The Monthly Newsletter of Williamstown Christian Church 318 N Main St. P.O. Box 7 Williamstown, KY 41097 www.williamstownchristian.com MAY 2012 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 5 Beginning on Sunday, May 6, Williamstown Christian Church will embark on a great adventure as we begin the study of The Story. Over the course of the next thirty-one weeks, each Sunday school class will read and discuss one chapter per week, and Senior Minister Gary Swick will show applications for daily living through the week s lesson. If you haven t picked up your copy of The Story, please do so today. Copies can be obtained on the table in the back of the sanctuary, or simply contact the office. Don t forget! Chapter One of The Story will begin this Sunday, May 6. Upcoming events for MAY 2012 National Day of Prayer - Thursday, May 3 Mother s Day - Sunday, May 13 High School Graduate Recognition - Sunday, May 20 WCC Church Picnic - Sunday, May 20
From the Minister s Desk As we begin our journey through The Story it will soon become apparent that His Story is Our Story. That this life is a journey and those who learn to live by faith, and trust in God, have a way of winning the victory every time. I am reminded of a story I once heard about a boy who was sitting in a park watching squirrels scamper among the trees. As he watched he saw one squirrel jump from one high tree to another. It seemed at times that he was taking aim for a branch that was so far out of his reach that it looked like suicide. Just as the boy had anticipated the squirrel missed his mark, but it landed safely on another branch several feet lower and then climbed up to his original goal, and all was well. An old man watching the boy from a bench nearby said, Funny isn t it. I ve seen them do that hundreds of times, especially when there are dogs all around and they are afraid to come down on the ground. A lot of them miss, but I have never seen one of them get hurt trying. Then he chuckled and said, I guess them squirrels must figure it s better to take a risk than to spend their whole life in one tree. As the young man grew he remembered that day, and often asked himself, If a squirrel can take a chance, do I have less nerve than a squirrel? From that day forward he made up his mind to take a risk and reach for the higher branches, and if he missed, he would do what it took to climb back up again. What dream are you aiming for? Does it seem at times too far out of reach? Take a leap of faith, and trust God to catch you if you should fall. Paul encourages us in II Corinthians 13:11 Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. A wise old sage once said: Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss you will land among the stars. See you on Sunday! Gary Swick Senior Minister 2
From Our Children s Minister Well it looks as if summer break is upon us; both If there are any questions please don t hesitate to ask. schools have just a few more days before the summer Hope to see several of you at VBS! and I m sure that calendars are filling up quickly with activities for the next few months. Of course with summer comes one big event for WCC, and that is Until next time Vacation Bible School. The success that VBS has been in the past has had a lot to do with our congregation and C Ya in Church the volunteers who so eagerly help out. This year is no different; your help is needed. Outside of my office will be signup sheets for leaders of groups, snacks, recreation, and crafts. Please keep your eyes open as these signups will be posted within the next few weeks. Shawn West, VBS is scheduled for June 24 through June 28; and if Children s Minister you are available to help I would be greatly appreciative. Shawn 3
Fusion NOW May is here! Which means Mother s Day is around the corner. Our high school seniors are getting antsy as graduation looms. And summer is only one month away! On Sunday, May 6, there will be an informative meeting about CIY for prospective teens and their parents. There will be a lot of details discussed so it is important that you attend, or see me if you cannot make it. The meeting will be held in the Lamplighter s class room after second service. We are going to celebrate our seniors in between services on Sunday, May 20. During our fellowship breakfast time, each of our seniors will have a table set up. On each table, the teens will also have a basket for you to drop in cards or gifts. The seniors will also share their future plans. Here is a list of our high school seniors: Christian Swick, Alyssa Hendy, Sarah Roberts, Rose Thoroughman, John Threlkeld, Kayla Ousley, and Cody Riddle. Friday, June 1, our church will have a campsite at the Grant County Relay 4 Life event at Grant County Park in Crittenden. We need volunteers to help with fundraising and booth set up. We are also looking for volunteers to sign up to walk an hour during the relay or to man the booth. See me if you are willing to help. The youth will be hosting a fundraiser at the church on Sunday night June 10. The youth will be preparing dinner for the congregation and showing a movie in the sanctuary. The event will be donation only and all donations will go to expenses for the youth s CIY summer trip July 9-14 and Jr. High Camp at Camp Northward July 22-27. In His Grip, Micah Micah Montecalvo, Associate Minister MISSION TRIP The Midwest has been devastated by severe weather within the past year. Mount Olivet Christian Church is sponsoring a mission trip to Joplin, Missouri from June 16-23. Rodney Edmondson will be at WCC on Sunday, May 6 to discuss this trip. Details may also be obtained at http://mountolivetchristian.org/#/ministries/outreach. Information Meeting for parents Sunday May 6 Lamplighter s classroom immediately following 11 a.m. worship service. 4 CIY Move 2012 - July 9-13 Sunday, May 20 Grant County Park in Crittenden
The Mann s are still waiting for permission to enter Spain. Please pray for patience for them and guidance for the authorities. to do in the future. They seem to be far ahead of most of the adult classes! The Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 is not an isolated text. God s love for all nations appears throughout the Bible. See particularly Psalm 67: May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear Him. God thinks globally and acts locally. Jesus promise to be with us is tied to His command to make disciples both here and across the world. Each Sunday-school class is sponsoring a missions project. On Youth Sunday the young people reported on the projects they are doing and are planning --Ruth Odor Missions Committee Jello & jelly Canned or plastic 100% juices (46-64oz) Peanut butter & crackers (saltines) Boxed mac and cheese dinners, & canned soups (tomato, chicken & vegetable) Pasta (spaghetti 1# box), spaghetti sauces, & canned pasta in sauce (Spaghetti-O s or ravioli) Canned fruit Bi-monthly WCC Food Drive The middle school girls class, Princess in Progress, will be sponsoring a bi-monthly food drive for the church food pantry. Each Sundayschool class will be responsible for bringing in specific items. A collection bag will be placed in your classroom on collection day., and the girls will retrieve your bag and store items in the WCC Food Pantry. The Food Drives will take place on the first Sunday of the following months: JAN MAR MAY JUL SEP NOV. Our first food drive will be Sunday, May 6 th. Please see Claire Roberts for more information. ITEMS NEEDED Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, carrots, etc) Quick Oats (18 oz canister) and dry cereal Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, potted meat & Vienna sausage Evaporated milk & dry milk in envelopes Dry beans & peas (pinto, black, navy, etc) Instant potatoes and instant rice CLASS Nursery Pre/Kindergarten 1st & 2nd grade 3rd, 4th & 5th grade Junior High (Boys & Girls) High School Young Adults Young at Heart Lamplighters Young & Restless Truth Seekers Sunshine Pride Is a Cheater My name is Pride. I am a cheater. I cheat you of your God-give destiny...because you demand your own way. I cheat you of contentment because you deserve better than this. I cheat you of knowledge because you already know it all. I cheat you of healing because you re too full of me to forgive. I cheat you of healing because you re too full of me to forgive. I cheat you of holiness because you refuse to admit when you re wrong. I cheat you of vision because you d rather look in the mirror than out a window. I cheat you of genuine friendship because nobody s going to know the real you. I cheat you of love because real romance demands sacrifice. I cheat you of greatness in heaven because you refuse to wash another s feet on earth. I cheat you of God s glory because I convince you to seek your own. My name is Pride. I am a cheater. You like me because you think I m always looking out for you. Untrue. I m looking to make a fool of you. God has so much for you, I admit, but don t worry If you stick with me you ll never know. ~ Beth Moore from Praying God s Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2000). 5
Just for Laughs What We Believe That the Bible is the inspired and totally reliable Word of God: II Timothy 3:16-17. That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God: John 3:16. That Jesus was crucified for our sins, died, was buried and arose physically from the dead on the third day: Romans 5:8, I Corinthians 15:3-4. That to be saved a person must: 1. Recognize that you have sinned and cannot save yourself: Romans 3:23. 2. Believe that Jesus paid a death penalty for your sin through His death on the cross and rose on the third day victorious over death: Romans 6:23. 3. Confess your belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and your personal Savior: Luke 12:8. 4. Repent of your sins and turn back to God: Acts 2:38. 5. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:38. 6. Live your life following all that Jesus has commanded us: Matthew 28:20. We believe that Jesus will return again to take His church to live in His Heavenly home for all eternity: John 14:1-4. 318 North Main Street P.O. Box 7 Williamstown, KY 41097 Phone: (859) 823-2041 Fax: (859) 823-2181 www.williamstownchristian.com