September, 2011 Volume 73, No. 8 LABOR DAY

Transcription

1 Volume 73, No. 8 LABOR DAY This month we celebrate Labor Day. It s not a holiday with Christian roots, like Easter or Christmas. It was first proposed by the Central Labor Union of New York state in September, 1882, after US marshals responded with deadly force to striking Pullman car workers. President Grover Cleveland and leaders of Congress quickly moved to establish a national observance of Labor Day as a gesture of reconciliation. So this holiday, universally observed as an opportunity for relaxation, picnics and a sort of ceremonial farewell to summer, emerged out of conflict. This is good to remember in these days of a globalized economy, economic duress at home and abroad, and white hot rhetoric that casts the blame for it all on them. For some on the political right, labor unions in general and the public sector in particular are parasites dragging down our economy with inefficiency and waste. For some on the political left, business interests, particularly large banks and corporations, are seen as destabilizing the economy with their speculation and greed. As Christians, whatever our political identity, we have some valuable perspective to bring to this debate. It s not as simple as proposing a biblical economy to replace the complex mixture of models and principles that struggle for predominance today. After all, the Bible was written and compiled in a largely agrarian society, where international trade, while not unknown, was only a tiny fraction of economic activity, and the industrial revolution and the worldwide web were beyond imagination. But there are some clear biblical teachings about work and workers. The dignity of work and the worker. Our daily work has an essential dignity and worth, whether it seems humble or grand in worldly terms. At the beginning of history, the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden God s garden to tend it and keep it (Genesis 2:15). I perceive, says the Preacher of Ecclesiastes, that nothing is better than that all should rejoice in their own work, for that is their heritage (Ecclesiastes 3:22). Self-reliance and industry. Self-reliance and industry are highly Continued on page 2 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SW 12th and Taylor, Portland, Oregon

2 Continued from page 1 esteemed in scripture. Go to the ant you lazybones; consider its ways and be wise. Without having any chief or officer or ruler, it prepares its food in summer and gathers its food at harvest (Proverbs 6:6 8). The Apostle Paul advised the Thessalonians to live quietly, to mind your own affairs and to work with your own hands and be dependent on no one (1 Thessalonians 4:11 12). He personally observed this counsel, supporting himself as a tentmaker throughout his missionary travels (Acts 18:3). Concern for the vulnerable. At the same time, scripture balances the emphasis on self-reliance with a strong concern for the most vulnerable in our midst. When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger (Leviticus 19:9 10). In the early church, the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul and there was not a needy person among them (Acts 4:32 35). Certainly in today s complex and rapidly changing economy, we should recognize that well-being and want are not simply consequences of one s individual initiative or lack thereof, but that there are structural issues that need addressing by biblically-formed hearts and minds. Fair compensation. The Lord Jesus himself reminds us that the laborer deserves to be paid (Luke 10:7) and James excoriates the greedy who live in luxury and pleasures while the wages of the laborers which you have kept back by fraud cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord (James 5:4 5). This admonition certainly Page 2 stands out in a day in which inequality is growing in both our national and global economies. All vocation is godly vocation. The theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin spoke of our work, whether it be with our hands, or with our minds; whether we wear a blue collar, a business suit or clerical vestments; as a sacrifice offered on the altar of the world. We honor our Creator as we use our talents and exercise our vocation, whatever it be, both for our own support and for the well-being of the human family. God has gifted us with manifold gifts and we honor him by exercising them. We also honor God by ordering our society so that everyone s gifts are recognized and utilized. With this in mind, may we celebrate Labor Day this year in the presence of God. Dr. David L. Wheeler Thank you to my First Baptist Church family for your wonderful cards, phone calls, and on-going prayers as I recover from my cancer surgery and follow-up treatments. With Love, Mary Lynn Parodi Missionary Speakers Coming In September Bruce and Ann Borquist We are so excited to announce that we will be having two missionary Sundays in the month of September. The first will be September 11, when Ann and Bruce Borquist come to share about their work in Brazil. They will be speaking in the 9:00 am and 11:00 am services as well as interacting with two of our Sunday School classes. There will be a Sunday fellowship dinner immediately following the 11:00 am church service and the Borquists will be the featured guests and speakers at that time. Lauran Bethell On September 25, Lauran Bethell will be with us to speak in our Sunday morning services. She will also be attending the Lauran Bethell Circle beach retreat at Neskowin on Friday and Saturday of that weekend. We are so honored to have Ann, Bruce and Lauran with us and pray God s blessings on them as they are travelling and speaking around the world. Plan to attend these services and hear what God is doing through these missionaries as well as our gifts and prayers. Sharon Rich, Chairperson Mission Outreach Committee Pleasing God: The Stewardship of Life The Christians in Macedonia demonstrated giving that pleases God. While they themselves were in extreme poverty, they gave generously. Paul writes, For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God s will. (2 Corinthians 8: 3 5)

3 Cambodian Congregational News 1- eyigx u MsUmEf ggmnrkundl'bykcmnumtsg Gs' EdlVncUlrYmkareVHCMruMrbs'eyIgenA Ex8EdlmanK~acMnYn behl160nak'camyynwg KÁsarBIBYkCMnuMPaKBay&B pgedr. eyigvn rymk~asikßa BHKmıIrPIlIB BIesck IGMNr nkar kpabk~a. eyigsumgrkundl'elak si syn sum"ali EdlVnerobcMy"aglÌk~ gdmenirenh. 2- enaeblfµi@enheyigmangabah*bibah*rbs' kjôa eglisabit BuM nigkjôa r"usa luy. sum BH btanbrdl' KÁsarrbs'G~kTSgBIr. 3- k~ gex9enheyigmankarsikßa BHKmıIrtampÊH - esar_ TI10 em"ag6kn H pêhelak kruna xwm - esar*ti17em"ag6kn HpÊHelak sinag esam - esar* TI24em"ag6kn H pêhelak KuN qat 4- enaexmkra TI19-31 q~s2012 x Mnwgdwk nsdmenirebskkmµetacyysagsg'mnîlkun ekµg sukexµr bsinebibykcmnumeyignacg'cul rym sumtak'tgcamyyx M. sumgrkun! -sumganpasarggòek spgedrpßaydmnwgedayela KË PIFW Gwum About 160 people joined our Camping Retreat August at Fort Stevens State Park. We were joined by the Khmer Christian Pacific Northwest CMA. There was a picnic on Saturday and worship service on Sunday. The theme for this retreat was Turning Toward Joy. We had vital discussions discovering the joy in serving the Lord, with unity, from the first two chapters of Philippians, throughout the weekend. There was a little shower on Sunday night, but it could not stop us from having great fellowship and devotions during the evening campfire. We hope to make this an annual gathering. Special thanks to Mrs. Somaly Soun for her great coordination of this event and to Pastor Wheeler for his participation as well. The Cambodians had the privilege of enjoying worshipping God at the Heritage Sunday service. We hadn t seen anything like this in the past, and we were blessed with a great turnout among our Cambodians members. It was well organized and we loved the pie social. We are pleased to announce that there are two weddings from Cambodian families coming up this year. There are also three home Bible studies during the month of September as well. You are welcome to join the Cambodian potluck on Sunday, September 18, right after church in the dinning room. Pastor Im is planning to lead a Cambodian mission trip in January 19 31, If you are interested in this trip, please contact Pastor Im at The Cambodian ministry master calendar can be downloaded from the FBC website ( Pastor Peter Im Save the date: Nov. 3 rd Organ Concert We are very happy to announce that Dr. Jeannine Jordan will return to FBC for a special presentation of her program, From Sea to Shining Sea on November 3, This program is a concert that will feature an interesting historical perspective of the organ and organ music in this country over the past 200 years. The event is free, but there will be an offering to help defray the cost of booking such an engaging and informative guest. For more information about the program, please visit Page 3

4 All Church Picnic 2011 Report The day was warm and pleasant with a gentle breeze and the view from Oaks Park to the Willamette River was lovely. There was joyful fellowship evident everywhere, tasty picnic fare, fun with lots of smiles which combined for a wonderful All Church Picnic with great attendance. Larry Watts, the organizer extraordinaire, along with many helpers, put together a workable plan with a vision that God would bless everyone and every part of the event. Here are the folks who gave generously of their time, talent and willing hearts to honor God in service (apologies to any names omitted): Larry Watts, Bruce and Sharon Rich, Charlene Fischer, Karin Edgington, Debbie Thompson, George Lawson, Bob Rowe, Frank Williams, Robert Rider, Philip Busteed, Barth Walker, Verdell Duhart, and Pastor Peter (who brought an excellent turnout of Cambodian friends). So thanks to God and all who participated with such joyful hearts making the picnic festivities a fun time for everyone. If you missed the 2011 picnic, make plans now to be present next year. You will be blessed. Mary Olson Page 4

5 Student Ministry Update Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 Summer is over Let the School year begin: What an amazing summer it has been. Most recently we have been serving the kids in the church throughout the month of August. We will return to our normal Sunday schedule in September. Sunday School Middle School: We will be doing a study called Basic Training. Students will learn about using our Bibles, adjusting our attitudes and working with others. Don t miss a week; it is going to be great. This fall Antoinette and Bev will team up to teach you some great stuff. High School: We will be studying the book of Romans. This is an amazing book full of deep theology and practical ideas for living out your faith. Come prepared to learn great things about yourself, your God, and your faith. Youth Group (HS and MS combined): Sundays from 1pm till 3pm, in the youth room. This is a great place to bring your friends as we explore some of the issues we face every day. We play fun games and laugh a lot. We spend time discussing issues and then we find out what the Bible says about the issues. Wednesday Nights: High School Bible Study from 6pm 8pm (topics vary). Dinner served at 6pm in dining room. Check us out on our Facebook Group page ( groups/ymrt2011) and blog (fbcpdxyouth.blogspot.com). Children s Ministry Jesus said, Let the Children Come to Me (Matthew 19:14) We Value Kids! Jesus loved children. He spent time with them and showed them how special they are to God. At First Baptist Church we value kids and we provide a variety of opportunities for them to experience God s love and learn about Him. We want our children to know God, explore His word and server others. We just finished a very exciting Bible School: Every Sunday in August, 2011, we were time travelers as we explored exotic parts of the world throughout history in an effort to discover God s Ten Commandments and what they mean to us. What a great time we had. Thank you to everyone who helped, we could not have done it without you. Returning this fall 10am Sunday: Sunday School for all grades taught by loving and talented teachers who enjoy spending time with your kids each week. 11am Sunday: Each Sunday we offer a kids sermon as part of out 11:00 service. After the kids sermon, kids 5th grade and younger are dismissed to Children s Church, where they learn more about God s love for them. Kid s Choir: During the regular school year, grades K 5 meet every Wednesday (6:20 7:30pm) after our Wednesday night family dinner. Come make music with us as we have fun singing! Snack served after choir. Rick Francis Page 5

6 SEPTEMBER SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY TUNA OIL BOxed pasta toilet paper coffee MAYONNAISe egg noodles green beans carrots OATS SALT Peanut butter medium soups hamburger helper Pepper Membership Committee mac & cheese boxed rice dinners sugar 7:30 pm YM: Back to School Party Drop-In Grocery Wish-List 5 FBC Office Closed All Day 6 White Cross 10:00 am 7 YM: High School Bible Study begins 1 8 CE Committee 6:30 pm LABOR DAY 11 Missions Sunday Sunday Fellowship Dinner Worship Committee 7:00 pm Downtown Fellowship 10:30 am YM: Youth Group begins Trumpeter Deadline Stewardship Committee 5:00 pm Missions Sunday Diaconate 7:35 pm FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN Page 6 YM: pertains to Youth ministry events

7 Sermon Schedule Sept. 4 Setting Standards Communion Sunday Ezekiel 33: 7 11 Matthew 18: Sept. 11 The Five Kinds of People in Church Revs. Bruce and Ann Borquist preaching Mark 2: 1 12 Sept. 18 No Fair! Psalm 145: 1 8 Matthew 20: 1 16 Sept. 25 Neighbors Without Borders Rev. Lauran Bethell preaching Luke 10: 9, 29 September Birthdays Bunchan Chan...9/1 Louise Freeze...9/1 Lauralee Ware...9/1 Mari Hester...9/2 Al Hodgin...9/3 Bunly Lay...9/4 Dan Velasquez...9/4 Esther Winn...9/4 Sreyroat Seng...9/5 Sreyhiek Seng...9/5 Pisey Sok...9/5 Sorn Theang...9/5 Wendy Berglund...9/7 Karin Irwin...9/8 Sopheap Khim...9/8 Hieng Thi Lam...9/9 Arne Anderson...9/10 Kimseng Ty...9/10 Bruce Borquist...9/11 Guy Allen Falone...9/12 Ron Shepherd...9/13 Trinity Myers...9/14 Douglas Sanchez...9/14 Merica Fooks...9/15 Diane Platt...9/15 Manny Perez...9/16 Jim Townley...9/16 Sharon Ellis...9/18 Kiriros Rath...9/18 Peter Im...9/20 Regina Callahan...9/21 Katie Reed...9/21 Lee Potampa...9/22 Vanna Tan...9/22 Maxine Eggers...9/23 Nick Gherasim...9/23 Sophy Puth...9/24 Lois Chartier...9/25 Elizabeth Harnish...9/25 Forrest Wyler...9/25 Michele Lee...9/26 Connie Shearer...9/26 Carolyn Zwaschka...9/26 Jim Watson...9/27 Nancy Ponce...9/28 Alan Martin...9/30 Weekly Schedule and Activities SUNDAY 9:00 Contemporary Service 10:00 Sunday School for all ages 11:00 Worship Service, Sanctuary Cambodian language, Rose Chapel Children s Church for ages 3 through 2nd Grade, follows the Time for Children at 11:00 1:00 Youth 5:30 Worship and Praise Celebration, Rose Chapel SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY 5:00 pm: Transitional Youth MONDAY SATURDAY 6:00 8:30 am: Eye Opener (AA meeting) MONDAY & THURSDAY 2:00 4:00 pm: Drop-In Center Are you interested in membership or baptism? Please contact Dr. David L.Wheeler at the FBC offices for more information. TUESDAY 5:30 pm: Dinner And A Movie WEDNESDAY 6:15 pm: Youth Choir 6:30 pm: Adult Bible Study 6:45 pm: Kindergarten Midweek FRIDAY Office closed 6:00 pm: FOCUS SATURDAY 8:30 10:30 am: Cambodian Men s Fellowship Bible Study 5:30 & 7:00 pm: Solid Rock Page 7

8 (USPS ) is published monthly at First Baptist Church, Portland OR Periodicals postage paid at Portland, Oregon. Postmaster: Send address changes to: 909 SW 11th Avenue Portland, OR (USPS ) is published monthly Find us on the worldwide web: and cambodianministries.org The next Trumpeter deadline is September 19, Please send articles to Dr. David L. Wheeler Senior Pastor Ed Stelle Senior Adult Ministries Peter Im Cambodian Ministries Rick Francis Interim Minister of C.E. and Discipleship Travis Hatton Music Director Keith Ponce Facilities and Events Manager Cathy Francis Business Administrator Downtown Fellowship is back! Please join us on September 15 at 10:30 am for a special program featuring Brian Oberlin, Music Director for the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra. Brian brings with him many years of experience as a professional musician, composer, instructor, and now conductor. He has toured the U.S., performing with several different ensembles, and has taught thousands of students to play mandolin. Brian s perspective on music, composing, performing, and teaching is always fresh and full of energy.