CHURCH TEAM CHAIRPERSONS

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OUR STAFF Minister: The Reverend Laura Lee Strawser Director of Music: John Rickert Organist: Mark Rethman Administrative Assistant: Linda Wieferich Caretaker, Al Ferrell Nursery

Financial Secretary: Laurella Smith CHURCH TEAM CHAIRPERSONS 1. Christian Education: Sarah Egerer 2. Youth: Cheryl Ellsworth and Earl Settle 3.

Facilities/Maintenance: Earl Settle 8. Hospitality: Connie Ellsworth 9. Worship: Nancy Lewis 10. Pastoral Relations: David Quinnan 11.

ministry to the community through witness, worship, and fellowship in a culturally diverse population. MICHIGAN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH The Reverend Laura Lee Strawser 203 S.

1 OUR STAFF Minister: The Reverend Laura Lee Strawser Director of Music: John Rickert Organist: Mark Rethman Administrative Assistant: Linda Wieferich Caretaker, Al Ferrell Nursery Attendant: Sarah Egerer OUR CHURCH OFFICERS Moderator: Heather Ballien Vice-Moderator: Tom Carr Clerk: Cyndi James Treasurer: David Garn Missions Treasurer: Roger Ellsworth Financial Secretary: Laurella Smith CHURCH TEAM CHAIRPERSONS 1. Christian Education: Sarah Egerer 2. Youth: Cheryl Ellsworth and Earl Settle 3. Outreach/Evangelism: Jan Wheeler Historian: Teddy Pelkey Assistant: Cheryl Ellsworth 4. Music: Jennifer Morris 5. Missions: Nikki Anjakos-Seno 6. Finance: Jim Garn 7. Facilities/Maintenance: Earl Settle 8. Hospitality: Connie Ellsworth 9. Worship: Nancy Lewis 10. Pastoral Relations: David Quinnan 11. Visitation: Lois Smith OUR CHURCH VISION Drawing upon its rich history of service to God in an urban setting, Michigan Avenue Baptist Church serves as a beacon of Christ-centered ministry to the community through witness, worship, and fellowship in a culturally diverse population. MICHIGAN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH The Reverend Laura Lee Strawser 203 S. Michigan Avenue - Saginaw, Michigan Church office: (989) MichiganAveBaptist@sbcglobal.net Website: MABCSaginaw.org Pastor Laura Lee Strawser may be reached: Cell phone: (989) revlls59@charter.net Pastor is on Face-Book. Please feel free to contact Pastor Laura Lee.

2 "CHERISHING OUR PAST - - EMBRACING OUR FUTURE" 150th Anniversary Year! "There is hope for your future, says the Lord." - Jeremiah 31:17a Recently, while reviewing membership records for our recent recognition of 50+ year members, Jackie Anjakos and Mary Larkin came across some interesting letters, photos and bulletins from the early years of our congregation. They brought them to my attention and I've made copies of many of these documents for my own reading. Many of these items are a record of the various activities, actions, meetings and members of Michigan Avenue Baptist. I find the ones from the very early days of this congregation to be the most fascinating, especially letters written by hand. Some of the writings record issues that seem all too familiar to situations found in our current situation; requests for transfer of membership, letters regarding financial contributions, pastoral letters, etc. But I'd like to share one with you from the hand of L. A. Burrows, himself, written in TO THE MEMBERS of the Michigan Ave. Baptist Church - Saginaw, Michigan, March 1st, 1907 The purpose of this letter is to point out a danger, and to suggest a way in which the danger may, with your co-operation, be avoided. Our Church is in a prosperous condition and is doing a good work. In one way, however, we fail lamentably; namely, in attendance at the Sunday morning services. We have a resident membership large enough to fill every pew. Where are they at half past ten of a Sunday morning? Will our people ever realize that their place, at Church time, is at Church; and that the only valid excuse is actual sickness or absence from the City? Our present House of Worship is reasonably comfortable. The music from Sunday to Sunday is as good as the choir and organist by hard work can make it. The Pastor's message is carefully prepared, and represents time and labor and sacrifice. And now we come to the point. The most discouraging thing our Pastor meets with in his work here is the Indifference of his people as shown by the size of the Sunday morning congregations. During the six years he has been with us he has several times refused to consider overtures from other and larger churches. He may not refuse the next. You profess to think a great deal of your Pastor and well you may. Then show it by coming out to hear him preach; not next Sunday, or Sunday after, but every Sunday. This letter is sent to every resident member. If you do attend Church whenever possible, your conscience is clear, and this letter is not intended for you. By order of the Board of Deacons, L. A. Burrows, Clerk We may no longer have a resident membership "large enough to fill every pew", however the pews we do have could certainly be filled with more 'resident' members AND a few guests, family members and neighbors. The choir, organist, ushers and greeters are all prepared to serve the Lord and all who come. As your pastor, I try, by God's help, to prepare and present the message God has laid upon my heart. BUT...none of these reasons are what call for your attendance on Sunday mornings. I, like Mr. Burrows, call you to make regular Sunday worship a part of your life. HOWEVER...I pray you will come because it is where God wants you to be and because you want to be blessed by God and the fellowship of your sisters and brothers in Christ! So...COME..."not next Sunday, or Sunday after, but every Sunday"! I remain God's servant and your pastor, Laura Lee Strawser

We Need Your Help - It s Time to Celebrate our 150 th Anniversary During several months throughout 2013, MABC will be taking time out to celebrate our 150 th anniversary.

A list of the events and those needing help follows. If you are willing to help, please contact Connie Ellsworth or Pastor Laura Lee to let them know of your interest.

3 We Need Your Help - It s Time to Celebrate our 150 th Anniversary During several months throughout 2013, MABC will be taking time out to celebrate our 150 th anniversary. Several different celebrations are scheduled and we are looking for individuals willing to organize and help with the labor of love necessary to make these events possible. A list of the events and those needing help follows. If you are willing to help, please contact Connie Ellsworth or Pastor Laura Lee to let them know of your interest. May 17 Music through the Ages June 13 July 7 August September 8 November 2 Ice Cream Social WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you are willing to organize and/or work, please let us know. Picnic (place TBA) Evert Rally Day Dinner WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you are willing to organize and/or work, please let us know. November 17 Old Fashioned Sunday Service to commemorate our founding December 15 (proposed) Community Sing or Messiah Sing-In WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you are able to organize this event, please let us know. Thank you, Heather Ballien MABC Moderator

THE PRAYER OF WOW When we are stunned to the place beyond words, when an aspect of life takes us away from being able to chip away at something until it s down to a manageable size and then to file

-Anne Lamott, Help, Thanks, Wow ALL OR NOTHING You will not stroll into Christlikeness with your hands in your pockets, shoving the door open with a careless shoulder.

It takes all one s strength, and all one s hearts, and all one s mind, and all one s soul, given freely and recklessly and without restraint. -A.J.

our families, our friends and any other needs the Lord lays upon our hearts. Join us either at the church or in your homes. works!

4 THE PRAYER OF WOW When we are stunned to the place beyond words, when an aspect of life takes us away from being able to chip away at something until it s down to a manageable size and then to file it nicely away, when all we can say in response is Wow, that s a prayer. -Anne Lamott, Help, Thanks, Wow ALL OR NOTHING You will not stroll into Christlikeness with your hands in your pockets, shoving the door open with a careless shoulder. This is no hobby for one s leisure moments, taken up at intervals when we have nothing much to do, and put down and forgotten when our life grows full and interesting. It takes all one s strength, and all one s hearts, and all one s mind, and all one s soul, given freely and recklessly and without restraint. -A.J. Gossip PRAYER MEETINGS AT MABC Each Thursday evening of the month, we gather at the church at to offer prayer both individually and corporately for the needs of our nation, our community, our church, our families, our friends and any other needs the Lord lays upon our hearts. Join us either at the church or in your homes. works! Pray without ceasing SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS If you are going back to school in the fall and are a member of MABC, you may be eligible for a scholarship from the church. You may pick up your application, and a bit about the scholarship program, at the back of the sanctuary. Scholarship Applications are due in the church office no later than May 5, MEN s BREAKFAST 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013 All men of MABC are invited to this time of delicious food and Christian Fellowship EVER-EVOLVING, EVER-LOVED HYMN Eternal Father, Strong to Save, often known simply as The Navy Hymn, dates back to 1860, when William Whiting wrote it for a student of his about to travel by ship from England to America. Original verses testified to the protection of God the Father, Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Trinity. In 1940, the U.S. Episcopal Church rewrote the hymn to include travel on land and in the air. Many verses have been written since; for Navy SEALs, submariners, astronauts, military families, ship dedications and more. The following verse, intended for Memorial Day, may be used with the credit line below: We thank you, God, for loved ones dear Who clung to faith beyond their fear, Who served and paid the highest price For freedom bought with sacrifice. May they remind us of your Son Whose death our final freedom won. CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 16, Heidi L. Mann, 2012 THE JOY OF SERVICE I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. -Rabindranath Tagore

150 th Anniversary Celebration Music of the Ages 7:00 p.m. at MABC Friday, May 17, 2013 A very special evening is planned with you in mind in celebration of the 150 th Anniversary of MABC.

A reception of desserts and beverages will be served following Music of the Ages.

5 150 th Anniversary Celebration Music of the Ages 7:00 p.m. at MABC Friday, May 17, 2013 A very special evening is planned with you in mind in celebration of the 150 th Anniversary of MABC. There will be various musical performers and a sing along with a mixture of music from 1863 (founding days of MABC) through the present day. A reception of desserts and beverages will be served following Music of the Ages. SUNDAY, May 19, 2013 PENTECOST TEACHER APPRECIATION and POTLUCK SUNDAY Our teaching staff will be recognized during the worship service. Potluck Sunday will be held following the worship service. It will be hosted by the Women s Society Team and the Pastoral Relations Team. Remember to wear RED to church in celebration of Pentecost. WHAT A DAY IT WILL BE! SCRAPBOOKING SATURDAY 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. May 18, 2013 If you have an interest in preserving photographs or treasured memorabilia, this may be an activity for you. Sally Egerer will be happy to answer any questions you may have. PENTECOST PASSION Nineteenth-century evangelist Dwight L. Moody was walking down a New York City street, thinking about a sentence he d heard: The world has yet to see what God can do with a man who is wholly yielded to him. Suddenly Moody felt a great yearning and cried out, O God, make me that man! He was so overwhelmed with God s love and with heartfelt passion to reach lost people that he had to stop at a friend s house to rest. In Birth of the Body, Ray Stedman says this is what Luke is talking about when he describes the events of Pentecost. When John the Baptist predicted that Jesus would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, he meant that there would be an unexplainable passion about the church. As we feel the Pentecost passion, let s yield ourselves wholly to God and see what he does with us! Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013 Remember to wear RED in celebration of this special day.

Beginning June 16 we have 11 Sundays to fill with special music. Whether you sing, play an instrument or both, your talent will be greatly appreciated.

6 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES Newsletter articles for the June issue of The Beacon Newsletter are due in the church office by May 21 st. This is an excellent way to make things known to the church as a whole. Linda will be happy to help you write your article if you so desire. SUMMER MUSIC SIGN-UP MABC needs your help this summer. If you are interested in showcasing your musical talent, now is the time. Beginning June 16 we have 11 Sundays to fill with special music. Whether you sing, play an instrument or both, your talent will be greatly appreciated. There will be a sign up sheet on the board in the music room. Just put your name in any Sunday that is available. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to me after church, send an to rickertmusic@gmail.com, or give me a call at Thank you. John Rickert, Music Director EXPANDING HORIZONS, ONE FOOT AT A TIME My 8-year-old often likes to wear the pants of one outfit with the shirt of another. I want these socks today! he proclaims, holding up a white and a black. When I offer the stray black one I spot on the couch, he insists, No! I like things different! What about us in the world in the church? Studies show that people tend to live near others like them. Many congregations consist predominantly of one ethnicity. We gravitate toward people who share our marital status, profession, values and views. Sometimes this is sensible, but often it limits our growth and horizons. For a tux-clad ring bearer, matching socks are best. But when socks only purpose is keeping feet warm at school, where my youngster feels at home and each child s uniqueness is celebrated, I embrace his nonconformity and that of his socks. Would that we all appreciate diversity as much! -Heidi Mann GRADUATE SUNDAY We will honor our graduates on Sunday, June 2, during the worship service. If you will be graduating this year, please contact Sarah Egerer, Christian Education Team Chair. MEMORIAL DAY Please note the church office will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2013 in observance of Memorial Day. BIBLE QUIZ According to one account of Jesus ascension, commonly called the Great Commission, he told the disciples to do several things. Which of the following was not part of Jesus instructions? A. Make disciples B. Perform miracles C. Teach D. Baptize Answer can be found on the calendar page.

7 MICHIGAN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH The Reverend Laura Lee Strawser 203 S. Michigan Avenue Saginaw, Michigan Church Office: (989) Website: th Anniversary Celebration Music of the Ages 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 17 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Scholarship Apps. due 12 Mother s Day 6 6:15 p.m. Bible Study 13 6:15 p.m. Bible Study Rehearsals 7 8 Rehearsals Rehearsals :00 p.m. Church Council Mtg :00 a.m. Men s Breakfast 17 7:00 p.m. 150 th Anniv. MUSIC OF THE AGES :00 a.m. Scrapbooking 6:15 p.m. Bible Study (office closed) Memorial Day 6:15 p.m. Bible Study Newsletter articles due Rehearsals Rehearsals Sunday, May 19, 2013 Pentecost Sunday (remember to wear RED) Teacher Appreciation Sunday Potluck Sunday Sundays at MABC 9:30 a.m. Church School 10:45 a.m. Worship Service 12:00 p.m. Fellowship WEDNESDAY REHEARSALS 6:30 p.m., Belle Aire Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m., Latham Burrows Choir Rehearsal Answer to Bible quiz: Answer B (See Matthew 28:19-20).

8 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! MAY BIRTHDAYS 02 George Most 06 Diana Lemmer 06 James Garn 11 Dakota Casey 12 Samantha Smith 14 Sandra Ellsworth 14 Michael Casey 20 Albert Moore 20 Sharlene Hamilton 22 Jessica Bell 26 Jackie Anjakos 30 Jan Wheeler 30 Bill Larkin If your birthday has not been listed, please contact the church office at (989) with your birth date. We d like to wish everybody a Happy Birthday during their birthday month. Please contact the church office should you have a change of address. We want to keep our records current. Thank you.

AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 203 S.

AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 203 S. OUR STAFF Transitional Pastor: Reverend Nikey Keels Director of Music: John Rickert Organist: Jeremy Reis Administrative Assistant: Linda Wieferich Caretaker, Al Ferrell Nursery Attendant: Sarah Egerer