“Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19 NIV
Thinking Theologically about…Peace By Rev. Jay Thornton
As individuals and as a church, we are on a spiritual journey. Our spiritual journeys should consist of constant discoveries of beautiful newness. Moments when we internalize a great truth, meet a new neighbor, visit a shut-in, offer a (not so) random kindness to a stranger, engage in a new ministry opportunity, or engage in a daily spiritual discipline such as prayer. Discoveries can come in the silence, from the pulpit, when we are celebrating, or protesting, during times of peace, and even in adversity. In all of these areas, we have the opportunity to lean into the creative power of a God who does not leave us but guides us on this journey. In Luke 19:38, the crowd is joyfully praising God singing, “Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven.” Earlier in the Lukan narrative, in Luke 2:14, the heavenly hosts are praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!” What strikes me is that when Jesus comes to earth, there is a pronouncement in heaven that peace has come to earth. And when it’s nearly time for Jesus to return, there is a pronouncement on earth that peace is coming back to heaven. For me, the discovery is wherever Jesus goes, from the highest heaven to the poorest village to the cross, he brings peace. We are who we are because the peace of Christ has found fertile soil in our hearts. However, our journey is not complete; the transformative power of the Holy Spirit continues to shape and mold us as individuals and as the church. In the hands of a loving God, we are a work in progress. A faith journey is about more than the discoveries of the past. It also consists of what’s happening now, and the moments of beautiful newness still to come. May it be that every step of our journey is firmly rooted in peace and in a hope meant to sustain us in the best and most challenging of times: “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.”
Christian Education Opportunities Fall 2017 Sunday Morning (Beginning Sep. 10) •
Adults: “Bible Studies for Life” led by Ken Hoksbergen in the church parlor.
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Adult Women: “Discerning the Voice of God” by Priscilla Shirer, led by Kathy De Vos & Shannan Duenwald in the room at the bottom of the north stairs.
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Adults: “Rebuilding God’s City” by John MacArthur, led by Dennis Dingeman in the fellowship hall.
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High School (9th-12th): “Bible Studies for Life” led by Randy & Joyce Bogaards/Rev. Kara Krohg in the high school room.
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4th - 8th Grade: “Bible Studies for Life” led by Lovena Van Haaften/Faye Dieleman in the room across from the kitchen.
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PreK - 3rd Grade: “Heartshaper” led by Connie Cogley in the playshop room. Sunday Night (Beginning Sep. 10) •
7:00 p.m.
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5:45 p.m.
High School Youth Group, led by Rev. Kara Krohg, studying “Sticky Faith.” 1st Wednesday of each month (Beginning Sep. 6) Meal
• 6:30 p.m. Service Projects & Activities 2nd/4th Wednesday of each month (Beginning Sep. 13) •
6:30 p.m.
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Choir: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. with director Joshua Pierce.
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Hand Bell Choir: Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. led by director Susan Canfield.
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Men’s Bible Study: Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. led by Rev. Jay Thornton in the church parlor.
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Men’s Breakfast: 3rd Saturday monthly at 7:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Contact: John Dieleman.
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Mary Martha Circle: 3rd Monday monthly at 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Contact: Diana Burkin or Neva Mathes.
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Search & Grow Women’s Group: 2nd Tuesday monthly in the church parlor. Contact: Lovena Van Haaften.
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Senior Singles: outings monthly on 2nd or 3rd Friday, game day on the last Monday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Contact: Lovena Van Haaften.
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Senior Citizens lunch @ Country Club: 3rd Thursday monthly at 11:30 a.m.
Stitches from the Heart, knitting/crochet ministry Other Small Group Opportunities
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. Sep 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Matthew 24:36-44 Revelation 10:1-7 Genesis 8:20-22; 9:8-17 Genesis 17:15-17 Genesis 17:20-22 Genesis 17:23-27 Acts 7:1-8 Romans 4:13-25 Hebrews 8:1-8 Genesis 17:1-14 Exodus 20:8-11 Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Matthew 12:9-14 Mark 6:1-5 Acts 16:11-15
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Psalm 92 Exodus 31:12-18 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Ezekiel 36:33-38 Ezekiel 37:11-14 Ezekiel 37:15-23 Ezekiel 37:24-28 Titus 3:8-11 Ezekiel 36:22-32 Psalm 33:1-9 Genesis 12:1-3 Genesis 13:14-17 Exodus 23:23-27 1 Kings 4:20-25 Romans 4:1-4
The family of Marlene Madden would like to express our gratitude to all our friends who remembered us during our time of great loss. Your care and concern shown by prayer, visits, phone calls, food, flowers, and memorial money helped lessen our pain. As we mourn the loss of mom, Linda, and Zach we know that we are covered in prayer by many. We find comfort in knowing that they are together in Heaven. We cherish our memories and hold them close to our hearts forever. The family of Marlene Madden
Thank you to our wonderful family at First Baptist Church for all the prayers, concern, phone calls, emails, food, memorials, and condolences during Phyllis’ illness and following her passing. It is great to be part of God’s Kingdom here on earth and know that we are all going to be together in Heaven someday. Thanks, also, to the women who graciously gave their time serving after the funeral service. Gary Cottington Deanne & Mike De Koning, Josh, Matthew & James Jo & Jimmy Ball, Tyler, Collin, Tori, & Nikolas
First Baptist Church 709 Independence St Pella, IA 50219
Senior Pastor Jay Thornton
[email protected] Assoc. Pastor Kara Krohg
[email protected] Regular Office Hours: Phone: Email: Website: Admin. Assistant: Custodian:
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Eight first graders will be returning very happily to school this fall thanks to you filling their school supply bags! Thank you, church family, for your generosity! Your Mission Board
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 641.628.3401
[email protected] www.fbcpella.org Ann Millar Merlin Van Dyk
Anyone interested in the process of making a Quilt of Valor, there will be an introductory meeting on Wednesday, Sep. 13, 1:00 p.m. If you have red, white, blue, or cream colored material you’d like to donate, please drop it off in the church office. Questions? Call Lovena Van Haaften at 628-3691 or 641-230-0276.
Thinking Theologically/Christian Education Opportunities.…...………………………………………….……
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Board Reports…………………………………………...……………………………………...……………………………………...
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Forest Lake News/Fall Soup Supper.…………………………………………………………………………………………
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Community News/Women’s Groups..………………………………………………………………………………………...
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Prayer Concerns, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Library News………………………………………………………...
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Opportunities to Give & Serve…………………..……..……...…………………………………………..……………….…...
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Church Calendar………………………………………………………………………………………………...……….……..…..….
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Published monthly by First Baptist Church, 709 Independence St, Pella, IA 50219. All rights reserved.
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“Do what you can, with what you’ve got, in the moment you’re given.” -Kristy Engel, ABC International Ministries Global Consultant for Health. “Cochabamba, Bolivia, is home to a ministry partner, the House of Hope (HOH). HOH and I began working together when I started my new role as Regional and then Global Consultant for Health. In Bolivia, indigenous peoples have been moving to major cities, like Cochabamba, over the last two decades and leaving their mountainous villages in the Andes. They arrive, often not speaking Spanish, having little money and little understanding of urban culture but hoping for a better life. Instead, they find people willing to take advantage of them, steal from them, indenture them, and for women and children, they often end up living in the streets. The HOH - through their medical, dental, nutrition, agriculture, education, construction, and social service outreach - has been reaching the most desperate in the city of Cochabamba. Once a year, I take a very small team of healthcare providers with me to work alongside the House of Hope medical outreach. We bring only vitamins and a few other over-the-counter medications with us, purchasing the majority of our medication from local pharmacies in the community. The mobile medical clinics are staffed by Bolivian doctors and one or two doctors from my team while a nurse or two will do intake and work in the pharmacy. My goal is that I never have more Americans on my team than there are Bolivians working with us. Why? I believe that we should come alongside the ministry and support the work that they do day in and day out when I’m not there. It makes no sense to me that I “run things” during my short visit. So, I go and support them. It is such a wonderful experience to share and work together, and learn more about some of the unique health challenges that face communities at 9000 ft. altitude that have little access to water because of disappearing ice caps. They could see hundreds of patients each day but they choose to see about 50. They decided that when they see 50 patients, they can give a really good consultation, one that the patient would have received if they visited a doctor in their office. That is the goal, to treat patients with dignity and care. I like working that way, too. My work as a Global Consultant is always changing locations and often requires that I am flexible in what I am willing to do. From mobile medical clinics or health education, new programs or encouraging leaders, health evaluation of communities or stepping in when there is a crisis…it seems that each year is something new and different.” We support Kristy’s work through your generous giving to United Missions. Thank you so much! Your Mission Board
Stitches from the Heart is excited to share with you a new part of our ministry. In the Narthex beginning August 13, you will find a basket with “Pocket Prayer Squares”. If you know someone who could use some encouragement, we invite you to take one and give it to them. The “Pocket Prayer Squares” are stitched with love AND PRAYER, and are a reminder to the recipient that not only do you care about them but that God does, too. A few times when a prayer square might be given: a doctor’s appointment, treatment, travel, illness of a loved one...the opportunities to offer prayer and a prayer square are limitless! These are mini versions of our traditional “Prayer Shawls”, but because they are small and take just a bit of time to create, these can be given lavishly! Help us to bless others with prayer. ~Stitches from the Heart
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Central students will be back in August. We hope to have some of them work regularly in the nursery. In the meantime, contact Dawn Owens if you are willing to serve our young families by providing your care in the nursery.
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Prayer Partner group events are being planned for August 27 (back to school prayer time), October 22 (pumpkin decorating and supper at Duenwald home), and January 3 (making the Connect meal). Prayer Partners will meet individually between those times.
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Pastor Kara is looking at readers’ theater scripts for the Christmas program and would like to include adults with the children and youth. If you are interested in helping her, please contact Pastor Kara or the office.
Forest Lake Camp had 116 campers this year, and several of those young people gave their lives to Jesus and are interested in baptism! Praise the Lord! CAMP POT LUCK Join us for a pot luck dinner (meat and drinks provided!) followed by hayrack rides and a bonfire to end the night on October 6th, 2017, at 5 p.m. RSVP by September 25th to 641.680.0648. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, September 21st, 2017 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Tasty soups including chicken noodle, chili, and two new selections! Stay tuned!
Fresh, homemade sandwiches including beef burgers and cold chicken salad
Delicious cakes and pies for dessert
Various beverages
Freewill donations received will fund the Women’s Ministries Mission Projects. Soups may be preordered - we ask that you prepay at the time of ordering to make the pick up process easier. Cost is $2.50/pint, $5.00/quart. Women: if you are on the fall fund raiser list PLEASE SIGN UP to work or donate needed items. Thank you! Karla Nossaman, chair 4
We are the women of the church who meet monthly on the 3rd Monday in the fellowship hall with coffee or tea and goodies, devotions, and business. We receive a general offering and Love Gift offering towards ABC missions. More fellowship happens as we tear old sheets into strips, measure and sew, the roll them into bandages to be used by our missionaries and hospitals in the Congo. Part of our offering covers shipping of the bandages.
Ladies, are you looking for an excuse for a night out? Come and check out a small group of women that meet monthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the church parlor. Currently, we are reading The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury. This month’s focus is on “James, the doubting brother.” Our group seeks God’s leading as each woman grows in her walk with the Lord. We also support a Haitian child for school, serve for weddings and anniversary celebrations, and support one or two families with children at Christmas.
We welcome any and all interested women of the church to our first meeting on Sep. 18 at 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. If you have questions, please contact Diana Burkin (628-3527) or Neva Mathes (628-3368).
Come, seek, and grow with us! Lovena Van Haaften, leader (628.3691) 5
Dan Arnett
Robin Kemntz
Carol Budding
Corporal Donny Leget
Cole Chavez
Bea Mick
Sgt. John Cogley
Jim Morris
Darrell Dobernecker
Lt A J Nunnikhoven
Alex Ehler
Bob Peebler
Joni Felton
Dan Scaperoth
Ken Heschke
Willie Van Essen
2nd Lt Wesley Hoksbergen
Pte. Matt Vos
Vision Team:
Susan Sikkema
Maria Bogaards
Kelly Taylor
Jackie Harvey
Rev. Jay Thornton
Tim Lucas
Dreyton Vander Werf
Bob Owens
Chris Viesselman
The following books and movies were added to the church library in August: Mercy & Eagleflight By Michael Phillips (fiction) Jessie By Lori Wick (fiction) #3 Big Sky Dreams Series The Gift of Love By Amy Clipston (non-fiction) Healing Hearts By Beth Wiseman (fiction) Look for a good book or movie in the library or narthex this week!
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Bob Allen
15 Aaron Cantrell
Kent Van Vark
Dawn Thornton
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Donna Gilchrist
Keith Vriezelaar
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Hunter Nossaman
17 Karen Matice
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Sharon Blanke
18 Tom Duenwald
Paula Boehlje
20 Barb Mathes
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Shirley Sneller
Vince Nossaman
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John Dieleman
25 Alan Buitenwerf
Bea Mick
Jody Knouse
Wilma Ver Heul
Brett Nossaman
10 Dawn De Haan
27 Mike De Koning
13 Donna Hanna
28 Shirley Bloodsworth
Randy & Tami Sikkema: September 4th, 35 years
Tom & Shirley Bloodsworth: September 15th, 55 years
Dwaine & Jody Knouse: September 16th, 22 years
Dwight & Neva Mathes: September 24th, 56 years
Marriage should be honored by all… Hebrews 13:4
Amy Vander Weerdt
12 Merlin Van Dyk
John Scharff 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
September Van Driver: Ron Vander Linden
780-3682
*Greeter Schedule:
**Checks can be made out directly to the Food Shelf**
9/3
Terry & Mary Lenox
July Donations: 116 items, $153.00 YTD: 582 Items, $1,051.00
9/10
Terry & Lona Bandstra
9/17
Bryce & Marla Dahm
Thank you for supporting this important community service!
9/24
James & Robin Tietjens
*Usher Schedule: 9/3
Diaconate
9/10
Doug & Vivian Vriezelaar Paul & Jan Ostrander
9/17
Dennis Dingeman, Bob Owens Bill Anderson
In keeping with the tradition at First Baptist Church, we would like to have a hand bell choir again this year. If you are interested in ringing, please let the office know or email Susan Canfield –
[email protected]. Rehearsals will begin on Wednesday, September 6 at 5:15p.m.
9/24
Curt & Pat Hite Jeff & Liz Vander Werf
*Nursery (please sign up in the narthex): 9/3 9/10
Molly Viesselman
9/17
Johnnie & Maria Bogaards
9/24
Chris Thomas
*If you have a conflict, please switch with someone or find a replacement. Thank you!
2018 GREETERS & USHERS A huge THANK YOU to those already participating in the Greeters & Ushers Ministries for your support of our church in this way. If you are not part of one of these ministries, please consider joining one or both. It doesn’t take much time and is a vital part of our church. If you are currently part of one or both of these ministries and would like to make a change, please contact me or the office with your request. Please add these ministries to your prayer list in the coming weeks and let me know no later than Sep 15 if you would like to join or make a change. Thank you! Arlin Harvey – Head Usher
NURSERY MINISTRY Please consider serving in the nursery on Sunday mornings during the worship service. This is an important ministry to young families that requires no special talent, just a heart full of Christ’s love. Sign up sheets are in the narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Owens (641.780.1320 or
[email protected]) or call the church office. Thank you! 7
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Sunday Schedule:
Wednesdays:
9:30 a.m. Worship Service
5:15 p.m. Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal
10:30 a.m. Coffee Time
7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
10:45 a.m. Sunday School for all ages (10th and 17th) 7:00 p.m. HS Youth Group (24th) Youth Group meets after CROP Walk
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10
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Trustees 8:00 a.m.
Leadership Council 8:00 a.m.
24 Diaconate 8:00 a.m. CROP Walk 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
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15
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CE Board 6:30 p.m.
13Quilt of Valor 14 1:00 p.m. Mission Board 5:30 p.m.
Sunday School Kickoff / Picnic at West Market Park 12:30 p.m.
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Service Project 6:30 p.m.
Office Closed
Sat
SUNDAY SCHOOL KICKOFF/ALL CHURCH PICNIC - SEP. 10, WEST MARKET PARK, 12:30 P.M. SIGN UP IN THE NARTHEX!
Connect Meal: Maidrites 5:45 p.m.
Communion Sunday
Fri
Stitches from the Heart 6:30 p.m.
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Senior Citizens’ Lunch @ Country Club 11:30 a.m.
Mary Martha Circle 1:30 p.m.
25 Senior Singles Game Day 2:00 p.m.
Search & Grow 7:00 p.m.
Senior Singles Outing - Kalona 10:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
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Fall Soup Supper 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
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Stitches from the Heart 6:30 p.m.
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