Pastor Leigh - Phenix Baptist Church

The Builder
Phenix Baptist Church
2 Fairview Avenue, West Warwick, RI 02893
(401) 821-1618 Phone & Fax
Email: [email protected]
Website: phenixbaptistchurch.org
9:30 A.M. Sunday School
11:00 A.M. Worship
OCTOBER 2016
Volume 10
Trustees
Deacons
2
2
Upcoming Events
Fall Event
3
4
White Cross
5
October Schedule
6
History of PBC cont.
7
Prayer Concerns
October Calendar
8
9
Special Points of Interest
›
October 5 & 6 Drop
Off/Set Up for Yard
Sale (6:30-8 PM)
›
October 8—Yard Sale
Saturday
(8 A.M. TO 1 P.M.)
›
October 10—Columbus
Day—office closed
›
October 14—15
MissionWorks-See pg 3
›
October 21-22
Together Conference/
Luis Palau-VA Auditorium/Sanctuary Church
Providence, RI
›
October 23-FREE
Lunch Distribution
›
October 30—
LAITY SUNDAY
Dear friends in Christ,
Next month is the election for the next President of the United States.
Participating in this process is both a great privilege and a great responsibility.
Whoever ends up being elected will have a significant influence on our country for years to come, not only for whatever policies they establish but for the
Supreme Court justices they will most likely appoint. This is why it is important to get out and cast our vote, both as citizen’s and as Christians.
I am not going to tell you who you should vote for, only you can decide
that, but I am going to make some suggestions on making that decision. First
of all, become informed. Don’t believe everything that gets posted on Facebook or on partisan websites. Find resources you trust to be objective, look at
the candidates’ record and experience, watch the upcoming debates.
Secondly, look at the big picture and not just one or two issues. Any
candidate may have a position we agree with on something we feel is important, but have views on other issues that are incompatible with ours. No candidate is likely to be 100 % in line with our viewpoints on every issue. This
means we have to consider as many points as possible to see who comes
closest overall.
Next, be careful not to let fear motivate your decision. While candidates
may try to get our vote by claiming there will be catastrophes if they aren’t
elected, the reality is that we have checks and balances in place to safeguard
against these supposed consequences. This is also why we need to know the
candidates running for congress and vote carefully there as well.
Finally, remember that whoever becomes our next President, God is still
in charge. As Paul says in Romans 13:1, “Everyone must submit himself to
the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has
established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
So, between now and the election, learn about the candidates and their
positions and spend time in prayer seeking God’s will. Then go and cast your
votes.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Leigh
FROM THE TRUSTEES
Submitted by Cheryl Greene
I am sorry to report The Shepherd’s Table
has not opened. Bill Lima has health issues at this
time. Our prayers are for a speedy recovery and
that Bill can take over the kitchen and provide meals
for our local neighbors. Your table awaits Bill and
the people we feed are waiting too. We currently
have 4 neighboring churches, Carolyn’s Girl Scout
troop plus 3 PBC kids signed up to help with the
soup kitchen.
The Trustees, led by Ann LeBelle, have
been very busy. A number of trees along the lower
parking lot have been taken down and removed.
More need to be cleared in the future. Yard work
needs to be done before this nice weather disappears.
FROM THE DEACONS
Submitted by Jim Plummer
Struggling for the Church
As a Deacon and a fellow member of the
Church, I have been struggling as of late on what I
can do to make Phenix Baptist a more vibrant place
of worship. I know that it already is a great place to
worship our Lord, but our numbers are dwindling, so
we need to be more proactive. I think of bringing
the church to people in the community and getting
our mission as a church out to the wider world.
Some of the things I have been thinking of are:
We are looking into adding lines for parking
in the upper parking lot. Suggestions are needed
how the lines should be drawn.
To do more things in the Community
› Hot Dogs on the square
› A booth at local community events
A lot of work has been done to clean the
kitchen. The freezer and refrigerator have been
cleaned. I am suggesting we create specific spaces
for each committee to use for the foods they are
storing. These areas should only contain up-to-date
foods that will be used in a reasonable time frame.
A new pan rack has been installed and the cupboards reorganized.
Make sure we put adds in the local papers
We are hoping to have a cleaning in the attic. Committees should, at their earliest convenience, review what they have stored. If not useable,
or no longer needed, please remove or let the Trustees know so we can remove. The October yard
sale would be a good place to sell anything useable.
We are a small church but blessed with good
people and programs that, not only bring us closer
to God, but spread His work through our actions to
help others.
God Bless and thank you for all you do in His name!
Cheryl Greene
Try to get the whole church involved in activities, like the Pasta Dinner
Have the Sunday school kids make posters
etc.
These are only a few things that have occurred to me. I think today people want to belong to
a church that is involved in the community. I know
we are involved but I think we have to make the
public know our good works as well.
In Your Service,
Jim
Shepherd’s Table
Hoping to Open Soon . . .
FREE Dinner Served at
5:30 p.m.
Every Wednesday...
All Are Welcome!!!
2
All who wish to worship the Lord
through music are welcome to join us
on October 1st at 10 a.m. in the
Sanctuary.
October 22nd at 6:30
in the church parlor…
time for fun and
fellowship!
All Welcome !!!
YARD/CLOTHING SALE
BAKE SALE
Knit & Crochet Group
Thursdays 6:30 p.m.
9 North Pleasant Street
West Warwick
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8th
8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
The American Baptist
Churches of Massachusetts
Churches Partnering To Transform
Lives and Communities
Phenix Baptist Church
2 Fairview Avenue
West Warwick, RI 02893
NOW IS THE TIME TO REGISTER FOR
MISSIONWORKS
October 14-15, 2016
FINANCE BUSINESS MEETING
SUNDAY OCTOBER 16
12:30 p.m.
At the DoubleTree by Hilton in
Leominster, Massachusetts
For hotel reservations, contact the Doubletree
at (978) 534-9000 before October 2
to receive our special group rate of $90 +
tax (sgl/dbl).
3
FALL EVENT
Sponsored by Christian Ed
Join us for a fun night at the Observatory . . .
Spooky Views



Where: Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theatre
When: Friday October 28, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $1 Suggested Donation per Person
Join the Frosty Drew Astronomers for a night
under spooky Halloween skies. We will have views of
Venus, Uranus, Neptune, and more in our telescopes.
In the Sky Theatre we will have activities to celebrate
astronomy and Halloween. Loads of candy will be
available as well throughout the night. As the witching
hour approaches we will direct our telescopes towards
planetary nebulae - the remnants of dying stars - as
we celebrate the departure from the lighter half of the
year and plunge into the darker half.
Dig out that old costume, put on your mask and
come out to the creepy woodlands of Ninigret Park to
celebrate the Eve of All Hallows... If you dare...
4
2016 WHITE CROSS REQUEST
Dear Christian family,
There is a box in the Narthex for our contributions to God’s mission work. A couple of people
have volunteered to donate a few items so our list is a little shorter now. A paper will be on a
clipboard in the Narthex Sunday so others may join in this opportunity. If you prefer to have
someone else do the shopping you can always contribute funds. Many thanks to those who
have already done so.
2 Dolls; baby; teen
4 Toys ages 1-3; 3-6; 7-12
4 pkgs of (100 count)disposable plates
2 pkgs of (24 Count) Plastic Forks
5 8oz bottles of glue
2 pocket folders
5 pkgs of Women’s socks
5 pkgs of Boy’s socks
5 Baby Quilts or heavy blankets
4 tubes of toothpaste
4 Washcloths
2 Board Games ages 4-7; 6-12
4 pkgs of (100 count) disposable cups
4 pkgs of (100 count) paper napkins
4 pkgs of (24 count) Plastic Knives
2 pkgs of Notebook Paper (college rule/wide)
5 pkgs of Men’s socks
4 pkgs of Girl’s socks
3 pkgs of Baby Diapers – disposable M, L, XL
2 pkgs of soap
2 Hairbrushes
4 books of postage stamps
Thank you and God bless,
Laurie May Johnson
5
"Sometimes"
by Martha Buxton
Sometimes words cannot be heard
Sometimes dreams cannot come true
Sometimes hope cannot be found
Sometimes love cannot be felt
Sometimes hearts cannot be strong
Sometimes lives cannot hold on
Sometimes souls cannot be saved
Sometimes Heav'n cannot be seen
But then sometimes
you hear His Words
and know your dreams
they can come true
And sometimes hope
is 'round the bend
where He awaits
to enter in
Your waiting heart
that still beats fast
to save your soul
and life of worth
And He Himself
will show His Face
and welcome you
to Heaven.
OCTOBER 2016 WORSHIP
PARTICIPANTS
October Worship Leader: Alex Lynch
Special Music
October 2—Martha Buxton
October 9—Jim Plummer
October 16—Carmen Hall
October 23—Laurie Johnson
October 30—Lora Lynch/Children’s Choir
Children’s Chat
October 2—Pastor Leigh
October 9—Judy Brown
October 16—Linda Marshall
October 23—Janice Cook
October 30—
Worship Nursery
October 2—Joan LeBelle & Alex Lynch
October 9—Ann LeBelle & Lora Lynch
October 16—Lois Wilk & Makayla Lawrence
October 23—Janice Cook & Brian Lynch
October 30—Linda Marshall & Alex Lynch
Counters
October 2—Janet Picard & Janice Cook
October 9—Judy Brown
October 16—Cheryl Greene & Justin Marshall
October 23—Roy Brown & Ann LeBelle
October 30—Janet Picard & Janice Cook
LUNCH ON THE SQUARE OCTOBER 23
Team: Jim & Steve
Helper: Brian
Please continue to update the
Church Master Schedule.
Dylan Smith—2nd
Melissa Caswell—10th
Roland Davide—11th
BeckyTelles—20th
Shawn Davide—21st
Alana Asan—26th
Maybel Dreyer—26th
Makayla Doyle—28th
Matt & Dawn Sanders—15th
Duane & Michelle Burnham—22nd
Lucien & Linda Martin—22nd
6
The History of Phenix Baptist Church (Cont.)
In 1852 a fine parsonage was erected on the lower end of Fairview Avenue for the current Pastor. This building was financed in the same manner as the Highland Street meeting House, namely some donations in cash
and stock being issued to members who collected interest. As the years passed most if not all of the stock
subsequently became the property of the church by gift or purchase. During 1842 there were 151 baptisms,
and Rev Brayton continued to work for the church not just in Phenix alone but in the surrounding villages as
well. There is hardly a Baptist church in the surrounding area that does not owe its beginning to him. The
Quinick Baptist Church had an old Bible with his signature on the fly leaf. After six years of ministering to the
people of Phenix and its neighbors, Rev. Brayton was forced to resign due to ill health. Because of intermittent absences due to health and because of his participation in other religious activities in the area, a certain
amount of discord crept into the church life. Old records show that some parishioners had their names removed from the church rolls (a very serious decision in those days), but time healed most of the dissatisfaction and there was an official “returning” of a great many of these people. Rev. Brayton did not take offence.
Though he served other churches in the state, he always kept in touch with Phenix. He lived a full and helpful
life. Three times he was Senator to the General Assembly from Warwick, fifteen years President of the Rhode
Island Baptist Convention. Rev. Brayton died June 24,1884 and is buried in the Lodowick Brayton Lot in
Providence Rhode Island.
The Rev. Jonathan Brayton
The meeting continued to grow and eventually the congregation decided the time had come to build themselves another new church. Before we continue with the events which took place next, it must be noted here
that the ladies of the church decided to underwrite the entire cost of all the furnishings that the meeting house
needed, and this they proudly accomplished. This included all the shades and curtains, candle stands and
candles, and all the chairs and other items of importance to the congregation. Many times throughout the History of the church we find the ladies of the congregation coming to the rescue with their time and money.
In 1859 the general consensus was that a new house was definitely needed. This is where Brother Spencer
comes into the picture again. He offered the church a parcel of land “which can be improved and become a
site of unsurpassed value” This statement contained just a bit of press-agentry, for this land of unsurpassed
value had water running under and through it for the next 118 years or more, creating some problems in the
process. One of the Articles in the local paper The Gleaner described the site “The hill“ (meaning the land
running up Fairview Avenue) from the river was covered with trees and bushes. Many laurels that looked
finely in blossom in spring were scattered over it as far westerly as the meeting house. There was no wall or
fence around and no building on any part of it. A very large hive of bees landed in an old hollow tree where
they remained till fall when the tree was cut down and split open and 80 pounds of honey taken. At the river’s
edge to the top of the hill were many large trees and beyond the area on what is now Maple Avenue was a
swamp which extended some distance south. A three-man committee went over all the pros and cons of trying to enlarge the meeting house and lot and secure another plot, whereon could be erected a new church.
Accordingly, the committee sold the buildings and lot to a Catholic Priest, Rev, Michael A. Wallace for
$1700.00 This I believe is now Saints Peter and Paul Church.
7
Praise and Thanksgiving
Congratulations to Nancy Briggs for paying off her 30 year mortgage!
Gratitude from Jim for spaghetti dinner and all stores that donated food
175 years for Phenix Baptist
Steve’s 65th birthday
Praise for MissionWorks
Prayer Concerns
Judy Pescito healing from surgery
Shyanne’s doctor appointments
Bill Lima for healing
Janice’s son & Nate
Steve’s brother and wife not feeling well
MissionWorks goes well
Those affected by recent shootings and bombings in U.S.
Zackary – pray for wisdom
Family coming to Lawrence home
People doing drugs in the woods behind my neighborhood
New pastor of Church of the Apostles
Continued prayers for Sarah
Finances of Phenix
Chuck Theroux whose cancer has spread to his lymph nodes; will need chemo and radiation
Upcoming Yard/Rummage Sale
Marie Andrade - melanoma
Jen who had surgery 3 weeks ago and cannot eat
Deb that she may have peace
Those suffering with depression and anxiety
Helen Brown and family
Shepherd’s Table hoping to start up again
Cassandra who lost both parents tragically
Sister-medical issues
Angie-cancer
Cathy-cancer
Pat Lawton
Marie Holland
Young niece-ACI
Al Picard recovery from surgery
Slinko Family
Pastor Leigh stress and financial difficulties
Hildigard Hardy who has brain cancer
8
October 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
10:00
Music
Ministry
Meeting
2
9:00 Prayer time
9:30 Sunday School
10:30 Prayer time
11:00 Worship
3
6:00-9:00 PM
South Pointe Mtgs
9
9:00 Prayer time
9:30 Sunday School
10:30 Prayer time
11:00 Worship
10
4
6:30 Bible
Study
Girl Scouts
(5-8 PM)
COLUMBUS
DAY
Church Office
Closed
11
6:30 Bible
Study
Girl Scouts
(5-8 PM)
5
10:00 PBC
Study Group
6:00 Midweek
Worship Service
6:30-8:00 PM
Yard Sale Drop
Off/Set Up
7:00 Deacons
6
6:30 Knit &
Crochet
Group
6:30-8:00 PM
Yard Sale Drop
Off/Set Up
7
8
8:00 AM—
1:00 PM
PBC Yard/
Rummage
Sale
12
10:00 PBC
Study Group
6:00 Midweek
Worship Service
13
6:00—7:30 PM
Daisy Girl
Scouts
6:30 Knit &
Crochet
Group
14
15
19
10:00 PBC
Study Group
6:00 Midweek
Worship Service
20
6:30 Knit &
Crochet
Group
21
6:00-9:00 PM
South Pointe Mtgs
16
9:00 Prayer time
9:30 Sunday School
10:30 Prayer time
11:00 Worship
12:30 Business
Meeting
17
6:00-9:00 PM
South Pointe Mtgs
6:30 Christian Ed
23
9:00 Prayer time
9:30 Sunday School
10:30 Prayer time
11:00 Worship
12:30 FREE Lunch
Distribution
24
6:00-9:00 PM
South Pointe Mtgs
30
31
6:00-9:00 PM
South Pointe Mtgs
LAITY SUNDAY
9:00 Prayer time
9:30 Sunday School
10:30 Prayer time
11:00 Worship
18
6:30 Bible
Study
Girl Scouts
(5-8 PM)
25
6:30 Bible
Study
Girl Scouts
(5-8 PM)
BUILDER
DEADLINE
26
10:00 PBC
Study Group
6:00 Midweek
Worship Service
7:00 ABW
27
6:00—7:30 PM
Daisy Girl
Scouts
6:30 Knit &
Crochet
Group
MISSIONWORKS
Double Tree/Hilton
Leominster,
Massachusetts
22
6:30 PBC
Game Night
TOGETHER
CONFERENCE
Luis Palau
Vet Memorial Auditorium &
Sanctuary Church Prov RI
28
6:30 PM
CHRISTIAN
ED FALL
EVENT
Frosty Drew
Observatory
& Sky Theatre/Celebrate
Astronomy
and
Halloween
29
9
Phenix Baptist Church
2 Fairview Avenue
West Warwick, RI 02893-4404
Do Not Forward
Address Service Requested
Return Postage Guaranteed
October 2016
Phenix Baptist Church Purpose
We are called by God to tell everyone about Jesus.
We invite you into a personal relationship with Him and into our community of
changed lives where we support each other, praise God together, and share our gifts in love.