P I T T S B O R O B A P T I S T C H U R C H THE PASTOR S DESK Volume 62, Issue 6 June 2018 Dear Family, The Spiral - Keeping the people informed There has been a lot of talk about prayer around PBC lately. Some of you have accepted the challenge to wake up early and spend time with the Lord in prayer. Thank you for your calls, texts and conversations testifying to how the God who hears and answers prayers is working in your life. My encouragement to you is to persist. Do not stop. Continue asking, seeking, knocking and you will find the King of Creation transforming you, using you and blessing you in surprising ways. In fact, when we persist in prayer it is not long before we find ourselves asking, Why haven t I been doing this all along? Why have I waited so long to really learn to pray? Well, there are several reasons why believers don t pray or stop praying. E.M. Bounds offers this insight: First, we are too busy doing other things. We allow the activities of life to crowd out prayer. Bounds says, He who is too busy to pray is too busy to live a holy life. We allow other activities to choke out prayer. It starts by hurrying through our prayer time, thinking that we have more important things to do. It s not long before we begin to pray less often. Finally, prayer is crowded into a corner and depends on fragments of time for its exercise. Its value depreciates. By this point, it has lost its importance. It no longer commands respect or brings any benefit. If that has been your experience, it s not too late to begin again. I encourage you to set a high value on prayer, to see it as the most important thing you do all day. When we start each day asking for God s guidance, direction and power, it absolutely changes our lives. We begin to see the truth that prayer is the most important thing that we do all day and that all we do the rest of the day is living life in preparation for the prayer closet. (Continue on next page)
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPL E INFORMED Page 2 THE PASTOR S DESK CONT. The fact is that our time in prayer reveals our level of love for God. We make time for the ones we love. How can we claim that God is our number one love and priority when He doesn t even get 1/10 of the devoted attention that our smart phones and TV s receive? Let these powerful words from Bounds soak in: The spirit of prayer should rule our spirit and our conduct. The spirit of the prayer chamber must control our lives, or that hour in the prayer closet will be dull and soundless. Always praying in our spirits, always acting in the spirit of praying these make our praying strong. The spirit of every moment is that which imparts a string to the communion of the prayer closet. It is what we are outside of the prayer closet that gives victory or brings defeat to the prayer closet. If the spirit of the world prevails and are noncloset hours, the spirit of the world will prevail in our closet hours, and that will be a vain and idle force. We must live for God out of the prayer closet if we want to meet God in the prayer closet. We must bless God with praying lives if we want to have God s blessing in the prayer closet. We must do God s will in our lives if we want to have God s ear in the prayer closet. We must listen to God s voice in public if we want God to listen to our voice in private. God must have our hearts out of the prayer closet if we want to have God s presence in the prayer closet. There is no way of praying to God, except by living to God. The prayer closet is not a confessional, simply, but the hour of holy Communion, of high and sweet communication, and intense intercession. (Bounds, 73) I encourage you to block out an hour or more each morning for prayer. Begin by praying, Lord, teach me to pray. Open God s Word and begin reading and praying Scripture back to God on behalf of others and yourself. If you persist, you ll grow and you ll begin to see God working around you, as well as in you, in surprising ways. In Christ, Pastor Tripp E.M. Bounds, On Prayer. Whitaker House, 1997.
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 3 The Art of Marriage- Rescheduled for September The marriage retreat for Pittsboro Baptist Church couples to be held in May, has been rescheduled for September 28-30. Those of you who had calendar conflicts, now have another opportunity for a mountain get-away to refresh, reflect, and refocus on each other and God s will in your marriage. The Art of Marriage, facilitated by Paul and Julie LoRusso, portrays both the challenges and beauty of God s design for marriage by weaving together expert teaching, real-life stories, and humorous vignettes. The cost is $360 per couple which includes two nights lodging and four meals. A $100 deposit is due by August 26. The retreat, to be held at Ridgecrest, will begin the evening of Friday, September 28, then conclude at lunch, Sunday, September 30. If you are interested in participating, please contact Paul LoRusso by email: paul@jilcpa.com or pbccontactus@gmail.com or telephone 252.292.2001. During Preschool sessions, Ministry Assistant, Pam Romel is working in the Church building for Preschool from 8am Noon. Then she switches hats from Noon-4pm and works downstairs in the Church Office. During the summer days when Preschool is not in session, Pam will work from 9am-1pm. You can always call the Church Office during those hours or you can leave a message at extension 101 and she will get back to you as soon as possible or you can email her at pbccontactus@gmail.com
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 4 The song you know, the story you don t I CAN ONLY IMAGINE An Erwin Brothers Film Movie Night at PBC Sponsored by LIFE group When: Wednesday August 8 th at 6:30pm Where: Sanctuary Who: You and all your friends and family (Kids 1 st grade and under will have a separate movie) Snacks: Popcorn and water Join us for dessert in the Fellowship Hall following the movie
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 5 JOIN US FOR SUMMER LIFE GROUP Killin It by Andy Stanley There s something that rises up in each of us. It keeps us from apologizing, admitting we re wrong, or showing weakness. It keeps us from forgiving. It causes us to lie about our pasts, to cheat instead of lose, and to feel happy when someone else fails. It stands in the way not only of our relationships with other people, but our relationship with God. What is this thing and how do we kill it? Come find out this summer! When: Wednesdays starting July 18 th ending August 1st at 6:30pm (Add August 8th to your calendar - Special movie night!) Where: Sanctuary How to get involved: Sign up at the back table after church or sign up on realm connect via the PBC website. Child care: YES! Dessert & Fellowship? Is that really even a question? Of course! (Sign up will be available at the back table and on the 18 th if you would like to help by bringing a dessert)
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 6 To My Church Family, Kathy, Kristin, and I would like to express our thanks and gratitude for the generous outpouring of cards, calls, and prayers over the recent loss of my father, Glen Shaffer. Your thoughts and prayers were very welcome and comforting and showed what a loving church family we are part of. Thank you. Karl Shaffer
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 7 By Jennifer Cashion, Children s Minister Jennifer.H.Cashion@gmail.com Important dates to remember June 10 VBS Outreach @ 3pm June 10 VBS Volunteer Meeting @ 3:30pm June 24 VBS Volunteer Meeting @ 3:30pm June 24 Prayer Walk @ 4:30pm July 1 VBS Wrap Up Celebration during Worship July 8 JD s Outing at Jelly Beans @ 5pm July 18 Life Group -Kids in the Children s Chapel @ 6:30pm July 25 Life Group -Kids in the Children s Chapel @ 6:30pm July 29 JD s Outing at Frankie s Fun Park @ 5pm August 1 Life Group- Kids in the Children s Chapel @6:30pm August 8 Life Group -Kids in the Children s Chapel @6:30pm August 12 JD s Ice Cream & Donut Party in the Children s Chapel @ 5pm August 26 JD s back to school pool party @ 5pm, where TBD
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 8 Game On! Read On! Still Time to Sign-up! Game On! Read On! The PBC Library s 2018 Summer Reading program officially began June 1, but participants can start anytime between June1 and August 5. The program is not a competition but an incentive to keep children reading during the school summer break. Stop by the PBC Library this Sunday and tell the librarian you want to sign-up your child / grandchild/ significant child-in-your life. It is for children who just completed sixth grade on down to preschoolers. Adults reading to a child, any age, counts towards the goals. READ ON! Congratulations to the Parents and Babies that were dedicated on May 13, 2018 Paisleigh Grace Dietrich Parents, Eric & Brenna Dietrich Natalie Paige Harshman Parents, John & Melissa Harshman Kenzie Elizabeth Stelly Parents, Justen & Nicole Stelly
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 9 1 Lincoln Thomas 3 Geraldine Howard 4 Frank & Evonne Jurius Barbara Daniel 5 Chad Lambert Brandon Glosson Hunter Glosson 6 Tripp Harmon Betty Jean Hinton Jonathan & Melissa Harshman 7 Cindy Springle Greg Springle Hope Clark 10 Doug & Hope Clark Todd Walton 11 Glenda Dixon 12 Noah Lambert Jennifer O Connell 13 Stuart & Debra Lasater 14 Melissa O Neill 16 John Adams Munro Parker 17 Jessica Lipofski 18 John Hancock 20 Dorothy Braxton Peggy Newton Scott Scheffler 21 Luke Martin Kayla Runyan 22 Randall & Robyn Rhyne Mel Harmon 24 Anna Parrish 25 Kenzie Fassinger 30 Danny & Diane Braswell Pastor Tripp has challenged us to a new goal of $8,000 until June for the Annie Armstrong offering. Thanks to your generosity, to date we have received $6,850.
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 10 Ushers Ken Haynes, Jimmy Davis, Jimmy Griffin, Percy Crutchfield Greeters Jay & Judy Beaver Geraldine Howard June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 Amy Harmon & Karlie Wiggins Tara Smith & Jeremy Smith Roderick Parker & Katherine Parker Aaron Kivette & Kelly Kivette Beth Parker & Jen Gunter Christian Batcheller & Ashley Batcheller Jennifer Davis & Jackson Davis Ken Haynes & Erica Melton June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 Chad Lambert & Jill Lambert Rich Trogden & Christine Trogden Jenice Walton & Jennifer Cashion Jo Lynn Perry & Carole Sanders
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 11 Summer, a time to relax and do something enjoyable. All you need is a body of water ( pool, lake, river, ocean), a chair, and a book. Let your PBC Library supply the book. We have every genre of fiction, all for your reading pleasure and lots of non-fiction for your edification. Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti Sleepy little Bacon's Corner seems like a picture-perfect farming community. But appearances can be deceiving. An attempted murder, a case of mistaken identity, and a ruthless lawsuit against a Christian school are tearing the town apart as angels and demons battle for victory---and the soul of young loner Sally Beth Roe. (copied from amazon.com) Julia s Last Hope by Janette Oke No one in the small lumber town of Calder Springs, tucked away in the remote setting of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, was prepared for the news. When the men of the village left for another day of work at the lumber mill, they did not know their lives would be dramatically changed. But without warning the mill closing was announced. The local timber supply was gone, and the harsh reality was that no mill would open to replace what was lost. Without the lumber industry, the town would die--they had seen it happen before... No jobs, no future, and worthless homes on their hands. The best anyone can hope for is to relocate and start over. John and Julia Harrigan had lived a tranquil, prosperous life in Calder Springs. The death of the town involves John's work, their lovely home and a bright future for their daughters. Raised in the East and educated in a fine school, Julia Harrigan seemed an unlikely candidate to change the grim reality. But by the grace of God and for the sake of John and her children, Julia decides they must find a way to save the town and home they love. Join Julia in discovering new depths of faith and hope in God. (copied from penguinrandomhouse.com) (continued on next page)
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 12 Starting Now by Debbie Macomber For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She s been let go and must rebuild her entire life... starting now. With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweetnatured shop owner; Lydia s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby s future in surprising and profound ways. As A Good Yarn becomes a second home and the women a new kind of family Libby relishes the different person she s become. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love. (copied from amazon.com) June Schedule 9-9:30a.m. 10-10:30a.m. June 3 Judy Beaver Barbara Jones June 10 Cindy Springle Susie Griffin June 17 Kathy Shaffer Kathy Shaffer June 24 Susie Griffin Roderick Parker
June A prayer for families Heavenly Father, we come as your children to praise you for putting us into families. Thank you for the love and nourishment we ve received and been blessed to give. We confess our need for your daily forgiveness and guidance in our families. Please grant harmony in our homes and help us always show respect and love for one another. In Jesus name. Amen 2018 Life is at work in you. 2 Corinthians 4:12 NIV Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3pm - Praise Team 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Graduation for Seniors 5pm 1 Way Choir 5pm Kidz of Faith 6pm Youth Meeting 9:30 Staff Mtg 10:30-3L s Mtg Jubilee Singing Coverdish 10am Prayer Quilt 6:30pm Senior Choir 7pm Adult Choir Ballot for Deacon Seek worship band 3pm VBS Outreach 3:30pm VBS volunteer Meeting 5pm Kidz of Faith 6pm Deacon s Mtg 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9:30 Staff Mtg 7pm Property Mgmt meeting 10am Prayer Quilt 3pm Praise Team 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 5pm 1 Way Choir 5pm Kidz of Faith No Children s church 9:30 Staff Mtg 11:30 Lunch Break Missions 10am Prayer Quilt 6:30pm Senior Chori 7pm Adult Choir 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 John Hill Preaching 3:30pm VBS Volunteer Meeting 4:30pm Prayer walk 5pm Kidz of Faith 9:30 Staff Mtg 10am Prayer Quilt
THE SPIRAL - KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED Page 14