A REFLECTION FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

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1 First Baptist Church of Oregon City 819 John Adams Street, Oregon City, Oregon P.O. Box 1686 Oregon City, OR Website: Facebook: Facebook.com/1baptistchurch July 2018 Volume 20 Issue 7 Slayden Yarbrough has agreed to become our Interim Pastor during the time we search for a new pastor. Slayden has filled in for Pastor John occasionally. He has been Interim Pastor at many congregations and comes highly recommended. I am sure he will be a blessing to our church during his time of ministry. A REFLECTION FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY Ephesians 3:12: In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. In the month of July, we celebrate on the 4th Independence Day. It is a day that we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration, thus affirming the independence of the United States from Great Britain. For over 200 years, citizens of the United States have celebrated our independence on the Fourth of July. We fly the flag, put up red, white, and blue decorations, march in parades, and enjoy picnics. Throughout all our celebrations, we are reminded of the gift of our freedom as a nation. Even though some have tried to limit our freedom, we are blessed in the United States with exceptional liberty, for which we ought to thank the Lord. Ephesians 3:12 celebrates another kind of freedom, a freedom that is even more amazing than the freedoms guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution. This verse reads: "In (Christ) and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." The Greek word translated here as "freedom" refers specifically to "freedom of speech" (parresia, with a literal meaning of "all speech"). The word used in the Greek suggests one's authorization to draw near to a king. The Greek original of Eph. 3:12 says that we can be confident in our "freedom of speech" and "authorization to approach" God. Let me put this plainly: In Christ, you have the freedom to draw near to God, to tell God anything you wish, without holding back. You can express to God not only your joys, but also your sorrows; not only your assurances, but also your doubt; not only your pleasure, but also your anger. This is an amazing freedom. Of course it's a freedom that Christians can easily take for granted. When we're used to praying to God at any time, in any place, with any words, we can forget the stunning nature of our access to God. Think about it. The God who created the universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the God of all wisdom and justice, this God invites you to speak your mind, to share with Him your thoughts, your feelings, your fears, and your dreams. The more you reflect on this invitation, the more you'll come to realize just how amazing it is. Take time today to thank God for the freedom we have in this country. I also encourage you to step back and consider the freedom Christ has given you to approach God with deep confidence. Let's thank God together for this amazing freedom he has given us. ~Jim Leatherman, Church Moderator 1

2 KidChurch News All Kids 4 years old through 5th grade are welcome to Join us Sunday mornings at 10:30am. KidChurch Teaching Schedule: July 1: Sherie Albert July 8: Marilyn Millison July 15: Richard & Brenda Cameron July 22: Shari Secor July 29: Jeannie Vance Summer Camp 2018 Camp Arrah Wanna High school - Grades 9-12 July 9-13 $295 Middle school - Grades 6-8 July $295 Elementary - Grades 3-5 July $285 Summer Discounts available Early Bird (5 weeks before camp) = $20 Sibling = $10 1st Time = $20 Friends & Family Camp August 31 - September 3 Labor Day Weekend IT S FOR EVERYONE! Please visit camparrahwanna.org for registration and more info. 2 Kids ages 4 years - 5 th grade mark your calendar for Vacation Bible School July 9-11, am-12noon in the Gym at First Baptist Church of Oregon City Polar Blast: Where Jesus Love is Cool. There will be exciting Bible stories, creative crafts, interactive games, delicious snacks, fun songs, and take home goody bags. If you have any questions or would like to help with VBS, please contact Marja Yingling. We hope all kids will join us for this wonderful event!

3 July /4 NO YOUNGCHURCH 7/11 Water War, 7 pm at Clackamette Park 7/17-20 Beach Retreat (No Wednesday Night Youngchurch) 7/25 Rivercrest Park Hangout, 7 pm Youngchurch Water War! Wed., July 11, 7 Clackamette Park Join us for a soggy night of fun! Bring your favorite squirt gun, and wear clothes that can get wet (no white t-shirts, please!). We ll finish off the night with the first of this summer s Wednesday Weird Bible Stories and prayer. Youngchurch Beach Retreat July It s time for our annual beach retreat! Spend a few days with us down at the coast, having fun and growing deeper in your faith. If you would like to be baptized while we are there, let Melissa know and we can make that happen! For more info or a registration form, talk to Melissa. Rivercrest Hangout July 25, 7 Rivercrest Park Come up to Rivercrest Park to hang out. We ll have some card/board games, you can run around, and we ll close with another Wednesday Weird Bible Story and prayer. 3 Summer is a weird time for Youngchurch. Because of the heat, we leave the church and go out to area parks, go swimming, go to the movies, to the beach, to air-conditioned BBQ s. If you ve been upstairs in the church in degree weather, you understand. It s hard to learn when you re melting. So we go out. We might play more games, we might have days where we don t have Bible study (it s tough in the pool). But we have fellowship. We spend time together, and we spend time getting to know our kids a little better. How fancy a dive can they take off the diving board at the pool? What s their favorite animated movie? How good a shot with a squirt gun are they? All these little things that don t necessarily come up the rest of the year. My favorite time of the summer is the four days we spend at the beach. A few years ago, only five kids could come with us, and we had the BEST time. There was still some chaos, as you get any time there s teenagers involved, but there were also times of quiet. Times where we could sit and chat and get to know one another. Where there wasn t a danger of being talked over or ignored. I m really looking forward to our trip this year. Every year is different different kids, different experiences, different stories. But one thing remains the same God is always with us. I can feel his presence every year. I have never regretted one minute of our retreat time everyone there comes home changed every year. If you have a kid who would like to join us this year, it s not too late! Registration is open until July 11 th, and our trip only costs $20 per student. Contact Melissa (Melissa@1baptistchurch.org) for more details. Melissa Meilinger Youth Director FBCOC Save the Date: Youngchurch BBQ Wed., August 15, 6-9 pm

4 School Supply Drive for our HOPE Kids H.O.P.E. kids need school supplies for the You can start bringing these supplies every Sunday and put them in the H.O.P.E. school supply box. If you want someone else to do your shopping, make a check out to 1 st Baptist Church attention: HOPE School Supplies. An average amount of school supplies for an elementary student would be approximately $25 and a backpack would be an additional $15. If you want to do your own shopping, here is a suggested list: 1 3-ring notebook (1 inch, 2 inch, or 3 inch) 1 pkg. notebook paper 2 pkg. subject dividers 1 ruler 1 pair of scissors blunt (preschool) or pointed (elementary/middle/high school) 24 pencils (elementary only) 6 pencils (middle/ high school) 1 Elmers liquid glue 2 glue sticks 1 pencil pouch or box 24 count crayons 1 pink eraser 1 pkg. of 12 colored pencils 2 pocket folder or peechee 1 compass 1 protractor 2 ball point pens (middle/high school) 1 highlighter 1 pencil sharpener 1 pkg. colored markers 10 mechanical pencil (middle/high school) 1 backpack (medium size for elementary; larger size for middle/high school) or 1 drawstring bag (preschoolers) 1 sharpie marker 1 stapler 1 pkg. index cards 1 calculator (middle/high school) 1 jumbo crayons (preschool) 1 writing tablet (preschool) 2 jumbo pencils (preschool) Thanks for making a difference in a child s life! HOPE School Supply Drive will accept donations through Labor Day. I will start handing out school supplies each Friday in August starting August 3 rd. If you have any questions, see Marja Yingling. 4 First Baptist Church s Annual Potluck Picnic Sunday, July 8, 12:15pm Hillendale Park Shelter (Same place as last year) Clairmont Way Directions from Church: Take Molalla Ave. up the hill and turn right on Clairmont Way (just before JoAnn Fabrics). Hillendale Park will be on the right. Please see Jeanne Adair for further info. Model Club BBQ Saturday, July 14, 11 am At the Hunley s Home Come enjoy Food - Fun - Games! Guys & Ladies Coffee Tuesday, July 17, 10 am at Shari s/berry Hill. Enjoy a cup of coffee and good fellowship. For more information on Men s Ministries, contact Larry Cole at MEN S BREAKFAST Saturday, July 21, 8:30 am Guys, bring a friend and join us for a good time of food & fellowship!

5 SUNDAYS: Adult Sunday School: 9:30 am Praise & Worship Service: 10:30 am KidChurch: 10:30 am Youngchurch: 10:30 am Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Diaconate Meeting, Following Worship Church Picnic VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, 10 am - Noon YOUNGCHURCH, 7 Clackamette Park Stewardship Mtg. 7 pm Plastic Model Club BBQ 11 m at Hunley s Home Ladies/Guy s Coffee 10 am AUGUST NEWSLETTER ITEMS DUE Men s Breakfast, 8:30 am YOUNGCHURCH BEACH TRIP YOUNGCHURCH, 7 Rivercrest Park 2 Bill Erickson 8 P.J. Sawyer 11 Anne Meader Scott Sawyer 12 Jessy Gaffney Dorene Hunley 15 Ruth West 16 Debra Herr 19 Cody Adams Sherie Albert 27 Stephanie Brewer 30 Tom Lindstrom Our FBC OC Friends, Thank you for celebrating with us at our Retirement Party on May 26! Thank you for the many cards, gifts, expressions of appreciation, encouragement and the special picture/plaque gift. Thank you for the blessings of serving as your Pastor. We love and appreciate you all. We look forward to what the Lord has for us in retirement as we continue to serve Him. Blessings, Pastor John and Kathy H.O.P.E. NEEDS Toilet Paper Paper Towels Canned Corn Paper Bags Plastic Bags NO Egg Cartons needed 5 First Baptist Church, Thank you for the privilege of speaking on Sunday, June 10th. We praise God for His constant provision for this vital work of the Gideon Ministry. We will pray for your efforts to secure a replacement for Pastor Aman. God bless you as we work together to reach the lost. In honor of your hosting the Gideons, three bibles will be distributed by members of The Gideons International to help transform lives through the Word of God. In Christ, Joe Sterrett

6 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH P.O. Box 1686 Oregon City, OR (503) July 2018 Change Service Requested TIME DATED MATERIAL Nursery Ministries Every Sunday 10:15 am-12:15 pm *Parents: Our Nursery is open for you to use. (Parents are asked to enroll older children in the KidChurch program.) Ages 4-5th Grade Ministry Staff: Senior Pastor: Admin. Assistant: Cherish DiLoreto Music Director: Melissa Meilinger Youth Director: Melissa Meilinger YOUNGCHURCH JOIN US FOR YOUTH GROUP! Students in 6 th grade - 12th grade: Wednesdays (during school year), 7-8:30pm Here s what you can expect on a typical Wednesday night: 6:45 Doors Open 7:10 Wacky Games 7:30 Announcements, Worship, and Bible Study Sunday Morning Youngchurch Every 10:30 am Join us for worship Sunday mornings at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary, and then we ll head up to the youth room for snacks and a Sunday lesson. Find us on Facebook! Facebook.com/youngchurch.orcity Church Office Hours: Wednesday- Friday, 8:30 am - 12 noon PRAYER CHAIN If you have a prayer need and you would like it placed on the PRAYER CHAIN, please call or SHARI SECOR, or sharisark@aol.com 6 Hey kids! Join us for KidChurch every Sunday morning! We start by singing with our church family during the worship service at 10:30 am. Then, you ll go with your Bible story! See you there! (KidChurch is just for kids! All kids who are 3 years old through 5 th grade are welcome!) IN THIS ISSUE... Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Message from the Moderator KidChurch Youngchurch School Supply Drive Events Calendar& Birthdays Other News