February 2017
CONNECTIONS
First Baptist Church of Kennett Square
Following worship on Sunday, Feb. 12, we will have
a luncheon hosted by J.A.M. Christian Daycare.
Immediately following the luncheon will be the sec-
ond half of our annual meeting.
We will begin by reviewing the 2016
finances. We will then celebrate the suc-
cess of some FBC ministry efforts from
last year.
The Elder/Deacon board has identified
some key areas that demonstrate the growth we are so
happy to see here at First Baptist Church.
We will wrap up our time together by looking
forward to 2017. We will focus on
our big goal of 50 in 2017 and how
that impacts every area of our
church community. We will share
the goals and objec-
tives our Elder / Dea-
con board has set for each of the ministry
teams moving into 2017.
We have much to celebrate, much to look
forward to.
Please plan to join us for this important second half
of our annual meeting.
A time to celebrate
Index Companions in Christ 3
J.A.M. 4
Basketball schedule 5
Youth Sunday 6
VBS 7
Lent/Easter at FBC 8-9
Missions 10-11
February calendar 12
February birthdays 13
Pastor Dan schedule 14
Financials 15
Wacky Wednesday Worship, Page 2
You are loved The youth of First Baptist Church took over worship on the last Sunday of Janu-ary.
The youth planned and led the Jan. 29 service, whose theme was “You Are Loved.”
More pictures from Youth Sunday, Page 6.
Photos by Cassandra McDonald
Sunday, Feb. 12
Immediately following worship and fellowship
luncheon
Connections Page 2
Making worship fun for kids on Wednesdays FBC’s newest worship pro-
gram, Wacky Wednesday Wor-
ship, kicked off last month with
worship, songs of praise, and les-
sons about The Beautitudes.
The monthly program is held
on the third Wednesday of the
month through June, and at-
tendees are tasked with learning
and memorizing parts of The
Beautitudes, the first part of Je-
sus’ Sermon on the Mount.
By the June meeting, the
youth should be able to recite the
entire Beautitudes by memory.
January’s verse included the
first two parts of Matthew 5:
“Seeing the crowds, he went up
on the mountain, and when he sat
down, his disciples came to him.
And he opened his mouth and
taught them, saying.”
Those who memorize those
two lines and recite them at the
Feb. 15 meeting will earn a prize.
For this month’s meeting, the
youth will need to memorize Mat-
thew 5: 1-4. They will learn about
blessing the poor in spirit and
those who mourn, and what that
means both in the context of the Bible and
in their daily lives.
At each Wacky Wednesday Worship,
parents are given a take-home sheet explaining that
month’s lesson. The sheet also includes upcoming events
at First Baptist Church, such as the annual Easter Egg
hunt, Vacation Bible School, and any upcoming sermon
series.
Four of FBC’s youth — Isaac Rose, Iris Wells, and
Sarah and Emily LeGault — met with Pastor Dan and oth-
ers to make Wacky Wednesday Worship a reality. They
approved a logo, created a program, set goals, and made
memorization of verses something for the
attendees to aspire to.
“They came up with the program, what they
wanted in their program, and then at the end
of our first Wacky Wednesday, we did a
wrap up and they critiqued it,” said Linda
Smith, deacon of Christian Living. “They
said what they liked and what they could do
better. It’s all kid organization.”
Isaac Rose called the first session a success, saying,
“It was great because there was a lot of people there. It
was fun interacting with them.”
His sister, Deisy, loved the games and the snack.
“Kids should come to the fun activities,” she said.
Dr. Christopher Wells, the church’s Elder of Worship,
called the first meeting a good start.
“I think there are lots of opportunities for us to
streamline the experience,” he said. “But there was a lot of
energy and excitement, and I think it was a real success.”
Feb. 15
6:30 p.m.
Connections Page 3
Companions in Christ to begin later this month
MISSIONS
Helping those in need through ‘America for Christ’
First Baptist’s Missions Team will collect for
“America for Christ” on Feb. 26.
The annual offering, through American Baptist Home
Mission Societies (ABHMS), will support the Neighbor-
hood Action Program (NAP) Christian centers which help
communities in need.
There are 16 NAP centers across the country, accord-
ing to the ABGMS Web site, including one in Allegheny
County, Pa.
On Feb. 12, 19 and 26, you can learn more about the
centers through inserts in your Sunday bulletins.
One center in Milwaukee, WI, for example, helps
young adults through its YouthBuild program. In that pro-
gram, the youths earn their GEDs while also learning how
to build homes.
According to information from ABHMS, the Milwau-
kee Christian Center’s YouthBuild “is all about challeng-
ing Milwaukee young adults to believe in themselves, in
their community, in Milwaukee.”
The Allegheny County center, called the Rankin
Christian Center, features a number of youth programs, a
food pantry, a fuel assistance program, and a program that
assists those with intellectual disabilities with their sup-
port services, according to the center’s Web site
(www.rankinchristiancenter.org).
To learn more about the America for Christ offering,
go online at www.abhms.org.
“The Way of Discernment”
will be the topic of the next
Companions in Christ series,
which starts Feb. 23.
Spiritual maturity means
we become fully the persons
God created us to be, which
means becoming — each in our own way — more and
more like Jesus.
This is not something we can do on our own. We
must learn to discern the Spirit’s leading, guiding and di-
recting for our lives, our families, and our faith communi-
ties.
Over these 11 weeks we will explore what it means to
discern God’s direction for
our lives.
How do we filter the
“noise” so we can hear
clearly the “still, small
voice of God.”
This group will meet Feb.
23; March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; April 6, 20, 27; and May 4 and
11. It will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 12 of FBC’s
Christian Education Building.
Space is limited, please sign up by calling 610-444-
5320, sending an e-mail to
[email protected], or signing up in the
Welcome Center.
Connections Page 4
On the Web: www.jamdaycarekennettsquare.com
On Facebook:
www.facebook.com/jamdaycare
Looking ahead
J.A.M. staff has been specifically working on getting pre-
schoolers ready for kindergarten. Teachers individualize
instruction and base their planning on observing chil-
dren’s developmental skills and needs. Our goal is that
every child will be ready for kindergarten.
In February, Director Nancy Nicewonger will participate
in a transition program to ease children from daycare into
school.
Connections Page 5
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
“I Believe” — A sermon series exploring the
Apostles’ Creed
What does it mean to be a Christian? What are the
core beliefs that shape the Christian faith?
While we may wrestle with similar questions today
these were questions the early church struggled to under-
stand. Their response to such questions was to put togeth-
er a statement of the Christian faith. A summary of the
main points of what Christians believe.
In the early fourth century the Apostles’ Creed took
shape and has served as a summary of the apostolic teach-
ing of the gospel, even though the creed was not written
by the actual apostles. Over the next few weeks we will
look at the meaning of the Apostles’ Creed. The Creed
begins with two simple yet deeply profound words… “I
Believe.” We will explore the truths that have been at the
heart of the Gospel message since the days when Jesus
walked among us.
Apostles’ Creed sermons continue
Tuesday, Feb. 7 7 p.m. Corner Blue vs. Kennett
Tuesday, Feb. 14 9 p.m. Kennett vs. Barn
Saturday, Feb. 18 10 a.m. Kennett vs. Nazarene
Tuesday, Feb. 21 7 p.m. Mt. Vernon vs. Kennett
Tuesday, Feb. 28 8 p.m. Kennett vs. Media
9 p.m. CLC Lime vs. Kennett
Saturday, March 4 10 a.m.
Corner Grey vs. Kennett
Tuesday, March 7 7 p.m. Kennett vs. CLC Black
Tuesday, March 14 Playoffs
Tuesday, March 21 Playoffs
Tuesday, March 28 Playoffs
* All games at Cornerstone Presbyterian, Gypsy Hill Road
and Route 896, Landenberg.
Hoops season includes February double-header
Connections Page 6
The youth did such a great job Jan. 29 — Youth Sunday — sharing
the message that we are loved by God. George Plumley gave an out-
standing sermon. The youth group and junior and senior high school
Sunday School class began preparing for this Youth Sunday the Wednes-
day and Sunday after Christmas, and spent the next four to five weeks
creating the service. The next Youth Sunday will be April 30.
— Jill Nicastro
Youth Sunday
Wednesdays in February
Wacky
Wednesday
Worship
Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
QUIET WATERS
7 p.m. Feb. 23
Save the date This year’s Vacation Bible School will
be held from Sunday, July 30 to Thursday,
Aug. 3.
Geared toward kindergarteners through
fifth-graders, First Baptist’s VBS promises
five days of fun while learning how we were
built for a purpose.
This year’s theme is “Maker Fun Facto-
ry: Created by God, Built for a Purpose.”
For more information about VBS, send
an e-mail to [email protected], or
call 610-444-5320.
Connections Page 7
Connections Page 8
Lent and Easter at First Baptist Church
Lenten sermon series
The sermon series during Lent will fo-
cus on “Encounters with Jesus.”
The Gospels share stories of people who
encountered Jesus in the midst of their eve-
ryday lives. Life was interrupted as the Son
of God spoke life, healing, correction and
transformation into their lives. During the
Lenten season, we will explore some of
those encounters with Jesus.
We will ask what Jesus was teaching the
people he met, and what lessons those en-
counters hold for us today. Above all we will
explore how it is that we may encounter God
in the midst of our everyday lives.
Ash Wednesday
We will mark the start of the Lenten season with a
special Ash Wednesday service.
There will be a time of worship and meditation
focused on preparing our hearts and minds for the Len-
ten journey.
Ashes will be available for those who wish to
mark the beginning of this special season by receiving
ashes.
Good Friday
On Good Friday we will join with St. Patrick Church for
a time of worship and prayer. Our time will begin at St. Pat-
rick Church as we focus on the Stations of the Cross and
have a brief time of community worship.
We will then begin a prayer walk from St. Patrick
Church to First Baptist. We will stop multiple times along
the way, lifting up prayers for our churches and community.
We will end our time together with some worship in the
Sanctuary here at First Baptist Church.
Be sure to join us for this special night.
Connections Page 9
Worship services
Wednesday, March 1 Ash Wednesday, 7 p.m. worship service
Sunday, March 5 First Sunday of Lent
Wednesday, March 8 Call to Worship, 7 p.m. praise, prayer
and worship service
Sunday, March 12 Second Sunday of Lent
Wednesday, March 15 Wacky Wednesday Worship, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 19 Third Sunday of Lent
Wednesday, March 22 Quiet Waters, contemplative worship, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 26 Fourth Sunday of Lent
Sunday, April 2 Fifth Sunday of Lent
Sunday, April 9 Palm Sunday
Wednesday, April 12 Call to Worship, 7 p.m. praise, prayer
and worship service
Friday, April 14 Good Friday, 7 p.m., St. Patrick Church
Sunday, April 16 Easter Sunday
Mark your calendars
The annual Easter program
at First Baptist Church will be
held Saturday, April 8.
It will be held from 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. and is open to ages 2-
3 through fifth grade.
Parents usually stay
through the whole program and
make it a family event.
FBC on YouTube
http://bit.ly/2bJbbck
Catch up on worship services,
Second Wednesdays, and
more.
Connections Page 10
MISSIONS
Glory to Jesus
Jeni Pedzinski is one of the missionaries that First Bap-
tist supports through International Ministries. Below is
her journal from January, sent by e-mail from Interna-
tional Ministries. Photos are also from the International
Ministries posting.
My Friends,
It is a Friday morning. The sun is shining hard and
bright to warm our Thai soil and I’m on my second cup
of coffee. Mornings are my favorite time to spend at
home. I take advantage of the slight coolness (high 60’s)
to don a cozy sweatshirt and soft pants.
After 10 a.m. this is no longer pleasant, since we are
already emerging from our ‘winter’ into the dry/hot sea-
son, and it’s already too warm for sweatshirts. In six
weeks, we’ll be in the 90’s every day again!
For now, in my comfy clothes and with my steamy
cup of coffee, I sit remembering all of you. My soul prais-
es God for your faithfulness, your care, and your kindness
toward me!
Even now, at the end of January, I am receiving
Christmas cards sent last month. I sit with all of them in
my lap, the physical evidence that you remember me.
Thank you!
In my last update, I wrote about the process of orien-
tation at New Life Center, and about diving right into the
work I have been given.
One of my main tasks is English-language grant re-
porting --- to inform various funding sources and donors
how we manage their money and what has taken place as
a result of their faithful support. Each report is a team ef-
fort. The NLCF staff gather the data from their activities
with residents and scholarship students – then they hand it
off to me to translate and format before we present it to
the donor.
My work is not glamorous, but I love it! And I’m
good at it. I am stunned when I think about how God has
made a place for me on the mission field, using the puzzle
-piece gifts that, five years ago, made no sense at all to
me. Thank you for supporting me to live and work in this
place. I hope some of you will consider coming to visit,
so that you can really see the incredible ways God uses
New Life Center to change the lives of young tribal wom-
en.
In December, I also had the special opportunity to
give my first sermon in Thai to about 150 residents,
scholarship students, and staff of the New Life Center.
Each person present received an envelope containing Isai-
ah 43:1-4, a passage to which I have been clinging since
my own youth. The opportunity to remind these precious
ones of God’s abiding love for us was a gift! Since then,
my reception among the residents is always warm and full
of smiles.
Very soon, I will celebrate two years of life spent in
Thailand. People ask me regularly whether it is difficult,
and the answer is yes, some things are very difficult. At
the same time, it is not difficult at all. Perhaps this is what
Jesus was talking about in Matthew 11:28-30 when he
said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” A burden
is a burden, regardless. But this burden, while difficult, is
light. Glory to Jesus.
I miss you, and am sending my love. Please continue
to stand with me in prayer for safety and health, wisdom
and patience. May you sense the light of God all around
you, even now.
With love from Thailand,
Jeni
Calling all poets
and songwriters
Our worship team is looking to work with
you to write original praise music, hymns,
chants, i.e. any and all musical forms
of worship.
If interested or just curious, please
contact Christopher Wells by e-mail
Connections Page 11
Sue Hegarty is one of the missionaries
that First Baptist supports through
International Ministries. Below is her
journal from January, sent by e-mail
from International Ministries.
The New Year has begun here in
Costa Rica!
The Costa Rican Baptists just
held their annual meeting, where it
was good to see many acquaintances.
This year looks to be a busy one,
with my first work group coming from
ABC of the Great Rivers Region
on Feb. 6. We are anticipating at least
four other groups this year!
Pastoral Care for Women also
met in January to share our plans for
the year.
Some classes have already come
together while we are actively looking
for more sites.
Additionally, I will be traveling to
Mexico for a 10-day Conflict Trans-
formation Training (with colleagues
Dan Buttry, Mylinda Baits and Ray
Schellinger) in a few months which I
believe will be very helpful in the Pas-
toral Care for Women Ministry.
Personally, we are also busy try-
ing to find a new school for Katy.
Please pray that we will find the
right one so that we will have no more
school-hopping for the rest of her high
school years.
This will probably lead us to
move in order to be closer to the
school – traffic delays are a serious
problem here.
And we also adopted a new kitten
over Christmas, so we are enjoying
both Delilah and Antonio Banderas.
Thank you for your prayers and
financial support in the past.
We count on you in 2017 as well.
It is your partnership that makes min-
istry here possible!
Sue Hegarty
MISSIONS
Planning new year’s mission in Costa Rica
Connections Page 12
FEBRUARY 2017
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
29 Love Gift offering Youth Sunday 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Worship 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
30 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Pastoral Rela-tions Committee
31 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM FBC basketball vs. Encounter 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting
1 12-1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7 - 8:30 PM Youth Group 8-9 PM Al-Anon
2 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 6 - 8 PM Monte Horeb monthly director meeting 7- 9 PM Kacie's Cause 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting
3 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
4 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles
5 Communion and Deacon Offering 9:45 - 11 AM Sunday School 11 AM- 12 PM Worship 6- 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
6 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles
7
12-1 PM AA 6-7:30 PM Brownie Troop 4424 meeting 6- 7 PM J.A.M. Daycare staff meeting 7- 8 PM FBC basketball vs. Corner Blue 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting
8 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7 - 8 PM Call to Worship and Prayer 7 - 8:30 PM Youth Group 8 - 9 PM Al-Anon
9 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Kacie's Cause 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting
10 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
11
8-9:30 AM Men's breakfast 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles
12 Church annual meeting, part II 9:45 AM Sunday School 11 AM— 12 PM Worship 12 - 1:30 PM Fellowship luncheon -- JAM Daycare 6 - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
13
12 - 1 PM AA 1:30- 2:30 PM Mission Team 7 - 9 PM Elder/deacon meeting
14 Valentine's Day 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM FBC basket-ball vs. Barn
15 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Missions 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Wacky Wednesday Worship 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Youth Group 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Al-Anon
16 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Kacie's Cause 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting
17 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
18 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM FBC basket-ball vs. Nazarene 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles
19 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Worship 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
20 Presidents' Day 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM AA District 56 meeting
21 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM YoungDads meeting 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM FBC basketball vs. Mt. Vernon 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting
22 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Quiet Waters 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Youth Group 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Al-Anon
23 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles Noon - 2 PM Senior luncheon 7 PM Companions in Christ 7 - 9 PM Kacie's Cause 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting
24 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
25 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles
26 America for Christ collection 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Worship 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
27 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles
28
12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 6 - 7:30 PM Brownie Troop 4424 meeting 7:30-9:30 PM AA meet-ing 8 9 PM FBC basketball vs. Media 9- 10 PM FBC basketball vs. CLC lime
1 Ash Wednesday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Youth Group 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Al-Anon
2 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monte Horeb monthly director meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Kacie's Cause 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting
3 World Day of Prayer 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb
4 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM FBC basket-ball vs. Corner Gray 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles
Connections Page 13
Georgette Barlow Feb. 2
Hazel Nead Feb. 2
Quinton Edward Barlow Feb. 7
Cindy Freeman Feb. 7
Joe Rzucidlo Feb. 9
Danielle Alexander Feb. 12
George Bogle Feb. 12
Cassandra McDonald Feb. 12
Denise Newsom Feb. 12
Bill Miller Feb. 13
Charissa Foster Feb. 14
Tim McDonald Feb. 14
Elaine Reasons Feb. 17
Diana Freeman Feb. 19
Nancy Bossert Feb. 25
Jane Mellinger Feb. 27
Linda Smith Feb. 27
If your birthday is not listed, please call, see or e-mail Monica Fragale.
Join us in celebrating these February birthdays
“Happy Birthday” by Petr Kratochvil. Courtesy of www.publicdomainpictures.net
Connections Page 14
FBC on YouTube http://bit.ly/2bJbbck Catch up on worship services, Second Wednesdays, and more.
On Jan. 30 the PRC met with Pastor Dan for one of their regularly scheduled meetings.
One of the agenda items was Pastor Dan’s work schedule. In light of his ongoing cancer treatments and with a
desire to balance health and work, Pastor Dan proposed the following schedule. The PRC was in agreement that this
schedule allows for the ministry and work of the church to be completed and cares for the health and well-being of
Pastor Dan. The PRC also reviewed and approved a set of goals and objectives for him in 2017.
Pastor’s 2017 Schedule
Monday
Morning: Chemo or Home
Afternoon: Office Hours or Study at Home
Evening: Meetings
Tuesday
All Day: Office Hours
Wednesday
Morning: Work from Home Study
Afternoon: Work from Home Study
Evening: Wednesdays @ FBC
Thursday
All Day: Office Hours
Friday
Day Off
Saturday
Sermon prep / Family Time
Sunday
Worship
Pastor Dan can always be reached at [email protected] or 704-918-8043.
PRC approves pastor’s 2017 schedule
First Baptist is handicapped accessible
First Baptist Church
415 W. State St.
Kennett Square, PA 19348
FAX: 610-444-0480
Pastor Daniel Nicewonger
WEB SITE:
firstbaptistkennettsquare.org
W ORSHIP S ERV ICE :
11 A . M .
S UNDAY S CHOO L F OR
AL L AGE S : 9 :45 A . M .
B I B LE S TUDY T UES : 1 :30 P . M .
PRAYER FELLOWSHIP WED : 7 P . M .
Y OUTH G R OUP W ED : 7 P . M .
J.A.M. Christian Daycare
610-444-1795
Nancy Nicewonger,
Director
J.A.M. has immediate openings, which provides day care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. For more information, call J.A.M.
at 610-444-1795.
Fellowship luncheons Ever joined us for a fellowship luncheon? They are
held the second Sunday of each month following the worship service. Attendees can bring a dish to share.
Feb. 12 Annual meeting part II; Host: J.A.M. Daycare
March 12 Host: George Fresolone’s Sunday School class
April 9 Palm Sunday — Pancake breakfast during Sunday School hour — fundraiser for and hosted by the softball and basketball teams
May 14 Mother’s Day; no luncheon
June 11 Open
Have you seen our calendar?
First Baptist Church of Kennett Square has a new
online calendar to make it easier for church leaders,
congregations, and visitors to more easily see what’s
happening at FBC. It will also help streamline certain
administrative functions such as scheduling and heat
charts.
The online version can be viewed by day, week or
month. It can also display meetings for groups, such as
church leadership, Alcoholics Anonymous, Missions,
J.A.M. Christian Daycare, and outside groups, among
others.
Firstbaptistkennett square.view-events.com