update - West Shore Baptist Church

WEST SHORE BAPTIST CHURCH
UPDATE
West Shore Baptist Church ▪ 2025 Market Street ▪ Camp Hill, PA 17011 ▪ (717) 761-0942
Love at First Sight?
Is there such a thing as
“love at first sight?” … Maybe
someone somewhere has experienced “love at first sight.”
But I think most of us have not.
Most of us tend to be more
careful when it comes to love.
We know that love takes time.
We know that real love is patient and kind, not demanding,
From the Pastor
but giving and forgiving. Love
grows gradually. It may begin
From Disney’s “Frozen”
with an initial attraction and
interest, but there has to be a lot of listening and learning along the way.
If you’ve ever been in love, do you recall some of those early days
when you and that special someone were first getting acquainted? Were there
fun times and funny moments? May I offer an example of what I mean?
I met my wife, Esther, in October 1978. We were both studying at
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Esther was in her first year of a master of arts in theological studies program in Christian social ethics. She lived
and worked near the seminary campus. I was in my second year of master of
divinity studies, with an urban ministry and pastoral counseling emphasis,
while living and working in Boston. One evening in late October, mutual
friends invited us to dinner at their home in South Hamilton, about 25 miles
north of Boston.
Wanting to return the favor, I invited these friends and Esther to my
inner-city apartment in Boston a month later, in late November. That occasion
serves as the first, last, and only dinner that I’ve ever attempted. The fact is, I
don’t know how to cook. I didn’t know then. And, honestly, 37½ years later,
I still don’t.
But that night, throwing caution and common sense to the wind, I
kicked out the two guys with whom I shared this apartment—both of whom
cooked—and I tried to create a never-to-be-forgotten Italian dinner. My goal
was to prepare and serve two out-of-the-box Appian Way pizzas with canned
tomato paste, bacon bits, onion and green pepper toppings, along with what I
thought was a very special dessert of “Stop and Shop” brand duplex sandwich
cookies, vanilla ice cream, and strong coffee.
(continued on page 2)
A U G U S T 2 0 16
N E W S LE T T E R
I N SI D E T HI S IS S UE :
The Pastor’s
Message
1
A Message from the
Diaconate
4
From the Mission
Board
5
Birthdays and
Anniversaries
6
Childcare
Schedule
6
Happenings and
Highlights
7
From the Christian
Education Board
8
Calendar of Events
11
Vacation Bible
School
Friday, August 12
Saturday, August 13
Sunday, August 14
(Details on page 8)
Sunday, July 31
Sunday, August 14
(Details on page 3)
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A U G US T 2016
Love at First Sight? (continued from page 1)
To this day, Esther calls Appian Way pizza,
Ape-ian Way and looks at me shaking her head.
I counter by claiming that it’s in the only pizza
in the Bible: “The brothers in Rome had heard
we were coming and came to meet us at the
Forum on the Appian Way. Others joined us at
The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he
thanked God and took courage” (Acts 28:15,
LB). Actually the Appian Way was a small
town some 40 miles from Rome.
Its main claim to fame was its
wickedness — sort of like my
pizza — hard and crusty.
interviewed over 400 couples, all of whom were
married for 40+ years.
They found that in the strongest marriages
couples reported:
“My partner is my best
friend. We can talk about anything. We like to
spend time together. We enjoy each other’s
company. We share similar values and interests.”
Since God is the Creator of both love and
faith, it will come as no surprise that some of the
same factors that help our friendships to grow
are the factors that will help our faith to grow.
What’s the first step that most people use to
If you’ve ever been in
get to know one another? There’s a lot of listenlove, you likely have your
ing and learning. Even in this day of Instagram,
own funny stories. But is
Snapchat, and Twitter, to begin a friendship and
there such a thing as “love at
to grow in friendship there needs to be a lot of
first sight?” Definitely in
sharing. There needs to be a great deal of
romantic Disney movies, Hollywood block- listening and learning about the other person’s
busters, and Broadway musicals. But in real interests, hopes, dreams, and life stories—
life, not so much.
including those goofy, embarrassing, and awkward moments.
eal love takes time. Real love grows over
R
time and usually begins with friendship,
caring, sharing, serving, giving, and forgiving.
Not surprisingly, that’s the way we grow to
know and trust God, as well. We can learn His
story and discover His heart as we spend time
every day in reading and studying His Word.
We can share our adoration and apologies, our
hearts, hurts and hopes, our gratitude and love in
daily times of prayer. More than your BFF on
Facebook, God longs to hear from you each day,
throughout the day.
As Christians we know that real love is modeled and mirrored most perfectly by God—our
Heavenly Father, His Son our Savior Jesus, and
by the Holy Spirit. If we want our love to grow,
we will do well to take our cues from God and
His Word. Otherwise we risk embracing this
Just as God wants us to pray and tell Him
world and its values, and we’ll only fool ourwhat’s
on our hearts and minds, God wants our
selves when it comes to things like love.
hearts and minds to be informed and directed by
What creates closeness and intimacy in fami- His truth. God wants us to read, study, and
lies and friendships? Strong connection and apply His Word every day. The Bible tells us,
closeness require acceptance, caring, valuing the
other, sharing one’s hopes and fears, sharing “Consequently, faith comes by hearing the
message, and the message is heard through the
one’s dreams and desires, openly and honestly.
word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
Many years ago Drs. Robert and Jeanette
Toward that end, please accept my invitation
Lauer engaged in extensive longitudinal research
to
a
special two-hour workshop in early August
studies, examining what makes for close and
dedicated
to helping each of us strengthen our
caring relationship in long-term marriage. They
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A U G US T 2016
Love at First Sight? (continued from page 2)
Bible study and prayer life. “Developing Spiritual Maturity” will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00
p.m. on Sunday, August 7, in G-1 in the education building. Just as our children will be growing to know and love the Lord the following
weekend during their Vacation Bible School
adventure, I encourage you to register for this
workshop on your bulletin insert at Sunday worship, or you may phone the church office at 717761-0942. Invest two hours and I promise that
your Bible study and prayer life will greatly benefit as a result.
To grow in friendship with one another, we
need to listen to and learn from one another.
To grow in friendship with God and faith in God,
we need to listen to and learn from God by daily
reading and reflecting on a passage from His
Word. We also need to talk with God, bringing
our praise and thanks, our joys and concerns, our
hopes and hurts to Him in prayer.
Listening and learning. Sharing and savoring. It’s so basic and simple. It’s not “love at
first sight,” but sometimes a special friendship
will gradually grow. It may, in fact, deepen into
a life-changing, lifetime of love.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Gary Bruland
“Discovering Spiritual Maturity” Workshop
A “Discovering Spiritual Maturity” workshop for older youth and adults will be held
on Sunday, August 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in G-1. Register on your bulletin
insert, or speak with Pastor Gary.
ZÜxxà
Sunday, July 31
WSBC’s Associate Pastor candidate,
Greg Kabakjian, will be visiting us on
Sunday, July 31. There will be a short
moment of introduction at the beginning
of the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services
followed by a more open conversation at
a potluck luncheon at 11:45 a.m. in the
Fellowship Hall. Please help make him
feel welcome.
Candidate
Sunday, August 14
10:00 a.m.
Sanctuary
There will be a special Congregational
Meeting on Sunday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m.
in the Sanctuary. At this time the congregation
will vote on calling the Associate Pastor Candidate, Greg Kabakjian, as WSBC’s new Associate Pastor for the period of September 1, 2016,
through August 31, 2017, and renewable annually thereafter. Please keep this decision in
prayer.
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A U G US T 2016
A Message From the Diaconate
ByIdaRhone
AreYou“TakingUptheCross”?
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘If anyone
would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow
me’”(Mark8:34).
What does it mean to “take up the cross”? Taking up the cross or cross-bearing
involvesself-denial.Thatis,Inolongermakemyselfthemainfocusofmylife.InsteadI
seektolivealifethatismorefully-dedicateduntoJesus.Cross-bearingalsoinvolvessacri"ice.Thatis,I
willinglyofferJesusmytime,abilities,andresources.Howisitforyouthesedays?
It’stimewetakeupthecrossbyrenewingourselvesintheWord.It’stimeforusasachurchfamilyto
stand upfor the crossofChrist. We need to step out in faith. We can start with a personal check list.
Eachofusneedstoaskourselves,“Ismyspirituallifehealthy?”“Howismyspiritualgrowth?”“Hasmy
spirituallifeimprovedinrecentmonths?”Areyouexperiencingthatmoment-by-momentwalkwiththe
Lord?
AswelooktoGodtohelpourchurchgrow,asbelievers,wehavetohaveahealthyspirituallife.Then,
notonlywillwebeblessed,butthechurchwillbeblessedaswell.Wehavetocheckallpartsofourspiritual life: ourprayerlife,ourBiblereadingandstudy,ourworshipoftheLord,ourpersonaldevotions,
ourwitnessing,ourstewardship. As we check our list, we will learn where we really stand in our
walkwithChrist.Dowesaythingsareimpossible?Well,Jesushasanswersforeverythingwethinkare
impossibilities.
Reasonswesaythingsareimpossible Jesusanswerswhythingsarepossible
Loving God
Inviting Friends
Growing Together
Helping Others
Teaching Truth
“. . . let your good deeds
shine out for all to see, so
that everyone will praise
your heavenly Father.”
-Matthew 5:16, NLT
I’mtootired.
“I will give you rest.”
Nobody really loves me.
“I love you.”
I can’t go on.
“My grace is sufficient.”
I can’t figure things out.
“I will direct your steps.”
I can’t do it.
“You can do all things.”
I’m not able.
“I am able.”
It’s not worth it.
“It will be worth it.”
I can’t forgive myself.
“I forgive you.”
I can’t manage.
“I will supply all your needs.”
I’m afraid.
“I have not given you a spirit of fear.”
I’m always worried and frustrated.
“Cast all your cares on me.”
I’m not smart enough.
“I give you wisdom.”
I feel alone.
“I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Wecanbea“lighthouse”forothersintheseways:
•
•
•
•
Prayalways
ReadandstudyHisWord
Attendworshipandjoininonchurchactivities
Taketimeforpersonaldevotions
• Witnesstofamily,friends,andothers
• Be a good steward by giving our time, talents,
andtreasurestoglorifyGod
• Haveagoodattitudeandwatchwhatwesay
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A U G US T 2016
From the Mission Board
MISSION DAY
Sunday, September 25
The Mission Board is planning a special event program for
Sunday, September 25, 2016, which we are designating “Mission
Day.” The purpose is to familiarize all of us with the various missions
WSBC supports, as well as what ABCOPAD and ABC USA are doing
in this vital area. Although that may sound rather dry and uninteresting, we are planning two features to raise the excitement level. The
first is a mission speaker for both Sunday services. More information
on this speaker as the date draws near. The second is an international
potluck luncheon. We would like for everyone to bring an ethnic dish
which your family enjoys, whether it be a main course, a salad or side
dish, or a desert. We will provide beverages, and try to coordinate the
food offerings via the blue signup sheet starting in September. So start
thinking of a dish your family loves that is not “American.” Also, if
your family has some artifacts, souvenirs, or pictures/posters of a
country other than the U.S., please bring some of those to help decorate Fellowship Hall for this meal. The Mission Board will have displays for all the missions WSBC supports for your information and
enjoyment. We hope you enjoy the experience. Let’s have some fun!
The Bridge LIGHT Team School Supplies Collection
Once again, “The Bridge” LIGHT team is collecting donations of school supplies for
“The Bridge” food pantry in New Cumberland. These supplies will be given to school children in
need, and will be collected here at WSBC through Sunday, August 7. Supplies being collected
include 64-count crayons, scissors, 10-count markers, pencils, colored pencils, notebook paper, erasers,
backpacks, glue bottles, and glue sticks. The “Dollar Tree” stores have most of these supplies.
There is also a box for monetary donations on the table in the foyer. Thanks for your generosity.
“Together We Can Beat Hunger” Summer Food Drive
Mechanicsburg Store
A Fair Trade Retailer
Tent Sale!
August 26
Discounts of 50% - 75%
In June and July, we have collected 25 bags of food
for “The Bridge” food pantry. We have a couple more weeks
to go (until Sunday, August 14), so if you have not brought
your bag in yet, do it now. Canned or other non-perishable
food products are needed most during the summer months,
because kids are not in school, and thus not receiving a free school
lunch each week day. Be generous, fill your blue bag, and bring it to
the church Fellowship Hall (tables in the back) over the next few
weeks. Don’t have a bag? We’ve got plenty for you to use on the
tables in the Fellowship Hall. And thank you for your support!
Update on 2016 OGHS
A total of $6,048 has been given to our OGHS offering,
thus exceeding our goal of $6,000. Thank you for sharing!
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A U G US T 2016
Anniversaries:
1
3
6
14
19
22
23
25
27
31
Cameron & Ashley (Stine) Jennings
Dick &Brenda Webb
Charlie & Brigid Alford
Steven & Jayne Metz
Albie & Diana Thompson
Milan & Cheryl Vulich
Ken & Carol Saltzer
Fred & Dottie Lebo
Roland & Monica Carpenter
Al & Carol Sweigard
Ken & Bev Whitcomb
H. Art & Suzanne Nixon
Birthdays:
2
3
6
10
11
12
18
20
21
24
25
27
28
29
Charles Bihl
Judy Maurer
Robert Phillips
Peter Bruland
Carol Sweigard
Will Thompson
Deena Kennedy
Rev. Betty Norford
Odette Hoffman
Fred Lebo
Gary Dambach
Josh Kowalczyk
Albie Thompson
Cal Stevens
Moses Torchilo
Emily Foster
Jesse Barth
Sheri Connor
Childcare Schedule
DATE
NURSERY
9:00 AM
NURSERY
10:30 AM
August 7
Kim Mankey
Rose Sleboda
Linda Fleming
Lisa Fleming
August 14
Ida Rhone
Rose Sleboda
Dawn Strock
Gayle Campbell
August 21
Jayne Metz
Patty McCown
Edie Kennerly
Kristin Born
August 28
Cheryl Montgomery
Judy Brouse
Becky Gentzler
Mary Hartman
Note: Scheduled nursery workers and children’s Sunday School teachers are asked to arrive in their
designated rooms 10 minutes ahead of schedule. If you are unable to make your assigned Sunday, please
attempt to switch with another volunteer and let the church office know. Contact Dawn Strock, at 796-9257,
if you are unable to meet your obligation.
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A U G US T 2016
Happenings and Highlights
Wednesday, August 31
MEETINGS
7:00—8:00 p.m.
Faith In Action
The Faith in Action LIGHT Team will
meet on Tuesday, August 2, at 9:00
a.m. to do general building and grounds
maintenance. If you would like to join them,
contact Ken Whitcomb at (717) 732-0348.
Deadline for September UPDATE
Advisory Council Meeting
The deadline for the submission of articles
and
announcements for the September UPDATE
The Advisory Council will meet on
is Monday, August 22. You may
Tuesday, August 2, at 6:30 p.m. in Room G-2.
forward your input to Bonnie Prior
Missions Board Meeting
via hard copy or by email to
The Missions Board will meet on Monday, [email protected].
August 8, at 6:30 p.m. in Room G-1.
Board of Christian Education Meeting
The Board of Christian Education will meet on
Tuesday, August 16, at 6:30 p.m. in G-2.
Board of Trustees Meeting
The Board of Trustees will not meet in the
month of August.
Diaconate Board Meeting
The Diaconate Board will not meet in the
month of August.
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship
The next meeting of the Men’s Breakfast Fellowship will be at 8:00 a.m. on
Saturday, August 20, at
Bob Evans on Sheraton
Drive in New Cumberland.
All men are invited!
Ladies Breakfast Fellowship
The next meeting of the Women’s Breakfast
Fellowship will be at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday,
August 20, at the Cracker Barrel in the Susquehanna Shoppes (Progress Ave.
exit off of Rt. 81 N). All women
are invited! Please sign up on your
bulletin insert.
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A U G US T 2016
From the Christian Education Board
VBS Weekend at WSBC!
Hey kids, mark your calendars for VBS at WSBC in August. We will be focusing on Egypt
and how God used this land to shape many notable Biblical characters. The Christian Education
Board has set the following dates and times:
Friday, August 12 – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Dinner and Movie Night
Saturday, August 13 – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Games & Activities
Sunday, August 14 – 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Join us on Sunday morning for additional Egypt-based activities
and food.
Parents, please fill out a registration form for your child and return it to the church office
by Sunday, August 7.
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A U G US T 2016
From the Christian Education Board
Youth Trip to
“Root’s Country
Market” in
Manheim, PA
Tuesday,
July 13, 2016
Pictured left to right: Milan Vulich, Anna
Carr, Jena Myers, Madeline Waring, and
Micah Waring.
Have pictures from this summer’s
WSBC group events that you’d like to
share? Send your pictures for inclusion
in the next UPDATE newsletter to
[email protected] or bring them to the
church office.
Pictured left to right: Ida Rhone, Anna Carr,
Madeline Waring, Micah Waring, Jena Myers,
and Milan Vulich
Pray for educators, children, and their
parents as a new school year begins!
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A U G US T 2016
Coming to the Harrisburg Capitol
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Noon—1:00 p.m.
“We have a responsibility as the church to be salt and light in the world. We
are to speak the truth of God’s Word to a society whose spiritual and moral foundation
is crumbling at an alarming rate. The only hope for our nation is for us to pray, seek
His face, and stand firm on the Word.
Through the Decision America Tour, we’ll be visiting your state capital to challenge Christians to boldly live out their faith and pray fervently for our nation. Will you
join us in the effort?”
Franklin Graham
A U G US T 2016
August 2016
Calendar of Events
P AGE 1 1
West Shore Baptist Church
seeks to be a
L.I.G.H.T. to our Community by
...
Loving God in celebrative worship in order to magnify His wonderful name
Inviting Friends and sharing a caring witness as part of our life missio n
Growing Together in uplifting fellowship encouraging faith and church me m be rship
Helping Others and empowering growing disciples to engage in God-shaped m inistry
Teaching Truth and equipping disciples to develop Christ-like spiritual maturity
West Shore Baptist Church
2025 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
SUNDAY SERVICES:
Traditional Worship — 9:00 AM
Christian Education Hour— 9:00 AM
Fellowship Time―10:00 AM
LifeHouse Worship — 10:30 AM
Christian Education Hour— 10:30 AM
We’re on the web!
Visit: www.wsbc.org