The Messenger - First Baptist Church

The Messenger
News From the First Baptist Church of Hightstown
September 2015
Serving and Inspiring the Hightstown Baptist Community since 1745!
“Seeing Through Heaven’s Eyes”
Pastor Bruce Wood
"When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a
shepherd. And he began to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34)
"When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick." (Matthew
14:14)
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has
forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:12-13)
The eyes of Heaven are the eyes of compassion. Since the Fall in the Garden, God has poured out His love, providence and compassion on us. As Jesus walked the dusty roads of the Judean countryside and the dirty streets of urban centers He was often filled with compassion for those who were lost, alone and afraid. Paul would also call the
early Christian communities to a life of compassion, kindness and humility. The Kingdom of God is filled with those
who look at the world around them with compassionate eyes.
A wise man of God named Leif Hetland taught me recently that we are not called to "treat people according to their
history, but according to their destiny." Every human soul's calling and destiny is to be healed and redeemed in Jesus
Christ. It is our call to share the love of the Father with a broken world lost and afraid in the darkness. The eyes of
compassion compel us to want to show others the way to the Father's love, safety and protection. The eyes of compassion compel us to introduce the people in our lives to the grace and mercy of a God whose very nature is love (1 John
4). The eyes of compassion compel us to warn our friends, family and neighbors of the dangers of sin, brokenness
and bondage. The eyes of compassion compel us to address the social ills of the society around us, compel us to turn
our eyes away from the filth in our culture while also turning our hearts toward those who propagate it.
Truly we are called to be ambassadors of compassion. We are called to rescue the sinner from their sin condition and
teach them how to "sin no more." We are called to reach into the areas of poverty and be the provision of God to
those who are in need. So often we are told that if we were "truly followers of Jesus" then we would without thought
support every government program. But Jesus' eyes of compassion did not compel Him to force the Roman officials
or the Jewish social systems to bring healing, food or shelter. Instead, Jesus' eyes of compassion compelled Him to say
"“They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”" (Matthew 14:16). The answer to the problems in our
communities and world is US. We are called to feed the poor, to heal the sick, to provide for those who cannot do so
for themselves. WE are called to preach the Gospel in action and in word.
The eyes of compassion are the eyes of Heaven and the eyes of the Kingdom. Not the eyes of anger. Not the eyes of
hatred. Not the eyes of bitterness, politics, or cynicism. Compassion. Our job as disciples of Jesus on fire for the wonderful Gospel and passionate about saving souls is to meet people where they are and take them to where God wants
them to be through compassionate service and action. As a church this reality is possible and we are free to begin to
choose that destiny so that we may become the hospital for the spiritually sick that we are called to be. AMEN.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY
Pre-Worship Prayer………………..….9:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship .................................. 10:00 a.m.
Children & Teens Sunday School ....... 10:00 a.m.
Coffee Fellowship ................................11:15 a.m.
Adult Sunday School .......................... 11:30 a.m.
TUESDAY
Bible Study .......................................... 6:30 p.m.
Prayer Meeting .................................... 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Choir Rehearsal .................................. 6:30 p.m.
Encounter Praise Team Rehearsal ..... 7:30 p.m.
Pastor’s Hours
Church Office Hours
Monday……………...10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday………..…..10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday……………10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday…………………10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Monday……………...4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday………...…..4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday..……..4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday…………… 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday………………… 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Office Phone: (609) 448-0103 x 11
Email: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE!!
Ms. Michelle Corbitt, Admin. Asst.
Office Phone: (609) 448-0103 x 10
Email: [email protected]
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Upcoming Sermons
September 6, 2015
"Spiritual and Physical Paralysis"
(Mark 2:1-12)
September 13, 2015
"Spiritual and Physical Storms"
(Mark 4:35-41)
September 20, 2015
"Spiritual and Physical Journeys"
(entire body of Christ) well-being. Please let us
show our gratitude to God for entrusting His faithful shepherds to tend His flock, by honoring them
in various ways.
Church Library Hours
The library is open during the Pastor’s Office Hours
(please see page 2 for the list of hours). Also, the
library is open before the Sunday Worship Service.
We accept morally-sound and Bible-based books,
DVDs and/or CDs, intended for all age groups. All
donations may be dropped off anytime.
(Mark 6:7-13)
September 27, 2015
Recipe of the Month
"Spiritual and Physical Love"
(Mark 12:28-34)
Deacons for the Lord’s Table
Charlotte McCallum
Taco Salad
Submitted by Paula McGrath
Debbie Hancock
Diaconate Meetings
The September Diaconate meeting(s) will be held
on Thursday, September 17 in the Gold Room, unless noted otherwise, at 6:30 p.m. We encourage
and welcome all church members to attend all open
meetings!
Bible Studies
Join us on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. for Bible study.
We will be meeting in the Gold Room, unless noted otherwise. Notification will be sent when prayer
will resume.
Sunday School Classes
All Sunday school classes will resume on September 13. The topic of study in the adult class is a
study of prayers and answers as found in scriptures.
Pastor Appreciation Month
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Our pastors
have been ordained by the LORD for the church’s
1 pound bag salad
1 pound hamburger meat
1 package of taco seasonings
1 small/medium onion - chopped
1 - 2 diced tomatoes
1 bag or less of Doritos - crushed up
1 small bottle of no-fat Catalina Dressing
1 bag of no-fat shredded cheese
Brown the hamburger with taco seasonings and
onion. Mix the hamburger with all the other ingredients and enjoy.
Note: I cook my hamburger, onion and taco seasonings and then freeze individuals servings
(about 1/4 cup) and one to two ounces of cheese.
Add salad, a couple of tablespoons of dressing, a
few chips, and lunch is ready!
The Guide
But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is
perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in
which he walked. 1John 2:5-6 (ESV)
While in flight training, I was learning how to navigate.
I was constantly reminded to keep on course. We are
also reminded on the highways and byways to keep to
the right. The above Scripture reminds us to “keep his
word”.
Most often when we use that word keep, we mean that
we do not wish to discard something. In the sense that
the word was used while in flight training means basically to continue holding a specific condition. Whether
in the world of driving, flying, or behavior, it means to
stay on course. John urges us to keep to the Christian
way.
Paul also, in writing to the Corinthian Christians,
warned them about trying to serve both Christ and the
Roman religion at the same time. It will not work either in the Corinthian situation or today. The apostles
were willing to give up their lives in order to keep on
the course. John was exiled to the island of Patmos because he refused to pay homage to the Roman religion.
It is an urgent, or urging, that we keep to the biblical
teachings. John urges us not only to keep to the word,
but to walk in it as well. This, by the way is the same
message that Peter wrote in his epistles. I believe that
this message, to “keep his word”, is as urgent today as it
was in the first century.
© Harry Bohrs 2015
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we ask that by your
grace, you would strengthen us in faith to
keep to the course. Amen
RECEIVING PRAYER
James wrote in his letter to the church, “Is anyone
among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let
them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them
call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them
with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith
will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If
they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your
sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be
healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. “ (James 5:13-16 NIV)
We at FBCH are encouraged by scripture to be a
prayerful people. We are called to lift one another up
and to intercede for one another! By our prayers our
situations change, our church grows and more and
more people find hope and transformation in Jesus
Christ! We are here to help you through prayer!
If you are in need of prayer, please reach out to the
church office by phone, email or regular mail to express your needs. You may also join us on Tuesdays
from 7:00-7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary as we pray for
one another, our community, and our world. Don’t
hold back your requests, let them be made known to
us so we can pray for God’s power to be released in
your life!
MEETING MINUTES
All members of the First Baptist Church of
Hightstown are entitled to the meeting minutes of
any meeting of the Congregation, Diaconate, Executive Committee or Event Committee. Requests for
meeting minutes may be made through the Church
office by email, phone call or regular mail. Minutes
will be printed or emailed as you prefer. In an effort
to cut down on paper waste, we do not post printed
minutes any more. We will always, however, honor
the request of members for those minutes and work
in an efficient manner to see they are distributed to
you!
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
At the First Baptist Church of Hightstown
Annual Meeting, held on Sunday, June 14,
2015, it was voted upon by the members to
begin conducting quarterly meeting sessions.
Please note on your calendars and/or set
reminders on your technology devices that the
first quarterly meeting is scheduled to take
place on Sunday, September 20, 2015, after service.
The meeting location will be the Gold Room. If
it becomes necessary to change the meeting
place, notification will be sent announcing the
alternate location.
It is very important for everyone to attend this
as well as subsequent meetings, to take part in
our Heavenly Father’s business concerning His
will for our church.
We respectfully request that all members please
plan to attend.
In dedicated service of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pastor Bruce Wood
and the Church Board
Bible Heroes
By M. R. Corbitt
Many Christ followers refer to the righteous men and women of the Bible as “heroes”. I used to believe that label
trivialized God’s extraordinary work through them, and I would cringe every time I heard it. But I no longer think
of it that way since having a conversation about it with my mom - one of God’s faithful soldiers - many years ago.
However, since our Father recounts them as men and women of faith that is how I personally prefer to reference
them. I also observed in discussions about Bible heroes, many Christ followers seem to have a favorite hero or maybe a couple. I, myself, had talked about Joshua (son of Nun; Moses’ successor) so much so I was called a Joshua-ette
at my former place of employment. And after I explained to my supervisor why I talked about him so much (she’d
asked me why), her sister named her son Joshua when he was born. When I heard that news I prayed the baby would
grow up to be a great man of God also. To God be all glory! Right now I’m going to talk about two other particular
men of faith—Moses and Paul— in regard to two pointless and egotistical practices of our day and time.
Nowadays people are desperate and determined to become rich and famous through various means: publicized
home-recorded pornography, a plethora of internet videos and other social media venues, a myriad of televised talent shows; a glut of bogus and ignoble reality shows, lawsuits galore, bad press, etc. In addition to that, some are
also determined to not only prolong life but to do so looking like they barely aged at all, past at least 30 years of age,
through a countless number of “anti-aging” products, very specific and odd foods, supplements and procedures.
Now, rich and famous? Nah. But regarding the aspiration to not die, I strongly believe it is inherent because it was/
is God’s will for us to live on. If you recall back in the Garden of Eden, the fruit of the tree of life was not forbidden
to eat. Adam and Eve could have eaten it and we’d certainly be hobnobbing with them today. However, when humankind committed sin God made sure that tree was heavily guarded so it couldn’t be accessed. The fruit could not
be eaten—not in humankind’s fallen state (Genesis 3:22, 24). The knowledge and means were there, so this one is
not a stretch. Although in our current state of being, efforts to achieve this end are totally useless. As we see, it was
our Creator’s will for us to live on. You know what? It still is His will. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ shall not
die but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Revelation also tells us about regaining access to the tree of life. FYI - Want
long life? Get to know Jesus as Savior and Lord! Because you will never get better than “eternal” (undying; endless).
Rich and Famous
Moses was condemned to die in his infancy; yet, he went from a son of slaves to a prince of the enemy of his nation.
He had a lofty status; he was after all royalty—the Pharaoh’s grandson. I believe with “royals” people may go
through the motions of honoring them because it’s expected ritual and yet may resent them, especially if they are
indifferent. However, Moses was a humble and truly revered man and he had many riches, much wealth and much
power; but, rejected all of it as he matured. He chose to share in the oppression of his nation, who were enslaved in
bitter, unrelenting bondage at the time. He chose that and he chose righteousness.
“He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking
ahead to his great reward.” Hebrews 11:25 (NLT)
Not looking back, Moses left Egypt (a second time) leading his freed nation and diligently pressing forward in the
service to which he was called by the LORD.
“It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he
Continued on next page
Heroes continued
kept his eye on the one who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27 (NLT)
Hallelujah, now that is faith!
Prolonging Life
Paul had all the sordid, detailed knowledge regarding the pursuit and capture of Christ followers for their merciless execution. Of course he knew the inside intel very well because he was the top pursuer. In fact, he was quite
enthusiastic (passionate, excited) about taking the followers of Jesus into captivity and assuring their deaths. So
when he became a born-again believer he knew death could also be in store for him.
I used to say our brother Paul had as much enthusiasm in his work as a Christian as he had prior to salvation. Oh
I was so very wrong! Paul’s enthusiasm for sharing the Good News of Christ was extremely more intense than his
previous zeal. As conveyed in his messages, he counted having a relationship with God, sharing the gospel of
Christ and unadulterated service for the Lord the greatest, most rewarding life he and all of us can live. Nothing
else could even came close to being as valuable as that. Hear his faith-filled words:
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his
sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I can gain Christ and become one with
him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through
faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that
one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” Philippians 3:7-11 (NLT)
Turning from being a very zealous enemy of Christ to becoming an even more powerful follower of Christ, Paul
knew he could die for it. Not looking back he diligently pressed forward in the name of Jesus, in the service to
which he was called by the LORD until he was put to death.
I believe both of these historical accounts to be examples of exceptional faith in the L ORD! And I am thoroughly
encouraged by both of these men of bold faith.
Rich and Famous - Moses walked away from it and didn’t look back.
Prolonging life - Paul’s new life in Christ led to his martyrdom, which he knew could happen and kept moving
forward without looking back regardless.
The steadfast love Moses and Paul had for God propelled them. The Spirit of God empowered them.
“ The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to
him...” 1 Chronicles 16:9a (NLT)
How many of us would choose those paths of our brothers? Oh, we absolutely could. The question is, “Would we
as wholeheartedly as they (Matthew 16:24-26)?”
Who is your favorite Bible hero or heroes, and how do we apply their examples to life today?
September Birthdays
3 - Richard Bulvid and Pamela Zuczek
18 - Robert and Mary Jane Hung
2 - Harry Bohrs
5 - Evangeline Calabrese
12 - Allison Haase
13 - Vincent Calabrese
14 - Violet Johnson
16 - Colleen Cavanaugh
24 - Michelle Corbitt
26 - Judy Baer
The Lord celebrates you and so do we!
If we have missed you, it was entirely unintentional!
Please let us know and we will correct it in future newsletters!
We join with you today
For your birthday celebration,
We hope you have a special time
On this wonderful occasion
We pray you'll always know,
How special you are to us
And how special you are to the Lord,
For He loves you very much.
© By M.S.Lowndes
September Anniversaries
If we have missed you, it was entirely unintentional! Please
let us know and we will correct it in future newsletters!
Marriage Notes and Quotes:
“Love as distinct from "being in love" is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the
will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by the grace which both partners ask, and
receive from God. They can have this love for
each other even at those moments when they do
not like each other; as you love yourself even
when you do not like yourself.”
C. S. Lewis
Mere Christianity, page 99
Visit fbchights.org!
Visit our website for more news and events, an expanded Church Calendar, News from the
Diaconate, links to ABCNJ and ABCUSA and so much more!
Check out what we have to offer @
fbchights.org!
Mission Statement
Our mission is to LEAD people to Jesus
Christ, to help them to GROW in their
faith in Him,
and to SEND them out with the good
news of Jesus Christ.
BIBLICAL CITIES
Crisscross Puzzle
Study the names of the biblical cities in the word bank below and weave them into the puzzle board
above. All of the words fit. Complete the board and then check the solution below to see how you
did.
WORD BANK: BETHEL, BETHLEHEM, CANA, CAPERNAUM, GOMORRAH,
HEBRON, JERICHO, JERUSALEM, NAZARETH, SHECHEM, SHILOH, SHITTIM,
SODOM, UR
The following information concerns the grandson of Jeanne Faloona, FBCH member.
Dear Friend, Family and/or Colleague:
My 19 YO son, Andrew Carroll, a sophomore at the US Air Force Academy, where he, like all
military personnel, lives the commitment of service-before-self, has joined Team UNICEF
2015. To explain Team UNICEF 2015, what follows is a comment from UNICEF’s
webpage: 2015 TCS New York City Marathon. Run for a reason! We are excited to
launch Team UNICEF for the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon [November 1, 2015]. Since our inaugural in 2009, runners have raised nearly $1.5 million to support UNICEF’s work worldwide while taking on the physical challenge of running 26.2 miles. This will be Andrew’s
third marathon, the first having been accomplished at the age of 12.
Andrew, along with his team mates from Team UNICEF, will be running the NYC Marathon,
this coming November 1st, as a means to raise money for UNICEF who works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and
more. UNICEF is working towards the day when zero children die from preventable causes
and every child has a safe and healthy childhood.
As a proud parent, we of course, will be helping Andrew in his endeavor to raise $3,500 for
UNICEF. This $3,500 represents his commitment to be part of this team and for this incredible
opportunity to give to such a great cause. In addition to donating money ourselves, we are
helping by spreading the word of Andrew’s participation on Team UNICEF, to our friends,
family and my colleagues. If you are willing and can see your way clear to support UNICEF
and Andrew’s commitment, we will be grateful. Here is a link to Andrew’s Crowdrise fund
raising web-page, where you can easily and quickly make your donation. I will appreciate you
making your name known within the donation scroll but of course, you can choose to donate
anonymously if you prefer.
https://www.crowdrise.com/unicefnyc2015/fundraiser/andrewcarroll3
Here is a link to UNICEF’s webpage in case you are interested to learn more about this organization: http://www.unicefusa.org/
Please do not feel obligated in way. I mean that. You, like me and my wife Susan, will do
whatever you can to support your children including tapping in to our rolodex to help support
his willingness to help others less fortunate. That is all this is. Spreading the word on Andrew’s behalf.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and consider its contents.
Sincerely, fondly and with love,
Scott
Pastor’s Office - 10-2
11:30am, Adult Sunday
School
Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-2
11:00am, Fellowship
28
3
Thu
23
30
7:30pm, Encounter Praise
Team Practice, Sanctuary
Pastor’s Office - 10-12 & Ch. Office - 4-6
2-5
6:30pm, Choir RehearsCh. Office - 4-6
al, Sanctuary
6:30pm, Bible Study,
7:30pm, Encounter Praise
Gold Room
Team Practice, Sanctuary
29
6:30pm, Bible Study,
Gold Room
Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-5
17
Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-5
10
Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-5
24
6:30 pm, Diaconate
7:30pm, Encounter Praise Meeting, Gold Room
Team Practice, Sanctuary
Pastor’s Office - 10-12 & Ch. Office - 4-6
2-5
6:30pm, Choir RehearsCh. Office - 4-6
al, Sanctuary
22
21
10:00am, Worship &
Sunday School
10:00am, Worship &
Sunday School
16
7:30pm, Encounter Praise
Team Practice, Sanctuary
Pastor’s Office - 10-12 & Ch. Office - 4-6
2-5
6:30pm, Choir RehearsCh. Office - 4-6
al, Sanctuary
15
6:30pm, Bible Study,
Gold Room
20
27
9
Pastor’s Office - 10-12 & Ch. Office - 4-6
2-5
6:30pm, Choir RehearsCh. Office - 4-6
al, Sanctuary
8
6:30pm, Bible Study,
Gold Room
11:00am, Quarterly Meet- Ch. Office - 4-6
ing, Gold Room
2
Wed
Pastor’s Office - 10-12 & Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-5
2-5
6:30pm, Encounter Praise Ch. Office - 4-6
Ch. Office - 4-6
Team Practice, Sanctuary
6:30pm, Bible Study,
Gold Room
1
Tue
11:30am, Adult Sunday
School
Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-2
10:00am, Worship &
Sunday School
11:00am, Fellowship
14
13
11:00am, Fellowship
Pastor’s Office - 10-2
Ch. Office - 4-6
7
10:00am, Worship &
Lord’s Table
Mon
6
Sun
September 2015
Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-2
25
Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-2
18
Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-2
11
Ch. Office - 4-6
Pastor’s Office - 10-2
4
Fri
26
19
12
5
Sat
First Baptist Church of Hightstown, 125 South Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520
Phone: 609-448-0103 Fax: 609-448-6781 Website: http://www.fbchights.org
A Congregation of the American Baptist Churches U.S.A. and the American Baptist Churches of NJ