TOWER TALK - First Baptist Church of Jerseyville, Il.
Transcription
TOWER TALK - First Baptist Church of Jerseyville, Il.
TOWER TALK FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER A Word From Pastor Brent February, 2015 Inside this issue: Homebound & Friends 2 Upcoming Events 2 Fusion News 3 Announcements 4 Thank You Page 5,7 Birthdays/ Anniversaries 6 Upcoming Events: February 2-4, Pastor’s Prayer Retreat February 3, Men’s Breakfast February 16, Missionettes February 16, President’s Day, Office Closed February 20, Kid’s Night Out Skate Party February 21, Benefit for Jonny Wade Casting A Hopeful Eye To The Future Do you believe God answers prayer? Here is how I am hoping – believing God will answer our prayers for a special little guy in our church who, like David, is facing a big Goliath in his life right now. Imagine it is the year 2040 – 25 years from now. It’s an exciting day at the local Baptist church. They have a guest preacher for the worship service with an amazing testimony. His name is Pastor Jonny Wade and this is what he shared with the folks in a crowded sanctuary that morning… “It happened when I was just seven years old. Right before Christmas I started to get terrible headaches. My parents took me to be tested and we got very bad news. I had a brain tumor – a kind of aggressive, angry cancer that had taken up a stronghold in my life while I was sleeping, playing, learning with my first grade friends. My family and I had no idea we were heading into a storm until it was suddenly upon us, and the waves grew high and the winds blew hard. After surgery we found out my cancer had spread to the spine and a rigorous course of treatments were prescribed. To say that my world had turned upside-down would be the understatement of my life. But, in the midst of this ugly plot twist, some amazing things happened – and I’m convinced they did because of the faith of the people whom God had positioned in my life. My parents were strong believers and they made sure that I was raised in the faith. They told me about Jesus and His love. They showed me that love in the way they cared for me and my twin brother, Jacky. They took us to the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville, Illinois. We stood together on a firm foundation, which made a big difference in surviving the earthquake that was my health crisis. Now when word got out that I was sick God began to move in the faith community around me. God’s people were shocked, like we were – dazed and confused – but they were one thing more: undaunted. And they began to pray – passionately, relentlessly - pray in new ways perhaps, because the need was so pressing – because, in the face of frightening pathology reports – against a mighty foe – they knew they had to bring out the biggest weapons in their arsenal, prayer being one of the most powerful. Churches came together to pray for my healing. (Continued on Page 2) Page 2 A Word From Pastor Brent - Continued Homebound & Friends Word got out over the Internet and soon I was receiving cards and letters from believers all over the country, telling me that they were daily taking me and my family before the throne of God’s grace, seeking healing and wholeness – asking that I be delivered from disease and restored to a place of safety. And over time, that is exactly what happened. That’s why I am standing here today. Our Homebound: Our faith rests in a miracle-working God, who often takes tragedy and turns it into celebration. We are saved by a Lord who was murdered on a cross – beaten and bloodied – overcome, it appeared, by an enemy far worse than cancer. But, in the end, that enemy was overcome – death itself was reversed – and the One who was once dead became your living Lord and mine. My war with brain cancer led me and my family and the believers around us to a whole different level of trust in the God who measures our days and transcends our nights – a place we might never have gone had it not been for some very dark days 25 years ago. As it says in Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. I am a living, breathing testimony to the truth of this promise. And I thank God every day for the gift of my life in Him.” at their homes: Mrs. Wilma Anderson 1210 E. Fairgrounds, #507, Jerseyville Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Gandy 1210 E. Fairground, #508 Jerseyville Mrs. Wilma Kahl, 1210 E. Fairgrounds, #410, Jerseyville Mrs. Helen Cox 407 Minard Street, Jerseyville Mrs. Vera Woolsey 811 W. Spruce, Jerseyville Marjorie Liles, 1012 Angela Court, Jerseyville Mr. Clinton Frank 1210 E. Fairgrounds, #503, Jerseyville And all God’s people said, “Amen!” Jerseyville Rehab, 1001 S. State Street, Jerseyville Mr. Charles Henson - Room 235 Mrs. Lois Pitchford - Room 408 Mr. Roy Story - Room 306 Family & Friends Ongoing Prayer Concerns: Upcoming Events Pastor’s Prayer Retreat February 2 - 4, Pere Marquette Men’s Breakfast, Saturday, February 7, 7:30 a.m., Hickory Grove Missionettes, Monday, February 16, 6:00 p.m., FBC Kid’s Night Out Friday, February 20, 6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Jonny Wade Benefit, Saturday, February 21, 11:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall In case of inclement weather, if school is close d on a Wednesday, all Wednesday night programming will be cancelled. Check local TV news programs for any additional weather-related closings. -Ray Baldes (Vonita Green’s son) -Sandy Arnold -Mark Watt (Evalyn Pyle’s grandson) -Mike Schofield (Elaine’s stepson) -Paul Platto (Eric’s father) -Debbie Domek (Eric Platto’s aunt) -Wanda Chandler (Bob Renicke’s mom) -Amy Pollard (Great Granddaughter of Gertie Isringhausen) February, 2015 Page 3 Page 4 Pastor’s Prayer Retreat Benefit for Jonny Wade Pastor Brent is venturing to Pere Marquette State Park this year from February 2nd - 4th for his annual Prayer Retreat. He takes this time each year for reading, reflection, rest and renewal, sermon planning and prayer. While he is praying for us, let’s be sure to keep our pastor and his family in our prayers during his retreat. Saturday, February 21st the Mission Board will be hosting a benefit on behalf of Jonny Wade here at FBC in our Fellowship Hall. They will be serving a Jumbo Hot Dog or Sloppy Joe, Chips, Dessert and a Drink for $5.00 per person. This will be eat in or carry out and all proceeds benefit the Jonny Wade family. You may purchase tickets at FBC. Men’s Breakfast The Men’s Breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 7:30 a.m. at Hickory Grove Restaurant. This is dutch treat and all the men of the church are invited. Missionettes Missionettes meets Monday, February 16th at 6:00 p.m. at FBC for a work night. The hostesses are Arbie Carrico and Marilyn Bowers with a devotion by Lucille Newingham. All ladies of the church are invited. Office Closed - Holidays Donations Needed The church could use donations of gently used wash rags or hand towels (no bath towels please) for the use of the custodian for cleaning purposes. If you have any donations, please bring them to the church office. Thank you! Chuppers Schedule - Feb. Alternative Children’s Meals will be available at each Chuppers; Youth Department is in charge of clean up, serving and desserts this month. The church office will be closed Monday, February 16th for the President’s Day holiday. Feb. 4 - Goulash w/Hamburger, Garden Salad w/Ranch Dressing, Garlic Bread, Fruit Combo, Variety of Desserts Kid’s Night Out Feb. 11 - Turkey and Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Red Jello, Hot Roll, Variety of Desserts SKATE NIGHT! Kid’s Night Out this month will be a skate party at FBC in Fellowship Hall on Friday, February 20th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kid’s Night Out is for ages Pre-K through 5th grade. Pre-K must have a parent or guardian with them. Come on out and bring a friend. Snacks are provided. Feb. 18 - Pioneer Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Carrot/Celery Sticks, Peaches, Variety of Desserts Feb. 25 - Crispy Chicken Parmesan, Green Beans, Buttered Noodles, Hot Roll, Fruit Cocktail, Variety of Desserts February, 2015 Page 5 Thank you! Many thanks to the Trustees for installing hot water at the dish rinsing station in the kitchen! This makes cleaning up and sanitizing our dishes so much nicer and healthier. Sherry, Bev and the Wednesday Night Chuppers Crew To all the people who made it possible for me to receive a Christmas Basket, thanks and appreciation to you all! May God bless you richly! Cheri Hardwick My Dear Church Family, A Happy New Year from Nixa, MO. It has been over a month since I said “see ya”! Where has the time gone? I have been sick with a terrible congestion again - cannot seem to run fast enough to get away from it - ha! Am pretty settled in and enjoying the family and new home, so many changes - whew. I want to “thank you all” for the farewell party what a nice surprise - I was so overwhelmed with all the good wishes. Thank you ladies for all your hard work, cupcakes, decorations, punch. The hall was so pretty. And Pastor, the poem was so very special to me - have read it over and over - will frame it one day soon. All the cards made me laugh too and yes the “DQ.” Thanks my mountain man - ha! No, I haven’t found a church yet because of my terrible cough. I know God has made a plan for me and at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning unless time changed, I’ll be listening for my church bells to ring - know I’ll be there in Spirit. Please continue to pray for me as I will for you. You all will be in my heart and in my mind. God Bless each and all. I want this to be a wonderful year for you all and me too. I sure miss my hugs but am sending you all one by mail - ha! Love you all from His beautiful heart and mine, Idella Bridgewater - See ya! I wanted to thank the Diaconate for the beautiful poinsettia. Also thanks to everyone for the cards and Pastor Brent for his visits. I appreciated the carolers too. Charles Henson I would like to thank the following people who helped decorate your Church for Christmas. Fellowship Hall: Debra Glisch and Amber Sanders decorated the tree; Elaine Schofield, Charlotte Haun, Denise Hayes and Roxie McKenney decorated the windows. The window on the first floor and the East elevator area were decorated by Christy Sylling. The second and third floor windows were done by Bev Crone and Bev’s sister Vanessa Miller. Bev and Vanessa also decorated the Fireside Room. The Sanctuary, Overflow Room and North Entrance were decorated by Ed Haun, Scott Quiller, Ruth Embley, Barbara Hargrave, Charlotte Haun, Claudia and Jimmy Vaughn and Gwenda Rice. As you can see, it takes many volunteers to make your Church pretty so a very HEARTFELT thank you! Gwenda Rice and Christy Sylling, Decorating Committee P.S. As Chairman of the Decorating Committee, I would like to invite others to join Christy and I this year as I plan to resign at the end of 2015. I have enjoyed decorating our Church, but feel it is time for someone else to join Christy and take over this rewarding project. It would be nice to have you join us soon so you will be prepared to decorate the Church next year. Thanks for letting me serve you on this Committee. Respectfully, Gwenda Rice I would like to thank the Church for letting me serve on the Trustee Board the last three years. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve God and you. I wish the new Board all the best. Your Humble Servant, Gwenda Rice Thank you for your prayers during Laura Eagleton’s (my granddaughter) illness. She is doing fine now. Bev Crone Thank you for the cards, notes, well wishes and prayers you have sent our way during Bernie’s illness, hospitalizations and nursing home stays. It has blessed our hearts and we truly appreciate you all. Bernie and Nyela Gandy Page 6 America for Christ Offering 2015 AMERICA FOR CHRIST gifts support Christ-centered ministries that touch lives and transform people across the United States and Puerto Rico--through evangelism training, church renewal and discipleship resources, volunteer disaster response plus initiatives that fight poverty and so much more. As we read the gospels, we are presented with a loving Lord as someone who does things, not someone who did things. One of the greatest dangers of Christianity is to think of Jesus as someone to be remembered, instead of someone to be met and experienced. As the church in the 21st century, our calling is to help people see the power of the risen Christ in action today. The Offering will take place on March 15th. February Birthdays 3 4 5 6 8 9 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 23 26 27 Brenda Embley Connie Hayes Corree Yates Gary Williams Judi Poppe Jeannette Patterson Sara Starrett D. Howard Brent Meyer Kala Starrett Kennedy Berghoff Gina Kallal Jan Platto Tim Lyons Ryan Pierantoni Sandy Arnold Dana Gettings Rob Patterson Hannah Marshall Betty Cope Kiley Pickel February Anniversaries 11 27 Tim & Kaye Buis Mark & Sherri Marshall Radio Sponsorships Available for 2015 If you would like to sponsor a 2015 radio broadcast in memory or in honor of a loved one, please call the church office with the date you wish to reserve. The cost is $50.00 per Sunday. If you have a Sunday you always sponsor - PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE TO RESERVE THAT DATE AGAIN. Thank you! First Baptist Church Non-Profit Auto 200 West Pearl Street U.S. Postage Jerseyville, IL 62052-1661 PAID Jerseyville, IL FEBRUARY 2015 Permit No. 56 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED F IRST B APTIST C HURCH MISSION STATEMENT FOR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Our mission is to praise, honor and glorify God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ at home, in 200 W. Pearl Street Jerseyville, IL 62052 Phone: 618-639-3602 Fax: 618-639-6322 E-mail: [email protected] W E’ RE O N T HE W EB! JERSEYVILLECHURCH . COM our community and throughout the world; to be faithful to God and our brothers and sisters in Christ through commitment, love and service; and to seek after and follow God’s will and leading, individually and as a congregation of fellow believers. VISION STATEMENT United by our love of Christ and each other, we will grow and draw all people to the Lord. Thank you! (Continued) A very special thank you to our Diaconate Board for the lovely poinsettia and candy and to the children for the snowman they made for me - very cute. Also a thanks for the cookies and to JoAnn and George for delivering everything. I have enjoyed the little Christmas centerpiece the Missionettes made and brought to me earlier this month. The visits by the ladies and JoAnn and George are enjoyed throughout the year. I appreciate being remembered at this special time of year and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Yvonne Easley On behalf of Stan, Beth and the rest of the family, I would like to thank you for your many expressions of sympathy ad support - cards, letters, Facebook messages and your presence at the service. It means more than words can tell. A special thank you to Rev. Ed Haun for conducting the graveside service. We received many positive comments from friends and family stating what a beautiful memorial it was to dad. Finally, I want to thank the church for the beautiful peace lily that was sent to my house. It was very thoughtful. Blessings to you all, with love in Christ, Larry Sidwell Thank you! I just wanted to thank all of you wonderful people for all of the love and support given to me and my family during a trying time with the passing of my father. When I walked through the doors five years ago I knew God had led me to my church family. Again, than you for all of your warmth and love. It is deeply and sincerely appreciated. Stan Hudson We want to thank all the ladies (Debbie Wedding, Joyce Sagez, Barb Hargrave, Gwenda Rice, Ruth Embley and Cindy Minor) who had a hand in the beautiful luncheon for seniors over 90 this past month. The luncheon was wonderful and the poem was fabulous. We really had a great time and appreciate your acknowledgement of the Senior Saints in our church. Gertie Isringhausen, Barb Lawton and Dottie Rulo Children’s Church has just finished a nine week series on the Fruits of the Spirit. The series was based on Galatians 4:22-23. Charlotte and I wish to say “Thank You” to the following servants of Christ who helped in the teaching of this series: Joe and Amanda Behl, Janice Berry, Braden Pickel, Ryan Eschbach, Elizabeth Meyer, Zachary Schaefer, Rachel Herring, Lydia Witt and Taylor Pointer. The next series for Children’s Church will be entitled: “God Wants You In His Army.” It will be based on Ephesians 6:10-18. Those helping me in this series will be: Adam Meyer, Alexandra Weber, Kevin Weber, Brad Pickel, Steve Meredith and Gina Kallal. Lydia Witt and Taylor Pointer have graciously consented to lead the music. To all of you who are serving and teach our children we say, “Thank You”. Ed and Charlotte Haun We extend our thanks for the faithful service over the years to the following church members who are in their nineties and were honored at a special luncheon at our church on January 18th: Wilma Anderson, Lois Davis, Yvonne Easley, Bernice Embley, Clinton Frank, Neal Gipson, Gertie Isringhausen, Wilma Kahl, Marjorie Liles, Elizabeth Moore, Lois Pitchford, Roy Story, Charles Updike and Vera Woolsey. Thanks also goes to the ladies who prepared and served the luncheon: Debbie Wedding, Joyce Sagez, Gwenda Rice, Barb Hargrave and Ruth Embley. Our church is truly blessed by the presence of these people. Thank you for your service of love. Ed and Charlotte Haun Be sure to check out Corey Meredith’s Travel Blog (Corey is studying abroad for several months returning in May) - you may reach the blog at www.travelpod.com/members/coreymeredith. He will be posting pictures and a log of his exciting travels. Continue to pray for his safety (and peace for his mother!). 6:00 Prayer Group 6:00 Fusion 9:30 Worship 10:45 SS 22 9:30 Worship 10:45 SS 11:45 Spec Bus Mtg 6:00 Fusion 6:00 Prayer Group 15 6:00 Prayer Group 9:30 Worship 10:45 SS 1:00 Bd of CE Mtg 6:00 Fusion 8 9:30 Worship 10:45 SS 12:00 F.H. Res’d 5:30 Fusion 6:00 Prayer Group 1 Sun 3 2 6:00 Scouts 3:30 Kid’s Choir 23 6:00 Missionettes OFFICE CLOSED 16 6:00 Scouts 3:30 Kid’s Choir 9 3:30 Kid’s Choir 6:00 Scouts 24 17 10 Pastor out on retreat Tue Mon 5:15 Chuppers 6:00 Bible Studies 7:15 Choir 25 5:15 Chuppers 6:00 Bible Studies 7:15 Choir 18 Tower Talk Deadline 4:00 Trustee Mtg 5:15 Chuppers 6:00 Bible Studies 7:15 Choir 11 5:15 Chuppers 6:00 Bible Studies 7:15 Choir 4 Wed 26 19 12 5:00 Organization Team Mtg 6:30 Deacon Mtg 5 Thu 20 13 6 Fri 27 6:00 Kid’s Night Out Skate Party @ FBC 6:00 Fusion leaves for Lock in at Virden February 2015 28 11:00 Benefit for Jonny Wade in F.H. 21 14 7 7:30 Men’s Bkfst @ Hickory Grove Sat