Contact Information: Dear Church Family, MARK YOUR CALENDAR

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1 September 2018 THE MAIN ARTERY Rev. Luke Beattie Pastor Mr. Jan Kliewer Director Mr. Bill Lawson Interim Organist Mrs. Tryntje Keesler Secretary/Editor Contact Information: Phone Office Hours Monday to Friday 10:00am 1:00pm Website Service times: Sunday 11:00am 6:00pm Sunday School 9:45am Directory Changes: Wanda Carl St. Louise Manor A Front St. Binghamton, NY Dear Church Family, We just received a lovely note and a very unexpected and most generous gift from all of you at MSBC. We are overwhelmed with this expression of love and concern for us and our family. It has been a challenging year for us with lots of changes and some sorrows. We appreciate your concern for us and are grateful for all of your prayers on behalf of my sister Cathie. She is struggling but is at home for now and continues to try and manage her pain at this point. We were able to make a trip just recently and had an emotional but good visit with her and her husband. We pray for a miracle and know her life is in God s hand s, trusting in His love and mercy. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers continually, we miss you greatly, our gratitude is unending and we looking forward to seeing you sometime soon. Love, Pastor Tim and Peggy Bennett Prayer Calendar: 9/2 Memorial Park Baptist 9/9 Spencer Federated 9/16 Community Baptist 9/23 Conklin Ave First Baptist 9/30 Cornerstone Community Dear Church Family, practice resumes Wednesday 9/12 at 7:00 PM! See you there! Thank you all for your prayers, sympathy cards, flowers and visits to the funeral home at the time of my nephews death. A special thanks to Diane Runion and Bob Larnerd for their over and above acts of compassion. May God richly bless you all. From the Heart, Isabella Ferenzi MARK YOUR CALENDAR The Fall Gathering of the Broome-Tioga Baptist Association will be held Sunday October 14th at the Community Baptist Church Theme: Vietnamese Culture, etc. with Rev. Dr. Huong Holmes Tentative Schedule 4:00PM AFTERNOON SESSION 5:30PM 6:30PM DINNER (catered) EVENING PRAISE AND WORSHIP

2 September is upon us. The beginning of the school year is a great time for us to continue our learning. So whether you re of school age or a bit past it, let me recommend a few books to help you exercise the mind of Christ given to you by the Holy Spirit. To the writing of books there is no end. And though its tempting to pick up the newest ones of the shelf, I find it to be the books that have stood the test of time to be the most profitable. Confessions by Augustine is his autobiography detailing how he became a Christian and grew in the faith. For a book written in the 400 s its surprisingly readable and devotional. The Pilgrim s Progress by John Bunyan is an allegory of the Christian life from conversion to finally reaching heaven. Bunyan spent a lot of time in prison as a Baptist preacher for illegally preaching without a license. This book is one of many he wrote from his cell. Part 1 of the book is by far the most popular, but in my mind the second part is even better. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a work of fiction from the vantage point of demons scheming to prevent humans from becoming Christians or maturing in their faith. In the modern world which discounts anything supernatural, this book forces us cope with the reality that there are supernatural forces battling against us. If novels are more your speed, read one that will give you some insights into the biblical world. Stories are far better at this than textbooks. The Flames of Rome by Paul Maier gives a realistic view into the Roman world while the Apostles were spreading the gospel throughout it. Similarly, Pontius Pilate also by Maier, gives a view of 1 st century AD Israel, including the crucifixion of Jesus, from the point of view of the Romans. The Lost Letters of Pergamum by Bruce Longenecker is a wonderful story that focuses on the early church and how letters made their way from the Apostles to the churches. Christ the Lord Out of Egypt by Anne Rice tells the story of Jesus childhood. The book has some Roman Catholic influences, but it still gives a good account of what it was like for Jesus as a young boy in Nazareth. And here are a few biography recommendations if that tickles your fancy. To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson by Courtney Anderson tells the story of the first Baptist missionaries sent from the United States. Though a bit longer, this one reads like a novel. Eight Women of Faith by Michael Haykin helps bring the spotlight on Christian women throughout history that are often overlooked. This short book is a fantastic read. Happy Reading Scholars, Pastor Luke

3 THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY will be the recipient of our September breadbox offering with the focus of getting Scripture into the hands of those Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith. We are seeing a time in history when being a Christian is the most dangerous thing you can be... Brave and courageous believers are pleading for a Bible in a language they can understand. God's Word offers the strength, encouragement, guidance and comfort they so desperately need. Ephesians 5: 16a (GNT) says, Make good use of every opportunity you have. That is the key verse for this effort. Pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who face assault, detention, starvation, deprivation of a means to make a living, and murder. FREE CLOTHES AND MORE WHAT: a community outreach to provide free clothes, paper products, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and a few baby items to those in need (these items can't be purchased with SNAP or food stamps). Supplies are limited. No need for referral. WHEN: 3 rd Saturday of each month from 10am to 12pm starting September 15 th. WHY: The Bible speaks in clear terms of the need to help those who are poor and disadvantaged showing the love of Christ. HOW: Initial monies are available from a grant established to fund the soup kitchen. That money was agreed to be transferred by the donor to this outreach program. After that money has been used, we will need to rely on donations of money or products from our congregation. WHO: 3-4 people to staff each month, shoppers, those who can solicit funds and products from businesses, stockers who arrange shelves as products come in, those who will pray for the workers and the clients, those who will give to help support. Immediate Needs: a couple more people to staff, one more to shop, coordinator to ensure staffing and interface with businesses and service groups. AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN BROOME/TIOGA FALL MISSIONARY MEETING OCTOBER 2ND AT CONKLIN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH DISH TO PASS SUPPER We're excited to have Becky Mann, Matt Mann's sister in law, who has a mission teaching Karen women handicrafts to help them to provide money for their families. She oversees an elementary student meal project to provide a nutritious lunch, and is coordinating revolving funds for an agricultural project that would provide chicken eggs to the school to increase protein intake. The last project provides villagers with money so that they can start a family garden with enough food produced for their families, and later, enough to sell to other villages. She has pictures to share. More information will follow.

4 Main Street Baptist Happenings in 1998 Here a few happenings in our Church s history from 20 years ago. * 17 new members were added bring the total membership to of the 17 were baptized on November 22. Pastor Bennet in his annual reported noted, I would judge that the state of the church is healthy. We have a diverse membership which is a mark of the true church, along with a spiritual unity centered on God s word and produced by the Holy Spirit * On Sunday May 31, 1998 the church participated in the Sounds of Praise Festival at Boulevard United Methodist Church (7:30 PM). Director, John Runion noted in his annual report Almost exactly at starting time, a ferocious storm swept through the Triple Cities causing tornado and hail damage. We went on with the concert despite the storm. Main Street s anthem depended on a pre-recorded accompaniment and thankfully the electric power stayed on for that. * Vacation Bible School (July 13-17, 1998) theme was Sonlight Island. Average attendance was 60. On the closing night- 80 were in attendance. Those who attended the closing program were given a large beachcomber hat. $ was collected to help buy sports supplies for children at the Murrow Indian Children s Home. (Lois Klenchik/ Christian Education report) * World events and the church On October 17, the Mission Dinner in Fellowship Hall (now the PARK) featured guest speakers from Rwanda. Diane Runion Missions report stated We were blessed by the Mungansaunga family in October in the recounting of Genevieve s and their daughters escape from Rwanda. It was an inspiring story full of the grace of God in his provision for them The church also helped to resettle a family from Bosnia. This effort was led by Joan and Jane Wittman. A few reminders of how quickly time has passed. * Ed Pease in his Church Council reported noted Andy Runion is working on a website on the internet so that we can have that sort of visibility for potential newcomers Old 35 MM Film canisters were needed. They were to be used by the children for the World Fellowship Offering taken in October. (September 13, 1998 bulletin) * The Church Bulletins noted: Rosebuds were on the organ console in honor of new born babies: Thomas James Reed Jr. (April 12, 1998 Bulletin) Isaiah Evan Space (December 27, 1998 Bulletin)

5 7 PM L2L 10-2 Green Room Communion 8 AM Red Oak Free Clothes & More Happy Anniversary September 1 Anna Kalivoda September 3 Alex Kalivoda September 3 Jonathan Galli September 3 William Galli September 4 Judy Snyder September 6 Adam Snyder September 9 Doug Johnson September 9 Demos Ford September 11 Aaron Bennett September 11 Wanita Geer September 12 Rachel Thiel September 13 Beverly Beere September 15 Joshua Root September 16 Jessica Carl September 17 Brandi Robinson September 23 Madison Waters September 23 Ed Pease September 28 Tanner File September 30 Melissa Tesoriero September 3 Aaron & Amy Bennett 12 yrs September 4 Bill & Cheri Busch 8 yrs