To-First Baptist Family
From-Linda Minor, Deacon Chair
Subject-Remembering Summer
-Beginning New Church Fall Programs
-Looking Forward!
It is hard to believe school and fall are already here. Hopefully summer, although very wet, provided us all extra time to relax, recharge, and refocus. Reunions with family and friends are always special as they help us remember our roots and even the “good ol’ days”. Traveling the Parkway and even to faraway places such as the beach or out west seems to help us regroup and look forward a bit more clearly.
In June, gathering as a church family at Deep Creek provided hiking, tubing, fellowshipping, and eating. Several of our folks attended the July 4th Tourist’s baseball game and fireworks. Also in July, Judy Wilkey won the 2018 Best Homemade Ice Cream trophy for her Butterfinger Homemade Ice Cream. Jeff’s gluten free ice cream won the People’s Choice Award. However, all ice creams were awesome!
Additionally, our deacons met with our church’s children just prior to the Ice Cream contest, and they had a time of fellowship and recreation as they got to know one another better.
Our last summer church family outing is on Sunday, August 29th. We will meet at East LaPorte for swimming and whiffle ball at 4:00 followed by a delicious Potluck Dinner at 5:00. Come join the last fling of summer!
Vacation Bible School was a joint venture again this year with our friends at the First Presbyterian Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Meeting at Bridge Park gave us all opportunities to reach those who may not have come to our individual churches. Some days there were nearly 100 children participating and learning about Jesus!
Our youth, grades 7-12, attended Passport Missions Camp in Greensboro while our children, grades 3-6, attended Passport Missions Camp at Montreat. Thanks to Carol Cloer, Minister of Christian Education, these groups have also been meeting at other times throughout the summer.
Summer Explorers Camp, June 18-August 17, reached so many children and youth in our community. At the closing Celebration, August 9th, campers and their families enjoyed dinner. Afterwards, each group of campers presented energizing and fun filled presentations sharing the love of Jesus they had learned about during camp. Kelly Brown, 1st Explorers Ministry Director, with several well trained, capable, and caring staff, led these children and youth every day during the summer with exciting, meaningful, and age specific adventures and learning activities both on and off church grounds. At the Celebration, there was “standing room only” in our Mission Fellowship Center. It was amazing to see so many happy children and adults in one place. Jeff and Carol assisted with teaching the Bible Lessons each day to each group of campers. Children, youth, camp staff, and adults heard, saw, and felt the love of Jesus. What a blessing! Thank you, Kelly.
Next week, Wednesday, August 22, our regular Wednesday night programs begin.
***Please see other posts for description of all programs.
During Adult Bible Study which begins at 6:00 PM after dinner, Jeff will be leading us as we study and discuss the book entitled Unafraid by Adam Hamilton.
Our Deacons have also been busy these last few months. In our church, Deacons are responsible for:
Assisting the Pastor with caring for our church members. This is known as the Deacon Family Care Ministry. Church members have a specific Deacon whom they can call upon in time of need/assistance. A Deacon Family Care Ministry brochure containing more information about this ministry is available in the church office for those wishing a copy. Tia will gladly provide one for you.
Assisting with the overall business of the church. This includes working with committees and teams including Christian Education, budget, building and grounds, missions, and 1st Explorers, to name a few.
A note from those who continue working on our History/Archive Room-Anyone having information about FBC Veterans, please contact Gary Frye.
Recently, Jeff’s messages during worship on Sundays have posed the question, “How will we here at FBC reach others for Christ in the coming years?” We are challenged to seek new, meaningful, and rich ways of sharing the Good News in our changing and diverse community and world. 1st Explorers programs are examples of such new ways of reaching out in innovative ways. However, we just cannot and must not stop here. Others need to hear about Jesus. How can we help make this happen? What would it look like? What would it take? These are just a few questions that come to my mind. While I do not have any answers, I am looking forward to what’s next for us. I am excited! I want to be in the middle of it. I want to help make it happen. Please join me in praying, watching, listening, and searching as God leads us forward…to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him.