First Baptist Church West Hartford, Connecticut 06107 Dedicated to bringing Christian faith and Life together through Worship, Outreach, Education, and A Caring Community Vol. XXXV No 4 April 2014 1
The First Baptist Church, West Hartford, Connecticut An American Baptist Church Interim Minister Associate Minister Music Director Min. of Music Emeritus The Rev Erica Avena The Rev Jason Apicella Mindy Shilansky Mr. Bruce Hector 90 North Main Street West Hartford, CT 06107-1924 Church Office Hours Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Admin. Secretary Secretary Helen Michaels Charlene Arnold Facilities Manager William Albert (Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:00-12:00) Phone 860-521-9460 Email whfbc@yahoo.com www.http://fbcwesthartford.org The Focus is a monthly newsletter of First Baptist Church Editor Faith Geist Holy Week Services are listed on Page 4 & 5 Scholarships Available Page 7 ABCONN Annual gathering Page 10 Pancake Breakfast Page 16 Tag Sale Page 14 The General Board seeks five church members to interview candidates for the new staff position created by Rev. Apicella s departure. The five should understand our Christian Education program, and reflect the diversity of our church. To be considered, RSVP to David Roones, Moderator. 2
How would you prepare our church to be successful in its future ministry? What is important about this church? What is important about having faith? These questions and others like them are some of the critical questions we wrestle with when a church is between settled Pastors. Our focus has been on what critical areas we can work on to create a successful ministry partnership between clergy and laity, at this church in the future. Your Transition Team has been meeting and reflecting on the data we gathered during the Second Hour conversations in January and February. While there were many tremendous ideas generated in those conversations, the following areas have emerged as both resonating broadly, and projects which we are able to tackle in the interim season: 1. Leadership Training: empowering the Laity to be successful leaders in the church and in the world; including: a. How to lead a meeting b. Financial Transparency and understanding our fiduciary responsibilities c. Clear communication d. Identifying our gifts and talents We are currently planning a Leadership Training event after church on Sunday, June 1. Save the date! 2. Becoming a Listening Community. Many expressed surprise during our conversations that more than one person said they did not feel listened to. We will be planning some Second Hour and in home programs later this year specifically to hone our listening skills. Being a careful and active listener is a great way to strengthen and deepen our relationships with new and old friends. 3. Church growth and church identity. What does it mean to articulate our faith in this community? Paul said I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. (1 Cor 9:22b) how do we share the faith widely, without compromising who we are? Many of you have a vision for church growth; we will begin to work on concrete things we can do to get started. 4. Modeling and Teaching good Stewardship of our resources; including human resources, financial, environmental, and the good stewardship of our building and properties. 3
While this is an ambitious list, there are specific programs and actions we can take now to get our momentum moving in the right direction. What strikes me -- is what good work it is. While working on these areas will certainly benefit the church and its ministries, working on these areas will also benefit each of us in our lives away from the church as well. I hope you join us as we prayerfully consider these priorities. I hope you will pray for the Transition Team and for this congregation in this season of preparation. We are Easter people, with good news for the world. It is a blessing to be part of the fellowship of faith and to share the spiritual journey. Sincerely in Ministry, Erica Make the services of Holy Week part of your personal journey to the cross and resurrection: Maundy Thursday, April 17 7:30 pm. This meaningful service of worship and prayer will be held in the sanctuary. The Chancel Choir and soloists will sing, the Gospel stories of the Passion read, the Lord s Supper served and we will extinguish the candles remembering the crucifixion of Jesus. And we leave in hope as we light the Christ candle knowing that the resurrection is now. Maundy Thursday Good Friday Vigil April 17 & 18 Easter, April 20 9:30 am. The service will be filled with beautiful music celebrating the resurrection of Christ and the new life given to us and the world. The proclamation of the good news is Christ is risen; he is risen, indeed! Join with many others as we share and celebrate the joyous news. 4
Maundy Thursday Good Friday Vigil March 17 & 18 2014 On the night Jesus was betrayed we are told in the Gospel of Matthew that Jesus had asked his disciples to watch over him while he prayed. We are told that Jesus came back and found his disciples asleep and he said to Peter So, could you not watch with me one hour? Your Board of Deacons is asking the congregation to respond to Jesus question to Peter and we hope you will say yes. The Deacons are planning an hour by hour prayer vigil starting at the conclusion of the Maundy Thursday evening service and ending at 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday. We are asking each of you to sign up for one hour of prayer and contemplation during this time period. We would like to have at least one First Baptist member or friend to be with Jesus for each hour. You need not leave the comfort of your home for your selected hour, although should you wish to do so, we could arrange to have the Chapel open. We will create a sign-up chart for the vigil. Along with your name, we would like to list what you would like to pray for during your time. Sign-up can be done in Fellowship Hall during the Fellowship time following worship, or by contacting the Church Office. 5 Fifth Sunday in Lent April 6 Ezekiel 37:1 14 Psalm 130 Romans 8:6 11 John 11:1 45 Passion/Palm Sunday April 13 Liturgy of the Palms Matthew 21:1 11 Psalm 118:1 2, 19 29 Liturgy of the Passion Isaiah 50:4 9a Psalm 31:9 16 Philippians 2:5 11 Matthew 26:14 27:66 Maundy Thursday April 17 Exodus 12:1 4 [5 10] 11 14 Psalm 116:1 2, 12 19 1 Corinthians 11:23 26 John 13:1 17, 31b 35 Good Friday April 18 Isaiah 52:13 53:12 Psalm 22 Hebrews 10:16 25 John 18:1 19: Easter Sunday April 20 Acts 10:34 43 Psalm 118:1 2, 14 24 Colossians 3:1 4 John 20:1 18 April 27 Acts 2:14a, 22 32 Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3 9 John 20:19 31
Robert E. Roland died on January 29th in Windsor Vermont. Our prayers are with his wife Muriel and sister June Rowland. Our prayers are with Jim Hostetter and their children and grandchildren on the death of Irene Hostetter, March 12. Irene and Jim were long time members of FBC before they moved to North Carolina Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith. Thursdays at Maxene's this month will be April 10 and 24 We are reading Listening for God, edited by Paula Carlson and Peter Hawkins, published by Fortress Press. It is a book of short stories with introductions to the authors and discussion questions. Authors in this volume include Flannery O'Connor, Frederick Buechner, Annie Dillard, Alice Walker and Garrison Keillor et. al. If you would like to reserve a book let the church office know. 6 Trustees Update The Board of Trustees is planning our annual spring cleanup event. It has been a long snowy winter and our hope is to prepare the church for Easter. Date: Saturday April 19 th Time: 8:30 am Noon?? Tasks: Inside: cleaning, windows, vacuuming, dusting, etc. Outside: pick up and raking. Hope you can fit a few hours into your schedule. Please let a Trustee know if you can make it so we can plan for both work projects and snacks. The Trustees are still seeking input from members as to how to best deal with repaying the loan we obtained from the church endowment. The General Board is planning a second hour program on Sunday April 27 th. This will be one of the topics for discussion. Our Financial Secretary has reported that the majority of the Capital Campaign pledges has been, or are very near to being completed. The Quarterly Reports will provide an up-to-date report on your pledge status. She also reported several members have already gone above and beyond their pledged amount. For all who have participated in this campaign and project we are most thankful.
2014 SCHOLARSHIPS AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Four different scholarships are available at First Baptist. Three are for those active in the fellowship of the church, the fourth is available to active members. Applications are in the church office and should be returned there. Please note the specific deadlines for each. WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP The Women s Fellowship Education Scholarship is available to young women who are or will be attending college or graduate school. The deadline is May 30. Information, contact Sonja Davis. ABW/CT EDITH NORTHRUP SCHOLARSHIP The American Baptist Women of CT Edith Northrop educational scholarship is also financially supported by First Baptist s Women s Fellowship. The deadline is April 30. For any questions, call or see Edie Castagno. BROWN-BOWERS SCHOLARSHIP Camping and educational scholarships are available from a fund established by members Frieda Brown (1975) and George Bowers (1987). The deadline is May 15. For information, contact Brown Bowers Committee Chair Sonja Davis. THE LOU AND STU MASSIE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND Established by the Massie family, this scholarship is available to active members of the church. The deadline is May 1. Questions, contact Charlotte Massie. Update from the Financial Secretary, Joy Adams: Your first quarter statements will be delayed until after Easter. They will reflect your contributions from January 1 through March 31. 7
In March, women from FBC gathered to pack Health Kits for Church World Service. These supplies will help people to keep clean and healthy after natural disasters all around the world. Finding all these exact items has kept many people busy all year. 8 In April they will be collected by a Church World Service truck to be sent where they are needed.
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ANNUAL GATHERING NEWS Do you wonder how your church can do more with fewer resources? Do you want to find new ways to bridge the generation gap in your congregation? Is your church doing as much as possible to encourage leadership and build up individual gifts? What does a 'disciple' look like in 2014?And do you yearn for a chance to sit down with others who are asking the same questions and share time and ideas? Well there are many in our churches who are asking similar questions, and there is a great way for you to meet and talk with them. Come to the ABCCONN Annual Gathering Mini Mission Summit, Saturday, April 26, at First Baptist Church in Stratford. In addition to great hospitality and worship, we will be treated to blocks of time for in-depth conversation, in "table conversations" on 14 different topics, with brothers and sisters from across the state. Facilitators will lead us through productive processes of information gathering and sharing, brain-storming, connecting and networking, and helping to encourage one another. We will leave feeling uplifted because of sharing the burdens and excitement of ministry in the 21st century.t his unique experience is not to be missed... Registration materials are in the ABCCONN mailing and online at www.abcconn.org. There are opportunities for every age, so bring everyone you know. When you leave, you will have made new friends, gained new perspective, and nurtured new vision. See you there!! Save the Date: The Social Action Committee and the Baptist Youth Fellowship invite you to our first All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 5 from 8:00am to 10:00am. Come fuel up for your day with pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee! The cost per person is $8 for 12 and over and $4 for children 11 and under. Vegan and gluten-free options will be available and all proceeds will go to benefit the FBC Loaves and Fishes Bag Lunch program. All are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend! 10
Adult Education Sundays at 11 Title: A Reason for the Hope within You: A Study of First Peter Theme verse: 1 Peter 3:15, Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope within you. Session 4, April 6: New behavior in family and church, 3:1-12; 5:1-7 How does submission work out in daily life? In today s culture, what does submission mean for husbands, wives, church leaders, and clergy? Session 5, April 13: New challenges to deal with, 3:13 4:19; 5:8-11 Do we Americans live in a world hostile towards the Christian faith? Are we persecuted? Do we experience love, hospitality and service within the church? Is the concept of Satan still relevant today? The class will be led by Dick Pierce and meet in Gilbert Hall, 11:00 to 12:00 April 20 Easter April 27 An all church gathering to celebrate the end of the Capital Campaign with the concluding report from the Capital Campaign Committee. General Board will then update us on their most current deliberations. Important information as we move forward! A notto-miss meeting in Fellowship Hall from 11-12 noon. Springtime at the Movies - "Buck" Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 pm As we continue our exploration of transition, join us for an examination of the life of acclaimed 'horse whisperer' Buck Brannaman who recovered from years of child abuse to become a well-known expert in the interactions between horses and people (PG - 88 min) (Winner 2011 Sundance Audience Award) June Noble, dog lover, welcomes us to her Farmington home - (860) 677-0193 11
About Our Library The Church Library contains about 3,000 titles in 58 categories from Aging to Visual Arts. Each category is clearly marked on the shelf, and within categories books are arranged alphabetically by author. A list of all categories is posted. A list of all of the Library s holdings, arranged both by author and by title, is found in a loose-leaf binder located on the book displayer. If you need help, please see librarians Faith Geist or Jean Pierce. To Borrow a Book: Write your name, phone number, and today s date on the book card found in the back of the book. Leave the book card in the front of the wooden box located on the top of the book displayer. Return the book in two weeks to the Return Book Box located on top of the book displayer. Each month, beginning in April, we will be highlighting in the Focus one or two Categories of Books found in the Library. This month we will feature Bible Versions and Bible, Miscellaneous. Bible Versions. There are approximately 25 various different versions of the Bible in this category including the Jerusalem Bible, the Moffatt Bible, TNIV Parallel Bible, New English Bible, and New American Bible. Bible, Miscellaneous. An assortment of topics are included in this category on widely varying subjects from Women of the Bible, Fascinating Bible Facts, a Biblical Feast, Dictionary of the Bible, and Foods in the Bible Including Authentic Recipes of the Time of Christ. 12
EASTER BASKETS for COVENANT TO CARE Every Easter FBC donates Easter baskets to needy children through our Covenant to Care social worker. People willing to donate a basket may pick up a child s name and age, along with the following gift ideas, during coffee hour. Sign-ups will begin on Sunday, March 30. The filled baskets should be brought to church on Palm Sunday, April 13. Please attach a tag with the child s name to the basket. Some people may choose to buy separate gift cards for the needy children or families and have the social worker distribute them. These will also be collected on Palm Sunday, April13. Here are some ideas for Easter Baskets for our Covenant to Care children and teenagers. EASTER BASKETS (Probably every Easter basket should have some Easter candy!) PRE-SCHOOL- Easter candy, healthy snack food (goldfish, raisins, pretzel packs, granola bars), coloring books, crayons, stickers, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, cars, toy animals, books, barrettes, Play Dough, letter magnets, alphabet flash cards, toothbrush, toothpaste ELEMENTARY Easter candy, healthy snack food (goldfish, raisins, pretzel packs, granola bars), coloring books, crayons, stickers, sidewalk chalk, Disney items (young), cars, pens, (glitter pens), pencils, books, toothbrush, toothpaste TEENAGE BOYS Easter candy, healthy snack food (goldfish, raisins, pretzel packs, granola bars), gift cards McDonalds, Subway, Dunkin Donuts, Moe's, Chipolte, Barnes & Noble, baseball hat, calculator, body spray, deodorant, I-Tunes card, pens, pencils, playing cards, toothbrush, toothpaste TEENAGE GIRLS Easter candy, healthy snack food (goldfish, raisins, pretzel packs, granola bars), gift cards McDonalds, Subway, Dunkin Donuts, Moe's, Chipolte, Barnes & Noble, nail polish, emery boards & nail care, lip gloss, hat, lotion, shower gel, body spray, I-Tunes card, pens, pencils, playing cards, toothbrush, toothpaste SEPARATE ITEMS Gift cards to Subway, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, Stop & Shop, Big Y If you have questions, please contact a member of the Social Action Committee- Marje Eickel, Terri Eickel, Lois Elsesser, Charlotte Massie,or Mindy Shilansky. COME TO THE SOCIAL ACTION TABLE AND HELP A CHILD HAVE A HAPPY EAST- ER! 13
TAG, BAKE AND PLANT SALE To support FBC Women s Fellowship Outreach Projects SATURDAY, MAY 17 9-2pm FELLOWSHIP HALL HELPERS NEEDED Friday, May 16 1-7 pm Set up and price Saturday, May 17 8-2 pm Greet, sell and clean up See Sally Hurlbert--- a 2 or 3 hour shift would be great! STUFF NEEDED Clean items in sellable condition (no clothing) If you price your items ahead of time, everyone will love you! PRE-SALE STORAGE Space is limited. Please bring donations in Friday, May 16, between 1-7 pm. If necessary, early items may be left on the stage in Fellowship Hall or, for valuables, in the Treasurer s office starting Friday, May 9. Questions, contact Sonja. BAKE SALE DONATIONS Home baked only. Please wrap for sale. Leave in the Kitchen on Friday, May 16. Any questions: Carol Wylie & Edie Castagno PLANT SALE ON THE NEW PORTICO. Please co-ordinate everything with Faith Geist. BE PART OF THIS CHURCH-WIDE RECYCLING EVENT! General questions, please call or email Sonja. 14
SPECIAL EVENT at LUNCH BUNCH! Thursday, April 10 11:30 in the Kitchen REV. ERICA is new to us and yet not new. She s led us for several months, as we ve gotten to know ourselves in new ways. We re giving her the floor to share her thoughts and we re giving you the chance to ask your questions. It could turn out to be a presentation, or it could become a group discussion. Come with your thoughts, ideas, and memories, or just to listen! It s all good! Hostesses are Faith Geist and Sally Hurlbert. Remember, first timers don't bring a dish. It's very informal and everyone is invited! Each year the congregation is offered the opportunity to share in the beauty of the Easter service by providing plants. You may designate your plant in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost of each plant is $8.00. However, a donation in any amount is appreciated. If you would like to join in this celebration, make your check payable to First Baptist Church Flower Fund. For any questions please call Kris Hanko or Carol Wylie. Please check the following: I/We will take our plant(s) I/We will not take our plant(s) I/We will be happy to deliver to a shut Plant is in memory of or Plant is in honor of Your name phone Number of plants Amount enclosed Please return this form with your check to the church office by Friday, April 11 15
Friday, April 18 - Good Friday Children s Program - 9:00 a.m. to Noon All children are invited to a special program in which we celebrate the Easter story through Bible stories, crafts, games, art and music, and an Easter egg hunt. The preschool and elementary children will have age-appropriate activities. The middle school and high school youth are invited to help the little ones with their crafts and games, and to fill and hide Easter eggs. Snacks will be provided for children, youth and parents. We hope that you can join us for this time of fun and learning. Feel free to bring friends along. Advance registration is appreciated. Come to Gilbert Hall where we will sign in, get name tags, and have snacks. If you are interested in attending this free program, please register with our church office by phone at 860-521-9460 or by email at whfbc@yahoo.com. If you are interested in sharing your talent, serving refreshments, or helping in some other way, speak to Carol Honeychurch, Yvonne Lindo-Banks, Mindy Shilansky, or Pastor Jason Apicella. 16