The First Baptist News Equipping and forming disciples of Christ The First Baptist Church, Henderson, North Carolina Church Staff Ronald S. Cava, Senior Minister Amy S. Russell, Associate Minister Mark L. Hopper, Minister of Music and Organist David Cole, Associate Minister of Music and Organist Tammy Hight, Director of Childhood Discipleship Linda O’Brien, Financial Secretary Tammy Manning, Ministry Support Coordinator Amber Jones, Administrative Support Coordinator Robert Snow, Custodian Philip M. Young, Composer-in- Residence Marion D. Lark, Senior Pastor Emeritus Kari Martin, Pastoral Intern March 8, 2020 VOLUME Continued on next page CAVASATIONS Last summer, our Deacons commissioned an ad-hoc committee to study the feasibility of establishing a childcare facility. Unfortunately, the committee was not able to make significant progress and the Diaconate decided that we should table the process at this time. David Westbrook, chair of the committee writes: “The Childcare Feasibility committee was spurred to action by the deacons and the Land Use Stewardship Task Force last summer. Our mission was to study the feasibility of First Baptist establishing a childcare development center for children aged birth to pre-kindergarten. Our committee was recently dissolved by the deacons because we were unable to reach consensus on our mission. As the chair of this committee, I feel responsible for our failure to appropriately complete the work that was set out for us. However, I pray that our church will soon reach some collective agreement on how we may use our substantial gifts in God's service to our community. I am proud of our many members and staff who are ready to take focused action to apply the vision that our church has articulated. Now I feel that we must get to work!” Ronald S. Cava, Senior Minister
Transcript
The First Baptist News
Equipping and forming disciples of Christ
T h e F i r s t B a p t i s t C h u r c h , H e n d e r s on , N o r t h C a r o l i n a
Church Staff
Ronald S. Cava, Senior Minister
Amy S. Russell, Associate Minister
Mark L. Hopper, Minister of Music
and Organist
David Cole, Associate Minister of Music and Organist
Tammy Hight, Director of Childhood
Discipleship
Linda O’Brien, Financial Secretary
Tammy Manning, Ministry Support
Coordinator
Amber Jones, Administrative
Support Coordinator
Robert Snow, Custodian
Philip M. Young, Composer-in-
Residence
Marion D. Lark, Senior Pastor
Emeritus
Kari Martin, Pastoral Intern
March 8, 2020 VOLUME
Continued on next page
CAVASATIONS Last summer, our Deacons commissioned an ad-hoc committee to study the feasibility of establishing a childcare facility. Unfortunately, the committee was not able to make significant progress and the Diaconate decided that we should table the process at this time. David Westbrook, chair of the committee writes:
“The Childcare Feasibility committee was spurred to action by the deacons and the Land Use Stewardship Task Force last summer. Our mission was to study the feasibility of First Baptist establishing a childcare development center for children aged birth to pre-kindergarten. Our committee was recently dissolved by the deacons because we were unable to reach consensus on our mission. As the chair of this committee, I feel responsible for our failure to appropriately complete the work that was set out for us. However, I pray that our church will soon reach some collective agreement on how we may use our substantial gifts in God's service to our community. I am proud of our many members and staff who are ready to take focused action to apply the vision that our church has articulated. Now I feel that we must get to work!”
Ronald S. Cava, Senior Minister
Cavasations — Continued
Ronald S. Cava, Senior Minister
David shoulders too much responsibility for the stalled process. But he is correct; it is time to get to work. This work needs to be focused on both ministry to the congregation and missional action with our community. It must address both the needs of existing aging facilities as well as consideration of any further facilities new ministries might require. It should continue to embrace all age groups, but it must prioritize outreach to young families. It must honor our heritage but not shy away from bold innovation. We are taking several steps to do that now. First, the deacons have asked the ministerial staff to present our evaluation, ideas, and concerns. We have met once with Chair Mary Austell and are continuing to work on our response. Second, the deacons will be taking a more proactive role in deliberating about ministry ideas and execution. Along the way we will be asking for input from the congregation. Nothing of consequence can happen unless we all contribute to the process and own the responsibility for making it happen. This is a season of opportunity, but it will present some new challenges. There will be labor pangs before something new is born. We mustn’t fear the unknown. We cannot be paralyzed by “what if.” Nor can we allow our nostalgia to stifle our creativity. We will need some audacious faith. If the work doesn’t require such faith, then it isn’t worthy of the church of Jesus. I ask you to commit to daily prayer for our staff and lay leaders as we get to work. I ask you to recommit yourself to robust participation in the weekly worship and ministries of our church. Let’s get to work.
Easter Lilies
If you are interested in placing an Easter lily in the Sanctuary in memory or in honor of someone, please complete this form and return it to the church office with your payment by Sunday, March 8th. Lilies will cost $15.00 each and may be picked up following the Easter Sunday service on April 12th. The deadline to place your order is Sunday, March 8th. We request that payment accompany your order. Thank you.
(Please detach and return to FBC, PO Box 75, Henderson, NC 27536)
Number of Lilies: ___________________ Amount Paid: ______________________ In Memory of: _______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ By: __________________________________________________________________ In Honor of: _________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ By: __________________________________________________________________
Every Sunday, March 8—April 5 9:45am
Leathers Chapel Bring your Bible and join Kari Martin, our Pastoral Intern, for What Is a Good Life? A Study of the Book of Ecclesiastes. Using this little-studied book, we are going to investigate what we mean when we say we want a “good life” and talk about topics like community, death and dying, wisdom, and growing. This is not an academic study of Ecclesiastes but instead a practical approach—what should we do if we want to have a good life? This class is open to anyone who is interested: church groups, individuals, families, and Sunday School classes. Do you think you may be interested in coming to Sunday School? This is a great opportunity to try out a class for a few weeks! If you plan to attend or if you have more questions, please contact Kari Martin at [email protected] or (804) 909-7204.
Come enjoy a covered dish dinner, great fellowship, and a hymn sing with our neighbors from Shiloh Baptist
Church. Bring a dish to share!
Thursday, March 12 10:00am—Noon
Volunteers needed from
8:00am until Noon
First Baptist will assist with the Second Thursday Food Distribution on Thursday, March 12 at the Vance County Farmers Market off Beckford Drive. Volunteers are needed to sort and organize food boxes from 8:00am-noon. For more information, please contact Betty Boyd at (252) 432-3967.
The Bell RingeRs Annual Pancake Supper Fundraiser
Tuesday, March 17 5:00pm-7:00pm Fellowship Hall Tickets: $7 each
Eat In or Take Out!
Tickets can be purchased from any of The Bell Ringers or at the door.
Hear The Capitol Steps live at Louisburg College! The Sunshine Club will attend this performance at the Jones Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 20, at 7:30pm. The Capitol Steps is a comedy troupe based in Washington, D.C., which has been entertaining audiences with political satire since 1981. Known for putting the "mock" in democracy, the group has recorded over 35 albums including their latest, "Make America Grin Again." No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, no one is safe from their bipartisan lampooning.
The Sunshine Club Outing to
at Louisburg College
Friday, March 20 7:30pm
Sunday, March 22 Following Worship
Members 80 years old and older are invited to attend a tea party luncheon
in honor of your birthday!
Kindly RSVP to the Church Office by March 13th.
Hosted by the Middle School Youth Group
Churchwide Retreat 2020 September 18-20
Caraway Conference Center Mark Your Calendars Now!
Lenten Calendar 2020: Making Room for God
Our Lenten calendar is back again this year to help us remember who God is and to remember who we are as God’s people. We cannot remember unless we make room for God in our busy, sometimes chaotic lives. This calendar offers a simple practice each day that aims to help us make room. As you work your way through the 40 days of Lent, I encourage you to be mindful of how each practice invites you to make a little more room for God in your life. Some days will be easier than others and you may find that your energy wanes after the first week or so. But don’t let that deter you. If you miss a day, pick it up the next day. If it helps, keep a journal of your experience with each practice. Make this calendar about your relationship with God and not about completing another task in your day. You will find a copy of the 2020 calendar on the next page of this newsletter and there will also be copies placed throughout the building.
Amy S. Russell, Associate Minister
On Saturday, February 15, several of our youth attended the Segue Choir Festival at Campbell University.
Plastic Grocery Bags Needed!
Our Backpack Buddies program needs 108 plastic grocery bags each week of the school year to serve our 54 students with food for the weekend. Please assist us with this mission project by placing your emptied and clean bags in the containers marked “Backpack Buddy Bags” located in the Narthex, in the hallway between the buildings (beside the ladies’ restroom), or in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you in advance. Gratefully, Lois Murphy and the Backpack Buddies Committee
This year's church league basketball teams were recognized in worship on March 1 and treated to a hot dog lunch. Church league basketball is one of the many ways FBC has a presence in our wider community.
Lenten Poem Lent is a time to take time to let the power
Of our faith story take hold of us, A time to let the events get up
And walk around in us, A time to intensify our living unto Christ,
A time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts, A time to place our feet in the streets of Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and
Listen to his word, A time to touch his robe
And feel the healing surge through us, A time to ponder and a time to wonder…
Lent is a time to allow A fresh new taste of God!
Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to thin, For thoughts come unbidden.
Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future Knowing our past.
Give us courage, O God, To hear your word
And to read our living into it. Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven
And give us the faith To take up our lives and walk.
ACTS of Vance County Executive Director’s Report 2019
14,781 meals served through the Soup Kitchen. 975 food boxes distributed to those who had emergency needs.
These boxes assisted 2,404 people. 6,140 plates delivered by Meals on Wheels 900 Backpack Buddies bags distributed through L. B. Yancey 13,101 pounds of food given to the community
Congratulations to Cameron and Joey Cremeens following the birth of their son, Hayes Joseph Cremeens on February 20, 2020. Proud grandparents are Bob and Sarah Lloyd. Congratulations to Elizabeth and Josh Ennis following the birth of their daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Ennis on February 21, 2020. Proud grandparents are David and Hollie Powell.
Many thanks to all the people who bought tickets, sold tickets, volunteered, and supported the ACTS Fundraiser at 220 Seafood!
Jane Baker Ernest Breedlove Peggy Y. Bryan (sister of Nancy Noel and Bud Young) Anne Coghill Bettie Core Sam Dickerson Danny Edwards (Ruth Hartsell’s son-in-law) Alice Falkner Becky Faucette Ruth Hartsell Micki Johnson Jewel Lewis Veronica Long Jim Markham Bill Mast Ann and Ralph Mayes J. W. Moody Virginia Norwood Chris Pearson (son of Keith and Julie Pearson) Jeanne Pearson Ferebee Pegram Elaine Simmons Lucy Stewart Buddy Thomas
Names listed in bold have been recently added
R
Sympathy is extended to Tom James following the death of his sister, Karen Cline on Sunday, March 1, 2020.
March Coordinator: Missy Stewardson (252) 767-6077
March 8: Anne Marie White and Emma Mooring March 15: Deborah Kelly and John Michael Spargo
Sunday, March 8 Second Sunday in Lent
Youth Sunday Morning Worship—11:00am The Scripture: John 8:2-11
The Sermon by Natalie Stone Music by The Bell Ringers, the Youth Choir, and the Girls Ensemble
Sunday, March 15
Third Sunday in Lent Celebration of Believers’ Baptism
Celebration of Communion Morning Worship—11:00am
The Scripture: Romans 5:1-11 & Mark 14:1-26 The Anthem: “O Love” (Elaine Hagenberg)
Music by The Morning Adult Ringers and cellist Brenda Scott
SCHEDULE
March 8 Bible Bearer: Lillian Cole Torch Bearer: Marie Scott White Gavyn Sandlin Crucifer: HS Youth
March 15 Bible Bearer: Griffin Kirby Torch Bearers: Levi Bean Camden Wyatt Crucifer: Chapel Westbrook
Support and Care Weekend Minister on Call:
March 6-8: Amy Russell (404) 272-0882 March 13-March 15: Amy Russell (404) 272-0882
Deacons on Call: March 8-14: Julia Falkner (252) 432-6389
March 15-21: David Westbrook (252) 767-1612
Opportunities for Worship and Service March 8-21
Sunday, 3/8
8:30 AM 8:45 9:15 9:30 9:45 9:45
11:00 5:30 PM
Nominating Committee Meeting Missions Committee Meeting Pre-Sunday School Fellowship Sue Kelly Library Open Sunday School Bible Study with Kari Martin Morning Worship Partnership Event with Shiloh Baptist Church
Monday, 3/9 1:30 PM Library Committee Work Day
Tuesday, 3/10 Noon
3:00 PM
5:00
Building and Grounds Committee Meeting Children’s After-School Programs (1st-3rd Grades) and Preschool Mission Friends Pickup for Preschoolers and 1st-3rd Graders
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting Food Bank Distribution Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, 3/15
8:30 AM 9:15 9:30 9:45 9:45
11:00 Noon
4:00 PM 4:45 5:00 6:00 6:00
Deacons Meeting Pre-Sunday School Fellowship Sue Kelly Library Open Sunday School Bible Study with Kari Martin Morning Worship 3rd Sunday Lunch Ministry Chamber Ringers Rehearsal 7th & 8th Grade Bells The Bell Ringers Rehearsal Middle School Youth Meeting High School Youth Meeting
Tuesday, 3/17 3:00 PM
5:00 5:00
Children’s After-School Programs (1st-3rd Grades) and Preschool Mission Friends Pickup for Preschoolers and 1st-3rd Graders The Bell Ringers Annual Pancake Supper
