SBC Participates in Operation Christmas Child

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 December 2017 Issue #69 Worship with Us Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM Evening Service 6:00 PM SBC Participates in Operation Christmas Child Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ. Not only is the program beneficial to children all over the world, but as a church, we demonstrate giving to others to our children as the Bible story of the Good Samaritan teaches us to be servants wherever we are. Our Sunday Schoolers served as they packed the shoe boxes together. 1

2 SBC Participates in Operation Christmas Child A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. (Luke 10:30; 10:33) 2

3 SBC Participates in Operation Christmas Child Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. (Luke 6:38) 3 Photos by Rob Gouvin

4 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 Karen Gouvin Jackie Gengarella Rob Gouvin 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. DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Pauline Tillinghast Dec. 17 Eric Kessler Dec. 20 Frances Hill Dec. 18 Men s Prayer Breakfast December 9 th Taylor Hall 7:00 AM Women s Prayer Breakfast December 9 th 9:00 AM SBC is committed to reading through the Bible in a year during 2017 DECEMBER MESSAGES DEC 3 AM Hebrews 11:32-35 DEC 3 PM Psalm 2 DEC 10 AM CHILDREN S PLAY The Really, Really, Really Good News DEC 10 PM Micah 1-7 DEC 17 AM CHOIR CANTATA Mary, Did You Know? DEC 17 PM DVD: The Fourth Wise Man DEC 24 AM Luke 2:8-20 The Holy Work of Christmas DEC 24 PM CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE The Journey of the Wise Men Matthew 2:1-12 Be blessed with the joy of His presence and the quiet peace of the season Merry Christmas! ( All graphics are from depositphotos unless otherwise noted) (Bible quotes from NKJV Bible) 4

5 NSCA NEWS UPDATE Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. (Psalm 34:11) Upcoming Events at NSCA Dec. 4 School Picture day Dec. 12 Christmas Program (6:30 pm) Dec. 22 Noon Dismissal Dec. 25 through Jan. 1 Christmas vacation NSCA Fundraisers Late Nov./early Dec. Poinsettias available for purchase Dec. 2 Annual Craft Fair, Donations of baked goods or grandma s attic items are welcome. Contact staff or the NSCA office to donate. Your prayers for the event are appreciated. Student field trip to Napatree Point 5

6 NSCA NEWS Student field trip to Napatree Point Capt. Springer spoke at a special Veteran s Day chapel You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. (II Timothy 2:3-4) 6

7 SBC Choir Cantata December 17 th 10 am Mary, Did You Know? The Second Baptist Church Choir will present their Cantata, Mary, Did You Know? created by R. Mauldin, S. Smith, and J. Crumpton, and arranged by R. Mauldin, on Sunday, December 17, 2017 during the morning worship service beginning at 10 am. This Cantata is a joyous message of hope created around one of the most dramatic and inspired songs ever written for the Christmas season. This message of hope is woven throughout the selections of classic carols and hymns, as well as stirring, contemporary selections. The festive presentation is a perfect vehicle to present not only the newborn King, but Jesus, the Messiah and Savior as well. Please use this opportunity to invite someone who might want or need to meet their Savior this Christmas season. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7) 7

8 Olympian Club Our first couple of months at Olympian club have been a great success. The attendance grew from 14 on night one, to as many as 27 on any given night. We have welcomed many new faces and are always thrilled to have our faithful ones back again! The children especially love our opening ceremony, filled with songs, pledges and prayer requests. After that we head up to the third floor for book time. The children have been working hard in their books and some have already made bronze level! During this time the children receive Olympian dollars for doing their Quiet Time journals as well as reciting Bible verses and Christian services. Pictured here are some of the children who recently brought in food for the Thanksgiving baskets that the church distributes. During the evening they also have a Bible lesson with Mr. Patrick and a game time. One of their favorite games is 7UP. They also love Hot Potato, Connect Four and Doggie, Doggie Who s Got Your Bone. We always end the night with a delicious snack homemade by Miss Debbie. We want to thank Miss Debbie for her dedication to the children and Mrs. Stedman for filling in with yummy snacks as well. We are also very glad to have Mrs. Gouvin join our staff this year. Her presence has made the evenings go so much smoother and as always a big thank you to Jessica Kessler and Olivia Smith for their faithfulness throughout the years! Please continue to keep the club in your prayers. God Bless, Jackie Gengarella, Director Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) 8

9 Dee Dee s Corner While You re Still Here by Dee Dee Jackman I have been told by certain people with a joking undertone, Don t get old, Dee Dee. It s no fun! As the expression goes there is a grain of truth in every jest. My mother, who is 78 years old, suffers from dementia. This disease basically has symptoms associated with declined thinking, impaired reasoning, memory loss, confusion and personality changes (just to name a few), and it is caused by hardening arteries or blockage of blood flow to the brain. All I know is that my mother s mind (and health) is slowly slipping away and there is nothing I can do about it..or is there? Well, let s see. I have the ability to choose to be PRESENT with her right here, right now. I can create as many memories as I can with her, even on the difficult days. Watching her decline has been painfully emotional, but yet slow enough that I am able to process it at a manageable pace (if such a thing exists). Although our family was seriously dysfunctional when I was growing up, I know that she did the absolute best that she could under the circumstances. Raising seven children (three of which have passed away) with an angry husband, and living in the projects (low-income housing) is no easy feat! Having lived a life of so much pain, fear, and chaos, it almost seems merciful that she is not able to remember all the sad, depressing experiences. At least that s my way of finding the positive in her current situation. Those painful memories can t hurt her any more. I almost wonder if that is what God does when we die --- does He help us just forget all the difficult stuff? How else will there be no more tears in heaven? Anyhow sharing my thoughts with others like this is my way of processing through my own hurts and fears, so thank you for lending me your ears (or should I say eyes). My hope is to be able to encourage and invoke others to just APPRECIATE EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING and to remind you not to let time slip through your hands. Life is far too precious. (Continued) 9

10 Dee Dee s Corner While You re Still Here By Dee Dee Jackman Dear Mom, While you re still here, I will spend as much time with you as I can (which never seems to be enough, but I do the best I can). While you re still here, I will hold your hand and tenderly caress your soft skin. While you re still here, I will brush your beautiful salt and pepper hair (which always has amazed me at how few grays you have). While you are still here, I will make decisions for your care to the best of my ability and according to your wishes (as hard as that may be). While you re still here, I will remind you of all the great memories we ve shared. I will have as many conversations as we can, because I see the window of two-way communications slowly closing. While you re still here, I will thank you for teaching me about kindness and compassion. While you re still here, I will laugh with you and make you smile as often as I can. Your sweet smile (with or without your teeth!) just brightens my day. I don t know how much time we have left together. Months? Years? Only God knows. But for now, I will enjoy seeing your face light up at the sights of your children and grandchildren and will fill my heart and mind with the love of my mother while you re still here. I love you with all my heart. Your baby girl, Dee Dee She watches over the ways of her household Her children rise up and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:27;28) 10

11 A Christmas Tradition Karen Gouvin Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. One childhood tradition that I treasure the memory of was our tree decorating tradition. Each year my parents would invite my great-grandmother and several elderly church members over to our home for our annual tree decorating. My mother would always make corn chowder and homemade rolls and we would enjoy a nice supper together before decorating the tree. The original recipe for the corn chowder came from a McCalls cookbook. It was a bit more involved than my adaptation which I share here. Corn Chowder 4 slices of bacon, chopped ¼ cup butter 1 medium onion, diced 2 ½ tsp. salt 4 cups cubed/peeled potatoes (about 4 medium) ¼ tsp. pepper 20 oz. frozen corn, thawed (4½ cups) 2 cups milk 1 tsp. sugar 1 cup heavy cream In a large saucepan with a cover, sauté chopped bacon over medium heat until almost cooked. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Add potatoes and 1 cup of water. Cover, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender but not mushy. Add butter and stir until almost completely melted. Add remaining ingredients and heat until hot but not boiling. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:3) 11

12 2 Stix for Jesus Honor our Veterans at the Westerly Armory whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (I Corinthians 10:31) Photos by Rob Gouvin 12

13 2 Stix for Jesus Honor our Veterans at the Westerly Armory 13

14 2 Stix for Jesus Honor our Veterans at the Westerly Armory 14

15 Sunday School Class Grades 4-6 Deacon Guest Speaker Sharon Kennedy, Teacher Wearing a patriotic sweater and carrying his Bible, Deacon Phil Stedman visited our Sunday School Class and shared how over the years he has served the Lord in our church, and how he has served our country as a soldier. We never knew what being a Deacon meant, and the many ways our Deacons care for the people of our church. Mr. Stedman explained how the Love offering is used, and also how the Thanksgiving baskets are prepared and delivered. As he spoke you could tell that serving the Lord is very exciting. Mr. Stedman encouraged us to remember how great our God is when he told us about Solomon building a great temple because God is greater than all other gods. We should never stop loving God, even in the difficult times, just as Job never stopped loving God. And, then he encouraged us that by working together gets the job done, just like and Amish barn-raising. We could tell that Mr. Stedman is very proud to have served our country for so many years and it is with respect, honor and gratitude we thank him. What a great Sunday School class! Thank you for visiting us. Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. (Matthew 25:21) 15

16 In the Mix Tanya has been worshipping with us for a bit less than 2 years. She has recently started serving with the Brightmans with the Wednesday night Jr./Sr. high youth group. She is sharing a gluten-free recipe with us this month. Enjoy! Gluten-Free Carrot Cake 3 eggs, beaten 1 Tsp. salt 2 C sugar 1 Tsp. vanilla 1 1/3 C oil 2 C grated carrots 2 C gluten-free coconut flour 1-8 oz. can crushed pineapple 1 Tsp. baking powder and juice 1 C coarsely chopped walnuts 2 Tsp. cinnamon 1 C shredded coconut 2 Tsp. baking soda Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine eggs, sugar, oil and dry ingredients. Stir in vanilla, carrots, pineapple, nuts & coconut. Bake for minutes in a 13x9 pan. FROSTING: 1-3 oz. package cream cheese 1 ½ C confectioners sugar 1 Tsp. vanilla and water to make proper spreading consistency Mix and spread on cooled cake. Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! (Luke 2:14) 16 Tanya Williams

17 Children s Page The Christmas Story Fill in each blank with the correct answer about the Christmas story. 1) Where was the home of Mary and Joseph? (Luke 2:4) 2) Who announced Jesus birth to Mary? (Luke 1:26-27) 3) Where was Jesus laid? (Luke 2:7) 4) What in a manger was the sign the shepherds were to look for to find Jesus? (Luke 2:12) 5) Who kept the sayings of the shepherds in her heart (Luke 2:19) 6) What guided the Wise Men to Jesus? (Matthew 2:2) 7) Where did the Wise Men find Jesus? (Matthew 2:11) 8) What warned the Wise Men of Herod s trick? (Matthew 2:12) 9) Who told Joseph to flee with Jesus to Egypt? (Matthew 2:13) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) 17

18 DECEMBER 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Evening Svc 6:00PM ANNUAL BUSINESS MTG. Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM CHILDREN S PLAY Evening Svc 6:00PM PROV. RESCUE MISSION Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM CHOIR CANTATA Evening Svc 6:00PM 11 24/31 25 COMMUNION Dec. 24 Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Eve Svc 6:00PM CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE MERRY CHRISTMAS! 5 Deacon s Meeting 6:00 PM Dinner 5pm Bible Study 6pm Olympians 5:30 Youth Group 6pm Dinner 5pm Bible Study 6pm Olympians 5:30 Youth Group 6pm Dinner 5pm Bible Study 6pm Olympians 5:30 Youth Group 6pm NO PROGRAMS NSCA VACATION Women s Prayer Breakfast 9:00 AM Men s Prayer Breakfast 7:00 AM