THE JOYBELL David and Diane Libbey, Editors (508) 839-2561 April 2015 Message from Pastor Phil In a few days we ll celebrate the greatest Christian holiday Easter. With joy we will sing favorite hymns Up from the Grave He Arose and rejoice in Jesus Christ s victory over the grave thanks to His heavenly Father. Then what? I recently heard of the title of what must be a wonderful book; Phillip Yancey s, Vanishing Grace: Whatever Happened to the Good News? As we move from the Lenten season to the Easter season, that title/question is something we need to ponder. How do we convey to our world that we are Christians; do we give the world any reason to believe that we are followers of Jesus Christ; how do we convey to our world the good news? If we believe, thanks to Jesus, we are freed from our sins and eternal death, then having been freed from that, what are we now free to do if not to share the incredible good news we have found thanks to our risen Savior? No one can doubt our world is desperate to hear good news; you rarely find good news in a newspaper or on the TV. You do hear good news thanks to loved ones and friends. Though the Easter season will end with the celebration of Pentecost, may you and I live every day as an Easter day sharing with our loved ones, friends and those we meet along life s way, the Good News because you and I know that good news is certainly worth sharing! Peace and Joy, Pastor Phil The Baptist Church of Grafton An American Baptist Church Pastor Philip D. Goff (508) 839-4911 Church Office (508) 839-1720 Parsonage www.thebaptistchurchofgrafton.org
Diaconate News Our church will be having its traditional Maundy Thursday Service on April 2. Several members of the congregation will be participating. Communion will be served at this service. There will be no Communion Service on Easter Sunday. Other Holy Week services are noted below. Please mark you calendar and plan to attend. The Deacons are coordinating the purchase of Easter Lilies for the sanctuary for Easter Sunday. The Right Hand of Fellowship will be given to five new members on Easter Sunday also. Garfield will be following up with Barry Turley as well as another organ repair person suggested by Peter Ballantyne. We hope that the noises from the organ can be fixed. Meredith Christian suggested a possible fix using sound technology. The Sound System Committee approached the Deacons about moving to Phase 2 of the sound system update. At present money from the Memorial Fund has been set aside for furnace repair as well as organ repairs. Funding for further sound system upgrades will depend on funds remaining after those two issues are resolved. Important Dates for Holy Week We invite you to attend and find special meaning in these services: April 2 Maundy Thursday Service 7 pm in our Sanctuary April 3 Good Friday Worship Service at Noon at St. Andrews April 5 Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 on the Common followed by Boy Scout Troop 107 Breakfast at the Congregational Church. [Free will offering with proceeds to go to scout camp program.] April 5 Easter Morning Worship Service at 10 am in our Sanctuary. Mission Committee News The Mission Committee voted to send $50 to Together We Can-Grafton and $50 to Kathy Charland for our 2014 donation to her Mission Work in Zambia, Africa. The January Retired Ministers and Missionary Offering was totaled $404. Our designated offering for February was the Church World Services Blanket Offering which was extended into March due to February s bad weather. We have received $256. The America for Christ Offering will be collected in April. Pat Knowlton will be hosting the Spring American Baptist Women, Massachusetts Central Association Breakfast at our church on April 11.She came to our 2
meeting to let us know how we can help her. The Committee plans to help with set-up on April 10 and will attend the Breakfast. Equal Exchange Table: Dot Fox, Director of Sales, and Garfield Atchue, Director of Supplies, reported the table will be available for sales March 15 and April 19, with a good supply of coffee, tea, cocoa chocolate bars and nuts. Love Gift Offerings: Garfield Atchue was not able to attend this meeting so we will be sure to remember to bring in our Boxes next month. Seafarers Friend Mission Project: The collection box for Seafarers is in place to receive donations on the Mission table in RFH. Thank you to everyone who donates to this worthy cause. Road Trip!! Icons are among the more ancient traditions of the Eastern Church, the orthodox churches. We are blessed to have nearby in Clinton one of the finest icon museums on earth. Pastor Phil is planning a trip to the museum on Saturday, May 2 in the morning. Following the tour, we ll have lunch at the nearby Old Timers Restaurant. If ten or more attend, the cost of the museum tour will be $5. If you would like to be among the group, please speak with Pastor Phil. Christian Education happenings: Christian Education News Campership Breakfast happened on March 22, a nice warm sunny day. Our 20 sign-ups turned into about 60 people who ate breakfast casseroles, pancakes hot off the grill, juice, sausages, a variety of breads, coffee and tea. It was a noisy affair filled with laughter and good fellowship. The Christian Ed committee thanks everyone who bakes, cooked or cleaned up the kitchen. Without your help it never would have been this great success. A total of $500 was raised for camperships!! Youth Sunday was also March 22. Our youth participated in the service, greeting people as they arrived, collecting offering and doing several of the readings and prayers. Fred Mathieu, the program director for Grotonwood, brought the message. He was an engaging speaker who shared his journey from high school counselor at Grotonwood to full time worker and the way that God has moved in his life. 3
Grotonwood/Ocenwood update o Spring Awakening is April 24-26. Jay Keith has agreed to be the male chaperone for our kids Currently there are 7 kids going Youth 4 Christ has raised $250 toward the cost and will be selling cookies to add to the kitty. They will be sold after church on Youth Sunday, Palm Sunday and on Laymen s Sunday. o Emily Christian and Bella Grant have applied for the Leadership Development Program. This is a training program which is a five week camp. The cost is approximately $750 for each camper. The Valentine Youth Leadership Fund will be used to help cover the costs for these campers o The Robert Family is going to Oceanwood to participate in Family Work Weekend. Indoor Yard Sale will be on May 9. All campers and their families are asked to help during set up, the day of the sale and clean-up. The money from the sale will be used to send our kids to camp. Bible Study is working on the Book of Haggai. Youth 4 Christ will be doing a church clean-up day during April vacation as they will be at the Spring Awakening the day of the All Church Cleanup. Indoor Yard Sale Campership Fund Raiser! The Annual Indoor Yard Sale Campership Fund Raiser will be held on May 9, from 9 am to 2 pm. Here s the key information that you need to know: Volunteers are needed for set-up May 3 (after church), May 7 (6-8pm) and 8 (9am-3pm, 6-8pm). Volunteers are needed at the sale on Saturday and for cleaning up after the sale. We welcome donations of new or like-new household items and clothing. Items brought on April 3 and later can be stored in the nursery area. Check your closets, your storage areas, your basement and attic for items that can help send our campers to Grotonwood/Oceanwood or Boy or Girl Scout Camp for a wonderful week of Christian camping. Please remember that we cannot take computers, monitors, TVs. Please check with us about other electronic devices. 4
Additional areas for your shopping convenience Unique Clothing Boutique better gently used clothing Unique Craft Boutique crafting supplies, yarn, fabric, quilting notions etc. Don t forget to stop by for a mouthwatering selection of goodies at the Bake Sale Table under the direction of the Mission Committee. Save space for a delicious luncheon made to order by our talented Mission Committee members. Finance Committee News The Finance Committee recently reported to the Board on Operating income and expenses. These are the revenues and costs of operating the church. The amounts below are for January and February combined: Year to Date Operating Income as of February 28 Actual Budget Difference $18,150 $14,917 +$3,233 Income is ahead of plan because we recently received a large unexpected pledge that was fully paid for the year. Otherwise, pledges and other income sources are behind plan, partly due to weather impacts (cancelled service, low attendance at services and suppers) during February. The Committee asks that we all remember that our operating costs continue regardless of the weather and take this opportunity to catch up with our giving plans. Year to date Operating Expenses as of February 28 Actual Budget Difference $17,554 $16,610 $944 Our expenses are over plan largely because of the high cost of snow removal during February. There are several other expense lines that are over plan in modest amounts while others are similarly under plan. Graduation Notes The Joybell likes to include the names of graduates in the June edition. If you have someone in your family who will be graduating from high school, college or other educational institution, please drop off information at the church office by May15 in order to be included in the June edition. 5
Langdon Scholarship Fund The Church has been grateful to be able to annually award THE BRUCE E. LANGDON SCHOLARSHIP. This fund was endowed a number of years ago by the Earle R. Langdon family in memory of their son Bruce. The award has been increased to $500. The scholarship will be open to members of our church and also to all other Grafton resident seniors. Preference will be given to graduates who are members of the church. Recipients are chosen by the minister and his designees. Any Grafton student attending an institution beyond high school may apply by May 1 through the church office.. Old Business: Property Committee Report Barry Keith will continue to investigate a replacement for D&R Roofing who did the last gutter work at the church New Business: Ramp is open and the icicles on the south side of the church appear to be gone. Fire extinguisher inspection was done on March 11. Three of the extinguishers were taken away to be recharged. Phil reported that the Parsonage water heater seems to be making noises. It is only 5 years old and should last longer than this. There are no apparent leaks. Donna Blanchard/Apple Tree Arts has approached the church about renting space two days a week to conduct lessons. She has asked to use the Sanctuary, is willing to pay rent and understands that no food or drink will be allowed. Phil offered to call and talk with her. He will also contact the Congregational Church to see what type of rental agreement they have with Apple Tree Arts. Barry Turley has been contacted about the organ squeal. Garfield feels that it might be leaking air and that the air pressure is low. Garfield will let the committee know when Barry can come and a delegation will be there to hear what he will propose as a solution. Discussion took place about the roof and the amount of icicles generated this year. Ideas to be investigated are cables to help melt the ice and prevent dams, ice melt pellets to be put on the roof to help melt the accumulated snow, etc. Rick the Roofer will be contacted to see what suggestions he and his company might have. 6
Phil suggested that the Church look into installing solar panels on the south side of the roof. Mike Christian mentioned that when the snow falls off his panels it comes in large sheets that, from our roof, might damage the ramp below. If panels are considered the church will need to discuss this with the Historical District Commission. Lay Leaders Sunday April 12 We will have a special worship service on April 12 as the men of our church lead us in worship. Barry Keith will be bringing the message to us. His Sermon will be entitled Faith and is based on Genesis 22:1-14 & Matthew 3:13-17. Please join us for the service. Scottish Afternoon Tea A little taste of Scotland is coming to the Baptist Church of Grafton in the form of Roma s Annual Scottish Afternoon Tea to be held on Saturday, April 18 at 3:30pm in Russell Hall. Pat Knowlton will be playing her harp during the tea to add to the elegant atmosphere. Gloves and hats are suggested for the fashionable attendees! Tickets are $12. Reservations are necessary for this popular event. At present there are more than 40 reservations on hand. Please sign up in RFH or call the Church office 508-839-4911 weekdays between 9:00 and 11:30am. Annual Women s Prayer Breakfast The Central Association annual Women s Prayer Breakfast will be held April 11 in our church. Registration will begin at 8:30. The breakfast will be served starting at 9:00 am; the suggested donation for breakfast is $6. Several of the women have been asked to make breakfast casseroles, muffins, fresh fruit, etc. The men of our church are being asked to help with the breakfast, serving the ladies from the breakfast buffet and then cleaning up so that the women can enjoy the entire program. Several teenagers have been asked to help clear the tables after the breakfast and to then join the women in Russell Fellowship Hall for the program. Following the breakfast, there will be time to browse the various tables such as the White Cross table, Love Gift table, Silent Auction table and that of our speakers for the morning. All tables will accept donations. Our President, Patt Downe, will then introduce our speakers, Calvin and Stephanie Greiner, who are coming 7
to us from Manheim, Pennsylvania. based on John 3:16. Their message is The Love of God, Patt always promises to have us on our way home by noon! Our committee hopes to have a good showing from our church as it always is a wonderful experience. There is a sign-up sheet below the clock in Russell Fellowship Hall. Important Dates for April 1 Wednesday ~ 10:00 Choir Rehearsal with Pat Knowlton 2 Thursday ~ 9:30 Prayer Time in the Sanctuary 3 Friday ~ 6:00-8:00 Girl Scouts with May Docekal 5 Sunday ~ Easter Sunday. 10:00 Worship Service to God s Glory, Sermon Overcome With Terror of Joy? based on Mark 16:1-8. Communion Sunday, Sunday School Classes for children and youth. Coffee Hour following worship. ~ 6:30-8:00 Venture Crew 1800 6 Monday ~ 7:00 Long Range Planning with Morgan King 7 Tuesday ~ 5:15-6:15 AA Reflections Group ~ 7:30 Bible Study with Pastor Phil 8 Wednesday ~ 10:00 Choir Rehearsal with Pat Knowlton 9 Thursday ~ 9:30 Prayer Time in the Sanctuary ~ 7:00 Property Committee with Barry Keith 11 Saturday ~ 8:30am Woman s Prayer Breakfast 12 Sunday ~ Layman s Sunday. 10:00 Worship Service to God s Glory, Sermon: Faith delivered by Barry Keith based on Genesis 22:1-14 & Matthew 3:13-17. Sunday School classes for children and youth, Coffee Hour following worship. 13 Monday ~ 10:00 Mission Committee with Dot Fox 14 Tuesday ~ 5:15-6:15 AA Reflections Group 15 Wednesday ~ 10:00 Choir Rehearsal with Pat Knowlton ~ 3:00 Crescent Manor Worship Service 16 Thursday ~ 9:30 Prayer Time in the Sanctuary ~ 7:30 Christian Education with Cathi Gandolfo 17 Friday ~ 6:00-8:00 Girl Scouts with May Docekal 18 Saturday ~ 5:30 Roma s Scottish Tea 19 Sunday ~ 10:00 am. Worship Service to God s Glory, Sermon: Peace Be With You based on Psalm 4 and Luke 24:36b-48. Coffee Fellowship following Worship. Equal Exchange Day ~ 6:30-8:00 Venture Crew 1800 20 Monday ~ 7:30 Board of Directors with Bert Engvall 8
21 Tuesday ~ 5:15-6:15 AA Reflections Group ~ 7:30 Bible Study with Pastor Phil 22 Wednesday ~ 10:00 Choir Rehearsal with Pat Knowlton 23 Thursday ~ 9:30 Prayer Time in the Sanctuary 25 Friday ~ Indoor Yard Sale 26 Sunday ~ 10:00 Worship Service to God s Glory, Sermon: He Knows Me based on Psalm 23 John 10:11-18. Coffee Hour following worship, Undie Sunday 27 Monday ~ 7:30 Deacons with Diane Libbey 28 Tuesday ~ 5:15-6:15 AA Reflections Group 29 Wednesday ~ 10:00 Choir Rehearsal with Pat Knowlton 30 Thursday ~ 9:30 Prayer Time in the Sanctuary Every Week in April Worship Service to God s Glory, 10:00am, with Childcare and Sunday School Classes for children in Nursery through High School. Church Family Fellowship Time with refreshments following the Worship Service. Deacons for the Month of April- Garfield Atchue and Diane Libbey Tellers for the Month of April - The King and Stochaj Families Church Office Hours are Monday Friday with the Church Secretary 9:00 am 11:30 am. The Pastor is in most mornings except Saturdays Theater Opportunity Awaits You Our own Emily Christian will be on stage at Grafton High School on April 9-12 in the Grafton High School production of Shrek The Musical. Watch the Grafton News for exact times and prices. Emily has been singing excerpts for us for several weeks now it sounds like a wonderfully funny production! Spring Cleanup Day at the Church Winter is over! The snow is going! The church needs some sprucing up! The Property Committee has planned an all-church clean-up day on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 am till we get done. We have a long list of projects, both inside and outside [weather permitting] that will ready the church building for spring. There s something for everyone to do, both young and old. The project list will be posted in Russell Fellowship Hall so people can sign up for particular tasks and bring the appropriate tools to accomplish the job. Otherwise, bring your favorite dusting, cleaning, pruning and raking equipment and plan to spend the day slav- 9
ing with your friends. Lunch will be served to all attendees, courtesy of the Property Committee. See you Easter Sunday! We will save a seat for you! 10