First Baptist Church

224 Main St. Penn Yan, NY 14527

 (315) 536-9821 e-mail: pyfbc@peoplepc.com

Rev. John R. Tharp, Pastor

 

 

WORSHIP WITH US

 

Series on the Spirit Enriched Life:

 

May 4             Receiving the Gift

                                    Acts 1:1-11

 

May 11           Signs of the Spirit

                                    Galatians 5:16-26

 

May 18           Using Your Gift

                                    I Corinthians 12:4-11

 

May 25           Lest We Forget

                                    Isaiah 51:1-2

 

 

Serving the Church in May:

 

Date               Lay Readers                                                            Greeters

May 4              Lyle Conrad                           Marge Cornell & Kathryn Warren

May 11                        Rita Castillo                           Joyce & George Slocum

May 18            Sean Ahearn                          Margaret Mills & Viola Gray

May 25            Erma Mullins                         Eva Dillon & Erma Mullins                                      

 

 

BIRTHDAYS in May

 

3 ~ Lyle Conrad                                 18 ~ Helena Cranmer

3 ~ Paul Nash                                    20 ~ Kathy Lawrence

5 ~ Ethel Clancy                                23 ~ Jennifer Slocum

6 ~ Erma Mullins                               23 ~ Mary Fullagar

7 ~ Ed Castillo                                   25 ~ Clifford LaBarr

8 ~ Lily Scheel                                   27 ~ Eileen Modaffari

16 ~ Trevor Conrad                          31 ~ Erik Miller

 

“You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep

their purpose firm and put their trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3

 

A message from Pastor John -

 

It is only the beginning of May, six whole months before we will be deciding about who will be president of these United States. Perhaps some of us are experiencing a bit of political overload or campaign burn out. At this point in time Hillary Clinton, John McCain, and Barack Obama are our daily diet. What they said, who they offended, and how they are playing in Peoria seems inordinately important. Media lights cast in ugly relief every spot and wrinkle. Every misstep is played and replayed before the world.

As we weigh the choices and consider the future of our country and our planet, it is only fair to ask if we expect the same of ourselves as we expect from those who seek high office. The issues which rattle around in political rhetoric, are of vital consequence to “the man (and woman) on the street”.

¨      We all want peace, but at what cost? Can we forget the lessons of 9-11 and the hundreds of American lives lost on ours and on foreign soil? If we pull our troops, what will happen to those foreign lands? If we don’t what will happen to our land?

¨      What can be done about the melting polar caps? Is humankind to blame? Either ‘yes’ or ‘no’, brings us around to “can it be fixed”? What is the answer: more belt tightening, wind farms, solar, ethanol, tidal power, fuel cells? Or just forget about it: “It’s not our fault.”

¨      What about the economy? Should we give more tax refunds, toughen the dollar, police the housing market, and build a better Ford? It seems kind of humorous that the econ-gurus don’t seem to know why it works, just that sometimes it doesn’t.

These are some of the great issues that face us. There are may more: immigration, gun control, gay marriage, use of torture, and timbering the national forests to name a few. Each issue has its cheerleaders and its detractors, both side claiming the high moral ground or, at least, constitutional backing.

As people of the Book, followers of Christ, and disciples commissioned to make a difference in this world, how shall we vote and encourage others to vote? From Isaiah’s point of view, two requirements are made of each faithful person: (1) “keep your purpose firm: and (2) “trust in (the Lord).” Isaiah’s contemporary, Micah, laid out the terms in language no one could miss: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (6:8) The key to understanding these verses is to realize that they apply to all the people not just to the king or the president.

It is up to the people of faith to hold a high standard before themselves and our country. Our “firm purpose” is that every law and every action should, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, express “malice toward none and liberty for all.” For us there can be no turning away from the goal that all shall know the love of God in Christ. Who ever is elected, we must pray for that person to choose the way of “trusting in (the Lord).” Only in this way will we eventually find “perfect peace.”

                                                                                  Pastor John

 

Highlights of the Board of Trustees Meeting: April 8, 2008

¨      The cleaning of the basement and old kitchen is scheduled for May 17. It will start at 9 AM and hopefully be finished by noon. Please come and help.

¨      “Celebrate Yates” will happen on April 27. If you have ideas of things that need to be done in the church building or property let Lyle Conrad know.

¨      Cheryl Stewart and Barb Stewart reported on the church board training that they attended on March 29.

¨      The Board approved the Almighty Jam for Saturday, August 9.

¨      Rick Willson is checking on someone to install the heating tape over the handicapped ramp before next winter.

¨      We talked about Personal Spirituality.

¨      Ken Anderson has talked to Rev. Tharp about singing for one of our Sunday Services.

¨      Rev. Tharp reported that he needs some men to organize and prepare the Women’s Breakfast on Mother’s Day.

¨      The CROP walk is May 4. We need walkers and sponsors.

 

 

 

Ladies, let the men cook for you when you

 join us for the annual

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST

8 AM Sunday, May 11

Bring your daughter, sister, aunt, niece, mother and grandmother

To make your reservations
call the church office at 536-9821 by Mon. May 5

 

 

 

RELAY FOR LIFE

 

It’s that time of year again, so get your walking shoes on! The relay this year will be held at the Firemen’s Field starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 6 and ending at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 7. In case you’re not familiar with the Relay For Life, it is a fundraising event to raise money to support cancer research, education and patient services. I know we have all had cancer touch our lives in one way or another and wish there was some way to fight it. This is one way to do just that and have fun at the same time. See Pam Scutt (536-2791) if you are interested. If you are unable to participate in the relay but would like to sponsor one of the walkers or purchase a luminary in honor/memory of someone, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

A live off-Broadway

and U.S. touring performance

 

Sunday, May 4

St. Michael’s Church

3 p.m.

 

The Gospel of John is a one-man  “live” performance of the fourth gospel in its entirety.  The performance is free and a free-will offering will be taken. More information can be obtained by contacting the St. Michael’s parish at 536-7459.

 

 

Church Clean Up Day

On Saturday, May 17, all interested people young and old are invited to come to help us clean out the church basement. Wear your work clothes and meet here at 9 a.m. If you would like to help but don’t feel up to the physical work, why not prepare a snack to energize the crew!

How’s Your E.G.O?

          It’s all about E.G.O.

                   Erasing God Out or Exalting God Only.

 

 

 

CAMP VICK

 

Has your child explored the exciting adventure of Camp Vick? Camp is a place where your child will experience a positive and supportive Christian environment with children from across New York State.

From June through August, a new theme such as Creative Arts, Sailing Camp, Equestrian, or Frontier Survivor, is introduced each week. Each week, is packed full of fun activities, adventure and growth. Make a week of your child’s summer a memorable one.  Call Beth DeLooza at 536-3162 for more information regarding the theme weeks, enrollment and fundraising for Camp Vick.

 

 

 

 

Who’s Who

 

Tom Tharp has been selected for the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for the year 2008. Twenty-six students from St. John Fisher College have been selected as being recognized as national outstanding campus leaders. The selection process included a committee who made selections from faculty and staff nominations. The students where chosen based on their academic achievement, service to the community and leadership in extracurricular activities. These students will join an elite group of students of higher learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several foreign nations. These students will be honored in the Who’s Who Annual Directory. Congratulations Tommy!

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

 

Many people have the desire to help out in various capacities but just don’t know where to go, who needs help, etc. There are many opportunities to volunteer right here through our church. Look over the list below and see if there isn’t somewhere that might fit your time.

¨      Weekend Food for Kids – meets on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. in the Great Room to pack in bags a sampling of food that go into kids backpacks. (1 hour)

¨      Evening Food for the Needy – meets on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Great Room. (2 hours)

¨      Food for the Needy – meets on the forth Wed. – Fri. of the month at about 8 a.m. to set up tables of food on Wed., pack in boxes on Thurs. and then help to those in need on Friday to collect. (3 hours)

Any amount of time is appreciated, and all ages can find something to do. Should you have any questions please call Milly B. at 536-8190.

 

 

Thank You!

To all my friends for their many acts of kindness and concern following my accident. I’m feeling much better now.

Thank You!

Polly Logan

 

More Thank You’s

 

There are several more thank you’s to go out to some outstanding

people in our congregation.

 

¨     Pat Ames donated several of her mornings to work in the flower beds around the building. She had four boys from the community who gave of their time as well. Pat did a great job of leading the boys.

¨     The “Cookie Crew” that consisted of Cindy Ovens, Sue Willson, Barbara Burke, Tatiana Scheel, Brittany Griffin and Lilia Scheel. They made dozens of cookies on Saturday, April 19. Several more outstanding people of the congregation then delivered the cookies to our shut ins.