March

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1 March TRIVIA NIGHT Join us on Saturday, March 2, at 6 p.m. in Celebration Hall for a fun-filled evening of trivia and fellowship. Snacks and drinks provided. There will be desserts available for a nominal cost and Silent Auction baskets to bid on. Cost: $15 per person. Proceeds benefit the 2019 Habitat for Humanity Baptist House and Extreme Build. LENT BEGINS ON ASH WEDNESDAY Wednesday, March 6, is Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the Lenten season on the Christian calendar. We invite you to attend our Ash Wednesday worship service at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary that evening. During Lent we will also be having special services include a time of prayer and reflection upon Jesus Sermon on the Mount. We encourage you to join us on Fridays from 12-12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. The dates are March 8, 15, 22 & 29, and April 5 & 12. CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS Before going to bed Saturday night, March 9, remember to SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to church on Sunday, March 10. JOYRIDE RETURNS IN MARCH JoyRides will begin again in March. ANYONE can come with us as we travel to a destination to enjoy lunch, fellowship and the scenery along the way. Our first trip will be on Tuesday, March 12, to the Derby Museum and café. We will meet at the church to leave at 10 a.m. and return around 2:30 p.m. Sign up on the sheet on the table outside the church office. Cost: $3 for transportation. YOUTH FUNDRAISER: LUNCH & DESSERT AUCTION After worship on Sunday, March 24, the youth will sponsor a light lunch and dessert auction to raise funds to offset their expense of summer camp. Your donations for lunch and purchase of desserts will be much appreciated. Come hungry and remember to bring extra money or your checkbook that day! 1

2 March starts off with a trivial bang! Don t miss the Trivia Night Competition on Saturday, March 2, at 6 p.m., in Celebration Hall. It s not too late to sign up to come - it will only cost you $15 to get in the door! Call the church office immediately to get signed in for a table. If necessary, just come and we ll find you a spot. The proceeds of the evening benefit the Louisville Habitat for Humanity Baptist House and Extreme Build Kentucky. The holy season of Lent starts on Wednesday, March 6. We will have an Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. And then, on Fridays from March 8-April 12, we will have a Lenten prayer service in the sanctuary from noon 12:30 p.m. Bobby Tackett-Evans is coordinating these prayer services. Someone will present a brief devotional thought and we will conclude with prayer. Feel free to stop by and stay as long as you can. Flourish 2025, the long-range planning process we began last Fall is continuing to develop. Four groups, comprising about 45 church members, are continuing to meet to discuss future plans. Tentatively, on Saturday, March 9, the leaders of those groups and the Church Council will meet to begin the process of collating those groups into a single vision. Your prayers are needed! These are important and exciting days. My hope is that we will have a direction (mostly) mapped out by Easter. Wednesday, March 20, we are going to have a party! It s the Jewish holiday of Purim. The festival remembers the faith of Queen Esther and it s celebrated with crazy costumes and great food! Start planning your costume right now! It s the closest Jewish holiday to a masquerade party. The crazier the better. A highlight of the evening will be when we bang pots and pans to scare away old evil Haman! Regular Wednesday night dinner will be served, but expect some special Purim treats!! It s time to start inviting guests to join you for all the Easter events. Easter is Sunday, April 21. On Easter morning, we will gather in Wetherby Park with our dear friends from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 7 a.m. for a sunrise service and then in our fellowship hall for a hot breakfast. Worship will be at 10:45 a.m. There are many more events that weekend, of course, but let s make worship that morning a grand celebration of our faith! If you are missing Sunday School and worship on Sundays, I m afraid you re missing some of the best parts of the week. If it s been awhile, come on back. We re saving you a seat. Jim Cobban, Pastor Pastor s Page Dr. Jim Cobban, Pastor P.S. Congratulations to Kevin Smith - this year s winner of the Dessert Throwdown. From the Desk of Darryl Elster Minister of Education & Technology Adult Sunday School March 2019 Celebrate God March 3 SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDIES In January we learned: Jesus was God s gift to us, Jesus was the Son of God, Jesus was God s presence here on earth, and Jesus was the fulfillment of scriptures. In February we learned more about maturing - perfecting or completing - our faith. We learned about a maturing love, a stronger faith, a resurrected Lord and how we will live into eternity. As we continue our MARCH through the scriptures, we will celebrate our God for all He has done for the world - you and me. We will look to see God s presence, guidance, promises, ways and provision. Sounds like FBC seeking for the future service and dedication to what the Lord will lead us to do and provide. The Easter season of our risen Lord comes in April. Our Bible studies should be of interest to everyone, to be able to answer for us and the lost why Jesus is the answer. Come join others in Bible study to not just know the story but become the story of God s love. Tom Biggs, SS Director Celebrate God s Presence Exodus 34:27-35 March 10 Celebrate God s Guidance Deuteronomy 26:1-11 March 17 Celebrate God s Promises Genesis 15:1-12, March 24 March 31 Celebrate God s Ways Isaiah 55:1-9 Celebrate God s Provision Joshua 5:1-12 2

3 The Music Ministry Rev. Leslie Halfacre, Minister of Music I ve been reading a fantastic book called, Sing by Keith and Kristyn Getty. They have a real passion for singing, especially congregational singing. Did you know that God created us to be a singing people? We may not all be very good singers, but we are all created to be singers. While we have choirs and soloists within our church, the ultimate choir is the congregation. They say that the true beauty of such a congregational choir is that our voices and our hearts and knit together in praise. It is exhilarating to be part of a body of believers singing truth together. When we sing together our praises and love to God, it is a beautiful sound in His ears. Come (congregation), let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us should aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:1-2 I m looking forward to hearing you sing Sunday! Senior Adult Ministry Rev. Leslie Halfacre, Minister to Senior Adults ~JoyRide - for people who want to have fun!!~ Spring must be in the air - Joy Rides start again! Join us for our first trip of the year on Tuesday, March 12, as we go to the Derby Museum with lunch at the café. We will leave the church at 10 a.m. and return around 2:30 p.m. Please sign up by calling the church office ( ) or sign-up on the sheet on the information table in front of the office. The 2018 Joy Ride trip schedule can be found on the Information Table, so pick one up so you ll have all the trip dates for this coming year. Youth Ministry Rev. Bobby Tackett-Evans, Minister of Youth This past month we got a lot done in the youth area. If you haven t seen it already, I encourage you to stop by and see the mural we are working on. We also enjoyed another Faith & Film night this past month. It proved to be a fun night of fellowship. I want to thank Julie Lee for hosting the youth for our movie night. On February 27, we welcomed Dr. John Inscore Essick, professor of church history from Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, as he began leading a new study series with our group. John will be doing five sessions with our youth about prominent individuals in the church s history and how their lives can inform ours. He will be leading us in our future sessions on the following Wednesday nights: 3/13, 3/27, 4/3, 5/1. Mark your calendars! This month the youth will be hosting a dessert auction. On Sunday, March 24, we will stay after church and have a light lunch together and then auction off desserts. The money raised will be applied toward the cost of summer camp. This month is also the CBFKY Youth Missions Weekend at Georgetown College. This is a great opportunity for our youth to connect with youth from other churches while serving together. For those who are planning to attend this weekend, we will leave the church at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 15, and return for worship on Sunday, March 17. Deadline to make a reservation is Sunday, March 3. This Month s Events: March 15-17: Youth Missions Weekend at Georgetown College $55 per person (includes lodging/meals) We will leave the church at 6 p.m. March 23: Faith & Film Night: Batman Begins Bring a snack to share! March 24: Youth Dessert Auction Fundraiser Fellowship Hall after church Our retired folks get together on the 4 th Tuesday of each month to share a potluck meal, have some type of entertainment or program, but most of all enjoy a time of fellowship! Our next Triple L potluck lunch and meeting will be Tuesday, March 26, at noon in Fellowship Hall. Our program will be an entertaining talk presented by Bob Muller with Hosparus. The church provides chicken; bring something good to eat. Cost: $1. First-timers and folks 90+ years are free. 3 Bobby Tackett-Evans SHOE DRIVE thru June 28 gently any used size

4 Children s Ministry Susan Bowles, Director of Children As parents, we delight in the sheer joy of having children and thank God for them, most days. Just kidding, every day really is a blessing to be enjoyed with our children. On occasion, and as children get older, most children experience a period(s) of rebellion. As parents, we must try to understand the why of rebellion before we decide on what to do about the rebellion. I think there are some basic reasons that most older children and teens rebel. Remember back to your late school age and teen years. Do these things sound familiar? - The Struggle for Identity: Who am I? Why am I here? It s the process of beginning to think for themselves about who they are, not just who others say they are, specifically parents and family members. Children need to understand their value for who they are, not what they do. They need to recognize their value because they are made in God s image. - The Struggle for Acceptance: everyone wants to fit in, to be a part of the crowd. They have a huge need to feel accepted and to feel as if they belong. They need to know we understand how that feels. Belonging is important, but they also have to recognize that not everything others do is right for them. - The Struggle for Attention: children and teens of all ages want attention. Sometimes they will do almost anything to get attention, both from adults as well as from peers. Attention seeking comes in the form of both positive and negative behavior and actions. Consequences of said actions and behaviors are generally not thought of in advance by children and teens. - The Struggle for Control and Freedom: Remember when you were young? You just wanted to make some decisions on your own, to feel a little more grown up, for your family to just give you a little freedom. Children and teens need to be given more and more opportunities to make decisions for themselves. Yes, that does come with the caveat of being able to trust them, and they need to understand that trust develops over time with good decision making on their part. Teens also need to realize that with control and freedom comes greater responsibility. Do you have children or teens that are showing signs of rebellion? Remember, thank God for them and then try to understand the why before immediately jumping to the what. I will be praying for each of you to remember your rebellious times; praying that you will find wisdom and patience as you help your young teen navigate their rebellion as they continue to grow. Love and Joy, Susan Bowles 4 Preschool Ministry Lisa Harvey, Preschool Director I am ready for Spring. I m sure you are, too. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year, watching as everything comes back to life. Flowers are coming up and starting to bloom, trees getting their leaves, the days getting longer and the sun getting warmer - such a wonderful time to see all the beauty of God s world. The Preschool area is also preparing for good things to come. We are sprucing up some of the rooms, rearranging and preparing for the blessings of the year to come. We d love to have you drop by and check out our updates, and maybe consider volunteering a Sunday every 6 to 8 weeks either during Sunday School or church to lend a helping hand. Pray about it, and then let s talk and see what we can work out. On Sunday March 10, the Preschool area will join the children and youth in Wear Your PJ s to Church Day in celebration of the time change. Come join the fun! Also, mark your calendars now - the Middletown Annual Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday April 20, at Wetherby Park. This year we will have a PRESCHOOL EGG HUNT for children five years old and younger on the church playground at 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch. Then you can walk over to the park to participate in the BIG HUNT if you wish. There will also be activities for the children s department during this time. Have a Great MARCH! Blessings, Lisa Harvey P a j a m a S u n d a y

5 News of Members and Friends Congratulations to: Jim and Cristi Cobban and Carl and Cherie Knifley on the birth of their granddaughter, Annabelle Harper, born February 20, weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz. and 20 inches long. Proud parents are Bryan and Elizabeth Cobban. Mark and Laurel Stephens upon the birth of their granddaughter, Oakley, born January 19, weighing 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 19½ inches long. Proud great grandparents are Bob and Marty Stephens. Dear Members of First Baptist Church, I want to thank each and every one of you for the outpouring of love and support you have given my daughter Ashley and her family. I am nine hours away from them in Mississippi and it is such a comfort to know they have your wonderful church family to help support all their needs. You are a very loving church and whenever I am there, your kindness and care are so sincere, it s no wonder Ashley chose you all. Thank you for the prayers for the triplets. I can t express my appreciation enough! Mary Baker Dear Friends, Alvin and I thank you for allowing us to be your custodians for so many years. It was truly a labor of love. See you at the auction. God bless, Alvin & Barbara Streible Missions Ministry BLESSING BOX NEEDS Our Blessing Box is getting used regularly, especially near the end of the month. We have noticed that items most needed are: peanut butter, cereal, cereal bars, oatmeal packets, canned meats and vegetables (peas, carrots, potatoes - not corn or green beans), instant potatoes, fruit cups, pasta sauce, mac-n-cheese, wipes, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry soap, deodorant and toothpaste. Give what you can Take what you need. CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 2, Saturday: 6 p.m. Trivia Night. March 3, Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. 10:45 a.m. Worship. March 4, Monday: 7 p.m. Handbells. March 5, Tuesday: 8 a.m. Men s breakfast at DQ. March 6, Ash Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. Dinner. 6:10 p.m. Children s Sanctuary Choir, Youth, A.S.K. Mission Friends. 7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday service. March 8, Friday: 12-12:30 p.m. Lenten Prayer & Reflection March 10, Sunday: Change Clocks - Spring Forward ONE hour. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. 10:45 a.m. Worship. March 11, Monday: 7 p.m. Trustee meeting. 7 p.m. Handbells. March 12, Tuesday: 8 a.m. Men s breakfast at DQ. 10 a.m. JoyRide. March 13, Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. Supper. 6:10 p.m. Children s Sanctuary Choir, A.S.K. Mission Friends. March 14-16, Thursday-Saturday: Habitat Raise the Roof weekend. March 15, Friday: 12-12:30 p.m. Lenten Prayer & Reflection. March 15-17, Friday-Sunday: Youth Missions Weekend, Georgetown March 16, Saturday: VBS training in Elizabethtown. March 17, Sunday - Lord s Supper, Benevolence: St. Patrick s Day. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. 10:45 a.m. Worship. March 18, Monday: 7 p.m. Handbells. March 19, Tuesday: 8 a.m. Men s breakfast at DQ. March 20, Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. Supper. 6:10 p.m. Children s Sanctuary Choir, Youth, A.S.K. Mission Friends. March 22 Friday: 12-12:30 p.m. Lenten Prayer & Reflection March 24, Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. 10:45 a.m. Worship. 12 p.m. Youth fundraiser - lunch & dessert auction. March 25, Monday: 7 p.m. Handbells. March 26, Tuesday: 8 a.m. Men s breakfast at DQ. 12 p.m. Triple LLL. March 27, Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. Supper. 6:10 p.m. Children s Sanctuary Choir, Youth, A.S.K. Mission Friends. 8 p.m. Deacons. March 29, Friday: 12-12:30 p.m. Lenten Prayer & Reflection March 31, Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. 10:45 a.m. Worship. LOOKING AHEAD: April 19: Good Friday; Tenebrae service April 21: Easter Sunday April 24: Business Meeting April 26-27: 5 Middletown Market; Car Wash

6 First Baptist Church Main Street Middletown, KY Address Correction Requested Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Worship Wednesday 5:30 p.m. Supper 6:10 p.m. Children s Choir 6:26 p.m. Prayer meeting 6:45 p.m. Adult Bible study, Sanctuary Choir, Youth, A.S.K. Mission Friends Office Hours: M-Th, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Office Phone: The Raise the Roof days for the 2019 Habitat for Humanity Baptist house will be March at 3419 Boxelder Road in the Richmont Terrace neighborhood. We need ten people to help with construction on Friday and Saturday anytime between 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., and then on Thursdays for approximately ten weeks. We will also need help providing some lunches. If interested in volunteering contact Charles White at or croycewhite@gmail. Way Forward 2019 A goal to retire $100,000 of debt per year through This year s homeowner is Anita Hines. She attends Highland Park Missionary Baptist Church, where she has also served as the church secretary for the past 14 years. What will your part be? Remaining balance: $63,761 6