First Baptist Church 236 Harrison Street Petersburg, Virginia 23803 Volume XI, Issue 1 January - March This is the first writing of 2012, and I pondered on what to give you that would be worthy of your time, as well as something that would stay longer than the three-day flu. I received an email that made me stop and examine how I lived my life. It had a profound affect on me, and I hope it does the same for you. Several years ago, a new preacher moved to Houston, Texas. A few weeks after he arrived, he had the occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet." When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change." The driver with a smile replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking lately about going to worship somewhere. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday." When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter." This is an example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test. It s been said "Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. Let us remember who we represent when we say, I am a Christian. " A thought: how many of us have sold Jesus for less than a quarter or kept our loved ones and friends from coming to Jesus with our actions, attitudes, or unkind words? We know one who has all the answers and will gladly point you in His direction. In fact He left an instruction book for us with all the answers to life s questions inside. Have a very wonderful New Year and remember that the one who loves you still offers His love, and will return just as He promised! Will you be ready? In His Service, Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, Pastor Information Published by First Baptist Church A Church That Prays Together, Stays Together.
2 The Clothes Closet The Clothes Closet is a vital ministry of our church. Many people come to The Clothes Closet to meet their need of clean clothing to sustain them during the seasons, but they often leave with more than a new outfit. The ladies who work The Clothes Closet give a listening ear, prayer, and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. Mrs. Evelyn Windley wrote this poem to record her experience of working in The Clothes Closet. The Lady Just Wanted to Talk She came down to the church Clothes Closet department you see; She saw an empty seat Right across from me. She asked, May I sit here, I had a long walk. I just want to sit awhile And have a little talk. It was not too busy; I looked upon her face And saw a sincere expression Written in that space. She talked about her aches, She talked about her pains. She talked about the weather, Earthquakes and the hurricane. She talked about her children, How they don t visit anymore. They seemed to have forgotten How she cared and loved them so. One hour had passed; I must do some work. She stood with a smile and a satisfied look, Her steps seemed to have Much more of a perk. She said, Thank for your input And listening to my thoughts. I love the Christian atmosphere And the joy that it brought. People are not always looking for Material things in life. WE must do what Jesus asks And make the sacrifice: A listening ear, a loving smile, and a tender touch. These little things in people s lives Can mean so very much.
Outreach Ministries 3 The John J. Ridley Memorial Fund Continues Worthwhile Activities The John J. Ridley Memorial Fund was established by his widow, Mrs. Doris Ridley. Its purpose is to serve as a Helps Ministry to First Baptist Church by assisting individuals and organizations in our community with special needs, especially during times of crisis. In 2011, the John J. Ridley Memorial Fund gave donations to the following agencies: Mary Carter Beacon House Rebuilding Petersburg Together Martha for the Homeless In addition, the fund was able to sponsor an educational trip to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach for several youth, including Cameron Fields, from First Baptist. In past years, along with helping meet the needs of our community, the fund has also honored First Baptist graduates with Book Awards. Member of the Johns J. Ridley Memorial Fund Committee are Mr. and Mrs. James Crump, Mrs. Elva Hollins, Mrs. Carolyn Spratley, and Mr. Garland Tompkins. The church celebrates the accomplishments of the John J. Ridley Memorial Fund and wishes to express its appreciation to the family members and friends who are committed to its mission and who continue to give their financial support to this worthy ministry. Evangelical Outreach Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation (Mark 16:15 NIV). These were Jesus words to his disciples when he appeared to them after his resurrection. After Jesus said this, he was taken up into heaven and the disciples went out to do what they were told. They preached everywhere, and the Lord was with them. The word of God is true. We are his disciples here on earth today, and it is our mandate to tell the world about Jesus. Here at First Baptist, Rev. Randolph Mitchell has recently organized an outreach ministry to help with the work of evangelizing. The outreach team is committed to telling the world that God has a better way to live and Jesus is that way. The evangelizing team has started going out into the neighborhoods in our church community. They have discovered that even with churches abounding, there are many people who still need to know that Jesus loves them and that Jesus cares about them. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few ( Luke 10:2). If you are ready to heed the call, if you are willing to share the joy you have found in having a savior, then consider joining Rev. Mitchell and the Evangelistic Outreach Ministry on the first and third Saturday of each month at one o'clock in the fellowship hall of the church.
4 FBC WEEK OF PRAYER 2012 All across the world and throughout almost all denominations, churches celebrate the Week of Prayer in January. The week is motivated by the desire that they all may be one as Jesus prayed to his heavenly in John 17. We have celebrated the Week of Prayer because it is ultimately God s purpose to unite all things in Christ. It is also our acknowledgement that Christ is the only one who can reconcile all things and all people, and that Christ s people must pray for this reconciliation. Under the leadership of Rev. Clyde Johnson, First Baptist initiated the Week of Prayer over twenty-five years ago. For many years Sister Peggy Lee took charge of the annual event in which members of the congregation were given the opportunity to communicate God s love to all. Two years ago, after successfully orchestrating this event for many years, Sister Lee laid down her mantle. This year the men of the James H. Threatt Memorial Club took over the Week of Prayer. They continued to use lay persons to proclaim that we have The Victory Though Our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:51-58). The speakers for this year s four night prayer service (James Byrd, Arlene Anderson, David Gayle, Conrad Gilliam, Kurt Peerman, Konstonza Peerman, Garland Tompkins and Diane Flowers) excelled in their roles and those who attended were blessed. They demonstrated that a church that prays together stays together. Thanks to the men of the James H. Threatt Memorial Club for picking up the mantle and carrying on a wonderful tradition. The James H. Threatt Memorial Club Presents A Black History Choir Festival Woman of the church look out! The men of The James H. Threatt Memorial Club are alive and well, and they are putting their thumbprints on many recent activities. They re-organized the Week of Prayer, and on Sunday, February 26, they presented A Black History Choir Festival featuring our own First Baptist Gospel Choir along with guest choirs from Third Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, and the Male Choir of Tabernacle Baptist Church. The public was treated to their favorite gospel selections as each choir performed their best numbers. All money collected at this event will go toward a new sound system for the church.
5 Ask The Doctor Dear Doctor, Just how much water is enough? I am in my 60 s and active, but I can t seem to fit in 8 glasses of water a day. The Institute of Medicine determined that the adequate intake of fluid in a healthy adult living in a temperate climate is 3 liters (roughly 13 cups) for men and 2.2 liters (roughly 9 cups) for women as total beverages per day and not just water alone. Water is essential to good health, yet needs may vary from person to person depending on many factors such as your health, how active you are and the climate you live in. Everyone has heard the advice drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (8 by 8 rule) which is about 1.9 liters and is much different than what the Institute of Medicine recommends. Although the 8 by 8 rule is not supported by hard medicine it remains popular because it is easy to remember. Just remember that if you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses fluid per day you are doing well because all fluids count toward the daily total. Ronald Douglas, MD Junior Choir Prepares for 5th Concert Save the date to hear the Junior Chorus of First Baptist as they perform along with other talented youth on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at the June Jubilee. This will be the Junior Chorus 5th spring concert. See our children perform on You Tube by going to the following link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvxehgsjr6a&feature=player_detailpage Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6 NLT
6 Absolute Love By Kim Harvell Hardy Bound with no hope of appeal For the task was designed before time than you or I can tell This is no coincidence or stroke of mishap Not even man made Although sad as may seem Really a time of delight for the purpose of this burden saves the very breath of all. HIS heart is full and troubled; HIS flesh is raw Yet HE sees the destination so clearly. With even all the wondrous marvel done And love that was assigned HIS being is taken up for all HE s like you or me, but HE s also all humanity HIS heart cries out but knows its place While cynics fling contempt and make mockery of HIS very nature Although on purpose because of direction not of HIS own HE s there as King of all to laugh and see HE Hangs He Hangs Little is it known that it s for them If HE wishes, one spoken word would settle all But He Hangs still HE Hangs The red fluid rushes as planned for all to gaze But it s used to make everything clean HE Hangs He Hangs With temporary tenants on each side One with regret and one with none There are witnesses all gathered Some with love but more with loathing While the time is close With every tear cried and HIS last respiration HE Hangs He Hangs With every indignant word spoken and taken to offend HE Hangs HE HANGS HE was HUNG FOR YOU and HE WAS HUNG FOR ME MY LORD and Savior Jesus Christ