News n Views A MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN BAPTISTS OF ONTARIO AND QUEBEC OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

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1 News n Views MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR SEPTEMBER 2015 BANWELL COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2400 BANWELL ROAD, WINDSOR ON N8P 1X9 PHONE: ; INFO@BANWELLCHURCH.ORG A MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN BAPTISTS OF ONTARIO AND QUEBEC OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE We are still looking for volunteers to fill some teaching, leading and helping positions in the various programs for the fall in all age groups. There are different commitment levels available, from biweekly to once every 6-12 weeks and training is also included. Positions Needed: Jr. & Sr. Children s Church Leaders & Helpers Nursery & Little Lamb (ages 2-3) Volunteers Thursday night Kid Zone Weekly Volunteer or Storyteller This is such an important ministry in our church, and we would like to have everyone involved. Please take some time to think and pray about these opportunities, and see if God is leading you to step up and take on a new role at Banwell Community Church! Please contact Marlee to get more details about these opportunities. Call , ext. 28 or ce@banwellchurch.org. An Opportunity to discover the richness of all God has made you to be... LifeKeys Seminar October 2...Friday evening 7-9pm October 3...Saturday 9:30-3pm For more info about the seminar, see page 5.

2 AGE UNLIMITED At Pentecost, the disciples were gathered together all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:4 The Senior s Ministry of Banwell Community Church is called Age Unlimited. After our summer vacation, the group will commence some wonderful, educational programs for the fall season. The group meets once a month on the second Wednesday in the Chapel Room. Henry Nurse is the group coordinator and welcomes us to the meeting. Rev. Dr. Alex Moir is our spiritual advisor and begins our meetings with prayer. Our theme for will continue Our Incredible Journey. Many of our members have incredible life stories or trips that they share. We also sing favourite hymns, have a devotional thought, and enjoy a special speaker or seasonal program. Claude Daniels offers grace before our meal, and our morning concludes with a delicious luncheon. The luncheon is planned by Yvonne Eberle, Penny Bain, Madelon Kidd, Pam Beemer, Dorothy Allan and Carol Middaugh. To pay for our lunch, we ask for a freewill donation. There are 2 orders of business: 1. Our December 9th Christmas meeting 2. June bus tour outing in June. We have two special guest speakers - Renee Duffy and Lilian Wilson. They had made plans to vacation together but as Robert Burns said in the poem To a Mouse, The best-laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley (often go awry). Renee received a phone call that altered her vacation plans and she flew to Atlantic Canada. Lilian did go to Beautiful Branson Missouri on a bus tour with Heritage Alliance Church. She enjoyed six wonderful, fun filled days including dinner and show aboard The Branson Belle ; sights and sounds of the story of Jonah; shopping at Branson Landing; and a trip to Eureka Springs in Arkansas to see the Passion Play, and tour The Holy Land. Lilian will share the fabulous vacation trip with the group on September 9th. Invite a friend to share this memorable experience. Renee will be presenting Atlantic Canada. Teach us to number our days that we gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12. Henry Nurse, Coordinator Submitted by Joan Fulmer Child Care Schedules for Sept Date Nursery Little Lambs Sept. 13th Sept. 20th Sept. 27th Ellen Doyle Heather Doyle Pat Cowie Tracy Doyle Christa Braccio Claire Cameron Laurie Beemer Mary Ann Adlam Suzan Harper Macy Doyle Carol Middaugh Gayle Marsh

3 Finance Report Our 2015 budget calls for weekly home church offerings of $10,500, exclusive of benevolent givings and special offerings. The average weekly offering through July 31 st is $9,300 towards our budgeted revenue, so we continue to have some catching up to do. The Benevolent Fund income is $8,917 to June 30 th while $11,228 has been used to help those in need. The balance in our Benevolent Fund is $17,225, Memorial Fund $4,529 and Contingency Fund $53,526. The current mortgage balance is $543,144. Due to the shortfall in weekly offerings we have used $20,000 from our contingency account to fund ongoing operations and have not contributed the $2,000 monthly budgeted amount. So, through June our offerings are $36,000 short of budget. Expenses to date are tracking closely to budget. Banwell always pays its bills, but we are not contributing to our rainy day fund. Our weekly shortfall is $1,200 which is about $5.00 per person per week. From the Living Bible, 1 Corinthians 16:2 Every Sunday each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week and use it for this offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn. Don`t wait until I get there and try to collect it all at once. Give as you have received and been blessed. Give of your time, talent and treasures. Giving must be a way of life. Give with planned regularity and personal responsibility. Give first we cannot support our church with leftovers. Give something no matter your income nor the amount. Every loonie, toonie and $5.00 bill per week helps Banwell to accomplish its mission. Your staff and committee volunteers are mindful stewards of your offerings as they work to facilitate the programs and missions you commissioned and voted on at our 2014 fall meeting. You have the option to give your offering through PAD. Along with the monthly option we have now made arrangements for weekly PAD. Contact the office for the form. The Finance Committee will be considering services for online contributions as well as debit and credit card facilities. If anyone has any experience in these areas, we welcome your input and suggestions. The volunteers who serve on this committee are pleased to answer any questions you may have. On your behalf I thank Ann Van Wagner, Linda Fawler, Ross Hickling, Kevin Martin, Sean Doyle and Zelma Horvath for their time, stewardship and service to our church family and our Lord. On behalf of the Finance Committee, Bruce Rand, Chair

4 When There s a Need While travelling to Maine this summer, one of our stops was Manchester, Vermont. Vermont is a beautiful, picturesque State, but it is one of the poorest economically. We happened to be there on a Sunday, and there was a little country Baptist church in town that we attended. This church had an aging congregation of about 50 members, but as I sat through the service I realized that the old saying "you can't judge a book by it's cover" certainly applied here. Even though these people were a tight knit group, that had probably grown up together in this town, they welcomed us with warmth and acceptance. The Pastor was a spunky 50-something female and she delivered a meaningful, humorous sermon. It was during her sermon, when she spoke about their lunch program, that I realized every day during the summer they feed children in the community that would otherwise go hungry. Through the school year they have a breakfast program, but they realized that when these children weren't in school they were going without food. Every day, this small congregation serves sandwiches, fruit and a beverage to many children that line up at their door. Age or a declining congregation has not deterred them from reaching out in love. They saw a need and decided to do something about. It made me wonder how many times excuses are made that prevent us from doing the right thing. Proverbs 22:17 A merry heart does good like medicine Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my Commandments How many times does God look down and say, Just do it! In His service. Donna Soper Couples Small Group (facilitated by Dawn Michelle Brown) We are starting up for the fall beginning Friday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Join us as we take a look at Max Lucado's "Grace" series. We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and pre-meal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means. Lucado's small group series Grace reminds us that there s more to grace than we ve ever imagined. In this cornerstone message of Lucado's ministry, he challenges us to not only receive grace, but also to be changed by grace. Shaped by grace. Strengthened by grace. Emboldened by grace. Softened by grace. Snatched by the nape of our neck and shaken to our senses by grace. Come and join us! Dawn Michelle Brown

5 Discover the richness of all that God has made you to be... LifeKeys Seminar October 2...Friday evening 7-9pm October 3...Saturday 9:30-3pm LifeKeys is a comprehensive guide to discovering your talents, spiritual gifts, passions, values, and personality all that God made you to be. This seminar grew out of efforts to help people find meaning and purpose through discovering and affirming: What you do best (your life gifts and spiritual gifts) The places or atmospheres that give you the most energy (personality type and values) The purposes God placed in your heart (passions). These truths about who you are, why you re here, and what you do best can help you find personal pathways to fulfilling work, activities, and opportunities for service. We believe that Each human is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and through the LifeKeys process, you will come to appreciate your significance; You were created with a unique, specially chosen blend of gifts (Psalm 139:13-16)...God gave you everything you need the truly right gifts chosen just for you; God has in mind specific good works for you to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10) Sign up in the foyer beginning September 13 th or speak to Dawn Michelle Brown or Linda Moir. Seminar is limited to 20 people and you must be able to attend the entire workshop. Registration fee: $25/person...includes your LifeKeys Discovery Workbook, which offers you a personal, concise way to capture your LifeKeys, snacks, and lunch on Saturday. The fee is required to secure your spot at the seminar. Join us in the process of LifeKeys and allow yourself to uncover the person that God meant you to be. Discover the wonderful truth that somewhere deep in you is a person designed by God. You can find no path more fulfilling than the one that uses your unique gifts as God intended. Sponsored by the Human Resources Committee

6 Jewellery-Making Workday Saturday, September 12 10am-3pm Please bring your lunch, a good lamp, extension cord, a pair of scissors, a good pair of eyes and your creativity! This is in preparation for the Jewellery Sale for Missions To be held in the Banwell Chapel on... Friday, 5-9pm November 6 Saturday, 9am-5pm November 7 Friday, 5-9pm November 13 Saturday, 9am-5pm November 14 All monies collected will be given to Canadian Baptist Ministries to provide for Women s Literacy programs, food and community development, health care, children & youth at risk, etc. Many of the pieces of jewellery will be new with some estate jewellery and recycled donated pieces. If you have jewellery that you no longer wear, consider donating it to this project. Please let me know if you are able to help on Sept. 12 th by phoning or ing the church office. Thank you so much, Linda Moir Hospitality Team Over the years, many women have served on the Hospitality Team, providing refreshments for church events, fundraising and community needs. For the last 20 years Yvonne Eberle has provided leadership. Money from freewill offerings has been used to purchase the sanctuary baby monitor, food for the Downtown Mission, the Marlboro Breakfast Program and Matthew House, financial support for the Salvation Army and many other worthy causes. Thank you ladies for your generous support! If you would like to be added to the list of those who contribute food in times of need, please give your name to Yvonne, Penny Bain or Madelon Kidd. A Paragraph from the Pew Life is unpredictable so you should live each day as if it will be your last. We hear those words all the time but few of us take heed, and some of us don t understand what they mean. It has taken a life-threatening illness for me to even start the process, and I ve decided that it is only human nature to take life for granted. Perhaps God has programmed our minds to think that way so we don t live in fear. I just read a book on laugher by David Naster that quoted a man who tried to kill himself several times. The last time he tried, Jesus told him to go back because it wasn t his time yet. The funny thing, he says, is I m Jewish. Try to find humor in every day Zelma Horvath

7 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES - FALL 2015 The Case for a Creator This Adult Sunday School class will consider various arguments for a belief in God as the Creator through reading and discussing the book The Case for the Creator by journalist Lee Strobel. The class will also draw upon relevant scripture passages that relate to the topics explored within the book. All are welcome and participants are encouraged to invite their friends! Class begins: Sunday, September 6, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. Finishes: Sunday, December 13, 2015 Facilitator: Bruce Musgrave Church History This Adult Sunday School class will cover church history from apostolic times to the Return of Christ. This is really His Story, 2 Tim. 3:16. All history is the forbearance of God that leads to repentance and eternal life. Romans 2:4. Class begins: Sunday, September 13, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. Finishes: Sunday, December 13, 2015 Facilitator: Geoff McKay Children and Youth C.E. Hour begins Sept. 13th at 9:30 a.m. with classes for all ages. If Nursery or Toddler care is needed for the C.E. Hour, please contact Marlee prior to Sept. 13th. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD PACKING In addition to our regular Operation Christmas Child boxes, the Kid Zone children will be packing shoeboxes. If you can help, please bring in the following items each month and place them in the box in the foyer. Thanks in advance for your help!! In September, bring In SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Pencils, pens, crayons, pencil crayons, pencil sharpeners, markers, erasers, etc. In October, bring in PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS Toothbrushes, bar soap, hair brushes or combs, hair bows and elastics, socks, tissues, etc. (No toothpaste please). In November, bring in SMALL TOYS for children of all ages.

8 Book Reviews for September 2015 FOR THE KIDS We have four new DVD s for the youngsters. 1. Robin Hood, Quest for the King 2. Rikki-Tikki & Tavi to the Rescue 3. Buggy Breakup 4. Buggy Big Bucks SHADOWS OF THE PAST PATRICIA BRADLEY Criminal profiler, Taylor Martin, cannot solve the disappearance of her father 20 years ago. When she finally has a lead she returns home to Logan Point to investigate. But as she works to find the truth, someone else is determined to keep her from it. She meets mystery writer Nick Sinclair, who is trying to get over the death of his wife. When the two cross paths all they find is trouble. LOVE CHARLESTON BETH WEBB HART Anne has dreamed of love while ringing the bells at St. Michaels, but her dreams are fading. Her sister and cousin encourage her to move elsewhere to make a new start. Widower Roy Summerall has ministered to the folks of Church of the Good Shepherd for many years so why would God call him and his daughter to Charleston? Surely the refined congregation at St. Michaels won t accept a pastor with a red neck and a simple faith. FIFTEEN MINUTES KAREN KINGSBURY Zack Dylan promised God and his sweetheart, as he left home to compete on the TV show Fifteen Minutes, if he made it, fame wouldn t change him. But then he becomes famous and is asked to compromise his beliefs. His choices lead him to the brink of disaster. ANGELS WALKING KAREN KINGSBURY Baseball hero, Tyler Ames, has lost everything he loves on a quest to make the big leagues. Then just as things begin to turn around for him, Tyler hits rock bottom and his only love Sami Dawson has moved on. Happy Reading! Maureen Downtown Mission News: You can begin to contribute now to the annual Thanksgiving Campaign for our Downtown Mission. $3.11 purchases a complete Thanksgiving Dinner for a resident. Please make your cheque payable to the Downtown Mission with the address at 664 Victoria Ave. Windsor, ON N9A 4N2 or donate online at

9 MEN S MINISTRY In recent years, the Men s Ministry has been truly blessed by the leadership of our Men s Executive. One of the leading contributors is Bob Middaugh. Bob has served as our recording secretary and has compiled excellent minutes. Bob has not only served in this capacity but he has also taken a lead role collecting food for our snack program at Begley and Marlborough schools. Bob oversees the set up for our breakfast meetings, another time-consuming commitment. Effective in July, Bob stepped down from our board but, fortunately he is continuing his other services to our ministry. Bob is a great example of serving our Lord and we are deeply grateful. Thanks Bob. ANNUAL BAR-B-Q Once again we are indebted to Lino and Monica Braccio for opening their home to this very popular Men s Ministry event. Thanks to the 50 men who attended. The impact we can have for our Lord is unlimited. Think about it! There is much to be accomplished! GREAT ESCAPE VI Will be greater than ever. Sign up in the Lobby. Food - Fellowship - Fun and more. Grant Fairley will be our facilitator. COOKIE SALE Thanks to those who purchased cookies. The youth group raised over $ We sincerely appreciate your support. CAR WASH Our Annual Car Wash was another successful event and the men thank all those who assisted as well as those who had their cars laundered. The budget for our various community activities received over $700 as a result of your kindness. Jim Wheeler **************************************** CALLING ALL BANWELL HAND BELL RINGERS: First Rehearsal Monday, September 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Hope to see all of you there. Blessings, Donna Wilcox

10 Banwell Small Groups Update We hope each and every one of you has enjoyed a restful and Spirit filled summer. As the summer draws to a conclusion, we have a number of exciting opportunities waiting for you in the Small Groups Ministry, here at Banwell. 1 st of all, we d like to welcome Dawn-Michelle Brown to the Small Groups Coordinator Team. Dawn- Michelle currently leads the Couple Small group and has a strong passion for helping this ministry flourish here at Banwell. We will all certainly benefit from her leadership going forward. Thanks Dawn-Michelle!!! We have had a number of requests from folks wondering what small group opportunities might be available here at Banwell. Following this update, you will find a current list of all groups, where/ when they meet and how to contact the facilitator of that group. If you re not sure where to start, don t hesitate to contact any of us on the Small Groups Ministry Team: Marlee Page Dawn-Michelle Brown Dave Page As well, If you don t see something of interest currently but have some specific questions about a topic area, or maybe you re wondering about specific curriculum for your existing group again, don t hesitate to contact any one of us. This fall, we will be launching two new small group opportunities: Starting Point Starting Point is for people who are curious about God, have a new relationship with Jesus Christ, or are returning to church after being away for a while. This 8 week experience is also a great way to get started in a Small Group. Seven (7) - CHECK YOUR ASSUMPTIONS, NOT YOUR BAGGAGE The Bible says some surprising things about being a man. Over seven weeks, you ll be introduced to seven questions that rattle in the minds of most men. Join other guys here at Banwell for a live environment where you ll have some great conversations, make important connections, and become a better man. Signs of a Thriving Small Group (Sharefaith Magazine) 1. Encouraging one another 2. Edifying one another 3. Making disciples 4. Praying 5. Studying God s Word

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12 FACES IN THE CROWD Congratulations to Liam Goodwin for being awarded The Rob Baxter Memorial Award for being the most welcoming student in is graduating class. Congratulations to Matt Habuda who graduated from Liberty University in the nursing program this past spring. Congratulations to Braeden Braccio who rushed for over 300 yards in leading the Essex Ravens to a victory in the championship game of the Ontario Varsity Football League in Waterloo on August 15th. Congratulations to Daniel Blata and Monika Recnikova who were married in the Slovak Republic on Saturday, August 29th. We are happy to announce that Femi and Candace Itayemi welcomed the birth of their first son Isaiah. Congratulations to Barb and Gord Wickham who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on August 7th and to Lino and Monica Braccio upon the birth of their first grandchild Rocco Lino. Grant Fairley will be serving as intern pastor at First Baptist Church here in Windsor. The sympathy of the congregation is extended to the friends and families of the following individuals who passed away during the weeks of summer: Fred Moore, Bill Knox (son-in-law of Dave Reimer) on June 30th, Marlene Willis on July 12th, Nicholas Lewchuk on July 14th, Robert B. Sims (the father of Betty Ann Brown) on July 23rd and Geri-Ann Hurt (daughter-in-law of Bruce Rand and Deborah Martel) on August 7th. Update on Grant and Cari Fairley: Grant & Cari will continue their ministry with First Baptist Church until Christmas. They have appreciated your prayers and the many from Banwell who have also helped in music and other projects there in August. Keep in touch with what is happening in at First Baptist: and WORSHIP NOTES During the month of September we will welcome folks back from summer vacation and enjoy worship experiences together! On the first Sunday of the month, Mr. Wendell Phipps will supply preach for the Pastor during his last week of his vacation. For the rest of that month, the Pastor will be preaching on a message series called In the Name of Jesus. As always we are grateful for our church musicians under the leadership of Ian McGregor Smith who will minister to us through music. Don t forget that communion this month is on the second Sunday of the month, Sept. 13th. May the Lord continue to bless as we gather together in worship! September 6th September 13th September 20th September 27th Guest Speaker: Wendell Phipps In the Name of Jesus...Great Physician (Mark 2:13-17 In the Name of Jesus...Great Comforter (John 14:15-26) In the Name of Jesus...The Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18)

13 KID ZONE JK - GRADE 5 Thursday nights 6:30-8:00 p.m. Starting September 24 th, 2015 at Banwell Community Church! This is a Rotational Evening (similar to VBS) where kids move around as group to different activities. They include games, crafts, dramas, Bible stories, worship music and snack. The children are broken down into groups by age so the activities can be tailored to their age level. Hope to see you there! Kids are welcome to join at anytime! Call the church at for more details! Or Marlee at ce@banwellchurch.org Friday Mornings - Are you busy?? As noted, there are always small jobs that need attention throughout our building. As a result, Kim Anber has a creative idea - anyone who is available on Friday mornings could meet, have coffee, then proceed to complete odd jobs. If you can assist, please speak to Kim. Whether it s once a month or every Friday, whatever time you have will be a help and appreciated! FREE INSPIRING POETRY BOOKS! Ron Kalkhourst has been attending Banwell over the past year and he has written several Poetry books. He would like to offer a free copy to those that are interested. Check out the books at poetrypoem.com/ronkalkhourst Ron at ronkalkhourst@hotmail.com and let him know which one(s) you would like and he will bring them to church for you. Did You Know? Tom Holmes, retiring Chair of our Property Management Committee, has personally repaired over 100 chairs that had broken parts from years of use. Great job Tom and thanks. We are fortunate Tom is remaining as a member of the committee. Kim Anber has taken the reins from Tom as our new Chair. Recently Tom and Kim built new shelving in the Sanctuary storeroom. Once again, men using their talents to serve our congregation. Parking Lot Repairs Keeping our total facility in safe and good repair is much like keeping our home in good repair - it never ends. This summer our Property Management Committee had to have broken parking lot lights repaired as well as a deep hole in the parking lot. The cost was approximately $8,500. Thank you for your faithful giving that make the necessary repairs possible. Next on their list is attention to our beautiful stain glass windows leading that is in need of attention. MATTHEW HOUSE NEEDS: New twin (single) sheet sets New double sheet sets Brooms Dust Pans Mops Pails Dishes in sets of at least 4 place settings (large plate, small plate, bowl,) mugs glasses silverware Bathroom and Kitchen Cleaners Floor Cleaners Kleenex Paper Towels Toilet Paper Shampoo Moisture Lotion Small note pads All of these items are used for the welcome kits when residents first come, or items we give to residents when they leave us to start up their own homes. Please place items at the west doors in the Matthew House bin at Banwell.

14 MY BACK PAGES As you peruse this newsletter, you will be aware of the changes that are taking place outside, in spite of the fact that it is still early in September. We didn t get a very fast start on summer, so we observe with some degree of melancholy the leaves beginning to change, the earlier sunset in the evening and the nip in the air. Alas, it will truly be autumn before we know it and while we hate to see it go, the end of summer does hold much in store for us as well. Of course it means the beginning of the school year. If you keep a prayer list, include the teachers you know on it. Their role in our children s lives is so important. But it is the kickoff to the church year as well. And I believe this year holds some opportunities for us as a church family. Our Christian Education ministry switches into high gear in September, with classes on Sunday morning before worship and the return of most of our small groups, with new ones sprouting up during the year as well. Those interested in church membership and/or baptism will get an opportunity to explore these options beginning on Sunday, September 27 th. We continue our search for a new staff person in the youth area, so we covet your prayers for this. As always, we re thankful for our church musicians and pray that the Lord will strengthen them to give us quality time in the midst of already busy schedules to rehearse and lead us in music. You may have noticed during the summer that our attendance has not only kept up, but exceeded our usual numbers for this time of year and this trend began back during the winter months. We haven t really analyzed the figures as of yet, but to me this means one thing in particular that the Spirit is still working in a very secular and fast-paced world and that busy people still need the Lord. The way the various media sources portray life, you would ve thought that faith had gone out of fashion. We know that is not so, and we ve been reminded about it again, through this very interesting time in the life of our congregation. So, let s be on the lookout this fall for folks who may be finding their way amongst us, in a church that is new to them. During these weeks of summer I ve noticed some people who ve been around for a while finding new places to sit during worship we may be forced to do more of that if things continue to track upward. If the Spirit continues to attract new ones to our ministry it may be necessary for us to make some other changes as well. But these are good types of challenges to face as we continue to serve our God. We are so blessed to be together at this time and place may God find us faithful to His cause as we continue to gather together. Devotedly, your pastor Alex NEWS TEAM MEMBERS Editor/Journalist: Jim Wheeler; Journalists: Zelma Horvath & Donna Soper; Proof-reader: Zelma Horvath; Typist & Designer: Debbie Ebel; Spiritual Leader: Pastor Alex Moir; Production Staff: Deborah Bevington