The Bridge. Pastor s Perspective...

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1 November 2018 Great Way to Start the Day & Week Please join us on Pledge Dedication Sunday, November 4, for breakfast. It will be buffet style at 9 AM BEFORE the worship service. Remember to set your clocks back so you make it to breakfast and worship on time. FOR YOUR CALENDAR Daylight Saving Time 11/4 Pledge Dedication Sun. 11/4 Breakfast 9:00 AM 11/4 VBS Replay! 11/4 Holiday Fair 11/17 Annual Meeting 11/18 Thanksgiving 11/22 Greens Dinner 12/11 Lessons & Carols 12/17 Musical Notes 2 Health Ministries 3 Deacon s Bench 4 Calendars 4 Annual Meeting Notice & Nominations 5 Thank You 6 TLC 6 Holiday Fair 7 Bittersweet Fall Fling 8 PDK Update 9 VBS Replay! 10 Wood Ministry 10 Fill Your Cup 11 In the Family 12 T H E F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H Pastor s Perspective... The Bridge A couple of weeks ago our Associate Pastor, Cindy Johnson, used one of my favorite G.K. Chesterton quotes in her sermon. The story goes that The Times sent out a question to several famous authors. The question was, What s wrong with the world today? Chesterton s response to the question was likely the briefest and almost certainly the most profound. He wrote: Dear Sir, I am. Yours, G.K. Chesterton Chesterton s response reminds us of a foundational truth about humanity. It is a truth that is expressed in scripture. The truth is that there is something wrong with me. My loves and desires are disordered. I do not love my neighbor as myself. More often than I would like to admit, I think of Jesus, not as Lord, but as my sidekick, my cheerleader, my genie. With Paul I say, I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing (Romans 7:18b-20). Wretched man that I am, indeed. This makes God all the more mysterious, all the more lovely, all the more gracious. Why? Because he still loves me. He loves and pursues me though I juggle a dozen different idolatries. Though my love is predictably fickle, he is faithful. I am a dishonorable mockery of a human being. God, however, deems me worth the time and effort to transform me into the complete and glorious creature that he intended for me to be. God rescues me through the sacrificial death of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. And so there is a living hope. It is not merely a hope of passive escapism; one day I ll leave this sinful world to be with God in heaven. No, the reality is much better and more adventurous than that. The miracle of transformation is happening now, in this body, during this day, on this earth. The old man is ever shrinking into oblivion, the new man is ever breaking forth. Thanks be to God-- through Jesus Christ our Lord, indeed (Romans 7:25). What is wrong with the world today? Chesterton s answer rings true to me. I am. Have you ever thought that if other folks would just get their act together the world would be a better place? How tempting it is to focus on the flaws of others. I m fond of a proverb I once heard. It was something like, The street is always cleanest when everyone sweeps his own porch. This little saying reminds me that while I certainly can furrow my brow and wring my hands over someone else s conduct, the only person I have control over is me. What would happen if every Christian in the world, in the country, in a business, in a family, in a church made it their first priority to practice regular self-examination and to follow the example of Jesus, no matter what others did or didn t do? That alone would likely result in a dramatic transformation. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are faced everyday with the same challenge: Jesus said, Take up your cross and follow me. Less of me, Lord, and more of you. Less of me, and more of you. With All Joy! Pastor Charles

2 2 Musical Note Music is a vital and vibrant part of our worship experience. At First Baptist Church we offer a diversity of musical styles to enhance our Sunday morning service, with the help of our song leaders, choir, instrumentalists, and soloists. We also utilize our Schantz pipe organ, custom built in Instrumentalists rehearse in the Music Room on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. Guitars, percussion, piano, flute and harmonica are all instruments that are currently played in this group. They arrange and play accompaniments to the traditional hymns and contemporary songs, as well as musical meditations. Choir members join this Thursday rehearsal at 7pm. They sing chorales in a variety of musical styles, including traditional four-part music. They lead the congregation in song and perform anthems and responses. Our adult Handbell Choir is an ecumenical ensemble comprised of individuals with a wide range of musical skills and talents. They rehearse on Wednesdays at 7pm in the Handbell Choir Room, and play at one Sunday morning service a month, and at special events. The choir rings a five-octave set of White Chapel handbells, cast in England. Our Children s Choir meets on Wednesdays at 5:15 pm for a light dinner, then singing and fun. They sing at various church and community events. I invite you to join us in praising God in song! David Chaves, Music Director COMMUNITY Join us Wednesdays October 10th - December 5th It s not too late to join! 5:15 Light Dinner provided 5:45 6:45 Rehearsals Contact Cindy Johnson, , to sign up. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

3 3 A verse to remember: Give Thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving is that time of year we are reminded of how much we have to be thankful for! As John F. Kennedy quoted: We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. Health Ministries would like to thank the following: Janet Ferraro and the Prayer Shawl knitters for their display of shawls for Celebrating the Arts. John Bowman for spending a Saturday morning showing us how to bake healthy delicious bread. For the VNA for sharing their staff to administer flu shots to the community. Health Ministries wishes you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving Day! It s okay if you sway from your diet. Don t worry about it. How you eat on Thanksgiving does not determine your health; how you eat the other 364 days of the year does!!

4 4 FROM THE DEACON S BENCH 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Malachi 3 Charles shared that the Stewardship Fund was behind about $17,000 in pledges for the fiscal year. However the giving by the congregation has been ahead of what was expected--by $17,000. The General Fund, usually tapped for operating budget expenses, has been holding steady in the black-- with fewer expenses than expected. The Deacons Fund has given out $2,200 to those in emergency need. Currently, the Fund is at a steady standing of $5,000. These are clearly indications of blessing and faithfulness of God through the giving and stewardship of His people. After going to the single service, some of the comments that have been received by the deacons and staff are that the single service tends to run too long, and that the nature of the service tends to be less contemporary. However, most comments have been positive, regarding the great unifying spirit and the "good energy" of having the whole FBC body worshiping together. The Deacons and Trustees have been considering the placement of remote cameras in the sanctuary to enhance the recording of the services in response to the uptick in off-site participation of the services. Members of both boards have met with engineers, and low visibility/ high impact cameras will possibly be installed before the Christmas season. The worship band has benefited greatly from the installation of monitors, which allows the members to hear themselves as they play, which allows for more optimal sound mixing and better output. The system was the gift of an anonymous source, but has made for great improvements in the sanctuary and on-line feed. Facilitated by Michelle Martlew Monday mornings 9-11 am The season of motherhood, though a gift, is very much about serving others. This no prep/no stress group is intended to provide respite for a mother s soul. Let us join together for coffee, conversation, prayer, and an opportunity to regularly fill our spiritual cup! Mondays, Oct Dec. 3, (9-11 am) THE BEST YES - Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands What nourishing food for thought before the Christmas season begins! In this six- session video-based Bible study, Lysa TerKeurst shares how to make better use of the two most powerful words, yes and no. Using Biblical teaching and practical insights, this study will help you be more equipped to discern the best yes answers for your life. Mondays, Dec. 10 & 17, (9-11 am) THE GREATEST GIFT - Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas In this 2 week video curriculum, Ann Voskamp draws viewers deep into Scripture as she explores and illuminates the magnificence of God's Word through the unfurling of the greatest love story ever told - God's ardent and relentless pursuit of us. The Greatest Gift DVD is a moment of calm amid the busy holiday season. Join us as you can - for the full 2 hours each week, or just part of the time!

5 The First Baptist Church of New London Annual Meeting of the Members will be held on Sunday, November 11:30 a.m. immediately following the 10:00 am service. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the Preliminary Budget for 2019, to update members on the Annual Plan for 2018 and present the 2019 Annual Plan, to hear proposals from the Nominating Committee and elect individuals necessary to fill the open positions on the Church Council, Boards, and Committees. The Nominating Committee is also proposing that two by-law changes be made: (1) that the Board of Deacons composed of nine Members be replaced with composed of at least six members and no more than nine members; (2) Board of Trustees shall be composed of nine members be changed to Board of Trustees shall be composed of at least six members and no more than nine members. Other business as may properly come before the meeting will also be transacted during the Annual Meeting. Copies of the preliminary budget are available in advance of the meeting in the church office. You may also request that they be sent to you electronically. A quorum for this meeting will be 40 members of the currently registered members of the church with an address in the State of NH. Only members may vote; friends of the church are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Voting by proxy is not permitted. 5 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH, 11:30 A.M. INEES FOR TERMS BEGINNING 1/1/2019 Church Council Chair Christian Education Committee Gene Lindsey (3 year term) Beth Frost (3 year term) NOM- Church Council Clerk Sandy Messer (3 year term) Church Council Member at Large Marilyn Wendling (3 year term) Board of Deacons John Bowman (3 year term) Brita Ek (3 year term) Joanne Weatherson (3 year term) Health Ministries Committee Linda Gardner (3 year term) Pam Sanborn (3 year term) Nominating Committee David Dunlop (2 year term) (completing Marilyn Wendling s term) Bill Pike (3 year term) Board of Trustees [Unable to fill three positions] CALENDARS UPDATE A huge thanks to all who have so faithfully donated calendars for prison inmates. You're making a difference in people's lives! We already have over 250 calendars ready to mail to Pennsylvania. Just a reminder that spiral bindings are not permitted in the correctional facility. Please keep bringing them in until Sunday, December 9, after which our collection will be sent off, in time for each inmate to choose his favorite before the new year begins!

6 6 Time, Talent & Treasures Another great rummage sale was held on Oct. 20th. Lots of new fashions can be seen around town & at Sunday Worship - some you can't even imagine! If you've never been a part of this, you should give it a try at the next one - spring We raised $1725 to go towards local worthy causes. If you donated, set up, worked it, shopped, or cleaned up at the end, your contribution is greatly appreciated. This was the 22nd sale and to date we've donated $37,523 to many worthy causes within our area! To our bakers, workers, and buyers for all of the delectable donations and assistance with the bake sale during the October Rummage Sale. Thanks to your generosity, the bake sale raised $575 which will be donated to TLC of Sullivan County which helps promote the optimal health and development of children and families living in Sullivan and Lower Grafton counties.

7 7 HOLIDAY FAIR First Baptist Church Saturday, November 17 8:30-1:00 Delicious Chowder Luncheon served continuously from 11:30-1:00 SHOP BEFORE & AFTER YOUR CHOWDAH White Elephant Treasures Baked Goods & Coffee Stitchery & Hand Knits Jewelry Books Christmas Décor Please be cleaning out those attics, barns, basements and closets. Call out to our church family ~ we need your help with set up, take down and everything in between. Help a little or help a lot. A great time of service, fellowship and laughter. You do not want to miss out on the fun!

8 8 On Sunday, October 21 st, our middle school Faith Adventures Group joined with the Ecumenical Small Group and Bittersweet residents to host a Fall Fling celebration. Many thanks to all the participants who created and shared two festive hours of fun games, music-making and fine fall food.

9 9 PATRICIA D. KELSEY FUND UPDATE * thank you so much for your help we are so grateful for the community we live in. thank you so much for your caring and generosity. Unbelievable! This gentleman sobbed with joy at the news. He is amazed at the fulfillment of his wish The PDK Fund continues to receive requests from members from our congregation on behalf of individuals and families in need of financial assistance. We endeavor to support each of you as ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through your care and compassion offered to others in our community. Most recent ministries served through PDK include Subsidized continuing education for underserved Vo Tech high school students Access to technology for housebound individual Hurricane relief for family member Hurricane relief supplies TLC support Please, if you are aware of someone in need of financial help in and around the New London area, contact any of the members of the PDK Committee*. The PDK Fund continues to seek ways to support you who are the vital heartbeat, hands and feet of God s love, reaching out to those in need. In gratitude, The PDK Committee: Tom Cooper Cindy Johnson Sandy Messer Jen Ellis Jane Ann McSwiney John Woodward *In 2015, our friend and community member Pat Kelsey left a sizable contribution to the church upon her passing. In turn, the church chose to tithe a portion of this donation back into the community. The hope was to creatively foster a collaborative venture of service between the New London First Baptist Church and the surrounding community.

10 10 VBS REPLAY!* Taking the enthusiasm and energy of our summer VBS program and expanding it into an Outside the Box Sunday School experience for the entire family! Sunday, November 4 PAY IT FORWARD 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Cleveland Hall Music, Stories, Community Craft and Lunch! *A newly piloted once-a-month after-church alternative Sunday School for K 5 students *Parents and caregivers are invited and strongly encouraged to participate in this program *Designed to make new friends and deepen our faith as a family and in community. *FREE and OPEN to ALL! RSVP please or cindyjohnson@fbcnlnh.org Saturday, October 20th was a busy day both inside the church (Rummage Sale) and outside the church. Thanks to our Wood Ministry crew, who stacked several cords of wood, we will be able to assist some of our neighbors in heating their homes this winter.

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12 First Baptist Church 461 Main Street (next to the College) Worship ~ 10:00 am Communion 1st Sunday One Service ~ 10:00 am Nursery Available Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid New London, NH Permit No. 6 Charles C. Glidewell, Pastor Cindy Johnson, Associate Pastor P.O. Box New London, NH Fax: fbc@fbcnlnh.org EDITOR: Kit Ross PRODUCTION: Stephanie Barton, Kit Ross WEB POSTING/ ING: Kit Ross DECEMBER/JANUARY ISSUE NEXT DEADLINE: THIRD THURSDAY OF NOVEMBER MAILING AND WEB POSTING: FOURTH TUESDAY OF NOVEMBER IN THE FAMILY Birthdays 11/1 Sheridan Danforth, Peter Durkin 11/2 Carol Tucker 11/8 Allan Gould 11/12 Ted Brown 11/14 Shamus Heffernan 11/14 John Tucker 11/15 Sandy Brown 11/16 Bruce Parsons 11/19 Jonathan Glidewell 11/20 Verne Barrett, Alisa Petry 11/22 Steve Allenby, Margaret Doheny 11/25 Ellie Anderson, Bob Ligon, Darlene Ligon, Jane Ann McSwiney, Tom Rubin Anniversaries - (50 + years) 11/11 Dick & Carol Guerringue (68 years) 11/16 Wayne & Joan French (55 years) Belated Happy 50th Anniversary Jonathan & Becky Fowler (10/5) Please keep Dick Kipperman and his family in your prayers. Nancy passed away on October 4 after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Dick and Nancy were dedicated members of FBC for many years prior to their move to Tennessee. Donations may be made to Hospice of Cumberland County, 30 East Adams Street, Crossville, TN A service is planned to be held at FBC in the spring. Lois Marshall Mailing Address: 33 Christian Avenue, #84 Concord, NH Physical Address: Unit 108 at Havenwood Phone: (603)