Remembering a Dad ...

Transcription

1 Second Baptist Church, 12 Stillman Road, N. Stonington, CT God s Lighthouse on the Hill Fulfilling the Great Commission in the Community and the World June 2016 Issue #55 Worship with Us Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM Evening Service 6:00 PM Remembering a Dad Father s Day brings back many fond memories of my own Dad, however, I d like to share a little bit about Pastor Dave as a Dad. He was a very hands-on Dad who shared every.. aspect of his life with his daughter. From a very young age, David did bath time with Merilee most every evening after supper while I cleaned up the kitchen. He read books to her while she was in the tub and there were times when I finished in the kitchen to find her sitting in cold water, but totally immersed in his stories. He did all the different voices of the characters in the stories (The Hobbit, etc.) and they really bonded over books. Although she is 45 years old now, they still pass books and series of books that they both enjoy back and forth. Although he had a daughter, that did not stop him from sharing all of himself with her. She accompanied him on many a fishing excursion and was taught to bait her own hook. He took her camping, canoeing, horseback riding, bicycling, and eventually she did father/daughter road races with him. And they won the father/daughter over 35 (combined) division once. And I cannot remember how many games of paddle ball were played on Wells Beach, Maine. I remember a mountain hike we took in the White Mountains of New Hampshire; the two of them were brave enough to go across a... (continued) 1

2 Remembering a Dad rope bridge (I decided to watch from a rock seat). On the other side of the bridge they decided not to go further and when crossing the bridge on the way back, they both ended up in the rushing water below and were plenty wet, but always smiling. Her Dad helped her with homework right up through college until her major took a turn into areas that he was not so familiar with. However, by then good study habits had been established in her by her mentor/dad and she now has her master s degree. I cannot tell you how pleased he was when his daughter named her son Justin David. When I worked on Saturdays, (he was in the Army Reserves) she tagged along with him each month and got to witness yet another role he played in life. She went along with him occasionally to Boys Brigade at church and witnessed him in that leadership as well. She watched him prepare Sunday school classes at home when he taught sixth grade. When she was eight years old, she gave her life to Christ in our kitchen in Plymouth with her Dad. David always made time to listen to her (myself as well), and he continues to make time to spend with her and her family every Saturday morning for breakfast. You never stop being a Dad. Happy Father s Day! (Mary Anne Jordan) Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) 2

3 Second Baptist Church Picnic June 12 th (immediately following our morning worship service) Our annual church picnic will take place at the No. Stonington Recreation Park behind the fire station on June 12 th. We will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks for everyone. We ask that you prepare a side dish or a dessert to share at the picnic. Eric Kessler and Wayne Wilkinson will be doing the grilling and Margaret Lewis will be providing games for the children so that the adults can spend time catching up with one another (or join the games if you like). Enjoy the photos of some of our previous picnics and plan to join us this year! 3

4 SBC Picnic June 12 th if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) 4

5 CHURCH STAFF Rev. David Jordan, Senior Pastor Lynette Parkinson, Secretary Margaret Lewis, Pianist Kathryn Williams, Organist/Choir Director Ellen Shinn, Custodian NEWSLETTER TEAM Tony Ruffa, Editor Mary Anne Jordan Frances Hill Sue Stedman Jackie Gengarella Marge Canfield Dee Dee Jackman Church Office Hours: 10:00AM 2:00PM (Mon. Fri.) Every Member s Goal: to be a church where there is a continual climate of warmth, acceptance and love. June Birthdays Marge Canfield June 1 Tony Ruffa June 15 Kyle Kessler June 3 Jesse Hill June 21 Susan Stedman June 4 Dee Dee Jackman June 26 Carey Gruszkowski June 6 Olivia Smith June 27 Noah Fagan June 7 Nathan Gengarella June 27 Beth Ruffa June 9 Connor Gouvin June 30 Ellen Shinn June 14 MEN S PRAYER BREAKFAST June 11 th 7:00 AM Taylor Hall WOMEN S PRAYER BREAKFAST June 11 th 9:00 AM Babysitter Provided New study just started! Apples of Gold by Betty Huizenga Topical study in Titus 2:3-5 encouraging us to be women of God. Feel free to bring a friend along. Books are available. JUNE MESSAGES June 5 AM: Pastor Dave Hebrews 9:14 June 5 PM: Pastor Dave Hebrews 13:14 June 12 AM: Pastor Dave Colossians 1:20 June 12 PM: Pastor Dave Hebrews 13:14 June 19 AM: Pastor Dave 1 Cor. 1:18 FATHER S DAY/NO EVENING SERVICE June 26 AM: Pastor Dave Romans 8:32 June 26 PM: Pastor Dave Hebrews 11:10 HAPPY FATHER S DAY To all the wonderful Dads in our congregation! God bless your day! 5

6 North Stonington Christian Academy News Upcoming Events at NSCA June 1 st Field Day of Roller Skating June 2 nd High School trip to New York City June 6 th Awards Chapel 9 am - Taylor Hall June 9 th 6 th Grade Promotion and 8 th Grade Graduation 6 pm - Taylor Hall June 10 th PreK and Kindergarten Graduation 9:30 am - Taylor Hall June 14 th Last day of school, noon dismissal NSCA hosted the ACSI Art Festival for the Northeast region last month. Several Christian schools from the New England area participated. Students were inspired by other artists and new friendships were formed. Mrs. Wilkinson served as the chairperson for ACSI for this event. It is an honor and a privilege as a school to help students understand that their creativity is from God and discover their creative talents to glorify Him. The event began with a morning reception, a special chapel time, followed by lunch and a public viewing of the art show. Photos of the art festival follow. 6

7 North Stonington Christian Academy News Emma Dean, Roen Towne, Kira Carrillo (also shown with their art work) 7

8 North Stonington Christian Academy News Luke at the art festival (above) Mrs. Sullivan held her voice and piano recital (below) Emma Dean (above) 8

9 Dee Dee s Corner Quiet Moments On the mornings that my kids go to school, I drive them down to meet the bus at the end of our driveway. Then, I usually just reverse my car and drive back up to my everyday parking spot by the house. Then...I just sit there. In the quiet. All alone. I breathe in. I breathe out. And I pray. This is what keeps me sane. School mornings are a whirlwind of getting everyone up, dressed, breakfasts made and eaten, backpacks full of their needed items, and then we're running out the door to get on that ever-faithful yellow bus. Then comes my brief, yet necessary quiet time where I sit in my car and attempt to refocus and lay out my day before the Lord. And to be honest, some mornings when my stress level is THROUGH THE ROOF, I just sit there and cry. I know that if I rushed back in that house, that I'd just get lost in the next thing I have to get done. That house is my job, as well as it is my home. It's something that needs maintenance, care, attention, cleaning, and not just a place of rest. My prayer time helps to keep me on that narrow path. No one is perfect and I know that sometimes I do get carried away by the world's temptations and standards, but my heart and mind are stayed upon Him. He knows everything about me and what I truly need, and that's all I care about. The Lord is my judge (Isaiah 33:22). He is the ONLY one I care to please above all else! (It took 9

10 Dee Dee s Corner Quiet Moments me years to come to the place where I can finally say that.) To thine own self be true is a common expression and one I do agree with, but I also would add two more words in the middle. My version would say, To thine own self AND GOD be true. Make the time today to be in communion with your Almighty Creator. Give Him thanks for all He has done for you and given you. A grateful heart is a heart at peace. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6) 10

11 Easter At Second Baptist Church (Photos by Joy Griffin) It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon. (Luke 24:34) 11

12 Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:20) 12

13 Susan Jane Gavitt Horton is Joy Griffin s youngest sister. She is the grandmother of 20 grandchildren and great-grandmother of one. Joy believes that this award-winning poem dates back to the 1960s. Susan resides in Colorado. IF was awarded first place in the Annual Ward Senior High School poetry contest. IF If I can help someone each day By some kind word or two, If I can lift a burdened heart, Or turn the sky to blue, If I can shed some rays of light Upon the darkest soul, If I can be a stepping stone To help one reach his goal, If I can give part of myself To one who needs my love If I can do my very best For Him who reigns above, If I can find some happiness In the little things of life, If I can be a friend to all And a true and loving wife, If I can take some time each day To stop and pray to God, If I can know and feel that He Will guide the path I trod, If I can teach a little child About the Savior s love, If I can tell one how He died And then went up above, If I can sing when all goes wrong, And forget about the past, If I can smile and turn away From pleasures that don t last, If I can put myself aside, And only think of others, If I can help the folks I know To work and act as brothers, If I can do these many things, Then this is all I ask, If I can lend a helping hand, Then this will be my task. Susan Jane Gavitt Westerly, RI 13

14 Jr./Sr. High Youth Group Robin Cousens and several of our youth group members went to Groton and New London to hand out clothes, toiletries, and food to the homeless as part of an organization called Malta. Malta is named after the island where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked. The islanders were kind and hospitable to them, and when it was time for them to leave they provided for their needs. This is the purpose of this non-profit organization to express Jesus love and kindness to the homeless. Stops were made in three different parking lots. At each stop, they placed totes filled with items on the ground and helped recipients find what they needed. They also gave out paper bags with food and handed out cups of soup. They all gathered around and held hands and prayed with them. It took about an hour and a half and was a tremendous blessing to all who served. A list of items needed for this ministry is listed on page 15. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was a hungred and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw thee a hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and give thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was a hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:31-46) (continued) 14

15 Jr./Sr. High Youth Group Items needed for the Malta mission Apparel & Bedding Toiletry Items Sleeping bags & blankets (trial sizes preferred) Men s tube socks (white only please) Deodorant Men s and women s underwear Lotion (MOST NEEDED ITEM) Razors (New underwear only please) Toothbrushes Jeans & workpants (individually wrapped) Sweatshirts & tees Jackets, hats and gloves Work boots & sneakers Nutritious Non-Perishable Food Items (single servings please) Applesauce & fruit cups Pudding & jello cups Granola, fruit & cereal bars Potted meats & stew (pop-up cans or envelopes) (Right) Our youth who went on the recent Malta mission to Groton and New London with Robin Cousens: Maddie, Christina, Emma and Timothy. 15

16 Jr./Sr. High Youth Group Fund Raiser Dinner The Youth Group would like to thank all that came out to support them at their annual Wednesday night cookout. We especially thank Wayne Wilkinson, Tom Brightman, Frances Hill, Sarah Williams, and Marsha White. God bless Eric, Nate, Robin, Sarah, Anthony, Christina, Emma, Timothy, Maddie, Regan, Raymond, Natalie, Jadon, Nathan & Justin! Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. (Ephesians 4:28) 16

17 2 Stix for Jesus Performing The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt (pages 17 & 18) 17

18 2 Stix for Jesus Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great! (Revelation 19:5) 18

19 God s Zodiac (Gospel in the Stars) By Steven MacCormack God s Zodiac (gospel in the stars) was known and used by many believers in ancient times. Abraham believed in the gospel when God told him to tell [read] the stars and God counted it to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:1-6). King David of Israel praises God in Psalm 19:1-6 for the beauty of God s Zodiac as the sun follows its line and circuit through its tabernacle (twelve constellations) which declares the glory of God by the voice of the gospel in the stars. Many astronomers believe that the wise men of Matthew 2:1-12 believed in God s Zodiac by their response when they saw His star in the east as it probably appeared in the constellation of Virgo, signifying that the Jewish Messiah and the King of the Jews was born. Satan has attempted to destroy the real meaning of God s Zodiac through the cult of astrology and the satanic use of today s popular horoscope. Christians should warn and witness to those involved in astrology of the true meaning of God s Zodiac. The twelve constellations in God s Zodiac are listed below with their gospel in the stars. 1. VIRGO, the Virgin: The virgin birth of Christ (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14). 2. LIBRA, the Unbalanced Scales: Man s sinful condition (Daniel 5:27, Romans 3:23; Revelation 20:11-15). 3. SCORPIO, the Scorpion: Sin brings the sting of death (Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians15:56). 4. SAGITTARIUS, the Warrior: Christ wars with Satan (Matthew 4:1-1; Romans 7:14-25; Romans 8:7). 5. CAPRICORN, the Goat: Christ is the atonement sacrifice (Leviticus 9:15; Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 10:4-5). 19

20 God s Zodiac (Gospel in the Stars) 6. AQUARIUS, the Water-Bearer: Christ is the water of life (Numbers 24:7; John 4:7-14). 7. PISCES, the Two Fish: Christ is the Fisher of men (Matthew 4:19; John 6:9-14; John 21:10-19). (Note: Pisces contains 153 stars, the same number of fish recorded in John 21:11.) 8. ARIES, the Lamb: Christ is the Lamb of God (Exodus 12:3-14; John 1:29). 9. TAURUS, the Bull: Christ is the sin sacrifice (Exodus 29:10-14; Hebrews 9:13-14). 10. GEMINI, the Twins: Christ is the duo God-Man (John 10:24-42; 1 Timothy 2:5-6). 11. CANCER, the Crab: Christ gives secure salvation (John 10:28-30). 12. LEO, the Lion: Christ comes as the Lion of the tribe of Judah to reign forever (Luke 1:32-33; Revelation 5:5). Acknowledgements: Although this article is a result of my own Bible study, my work was influenced by a sermon on this subject by Dr. Dwayne Edward Spencer at Grace Bible Church in San Antonio, TX, where I attended from 1970 to I was also influenced by a planetarium presentation on the Star of Bethlehem in San Antonio, TX at around the same time. They in turn were very likely influenced by The Gospel in the Stars: or, Primeval Astronomy by Joseph A. Seiss, published by E. Claxton & Company, Philadelphia, PA, Then God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years (Genesis 1:14) 20

21 In the Mix Ellen Shinn: We have another of Ellen s recipes handed down from her mother, Irene. Enjoy! Irene s Potatoes 2 lge. bags frozen hash browns ½ cup chopped onion 1 can cream of chicken soup ½ tsp. salt 16 oz. sour cream ½ tsp. pepper 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded) Butter bottom and sides of 13 x 9 baking dish. In large bowl break up and thaw hash browns. Combine soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, salt & pepper and mix well. Add the hash browns and mix again. Pour into baking dish & spread evenly. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes until bubbly. Can be made ahead of time & kept in the fridge until ready to bake. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13) 21

22 Children s Page Light in the Bible 1. Who is the Light of the world? (John 8:12) 2. Who were led by a pillar of light? (Exodus 14:20) 3. Whose lights in lamps burned out? (Matt. 25:8) 4. Who called for a light & fell before Paul & Silas? (Acts 16:29) 5. Who followed the light of a star? (Matt. 2:1-2) 6. Who hates light because their deeds would be exposed? (John 3:20) 7. Who was awakened by light in a prison? (Acts 12:7) 8. Who transformed into an angel of light? (2 Corinthians 11:14) 9. Whose light shall be put out? (Job 18:5) 10. Who said, The Lord is my light? (Psalm 27:1) (Put the correct letter from below on each line) A. Jesus B. Wise men C. Foolish virgins D. Evildoers E. Peter F. Israelites G. Wicked H. David I. Satan J. Keeper of prison Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) 22

23 Women s Prayer June 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Evening Svc 6:00PM COMMUNION Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Evening Svc 6:00PM PROVIDENCE RESCUE MISSION 19 Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Evening Svc 6:00PM Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Evening Svc 6:00PM DEACON S MEETING 6:00 PM 7 Prayer Meeting Bible Study Christianity vs. Islam 6:00 PM Sanctuary Prayer Meeting Bible Study Christianity vs. Islam 6:00 PM Sanctuary Prayer Meeting Bible Study Christianity vs. Islam 6:00 PM Sanctuary EXECUTIVE BOARD MG. 6:00 PM Breakfast 9:00 AM Men s Prayer Breakfast 7:00 AM