Volume: LV Issue: 12 - First Baptist Church of Abington

First Baptist Church, 219 Adams Street, P.O. Box 25, Abington, MA 02351-0025
Phone: 781-878-2447
www.abingtonfbc.com
email: [email protected]
Volume LIV
In This Issue
•Prayer Needs
•Church News
•Annual Meeting
•Rosie’s Place
•End of Year Income
Updates
•Youth Group News
•Christmas Services
•New Year’s Eve events
•And more!
Special Points
of Interest
•Christmas Eve
Service 5:00 pm
•Christmas Day 1
service @11:00 am
No Sunday school
•New Year’s Eve
events begin at
8:30 pm
•New Year’s Day
Normal worship
schedule
•1/8/12 Church
Meeting for
membership @
10:45am
•1/26/12 Annual
Meeting @ 7:30 pm
December 20, 2011
Issue 12
A Gospel Saturated Christmas!
One of the trends in our increasingly secular culture is to replace the phrase “Merry
Christmas” with the more general: “Happy Holidays”. This is an effort (some say) to
respect the plurality of beliefs and backgrounds that make up our communities. Many
Christians feel offended and want to counter that thinking by reemphasizing saying
“Merry Christmas” to as many people as possible. I try to do that!
Just as important is the understanding of the Christmas message, particularly how
the gospel of Christ is underlying the reason for the season. Christ is Christmas, and as
much as all the surrounding events, traditions and activities mean to us, none of them
are (absolutely) necessary to “celebrate” the birth of Christ!
I believe that God wants to reach out to people at Christmas. This is a strategic and
emotional time for many people, who look forward to times with family and friends,
exchanging gifts, decorating and remembering the historical events of the Bible. They
may be looking for “more” to fill their hearts!
The message of Christmas is good news (The gospel means good news). This is a
great opportunity for us to reach out to friends, family and Church family. Our world
increasingly puts the gospel on the back burner of their lives or fails to comprehend the
glorious spiritual truths of Christ’s birth. The fact that God became a man, lived the
perfect (sinless) life and willingly gave up his life on the cross to set us free can easily be
either ignored or forgotten.
Its up to God’s people (The Church, This Church, Our Church!) to hold firm to that
message, communicate it in word and deed and strive to reach our potential in Christ for
the future! We are witnesses for Christ in this generation!
It is beautiful reflection of God, and an attractive community for others if we can
commit ourselves to building a Christ –centered, Gospel loving, Bible directed and
evangelistic people of God. The world is waiting to see what a Christ loving people,
community focused, mission oriented people of God can do to make a difference for
“the sake of the gospel”.
I am so glad that whatever the outward circumstances I face or observe in the
world around me, I can enjoy Jesus: The same, yesterday, today and forever! (Hebrews
13:8). As we begin a new year of ministry together for the glory of God let us be sure
that we love, understand, and want to communicate the gospel of Jesus which is
saturated in the Christmas narratives. The Angels announcement at Christmas is still our
marching orders for the future!
Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people-Luke 2:10
From my family to yours and from God’s Family,
Happy Birthday Jesus, we are so glad you came!
Volume LIV
December 20, 2011
Issue 12
“Yes, ask anything, using my name, and I will do it”
-John 14:14 Living Bible
Please email or call church office with updates weekly
Mandy (Marge Simon’s niece) praise as she has recently
become the legal guardian to a little boy and girl.
Ingrid Stoelting’s father is in the hospital.
Greg Simon, praise for upcoming job.
D’Angelo (Liz & Art Holbrook’s grandson) pray for continued
healing and pain relief after surgery on 12/9.
Dennis Olson (Hal Norton’s friend) prayers as he undergoes
chemo treatments.
Cameron Gregor, thank you to God for all of His creation.
Patricia, prayers for healing and strength.
Shayne (Sarah MacKinnon’s nephew) praise for good
progress! Waiting to see if he will need more treatment.
Other kids not doing as well, please continue to pray.
Barbara Profit, moved to living & rehab facility.
Horizons Living & Rehab Center, 29 Maurice Dr. Brunswick,
ME 04011
Carol Nadell Stygle (Dave Nadell’s sister) home from the
hospital but still suffering from complications. Pray the
doctors will determine what is wrong.
Deena Simon, recovering from knee surgery.
Ingrid Stoelting, interview for possible kidney transplant
went well. Now having more tests. 1120 East Davis Dr. Apt.
404, Terre Haute, IN 47802
Nominating Committee, please pray for their work.
Church Organist, the Lord’s direction as we look to fill this
position.
Continue to pray for: Wilbur Porter, Pete Austin, Kathy Gay,
Angel Estrada, Rev. Richard Seeley, Denis Childs, Brad
Prescott, Ed Vickers, Betty Belyea, Ingrid Stoelting’s parents,
Nancy Andrews, Mark Chirokas, Jackie, Charlie Yetman, Scott
McDauley, Nancy Murphy, Mary Grace, Ellie Diersch, Frank
Maguire, Grace Simmons, Howard Lawrence, Rose Vaughn,
Jessie, Nick Malfronte, Lorraine McCartin, Josh, Richard
Milligan, Joanne Noyes, Donna DiBlasi, Todd MacDonald,
Mary Dupont, Meredith Baker, Mike Weixler, Jim Eldredge,
Pearl Averell, Kathy Ferreira.
Shut Ins: Lucille Cullinan, Buddy Harriman, Grace Simmons,
Betty Belyea, Wilhemina Messier
Mission: The Way Up, Quincy
Local Ministries: Babies & Bigger Boutique
Military: Cliff Rogers & John Costantino
Organist
The church is now looking for a new organist. Please
inform the church office or the board of deacons if you
know of anyone who would like to fill in temporarily or
permanently. Thank you in advance for your prayers for
the Lord’s guidance as we look to fill this position.
Prayers of peace and comfort go out to Steve Foster and
family as his beloved wife Gail went to be with the Lord on
11/26.
Our love and prayers go out to the Poore family and our
entire church family as we mourn the loss of Bob Poore,
who passed away Dec. 19th. Pray for peace and comfort.
Prayers of comfort and strength for Jason Simmons and
family as his Aunt Merriam passed away.
Worship & Sunday School Attendance
Nov. 27:
9:30 Worship - 37
11:00 Worship – 65
Sunday School: N-HS – 43
Adults – 21
Staff – 17
Total – 81
Hanging of the Greens: 86 + Event participants
Dec. 4:
9:30 Worship - 33
11:00 Worship – 62
Sunday School: N-HS – 31
Adults – 20
Staff – 18
Total - 69
Dec. 11:
9:30 Worship - 37 11:00 Worship – 82
Sunday School: N-HS – 37
Adults – 22 Staff – 18
Total - 77
Dec. 18:
9:30 Worship – 36 11:00 Worship – 75
Sunday School: N-HS – 40
Adults - 22
Staff – 18
Total – 80
Church Office Deadlines:
The Baptist Visitor: All information should be in by the
Friday prior to print. Next Visitor print date, January24th.
Sunday Bulletin: All information should be in by Thursday
each week. Please submit information by email or on disc.
OFFICE HOURS: 9:15 -12:15 PM
PASTORS OFFICE HOURS:
Tue & Wed -9 am–12pm or by appointment,
[email protected]
Reminder note…please be sure the doors
inside the church are shut (except the
handicap bathroom door) and all exterior
doors are closed completely during these
winter months, especially, thank you!
Volume LIV
December 20, 2011
Annual Meeting
January 26, 2012 – 7:30pm
We will be holding the Annual Meeting of First Baptist
Church, Abington on January 26, 2012 at 7:30 PM at the
church. The primary purpose of the Annual Meeting is to
discuss / approve the church operating budget for FY
2012. We will be proposing a change to the by-laws to add
the Christian Children’s Center from a Committee to a
Board in order that they may become a member of the
Board of Directors. We will also discuss any other business
presented by the Moderator.
.. All Boards, Committees & Groups
Please take note that the deadline for annual reports is
Tuesday, Jan. 17th in order to be printed and ready for
Sunday Jan. 24th .
FROM THE BOARD OF DEACONS:
Due to limited resources in the Deacons’ Fund, fuel
assistance can only be provided once per season per family.
We will have a list of other resources for additional
assistance on the bulletin board.
One or two volunteers are needed
to help prepare the meal for Rosie’s
Place on Friday, Jan 13th, 2012. They
will work in the church kitchen from
about 2 till 4 PM.
If you would like to participate in this outreach project of
our church, contact Ellen Donaghy, 781 878 8622.
Issue 12
End Of Year Income Updates
The end of the year approaches. As responsible
stewards we should consider our church’s income status
to date. At the annual meeting last January we voted a
budget for 2011 based on an anticipated total income of
$234,020. Of that amount, $201,420 was pledged on
Commitment Sunday Dec. 5th, 2010. The remainder was
estimated based previous years’ receipts for; open
offering, special (Easter and Christmas) offerings,
property re-imbursements, etc. As of Dec 4th, the 49th
week of 2011, we are running at about 91% of the
prorated amount of anticipated income. That translates
into a $19,000 shortfall. Of course we still have 3 weeks
(including Christmas) to go. Let us pray that we will be
led to find a way to make up most of that shortage.
We are three weeks past Commitment Sunday for 2012.
Commitments continue to trickle in. Our status to date:
Commitment Details, to date (Dec 11)
Commitment Totals for 2012 2011 amounts are
shown for comparison
The 125th committee continues to gather pictures of the
church's history. Photos will be scanned and returned to
the donor. We will scan these through the end of the year.
The end result will be a video presentation made available
to the congregation. Mark’s cell: 508-265-1555
Our church can do great things when we all work
together. (Pew cushions, Handicap Lift, Handicap
Restroom, new Fire Alarm Panel, ceiling insulation……)
Sincere thanks for the generosity of those who have
stepped forward.
It is not too late to consider, (or re-consider) your
commitment to God’s work at First Baptist. Commitment
forms are available at the back of the Sanctuary. They
can be placed on the offering plate, handed to an usher,
or mailed to the church, c/o Financial Secretary.
Al Donaghy, Fin Sec.
We would like to extend a hearty “Thank You” to the many
folks that worked on the bathroom remodel.
Bradford Prescott (architectural drawings), Robert W.
Soper (carpenter, etc.), Robert P. Soper (building permit &
insurance), Albert Donaghy (electrical), Kenneth & Scott
Kristenson (plumbing), Mark Conover & Kent’s Carpetland
(LE), Larry McIver & Cornerstone Tile (tile & tile work),
Clayton & Barbara Stone (painting & clean up), David Hart
(smoke alarm) and Rod Henrikson.
Offering Envelopes
If you have not yet picked up your Offering Envelopes for
2012 they are available in the foyer near the back of the
Sanctuary. If there are none with your name and you
would like a set, fill out your name and address on a
commitment form and place it in the offering plate or
send to the Financial Secretary.
Photo Gallery
Volume LIV
Wed. Dec. 28
December 20, 2011
Jr. & Sr. High Trip to Boston Common 11:00 am
Frog Pond & Fanueil Hall
Thu. Dec. 29
Youth Group Bible Study
4:15 pm
**Please note that Bible study will now run from 4:15 – 5:45 pm**
Sun. Jan 1
New Year’s Day 2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
Month of January ~ Super Bowl Subs Fundraiser
Sun. Jan. 8
Jr & Sr High Strawberry Valley
Sledding or Regular Meeting
6:30 pm
Sun. Jan. 29
Jr & Sr High Regular Meeting
6:30 pm
We are very happy to have several new families
attending Sunday School classes this year. We are
missing some of our former attendees however!
There are classes for everyone from Nursery
through the oldest adults .
Come and join us this Sunday!
Please Join Us for
Christmas Services
Christmas Eve ~ 5:00 pm
Christmas Day
1 service at 11:00 am, no Sunday School
Save the Date! New Year’s Eve
Beginning at 8:30 pm we’ll have fellowship and refreshments.
Please bring either an appetizer or dessert to share.
We will then show the movie Courageous (PG-13).
There are certain thematic elements which make
the rating appropriate, so we encourage families
to keep young children home. Then between 11:30
pm – midnight we will have A Watch Night Communion Service.
Issue 12
Don’t take Christ out of
Christmas
By Sue Norton 12/5/2011
Almighty God of the universe
Provided us a Way
To enter into His presence
Through His Son born on Christmas Day.
Born in a stable, a humble birth
Yet, He was destined to be a King.
The announcement was made by angels
To shepherds, they would sing.
“Glory to God in the highest,
Peace on earth – Good will to men.”
A Savior, a Child, born today
In the Town of Bethlehem.
Everyone on earth can know Him
He wants to live in you
All you have to do is ask Him
He will make your life anew.
You can’t take Christ out of Christmas.
He is the best present you’ll ever receive.
He will love and guide you forever;
And all you have to do is believe.
Christmas isn’t a holiday
It is a celebration of the Saviors birth.
So happy birthday Jesus
Thank you for giving our soul it’s worth.
May Christ, whom we celebrate, be yours
this Christmas.
KidStuff and more! Coupon Savings Books are on sale now.
The book contains coupons for theaters, stores, restaurants and more!
Books cost $25 and the school earns 50% of the profit. To purchase a
book please see Kali Lyons, Rita Wing or see sign-up sheet in the
Welcome Center. Please make checks payable to CCC.
“If the trial were less, I would know
less of His power and sustaining love.”
~ Hudson Taylor
Submitted by Bob MacKinnon
Gift Tree
Thanks to all who gave to the Christmas
Gift Tree. Items will go to families being
helped by the Baby Room Ministry. Thank
you for your support.
DECEMBER 20, 2011
Vol. 28 - Issue 12
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. ~Psalm 59:15-17
Christmas Party fun
The Women’s Christmas party was hosted by
Laura Nadell on Dec. 15th. Those in attendance were:
Anne Manna, Krista Manna, Cyndi McNamara,
Marcia Whitmarsh, Debi Gregor, Sue Kanter, Michele
Collins, Marnie Hinckley, Sarah Nadell, Vernice
Kelley, Joy Corcoran and Linda Parrington.
There was time for fellowship, some nibbles, Love
Gift devotion, making cookie baskets for our
seniors/shut-ins and an update on White Cross.
As a special treat Laura gave out prizes for some
of the Christmas sweaters that women wore.
Thank you to everyone who
purchased dolls and cars for South
Providence Neighborhood Ministry.
The Women’s Fellowship also gave a
money donation in a gift card in
order to purchase the additional dolls and cars
needed to meet the quota.
In the next couple of months we will try to have a
couple of times to make the following items or you
might choose to make some on your own:
For Congo Hospitals:
Handwork (Directions available)
5 - OR Caps, 5 - OR Masks,
3 - 18” X 18” Wrappers,
1 package - 50 4” X 4” squares.
Optional for Disaster Relief:
Gift of the Heart Kits (Directions available)
Layettes, Health Kits & School Kits.
The Lord announces the word,
and the women who proclaim it
are a mighty throng:
Psalm 68:10-12
2
8
10
11
18
21
29
Joy Corcoran
Anne Manna
Heidi Collins
Alice Willis
Nancy Wilds
Noelle Walden
Ellen Donaghy
New Website for ABWM of MA
The time to De-stress is before
you are running yourself in circles.
Stress can make
us forget, get sick
and cause more
stress if we are not
careful.
I had to reminded
myself during the holidays to
take the time for some stress relief.
When you are stressed seek some
solitude, read the following scripture
and pray.
“Come to me, all you who are
weary and burdened, and I will give
you rest. Take my yoke upon you and
learn from me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will find rest
for your souls. For my yoke is easy
and my burden is light.” ~ Matthew
11:28-30
The Lord says, "Come unto
me"...meaning come now, don't tarry!
When you grow tired, weary,
exhausted, "come unto me" and "I will
give you rest"...He will give you a
'refreshing'...a calmness you will not
get anywhere, especially out in the
world. He made the lame to walk,
raised up the dead, made the blind to
see, and set the captive free - surely
GOD can relieve the STRESS.
State Project - ABWMinistries of MA
are on a mission. We committed to
raise $5,000 to support Christian
camping at Grotonwood & Oceanwood.
During the last several months the
Judson Cabins have been rebuilt, re-laid
floor decking, replaced water heaters,
renovated interior, new bathroom
fixtures & new flooring. Our money is
being put to good use. Please continue
to give to this vital ministry!!!
National Project
- Did you know
that this year the “Break the Chains”
project expanded? “Break the Chains
and Stop the Pain” is dedicated to
ending human trafficking and now
domestic violence against women and
children.
Between
2007-10,
ABWMinistries
raised
more
than
$482,000 to encourage new ministries
dedicated to ending sex trafficking in
the U.S. and in other countries.
www.abwmbreakthechains.org
http://www.abwmofma.org/
A Call to Prayer and Action
from ABWMinistries
American Baptists maintain historic
ties with Baptists in Burma; among them
are ethnic minority peoples who are
being targeted in acts of discrimination
and persecution by the Burma military.
They become displaced people fleeing
violence in their own country.
In June, 2011, the Burma military
renewed attacks against the Kachin
people of northern Burma. There are
now an estimated 30,000 Kachin living
in hiding in the jungles, in camps set up
by Kachin Baptist churches, or in the
borderlands of China.
Although the U.S. news is currently
reporting improvement in the situation in
Burma, and Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton's pending visit certainly offers
some small glimmer of hope, the reality
is that while U.S. and Burma are
engaged in diplomatic conversations,
the military continues to confiscate
property, burn entire villages, gang-rape
women, imprison and torture men, and
kill civilians.
We urge American Baptist women to
lead in prayer and action on behalf of
the peoples of Burma.
Beef Tagine
& Butternut Squash
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1-pound beef shoulder roast or petite
tender roast, trimmed & cut into 1” cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 shallots, quartered
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken
broth
1 14.5 oz can no-salt-added diced
tomatoes, undrained
3 cups 1” cubed peeled butternut squash
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium
bowl. Add beef; toss well to coat. Heat oil
in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add beef and shallots; cook 4 minutes or
until browned, stirring occasionally. Add
garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Stir in broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil.
Cook 5 minutes. Add squash; cover,
reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or
until squash is tender. Sprinkle with
cilantro.
Helpful Helen says. . .
What You Can Do
Pray for the people of Burma
Educate yourself on the situation in
Burma.
Google
"Human
Rights
Burma“,
Explore the relationship
between Burma and American Baptists
at:
http://www.abwministries.org/resources/
category.cfm?CategoryID=84
Contact your congresspersons & urge
continued attention to human rights
abuses in Burma and increased
pressure on the Burma government for
real
transformation.
Go
to:
www.uscampaignforburma.org
for
information about the UN Commission
of Inquiry into crimes against humanity
in Burma, and other advocacy efforts.
Use a wet cotton ball
or Q-tip to pick up
the small shards of
glass you can't see
easily.
Hate foggy windshields?
Buy a
chalkboard eraser and keep it in the
glove box of your car when the
windows fog, rub with the eraser!
Works better than a cloth!
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of
your slip and you will not have a
clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works
with slacks that cling when wearing
panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks
and ...TA DA Static is gone!