The Chimes. Dreams Work. In this issue. Published by McCormick First Baptist Church MISSION STATEMENT Our Mission is to:

Transcription

1 The Chimes Published by McCormick First Baptist Church MISSION STATEMENT Our Mission is to: Worship and Praise our Savior Evangelize the World Encourage and Help One Another Equip for Service OUR GOAL We are Committed to: L ordship of Christ Mt 22:37 O ngoing Stewardship Mal 3:10 R eaching out in Evangelism Mt 28:19-20 D iscipleship Training II Tim 2:15 In this issue Birthdays... 4 Celebrating an Anniversary...8 Children's Korner...6 Flower Calendar...8 Memorial Gifts... 8 Ministry of Administration...7 Ministry of Fellowship...4 Ministry of Missions/Evangelism...7 Music Moment...3 New Members...8 Notes...8 Reflections...2 Someone You Should Know...3 WMU Report...5 Youth Matters...6 October 2005 Dreams Work Rev. Dennis G. Lynn, Pastor A minister was asked to speak at the anniversary of the founding of a local church. Probably the most important statement the pastor made was this: Here, yesterday, today and tomorrow meet for workers who dream And dreamers who work. Think of the founding members of the church, the church of yesterday. They built the foundation. Concerning the church at Corinth, St. Paul said, I planted [this Corinthian church] (1 Corinthians 3:6, nrsv). Those who responded to the Gospel in Corinth were the plants so to speak, the first members of the congregation. Paul went on to start other churches, but he did not leave those first Corinthian congregants to flounder alone. He left Apollos to water the new plants. I planted, wrote Paul, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6, nrsv). The church of yesterday began to include the church of today, and in time there would be the church of tomorrow. The seed of the great Gospel had been planted and the soil was good enough to bring forth more members. The result was church workers. Workers who dream workers who caught the vision and turned to work on behalf of God s kingdom. They were workers who tried to make the dream a reality. They were dreamers who work. No church can survive without workers who dream great dreams. And no church can grow in good health without dreamers who work for the church of today and for the church of tomorrow. (From Newsletter Newsletter)

2 2 Reflections At a previous church I attended, we planned a rather large fall festival for our children in place of the traditional Halloween Carnival provided at local schools. We were fortunate enough to be able to acquire access at a reasonable price to a number of rides and other activities that would appeal to children. At our planning meeting, I emphasized the importance of promoting the event by all available means throughout the community. I never will forget the response of one of the ladies on the planning committee. She said, If we invite everyone in the community to come and they bring their children, our children will not have enough time on the equipment and at the games. Her reply broke my heart because it totally missed the point for our very existence as a church. As important as love for each other and ministry to each other are, we are not here to simply exchange warm fuzzies and to feather our own nest. We are here to assist in the greatest endeavor of all time. We are partners with God in the building of His Kingdom. I thank God that you understand that responsibility and that you are open to fulfilling it. This is evident by things like the Block Party, the choir musical specials presented for the community, Christmas floats, the inclusion of the community in our Forty Days of Purpose Campaign, our Disaster Relief ministry, our support for missions through our giving and many other expressions of concern for our community, state, nation and world. Mark Young at our Ministry Fair highlighted this understanding. Because of his work, he and Diane have lived in many different places and have belonged to many different churches. He commented that they were so happy to be a part of a church that looked beyond its own walls and ministered to the community. I could not have asked for a better compliment. You have heard me say often, If we will be faithful to do our part in the building of His Kingdom, He will build our church. As we commit to the building of God s Kingdom, it is important that we not become complacent and that we remember that God s reward for faithfulness is greater service. Our faithfulness of the past will give us greater opportunities in the future. This is why we are hosting the Empowering Kingdom Growth Conference October 13 thru 16. It is to help us remain focused. Listed below is a schedule for the conference. Schedule Thursday, October 13 7:00 PM Rev. Roosevelt Morris, head of the Office of Prayer and Spiritual Awakening for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, will bring a message on prayer. Friday, October 14 7:00 PM Dr. Tony Beam, former pastor and present head of the Christian World View Center at North Greenville College will bring a message on the importance of a Christian World View. Saturday, October 15 7:00 PM Dr. Jeff Lethco, pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Greenwood will bring a message on our call to be involved in Global Missions. Sunday, October 16 11:00 AM Dr. Ken Hemphill, head of the Empowering Kingdom Growth Emphasis of the Southern Baptist Convention will be with us on Sunday morning. We will be inviting the other churches in our area to join us for this important time of reflection upon our responsibilities as the Church. Begin now to pray that God will use this time to broaden our focus and the focus of all who will attend. Pray for our choir as they prepare special music for each evening. Pray that God will remove all the obstacles in your way and that you will be with us for each meeting. Dennis As of 9/25/05 General Budget Year to date budget: $ 192, Year to date actual: $ 186, Cooperative Program Year to date budget: $ 22, Year to date actual: $ 18, McCormick First Baptist Church P.O. Box 416 McCormick, SC Fax: Web page pastormfbc@wctel.net officemfbc@wctel.net Mary Goens, Editor

3 SOMEO MEONE YOU SHO HOULD KNOW by Noreen Eichem George and Suzanne Krohn met in the Peace Corp in Jamaica, NY where they were training before going to Jamaica West Indies for two years. They then lived about 24 years in Michigan before deciding it was too hard getting around in the snow. That precipitated their smart move to South Carolina. They have three daughters, two in Michigan and one closer in Florida. Florida is also where they have three grandchildren. George and Sue both received Christ as their Savior early in life at 13 and 11 years old. They say their spiritual growth comes from reading the word, Bible studies, church and fellowship with believers who love Christ. They also serve the Lord through teaching (George was a teacher for the Koinonia Class last year), serving as deacon (he has just been reelected), and serving on the Personnel Committee. Sue is a prayer warrior for the Pastor and Helen Lynn and has served on the Block Party Committee. George and Sue also use their gifts of hospitality to invite many different people to their home on Sunday for dinner and during the week. Sue has put together the Dinner for Eight the last few years. This couple loves to travel and spend time with friends, children and especially grandchildren. Sue also enjoys reading, spending time outside in her garden and playing card games. George likes to golf and play tennis. Someday he says he going to spend some time fishing. Suzanne and George The Krohns at one time cared for his mother and her mother and father. All three have since died, but it shows you the love and caring spirit of this family. They have their own physical problems to deal with daily, but we ve never seen that slow them down or hear complaints. George and Sue, we re glad you chose our church as your church and your place to serve the Lord at this time. Music Moment by David Becker I D RATHER HAVE JESUS Forty years ago, George Beverly Shea was attending the Bible School in Ottawa (Ontario) where I was teaching. He loved to sing. After more training in New York City he was given an audition at one of the radio stations and was offered a contract. He asked that he might sing Gospel songs. He was told that he might use one occasionally, but he would have to use the songs on the Hit Parade. What would he do? His mother was praying. On Saturday night, she placed a poem on the piano. In the morning he composed a tune for it. One verse was: I d rather have Jesus than silver and gold; I d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame; I d rather be true to His holy Name! Bev turned down the contract. A short time later, he was offered a position with a Chicago radio station where he might use the Gospel songs he loved. While there he met Billy Graham. The rest of the story is well- known. -R. Barclay Warren I d Rather Have Jesus I d rather have Jesus than silver or gold, I d rather be His than have riches untold; I d rather have Jesus than houses or lands, I d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand. 3

4 Ministry of Fellowship Special Appreciation A special thank you to the choir and to the Kitchen Angels for doing such a great job September 9 with the cantata and the ice cream social We had an opportunity to touch the lives of a large number of folks from our community. Likewise, a thank you is due to all that helped to make our annual picnic a success. Association Quarterly Senior Rally October 11 The Senior Rally for the Association will be at Hyde Park Baptist church on October 11. Cherokee and Diane LeDoux will provide the entertainment for the rally. We will leave the church at 12:30 PM and have lunch in Greenwood. If you would like to attend, please sign the sheet near the church office. Plus Group Annual Apple Run Our annual apple run will be on Tuesday, October 18. The exact route has not yet been determined but we can promise you plenty of mountains and apples. We will leave the church at 8:30 AM and we will return late afternoon. If you would like to go with us, place your name of the list on the bulletin board near the church office. Wednesday Night Supper Our Wednesday night suppers begin at 5:30 PM. We have been having a great group each Wednesday night. It is a great time for fellowship around the table. Following the meal, we adjourn to the Chapel for a time of prayer and Bible study. If you have not joined us, give it a shot. You may sign up by filling out the registration in the bulletin or by calling the church office prior to Monday at 3:00 PM. Cantata: Our Flag was Still There VHS and DVD versions Now on sale for your viewing pleasure: VHS at $6 or DVD at $8. Please call or stop by the church office to place your order. All orders to be prepaid. Deadline is October 9, John Shiflet 2 Rose Combs 3 Joey Mason 4 Betty Eklund 5 Cyndy Matheny Brenda C. Terrell Tyler Willis 6 Janice Martin Maxine P. Shoemake 7 Huseh-An White 9 Peggy Gilmore 10 Barbara Douglas Wilma Robinson 11 Vern Adams Aaron Gordon Alton White 12 Marvin Hammond 13 Gaye McKee 15 Rose Lindley October Tom and Sherrill Browne 8 October 16 Frances Bolin 18 Ryan Eklund 19 Lang Combs III Carol LaSalle Dottie Morgan Barney Outzs 20 Cathy Buckner Dennis Lynn 21 Glenda Lewis 22 Pat Harvey 23 Chuck Eichem 25 Paul Bollman, Jr 26 Alonzo LaSalle, Jr Esther White 27 Len Daugherty Betty Hammond Bill Stirling 28 Kay Brewer (Is your name missing from the birthday list? Please stop by or call the office to update your membership record.) October 2 Jack and Glenna Grove 9 Sandy McKinney 16 Charlie and Louise Sanders 23 Eloise Coleman 30 COMMUNION November 6 Della Bowen 13 Dottie Morgan 20 Charlie and Kelly Coxe 4

5 WMU Report by Donna Derks SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE 70% RETURN WITHIN A YEAR 1600 KIDS ARE LIVING OUTSIDE THEIR HOMES UNDER THE CUSTODY OF THE STATE THOUSANDS ARE BEING SUPERVISED BY THE STATE (ALTHOUGH LIVING AT HOME) EVERY COUNTY IN SC IS REPRESENTED BEHIND THE FENCE OF DJJ THE AVERAGE AGE AT DJJ IS 15 WITH 88% HAVING PRIOR COURT HISTORY 53% OF THE YOUTH AT DJJ COME FROM SINGLE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS BECAUSE YOU GAVE 684 PEOPLE VOLUNTEERED FROM SC TO ASSIST IN DISASTER RELIEF WORK DURING THE 2004 HURRICANE SEASON 75 SUMMER MISSIONARIES SERVED IN SC DURING 2005 SC BAPTISTS PREPARED 26,703 CHRISTMAS PACKETS THAT WERE GIVEN TO EVERY INMATE IN STATE-RUN ADULT AND YOUTH CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS 5

6 Children's Korner We have gotten off to a great start with our Wednesday Fall program. Invite a friend to come with you next week. We are planning a Fall Festival. It will be in early November. Pray for us, as we plan a fun filled, exciting afternoon! YOUTH MATTERS Coming October 14 A youth emphasis night for the Empowering Kingdon Growth Conference. We will have dinner at the church. Stay tuned for more details. Bring a Friend!! GA's Girls in Action (GA s) has begun and we are having fun learning and practicing missions. We will meet every Wednesday at 5 PM on the same Wednesdays as Children s choir meets. Therefore, if no children s choir, there will be no GA s that week. Girls please join us and parents please support us. Call Judie Goff with any questions or concerns, Children and Youth Fall Schedule Sunday 5:30-7:00 PM Bible Buddies, Grades 1-3 Youth Group Tuesday 4:00-5:00 PM Bible Drill, Grades 4-6 Wednesday* 3:00-5:00 PM Children's Choir, Grades K-6 5:00-6:00 PM GA's/RA's, Grades K-6 Acteens 6:00-7:00 PM Youth Prayer Meeting *The van will pick students up from school. 6

7 Ministry of Missions/Evangelism Adopt a Church Program The North American Mission Board is presently working to match up churches from the area devastated by Hurricane Katrina with other churches across our convention. We have registered with them to be one of those churches. This does not mean that we will be the sole one assisting a church in need. Depending on the needs of the church, there may be many churches assigned to the same church. The assessment team of the NAMB has been temporarily hindered by the threat of Hurricane Rita. This huge storm may well create many other churches that need assistance in rebuilding. Keep this project in your prayers. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to move beyond our walls and to assist brothers and sisters in Christ in their need. Hurricane Relief We realize that there are many voices seeking your aid for the victims of the two latest hurricanes. However, if you would like to give through the church, we will continue to receive offerings for hurricane relief. You may give by placing your gifts in the Special Offering Envelopes found in the hymnal racks in the sanctuary and on the tables leading into the sanctuary. Janie Chapman Offering for State Missions If you have not given to this important offering, please consider contributing over the next two weeks. The money from this offering stays in our state and is used for projects across the state designed to touch people with the love of Christ. To date we have given $1,465. Our goal is $1,000. Empowering Kingdom Growth Conference October This is an excellent opportunity to invite friends from other churches to attend our church. The purpose is not to attract new members but it is an attempt to create a sense of excitement about all Christians working to advance God s Kingdom. We encourage you to make a commitment to attending all the services and to praying for the speakers. (Speakers and topics are listed in the pastor s Reflections in this Chimes.) Most of all, pray that God will give us a passion for working with Him to build His Kingdom. There is no more important task in the world. Ministry of Administration Deacon Election On September 18, you elected the following men (listed in alphabetical order) to serve as deacon: Jim Bleakley, Paul Bollman, G W Hall, George Krohn and Del Owen. Jim, Paul and Del will be ordained Sunday morning, October 2. Adopt a Church Program At our business meeting on September 18, we voted to proceed with the plan to adopt a church destroyed or badly damaged by recent hurricanes. This is a program initiated by our North American Mission Board. There will be additional information as soon as we receive it. Association Meeting, October 17 If you would like to be a messenger from our church to the annual association meeting to be held on October 17, let the pastor or church office know by no later than October 7. This will give us an opportunity to elect you officially October 9. This is an important meeting this year. It will deal with some substantial changes in the association. Announcements We are attempting to get away from the practice of taking worship time to make announcements. We are scrolling the announcements on our new screen prior to the beginning of worship. This allows us to begin worship at 11:00 AM. In order to do this we must have all announcements into the office by no later than Friday noon. The only other announcements that will be made during the worship service will be those dealing with emergencies. Local Helps Ministry Last year we created a Local Helps Ministry in our church. While we created the ministry, we did not do much in the way of communicating what it was created to do. It is a ministry that provides assistance to those in our church or community who have practical needs. It does not cover major repairs but it does cover things like hot water heaters, replacement of light bulbs, etc. There will be a box designated for the Local Helps Ministry in the church office this year. If you have need or know someone who does, write it down and place it in the box. 7

8 Address Service Requested NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 1 McCormick, S.C. October 2005 Notes Dear Friends in Christ, Each time there was a prayer, call, card visit, food or question about my health, I felt God's love from His people to me. I thank each and every one of you. It means so very much to both David and me to be remembered in these ways. Love, Wyolene Boersma I want to thank you, my church family, for all the loving kindness that was shown to me while I was in the hospital and after I came home. I cannot find the words to thank you enough. All the cards, food, visits and especially the prayers, I will never forget. Thank you from my heart. May our Lord bless you all. Lovingly, Dot McKinney Al and Annie Clark Roger Goens Mrs. Helena Faulkner Mr. AND Mrs. Randy Lindsey Janie Combs Mrs. Helena Faulkner Mrs. June White Raymond Henderson Mr. AND Mrs. Marion Henderson The following books: have been donated and added to the church library for your reading pleasure. Out to Canaan At Home in Mitford A Light in the Window These High Green Hills A New Song, by Jan Karon October 30, 2005 Daylight Saving Time Ends Deadline for November Chimes is October 16. information to church office or drop in Chimes tray located by secretary's office. 8