CHERISHING OUR PAST EMBRACING OUR FUTURE 150 th Anniversary There is hope for your future, says the Lord.

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1 CHERISHING OUR PAST EMBRACING OUR FUTURE 150 th Anniversary There is hope for your future, says the Lord. -Jeremiah 31:17a OUR STAFF Minister: The Reverend Laura Lee Strawser Director of Music: John Rickert Organist: Mark Rethman Administrative Assistant: Linda Wieferich Caretaker, Al Ferrell Nursery Attendant: Sarah Egerer SUNDAYS AT MABC OUR CHURCH OFFICERS 9:15 a.m. Adult Learning class: Moderator: Heather Ballien ReJesus book study Vice-Moderator: Tom Carr 9:30 a.m. Church School Clerk: Cyndi James 10:45 a.m. Worship Service Treasurer: David Garn 12:00 p.m. Fellowship Missions Treasurer: Roger Ellsworth Financial Secretary: Laurella Smith CHURCH TEAM CHAIRPERSONS 1. Christian Education: Sarah Egerer 2. Youth: Cheryl Ellsworth and Earl Settle 3. Outreach/Evangelism: Jan Wheeler Historian: Teddy Pelkey Assistant: Cheryl Ellsworth 4. Music: Jennifer Morris 5. Missions: Nikki Anjakos-Seno 6. Finance: Jim Garn 7. Facilities/Maintenance: Earl Settle 8. Hospitality: Connie Ellsworth 9. Worship: Nancy Lewis 10. Pastoral Relations: David Quinnan 11. Visitation: Lois Smith OUR CHURCH VISION Drawing upon its rich history of service to God in an urban setting, Michigan Avenue Baptist Church serves as a beacon of Christ-centered ministry to the community through witness, worship, and fellowship in a culturally diverse population. MICHIGAN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH The Reverend Laura Lee Strawser 203 S. Michigan Avenue - Saginaw, Michigan Church office: (989) MichiganAveBaptist@sbcglobal.net Website: MABCSaginaw.org Pastor Laura Lee Strawser may be reached: Cell phone: (989) revlls59@charter.net Pastor is on Face-Book. Please feel free to contact Pastor Laura Lee.

2 CHERISHING OUR PAST - - EMBRACING OUR FUTURE" 150th Anniversary Year! "There is hope for your future, says the Lord." - Jeremiah 31:17a As Fall kicks into high gear, MABC is getting ready to complete this year of our 150th Anniversary. We have only three events remaining to celebrate this very special time in our church's history: the Anniversary Banquet on November 2nd; an 'Old-fashion' Worship Service on November 17th; and a 'Messiah Sing' on Sunday evening, December 15th. Let me share with you a little bit about each of these events and encourage you to come and "bring a friend" to help us conclude this year with a BANG!!! THE ANNIVERSARY BANQUET - NOVEMBER 2ND, 2013 This event will include a delicious meal, being coordinated by Connie Ellsworth and Jim Garn, along with historical documents on display, greeting of old friends and a brief time of celebration. Tickets will be required for this event and you can find information about that elsewhere in this newsletter. I'm hoping that we might see some former pastors, out-of-town visitors and other VIP's for this wonderful event. Mark your calendars and get the word out for this wonderful time of celebration!!! THE 'OLD-FASHION' WORSIHP SERVICE - NOVEMBER 17TH, 2013 On Sunday, November 17th, we will come to MABC to experience a worship service fashioned after the kind that our founding sisters and brothers might have experienced! I've been searching through the historical documents to find information on the order of worship that they used, the kind of songs they sang, the announcements they listed and the words they used. I'm also encouraging anyone who wishes to join me in 'dressing the part' for this special morning of worship. If you want to join me, begin now to look for clothing that would have been worn during the mid-1800's in Michigan during the late Fall. If you want some help with this, speak to Sharon or Greg Schultz. (They're pretty knowledgeable about these things.) No tickets or reservations are required for this event! Just come, participate and enjoy this time of worship and remembrance of our past! Help us truly honor our founding sisters and brothers by coming on this day to worship the Lord as they might have. THE 'MESSIAH SING' - DECEMBER 15TH, 2013, AT 7:00 PM I am truly excited (and a bit nervous) about this ambitious event scheduled for the Advent season. A 'Messiah Sing' is an opportunity for ANYONE who's ever wanted to sing Handel's 'Messiah' to join a mass core choir in performing this wonderful piece of music. Here's how it will work: a 'Core Choir' is being assembled to be the primary singers of the Messiah; everyone else is encouraged to come and either enjoy the performance or sing along with the Core Choir. We will have a director and an organ accompanist. We are inviting area church and school choir members to join us in this endeavor as part of the Core Choir or in the audience. Together we will lift up our voices in praise to God by performing this amazing piece of music, concluding with the 'Hallelujah Chorus'! Deb Rickert is coordinating this event and could use any help you can offer. We NEED singers!!!...in the Core Choir and the audience!! Please spread the word, join the Core Choir or prepare to sing by practicing at home. Invite your friends who are part of other choirs; young and old are all welcome! Support this event in every way you can; by talking about it with others, by hanging a poster in your workplace, by joining the choir, by volunteering to usher the evening of the performance, by helping to welcome our guests after the event for a time of refreshments AND ESPECIALLY BY ATTENDING!!! Let us conclude this anniversary year with an affirmation of the words of Handel: "And he shall reign forever and ever. King of kings and Lord of lords!"

3 Dear MABC Part of what it means to be a follower of Christ is to share the good news of Jesus not only in your neighborhood but also around the world. Each year, the World Mission Offering (WMO) provides an opportunity to understand what is happening worldwide through International Ministries (IM) and to support those important mission efforts. During the month of October our theme for the World Mission Offering will be Embrace the Cause. You and your children and grandchildren will remember how God promised Abram that all the peoples on earth would be blessed through him. Genesis 12:3b reminds us of how we are called to be a blessing to others. We can bless others by being active in mission and embracing the cause of Christ in our community and globally. We will celebrate how our WMO gifts make possible the ministries of 109 long-term IM missionaries and more than 1,800 short-term missionaries and volunteers. They, along with more than 200 partner organizations, work in more than 70 countries in: Evangelism Health and Healing Anti-Human Trafficking Theological Education Economic Development Education Peace and Refuge I believe that when we Embrace the Cause, God will lead us to provide increased support for our worldwide missions. Our 2013 WMO goal is $ to be reached by the end of October. Please join us as we gain deeper understanding of International Ministries and are blessed through our giving to WMO. Your Servant for Christ, 2013 MABC Mission Board

4 CENTRAL SEMINARY A new opportunity for theological education is opening this fall in Ann Arbor. Central Seminary Ann Arbor offers programs and courses for men and women who see themselves as leaders in various forms of Christian ministry or who desire to advance a personal understanding of their faith. The seminary provides a core curriculum taught in an ecumenical spirit with attention to quality and substance, leading toward biblical, theological, historical and ethical knowledge. Application forms are available online at Location of all classes will be held at First Baptist Church, 517 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan For further information, please contact Rev. Dr. Julie J. Kilmer, Site Director, jkilmer@cbts.edu or The MABC FOOD PANTRY While we don t have a regular give-away food program here at MABC, we do have a good pantry that is used to meet the needs of anyone who finds themselves without enough food for their families. We especially like to help those who might not be served by other organizations or are friends and/or family of our members. Please feel free to refer anyone you know to Pastor Laura lee, Connie Ellsworth or David Quinnan if they are in need. Currently our Food Pantry is in need of being re-stocked. Below please find a brief list of the items that we can accept. Thank you in advance for your support of this important ministry to the hungry!!! Laundry soap Paper products -Toilet paper -Paper towels -Paper plates -Napkins -Kleenex tissues Baby Products -Diapers -Baby wipes -Baby wash soap Shampoo Bath soap Tuna Peanut butter James/Jellies Soup Canned Fruits Canned vegetables Crackers

5 BABY SHOWER for Annika Strawser 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2013 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church A baby shower is being planned for Annika Strawser. It will be October 6 at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Anyone interested in attending is asked to let Sally Egerer, Becky Geidans or Nancy Lewis know that you would like to attend. It is sure to be a blessed day! Come and welcome this new life coming into the world! Cherishing our Past Embracing Our Future 150 th Anniversary There is hope for your future, says the Lord. -Jeremiah 31:17a Saturday, November 2, 2013 Time: 5:00 p.m. Tickets for the 150 th Anniversary Banquet are $6.00 each and are available from Cyndi James or Cheryl Ellsworth. Menu: BBQ chicken and roast beef with all the trimmings. UPCOMING 150 th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS November 17, 2013 December 15, 2013 An Old Fashioned Sunday Service to commemorate our founding. We will worship as our founding members. Messiah Sing-In Deb Rickert is coordinating this event. Please let her know how you would like to help.

6 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Sunday, October 6, 2013 THANK YOU Dear MABC & Scholarship Team: I could not be more blessed for the gift you are providing for me. I am very thankful for all that you have done and are doing. This money will help pay for my tuition and books. I cannot thank you enough. Sincerely, Kelsie Morris Dear MABC & Scholarship Team: I would like to thank you for giving me scholarship monies for college. It is a real help and truly needed. Books alone are so expensive. I am glad I can turn to you for help with this need. Thanks again. -John Seno Thank you for help out, for pitching in, and for going the extra mile. Thank you so much! We would like to say thank you so much for the kindness and generosity your church has shown our family during this extremely hard time in our lives. It s truly amazing how you have helped us. -Anonymous PRAYER TEAM Every Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. our Prayer Team comes together to pray individually and corporately for the needs of our nations, our community, our church, our families, our friends and any other needs the Lord lays upon our hearts. All are welcome to come. If you have any questions, Lois Smith would be happy to answer your questions. We received the following from Jill Armentrout, Parent Liaison with Saginaw County Great Start Collaborative Parent Coalition. (810) or (989) jillsarmentrout@gmail.com All kids deserve a Great Start! Here are tips to keep babies safe: Never put the baby to sleep with adults or other children. Put babies in cribs of their own, never on adult beds, pillows or couches. Make sure the crib does not contain any items, including pillows, crib bumpers or stuffed animals -- and use a safe sleep sack instead of blankets. Place the baby to sleep on his/her back, not on the stomach or side. Do not overheat baby. Make certain that no one smokes around baby. (Source: Tomorrow s Child Michigan SIDS) PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE NOT RELIGION-FREE ZONES An article regarding this subject has been printed in the September 2013 issue of the REPORT FROM THE CAPITAL and is available on the usher s table at the back of the sanctuary. In it, you will read just a few of the many ways in which it is abundantly clear that God has NOT been kicked out of the public schools. Or click on for more information on religion in the public schools. Click on public schools on the left side of the home page. The start of a new school year provides an opportunity to review the many ways religion can properly be exercised, studied, and otherwise included on public school campuses. J. Brent Walker, Executive Director

7 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013 At MABC POTLUCK SUNDAY Following the worship service You are invited to come and share in lovingly prepared food. Green bowls are placed on each table to fill to help defray expenses of paper products. See you at the potluck! CROP 1:30 p.m. On Sunday, October 13, 2013, MABC will be taking part in the annual Saginaw CROP WALK. CROP WALKS are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by religious groups, businesses, schools and others to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world. Members from MABC will be participating in this annual CROP WALK. Please consider sponsoring a walker or see Cheryl Ellsworth if you would like to walk. There are two official routes. Routes are six miles and a 3.5 miles. Feet will be sold for a donation to sponsor a walker. Let s all help raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world! In perusing a collection of letters from our earliest pastors, I came upon an interesting tidbit I would like to share with you. In a letter written from Chicago, on May 31, 1990 by The Reverend Charles H. Maxson, in response to an invitation to attend the programs planned for the Dedication of the new church building, I found the following lines of remembrance: It is addressed, To My Former Parishioners, Saginaw, Michigan. The memory of the ministry of song at Saginaw is like music coming to me softly over the waters. For more helpful and loyal deacons never steadied the hands of a young pastor, just ordained. In some part of the broad foundation of the new church, I hope there is some little section of the wall that I helped to lay, and so to have contributed somewhat to the splendid structure which rises as a monument to the faith, energy and sacrifice of Mr. Chapman (the pastor at that time) and his people. A further bit of information, Pastor Charles H. Maxson served the church from 1895 to Pastor Howard Chapman was called to serve in Submitted by Church Historian, Teddy Pelkey SCRAP-BOOKING AT MABC On Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m., many gather in the fellowship halls of the church to create beautiful memory pages for our future generations to enjoy. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. All you need is a desire to create. Sally Egerer will be happy to answer your questions.

8 Saturday, October 26, :00-7:00 p.m. All are invited to the Fall Harvest Costume Party where lots of fun will be had. Put on your costume and come to enjoy the great fun being planned for you and delicious GOOOOOLOSH! We are in need for volunteers to help with the party and volunteers to make cupcakes or small cakes for the cakewalk and dessert. If you are able to do either, please contact Earl Settle. See you at the FALL HARVEST COSTUME PARTY.

9 MICHIGAN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH The Reverend Laura Lee Strawser 203 S. Michigan Avenue Saginaw, Michigan Church Office: (989) Website: Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Communion Sunday 7 Rehearsals 8 9 5:30 p.m. Prayer Mtg :00 a.m. Men s Breakfast 1:00 p.m. Baby Shower for Annika Strawser 13 Potluck CROP WALK 6:15 p.m. Bible Study 14 6:15 p.m. Bible Study Rehearsals Rehearsals 23 5:30 p.m. Prayer Mtg. 17 5:30 p.m. Prayer Mtg :00 a.m. Scrap-booking :15 p.m. Bible Study Newsletter articles due Rehearsals :30 p.m. Prayer Mtg. 7:00 p.m. Quarterly Business Mtg. 31 5:00-7:00 Fall Harvest Party 6:15 p.m. Bible Study Rehearsals 5:30 p.m. Prayer Mtg. 150 th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, November th Anniversary Banquet Sunday, November 17 Old Fashion Worship Service SUNDAYS AT MABC 9:15 a.m. ReJesus book study 9:30 a.m. Church School l 10:45 a.m. Worship Service 12:00 p.m. Fellowship WEDNESDAYS AT MABC REHEARSALS 6:30 p.m. Belle Aire Handbell Choir 7:30 p.m. Latham Burrows Choir Sunday, December 15 Messiah Sing

10 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! October Birthdays 01 Jan Wilcox 05 Linda Jacques 07 Mindy Tuck 07 Justin Bell 08 Pam Graham 08 Courtney Leaman 08 Ray Strawser 10 Hilary Lemmer 11 Pam Leaman 11 David Lown 17 Ken Jacques 21 Jerry Morris 22 Al Ferrell 23 Peggy Landeryou 23 Jeff Lapan 28 Craig Wolven 30 John Sauvie 31 Cheryl Zinz 31 Joshua Ellsworth If your birthday has not been listed, please contact the church office at (989) with your birth date. We d like to wish everybody a Happy Birthday during their birthday month. Please contact the church office should you have a change of address. We want to keep our records current. Thank you.