The Proclaimer. April Sunday Schedule Oakland Street, Hendersonville NC / / providencecongregation.

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1 The Proclaimer 1201 Oakland Street, Hendersonville NC / / providencecongregation.org Sunday Schedule April :00am Sunday School 10:30am Worship 11:30am Deeper 2:00pm Brookdale Worship 4:00pm 7 th Ave Worship Meal Rev. Julie Merritt Lee Pastor Rev. Dr. Michelle McClendon Associate Pastor Robert & Annette Hudson Music Directors Rev. Gail Coulter Pastor Emerita

2 The Proclaimer 2 From the desk of Pastor Julie... Given the US political and global landscape these days, it s not hard to understand the sentiment of feeling fearful and overwhelmed. The recent terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris and the almost daily shootings stateside have everyone on edge. The questions become, What is our Christian response to all of this? What is the self-talk that we should have? Let me tell you a story to provide some perspective. In the 3 nd century, in another time of political turmoil, a plague broke out (measles or small pox it is believed) called the Plague of Cyprian, and it nearly decimated the Roman Empire people died a day in Rome alone. And in a time when everyone was fleeing including physicians and political pagan leaders, it was documented that many of the Christians stayed, tending the sick who very easily could have infected them as well. This makes the centering song from Maundy Thursday all the more real, And they ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they ll know we are Christians by our love. This is why the theology surrounding what we know and hear as the Rapture is so disturbing to me. The belief is that during the eschaton (end times), Jesus comes back and raptures the believers; and a battle ensues on earth with devastating consequences. The problem I have with this is that it seems very convenient that the Christians get to escape trial and tribulation while everyone left behind has to battle it out. It seems to me that the notion of being a Christ-follower since the days of Christ has been to stay when the going gets tough, to lean in to community, and help neighbor amidst persecution. Christ himself didn t avoid pain and suffering but for the joy set before him endured the cross. What a witness for us today when we live in a fear-filled environment where political vitriol and acts of hatred and terror are seen every day on the news. So how should we as Christians respond? As witnesses of this Christ, we don t leave (either mentally or physically) because of hard times. In fact, it is because we are Christians that we stay during hard times. We have a call to be a witness of the love of Christ. The Christian value of self-sacrificial love is counter-cultural, and what an opportunity to lead by example a different way forward.

3 The Proclaimer 3 In order to be a witness in this way, we have to be able to let go of fear ourselves, which is no easy task. Our self-talk now should be the words of Psalm 46 which I conclude with. May this be our daily prayer whether in woe or weal. ~Julie Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

4 The Proclaimer 4 SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES Every 9:00am Look for details in e-news & worship guide. PBC Business Mtg. & Lunch Sunday, April 11:30am *This meeting has been rescheduled from original date of April 10. FREE FOR ALL Every 8:30am at The Green Room Café All are welcome as we discuss the upcoming Sunday s scripture. See page 8 for weekly verse. MID-DAY PRAYER Every 12:00pm at Providence House Join us once a week for a time of prayer, song, and reflection at Providence House from 12-12:20pm. All faiths welcome to rest and reconnect! GET REAL st Wednesday of every month beginning at 5:30pm Join us for a POTLUCK followed by a Contemplative Prayer Service. Nursery and children s activities provided. WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON The Women s group meets bi-monthly for a special presentation and lunch. If you would like to host a luncheon or have ideas for a guest speaker please contact Joyce Faye Myers at: myejfay@morrisbb.net or call MEN S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST Friday, April 8:30am at The Blackberry Mountain Café The Men s group meets the second Friday of each month. All ages welcome. D 3 Dinner~Dream~Discern 3 rd Wednesday of every month 5:30pm Join us for a catered DINNER followed by a time to gather, dream, and discern. Nursery and children s activities provided. Donations welcome.

5 The Proclaimer 5 Providence Baptist Church Welcomes... Kate Campbell Sunday, April 10 10:30am Worship On Sunday, April 10, we will have guest Kate Campbell at our morning worship. She is a Nashville Americana musician and will present the main part of the service. Bio... Kate is the kind of artist who steps to the beat of a different drummer. Over the course of 20+ years (since her award-winning debut album Songs from the Levee) she has resisted the temptation to follow musical trends but instead chooses to set the pace for her unique musical journey. This distinction is palpable in her latest release, The K.O.A. Tapes (Vol. 1), in which many of the basic tracks were recorded in her living room on her iphone, including the revered Southern rock anthem Freebird. Read more about Kate at:

6 The Proclaimer 6 In the Community... Do Tell Storyfest Sunday, May 1 st 3-6pm Benefiting Homes For Youth, a nonprofit organization working to fight youth homelessness. All proceeds will support Homes for Youth and its first housing solution for girls ages 16 to 18. Homes For Youth s first long-term goal is the provision of a licensed home for homeless teenaged girls who are in The shortest distance between one school or a job training program. The person and another is their story organization has an active public ~13th-century Persian poet, Rumi awareness campaign and has been working with DSS to increase the number of foster families in Henderson County. It is beginning its search for a property, and plans to secure a house this year. Fundraising is now more vital than ever; you are invited to be a part of the solution and to help our most vulnerable. Do Tell Storyfest, a region-wide storytelling festival, promises to be an afternoon filled with enriching stories and great music. A quartet of talented storytellers will enthrall you with their vivid and exciting tales. Each storyteller has a unique way of showing our human connectedness, involving listeners in stories that move, inspire and unveil real life. The accomplished and well-known storytellers are Sherry Lovett, Nancy Basket, Ronnie Pepper and Karen-Eve Bayne. Music will be provided by singer/storytellers Jenna Lindbo and Kim Richardson. The benefit performance will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Avenue West in Hendersonville. This is a family-friendly event suitable for all ages 10 and older. Tickets are $12 per person and will be available at the door on the day of the event. Join your community for an afternoon of great storytelling and lively music while supporting those in need. For more information, visit and

7 The Proclaimer 7 Small Groups Encore April For those who have enjoyed the spiritual practice, insights, and community of regular small group meetings during Lent and for those who could not come before, a new opportunity is being offered. Beginning Tuesday, April 12 a Lectio Divina group will be available to all. This unique approach to Bible Study will be offered from 6:30-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will use a structured method of looking more deeply into Bible passages to make them come alive and to address the question, "What is God calling me to now?" This will be a drop in group; no registration is required. You may bring food, beverage, or friends, but be sure to bring your Bible, pen and paper. Stories Needed for CBFNC's Publications... The theme for CBFNC's fiscal year will be "As You Go: Empowering Laity for Missional Living." We are seeking stories from our churches that illustrate this. Vocation as Ministry (September/October) - How do those in non-church-related vocations see their jobs as an expression of their Christian calling, their personal ministry? How are churches equipping their members to "be the presence of Christ" through their work? Submit your ideas by June 1, 2016 to smitchell@cbfnc.org

8 Weekly Scripture *Free For All Verse April 3 Acts 5:27-32 Psalm 150 Revelation 1:4-8 *John 20:19-31 April 10 Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) Psalm 30 Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19 April 17 *Acts 9:36-43 Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30 April 24 *Acts 11:1-18 Psalm 148 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35 May 1 Acts 16:9-15 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:1-10; 22-22:5 John 14:23-29 *Note: At the time of this printing, some Free For All Verses are yet to be determined. April Birthdays 9 Fielding Tate 11 Jim Green 14 Jane Gurley 14 Joyce Faye Myers 19 Michael Lee 24 Nita Ivins May Birthdays 1 st week 1 Keira Wilmoth 3 Everett Tate IAM DONATIONS Clothing: Disposable diapers. Children's shoes & socks - all sizes. Men's every day & work shoes - all sizes, especially large. Food: baby food, canned fruit, canned beans, toothpaste & toothbrushes. Place items in the bin near the main entrance of the church. Our Values Going to the Other Growth ~ Hospitality Inclusiveness Simplicity ~ Worship