June 2014 enewsletter Pastor s Ponders By Dr. Dennis J. Brunet I thank the Lord Jesus for the opportunity to minister among you. Your love for the Savior overflows onto my family and all who attend Midway. Jesus declared that by your love for one another would all men know that you are His disciples. I praise God for your testimony of love in this community. We live in a very transit area. Most who move in stay a few years and then move on. This reality can make for a lonely life and that s why its so important to express love and make friends quickly. To help, we have declared June to be Family of Families month at Midway. Together, we celebrate the new life we have with our Heavenly Father and with one another. Here is how it works. Each Sunday evening in June (except Father s Day), we return to Midway for June an old time picnic celebration. Fun, friends and lots of celebratory eating. Our picnics are a great time no matter what your age. This summer is slam full of great ministry opportunities. Be sure to check out the summer calendar. I cannot express thanks enough to the army of volunteers who make it all possible through your faithfulness, love and amazing energy. One last word. June 2014 marks the five year anniversary of Bro. Peter serving at Midway. The Lord truly blessed us all when He sent Bro. Pete and his family our way. Be sure to share your love and appreciation to him and his family. Never forget you are loved Bro. Dennis MBC Issue #8 Basketball Camp June 9-13 Family VBS June 23-26 6:30pm - 8:00pm Pg 4 Youth & Adult Volleyball Pg 4
Discipleship By Bro. Pete Belmain Dis ci ples (di sī pǝls): Men, women, boys and girls committed to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and growing daily in their knowledge, love, and service to Him. Can you believe the month of June is already upon us. Our mild Spring has given way to the warmer temperatures of Summer and, not surprisingly, things are heating up at Midway as well! From Vacation Bible School to our Family of Families Celebrations, there are countless ways for you to get plugged-in to both learn and serve. Check the church website and Facebook page frequently for updated information on our awesome discipleship opportunities. With the business of the Summer it is easy to put our spiritual development on hold...don T DO IT! Capitalize on the spiritual gains you have already made this year by purposing to faithfully attend, serve and give. Specifically, would you prayerfully consider plugging into one of our Sunday School Small Groups? Take a moment to read about these awesome, life-changing groups. Why Do I Need To Be In A Sunday School Small Group? At Midway Baptist we believe that involvement in a Sunday School Small Group and connecting with other believers is critical to one s spiritual growth. This is why we encourage everyone to find their place in a Sunday School class. For this reason we provide meaningful, practical, and age-appropriate classes for all ages from infants to adults, which meet throughout our campus every Sunday Morning at 9:30 am. What are the goals of our Small Groups? Our Small Groups have three important goals: We sum the goals up in three tasks: reaching people for Bible study, teaching people God s Word and ministering to people s needs. All of our groups are organized to reach more people for life-changing Bible Study, to teach the Bible clearly and accurately, and to minister to each other through hands-on helping and prayer. Small Groups aid the discipleship process by serving as the fundamental beginning place for involving adults in doing the work of the Great Commission. It is an entry point for guests and is foundational for church members to mature as they study God s Word and learn to serve. Are Small Groups the best place to meet people? Yes! Midway Baptist is a large church, so new people often ask, How do I get to know other people? Our answer is, Small Groups. Our Sunday School Small Groups are the place to make new friends and find spiritual and personal support for everyday life. Groups meet weekly for Bible study and build ongoing relationships with church members and guests. What do you study in Small Groups? The primary focus of study is the Bible. We use a standard curriculum Dr. Jerry Vines Ministries, but we also use other resources with the primary goal of accelerated spiritual development for all learners. This is accomplished through ongoing small-group study as well as personal Bible study with the purpose of guiding adults toward conversion, maturity, and ministry. As you can see, our Small Groups are the life-blood of Midway. If you ve never been part of a Small Group or its been a while since you ve attended, don t put it off another week. If you attend faithfully then find someone to invite! Midway s discipleship ministries are here to help you develop the traits of authentic Christianity. All you need to do is COME, CONNECT, and GROW! For More Information Minister of Discipleship and Evangelism Bro. Pete Belmain pbelmain@midwaybaptist.org Follow on Twitter @erbelmain Adult Sunday School - Get Connected Sunday Morning at 9:30am. Summer brings vacations and bar-b-cues and all sorts of fun. It also brings a new year in Sunday school, as we promote the kids to classes corresponding to the grade they will enter in the fall. Adults and youth are continuing studies in Acts through the summer. Our kids begin a new Answers in Genesis curriculum this summer that we are really excited about. Come join a class today. If you re not sure where to go, just meet by the Sunday School banner in the FLC lobby just before 9:30 and someone will help you to a class jsut for you! Page 2
Men s Ministry Mighty Men of Midway! We are taking a break in June from our weekly Bible study, but that doesn t mean its time to take a break from church! Use the month of June as a time to get yourself and your family plugged into the awesome ministries of Midway Baptist! Look for an opportunity to serve, whether you help setup or tear down from one of our Family of Families Celebrations or help out with our upcoming Vacation Bible School, there are multiple places you can model servant leadership. Women s Ministry Don t miss this months exciting opportunities to fellowship and make new friends. Knitting Hearts: June 3 @ 6:30pm in the FLC Lobby. An opportunity for ladies 18 to 35 to make friends and fellowship. For more information or childcare needs. contact Doozie Bosak at mediadirector@midwaybaptist.org. Ladies Fellowship: Next Fellowship is June 27 @ 6:30pm. Please bring finger foods! Child-care will be provided upon request for age 12 and under. Please contact Erin Belmain (939-7642) if you need child-care. Young Singles Ministry After Hours Fellowship Thursday, June 26 Food, games, and fun after VBS and hang with the yougn singles from Tennessee. Music Ministry Choir: Wasn t it a blessing to see and hear our kids singing to the Lord this Easter? They did a great job, I m sure you ll agree. Moving into summer it s a good time to make use of your abilities and join the choir! We have openings in all voice parts, and you don t even have to know how to read music we ll teach you! Come use Page 3 Adult Ministries Get Involved and Grow in the Lord! Find the ministry opportunity that is right for you! Senior Adult Ministry Calling all senior saints! Our in-depth study of the Book of John is on hold for the month of June. We will meet the first Wed. morning in June (June 4), share a time of Bible study, fellowship and food, and then take a break for a few weeks. Don t worry, you can make up the time by attending our Family of Families Celebrations every Sunday. Life Change Institute We hope you enjoyed the classes from our recent Life Change Institute (LCI). Remember, we will be offering these same courses when LCI resumes in the summer so you can attend one of the classes you missed! your abilities for the Lord s glory! We practice Wednesday evenings at 7:45. Hope to see you there! Praise Band: Midway members, do you play an instrument? Can you read and play from a chord chart? Do you have a desire to use your talents for the Lord? Talk with Bro. Greg if you d like to be part of this worship leadership team.
Calendar Highlights Wednesday Nights 6:30pm in the FLC 6th - 12th Grade 1pm - 3pm Children Ages 5 & Up Open Gym is an adult supervised event of organized games. Youth & Adult Volleyball 6:30pm - 8:00pm For More Information Minister of Students Bro. Andrew Bosak 850-932-6549 abosak@midwaybaptist.org Facebook Jesus Alive in Me Youth Ministy By Bro. Andrew Bosak It is hard to believe but summer is here! It s a special time, especially in Florida where two things inevitably show up; heat and humidity. Along side the humidity, the youth group is on the rise. With volleyball nights, water nights, celebrations, Camp and the Mission Trip, it s going to be a busy summer. A couple questions for you; where will you be this summer? Will you be as constant as the temperature? Just like the humidity, we will be saturated, immersing ourselves in the Word of God, fellowship, and fun. Can we count on you to be here? We know what happens with the weather, what will happen with you? Mission Trip Information Why should your teen come? Mission trips are an integral part of the vision for the youth group at Midway Baptist Church. Our desire is to not only understand God s perfect Word but apply it practically to our lives. Practical application is what the mission trip is all about. The Bible teaches every believer to love, serve, and share the Gospel with people who so desperately need it. On the mission trip we Page 4 learn how to selflessly accomplish these goals in an environment of encouragement. The teens realize that joy and fulfillment are not found in the fleeting things this world has to offer and the promises of God become a reality when His plan becomes our priority in furthering His Kingdom. The mission trip is for teens who are currently in 8th-12th grade (2013-2014 school year). While the 6th and 7th graders are an extremely important part of the youth group we have found that the greatest impact is on the older teens in the youth group. If you have any questions or concerns please don t hesitate to call or e-mail me. 932-6549 or abosak@ midwaybaptist.org. I urge you to send your teen on the mission trip!
Sunday Morning KIDZ CHURCH is awesome! Midway s 1st-5th graders are enjoying a special time of worship, fellowship, and Bible study most Sundays in June. KIDZ Church is offered during both the 8 and 10:30am Sunday services so there is a perfect time for your child to attend. In June, we complete our study of Daniel and begin an awesome look at the return of the nations of Judah and Israel from exile. We encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors so their kids too can hear the good news of the Gospel. Remember to register your child in the Education Bldg. atrium prior to the 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Worship Service. If you are a member of Midway and are interested in serving in KIDZ Church please contact Brother Pete Belmain at 850-932-6549. NOTE: There is no KIDZ Church, June 1 (Family of Families Kickoff) or June 15 (Father s Day) as we will be worshipping together. Please have your 1st-5th grade child attend with you the worship service of your choice on these days. Your newborn - 2 year old children will love our nursery and so will you! An educational and engaging place, our nursery is safe and staffed by loving workers who will care for your child as their own. The nursery opens each Sunday at 7:45 a.m. and on Wednesday nights at 6:15 p.m. Are you interested in serving in this great ministry? Contact Ms. Karen Pyle for more information. Our Sunday morning ministry for kids age 3-K rocks! Kingdom Kidz is designed to help children learn how much Jesus loves them and wants them to know Him! Parents enjoy a distraction free time of worship knowing their children are enjoying a biblically-based, well-planned, and memorable lesson designed just for them. In June, we continue learning about Jesus earthly ministry, the parables and of His incredible miracles. Please register your children in Room 101 of the Education Bldg. prior to the 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Worship Service. Adult members are needed to serve so please call Ms. Erin Belmain, 850-939-7642, for more information on this awesome ministry. Did you know there is a small group Sunday School just the right size for your child? Here they can meet new friends while learning about the love of the Lord. All classes begin at 9:30 a.m. Visit the Welcome Center in the Family Life Center lobby for directions to your child s class. Page 5
Wednesday Night Our nursery is an educational and engaging place for newborns - 2 year old children. Bright, fun and lovingly staffed your child will be safe, secure and loved during the short time you are away. The nursery opens each Sunday at 7:45 a.m. and on Wednesday nights at 6:15 p.m. Are you interested in serving in this great ministry? Contact Ms. Karen Pyle for more information. Super Summer begins Wed. June 4! What does that mean you ask? It means we throttle down both Sparkplug and PowerSurge Kidz and power up some hot summer fun! With a different theme every Wed. night plus awesome activities and water fun nights, you and your kids will not want to miss! Our 3-K kids experience a wonderful time of playing, singing, exploring and discovering the joy of knowing Jesus Christ in a special place just for them. This loving ministry is designed to help children learn the truths of God s Word and to begin burying it in their hearts through Scripture memorization. In June, we continue learning Christ s teaching through the Parables. We guarantee that it is a time that will both educate and bless your child. Please register your children at the Super Summer classroom (Room 101) in the Education Bldg. from 6:15-6:30 p.m. If you are an adult member of Midway looking for a wonderful place to serve then Contact Erin Belmain to volunteer! There is also a high-energy ministry designed especially for your 1st-5th grader! Your child will love the awesome worship, fun Bible lessons and Scripture memorization as well as all the new friends they will meet! In June, our kids begin a new series entitled Greed versus Generosity. Mine! It s one of the first words kids learn, and it stems from the sinful desire each of us has to hoard every good thing for ourselves. This series demonstrates from the Bible why selfishness ends up costing us more than we could ever gain. Our kids will learn what generosity is, what forms it can take, and why generosity toward others and toward God brings greater blessings than we could ever acquire on our own. Register your child at the Super Summer Desk in the Education Bldg. atrium from 6:15-6:30 p.m. If you are an adult member of Midway and are interested in serving in this dynamic ministry contact Bro. Pete Belmain at 850-932-6549. Schedule for June June 4 - Super Summer Kickoff--Water Night: Dress in a swimsuit, T-shirt, and water shoes. Bring a towel! June 11 - Fan Night: Dress in the colors/jersey of your favorite sports team. June 18 - Pet Potato Night: Decorate a potato at home as something zany and bring it for judging. June 25 - Family Vacation Bible School--No Super Summer Activities Page 6
Church Family New Members Are you still handing out your Truelife cards? Remember, these cards are a great and easy way to share the Gospel and at the same time invite people to church. Don t worry about handing out too many cards...its impossible! You can pick up extra cards in your small group Sunday School classroom, the Family Life Center Welcome Center or in the Small Chapel atrium. See Bro. Pete Belmain with any questions or to share a testimony from your recent experiences. April - Greg Egenberger - Sandy Lee May - Barbara Alherimi - Rick and Kim Davis and son Peyton - Lee Tyrone Month in June Sunday Nights in June starting @ 6pm Praise Worship Fellowship Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays 1 Deanna Smotherman 3 Dave DeBlander, Edwin Rodriguez, Maverick Davis, Andraya Roberts 5 Nathaniel Roberts 7 Paola Navedo 8 Pat Tate 10..Bryce Hemphill 12..Steffie Boucher, Laura Smith 13..Karalyne Stacey 14..Natalie Belmain, Earl Williamson, Joe Livingston 15..Louanne Page 20..Frank Hinkofer 23..Dennis Brunet 24..Erin Belmain 25..Michael Gunter, Mac Humphrey 26..Josh Sands, Don Livingston, Dawn Heffelfinger 27..Bethany Chaffee 30..Margie Mochel, Jim Sperandio Anniversaries 5 Jeff and Laura Smith 10..Lee and Gerre Lynne Tyrone Page 7 11..Clyde and Ruby Keller 14..Xavier and Veronica Nicholson 18..Mike and Brenda Gunter 19..Bill and Shirley Belmear Andrew and Doozie Bosak 21.Dave and Kate DeBlander 23.Mark and Melinda Schmittou 24.Jeff and Jenn Sutton 25.Bill and Sandy Twietmeyer 26.Skip and Flora Dugger 27.Don and Shelley Livingston Naim and Barbara Alherimi 28.David and Cheryl Burkhardt 29.Bill and Alma Early