In light of Easter... Looking Ahead - April Roman & Emily Citac. Women s Retreat Tuesday, May 16-18

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April 2017 Pastor Mark s Moment In light of Easter.

As we do, remember three things: John assumes we are aware of the Synoptics (Matthew, Mark and Luke), John is most likely using Roman time when he refers to events, and the gospel writers often

When we keep those matters in mind, we get the following chronology (concerning the confusing events, not necessarily every event): 1. the disciples ask Jesus where to prepare the Passover, 2.

1 April 2017 Pastor Mark s Moment In light of Easter... As we continue in the Gospel of John with Easter approaching, I thought it might be good to go over the chronology of the events around the crucifixion. As we do, remember three things: John assumes we are aware of the Synoptics (Matthew, Mark and Luke), John is most likely using Roman time when he refers to events, and the gospel writers often condense (i.e. only include the people they want to mention, not necessarily everyone who was there). When we keep those matters in mind, we get the following chronology (concerning the confusing events, not necessarily every event): 1. the disciples ask Jesus where to prepare the Passover, 2. the disciples and Jesus share the Passover meal (the Last Supper), 3. they go to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is betrayed, 4. Jesus appears before Annas, 5. Jesus appears before the Sanhedrin, 6. Jesus appears before Pilate, 7. Jesus appears before Herod, 8. Jesus appears before Pilate again, 9. Pilate offers up Jesus, 10. Jesus is crucified, 11. darkness settles on the land, 12. Jesus dies, 13. there is the request to break His legs, 14. Jesus is laid in the tomb, 15. the tomb is sealed, 16. some women come to the tomb and see it unsealed, 17. Mary runs back to tell the disciples, 18. the other women hear the testimony of the angels, 19. Peter and John run to the tomb and find it empty, 20. and Jesus appears to Mary! This Easter, I will most likely jump ahead so that we can experience the confusion of Peter and John as they encounter the empty tomb. Confusion? Yes, because even they, the ignorant, simple, unenlightened people that they were (according to many modern day scholars ), didn t really expect someone to rise from the dead! Please join us for Easter as we proclaim HE IS RISEN! Looking Ahead - We will be having a visit from Roman & Emily Citac They are serving with the Converge WW in Moldova. They will be here Memorial Day week-end, May 28. We look forward to hearing their heart & vision for the work. Women s Retreat Tuesday, May Travel to Winsome Women Retreat Mackinaw Island. See inside for details Join the fun!

FELLOWSHIP DINNER Sunday, April 9th You are invited by the family of Mabel Peterson to dinner following the Worship Service to help her celebrate her 90th Birthday.

Michelle Hefty will speak about the Night Sky Project at Newport State Park. Invite your friends. Suggested donation $5/ meal.

2 FELLOWSHIP DINNER Sunday, April 9th You are invited by the family of Mabel Peterson to dinner following the Worship Service to help her celebrate her 90th Birthday. No Gifts - just your presence would be appreciated. 50 PLUS Wednesday, April Noon. Enjoy food, fellowship & program. Come & enjoy a delicious meal & fellowship. Michelle Hefty will speak about the Night Sky Project at Newport State Park. Invite your friends. Suggested donation $5/ meal. WOMEN S MINISTRY TEAM The Women s Ministry Team is sponsoring monthly Scrapbooking/ Craft Events. The next one is scheduled for Friday/Saturday, April Friday they work from 2 to 9 PM & Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. Bring your work (fun) and accomplish a new project while building relationships with other women. You may request to join The Crafty Scrapbookers@First Baptist on Facebook for current information & plans for food, etc. SINGLES OVER 50 SO50 will be eating together Sunday, April 23rd ~ following worship at White Gull Inn, Fish Creek. A sign-up sheet to reserve your place at the table will be available at the Welcome Center Women s Ministry WOMEN - Save the dates of May 16-18, 2016 for the Win-Some Women Retreat at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island! Cost $438 for 2 nights, meals & ferry. For more info go to win-somewomen.org Win-Some Women is a fellowship of inter-denominational women drawn together by their common desire to share the reality of Jesus Christ. This fellowship developed a practical and vital ministry and has grown to serve women from all over Michigan, other states, and Canada. Shaped by the Potter We are the clay, You are the Potter Isaiah64:8b WinSome Women retreat is presenting Sheila Walsh, & Dr. Erwin Lutzer as keynote speakers. Plus special breakout speaker Carole Wolaver and musician Steve Green. If you are interested in going, sign-up at the Welcome Center. An informational meeting will be scheduled soon. C HECK IT O UT!! The Serpent of Paradise by Erwin Lutzer Erwin opens with This book is a modest attempt to put the devil in his place. Even though Lucifer rebelled so he would no longer be God s servant, he still is. Even today Lucifer cannot make a move without God s consent. Lutzer contends that we cannot properly understand Satan unless we first understand God. When we stand in awe of God we will find it unnecessary to stand in awe of Satan. This book will stimulate your faith and lead you to a God who does not lose even when Satan appears to win. What Follows After by Dan Walsh Scott & Gina Harrison have been living a lie. Family and friends do not know that Scott & Gina have separated for over a year. They even had their sons, Colt & Timmy, lie to their grandparents, teachers and friends. The two boys have had enough. They run away to their aunt s home in Georgia and refuse to come home until their parents get back together. In this book Dan takes you on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life love, truth and family. A Clearing in the Wild by Jane Kirkpatrick Bethel, Missouri -1850s. Emma Wagner chafes at the constraints of a settlement with a culture that values conformity over independent thought, especially in women. Emma clashes with the colony s leader. But as she clears a pathway West to pursue her dreams of independence, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community. Although a novel, it is based on a true story of Emma Wagner Giesy part in the history of the Oregon Trail West. E LDER MINUTES The meeting was opened by prayer with members praying for specific church family needs. The minutes from January were approved. The financial report was reviewed. The pastor discussed the possibility of a home purchase (which closed on March 17). The address is 8764 West Meadow Rd, Baileys Harbor. He and Valerie plan to move in by the end of April, and Valerie will most likely terminate her employment with Niagara Ridge Apartments. The possibility of the reintroduction of a small group program was discussed. The elders decided to wait until the fall to implement a plan since the summer is so busy. Easter services and Easter programming was discussed. The Compassion Ministry Team asked for approval of a creative movement class for seniors this summer. The motion was approved. Benevolence matters were discussed. Other items were discussed. The next meeting will be on April 11 at 7 p.m. The meeting was closed in prayer.

American Connection BRIDGES Friendship with International Students.Next month the international students will be arriving to work in the tourism businesses in Door County.

3 American Connection BRIDGES Friendship with International Students.Next month the international students will be arriving to work in the tourism businesses in Door County. The American Connection is one of the most important aspects of the BRIDGES program, where an American family or individual is paired with one or two international students to welcome them to an American experience and show friendship and hospitality to them. The students do not live with you. A round 250 international students come to Door County each summer and God gives us an opportunity to be His ambassadors to them. Here are some ideas to get you started: Practical Friendship Builders Attend cultural events in your community: plays, concerts, parades, etc. Participate in outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, biking or visiting local parks. Watch television together: sports, family shows depicting American culture, special reports on your friend s home country. Discover and share in their interests. Visit different types of restaurants and introduce them to the American customs of ordering, paying, and tipping. Play conversational learning games together, like the Ungame or Pictionary. Invite them to cook a native meal with you. Help them figure out whatever they need to do for banking, or other things. Include them in any normal activity exercising, shopping, going to church, family gathering, etc. Planting Seeds Through Conversation If you practice giving thanks before a meal, explain to a new international that it is your custom to give thanks to the Living God, who provides things for us. Don t turn your prayer into a sermon. After praying, you might ask your friend how he or she expresses thanks back home. After asking how your friend s day has been, you could share how God answered prayer or provided for you in some way. I ve been praying for my mother s illness, and today I learned she will not need surgery. I believe God is answering my prayer. It is so comforting to know He really cares about me and my family. Invite your international friend to join you as you participate in caring for a neighbor or someone else. Explain how the family is in need of help and because of God s love for us how God has called us to serve one another in love. Suppose your student tells you about family concerns or difficulties back home. You might respond by saying that you pray to the Living God, who hears and is concerned about us, regarding such matters. Ask if you could pray for these concerns in your personal times with God. Unless the student asks you questions or shows interest in learning more about God, do not say any more at this time. But be prepared to show in Scripture the verses that describe God as hearing our prayers and being concerned for us (for example, Isaiah 65:24 and 1 Peter 5:7) Introduce your friend to how Americans celebrate birthdays. Then share the added perspective that, because God has created life, each person is special to Him. We want to celebrate your birthday so you know how special you are to Him, too! In relating such situations as being mistakenly given extra change at the store, you could explain how you returned it because God has called us to live as people of integrity and honesty. Use other examples from your personal life that demonstrate godly values. Describe key American holidays why and how we celebrate them. Tell how Christians view these holidays, and how our culture celebrates them. Talk about such special events as marriage, death, and the birth of a child. Source: International Students, Inc.

L AURA DOBRE & HER HEART S DESIRE The long journey from Romania to the United States Laura Dobre came to Door County summer of 2005 with her good friend Anca, having finished their junior year of

Diane Färdig and Jane Olson were the girls American Connection contacts. Laura and Anca, both born again Christians, attended First Baptist as often as their busy schedule would permit.

4 L AURA DOBRE & HER HEART S DESIRE The long journey from Romania to the United States Laura Dobre came to Door County summer of 2005 with her good friend Anca, having finished their junior year of college in Sibiu, Romania. They both fell in love with Northern Door, working at the Edgewater and participating in the International Program (later, Bridges). Diane Färdig and Jane Olson were the girls American Connection contacts. Laura and Anca, both born again Christians, attended First Baptist as often as their busy schedule would permit. Finally, with tears, the two said goodbye and returned to complete their B.A. degree. Laura began her career in hospitality in Greece and spent 3 years on the island of Santorini. At first, the work was pleasant and the salary was fair, but as Greece entered its financial crisis, work became almost 24/7, and paychecks were rare. After 2 years of praying, in the fall of 2010, an opportunity to work on a J-1 Visa at the Village Green Lodge in Ephraim opened. With the help of Diane and friend, Sue Sherman, Laura came to America to intern as Sue s Innkeeper Assistant. She became a Certified Tourism Ambassador. The 12-month experience was enriching and Laura grew to love living in America. She realized she didn t want to return to Romania, but at the end of her visa, she did. After praying and asking God for guidance, Laura was approved for a student J-1 visa; she returned in 2011 and enrolled at NWTC in Sturgeon Bay, in the Business Management A.A. program. She stayed again with Diane, and with the help of several faithful friends, attended campus classes. In May 2014, she earned her A.A., graduated cum laude and inducted into the Honor Society for two-year colleges. NWTC offered a oneyear training program for those who gain a job in their field of study. Laura was offered a teller job at Baylake Bank in Ellison Bay where she learned about the banking industry. Following the completion of the bank training program, Laura was allowed to remain in the US and assist her friend & employer, Sue Sherman at Village Green during the final stages of her cancer. Again God had arranged the timing of her return to Romania. Meanwhile, Laura sought options for remaining in America. Never did she consider anything except lawful means. After consulting with legal experts in Chicago, the sad truth was that there was no visa option for Laura to attain. Laura must face returning to Europe without any prospect of a job. Laura continued to pray and rely on God s timing for her return to America. Each year, Laura applied for the Department of State Lottery, just as tens of thousands of others around the world. Each country is provided a certain number of green card applications, but like any lottery, chances of winning are slim to none. Unless, that is, God has plans for you. In May, 2015, Laura received the stunning news that her name had been drawn for a green card! She returned to Romania August, 2015 to wait for her interview at the American Embassy. She was able to return to Chicago December 30, 2015, in time to celebrate the New Year in America. Laura began her job search as soon as the green card arrived in April, knowing her home was Wisconsin. She accepted a 7-month job at the Kohl s Corporate Center in Menomonee Fall in July, and was offered a full-time position with benefits in November. She s doing well in her job and attending North Brook Church where she s enrolled in a small group Bible study. It s wonderful to look back at Laura s life and see how God answered her prayers. ~ Contributed

C OMPASSION COMMITTEE Men s Ministry to the Homebound Pastor Mark identifies First Baptist as a family. The Compassion Ministry is a great example of the church body functioning as a family.

5 C OMPASSION COMMITTEE Men s Ministry to the Homebound Pastor Mark identifies First Baptist as a family. The Compassion Ministry is a great example of the church body functioning as a family. One of the Compassion units is a team of men who do minor home and vehicle repairs and other services for homebound people from our church, especially for those who do not have relatives in the area. Currently Lyle Bruss, John Stiefel and Lee McCluggage lead the team. When I interviewed these three men, it became obvious how much church family members do for other members and even some outside the family. Lyle Bruss, the original team leader, shared that in the early days the team was called the Men s Auxiliary, because when members of the Health and Wellness Compassion Team would go into homes of the homebound to address health needs, they would learn of or observe the need for minor repairs. Lyle would be notified and enlist other men as needed and visit the homes to oil squeaky hinges, fix screen doors, do minor plumbing and carpenter fixes, change light bulbs, put salt in water softeners and so on. The ministry was begun to help in order to help people with small repairs or activities in the home that they couldn t do themselves. It was done so that the homebound people could stay in their homes as long as possible. The men would work to remove any obstacles. Ramps were built and walk-in tubs installed. While the team still responds to home repair referrals from the Health and Wellness team, they also address needs that they learn of by other needs or that are not necessarily home repairs. For example, Lee McCluggage specializes in doing affordable car repairs for people in the congregation and frequently finds and repairs affordable cars for people. Lee shared that he does it for God s glory and out of Christian love. He said it is the right thing to do when you love the Lord. Lee made a promise to God to help people and he intends to keep that promise. John Stiefel has helped in many different ways. In the early days, John helped with medical transport to Green Bay. John reported that when he did this, he often went inside the homes. When there, he frequently saw needs in the home and the team would go in to carry out the needed home tasks. John says that the team does the things they can, but when they become aware of some need and they can t do it themselves, they get someone else who can. Sometimes it becomes necessary or advisable for a house bound individual to relocate to a senior living community like Scand. Here also, John and other team members have been of assistance. When helping someone move into the Meadows, a team member discovered that lower kitchen cabinets were such that people with disabilities could not easily use them, so they installed sliding shelves in the cabinets to make them more accessible. Recently a scooter for a Scand resident was repaired. The ministry would not be as effective without the able assistance of many helpers. When I talked to the three leaders, they mentioned a number of men (and a few women) who have assisted them, but I m afraid that I would miss somebody so I won t attempt to name them here. But God knows who you are and will reward you! Many are men going into retirement and some are well into retirement. Because of their special qualifications, however, I will single out Art Weborg, a master welder, who has assisted Lee in mechanical repairs, and Karl Huber, a carpenter, who helps out when he can. Thank you, gentlemen, for doing what God wants (James 1:27). submitted by Judith Erickson The congregation is looking forward to the celebration of Christ's resurrection. Orthodox Easter and our Easter celebration fall on the same Sunday. It is traditionally the largest church celebration of the year in Ukraine. On January 15 three Baptist churches from Sumy got together and rented a large theater for a Christian concert. Tanya and Igor were there and brought along two teen girls and one mom from Krasnoplya. It was a very successful event with a full orchestra, singers and a combined choir that played to a full house. Alexy is excited about these programs and the sincere interest of the youth. He asks for prayer for the continued mission outreach for the Church and the Nation. Also include in your prayers the needs of these youth leaders in the church. He and his wife have been visiting local churches with words of hope and encouragement as the nation continues in political turmoil.

6 F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H C A L E N D A R April 2017

7 C ONGRATULAT IONS Gary & Cindy Lundquist welcomed their second granddaughter, Braylee Cynthia born Tuesday, March 21st to Kim & Brandon Karaba. Welcome to the new arrival & congratulations to all involved. Gary & Peg Nelson welcomed a granddaughter Alivia Mary Nelson born to Adam & Kelly recently. This little girl adds to the growing number of grandchildren for Gary & Peg. Pastor Mark & Valerie are changing their address to 8764 W Meadow Rd, Baileys Harbor, WI May you enjoy your new rural setting & we are glad to have your continued ministry at First Baptist Church. COMMUNITY HEALTH INFORMATION PROGRAM Sunday, April 23rd ~ 4 PM Feeling Safe At home and on the Go presented by Jennifer Gaddes Physical Therapist, Ministry DCMC 25% of all Americans over the age of 65 fall each year. Jen will discuss how to safety check your living environment and what to be mindful of when out of doors to prevent falls. Sponsored by Northern Door Health & Wellness Held in the Gathering First Baptist Door County Senior Center & Community Center Newsletter is available on the ADRC website. Go to ADRCdoorcounty.org - on the right side of the home page click on the tab for Senior Newsletter If you wish to be added to the distribution list send an note to firstbaptistsisterbay@gmail.com. A Few Statistics Date 10:30 S.S. Offering February $ 3, March $ 6, March $ 5, March $ 3, March $ 2, $ 21, BIRTHDAYS 1st: Christopher Jackson 2nd: Hannah Hartmann 4th: Marcy Stark 5th: Jim Grotenhuis 7th: Eric Kordon 9th: Jim Hartmann Mabel Peterson 10th: Steve Jacobson Marc Paulson 16th: Sandy McCluggage Tanna Tesnow 18th: Lenore Carroll 19th: Diane Fardig 21st: Alice Holden 22nd: Ken Onsrud 23rd: Cal Lundquist 24th: Sylvia Hanson Linda Johnson 25th: Chris Warecki 27th: Faye Erickson ANNIVERSARIES 1st: Jeffrey & Colleen Budzis 30 years

First Baptist Church 2622 S. Bay Shore Dr. Sister Bay, WI 54234 920.854.2544 www.firstbaptistsisterbay.com firstbaptistsisterbay@gmail.

8 First Baptist Church 2622 S. Bay Shore Dr. Sister Bay, WI F R O M O U R G L O B A L M I N I S T R Y Ron & Sharon Hartwig ~ NAIM, Canada Ron has been the Director of Human Resources for North American Indigenous Missions which involves training pastors and encouraging leadership among the native population. Ron and Sharon live in Merritt, British Columbia where he pastors a small church associated with NAIM. Evangelism has been challenging because the older people prefer to teach the younger generation their own traditions and beliefs. Last October, Ron, Sharon, and one of their close friends Liz Garcia visited Valley Church, one of supporting churches in Cupertino, California. They were able to tour other areas in California including the Redwoods, a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and the beaches of Santa Cruz. Meeting friends of Sharon and Ron followed by a tour of scenic beauty was really meaningful for Liz because she had lost her husband last year and has recently been diagnosed with liver cancer. The NAIM staff will focus on learning about Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Canada feels that a working knowledge of this organization is essential for an effective ministry with the First Nations People of North America. Ron will also leading NAIM through vision and strategy as well as the administrative details of running a non profit organization. Sharon will be leading a Bible Study on Kay Arthur's Effective Prayer. Their oldest daughter Renee plans to move to British Columbia, and at the present time, her husband is gathering documents for immigration to Canada. Prayer requests: 1) Liz's medical journey in dealing with liver cancer 2) a close friend of theirs, Loretta experiencing difficulties in her marriage. Pray they find their way back to Jesus whom they accepted as children 3) For the NAIM staff to learn the necessary information required by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 4) for Ron as he leads his staff through vision, strategy, and knowledge of administrative details 5) Sharon's Bible study and 6) the planned move of their daughter and husband to Canada

Pastor Mark. December Christmas in the Library. Sunday, December 9. Enjoy a treat & choose something from the Christmas display

Pastor Mark. December Christmas in the Library. Sunday, December 9. Enjoy a treat & choose something from the Christmas display December 2018 Pastor Mark s Moment There are actually 4 hymns/songs at the beginning of the Gospel of Luke that help us to get ready for Christmas: The Magnificat (1:46-55) from the Latin for My soul mag