“Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19 NIV
Faith
The Scripture does not tell us exactly how this will all take place, but we are promised that it will. That is why we must have faith. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about We can’t see God’s entire plan for us, but we must trust his Word what we do not see.” that he is preparing a place for us and have faith that it is exactly Hebrews 11:1 NIV what we are hoping for. Christ’s death and resurrection gives us This verse was our theme verse for Sunday School this summer assurance that he would return for us. with the kids, except they memorized this NIRV version, “Faith is Teaching children faith is a challenge, but also a blessing. It helps being sure of what we hope for. It is being sure of what we do not us to think about God in ways we would never think of and chalsee.” We have been working on memorizing it, each week erasing lenges us to try to explain things we believe. It will also probably more words that we have committed to memory. The kids push lead to more and more questions. Yet when I asked my small each other to work hard at remembering it. group of kids at camp what would you rather have a leader do, lie This verse also came up this summer at camp as Klaire led a or say they don’t know to a question asked, they all responded campfire devotion. It kept coming up when students were trying with the latter. They don’t want us to lie and conveniently know to think concretely about abstract topics of faith. For example, one all the answers to faith but instead to tell the truth. student that has only been to church once in her life asked what There are some things that Christians will not have a definitive happens when we die. We answered that your physical body stays answer to because there are parts of the Bible that are too wonon earth but your soul goes to heaven and started talking about a derful for us to understand in this life. There are parts of the Bible resurrection body. Well, that opened a can of worms! The questhat will remain a mystery to us because we serve a God that tions from the whole cabin were rampant. Would we be a like a cannot be contained by human logic. I say this to bring you hope if ghost? A zombie? What would our resurrection body be like? you have been not attending a Bible study for fear of not knowing Where exactly is heaven located? Would we feel anger in heaven enough. Go anyway--go and learn and know that no one has all for leaving our loved ones behind? In heaven, do we become like the answers. If you’re concerned about talking with your kids and God? On and on the questions at late night cabin devotions went. grandkids about God because you don’t have it all figured out Another question the curriculum at camp asked of us was: If you exactly, talk anyway. We need to step out in faith and allow the asked a leader a question that they did not know the answer to, Holy Spirit room to move and work in us so others can meet Jesus would you prefer them to lie or tell you they do not know? through us, to help us to keep moving forward on our road inIn responding and answering my cabin’s questions there is a stead of putting up a road closed sign and not discussing faith. certain degree of faith involved. Scripture tells us this about the Each week pastors spend hours reading their Bible and books resurrection bodies in 1 Corinthians 15, starting with verse 40: about the passage of scripture that they are going to teach on. “There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth. The They spend time in prayer for God to help them understand so glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly they can tell others about what they are learning. Christians all bodies. The sun has one kind of glory, while the moon and stars each over the world are still learning new things all the time about have another kind. And even the stars differ from each other in their their faith, and I hope you consider yourself one of them. Have a glory. It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our soft heart that is teachable by God and by others. This is my earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will prayer: that we would all have teachable hearts to be molded and be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but shaped by the Holy Spirit. they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are Rev. Kara Krohg natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.”
Taken from “The Secret Place” devotional. You may pick one up for yourself for a donation of $.25 each in the narthex or east hallway. Aug 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 Acts 2:1-13 Acts 2:37-44 Acts 6:8-15 Acts 7:54-8:1a Acts 6:1-8 Matthew 15:21-28 Galatians 3:23-29 Romans 10:9-15 Acts 8:1b-3 Acts 8:4-13 Acts 8:14-25 Acts 8:26-39 Acts 22:1-5 Titus 1:5-9 Acts 9:21-25
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Acts 9:26-31 Acts 9:32-35 Acts 9:1-9 Acts 9:10-20 Isaiah 49:1-7 Luke 7:1-10 Acts 10:1-8 Acts 10:9-18 Acts 10:34-43
My family and I would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for the food you shared and all your prayers and well wishes. Thanks to the ladies who served Clarence’s favorite ice cream. Thanks to Pastor Jay for such a personal and meaningful funeral service and Pastor Kara for assisting. His family continues to to be overwhelmed by your kindness and caring. Betty Schwien and Family
Acts 10:44-48
Acts 10:19-33 Genesis 6:1-8 Genesis 7:1-10 Genesis 8:13-19 Genesis 9:1-7
8 first graders will be returning very happily to school this fall thanks to you filling their school supply bags! Thank you, thank you church family for your generosity! Your Mission Board
First Baptist Church 709 Independence St Pella, IA 50219
You really stepped up this year, First Baptist Church! Your generosity with donating time, money, and supplies is more appreciated than we can say! What a blessing to get to work with all of you on this event. You really get to know your fellow church members when you work together in the kitchen with them! See you next year! Kathy De Vos & Tami Sikkema
Senior Pastor Jay Thornton
[email protected] Assoc. Pastor Kara Krohg
[email protected] Regular Office Hours: Phone: Email: Website: Admin. Assistant: Custodian:
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 641.628.3401
[email protected] www.fbcpella.org Ann Millar Merlin Van Dyk
Faith by Rev. Kara Krohg……………………………......………………………...……………………………………………… Front Board Reports…………………………………………...……………………………………...……………………………………... Page 3 Prayer Concerns, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Library News……………………………………………………….. Page 4
Opportunities to Give & Serve…………………..……..……...…………………………………………..…………………... Page 5 Church Calendar………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………..……... Page 6 Published monthly by First Baptist Church, 709 Independence St, Pella, IA 50219. All rights reserved.
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Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord, During the past year, we at International Ministries have been working hard to refresh our brand mark and revitalize the heritage of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society by reintroducing the ABFMS seal, which has stood the test of time. In conjunction with the brand refresh, IM will be launching a new website this summer. The current website will stay up until the new one is ready, but you can look forward to a modern, intuitive, mobile-friendly design coming soon to internationalministries.org. The new logo is the product of many interviews and months of creative work. The IM initials cross the entire circle and extend beyond it. This design reminds us that God's work in and through IM is making a difference throughout the entire world and even beyond what the eye can see, advancing God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. The bright new color reflects our vibrant and passionate endeavor to respond to God's call to global mission from everywhere to everyone. Finally, when you look closely at the words, you'll see three crosses (the letter t). They are a constant reminder of God's great love, which is what drives us to answer God's call to global mission. The reintroduction of our 203-year-old mission society seal and this new brand mark are a reflection of our pride in our centuries of global ministry together, as well as our commitment to a future of faithful service. We continue to strive to be innovative in the way we respond to God's call and God's work through IM. I extend a personal thank you to your church for your partnership with IM in God's service, as together we participate in global mission on earth as it is in heaven. Praise the Lord! Gratefully, Sharon Koh Executive Director / CEO
The pool party was a good time with good attendance.
We are working on the visitation list and staying connected with those living in the Cottages and the homebound.
The 80+ Birthday Celebration was held in July. Over 40 postcards were mailed out to anyone in our church family age 80 or over by July 23rd.
Sherri Seekamp sends out cards to those having birthdays & anniversaries and those who are sick or needing encouragement. She sent over 40 cards & postcards in June. Thank you, Sherri, for doing such a good job!
CHANGES FOR THE FALL CONNECT will meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month with a meal and a service project. Stitches from the Heart will continue to meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the parlor (no meal will be provided those weeks). The high school youth group will move their meeting time to Wednesdays at 6:30 rather than Sunday evenings. The service project schedule is as follows:
There were no requests for deacons’ fund money this month. If you have a need, please contact Vivian Vriezelaar at 641.780.0905.
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September: Game Night at Pella Manor and Cottages
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October: White Cross Bandage Rolling
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November: Care Packages for Servicemen & Women
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December: Christmas Caroling
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January: Worship/Prayer Night
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February: Valentine Care Packages for College Students
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March: Jar Mixes
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April: Movie Night
Dan Arnett & family
Robin Kemntz
Carol Budding
Bea Mick
Cole Chavez
Jim Morris
Sgt. John Cogley
Lt A. J. Nunnikhoven
Phyllis Cottington
Bob Peebler
Darrell & Karen Dobernecker
Dan Scaperoth
Alex Ehler
Willie Van Essen
Joni Felton Ken Heschke
2nd Lt. Wesley Hoksbergen
The following books and movies were added to the church library in July: Love Story By Karen Kingsbury (fiction) #1 Baxter Family Series - her latest book! The Heart That Lingers By June Masters Bacher (fiction)
Sherri Seekamp
Sabrina By Lori Wick (fiction) #2 Big Sky Dreams Series
Kevin Vander Hart Pte. Matt Vos
Vision Team
A Bride for Donnigan By Janette Oke (fiction) Breaking Free By Lauraine Snelling (fiction) Look for a good book or movie in the library or narthex this week!
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Tami Van Zante
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Ken Hoksbergen
17 Robin Tietjens Alan Tucker
Mary Lenox
18 Sarah Heschke
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Steve Vermeer
19 John De Haan
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Ben Dingeman
23 Marlene Madden
Verna Van Dyk
Adair Smith
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Leonard Grimes
Stan Sneller
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Paul Ostrander
10 Marlene Hugen
24 Terry Mitchel
27 Don Vande Noord
Terri Van Dusseldorp
29 Faye Dieleman
Vivian Vriezelaar
31 Joe Seekamp
11 Linda Vander Werf
Paul & Jan Ostrander - August 11th, 60 years
Sid & Norma De Haan - August 12th, 57 years
Arlin & Jackie Harvey - August 14th, 57 years
Terry & Lona Bandstra - August 18th, 48 years
Dennis & Sharon Blanke - August 18th, 48 years
Ken & Kathi Lucas - August 18th, 54 years
Terry & Grace Butler - August 27th, 35 years
Susan Sikkema
13 Henry Schuring May God bless these marriages with deeper love, forgiveness and grace, health and joy!
Don’t see your birthday or anniversary in the newsletter? Please call or email the church office with your information and it’ll be added to the list!
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Summer Food Shelf Needs: Canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, soup, pasta, condiments, and peanut butter
August Van Driver: Paul & Jan Ostrander
628-3484
Van Coordinator:
**Checks can be made out directly to the Food Shelf**
Ron Vander Linden
780-3682
*Greeter Schedule:
June Donations: 67 items and $35.00 YTD: 466 items and $898.00
8/6
Karen De Haan
Thank you for supporting this important community service!
8/13
Glen & Linda Vander Werf
8/20
Rick & Dana Knoll
Hope Ministries Summer Drive
8/27
Terry & Pam Mitchel
The Mission Team is going to be doing some local trips and service projects this summer, including Hope Ministries in Des Moines. Hope Ministries is not funded at all by the government, so they ask for donations for needed items. Will you help us by donating the following items? You can put them in the box in the narthex. Thank you!
Men’s socks
Men’s briefs
Men’s travel size deodorant
Men’s travel size shampoo
*Usher Schedule: 8/6
Diaconate
8/13
Bryce Dahm
Tim Lucas
Rick Knoll
Mike Clark
8/20
Arlin & Jackie Harvey Terry & Pam Mitchel
8/27
James & Robin Tietjens
Curt & Pat Hite *Nursery (please sign up in the narthex):
It’s a Baby Shower for Maria Bogaards Saturday, August 26th, at 3 p.m. First Baptist Fellowship Hall
8/6
Mike & Sheryl Lubberden
8/13
Don & Bev Graves
8/20
**Need two more volunteers**
8/27
Johnnie & Maria Bogaards
RSVP in the narthex by August 20th
* If you have a conflict, please switch with someone or find a replacement. Call or email the church office and let us know about the change.
Registries: Buy Buy Baby, Target, WalMart
Thank you!
Pathways of Pella 5K Run/Walk for Life Saturday, August 26th, 2017 Pella Christian High School Registration 8:30 a.m. Race begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.
$25 (includes t-shirt) by Aug. 4th; $30 after Aug. 4th For more info, registration forms, and pledge sheets, go to www.pathwayspella.org or call 641.628.4827.
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August 2017 Sun
Mon
Tue
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Wed
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Thu
Fri
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Sat
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Sunday Worship each week: 9:30 a.m.
Contact Camp at Forest Lake: July 31 - Aug 5*
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CE Board 8:00 a.m.
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15
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Stitches from the Heart 6:30 p.m.
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Leadership Council 8:00 a.m.
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Search & Grow 7:30 a.m. Windmill Cafe
Communion Sunday
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7:00 a.m. Forest Lake Fishing Derby
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First Day of School - Pella
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Baby Shower for Maria Bogaards 3:00 p.m.
First Day of School - PC
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*Campers at Forest Lake: • • • • •
Diaconate 8:00 a.m.
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Sierra Vander Weerdt Kaleena Van Haaften Christian Krohg (coordinator) Klaire De Vos (cabin leader) Brad Rozenboom (cabin leader)
