It’s hard to put almost 15 1/2 years of memories as pastor and people into one short newsletter article. From my first few weeks here staying with John and Nancy Lewis, then Bobby and Pat Bowers while houses were being bought and sold, to this past Sunday’s final service and luncheon, this has been a wonderful journey. I think back on all the births and baby dedications, the weddings and anniversary celebrations, the graduations and baptisms. I also think back on all the hospitalizations and surgeries, the rehabs and moves to nursing homes, the job losses and the funerals. Life is made up of all these, and for many of you, we’ve shared more than one of these life events over the years. Anytime a significant life-event is shared with someone, a special bond is formed that stands the test of time. I feel I have that bond with so many of you, which I will always treasure. We have rejoiced and wept together. Not all of our experiences together have been me reaching out to you in ministry. You have been our minister on so many occasions. While at First Baptist, both of Peggy’s parents and my father have died, plus numerous relatives and friends on both sides. We have celebrated Bryan’s marriage and the birth of three granddaughters, though I am emotionally scarred to this day at the remembrance of Mel Patton posing as my “granddaughter” in nothing but a big pink diaper and a headband. And most recently, you have stood beside us during Jonathan’s sickness. We will not forget these expressions of grace. It is not easy to leave. We have made many special relationships. But we believe that God is leading us into this new chapter of our lives. We are looking forward to more family time and a less hectic schedule. We want to travel some and have more time to pursue our hobbies. I am retiring from full- time ministry, I am not retiring from ministry. I could never stop being involved in service to God. I know that part-time or interim ministry will be a part of my future. I believe the future is bright for First Baptist. The Visioning Process will provide a guide for the future and for the kind of senior pastor the church will seek. The church is in capable hands with Kristin Whitesides serving as acting pastor during the interim period, as well as the other church staff and church leadership. Most of all, this church is in God’s hands. Thank you for being our church family. We ask for your prayers in this time of transition and change, and we offer our prayers to you. May the Lord bless you and keep you— always. From the Pastor FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WINCHESTER, VA June 21, 2016 Volume 77, Issue 6 From the Pastor 1 Youth Scoop 2 HRR—View from The Ridge 3 Children’s Ministry, & Lori’s ’Grace Notes’ 4-5 July Calendar 6-7 Ageless Adventurers, July Birthdays, Community Announcements 8-9 Inside this issue: The TIE that binds the church & home together
Transcript
It’s hard to put almost 15 1/2 years of
memories as pastor and people into one
short newsletter article. From my first few
weeks here staying with John and Nancy
Lewis, then Bobby and Pat Bowers while
houses were being bought and sold, to this
past Sunday’s final service and luncheon,
this has been a wonderful journey.
I think back on all the births and baby
dedications, the weddings and anniversary
celebrations, the graduations and baptisms.
I also think back on all the hospitalizations
and surgeries, the rehabs and moves to
nursing homes, the job losses and the
funerals. Life is made up of all these, and
for many of you, we’ve shared more than
one of these life events over the years.
Anytime a significant life-event is shared
with someone, a special bond is formed
that stands the test of time. I feel I have
that bond with so many of you, which I
will always treasure. We have rejoiced and
wept together.
Not all of our experiences together have
been me reaching out to you in ministry.
You have been our minister on so many
occasions. While at First Baptist, both of
Peggy’s parents and my father have died,
plus numerous relatives and friends on
both sides. We have celebrated Bryan’s
marriage and the birth of three
granddaughters, though I am emotionally
scarred to this day at the remembrance of
Mel Patton posing as my “granddaughter”
in nothing but a big pink diaper and a
headband. And most recently, you have
stood beside us during Jonathan’s sickness.
We will not forget these expressions of
grace.
It is not easy to leave. We have made many
special relationships. But we believe that
God is leading us into this new chapter of
our lives. We are looking forward to more
family time and a less hectic schedule. We
want to travel some and have more time to
pursue our hobbies. I am retiring from full-
time ministry, I am not retiring from
ministry. I could never stop being involved
in service to God. I know that part-time or
interim ministry will be a part of my future.
I believe the future is bright for First
Baptist. The Visioning Process will provide
a guide for the future and for the kind of
senior pastor the church will seek. The
church is in capable hands with Kristin
Whitesides serving as acting pastor during
the interim period, as well as the other
church staff and church leadership. Most
of all, this church is in God’s hands.
Thank you for being our church family. We
ask for your prayers in this time of
transition and change, and we offer our
prayers to you.
May the Lord bless you and keep you—
always.
From the Pastor
F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H W I N C H E S T E R , V A
June 21, 2016
Volume 77, Issue 6
From the Pastor 1
Youth Scoop 2
HRR—View from The Ridge
3
Children’s Ministry, & Lori’s ’Grace Notes’
4-5
July Calendar 6-7
Ageless Adventurers, July Birthdays, Community Announcements
8-9
Inside this issue:
The TIE that binds the church & home together
The TIE that binds the church & home together Volume 77, Issue 6
Page 2
Kristin’s Youth Scoop
Our Youth Summer Retreat was a blast! Meeting at Hunting Ridge Retreat on June 17 and 18 we were led by John Lewis and Kristin Whitesides on a Pilgrimage through the Holy Land. On Friday we learned about the Holy Land: its history, its geography, and its significance. We took a nature walk and learned the purpose of a pilgrimage and the Jesus Prayer that accompanies many people on their spiritual journeys: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on Me, A Sinner.” Youth spent time focusing on that prayer as they walked silently and on their own through the paths of the retreat. On Saturday we correlated various parts of Hunting Ridge with specific places in Jesus’ ministry. The James Lake became the Sea of Galilee as we talked about what it meant to leave our nets to follow Christ. The picnic pavilion became the hillside for the Sermon on the Mount as our youth studied the beatitudes and what it means to learn from Christ and be a part of the Kingdom of God. The campsite became the Garden of Gethsemane as we learned what it meant to submit to God’s will instead of our own. And the large cross became Golgotha as we were challenged to take up our own crosses daily to follow Christ. We had wonderful youth leaders with us: Mark Jones, John Lewis, and Kathryn Mayberry. It was a truly wonderful weekend together!
The TIE that binds the church & home together Volume 77, Issue 6
Page 3
The View from The Ridge
Greetings from the Ridge!
It was so good to see so many of you at the church picnic this year. I think the attendance was the highest it has
been in a long time. We have lots of people to thank for the prepping of the Ridge this year…
Greg Miller for helping mow the grass
Jim Hollinger for grooming & prepping the trails
Corey Kite for power washing and staining the chicken cooker
Nelson Isenhower for tilling the sand in the volley ball court
The Engler Family for revitalizing the playground, painting the picnic tables and working hard to make the
grounds look exceptional!
Special thanks to Jim and Gail Hollinger and Robert Palmer for all their hard work on the gazebo.
Stewardship & Finance Committee– we are so very grateful for the approval to update all our HVAC’s. Everyone
will be grateful for the cool air this summer!
We are kicking off our summer season this week with Camp Superkids, the Asthma Camp produced and spon-
sored by Valley Health. The School of Leadership and another brand new camp will be in at the end of June, fol-
lowed by the Jeremiah Project in July.
We can’t wait to start sharing stories from lives that have been changed by Christ during their time at HRR. While
reading E.T. Clark’s book, History of The First Baptist Church, I came across this quote from a young person in
1974, who had gone on retreat in 1963…"How good it is that other children, not of our church, can go there and
perhaps experience God for the first time." How thrilling to know that God is continuing to use Hunting Ridge
Retreat for others to experience the goodness of the Lord.
We invite you to pray with us over the hundreds of children, youth, and adults visiting HRR this summer.
Blessings!
The TIE that binds the church & home together Volume 77, Issue 6
Page 4
Vacation Bible School is coming together! Be a part of this exciting experience!
The planning for Vacation Bible School starts in the fall when various companies begin revealing the new exciting themes and advertising the shiny starter kits. As I sift through the dynamic programs I picture the children who have attended VBS the summer before and consider what aspects of the previous program got them excited and engaged. What was most helpful for our volunteers & teachers? What hasn’t worked in our facilities?
After deciding on a program and ordering the starter kit I am renewed in my excitement for VBS. And when that kit comes and I see all of the wonderful things the children who attend our VBS will get to experience, I can’t help but start planning away! When our first child registers for VBS I am happy! But when the tenth or twentieth child registers, I am nervous. I am nervous because it is June and kids are being registered for VBS and parents expect a wonderful enriching experience… but I don’t have enough volunteers.
VBS is well planned. Teachers have books with daily detailed lessons, games, crafts, or recipes. Crew leaders have signs, maps, & itinerary. I will meet with you and help you prepare every step of the way. You will get something out of this experience. Seeing the children interact with each other and participate in the daily activities is fun and enjoyable! Children are unpredictable and this is a positive thing, when they teach you something or show you love and appreciation it will catch you off guard. When they have mature conversations about being a good person it will make your heart smile. And when a prescooler closes more than sixty kids in prayer at the end of the day, you will talk about it for a year.
Volunteer for VBS so that both the kids and You can have a wonderful experience
FBC 2016 VBS July 11-14 5:45-7:45
Ms. Peggy we will miss you!
Sunday June 12th was Peggy Fletcher’s last day teaching pre-school Sunday school. Many kids now in our school age pro-gram have come through her class, and still talk about how much they loved it! Ms. Peggy taught her Sunday school les-sons with purpose, she made her classroom enjoyable and in-viting, and she brought healthy snacks! What I will forever ap-preciate about Ms. Peggy is that, for the adults in the program, she led by example as she loved and welcomed the children.
We took the time to celebrate with Ms. Peggy on the 12th with
purple decorations & snacks and presented her with a canvas
with the handprints of the children she has taught.
Children’s Ministry
The TIE that binds the church & home together Volume 77, Issue 6
Page 5
The TIE is DIGITAL
Lori’s ‘Grace Notes’
On June 12, 2016 we welcomed Dan Miller as our new organist. Dan is a Professional Organist and Accompanist. He holds 2 Master of Music degrees from Shenandoah University in Church Music and Piano Accompanying. We are very pleased to have him as our Organist!
We also want to thank Leslie Robertson, who has led our worship services with her beautiful Piano accompaniment for several months. We also officially welcome Leslie as our staff Pianist.
First Baptist is blessed to have these two extremely talented musicians on our Staff!
The TIE will now be available in two for-mats: Printed & Digital.
Why a Digital Version?
Making the TIE viewable as a digital mag-azine allows readers to easily access, share and even download the TIE from any com-puter or mobile device while on the go.
Providing a digital version of the TIE also allows us to incorporate many great features which are simply not possible with the printed version. For example, you’ll be able to view the TIE in full color, have access to website links embedded within the text, pic-ture galleries, videos, and much more! The digital version also allows viewers to conven-iently zoom in and out to make reading small text much easier!
Are there benefits for the church?
Absolutely! One of the largest benefits to utilizing a digital version of the TIE is cost savings. FBC is able to create almost limit-less versions of the TIE for a fraction of the cost of printing.
Signing up to receive the TIE digitally is easy and FREE! We’d ask that you prayer-fully consider utilizing this great new tool to experience the TIE in a brand new way.
To learn more or to signup for the
Digital TIE, please visit:
FBCWINC.ORG
Dan Miller on Sunday, June 12. Leslie Robertson on Sunday, June 12.
The TIE that binds the church & home together Volume 77, Issue 6
11:00 AM High School/College Book Club (Hideaway Cafe)
11:30 AM Al-Anon (301)
6:00 PM HRR Committee (HRR)
20
SLC Camp (CEB)
7:30 PM Planning Team (CEB)
21
SLC Camp (CEB)
22
SLC Camp (CEB)
12:00 PM Al-Anon (301)
7:30 PM Hispanic Prayer Meeting (CEB)
8:00 PM Al-Anon (LA)
8:00 PM Al-Ateen (LA)
23
24
8:00 AM Praise Chorus | 8:30 AM Worship Service
9:45 AM Sunday School | 11:00 AM Bible Friends
11:00 AM Worship Service | 2:30 PM Hispanic Service (CEB)
31
8:00 AM Praise Chorus | 8:30 AM Worship Service
9:45 AM Sunday School | 11:00 AM Bible Friends
11:00 AM Worship Service | 2:30 PM Hispanic Service (CEB)
25
7:30 AM Al-Anon (301)
1:30 PM Staff Meeting (Church Office)
26
Youth @ Massanutten Water Park
9:30 AM Senior Handbells (Balcony)
11:00 AM Singin' Seniors (Sanc.)
11:30 AM Al-Anon (301)
27
7:30 PM Church Council (CEB)
28
29
10:00 AMAdventurers Trip to Mimslyn Inn, Lu-ray, VA
12:00 PM Al-Anon (301)
7:30 PM Hispanic Prayer Meeting (CEB)
8:00 PM Al-Anon (LA)
8:00 PM Al-Ateen (LA)
30
The TIE that binds the church & home together Volume 77, Issue 6
Page 8
Vacation Bible School
The Red Cross Blood Drive, hosted by First Baptist Church, will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 12:30-6pm in the CEB. We need at least 25-30 donors-all blood types. Signup sheets are in the new narthex, or you may call the church office, or sign up online. Donations of cookies, brownies, etc. are also needed.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Vacation Bible School is coming from July 11-14! Join us for Cave Quest! Register your children and also become a VBS volunteer at: www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/2016FBC
On Line Giving
Did you miss your time on Sunday worshipping at First Baptist? Did your contribution to First
Baptist get delayed until the next Sunday?
The First Baptist members who are enrolled with ON LINE GIVING had their contribu-tions posted to the church. Nothing to worry about – and First Baptist was able to continue
funding its ministries. Thank you to each of our participants!
Why not give it a try?! It is easy!
New Members
First Baptist Church would like to welcome Claire Sumner who joined the church and re-quested baptism on June 19th.
Like & Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up-to-date with the latest events and activities related to First Baptist
Church.
Facebook.com/FirstBaptistWinc
Twitter.com/FBCWinc
Christian Sympathy
Our Christian sympathy is extended to the fam-ily of Margaret Watts Burrage, who passed away on June 11. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.
CCAP Donations
CCAP is now accepting donations of school supplies for distribution to students in need on July 18-22 from 8:30am until noon. Please bring donated supplies to CCAP at 112 South Kent Street no later than Friday, July 15 at noon. CCAP is also looking for a volunteer treasurer. If interested, contact Fran Ricketts at 540.662.4318.
Recycle Baskets
Recycle baskets are now available in each narthex. You are encouraged to recycle your bulletins if you do not plan to take them home.
The TIE that binds the church & home together Volume 77, Issue 6
Page 9
July 2016 Birthdays
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Denise Kackley
2
3 Glenn James
4 Reagan Kite
5 Elizabeth Filer Rachel Huyett Cameron Diehl Ellie Brumback
6 Linda Thompson
7 Rik Pell Rebecca Billings
8 Galen Kuykendall
9
10 11 George Stern Cynthia Lester Stuart Mayberry
12 Sandra Ramey Donald Search Ryan Charest Faith Unger
13 Lucy Cohen Connor Carnell
14 Elma Morrison Blair Belkin
15 Joyce Braithwaite Jim Calloway Margaret Boppe
16 Kerry Grove Emerson Gordon
17 Sean Sauntry Amy Stotlemyer Mandy Simons Finley Gordon
18 Mike Van Amburg Erin Ramsay
19 John Bauserman Maliwal Sauntry Sophia Howard
20 Rogery Ramey Haywood Horne Jonathan Fletcher
21 Emily Gordon Tracy Howard
22 Edward Barnett Joyce Lacy Courtney Jarrett
23 Shirley Calloway Paul Thompson
24
31
25 Carol Ambrose
26 Sandra Shernick Marian Owings
27 Louis Wilson
28 Claudine Stubblefield Catherine Whitacre Andrew Kuykendall Jayden Billings Ryan Billings
29 Abbye Gordon Russell Reid Katie Yost
30 Jimmy Ebersole
Give by Text Six years ago this month, a record number of people tried a new concept in donations called text-to-give when a huge earthquake
struck Haiti. Today, technological advancements have made texting and making donations or paying bills through text messages a com-
mon and rewarding event in our lives.
The number of mobile bill payers grew by 69 percent in 2014 – 27 percent of U.S. households with Internet access.
That number is expected to grow along with the expected share of Internet traffic for mobile devices (57 percent by 2018), driven
largely by the fact that users like making text donations. Results from the mGive 2014 Text Giving Study showed a record high of 98
percent of respondents who said their mobile donation experience was “excellent” or “good,” compared to 85 percent in 2013.
The advancement of give by text technology makes accepting contributions through mobile devices a key building block of any giving
program. In less time than it takes to write a check, members can make weekly offerings or other donations by sending a simple text
message. It’s one of the fastest ways to give, and one of the easiest options for churches to implement.
Excerpt from: http://blog.vancopayments.com/
The TIE that binds the church & home together Volume 77, Issue 6
Page 10
Announcements, Reminders & Call for Volunteers
May/June Bible Friends Schedule
June 26: David Smith / Claudine Stubblefield
July 3: Holly Nightingale
July 10: Heather Wilson / Laura Beavers
July 17: Dawn Greene / Tracy Howard
July 24: Lynne Esslinger / Holley Ramsey
May/June Children’s Story-Time Speakers
June 26: David Smith
July 3: Alison Wright
July 10: TBD
July 17: TBD
July 24: TBD
May/June Nursery Volunteers
(11 AM Sunday Service)
June 26: Linda Fletcher
July 3: Sharon Woodard
July 10: Sue Spangler
July 17: Linda Vickers
July 24: Donna Walter
Safety Team Needs
The Safety Team is looking for additional people to serve on Sunday mornings, either during the 8:30 or 11:00 services. If you are willing or have questions, please call the church office at 540-662-5367. The goal is to have each person serve once a month.
Sound Crew Volunteers Needed
The Sound Crew is looking for volunteers to help work the sound board for either service but particularly 2nd service one or two services per month.
Please see any of the sound crew members or call Paul at 540-869-2571. Current members are Dave Winston, Jeremy Nightingale, William Chu, Tim Billings, Stephen McCalley, Liz Filer, Paul Thompson.
Wednesday Night Activities
Dinner and activities will resume on September 7, 2016.
Singin’ Seniors
On Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 5:30p.m. the Singin’ Seniors will have their Annual Memorial Dinner to honor all the Singin’ Seniors who have died since the group began. This is a special time of fellowship with the choir and the spouses of our dearly departed. This will be held in the CEB.
On Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 12:30, after rehearsal, the Singin’ Seniors will gather at Perkins for Lunch. Please plan to attend!
On Monday, July 18, 2016 the Singin’ Seniors will be presenting a concert at 2:00p.m. at Spring Arbor in Leesburg, Va.
Ageless Adventurers
On Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 10:30 we will gather for our annual Pool Party hosted by the Pell's. Please bring a side dish. Chicken, desserts, and drinks will be provided. The Lucy Bus will take people at 10:00 a.m. or you can meet there. Call the church office to sign up at 662- 5367.
On Friday, July 29, 2016 at 10:00a.m. we will depart for a lovely scenic drive and lunch buffet at the beautiful Mimslyn Inn, Luray, Va. The cost of the buffet is $8.95 and includes dessert. Please call and make your reservation in advance at the church office 662-5367. The cut-off for making reservations is Thursday, July 21, 2016.
The Special Kid’s Worship Service
The Special Kid’s Worship Service is for kids of all ages. It is multi-sensory, relaxed, and special needs friendly. The next summer service is scheduled for August 21 at 4:00pm in the CEB. For more information, contact Kristin Whitesides at the church office
A Note of Thanks
I would like to express my deepest appreciation and thanks to Pastor George, Kristin, Lori and Leslie, who conducted a beautiful Inspirational Memorial Service for my son, Gavin C. Sluder. Thank you to those who called me and brought food and sent cards.
Thanks and continue to remember me in your thoughts and prayers.
-Betty Sluder
The TIE that binds the church & home together Volume 77, Issue 6
F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H W I N C H E S T E R , V A
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First Baptist Church Prayer Chain Ministries Direct your prayer request(s) to:
Daytime Hours: Donna Walter @ 722-2230 or Linette Spicer @ 662-1120
Evening Hours: Janet Luttrell @ 533-6626 or Laura Beavers @ 667-3191
Publication Deadlines
Newsletter Deadline:
The next TIE will be mailed on Tues., July 26.
Please email content to: [email protected] by 10:00a.m. Mon., July 18.
Bulletin Deadline:
The Church Bulletin is printed every Thursday Morning.
Please submit content to Kathy by noon on Wednesday.
