Pastor Rev. Linda A. Pepe 19 West Main Street Moorestown, NJ

Pastor Rev. Linda A. Pepe
19 West Main Street
Moorestown, NJ 08057-2429
The FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of MOORESTOWN
A Welcoming and Affirming American Baptist Church
The mission of The First Baptist Church of Moorestown is to be an open, joyful, and seeking community of faith whose people
experience the transforming grace and power of Jesus Christ. As we worship, study God’s Word, and reflect on the world around
us, we trust God to lead us into wholeness in all relationships and into ministries of justice and compassion.
November, 2013
In our Wednesday evening Bible study we have been exploring the Gospel of John. This amazing work was
written to a joyful community of faithful believers who gathered regularly for worship; to pray, to read, to sing,
and even dramatically reenact some of our favorite New Testament stories. It reminds me of our community of
faith at FBCM.
In our study of chapter one, we looked at the gathering of the first disciples. Brothers Andrew and Peter were
originally disciples of John the Baptist. So one day, when the three of them (Andrew, Peter and John the
Baptist), were "standing around," Jesus walked by. John the Baptist said to the brothers, "Look, here is the
Lamb of God!" Andrew and Peter then began to follow Jesus.
Those few verses have really made me think. Do we notice when the Lamb of God is walking by? If so,
how do we announce his presence to those around us?
Our lives are so filled with doing; most of us move from one task to the next without giving Jesus much
thought, much less looking for him. We wake, eat, work , shop, clean, pay bills, do homework, go to practice,
go to church meetings, tuck the kids in and sometimes work some more! Often when we take some down time,
or "standing around" time, we do something to "take our mind off everything," or "veg out." And while I am the
first one to admit that I escape with a movie now and then, I wonder about how much time I spend running
and/or “vegging,” as opposed to searching for the Christ.
One of the reasons John the Baptist could recognize Jesus so easily is that he knew what to look for! He had
spent most of his life getting to know the scriptures, praying, fasting and most of all searching. So when Jesus
showed up, John knew he was the "Lamb of God."
Let me encourage you this month, especially as we focus on stewardship and giving, to spend some time
searching for Christ. That may mean spending some time every day reading the scriptures and praying; may
mean diverting some of your attention away from tasks and from “vegging.” (And isn't that a form of fasting?)
But in taking the time to get to know the mind of Christ, we enable ourselves to spot him when he “walks by;”
and more importantly, to be able to point others to the Lamb of God.
Peace,
Pastor Linda
CHURCH LIFE – Activities Within the Church
ACTIVITIES
American Baptist Women’s Ministries – Third Thursday of each month at 10:30 am in the Meeting Room
Bible Study on John – Wednesdays at 7:15 in the Meeting Room.
Book Group – Last Sunday of each month at 11:30 am in Room 5
Brown Bag Bible Study – Tuesdays at noon in the Meeting Room
Choir – Every Thursday at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary
Contemplative Prayer – Every Wednesday at 6:15 pm in Room 6
Film Night – Third Friday of each month. Pot-luck at 6 pm and movie at 7 pm.
Issues & Actions – Third Tuesday of each month, with some exceptions, at 7 pm in the Meeting Room
Shawl Ministry – The last Monday of each month at 6:30 in the Lounge
BOARDS
Board of Christian Education – Second Sunday of each month after worship
Diaconate Board – First Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the lounge
Executive Board – Second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm
Board of Outreach and Relationships – Last Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the lounge
Board of Trustees – First Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the lounge except for holidays (2nd Mon.)
Worship Ministry Team – Third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm
UPCOMING MEETINGS IN SEPTEMBER
The Board of Christian Education will meet on Sunday, November 10.
The Diaconate will meet on Tuesday, November 5 at 7 pm.
The Executive Board will meet on Tuesday, November 12 at 6:00 pm.
The Board of Outreach and Relationships will not meet in November.
The Trustees will meet on Tuesday, November 5 at 7:00 pm.
Worship Ministry Team- Our next meeting will be announced.
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
KEY
1
Candlelight
Night – Hosting
Non-profits 6-9p
HOLIDAYS
SPECIAL EVENTS
CHURCH MEETINGS
SPECIAL CLASSES
GROUPS
MOORESTOWN EVENTS
3
*FBC 9-1:30
4
5
-Brown Bag
Bible Study 12
-Trust. 7 pm
-Diacon. 7pm
10
*FBC 9-1:30
11
-Christ Ed.
Mtg. 11:30
17
18
*FBC 9-1:30
-Transgender
Day of Remembrance at
Unitrn. Church
(Pastor Pepe
Participating)
24
25
*FBC 9-1:30
*Shawl Ministry
-Thanksgiving 6:30
Sunday
-Feed Others
Fri
12
-Brown Bag
Bible Study 12
-Executive
Board Mtg. 6
19
-Brown Bag
Bible Study 12
-Issues &
Actions 7 pm
6
-Contemp. 6:15
-Bible Study on
John 7:15
8
9
-Aux. Christmas
Bazaar 10-2
Riverview
Estates
14
-FBC Choir
7:30
-LGBT Team 8
15
-Film Night
“The Station
Agent” 6 pm
16
20
21
-Contemp. 6:15 -ABW 10:30
22
23
29
30
-Bible Study on -FBC Choir 7:30
John 7:15
-
26
27
-Brown Bag Bible -Contemp. 6:15
Study 12
-Bible Study on
MINISTERIUM John 7:15
THANKSGIVING
7 PM
2
7
-FBC Choir
7:30
-Bible Study on
John 7:15
13
-Contemp. 6:15
Sat
28
OFFICE
CLOSED
BIRTHDAYS
NOVEMBER
2 – Juli LaRosa, 3 – Julia Magistrelli, 7 – Brian Quimby, Meghan Simpson, 9 – Jeff Dinsmore, 12 – Bob Fox,
13 – Ray Perry, Ed Harris, 16 – Peter Simpson, 19 – Elaine Mallon, 21 – Elaine Dalrymple, Andy Gillespie,
Megan English, 24 – Harry Rudderow, 26 – Steve Eson, Judi Roszek, 27 – Matthew LaRosa, 28 – Amber
Vandegrift
DECEMBER
3 – Michelle Hairston, 4 – Lois Dinsmore, Jay Hairston, 5 – Janet Khanlian, 15 – Dan Hall, 16 – Melissa
Landis, Charles Murray Krebs, 20 – Evan Hairston, 22 – Roger Quimby, 23 – Daniel Rinehart, 24 – Robert
Adams, 25 – Priscilla Dawson, 26 - Kaya Strother, 27 – Alisa Thiede, 29 – Patty Guignard
READERS, GREETERS, REFRESHMENTS & FLOWERS
Please sign up in the black book that is on the table in the lounge. The 2013 Flower Calendar has many dates available
during the year. The cost of flowers is $36 per week.
NOVEMBER
Coffee
Flowers
Readers
11/3 Claire Garner, Lorene Moore 11/3 Todd & Tami Moreland 11/3
11/10 John & Lois Dinsmore
11/10 OPEN
11/10
11/17 Ray & Joanie Perry
11/17 Bev Bennett
11/17
11/24 Apostles Class
11/24 Neva Roszek
11/24
OPEN
Neva Roszek
Neva Roszek
Jen Bradley
Greeters
11/3 Jen Bradley
11/10 Dana Thiede
11/17 OPEN
11/24 OPEN
Please pray regularly for these church family members who can’t be with us:
Betty Corson, Ruth Dinsmore, Bill LeConey, Ruth Reigens
PRAYER CONCERNS – We have four ways to ensure that we communicate
additions, updates and removals of prayer concerns as a congregation.
Please advise if you desire limited communication.
1. Send e-mail – to [email protected] with your prayer request.
2. Pew Prayer Card – Use the card in the pews and put it in the offering plate.
3. Foyer Prayer Clip Board – Add your request for sharing by the Pastor.
4. Telephone – Call the office at (856)235-1180 and share your prayer requests.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advent Book – Please submit to Charlotte Gillespie or the church office your Advent Book submissions.
Stories, pictures, poems, and reflections about Christmas are welcome. Please submit them by November 17.
American Baptist Women’s Ministries will be meeting on Thursday, November 21, at 10:30 in the
Meeting Room. All women are invited to join us.
The Auxiliary of the Baptist Home of South Jersey will have their monthly meeting on Tuesday,
November 5, after a sale scheduled for 10 to 12 noon. Please join us in this “Mission of Love.”
The Auxiliary Christmas Bazaar, hosted by the Auxiliary of the Baptist Home of South Jersey, is
scheduled for Saturday, November 9, from 10 am to 2 pm. Items for sale will include Christmas décor and
cards as well as RADA cutlery, jewelry, clothing, linens, attic treasures, crafts, home-baked goods and much
more. Please take this opportunity to visit some of our church family and show your support of Riverview
Estates
Bible Study on John meets Wednesdays at 7:15 pm in Room 6.
The Book Group - On December 1, we will meet to discuss “Without Tim” by Lisa Schenke. Upcoming
books include “Defending Jacob” by William Landay (January 26), “Light Between Oceans” by M. L. Stedman
(February) and “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes (March).
Brown Bag Bible Study meets on Tuesdays for lunch at 12 noon, followed by Bible Study.
FBCM Christmas Bazaar and Flea Market on December 7, (9 am to 3 pm)
The Board of Christian Education is inviting everyone to participate in a Christmas Bazaar and Flea Market to
benefit our Youth Ministry Program. Starting December 3, donations of Christmas and other items may be
placed in Room 3 here at the church. This is the same day as the holiday parade – so come and join us for
shopping and a great seat to see Santa – and help us raise money for our growing Youth Ministry Program.
We invite members and friends of our congregation to sell their arts and crafts
during this Christmas season event.
For more information, contact the church office at 856-235-1180 or Carol Murray 609-519-3764. If you would
like to make a financial contribution to the Youth Ministry Program, please see a member of the Board of
Christian Education (Carol Murray, Barb Quimby, Alex Perry, Lauren Romano and Betty Taylor).
A Christmas Recovery Worship Service is scheduled for Saturday, December 21 at 7 pm. This is
especially for those dealing with or impacted by addictions. Pamphlets are available for distribution and to
share with those who are interested. Childcare will be provided.
Circle of 12 - We are planning an August 2014 Group Trip. If you’re interested in a life changing experience,
reach out to me. I need 20 people, ages 16 plus. Teachers, Medical Professionals, people who speak Spanish,
read braille or know universal sign language.
Contemplative Prayer is now meeting on Wednesday nights at 6:15 pm in Room 6.
Film Night, Friday, November 15 – Please join us for fun and fellowship at 6:00 pm for pot-luck dinner
and a movie at 7:00 pm which will be followed by discussion and dessert. This month, we will see “The Station
Agent”. Synopsis: When his only friend dies, a man born with dwarfism moves
to rural New Jersey to live a life of solitude, only to meet a chatty hot dog vendor
and a woman dealing with her own personal loss.
The GARDEN STATE CHORALE-The Annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 7, 2013
On Saturday December 7th, the Garden State Chorale will be presenting its annual holiday concert: "The
Magic of Christmas". This year’s program features a wide variety of traditional and contemporary choral
music, both sacred and secular, including some interesting new arrangements of carols and other holiday
favorites---all of which are designed to get you in the spirit of the season! Performances will take place at 2:00
and 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church on Route 70 in Cherry Hill (just adjacent to Ponzio’s
restaurant).
The Garden State Chorale includes singers from throughout South Jersey and is under the direction of
Robert Frederick of Lindenwold and accompanied by Paul Paulson of Cherry Hill. The group rehearses each
week at First Baptist Church of Moorestown and its members include our own Joanie Perry, alto; Ray Perry,
tenor; and John Khanlian, bass.
Proceeds from the concert help fund the Chorale’s annual scholarship program, which awards a $2000
scholarship to a South Jersey high school senior pursuing his/her college education in vocal music studies.
Tickets at reduced advanced-sale donation prices of $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $6 for students can be
obtained by contacting John or Ray & Joanie. For more information about the group, and for driving
directions, please visit the Chorale’s website: www.gschorale.org. To view a musical video clip ("Variations on
Jingle Bells") from a previous GSC holiday concert, go to: http://youtu.be/9M5jeLP4EGY
Hanging of the Greens Service, Church Decorating, and Lunch - During this year’s Advent
season, the Board of Christian Education is working in conjunction with the Worship Ministry Team to develop
our first Hanging of the Greens Service. This new service, which will take place on Sunday, December 1st,
will include appropriate scripture readings, litanies and poetry intermingled with anthems and carols, resulting
in a service of worship and wonder. During this service, all congregants will begin placing Christmas
decorations around the sanctuary. It will be a service of joy, excitement and preparation for Advent.
Decorating the Lounge Christmas Tree and Lunch will follow the service. After a quick lunch break, we will
continue to make our church building ready for the Advent Season. Come join us for a time of enjoyment and
wonder in anticipation of Christ’s birth.
Issues and Actions “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” James 2:17 We are a group that looks at
what is going on in the world and our communities and finds ways to put our faith into action. Our next
meeting will be on Tuesday, November 19 at 7 pm. Contact Jennifer Bradley (609-714-2860) or Dana Thiede
(856-235-2144) for more information.
The LGBT Ministry Team meets on selected Thursday nights at 8 pm in the Lounge. Scheduled meeting
dates include November 14 and December 12. All are welcome. For more information, please call Richard
Hinchman at (856) 304-1946.
News from MEND - Duffy School Senior Housing Project To Begin in Spring 2014
Florence Township is proud to announce that beginning in the spring of 2014, construction will begin on
converting the former Marcella L. Duffy School located on West Second Street into senior housing. Florence
Township has been working with Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development (MEND) and they were
recently awarded tax credits by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA). By the spring
of 2015, MEND will fully convert the Duffy school into a 53-unit development for affordable senior living. As
part of the overall conversion, MEND will add a three-story housing addition to compliment the site. The
building and addition will be ready for occupancy by mid to late spring 2015.
According to Mayor Craig Wilkie, “this senior affordable housing project preserves a part of the history and
fabric of Florence Township.” There was once a time when the Marcella L. Duffy School was used to educate
children and now it will be preserved for people who need senior housing. Florence Township commends
MEND and its partner, Conifer for its diligence and commitment to this very worthwhile community project.
Poinsettias - Order slips for poinsettias will be in bulletins starting on Sunday, November 17 and orders will
be taken through December 7. The 7 inch pots will provide about 10 blooms per pot and will be available in
either red or white. The cost will be $12.00 per pot.
The Prayer Shawl Group has been making white shawls for people who are being baptized in services in
our church. At the moment we are running low on white yarn. If any of you have some extra white yarn in your
stash that you would like to donate to the group, we would be happy to accept it to make the baptism shawls.
Our next meeting will be on November 25 at 6:30 pm.
Ecumenical Community Thanksgiving Service, November 26 - Our church will be hosting the
Ministerium Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, November 26 at 7 pm. Please note that this is on a Tuesday
rather than on Wednesday as in the past. Ushers and Greeters are needed.
Please let Pastor Linda know if you are interested.
Transgender Remembrance Service - An interfaith service will be held at the Unitarian
Universalist Church in Cherry Hill on Sunday, November 17, at 3:30 pm. We especially invite the LGBTIQ
community, their families, friends, and ALLIES! Members of all faith traditions, who stand on the side of love
and respect for the inherent worth and dignity of all humans, are cordially invited. We will remember those
who have been murdered as a part of the grief process, address the very real fears that creates, and talk about
why must all speak up, say yes to life, and remember our commitments and love for ourselves and future
generations. Conversation, light refreshments and coffee before the service. Special music by Virago.
NEWS FROM THE BOARDS
Nursery caretaker needed - The position entails taking care of children from infants to 2 years old during
church service, from 9:45 until 12:00. Pay is $40 per week. Caretaker must agree to a background check.
Please call the church office if you or anyone you know is interested.
FOOD PANTRY
Please remember those who depend on our Food Pantry.
All those who come really do appreciate everything we offer
but items which we run out of quickly include meats,
cereals, fruit products and toiletries.
Thank You.
NEWS CONCERNING RIVERVIEW ESTATES
Fundraising Dinner!
Come join us on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 for a fun filled night at: Due Amici Italian Grill &
Catering, 2114 Branch Pike, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 (856-303-8828) www.DueAmiciNJ.com. Riverview
Estates receives 20% of all sales on that night from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. to benefit the Benevolent Care Fund.
Due Amici will be accepting reservation for any number of guests on that day for Riverview
Estates supporters. Reservation Times are: 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.,
and 8:30 p.m. You must present the voucher (available at www.riverviewestates.org) during
your meal. Thank you for your support!
CHURCH STAFF AND BOARD CHAIRPERSONS:
The Rev. Linda A. Pepe
Carol Muse, Minister of Music
David Wagner, Custodian
Lorene Moore, Executive Board Chair
Claire Garner, Diaconate
John Dinsmore, Trustees
Carol Murray, Christian Education
Barbara Quimby, Christian Education
Richard Hinchman, Outreach and Relationships
Jennifer Bradley, Youth Leader
Becky Weiford, Administrative Assistant
(856) 793-7649
(856) 985-1013
(856) 266-2932
(856) 235-3286
(856) 787-1667
(856) 234-6971
(856) 778-8353
(856) 778-2017
(856) 304-1946
(609) 714-2860
(856) 235-1180
OFFICE HOURS – Monday through Friday 9:30 – 2:30