FEBRUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER
WEBSITE EDITION
DO YOU REALLY KNOW JESUS?
It should not surprise the believing community (the church) when we hear the unbelieving community (the world) misunderstanding and/or debating the identity and ministry of Jesus. (Just as a reality check, let’s agree that mostly they ignore and do not care about the identity of Jesus.) Christmas claims that Jesus is God come to earth. Good Friday claims that Jesus is the Crucified One. Easter claims that Jesus is the Risen One. At our communion celebrations we proclaim that Jesus is the returning One. These are identity statements that the unbelieving community neither understands nor accepts. This should not surprise us. This defines our mission.
The identity of Jesus is no mystery to the faithful. We generally accept the faith statements above. Yet, His identity is richer and deeper than we understand and sometimes allow. A poem cruising the email pathways currently expresses it this way……
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Jesus had no degree, yet they called Him teacher.
Jesus had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Jesus had no army, yet kings feared Him.
Jesus won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
Jesus committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
Jesus was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. …(Author Unknown)
One of the most important questions you will answer in your life is the question Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:29) Peter answers “You are the Christ, the Anointed One.”
I believe one of the most valuable discipleship studies a believer can engage in is to explore the full identity of Jesus.
Beginning at the end of February, I will be offering a study series that will explore the glorious reality that the identity of Jesus is far more than that of Savior. Using a variety of resources, including the book by Philip Yancey, “The Jesus I Never Knew,” and the book by Dr. Stephen Jones, “Rabbi Jesus,” we will look into the depths of who Jesus was and is. This study will cover both Sunday mornings and evenings during Lent.
I encourage every person to make the commitment to deepen your appreciation and understanding of Jesus as we journey through Lent together. Open your heart and mind to a greater understanding of who Jesus was and is, and your walk with Him will grow in depth and joy.
Pastor Ray.
SUNDAY MINISTRY SCHEDULE
DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS – 9:15 A.M.
FELLOWSHIP TIME – 10:00 A.M.
WORSHIP SERVICE – 10:30 A.M.
JUNIOR WORSHIP – 10:45 A.M.
DISCIPLESHIP CLASS FOR ADULTS – 11:45 P.M.
1 February 2009
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES
· Pastor’s Bible Study – Meets on Sundays at 6:00 p.m. All meetings are held in the Thurston Lounge.
· Life Together Group 1 – Meets every week at 9:15 a.m.
· Life Together Bruder Group – Meets every other week after worship.
· Discipleship Journal Class – Led by Ruth and Bill Pulley and meets at 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. They are studying the bi-monthly periodical titled “Discipleship Journal” Each volume has a unique theme.
~CHURCH NEWS~
ANNUAL MEETING
The FBC Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 22nd following a potluck after worship. We hope you have this on your calendar and plan to attend. Copies of the Book of Annual Reports for 2008 will be available in the Welcome Center by February 8th.
FELLOWSHIP & CARING NEWS
Valentine Dinner. The Valentine Dinner will be held on Saturday, February 14 at Steve’s Place. Please arrive by 5:45 pm so orders can be placed by 6:00 pm. Deadline for reservations is February 8th. Sign-up sheets are available in the Welcome Center and the Fellowship Hall, or contact Gale Burke.
Basketball Game Trip Cancelled. We will not be going to the Faith & Family Pistons basketball game on March 6th as we did not have enough people sign up.
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DISCIPLESHIP NEWS
Camp Time Again!!!!!!! Warm weather is on its way, and with it comes the 2009 camping season. This year, we have the possibility of sending seven campers to church camp. Starting in June, we have four different age groups to enjoy this fun experience. The Discipleship Ministry Team would like your help in raising funds to help families and their children to camp. See a team member or put in you offering envelop marked “Camp Fund.” Thank you all.
Easter Egg Hunt. The Annual Easter Egg hunt will be held on Saturday April 11th from 10:00 am to noon. Volunteers are needed. Contact Shannon Sadilek at 845-6404 with any questions.
Teachers & Graduates Sunday. The special recognition day for graduates and teachers is scheduled for Sunday, May 17th. Please let the church office know the names of any family members who will be graduating this year so they can be recognized.
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KEENAGERS POTLUCK
The Keenagers potluck will be held on Thursday, February 26th at noon in the Fellowship Hall.
ABW NEWS
LAY WOMEN’S SUNDAY. The 15th of February will be LAY WOMEN’S SUNDAY. It is sponsored by ABW, but it will include ALL women of the church. A committee consisting of Pat McGarvey, ex-officio, Carol Paksi, Ruth Pulley, and Rolene Zacharda met recently to put the “back-bones” together, but many women who are not active ABW members will be asked to participate. We look forward to a meaningful worship service on that day!
ABW Meeting. The February meeting of ABW will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the lounge. The program is “Love Gift” given by Carol Paksi, the Love-Gift Chair. Hostesses are Pat McGarvey and Ruth Roszman. All women of the church are invited to become a part of this ministry for women.
NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION—HAVE IT YOUR WAY!!!
This Newsletter is again being distributed either by e-mail, by picking up your copy
in the Welcome Center or by direct mail to shut-ins and those who request one. An edited version (prayer requests and financial reports are deleted) is also available for download on the FBC website—www.FBCOwosso.org. Please let us know if you would like any changes to your individual delivery of the newsletter.
THANK YOU’s
Dear First Baptist Church family,
The family of Orie Pugh would like to thank Pastor Ray for his hospital visits to see our Dad, and for the love and support he gave each one of us to get through the difficult time of losing a loved one. Thanks also for your prayers, cards, and phone calls and visits. The Christian love that was given to each of us was greatly appreciated.
In Christian Love and Friendship, Wife Sue, Deb Burke, Bev Chapman, Ed and Skip Pugh, Shannon Bond, and Steve Peck
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your cards, calls and prayers for me during my recent illness. It’s wonderful to be a part of such a caring church family.
Marilyn Dixon
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION SEMINAR
Pastor Ray will be offering a
Membership information seminar at various times over the next 6 weeks. This 3+ hour seminar is intended to provide information about the basic beliefs of the Christian faith, the basics of church history and polity, the meaning of baptism and church membership, the story of First Baptist Church of Owosso, and the process of uniting with and supporting the First Baptist Church of Owosso.
The seminars will be offered on Saturday morning Feb. 21st ,from 9 am - noon and Tuesday evening, Feb. 24th from 6 -9 pm. An additional time can be scheduled for two or more persons interested in the seminar. Persons considering baptism, membership
and giving their life to Christ are encouraged to attend. This class is required for membership here at FBC. Please contact Pastor Ray directly to sign up for one of these seminars.
1 February 2009
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
2/07 Heather Valley 2/18 Edna Turner
2/09 Dave Bandkau 2/19 Collin Valley
2/11 Dave Wallen 2/20 Joy Parkin
2/13 Tim Oliver 2/22 Heather Meyer (Hinterman)
2/14 Ronnie Kilburn 2/27 Pat Hathaway
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HOLY HUMOR
A southern, rural church staged a living nativity scene on the front lawn. A visitor driving through town stopped and admired the performance, but was troubled by one feature: the three wise men wore fire helmets and carried heavy canvas hoses.
The man went up to a church member standing nearby and asked, “Why the fire hoses and helmets on the wise men?”
The church lady shook her head and replied, “Don’t you Yankees ever read the Bible?”
The man assured her he had, but couldn’t recall anything in the Good Book about firemen.
“Well,” the lady said, “You must’ve skipped the part where it says, “The three wise men came from afar.”
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After church, a mother asked her young daughter what the Sunday school lesson had been about. The daughter answered, “Don’t be scared, you’ll get your quilt.” The mother was puzzled, and hunted down the children’s teacher to ask the same questions. The teacher replied, “Be not afraid; thy comforter is coming.”
ANNUAL EMPTY BOWL DINNER
The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Shiawassee County presents
the Annual Empty Bowl Dinner
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Owosso High School Cafeteria
765 E. North Street, Owosso
Adults: $7.00 & Children: $4.00
Come and join them for a bowl of soup, bread, dessert and beverages. Each person in attendance will receive a hand-made clay bowl, compliments of the Owosso high School Art students and a change to win a bowl crafted by Linda Ruehle from the Shiawassee Arts Council To purchase tickets in advance, contact 723-5877. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
RESPITE VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Respite Volunteers has Respite Volunteer Training scheduled for early 2009. As you would expect, with the challenging economic situation for families in Shiawassee County, the program is being asked to serve more patients and their family caregivers than ever before. Therefore, it is hoped that people will please consider volunteering for Respite Volunteers, so that all those asking for help can be served. One volunteer is matched with one patient in their own area. Volunteers visit patients, give family caregivers respite, and may choose if they want to ehlp with other tasks also. The upcoming trainings are:
Wednesday – February 4th from 9:00 am to 1:30 p.m. at the Durand First United Methodist church, 10016 E. Newburg Road, Durand (east of Durand). A light luncheon will be served.
A training is also scheduled in March (date to be determined) at the Christ Episcopal Church, 120 E. Goodhue St. (Fayette Square), in Owosso.
Please call 725-1127 or e-mail at to register for the training or for any further questions.
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HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING
On Tuesday, February 17th Spring Volunteer Training for Hospice will begin. The classes will meet from 6 to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday at Memorial Healthcare Center Home Health/Hospice facility on North M-52, with the last session taking place Thursday, March 5th. Some of the topics included in the course are patient communications, understanding disease, the physiological aspects of dying, spirituality, and grief and bereavement. As more people are choosing to die in the comfort of their own home and family, we area always in search of compassionate and caring individuals to become volunteers. This is also an ideal training for those who serve families in these situations, to help understand the grief process and the needs of the terminally ill and dying. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact 725-6454, extension 6271.
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PRAYER THOUGHTS
One way to remember the pattern for prayer is A.C.T.S.
Adoration – Give to God what is due to Him.
Confession – Tell God what you did against Him or what you didn’t do that you should have done.
Thanksgiving – Give God praise for His love, blessing, protection, and even trials that He has helped you through.
Supplication – Fervently pray for the needs of others and for yourself.
You can pray anywhere, and in any position. God wants you to come to Him with the small needs as well as the big ones.
GOD’S SERVANTS FOR FEBRUARY
STEWARDS COFFEE HOSTS
2/01 Lola Jean Smith 2/01 Shannon & Doug Sadilek
2/08 Mary Johns 2/08 Bev & Bill Kohagen
2/15 Bob Johns 2/15 Tim & Marcia Oliver
2/25 Carol Paksi 2/25 Bill & Ruth Pulley
NURSERY SCHEDULE JUNIOR WORSHIP
2/01 Char Elliott & Evelyn Sexton 2/01 Pat McGarvey
2/08 Nancy Dibean & Betty VanAmburg 2/08 Lisa Ann Dixon
2/15 Mable Reid & Heather Valley 2/15 Shannon Sadilek
2/25 Shirley Walls & Carol Paksi 2/15 Heather Valley
COMMUNION SERVERS (Mission & Outreach Team)
Bob Johns, Cindy Livingston, Tim Oliver, Laura Lee Strawser
USHERS
Richard Bruder, Doug Dixon, Bob Johns, Doug Sadilek
Please note: If you are unable to serve on a date scheduled, please call someone on the list to trade.
1 February 2009