Challenger. The. Pastor Mark. Honor God by Developing Completely Committed Christ Followers. Jill Lowery

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1 September, 2011 Volume 62, Issue 9 The Challenger The Unstoppable Force Do you ever feel like your spiritual life is on a treadmill? You try hard, do well, but fail over and over. It s two steps forward, then three steps back. You read the Bible more, go to church more, but you fail. You re giving God everything you got but making little progress. If it s so frustrating, then why bother? It seems odd that we will work so hard, giving it all the effort we can, to live the spiritual life in the flesh. But maybe that s the problem. We were never meant to succeed in the spiritual life in the flesh. The spiritual life is intended to be lived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet for many Christians in this day and age the Holy Spirit is forgotten. Not forgotten theologically, because we all know there is a Holy Spirit, but practically. In our everyday life we think, I need to be more patient. We say, I m going to work on my patience today, rather than allowing patience to flow through us as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Practically, we live attempting to control our flesh by self-discipline and determination. In the book of Acts we see the believers transformed, not because they were looking for the power but because they were waiting on God in the upper room. When God saw the time was right, the Holy Spirit came upon them. I m not suggesting you hideout in your attic until the Holy Spirit comes upon you, but when was the last time you sat in prayer just waiting for the Holy Spirit s leading in your life? (Continued on page 2) Welcome Back Mike & Jill Lowery I am excited to tell you two of our favorite missionaries will be with us on September 24 & 25. Congo missionaries Mike & Jill Lowery were last with us July 2010 and what a great visit that was. Jill was the one who picked us (Angela, Dan, Jackie and I) up at the airport when we landed in Africa. Mike has continued to preach at the International Church in the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Remember I was blessed to preach there once on our trip in December, Angela played the keyboard and Jackie prayed. What a great experience that was for us. Jill continues to work with the Mitendi women s center, it will be great to hear how the embroidering machine is doing, last we were there they were adding on to the building where the clothing ministry takes place. It will also be exciting to hear how the Lowery s c h i l d r e n a r e d o i n g ; t h e i r youngest Matthew just finished high school in Congo and will be going to college in the States. See page 11 for more on the family and Congo. We plan to have a few times of connection with Mike & Jill. Saturday night you are invited to a dinner time at the church of fellowship and questions. Sunday morning we would like to have Mike & Jill spend time visiting with a few small groups and have informal time of questions and answers so you can get to know these super people like we do. Pastor Mark Honor God by Developing Completely Committed Christ Followers

2 1866 S. Market Boulevard Chehalis, WA Phone 360/ Fax 360/ SENIOR PASTOR Rev. Mark L. Wilks Ext: 102 Home: ASSOCIATE PASTOR Rev. R.W. Skip Grover Ext: 104 Home: YOUTH PASTOR Jeff Hawkins Ext: 103 Home: CHILDREN S MINISTRY DIRECTOR Kim Marcus Ext: 100 kimcd@fbcchehalis.org Home: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Cheri Foster Ext: 101 secretary@fbcchehalis.org Home: The Challenger, the newsletter of Chehalis First Baptist Church is published monthly. Articles to be published in the October issue are to be submitted by September 20 Articles submitted for publication may be subject to editing. articles to: secretary@fbcchehalis.org Church Office Hours 8:30 am 3:30 pm Monday through Friday Closed for lunch 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. (Continued from Page 1) One aspect of the book of Acts that makes it different from all the other books in the New Testament is that it is an ongoing illustration of the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. While most of the New Testament tells us how to believe or how to live, Acts shows us what actually happens to the first believers. One word of caution: when reading the book of Acts, remember it is descriptive not prescriptive. Acts is a book of history. It is never the author s intent to imply we will experience everything the apostles experienced. You may be wondering, What is taking so long to get the parking lot completed. First, I will say it is learning new information. Since our last church business meeting there have been a few developments. In the last meeting we shared we were weighting the costs of putting a sprinkler system in our current building, because we cannot make changes (e.g. move walls) without adding one. We have learned if we would like to add another building, but have not put a sprinkler system in our current building, we will be required to pay for up to 4 new fire hydrants. Two fire hydrants would need to be near the parking lot entrance one at Market and one up Kenwood. We would be paying to bring the water main extension up Kenwood and that would be very expensive. If we are to put in a sprinkler system in this building we would be required to bring the water across Market near our current exit of the parking lot. That means we pay for Market to be dug up and water line to be put in Project Update But we do have the transforming power of the Holy Spirit for life change. Acts shows us the gospel power that is missing in many American s life s today. It is not just a power for forgiveness in our past, but for a present life change today. Paul warns to deny this power is to fall under a dreadful curse (2 Tim. 3:5) and to miss this power is to fall in to a dreadful flesh driven existence. My hope for you in this series is you experience a greater awareness and empowering of the Holy Spirit in your daily life. Pastor Mark underground onto our property and a hydrant or two installed on our property and Market to be repaired. As well we pay for a double check system (8 inch ) which brings water to our building for a sprinkler system. Expensive, yes but less expensive if we only have to dig up Market once. We would be money ahead if we sprinkled now. So we are currently taking bids on installing the sprinkler system. Why not just do the parking lot and add the sprinkler system and fire hydrants later. Because if we add the fire hydrants and lay pipe down later it will require us to dig up the parking lot. And we don t want to lay down the new parking lot only to rip it up later to put in the pipes and have patch work all over our new parking lot. Pastor Mark 2

3 Seems like only yesterday we were talking about summer and school being out, vacation time, camping trips, fun in the sun and well enjoying life! Even though we did not get the really warm summer this year it has been a good time. As you know it is now September! I recently heard some of you parents saying hooray school is starting again. I also overheard some children saying the very same thing!! What is that all about?! This month is indeed a month of beginnings. Time to get going again for Sunday school, AWANA, and Small groups. leaders will be contacting each of you about getting into your groups as we start our All Church Study UNSTOPPABLE The Unstoppable Power of the Holy Spirit in the beginning of the Church... This will be a very exciting and dynamic study of the Book of Acts. A great choice for us to study as we begin the Church Year. We want every one in the church to be in a group for this study. If you have not been in a group before please contact me so I can point you to a group(s) that will work for you. The study will begin September 11 and the first part will last for 9 weeks. There are three parts to this study. Each approximately 9 weeks in length... The first part will last until sharing your Faith. Really, you say? Everything we do or say or think, remember. So I say Why not? I have never been very good about talking with folks, even one-on-one. So try to say what I want with music or a greeting card. Music, for me, has always been the way of sharing. If the words and the expression are sincere, then the message has been proclaimed. (Romans 10:14-15) "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!" Whether it be a preacher in the pulpit or a soloist or a choir telling the In His Grip approximately the beginning of Advent. Pastor Mark will be preaching each week from the Book of Acts. Each week the small groups will be studying what was preached the previous week plus some additional material. There will be books for each person. Also remember small groups are about more than just studying they are about getting connected with others and forming community with other Christians. I am certain you all know our purpose statement here at FBCC: To Honor God by developing completely committed Christ followers. Small groups are one of the primary ways we do that. Nuff said, now get involved. September 25 we will have the Lowery s, missionaries to the Congo, with us for the morning services. While not in September, on October 2 we will have CLASS 101. Discovering Church Membership, this Class is about Connecting to the Body of Christ. We strongly encourage you to attend this class as you will learn whet we believe and understand God s reason for our being here. The class will be in the afternoon and a light lunch will be furnished. If you are new or want to know more about FBCC this is the class for you! This class is one Worship is story, the message has been proclaimed. Some of you have seen Les Miserables recently. Did you notice that message of forgiveness runs all through the story? What has Jesus done for you lately? Have you shared that experience with anyone? Sometimes, we just want to keep it to ourselves, but maybe the sharing would make a different in some else's life. While it is true that some are called to be evangelists, we are all called to evangelize. We're inclined to avoid sharing our faith, deciding to just live it out, be a good witness and leave the "preaching" to others. you 3 of the requirements to become a member of FBCC. We continue to need some of you to step up and become involved in the Visitation Ministry. We have many who are unable to attend worship and would very much enjoy a visit from someone other than the pastors. If you think this might be a ministry for you please contact me. We will provide training. Well my paper is full again, God bless each of you, Pastor Skip know the old saying "actions speak louder than words"? While that is very true, our actions need to reflect our words. We don't have to scream and yell and wave our Bible to get the point across. Speak softly and carry a big stick (Bible). We are His hands and feet - who else is going to get the word out to the lost? Think about it. Blessings Blessings Grace Grover

4 Mouth-sized nuggets of fruit-juicy goodness are poised to blast their sunripened flavor across my tongue. The mere thought shifts saliva glands into overdrive. Dollops of sweet cream, whipped to perfection, perch atop mounded slices. Containers of fresh made jam parade toward the freezer. Chocolate coated versions wait quietly on a plate for their turn to amaze the taste buds. Another.. OUCH reality makes a pointed entry into my gourmet garbed daydream. As I reached through to pull a clump of grass out of the row of strawberry plants, a thistle evaded my glove-protected hand and snagged my wrist. Switching targets, I loosen the dirt around the prickly attacker, grasp it low on its stem and pull, slow and steady. Despite this usually successful technique, the dratted thing breaks off just below ground level, leaving the root to regenerate. Refocusing on the rest of the row, I dig out and pull weeds, old leaves and dead grass. The root systems on the clover and thistles seem to go on forever. When they don t snap like the thistle, it s possible to pull a root loose from the dirt and have it lead to another plant, then another. Digging as deep as the hand rake can, I knock the dirt off the roots, break the clods into fine dirt and smooth out the surface between to create a clean row. Down on the Farm Berry Good The job isn t done yet and my hands are coated in dirt, my fingernails are snagged and my back hurts. My knee is bruised and my nose is slightly sunburned. Only the vision of fresh strawberries, in a myriad of delectable dishes, sustains me; drives me to continue. I will finish the job and the reward will be tasty and abundant! Having a goal or destination in mind helps me to maintain a sense of direction and focus on what I need to do to achieve the desired result. Recently, I found myself wondering why I don t define my spiritual goals as clearly as I do my earthly ones. Rather than blunder around, chastising myself for not doing better, it occurred to me that the time was better spent discovering what goals might be well within reach and were just waiting for me to focus on them. It took the sting of a thistle to snap me out of my daydream. I m glad it didn t take the pain of a loss or injury to get my attention spiritually. I can see I ve become a bit too comfortable and haphazard in my approach to reading Scripture. Three days out of four is okay but just how good was that day I didn t get around to it? The new goals are to read every day and when I do, to take an extra five or ten minutes to sit quietly and think about what the verse said and what it means today. Just as I dug out the weeds, knocked off the excess dirt and cleaned up the row, my focus is to take time to examine the Scripture, dust off my surface understanding and look to see what deeper meaning may be buried there. One difference between the weeding and the reading is that the rewards for focused Scripture reading reach far beyond the initial harvest, sustaining me in each new today and preparing me for God s tomorrow. Another difference is that the Holy Spirit will encourage and instruct me as I work toward this renewed goal. I just have to ask for guidance and help; to admit this is beyond my own weak will and that God has every right to intervene. Hebrews 12 tells us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. The joy of finishing this particular race will be berry, berry good indeed! Fay Ternan 2011 Leadership Tune-up Transforming the Church Transforming the World This annual gathering of pastors and church leaders continues to be one of the most inspirational and educational events for the people of ABCNW. The main focus continues to be on equipping church leaders to be more effective in developing missional churches. September Ross Point Camp, Post Falls, ID This year s speakers are, Dr. Willie Nolte, Mission Lead for Transformational Ministries and Rev. Shannon O Dell lead pastor of a multi -site campus ministry located in the metropolis of Bergman, AR (pop 445). You will find brochures with more information and an attached registration form at the information table in the church foyer. 4

5 Summer Mission Projects Youth Happenings This summer our youth have been working on some summer mission projects around our community. Several Fridays throughout the summer students met Pastor Jeff with a sack lunch, a servants heart, and a willing attitude to demonstrate the love of Christ to those in need. Projects included sorting donated items such as clothes and toys at the Lighthouse Christian Resource Center; s sorting and inventorying items for the Kids Closet, where back to school items are distributed to families in need; and a couple of manual labor tasks at the Love INC. office. Love INC. helps many in need in our county and our students were able to do some sprucing up of their office location to be more welcoming and warm as they serve in the Name of Christ. Some of our students providing manual labor at the Love INC office. Youth Leader Spotlight! Tyrel Hawkins As Pastor Jeff s son, Tyrel has been actively involved in our Youth Ministry for many years as a student and student leader. Tye graduated from W.F. West in June 2010 and has spent the last year as our Wednesday night game leader, sound board and projection point person, and has taught Sunday school whenever he was needed. Tyrel loves leading, teaching, and goofing around with our Middle School boys. This month Tyrel will be heading to college at the University of Washington- Bothel, where he will be studying business management and seeking God s future plans for his life. He will be missed by many of our students and staff. High School Football and FBCC Youth s Fifth Quarters! September means back to school and with Fall brings High School Football. We now have students from several different local schools attending our church and youth ministry, including students who play for the Napavine and W.F. West (Chehalis) football teams. This fall we will have 5th quarter, after game celebrations on September 9 & 23 and October 7 & 21. These dates correspond with Friday night home games for the W. F. West and/ or Napavine teams. WHAT IS A 5th QUARTER? The 5th quarter signifies the moments after a football game. Immediately following Friday Night High School football games, we open the doors of the youth center to any High school students who want to come hang out and have fun in a safe environment. There is a $5 charge as we will provide warm stuff to drink ( like coffee & hot chocolate) and some sort of snack (maybe pizza, chili fries, nachos or similar items). We often play games in our fellowship hall or set up video game consoles in nearby classrooms. Near the end of the night one of our students will share their story about how God is working in their lives. The night ends at Midnight. This will be the 10th consecutive year that FBCC youth ministry has been doing 5th quarters. 5

6 August 14, Rev. Dr. Daniel and Sarah Chetti, IM Missionaries to Lebanon 6 August 21, Pastor Tony and Claudia Anaya and the worship team from Iglesia Christiana Resurrección.

7 Everything Drama By Iglesia Christiana Resurrección Youth 7

8 Young Life is a non denominational international ministry with the sole purpose of introducing Jesus Christ to middle school and high school students. It is a mission where the mission field consists of school hallways, playing fields and local hangouts. The missionaries are area teachers, para medics, moms and other volunteers who love Jesus and want so desperately to share the Love of Christ with teens who are often lonely and frightened of the world they are facing. Statistics show that over 75% of young people do not have a church Mission of the Month Young Life affiliation or knowledge of Christ. Our leaders walk along side of kids encouraging them and showing them their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose. Young Life is often the first opportunity for a kid to hear about Jesus who sacrificed his life just for him. The need to share Christ with kids in our schools is an awesome challenge. We are very fortunate and grateful to have several churches including Chehalis First Baptist and hundreds of people who do support Young Life. We currently have YL clubs in six area high schools and three middle schools. The need is to have more missionaries and supporters helping in our schools with clubs and to begin clubs in schools where there is currently no club. We are akways in need of prayer partners and other supporters to help bring the message of Christ to our young people. If you are looking for a mission to support and want to make a difference in the life of a young person in our local community please contact Dave Klovdahl at the Young Life office. ( ) Welcome back to Awana Club for the season. We are going to have an exciting time this year! We are looking forward to helping your child grow in his/her relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ and in growing in his/her Biblical knowledge Our Awana Club brochure on the welcome table explains some of our guidelines and you will receive more information from your child s club director as the year proceeds. Be sure to take home Fall activities for the ladies of our church family. After a summer break, it is time to prepare for the coming year. There will be a work day at the church at 10 A.M. on Saturday, September 17 to begin rolling bandages for our new White Cross quota. This year they are requesting 3 x 5 yds. Bandages. These can made from either white or colored cotton sheets. Please bring any sheets you may have and scissors. We have several rollers available. We were able to send 300 the Awana Club Schedule and check out our Children s Ministry Bulletin Board for updates and special events. If you are new to Awana Club, your child will be receiving a Bear Hug (Cubbies) or Start Gate (Sparks) or Start Zone (Truth & Training), that he/ she will need to complete before he/ she is eligible to purchase a uniform and handbook. When your child is eligible, he/she will bring home an order form for purchasing the uniform Circle News bandages to the Congo last year which were greatly appreciated by our missionaries there. All ladies of the church are invited to attend the Louise Campbell/C.O.S. Circle at 1 p.m., Thursday, September 22 in the church library. From Headhunters to Evangelists will give us a preview of World Missions. Please come for fellowship and to learn more about missions. Looking forward to October: The Far West Area American Baptist Women s Fall Rally will be held at and handbook or you may purchase these in advance. Clubber Handbook - $15.00 Clubber Uniform - $15.00 Clubber Handbook Bag - $7.00 Kim Marcus, Children s Ministry Director/Awana Commander Grace Baptist Church, Tacoma on Saturday, October 15. Look for more details in the next Challenger. Mary Funk 8

9 Library News all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. "An Excellent Book" according to the person who donated it. The Grace Awakening calls all Christians to wake up and reject living in such legalistic, performanceoriented bondage. The God of the universe has given us an amazing, revolutionary gift of grace and freedom. This freedom and grace set us apart from every other "religion" on the face of the earth. From Promise Keepers founder Bill McCartney, Sold Out is a roadmap describing how to live a disciplined life with eternal values in mind. By tapping into God's transforming power, men can become man enough to make a difference in this world. Includes insights on marriage and relationships from his wife, Lyndi McCartney. It's clear that the challenges in the world around us are greater than ever, but the need for Christians who will live out their witness in freedom and compassion is even greater. This classic isn't simply a book worth reading but a life worth living-today. Lillian Love Seven New books to our Library If you like mystery books there is a new series that will keep you up all night reading. The Sun Coast Chronicles by Terri Blackstock. #1 Presumption of Guilt #2 Ulterior Motives #3 Justifiable Means and #4 Evidence of Mercy. In this best-selling classic, Charles Swindoll urges you not to miss living a grace-filled life. Freedom and joynot lists and demands and duties-await Also by Terri Blackstock is Double Minds. Another suspense that is 9 Two new books also donated, written by Janette Oke are Heart of the Wilderness and The Tender Years. Thanks to Jane Gross, Carolyn Elder and Kim Marcus Submitted by Karen Schessler

10 Acts Study Begins September 11 Participant books $3 Get in a small group Awana Club Begins Sunday, September 4:30 pm Sign your children up today Dedication of Children s Workers Sunday, September 11 During Both Worship Services What s Happening at FBCC Praying the Powerful Word of God for Our Children and Schools Attention Moms! It's not easy raising children these days, is it? There are so many outside influences and ideas fighting for their hearts. If you are like me, I'm sure you have prayed many times for God to protect your children and enable them to see clearly the difference between right and wrong, and to guide them into making good decisions. I would like to invite you to come and learn more about a ministry called Mom's In Touch International (MITI). Imagine replacing your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms. Please join us for coffee and pastries in the FBCC Library on Tuesday, September 13 from 8:30 to 9:30 A.M. and learn how this weekly hour of prayer will: refresh your spiritual walk, invest in your children's lives and transform our schools. For additional information, please contact Mindy Schwarz Men s Breakfast Sunday, September am Fellowship Hall Mike Foster, Women s Crafting Bee Sunday, September 17@ 10 am Fellowship Hall Cheri Foster, Fellowship Team Recognition Sunday, September 18 During Both Worship Services Budgets Due for Ministry Team Leaders Sunday, September 18 Fall Kitchen Cleanup Time to claim your lost bowls, label foods that belong to your ministry and return large cutting board if it ended up in your house by September 11. Church Statistics 7/ / / / / (63 Beach Blast) Mike and Jill Lowery visiting September 25 Mike and Jill Lowery will be visiting our church on Sunday, September 25. In his newsletter of July 25, entitled "We Need You", Mike shares some reflections and challenges. This June our last Missionary Kids in Congo graduated from High School. Throughout the years we have had many missionary families with many kids who have spent most of their lives in Africa and who now must move on to study in the States. This year is significant because the last two of these MKs from American Baptist missionaries, Cassie Clemmer and Matthew Lowery, are moving on. This is significant for many reasons. Cassie and Matt have know each other since they were in first grade, and maybe before. They've been through wars and evacuations and a lot of other adventures together. They've forged a life long friendship with some pretty important and significant memories. They are the end of a long line of MKs who have grown up in and love the Congo. As I reflected on their lives in Congo and their new lives to come, I couldn't help but wonder if there will be new MKs to replace them. We still need missionaries in Congo and we need young missionaries who are willing to come and stay awhile. We need families that will build memories in Africa with Congolese men and women. We need folks who are willing to pray and ask God for the strength and the patience to lay down long-term roots in the Congo. Jill and I are in the States for the next year. We will be reconnecting with friends and family, churches and supporters. We hope to help Matthew to get established here as he begins his studies. But, we are also on the lookout for the future missionaries for Congo. Could that be you? Would you be willing to pray about it? Jill and I will be in the States until June of We ask your prayers for a fruitful year on Home Assignment and for the future missionaries who will serve in the Congo. God's Blessings, Mike and Jill Lowery 10

11 September 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Communion Sunday 8:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Worship Svc 11 am Sunday School 11 am Worship Svc 4:30 pm Divorce Care pm Hwy 603 Connection ACTS Study Begins Dedication of Children s Worker 8:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Worship Svc 11 am Sunday School 11 am Worship Svc 4:30 pm Awana Club 4:30 pm Divorce Care 12 6 pm Grief Share 6:30 pm Eden Diet 13 6:30 am Men s Morning Connection 6 pm Connection 14 6:30 pm New York Ave. Connection 6:30 pm Youth s 7 pm Women s Connection 15 8:30 am Mom s in Touch 7: pm Scheuber Road Connection 7 pm Hwy 603 Connection 16 12:30 pm Soup and Scripture 17 7 am Men s Breakfast 10 am Women s Crafting Bee 18 Budgets Due Fellowship Team Recognition 8:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Worship Svc 11 am Sunday School 11 am Worship Svc 4:30 pm Awana Club 4:30 pm Divorce Care 19 6 pm Grief Share 6:30 pm Eden Diet 20 6:30 am Men s Morning Connection 6 pm Connection 21 6:30 pm New York Ave. Connection 6:30 pm Youth s 7 pm Women s Connection 22 8:30 am Mom s in Touch 7 pm Scheuber Road Connection 7 pm Hwy 603 Connection 23 12:30 pm Soup and Scripture Mike & Jill Lowery Here 8:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Worship Svc 11 am Sunday School 11 am Worship Svc 4:30 pm Awana Club 6430 pm Divorce Care 26 6 pm Grief Share 6:30 pm Eden Diet 27 6:30 am Men s Morning Connection 6 pm Connection 28 6:30 pm New York Ave. Connection 6:30 pm Youth s 7 pm Women s Connection 29 8:30 am Mom s in Touch 7 pm Scheuber Road Connection 7 pm Hwy 603 Connection 30 12:30 pm Soup and Scripture 11

12 The Unstoppable Force Acts Series Starts September 11 Get in a small September 24, Dinner with the Lowery s and September 25, Connection Time with the Lowery s IM Missionaries to the Congo First Baptist Church NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Chehalis, WA Permit Number S. Market Boulevard Chehalis, WA CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED 12