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First Baptist Church June 2011
WORSHIP THEMES & SCRIPTURES
June 5 - Ascension Sunday
Scripture Luke 24:44-53
Sermon “Trust and Obey”
Theme Obeying Christ’s Commission
Lay Reader Greg Marion
June 12 - Pentecost Sunday
Scripture Acts 2:1-21
Sermon “All Together”
Theme Blessings in Our Church
Lay Reader Marion Perry
June 19 - Father’s Day & Church Picnic
Scripture Matthew 10:24-39
Sermon “Disciple’s Mission”
Theme What Jesus Depends On Us To Do
Lay Reader Kathie Lawrence
June 26 - Bring A Friend Sunday
Scripture Matthew 10:40-42
Sermon “What is Your Hospitality Quotient?”
Theme Making a Difference in Someone’s Life
Lay Reader Roger Perry
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
5 ~ George Slocum 23 ~ Gerry Lane
5 ~ John FM Tharp 25 ~ Diane DeLooza
11 ~ Bessie Bliss 25 ~ Stan Ovens
16 ~ Tom Tharp 26 ~ Jim Best
19 ~ Ann Perry 29 ~ Calysta Conrad\
Pastor’s Message
On Saturday, May 14, The Yates County Genealogical and History Society commemorated the departure of over 70 volunteers who had answered President Lincoln’s call for volunteers. The event was held on the steps of the Yates County Courthouse where it originally took place.
The men who had formed the unit of volunteers called themselves, “The Keuka Rifles”. The Rev. Charles N. Chandler, who was then pastor of First Baptist Church offered the Invocation at their send-off and so I was asked to portray Rev. Chandler at the commemoration.
It was a moving program with various people delivering the same speeches that were given 150 years ago. The original Invocation was lost so I gave my interpretation of what I think Rev. Chandler might have said. The Community Chorus sang and all who attended seemed to enjoy the event.
In preparation for giving the Invocation, I did some reading on the Civil War and one of the articles I came across was the story behind “Taps” which we hear at military funerals. I would like to share it with you.
TAPS
It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the field. Not knowing if it were a Union or Confederate soldier, the captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered the uniform of the soldier was actually a Confederate one, and the soldier was dead. The captain lit a lantern.
Suddenly, he caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, Captain Ellicombe asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the service . That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.
Out of respect for the father, however, they did grant his request, saying that they could give him only one musician. The captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his dead son’s uniform. This wish was granted.
The music was the haunting melody we now know as “TAPS“; today this melody is used at all military funerals.
These are the words to “TAPS”:
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes, From the hills, From the sky.
All is well. Safely rest.
God is nigh.
From "A Contemporary Handbook For Weddings & Funerals" by Malphurs & Wilhite
Vacation Bible School 2011
Grab a Cab and Head to
the Big Apple Adventure!!!
The adventure begins Monday, June 27, 2011 at 8:30 AM
Right here at First Baptist Church you can discover adventure waiting at every corner in the “Big Apple“. Amid the exciting sights and sounds of the city, kids will hear Bible stories about people who stepped out in faith and connected with Jesus. Kids will learn that they can connect faith and life through a relationship with Jesus through Bible stories, crafts, motivating music, and games!
Note to the congregation: VBS this year will be the week of June 27 - July 1.
We need volunteers to make this happen. WE NEED YOU!!! Please prayerfully consider giving your time and talents this year. Call Suzy Willson at 585-526-1004 or Barbara Burke at 536-7020 if you think you may be able to help. All kinds of opportunities exist !!!
Watch for registration in June - Tell your friends!!!
A Message to the Congregation - May 15, 2011
The Pulpit Search Committee has completed the Profile for our church. Two copies of the completed Profile are available for review by the congregation. These copies will be available during the fellowship time following our worship service each Sunday throughout he remainder of May and June. They will also be available for review in the church office from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm during the week. Please address any questions you have regarding the Profile to any member of the Pulpit Search Committee.
On May 19, 2011, the Advisory Council will be voting on the proposed compensation package that is a part of this Profile. Following the approval of the compensation package by the Advisory Council, the Profile will be sent to our Regional Minister, Rev. Robert Shoesmith. Rev. Shoesmith will review the document and may have suggestions for revisions or additions to the Profile. Once the Profile has been finalized, Rev. Shoesmith will submit it to the American Baptist Personnel Services. We will then receive a list of potential candidates based on matching information in our Profile with the interests, strengths and qualifications of potential candidates. We hope to have this part of the process completed by the middle of June.
The Search Committee will be working through the summer and fall to continue the search process. Thank you for all your patience, input faith and prayers.
The Pulpit Search Committee
A Note From the Church Office
- Just a reminder that we will be combining the July and August Newsletters into one. Any articles or event dates should be submitted by June 20.
- Combined Services: We will join with the congregation of First Presbyterian over the summer months. Services will be held at First Baptist in the month of July and at First Presbyterian in August. This is a wonderful time to worship with old friends and to make new friends.
Thank You, Dear Friends
for your prayers, cards, and many acts of kindness at the time of the loss of our loved one ~ The family of Robert Fullagar
Thank you
To the ladies of First Baptist Church who helped make the beautiful afghan given to me at our Pasta Dinner recently, I thank you. It is beautiful and something I will treasure. The symbolism of the cross makes it even more special. Long after I have gone from here, it will be a reminder of the happy days I had here and the love of the church family ~ Richard Burke
Prayer Meetings
Wednesdays, 7 pm We meet in the chapel, please join us!
Board of Christian Education Report
May has been a busy month with lots happenings.
- The last Kidz Klub of the school year met on May 27. The kids had a picnic and are working on plans for raising money for the needy people living in Mexico.
- Children’s Sunday is June 12th and the children will be taking part in the church service.
- Last call for anyone wanting to go to Camp Lamoka this summer. Scholarships are available. Contact Lyle Conrad or Tammy Miller for more information.
- Lay Studies: Rev. Ed Carey has begun his class on Baptist Heritage in the church library from 1 pm to 3 pm from May 10 through July 19.
- Pastor Burke will be presenting a class called Ministry to the Individual. It will begin May 28 to July 30 on Saturdays from 10 am - 12 noon in the church library.
- Big Apple Adventure VBS is scheduled for June 27 - July 1. Registration forms will be sent out to past attendees or may be found on the table outside of the office.
Board Of Mission Report
We wish to thank all of you who have contributed so generously to the PENNY PROJECT. At this moment $201.71 is the total. We will be higher as we are waiting for the last contributions to come in.. Thank you so much for helping the “BACK -PACK “ program of Milly’s Pantry feed hungry children.
We thank you for helping us to reach our goal for the “AMERICA FOR CHRIST” Offering. You donated $832! Hallelujah!!! Above and beyond that you gave $961 to the EASTER OFFERING which funds the Mission Budget. You are truly examples of Ron Vallet’s quote. He quoted that “most Americans don’t fall into the category of being RICH. Yet compared to most people in the world, we Americans are wealthy - wealthy enough to give generously to help carry out “God’s Mission in the world.” You are truly a blessing.
Sharing - In this newsletter you are getting an envelope for the ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING offering. We have set a goal of $950 for 2011. 50% of the offering will go to the needy in Japan. The other half will go to other disasters in the USA and the world . The offering will be collected on Sunday, June 12. Our latest communique from International Ministries tells us that the Japanese Baptist Union says the need is DESPERATE for FOOD, WATER, BLANKETS and MEDICAL SUPPLIES for the thousands of Japanese living in the evacuation centers. Please give generously.
Missionary News
Our latest journal from Roberta Stephens - A Wider Perspective, tells of her visit to Shichigahama Preaching Place in NE Japan. She tells of the problem facing this small community - where to rebuild - slim options as all the higher ground in that area is protected National Forest. Please read the entire journal on the reader’s table near the Great Room.
Mission’s Treasury Report
As of May 1, the Mission Treasury balance was $835.59.
As of May 15, we had received $1141.85 towards our Budget (Pledges: $913, Loose Offering: $71.85, Easter Offering: $105, Deficit Contributions $52).
The Easter Offering total as of May 15, is $996.
The Blanket Offering total is $436.
The Pennies for Milly’s Pantry total is $201.71.
We thank you for your generous giving. We hope to be able to complete our Ecumenical obligations in May and begin on our ABC specifics for Camping and Neighborhood Ministries. To do this, we need a minimum of $628 and a maximum of $813.
American Baptist United Mission - From “United Mission: Treasures on Earth or Treasures in Heaven?”, Rev. Dr. Ron Vallet, Ambassador for United Mission from ABC/NYS- March 2011.
When we are united in God’s mission, our United Mission will grow.
Most Americans Baptist do not fall into the category of the rich. Yet compared to most people in our world, we are wealthy - wealthy enough to continue to give generously to help carry out God’s mission in the world.
American Baptist United Mission giving supports our region, ABC of New York State, which makes it possible for the region to provide more effective support for your church and others. In fact, most of the income for ABC/NYS come from gifts to United Mission. Our giving to UM pays the major parts of the salaries of our region’s staff who provide: Staff service for search committees ~ Assistance resolving church conflicts ~ Field ministers to maintain contact with individual pastors and with associations and small groups of churches ~ Camping ministry ~ Resources to assist your church in growth and spiritual health ~ Education and training of pastors, youth, and lay leaders in congregational empowerment.
UM giving also supports:
The Office of the General Secretary, American Baptist men, American Baptist Women’s Ministries (through the Love Gift), ABC information Services, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, International Ministries, Colleges, Seminaries, Homes, Hospitals, etc., Career Centers, Mission Resource Development, American Baptist Historical Society, American Baptist Personnel Services and Orientation to ABC Life
Thank You for your support of American Baptist United Mission!!!
Meet the Remarkable Marjorie Cornell –
Still sharp and active at 97
(Taken from the Local Union ACWA Newsletter)
Remarkable! If you were forced to characterize Marjorie Cornell in one word, that would come as close to describing her as any. After all, she is 97. Still drives. And, still maintains as active pace that might wear out a person 30 years younger.
Lorraine Trippy, manager of the Hillman’s Center’s health services department, agrees. The manager has known Marjorie for a number of years. That’s because Cornell helps set up the Health Center’s annual flu shot program in Penn Yan and also handles applications for patrons in that area who want to get physicals and eye exams through the Hillman program. Trippy notes, “She’s my ‘go to’ person for our patrons in Penn Yan. She’s handled applications for services for many years for us. Marjorie also arranges for the rental of the space we use for the flu shots there and helps us coordinate the program for us. “Marjorie is really quite amazing to me. She’s sharp as a tack, and still has a long list of activities she takes part in. She is definitely remarkable!”
There’s that word again… but it seems so apt a description. Cornell started working at the Michael Stern tailored clothing plant in 1931 at age 17 - right after graduating from high school. She worked in a variety of jobs over the years, including in the vest department and the pant shop, later becoming a “floor girl” delivering parts around the shop. Cornell retired from Stern’s in 1976, at age 62, a year before the operation closed. For many years, she was president of a Penn Yan club for Stern retirees.
Over the years, she has pursued many hobbies and interests. Cornell helped start a second-hand store called “Once Again” a number of years ago and remains on its board of directors. The store uses all volunteer help and is an enterprise sponsored by Penn Yan Churches. She is active in the town’s First Baptist Church and serves as its delegate to an area Council of Churches. Cornell is also on the board of directors of the senior citizen center for the village of Benton Center - and, in addition, is secretary for the center.
All those activities, she says, are a big reduction from what she used to do. “Old age has crept up on Me!” Cornell says. That may be, but it certainly makes it hard to imaging what her pace must have been like before she slowed down!
Can You Help?
In an effort to make our building more inviting and attractive to visitors we have come up with a few ideas. If there is something that you feel you can help with call the church office at 536-9821 or Barbara Burke at 536-7020.
Ÿ 3 ft “library” table for the ladies restroom: this table will hold a box of tissues, decorative baskets to hold lotions, hair spray, a vase of flowers etc.
Ÿ A decorative picture to hang above.
Ÿ Should you have any other ideas please call Barbara Burke. Thank You!
Bulletins - ALL DATES ARE OPEN
Would you like to honor a love one or remember someone special? You can by dedicating a Sunday bulletin. Fill out this slip and turn it into the office to reserve the chosen Sunday for your memorial/honor bulletin. The cost is $10. In purchasing a dedicated bulletin cover, you will help defray some of the church’s operating costs and at the same time memorialize or recognize a loved one. Printed in the bulletin will be the information you provide below. Please send this form to the church office along with your payment or leave it in the offering plate. Additional forms are available in the office.
In Memory of _____________________________________________
In Honor of _______________________________________________
Date Preferred _______________ From _______________________
Why Do You Think God Can’t Use You?
The next time you feel like GOD can’t use you, just remember:
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
Mary Magdalene was, well you know
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer… AND
Lazarus was dead!!
NOW! No more excuses!
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides, you aren’t the message, you are just the messenger.
In the Circle of God’s love, God’s waiting to use your full potential.
~ From Christian Clippings, October 2007
~ God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called. ~