood, and were able to continue without a lot of time lost in the classroom. Thank you again trustees for all of your time getting us up and running again. Thank you also for going through our must fix list. We are in great shape for the new school year. See you in September! Serving Christ together, Cheryl Dunkelbarger CHRIST OUR STRENGTH 2014 MEN S RALLY August 8-10, 2014 NYS American Baptist Men & Boys Keuka College, Keuka Park, NY Renew your strength in Christ with this Men s conference. Join in small groups, youth programs, workshops, sunrise service and communion service with other men of faith. Featured speaker will be Jay Koshy, graduate of Messiah College and Faith Heritage School. Jay s focus is on the international church movement that has planted many churches in India and surrounding countries of Asia where there is little Christian witness. Registration forms are available on the bulletin board next to the church office, or online at

8 P A G E 8 BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS From Whitehall, the birthplace of the U.S. Navy, to the highly decorated aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, upstate New York has a long connection to naval history. One of the biggest chapters in that ongoing story took shape at the dawn of the Nuclear Age with the development of the 3,900 acre Kesselring site's Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit in West Milton, NY in the 1950 s. The West Milton location is one of the two training sites where students learn how to operate the Navy's fleet of nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. The other is in Charleston, S.C. Since that time more than 50,000 men and women have graduated from the program with one of its most famous graduates being former President Jimmy Carter, who trained and taught at West Milton under Adm. Hyman Rickover, founder of the Navy's atomic submarine program. Carter was one of the naval officers who collaborated with General Electric Co. employees on constructing one of the prototype nuclear plants that sailors train in. Many of these men/women and their families get involved in church or community activities. In writing this article several dozen names of Navy individuals/families come to mind who made a difference at FBC. Some served on boards/ committees, or were choir members, and according to historical records, we even had a Navy Wives Group that a few folks may still remember! Though many returned to their hometowns, friendships forged continued by , Christmas card exchange, etc. Once again the time has come to say farewell! The Van Leuven family, Aaron, Jamie and McKenna are moving to San Diego for his duties as Chief (E7). As they have contributed to the life of this church family, we know that they ll do the same wherever they go. Since that area is home to both Aaron and Jamie, family ties with relatives there will mean McKenna gets lots of cuddle and play time with grandparents and all. Norma Dunkelbarger, Church Historian The Van Luven s new address starting August 1 dutchjameson@gmail.com Address: 1083 Forest Lake Drive, Chula Vista, CA rd Mike Watkins 3 rd Matthew Watkins 7 th Jason Gerbing 7 th Emmeline Hanchett 9 th Betsy Sumner 10 th Lucretia Hommel 11 th Erin Murray 14 th Walter Talmadge 14 th Greg Veitch July Birthdays 16 th Bonnie Rodriguez 17 th Conner Anderson 18 th Evangeline Rudnick 18 th Susan Filburn 19 th Cailin Rabideau 23 rd Debbie Porter 27 th Emily Fresn 30 th David Cox August Birthdays 2 nd Greg Kruckeberg 2 nd Susan Talmadge 3 rd Thomas Townson 4 th Jim Sellers 5 th Nick Zalar 6 th Lisa Kindt 6 th Virginia Vencuss 7 th Alaura Appell 7 th Dottie Sellers 8 th Henry van den Heever 14 th Angeline Pierre 15 th Chris Wright 16 th John Marino 19 th Kevin Porter 21 st Kyle Talmadge 22 nd Michael T. Hensler 25 th John Johnson 27 th Linda Uline 27 th Cheryl Whittredge 30 th Larry Dunkelbarger If we missed your birthday or anniversary, please let the church office know!

9 P A G E 9 MISSIONARY UPDATE: DANIEL & SARAH CHETTI Dear friends and faithful partners in ministry: God made it possible through a Lay Christian leader to launch a significant mission initiative in the Arab World called Arab World Initiative (AWI). We mentioned this in our May update, and more will be shared in our next issue of our Beirut Buzz. This is not a new mission society but a timebound strategist initiative! (If you have not received our May Update, please contact us.) We have sent seven profiles of these people involved in this ministry to just a few pastors of our supporting churches. (Please see the FBC Missions Bulletin Board as these can not be posted on the web. It is located in the lobby behind the Welcome Center.) We are sharing this information in gratitude for your valuable support and prayers over the years. Five couples and two singles are being chosen for support through Arab World Initiative. All of them are returning to Lebanon to attend the Middle East Conference at our Seminary. We will spend some time together in prayer and orientation before they return to their countries. Please pray for peace in Iraq, for safety of all its citizens, particularly for the beleaguered Christian minority. They will be ministering in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, and Lebanon. Please lift up in your prayers these individuals who will be joining the AWI team, and also lift up the vision & mission of AWI. Please pray this will be a fruitful beginning of Gospel outreach by the Arabs for the Arabs. I believe they are the most effective evangelists and Church planters in the predominantly closed Muslim lands. We will have for the first time 'boots on the ground' of the peaceful, Gospel kind! Pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit on this important venture of faith. We believe these most difficult times in the Arab lands will prove to be the most opportune moment for the advance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you dear friends, faithful supporters, and beloved partners in this great and exiting journey of faith! Please continue to support us in our ministries in Lebanon & Middle East. Your support enables us to remain the Arab region and expand the ministry of the Gospel. Thank you & God Bless Daniel & Sarah Chetti Arab Baptist Theological Seminary Beirut, Lebanon danielchetti@hotmail.com CAPITAL AREA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN GATHERING August 16, 8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Our church will be hosting a CABA ABWomen s gathering. All women of our church are invited to this event. Come, meet and fellowship with other American Baptist Women of the area. Any questions please contact Margaret Morahan, AMAZON SMILE Do you shop on Amazon? Now when you shop online, consider using AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. Our church is now one of these organizations. On your first visit to AmazonSmile, please select First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa as your recipient, and then every eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com. You can also use the same account, with the same shopping cart, wish list and registries.

10 P A G E 1 0 LIBRARY CORNER Children s Books: 1. My Little Book About Our Flag Tell-A-Tale Books 2. The Statue of Liberty by Lucille Recht Penner the story of the famous lady in New York Harbor. 3. The Flag We Love by Pam Munoz Ryan 4. The Pledge of Allegiance from Scholastic beautiful photos illustrating the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. The Star-Spangled Banner illustrated by Peter Spier delightful book for the whole family to enjoy. 6. Fourth of July Mice! by Bethany Roberts 7. Clifford Sees America by Norman Bridwell 8. Cecil s Garden by Holly Keller 9. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey 10. The Boy and the Ocean by Max Lucado Children s Book & Cassette: The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key read by James Cobum and sung by The Los Angeles Children s Chorus. Children s Books & CDs: 1. Seeds! Seeds! Seeds! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace 2. A Place to Bloom by Lorianne Siomades 3. Penguin on Vacation by Salina Yoon 4. Fun Dog, Sun Dog by Deborah Heilingman 5. Splash! by Henrietta Brandford and Rosalind Beardshaw 6. Summer Wonders by Bob Raczka All of these books deal mainly with warm weather subjects and have CDs helpful for children to follow along as a pronunciation aid. Children s DVD: 1. Swimmy by Leo Lianni also on the DVD are four more of his award winning tales plus three extra bonus stories from different authors. 2. Franklin Camps Out from Feature Films for Families Franklin and his friends learn four important lessons. 3. Return to the Secret Garden from Feature Films for Families rediscover the true meaning of friendship. Adults Books: 1. Summer Breezes by Jane Orcutt, 2. Midsummer Melody by Rebecca Kelly, from Tales from Grace Chapel Inn pleasant summer reading about three sisters and their lives. 3. God Bless America prayers and reflections for our country 4. America the Beautiful by Ben Carson, M.D with Candy Carson 5. No Wonder They Call Him the Savior by Mark Lucado Adult s DVD: Little Red Wagon inspired by the true story of Zach Bonner who sets out to help homeless children in the wake of Hurricane Charley by walking across the country. There are many books for teens and adults from fiction to more serious reading. And don t forget the DVDs, Videos, and CDs that are available! Happy summer watching, listening, and reading!! July Anniversaries Enjoy! Mary Morelock 2 nd Robert and Shirley Melander 10 th Alan and Christine Rudnick 15 th Larry and Norma Dunkelbarger 16 th Dale and Carol Gerbing 18 th Mike and Sarah Watkins 21 st Nick and Holly Zalar August Anniversaries 9 th Kevin and Lori Livingston 17 th Dan and Laura Wright If we missed your birthday or anniversary, please let the church office know!

11 P A G E 1 1 SHEPHERDING PLAN FOR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BALLSTON SPA Last Name Beginning with A-D Shepherd: Pat Rogers Phone: Vallee Albert Lee & Joan Anderson Lynn Anderson Todd & Stacey Anderson Henry Antonelli Jason & Amanda Appell Scott & Julienne Audette George Ball Dorothy Barney Sanford & Mary Ann Becker Joshua Calton Tara Capone Dan & Laura Conklin Jean Connor Linda Conohan & John Johnson Cody Couch David & Diane Cox Elvira Cox Kevin & Karen Cox Rev. Wallace and Carol Cromwell Michael & Nikki Crowe Jordan & Amanda Curley Kate Dashiell Della Deveneau John & Agnes Downing Darryl & Rita Drew Larry & Norma Dunkelbarger Last Name Beginning with E-H Shepherd: Vallee Albert Phone: Carl & Mary Englehart John Erwert Gerald & Barbara Faber Troy & Susan Filburn Judy Finigan Leah Fletcher Kim Fonda David & Brenda France Dave & Emily Fresn Dale & Carol Gerbing Kyle Gillam Aaron Golden Louise Goudy Paul & Debbie Gyomory Eric & Joy Hanchett Michael & Cheryl Hensler Bev Hier Bill & Flo Hinckley Sr. Daniel & Julie Hinckley William Hinckley Jr. Amanda Hodgkins Mark & Deb Hodgkins Emily Hoffman Arthur & Caroline Holmwood Lucretia & Scott Hommel Brendan Hopper Mark Hopper & Susan Hennessy Dawn Hughes Last Name Beginning with I-L Shepherd: Terry van den Heever Phone: Lindsey & Sherri Jacks Helen Jones Lane Jones Warren & Karen Jones Hillary Jones Clinton Juracka Gene & June Kenyon Jason & Karen Kersch Eulalie Kindt Lisa Kindt Joseph & Christina Kraszewski Kevin & Lesa Krogh Greg Kruckeberg & Laura Johnson George & Delores Leber Judy Lister Kevin & Lori Livingston Last Name Beginning with M Shepherd: Sherry Wardell Phone: Wendy Manzer Laura & John Marino Raymond & Evelyn Marshall Sutton Manson Thomas & Susan Martin Diane McGarry Carol Melander Robert & Shirley Melander Sam & Sheila Mitchell Reyna Montiel Margaret Morahan Mary Morelock Joan Mullin Garry & Linda Mundell Craig & Erin Murray Last Name Beginning with N-R Shepherd: Debby Hodgkins Phone: Alice Lattimore David & Diane Nelson Jim & Mary O Connell Brant & Rebecca Patnode Jacaqueline Pelliccia Paul & Brenda Pelliccia James & Barbara Pennie Jude & Colleen Pierre Kevin & Debbie Porter Graham & Sarah Pritchard James & Cynthia Pritchard Mark & Cailin Rabideau Robert Richardson Bonnie Rodriguez Patricia Rogers Don & Barbara Roll Debbie Ronca Rick & Kaitlin Rossi Alan & Christine Rudnick Last Name Beginning with S-Z Shepherd: Bob Staulters Phone: Bob Scanlon Kevin & Kristen Schroder Tim Seager Dottie & Jim Sellers Christian Smith Harriet Smith Jean Ann Smith Keith & Kim Sprenger Leda Staats David Stacey & Sherry Hoffman Patricia Stack Bob & Jennifer Staulters Stephen Stewart Betsy Sumner Walter & Susan Talmadge Thomas & Tammy Townson Dennis & Marolyn Ulery Fred & Linda Uline Henry & Terry van den Heever Aaron & Jamie Van Leuven Virginia Vencuss Darlene Walker Peggy Walsh Bill & Sherry Wardell Mike & Sarah Watkins Fred & Louanne White Frances Whitehouse Fred & Cheryl Whittredge Al Wood Chris & Donna Wright Dan & Laura Wright Nick & Holly Zalar Listed here are the Deacons and the people in their Shepherding Group. Don t see your name on this list? Contact the church office, , info@bspabaptist.org Updated June 17, 2014

12 6 10:00 a.m. Ecumenical 1 10:00 a.m. Food Pan :00 a.m. Food :00 a.m. Food :00 a.m. Food :00 a.m. Food :00 a.m. Men s 10 10:00 a.m. Men s 17 10:00 a.m. Men s 24 10:00 a.m. Men s 31 10:00 a.m :00 a.m. Food 18 10:00 a.m. Food 25 10:00 a.m. Food 12 Mission: 26 Mission: Worship Service 13 July 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2:15 p.m. Maplewood Manor try 11:30 a.m. Summer Lunch Program starts (ends August 22) 7:00 p.m. Board Mtgs 12:00 p.m. Senior Pool-Side Party Men s Fellowship/ Coffee 4 Independence Day 5 Rebuilding Together Saratoga 19 City Mission of Schenectady

13 5 10:00 a.m. Food 12 10:00 a.m :00 a.m :00 a.m :00 a.m. Men s 14 10:00 a.m. Men s 21 10:00 a.m. Men s 28 10:00 a.m. Men s 1 10:00 a.m. Food 8 10:00 a.m. Food 15 10:00 a.m. Food 22 10:00 a.m. Food 29 10:00 a.m. Food 9 Mission: 16 8:30 a.m. 3 August 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10 2:15 p.m. Maplewood Manor Worship Service Food 7:00 p.m. Board Meetings Food Food Vacation Bible School Monday, August 18 Friday, August 22 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. Summer Lunch Program Ends 2 Backstretch Summer Camp CABA ABWomen Gathering here at FBC 23 30

14 The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Avenue Ballston Spa, NY (518) Church Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Church Staff REV. ALAN RUDNICK, PASTOR DARRYL DREW, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC RITA DREW, CHOIR DIRECTOR JUSTINA DANISON, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR CHURCH SEXTON STEPHEN STEWART, YOUTH MINISTER KATE DASHIELL, YOUTH WORKER The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Avenue Ballston Spa, NY 12020