December Newsletter - 2008

Dear Friends,
No doubt many are concerned with how their Christmas will be this year. The economic forecast is one of gloom and doom. Many are worried about their jobs, some are concerned as to how the mess on Wall Street will affect their retirement income, and still others wonder if it is wiser to be saving money rather than spending it – even at Christmas! So shoppers are cutting back on spending as merchants hold their breath wondering how bad the fourth quarter, the one they rely upon all year long to make their profits, will actually be. Many will be watching Christmas gift spending this year with anxious hearts.
I’m not sure of what this will all mean as far as the celebration of Christmas, but it could mean merchants feel less than jolly because of a sub-par selling season, gift-givers feel guilty for not being able to spend as much on their loved ones as they had hoped, and those looking for certain gifts under the tree on Christmas morning feeling somewhat disappointed that their dreams of Christmas presents remain only that – dreams.
We can understand how people could be disappointed this year if Christmas gift giving and gift receiving were not quite what one hoped for or dreamed about. We have come to expect our Christmases to live up to certain standards. This Christmas those standards may not be met – just one more consequence of our economically troubled times.
Christmas could very well be disappointing this year except for one very important fact – Christmas is really about the coming of Christ – and what He means to the world and to our personal lives. The economic conditions of our world, our nation and our families does not affect the true hope of Christmas, for Christmas reminds us once again that Jesus was God’s gift to us for our salvation. Christmas reminds us that into a bleak, hopeless world came God’s hope for us in the person of Jesus. Christmas reminds us that when we feel hopeless or helpless, no matter what the reason (including economic ones), Christ still comes to offer us the gift of Himself, which satisfies the soul’s longing for what really matters most in this life.
When Jesus came that first Christmas, He came in a time when many people felt hopeless. People were poor and oppressed. They wondered if God remembered them and the promises God made to send them a Messiah. God kept His promise at that first Christmas and the world hasn’t been the same since. In some of the worse conditions known to Humankind, throughout the ages Jesus has brought hope. And He still does so today.
It is a difficult economic time. We don’t know when our economy will finally turn around. We know that many have lost a lot. Yet these difficult economic times need not spoil our Christmas, for we have hope through Jesus that transcends even the most difficult of times. May that great truth bless and encourage us this Christmas.

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Jim

Refugee Update

Our newest refugees come from a refugee camp in Thailand, though they are Burmese people. From the refugee camp in Thailand, one family initially went to New Jersey and the other to Massachusetts. And then on October 10th, after a long train ride and then a bus ride, they arrived in Appleton. They currently are living in Oshkosh.
Both of these families are related to Hsar Say Paw (who is Moo Khu Htoo’s wife.) Mu Yen Pen is Has Say Paw’s sister. Her husband is Kyaw Zaw Wim. The children are Lay Paw Wah, their daughter, and Hser Htee Soe, their son.
April Paw is Hsar Say Paw’s niece. April’s husband is Poe Thu Thu. Their daughter is Lucy Poe.
On Labor Day, another of Hsar Say Paw’s sisters arrived from Texas. Here name is Lah Nwee Paw. She lives in Neenah and is currently employed at Little Miracles Child Care.
Our new families are very friendly! They are getting to know our church as well as the Fox Cities community. Both Poe Thu Thu and Kyaw Zaw Wim are working (the both helped out at the Tree Farm clearing trails a few weeks back.) Make sure to say “hi” to them and welcome them in the name of Christ.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

The Whiting Community Baptist Church traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be on Wednesday, December 24th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Come and celebrate the birth of the Christ Child through the singing of hymns and the retelling of the Christmas Story.

HOW DO YOU SPELL LOVE?----J-E-S-U-S!

Join us for church at 10:15 A.M. on Sunday, Dec. 21st to learn some of the 700+ names of Jesus. These names describe who Jesus is and what His coming means to us!

The children and youth will share the musical program entitled,
The Christmas County Spelling Bee.
The Nursery and Preschool children will be sharing songs.

Share Your Musical Gifts

Any child or youth is invited to share their musical gifts with the congregation on Sunday, Dec. 21st. Please let Holly Robinson know if you are interested and willing.

Open House

You are all invited to an Open House at Pastor Jim and Denise’s on Sunday afternoon, December 21st, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Come and enjoy a delicious variety of Christmas treats and enjoy great conversation with your church family. Pastor Jim and Denise live at 2156 Sunrise Drive, Appleton.

Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering

Each fall over 3,000 checks are mailed to retired American Baptist ministers and missionaries, or their widowed spouses, who have shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with countless thousands. The Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) is a tangible way by which American Baptists thank those who have served our denomination through their ministries. The RMMO is used as well to help retired ministers and missionaries with emergency and other financial assistance based on need.
Your gift is a way of recognizing their service. Some of the recipients served our church, such as John Davey, LeRoy Gardner and Nancy Woods. Our goal for this offering is $300. Please use the envelope that came with this newsletter. Thanks for your gift!

The Star

The day of the Christmas presentation finally arrived. My young daughter, Jana, was so excited about her part that I thought she was to be one of the main characters, though she had not told me what she was to do. The parents were all there and one by one the children took their places. I could see the shepherds fidgeting in the corner of the stage meant to represent the fields for the sheep. Mary and Joseph stood solemnly behind the manger.
In the back three young wise men waited impatiently. But still Jana sat quietly and confidently. Then the teacher began: “A long time ago, Mary and Joseph had a baby and they named Him Jesus,” she said. “And when Jesus was born, a bright star appeared over the stable.”
At that cue, Jana got up from her chair, picked up a large tin-foil star, walked behind Mary and Joseph and held the star up high for everyone to see. When the wise men responded to their cue, she went forward a little to meet them and to lead the way, her face alight as the real star might have been.
The playlet ended. We had refreshments. On the way home Jana said, with great satisfaction, “I had the main part!” “You did?” I questioned, wondering why she thought that. “Yes,” she said, “cause I showed everybody how to find Jesus!”

Five Ways to Make Christmas Last All Year

· Keep the joy in your soul.
· Keep the praise on your lips.
· Keep the glory in your life.
· Keep the story on your tongue.
· Keep the Savior in your heart.

November Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Last month in this newsletter we looked at The Seven Deadly Sins of the Church as described by Tony Pappas. To refresh our memories the sins are: Willfulness, Non-repentance, Callousness, Fixation, Control, Rigidity, and Idolatry. These sins when evident in any congregation can be deadly to the health of the congregation, greatly interfering with its mission and ministry. These are sins we certainly want to avoid!

Dr. Arlo Reichter, our Executive Minister for the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin, reflected on what the church can do differently. He calls these things the Seven Lively Blessings of the Church. These are qualities we can seek to nurture in our church to build health and effectiveness in our mission and ministry. They are as follows:

1. Willingness. “Not my will but thy will” sums up this spirit. What a blessing when we think of others first – and not just “others” who are members but the wider “others” – our community, the place we are called to serve.
2. Repentance. “I was wrong.” Simple profound words that need to be heard in church meetings and functions. Confession is good for the soul of both the individual and the church family.
3. Softness. In listening and responding, in supporting and encouraging, in understanding none of us has all the answers. In appreciating new ideas from new voices.
4. Broad-minded. Looking at the big picture, understanding “mission and vision” are what we need as opposed to tightly established organizations and traditions.
5. God’s in Charge. Recognizing it when a “God thing” is happening, something we did not plan or organize. Understanding the more “God things” that happen the closer we are moving toward being God’s people for our time.
6. Flexibility. Giving tradition a place but a place not above God, a place not above spirit-filled envisioning of ministry. Knowing that change will happen and if we are “tuned into God,” it will be ok. Accepting the fact that we’re not in charge of the world.
7. God Alone. We worship God and God alone. In all we do the question needs to be raised in prayerful, scripture filled ways “is God in this?” Through a discernment process a community will have consensus and feel the peace that passes all understanding when it has arrived at what God alone wants done.

Dr. Reichter’s Seven Lively Blessings of the Church, put into action, constantly nurtured, evaluated and re-evaluated, will help us stay on the path God has for us as a church. And this path will be one overflowing with blessings from the Living God.

Peace,
Pastor Jim

American Baptist Missionary News

Michael Petty is a Volunteer Missionary. He writes:
“I left for Liberia, Africa in February 2008 just after returning from five months in Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand. I served at Ricks Institute in Liberia for five months where I served as a teacher and consultant to the Principal. I taught English, computer applications, physical education, Bible study, Sunday School and whatever else was needed. Being a volunteer missionary has changed my perspective on life. I’ve learned that no matter what culture we live in, we are all created by God and are of one body. The world is diverse and that is its strength and its beauty. If you live a lifetime and never give back to mankind, then you have just wasted a life!”

Gordon and Lee Ann Hwang are Missionaries to Japan. They write:
“Grow where you’re planted.” We were hesitant to say that we could “grow” in Japan, but after a year there, it was obvious that God was making it possible for our family to flourish in that soil. We have been in Japan since March 2005. I (Lee Ann) am teaching English conversation at Soshin Girls School, a work started by American Baptist missionaries 120 years ago. We have been privileged to meet wonderful Japanese Christians who encourage us and with whom we share the struggles of growing in faith in Japan.”

American Baptist Institutional Support

One of the missions we at Whiting are contributing to this year through the American Baptist Institutional Support network is the Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico (The Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico.) This seminary contributes to the integral formation of men and women called to serve in Christian ministry and who will be participating in the mission of God’s people in Puerto Rico and the Americas. The seminary’s purpose is to assist the student community in their development and spiritual growth (personal, social, academic, and professional), and to identify and answer the needs of continued education of those who have gone away to collaborating churches.

Congregational Meeting

We will hold a congregational meeting on Sunday, November 9th, following the worship service. The purpose of the meeting is to preview our church’s budget for 2009.

Tree Farm Potluck

A Tree Farm Potluck will be held on Sunday, November 9th, following the congregational meeting. Please bring food to share and join in the discussion surrounding the events and activities of the Tree Farm.

Experiencing God

The Adult Foundations class, which meets Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:45, begins a new study on November 4th. “Experiencing God” is the title, and is based on the book by Henry Blackaby and Claude King. Through this study we will learn “how to live the full adventure of knowing and doing the will of God.” Topics include: Knowing God by experience; knowing God’s nature; seven realities of experiencing God; God speaks to His people, etc. You are invited to participate in our discussions and deepen your relationship with God in the process!

Christmas, C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, Christmas

That’s right; Christmas is just around the corner! This year the children and younger youth will share the program titled, A Christmas County Spelling Bee, at the worship service on December 21st. The Sunday School children have already started learning the songs. Practice times for November are as follows:
Date
Sun. School singing
9:45-10:00
Children’s Church
Approx. 10:45-11:15
Business Meeting
11:15-??
Nov. 2nd
PS-5th grade
All

Nov. 9th
PS-5th grade
All
All
Nov. 16th
PS-5th grade
All

Nov. 23rd
PS-5th grade
All

Nov. 30th
PS-5th grade
All


If you have any questions, please talk to Holly Robinson, Becky Luebker, or Becky Zoglman.

The First Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection, aid and favors…
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us. – George Washington, 1789

The Jesus Priorities

A new Adult Sunday School curriculum, The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits, has just begun. Through this study of what Jesus did most in his ministry, we will learn what was most important to Jesus and what this means for us. This is an 8 week course and all adults are invited.

Refugee Update

Hsar Say Paw's sister and niece and their families (a total of 7 people) have arrived here in Wisconsin. They arrived from Massachusetts and New Jersey, where they have lived for the past few months, after arriving from a refugee camp in Thailand. They are currently living in temporary housing in Oshkosh. Be sure to welcome them as they worship with us on Sunday morning.

Ministry Council

In December we elect new representatives to the Ministry Council. If there is someone you would like to nominate please see Tom Romnek or Pastor Jim.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

Our Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service with Gloria Dei Lutheran and Faith United Methodist, will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, which is located several blocks south of us at 1140 Tullar Rd. Our offering this year will go to the Red Cross Food Pantry. Along with financial donations, canned goods will also be received as part of the offering. The service begins at 7:00 pm.

October 2008 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Our Adult Foundations class is in the midst of a study called The Seven Deadly Sins. Throughout much of the history of the Christian Church these seven sins have been viewed as the most serious of all sins, and many believe they are linked to all other sins. In case you’re wondering, the seven sins are: lust, laziness, gluttony, greed, wrath, envy and pride.

Dr. Arlo Reichter, Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin, recently wrote an article where he referenced Dr. Tony Pappas. The article was about the Seven Deadly Sins of the Church. The Church, (and our church,) is not immune from sin. After all, we are sinners, and we sin as individuals and as a church body. So Dr. Reicthter’s article via Dr. Pappas was enlightening. What might those seven deadly sins of the church be?

1. Willfulness. We detect this through conversations where a person would say, “What matters in this church is what I want.” But the issue is really what God wants. What is God’s will for our church?
2. Non-repentance. Too often we feel our lives are just fine as they are, never mind we are to be constantly growing in faith.
3. Callousness. This sin is indifference to the needs and concerns of others. We say: God takes care of those who help themselves, not remembering that mission starts at home!
4. Fixation. This is the sin of focusing too narrowly. It might be about the organ, the stained glass that needs to be repaired, but it might be how do we keep Mr. X or Ms. Y happy. When anyone or anything looms larger than Jesus we are in trouble.
5. Control. This sin comes from limited vision, limited understanding, limited smarts, limited goodness – it wants to run the show while God is not rusted to do right by us!
6. Rigidity. This is the sin of elevating tradition beyond its due. The past is significant, our heritage is meaningful. But when the dynamics become so strong that we can no longer shape future creatively, flexibly and faithfully, only diminution can follow.
7. Idolatry. This is the sin of substituting a lesser good for the ultimate Good. You name it, we bow down before it – the building, the endowment, the style of worship, the hour of worship, “my” pew, the organizational structure. These can all become objects of disproportionate allegiance while God’s will is shunted to the side.

Well, these are the 7 deadly sins of the church from Dr. Reichter, via Dr. Pappas. No doubt we could name other sins as well that are just as deadly to the Church as a whole and to our church in particular. We are called to be the Church, and this is not an easy task. Yet by prayer and listening to God through God’s Word, we can have a better understanding of the church God wants us to be – celebrating our work for the kingdom of God, and avoiding those sins that are deadly to us as a fellowship.

Let us be aware of that which potentially can bring us down so that we may rise up to be the church that God envisions for us.

Peace,
Pastor Jim

World Mission Offering

Have you ever thought, “The needs of people are so enormous; how can we possibly make a difference?” What a common frustration! I am sure the early church felt that way in their day.
The powerful news is that the early church overcame this frustration the same way that we can. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they healed people’s hurts and showed God’s love, one person at a time.
The World Mission Offering is one very powerful way to say to a world in need, “Jesus knows and loves you.” I believe Christ wants us to increasingly make a difference in people’s lives by reaching them at their point of need. Because of last year’s offering, International Ministries has already appointed three new missionaries. The hope is to appoint at least seven more. Investing in the work of missionaries meets an incredible range of human needs while effectively sharing the good news of Jesus. Your gifts to the World Mission Offering go 100% to support the work of 2,500 short – and long-term missionaries working with local partners in 76 countries - like Ethiopia, Burma, Zambia, Bulgaria, India, and South Africa. Your gifts bring to many the hope they are looking for through spiritual, physical and economic help.
Throughout the month of October we will be receiving the World Mission Offering. Enclosed in this newsletter is an envelope for your gift. On behalf of people worldwide whose lives will be transformed by deeds of love and generosity, thank you!

World Mission Offering Stories

In Burma (Myanmar) – Church leaders have been equipped with inductive Bible study skills by ABC missionary Stan Slade. A church leader reports that these students no longer just repeat what they have heard in church. Now they share messages that show a fresh, personal understanding of scripture that connects with life in energizing new ways.
In Bulgaria – A couple have opened a small grocery store in their village after ABC missionary Tom Meyers helped them to develop their business plan and to gain access to a small development loan. The store is a big help to the village while enabling the couple to support their local church. They now want to start a small café in the store which can also be used as a village Sunday School room.
In South Africa – A 20-year old man learned that he is HIV positive through testing administered by church members trained by ABC missionaries Rick and Anita Guiterrez. The young man now attends their health classes at the local church. The trained workers are changing their communities by diagnosing patients early and offering them hope and information.

Mission Mobilization

A special emphasis of the ABCW Annual Meeting is Mission Mobilization – an opportunity for “hands-on” mission work. Projects include raking leaves, washing windows, some light painting, etc., in the Green Lake area. Also, the Wisconsin Dells church needs help in cleaning up brush, cutting up downed trees in their cemetery, and some repair work on their basement walls. Mission Mobilization is scheduled for Friday, October 10th. If you would like to help either in the Green Lake area or Wisconsin Dells, contact Pastor Jim right away! Thanks

Annual Meeting of the American Baptist Churches of WI

The Annual Meeting of the ABC of WI will take place on Friday and Saturday, October 10-11, at the Green Lake Conference Center. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is for “worship, learning, fellowship and a bit of business.”
On Friday evening at 7:00, Dr. Reid Trulson, ABC International Ministries Executive Director, will be speaking.
On Saturday a business session will begin at 8:45 a.m. Missionary Cathy Holmes will speak at 10:15, Mission Meetings will be held at 10:45, and Reid Trulson will lead a Bible Study at 11:30. In the afternoon there will be a variety of workshops on the following topics: Risk Management, Music, Personal Finances, Grant Seeking, and the new ABC structure. There will also be meetings of the AB Women’s Ministries and the AB Men. And then at 6:30 p.m., there will be a celebration of Camp Tamarack’s 50th Birthday!
Registration fees are $15 per person. Meals are available for purchase.
For more information, please see Pastor Jim or check out the hallway bulletin board.

Tree Farm Workday

Here is another chance to visit the Tree Farm. Saturday, Oct. 18, is the day set aside to help trim the trails. Bring hand saws, loppers and tree trimmers. You will also need to bring your own food and drink. You may eat whenever you are hungry and work ‘til you drop. If you want to carpool, you will need to let the Mentinks know so arrangements can be made. Call Donna or Dave at (920) 787-3455.

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 2nd. Remember to “Fall back” an hour (get that extra hour of sleep,) by putting your clocks back an hour on Saturday, November 1st, before going to bed.

Thoughts on Giving

· “One of the greatest mission teachings in the American church today is the reminder to men and women that nothing we have belongs to us.” -- Gordon MacDonald
· “It is an anomaly of modern life that many find giving to be a burden. Such persons have omitted a preliminary giving. If one first gives himself to the Lord, all other giving is easy.” -- John S. Bonnell
· “I never would have been able to tithe the first million dollars I ever made if I had not tithed my first salary, which was $1.50 per week.” -- John D. Rockefeller, Sr.“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -- Sir Winston Churchill

Men's Study

A new study for men will begin on Thursday, October 2nd, 7:00 p.m., here at church. For the last few years we have studied the Purpose Driven Life. This year we’ll be looking at something new. Please join us!

September Newsletter

Dear Friends,

I recently came across an article by Pastor Paul Blizard of Beckley, WV, on the subject, “Why Go to Church?” That’s a very important question considering many people find reasons to worship on Sunday mornings, and just as many Christians find reasons not to worship on Sunday mornings.
Pastors are familiar with the reasons given to skipping church on Sundays. Some find they “worship” at the golf course, though as Pastor Bilzard commented, he has seen few actually pray, except when trying to sink an important putt! Some find their busy lifestyles leave Sunday as the only day to sleep in or get caught up on other activities. Some simply say church is boring. There are many other reasons (excuses) given as well.
So why go to church? Because we are the ‘Body of Christ’ and wherever two or more gather together in Jesus’ name, there Jesus is, in their midst (Matthew 18:20.) Pastor Blizard asks, “Do we really believe this? Think about the gravity of these words. Jesus is saying, whenever believers are “gathered” in His name, He is there! Isn’t that reason enough to get together?”
If Jesus is here, we can expect all the blessings He has to give. Of course, these blessings don’t come without our being open to receive them. Think of it in terms of someone wanting to give you a gift. For the gift to be yours, you have to reach out and receive it. The same is true with the gift of Himself that Jesus gives to us in worship. We have to be open to receive Him. This means paying attention, actively listening, participating in the prayers and songs, in the offering and the message. God is willing to meet us. Are we expecting Him?
Proverbs 8:34 says, “Blessed are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home.” Pastor Blizard points out that if we want to receive a blessing by encountering Jesus each time we go to church it means we need to listen, to be watching, and to be waiting. “Each takes deliberate concentration.” They also take focus. Why is this? There is much to distract us from hearing God speak to us. So we need to listen intentionally and believe that God “is going to do something wonderful” as we worship together.
Worship is one of our most important ways of expressing our love to God. The scripture makes clear that it is something we are to do together as the Body of Christ on a regular basis. There will always be other alternatives, but none will ever be better or more important than gathering together with other Christians to worship the God who gives us life in Jesus Christ. Pastor Blizard writes, “This week believers will be meeting in Jesus’ name. He has promised to be there. He will be speaking and changing lives. Will you be there?”

Peace,
Pastor Jim

Annual Meeting of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin

The Annual Meeting of the ABCW will take place the weekend of October 8-11 at the Green Lake Conference Center. The theme this year is “Dwelling In The (Neighbor) Hood.” Jesus said, “And the King will tell them, “I assure you, when you did it to the least of my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me”.” (Matthew 25:40.) Prior to the annual meeting will be “Mission Mobilization,” which will be an opportunity for “Hands-on” mission work in the Green Lake area. The meeting itself will provide opportunities for worship, workshops, fellowship, and a bit of business. Special speakers include Dr. Reid Trulson, ABC International Ministries Executive Director, and Cathy Holmes, Missionary to India. More information is available on the bulletin board, and through Pastor Jim.

American Baptist International Missions

(From the American Baptist International Ministries Update, July/August, 2008)
American Baptist International Ministries has launched a Global Food Crisis Fund, which will provide desperately needed money to help our partners in poor areas deal with the rising costs of basic foods. The fund began with $100,000, with $50,000 coming from International Ministries. The other $50,000 came from the One Great Hour of Sharing, an offering raised by American Baptists each year. “Places around the world where hunger has been a big problem, have now seen it become a bigger problem as food prices have increased dramatically,” said Reid Trulson, IM executive director.
An immediate $50,000 grant went to the Thailand Burma Border Consortium, to help them with the rising cost of rice, which is the primary staple food given to hundreds of thousands of displaced people living in the refugee camps. The remaining $50,000 grant has already been approved for Jean Rabel, a region on the northwestern tip of Haiti, where missionaries Kihomi and Madubiga Nzunga serve. Madubiga said, “The situation there is critical.” He said families are reportedly selling their children in hopes that where they are taken they will be able to eat and survive. Partners in the Philippines and North Korea have also applied for support during this critical period.
The food crisis is blamed on many factors. The rising cost of oil, which makes food more expensive to transport; government subsidies that in some countries have made staple food more expensive; and ongoing poverty, where people simply cannot afford to pay the cost of the food that is available have all been blamed as causes.
The Global Food Crisis is ongoing and needs assistance. To make donations, go to www.internationalministries.org/give.

VBS 2008 Power Lab

As I reflect back to the week of Bible School, these are some of my thoughts...
1. planning by the planning team that started in January
2. painting of sets and decorations this spring that brought out many new ‘artists’
3. a congregation that prayed for the week
4. a congregation that donated financially with dollars and materials
5. 70 children who learned about God’s miraculous power
6. people that took on the challenge of new leadership roles
7. people that interacted with children and people who worked behind the scenes
8. 740 pounds of food which translates to an equivalency of $925 to the Neenah-Menasha
Emergency Food Pantry
9. An exciting week of singing, learning, playing, and creating as our expression of God’s love
10. THANK YOU to the congregation of Whiting Community Baptist Church who made the week a
huge success!

- Denise Schmitz, VBS Coordinator

Adult Sunday School

The Miracles of Jesus is the topic of the Adult Sunday School for the first 6 weeks of Sunday School. Jesus not only preached the kingdom of God in word, but demonstrated it in power. Our study of Jesus’ miracles will open our eyes to their impact on the lives he touched, what they reveal about God’s heart, and their significance for us today. Please join us!

FW Friends

FW Friends begins on September 16. FW Friends is a wonderful way to continue our outreach to children in our church and from our community. The evening is an exciting way to share the word of God with children through Bible Stories and scripture, drama, puppets, crafts, games, projects and snacks. FW Friends meets on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 7:45. Please register your children, friends, neighbors and family members. Registration forms and flyers are available at church. There is a cost of $13 per child for the year but financial assistance is available. We are looking for adults to help with this ministry. We need adults in teaching or helping roles. Please pray about your role in this ministry and talk with Denise about how your gifts and talents can be used

Choir Meeting

On Sunday, September 14th there will be an important choir meeting in the sanctuary at 11:30. All choir members, and anyone considering joining the choir, please make plans to be at this meeting. We are making decisions regarding music in the church and the role of the choir. If you can not make the meeting, please talk to Holly or Pastor Jim.

Flute Choir

The Flute Choir will meet for the first fall rehearsal after church on Sunday, Sept. 7th. We rehearse from 11:30-12:00 every Sunday. Please bring your calendars so that we can plan which Sundays we are available to share music with the congregation. If you have questions please talk to Holly Robinson.

Fireproof Your Marriage

Fireproof is a movie that tells the story of a marriage that is experiencing difficult times. The primary characters, Caleb and Catherine, are preparing for divorce when Caleb’s father challenges Caleb to a 40-day experiment called The Love Dare. It’s a difficult challenge that frustrates Caleb time after time, yet it results in a life-changing commitment that helps him to love his wife once again.
Fireproof is a movie, and also a curriculum for marriages, and is founded on Biblical principles for strong, God-centered, lifelong marriages. This 6-week study uses video clips along with thought-provoking discussion questions, and individual and couples’ devotionals to challenge members to grow deeper spiritually and in their relationship. Fireproof Your Marriage is being offered as a small group study by Pastor Jim. The dates it meets will be determined by those who agree to participate. If you and your spouse are interested, contact Pastor Jim.

Tullar Outreach

We are launching a new connection with Tullar school and the YMCA by making space available for their after school program. Details will follow when we know more. Please pray for this new outreach in our community.

Women of the Church

Participate in a Small Group Women’s ‘study’. What happens every 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday of the month?

– Bible Study
– Dinner
– Support, Fellowship and Friendship
– Prayer

Consider joining us! We begin dinner at 6:00 and follow with the study and prayer concerns. The new study is called ‘Resting in Him. I Need To Slow Down!’
Take a much-needed break and join us as we discover how to enter into the rest God has planned for us!
Please see Barb Moravec, Kristin Hoehne, Alicia Romnek or Denise Schmitz so we can order a book for you. (Cost $8.50)

Rally Day - September 7

The Olympics have been great fun! Even more fun will be our own Whiting Olympics on Rally Day. Following worship we will have an all-church potluck (please bring a dish to pass.) And then following lunch, the Olympics begin – and people of all ages will be able to participate. So join us as we celebrate Rally Day with the Whiting Olympics

Reminder

Sunday School begins Sept 7th at 9:00. Church service moves to 10:15

Ten Commandments for Beating Busyness

(from Focus on the Family)
Thou shalt…
1. Connect heart-to-heart with your family each week.
2. Let the Holy Spirit lead you.
3. Be fruitful and productive, not busy.
4. Take rest seriously.
5. Use all your vacation time every year.
6. Commit your time off solely to non-work activities.
7. Have fun at least once a week.
8. Eat regularly, preferably sitting down.
9. Exercise regularly.
10. Use technology to gain time, not consume it.

Tourettes Syndrome Support Group

A Tourettes Syndrome support group is being formed in the Fox Valley. The goals of the group are to educate the schools, give families information, help children understand they are not alone through playgroups, and to provide public informational meetings. If you are interested in joining or helping, please contact Cheryl at (920) 731-6013.

Cyber-Betrayal

Those that God has brought together let no one (or computer) put asunder.
Some people believe that online behavior should not be seen as infidelity or cheating because no physical contact occurs. Research, however, suggests a different reality for the betrayed partner. M.T. Whitty (2005) found that cyber-cheating is experienced as very real. Cyber-betrayal occurs if a person in a committed relationship participates in an online activity that is perceived by one or both partners as unfaithful to their commitment to each other.
Online infidelity is defined by most as cheating and in most cases the emotional pain and feelings of betrayal replicate or mimic that resulting from more traditional forms of infidelity.
There are powerful factors that contribute to the prevalence of cyber-betrayal: accessibility; affordability; anonymity; convenience; escape from reality; and pseudo-intimacy. Cyber-betrayal results in disconnection in the relationship. If the relationship is to be restored, the unfaithful behavior needs to stop and trust rebuilt.
The Samaritan Counseling Center has a specialty in couple therapy and can help those suffering from cyber-betrayal to move back into a committed relationship. You can call 920-886-9319 for more information.

Sunbeam Station Preschool

Sunbeam Station Preschool, a Christian Preschool based at Faith United Methodist Church, Neenah, is currently accepting registrations for this fall. Three year olds will meet two mornings a week. Four year olds will meet three mornings a week. Both ages have the option of an extra day on Friday. For information, call Holly at 729-9382 or 858-8013

August Newsletter

Dear Friends,

I love going on a journey! Denise and I have had the good fortune to travel to many different places and explore amazing sites. Some trips have been better than others, but each journey has been special and leaves us with many wonderful memories (not to mention many, many photographs!)

There is a journey that all of us are on once we accept Jesus into our lives as Lord and Savior. It’s the journey of faith, and it takes us to many places – some joyous, some troublesome – but all provide an opportunity to grow as children of God and followers of Jesus. This journey is exciting and challenging, and I am so glad that you and I are on it together!

This journey of faith we are on is continuous. The journey takes us deeper into knowing and understanding God, as well as discovering who we are as children of God and what that means as we live here on planet earth. This journey doesn’t end at a certain age, or after we have achieved certain goals in life. Rather our journey is a life-long experience of enjoying God’s grace and taking advantage of opportunities to mature and grow as Christians.

Each of our journeys is different. We may share similar paths, but God takes each of us to different places along the journey. My personal journey is taking me on a new path beginning this month. I am enrolled in an eight-week course (over the next two years) at the Academy for Spiritual Formation. The Academy (which is held in Sinsinawa, WI, - on the border with Iowa,) will provide me opportunities to study about Spiritual Formation from a variety of perspectives such as: Spirituality in the Hebrew community (a study of the Psalms,) Traditions of Christian Spirituality, Spiritual Disciplines, Spiritual Leadership, and so forth. Over the course of this program I will be required to read twenty-eight books! (As much as I enjoy reading, this will be a challenge.)

I look forward to learning more about myself in relationship to God, and to see the ways in which God wants to work in me to further His purposes. I am also looking forward to how my participation in the Academy will impact my ministry at our church. I will better understand how this will happen towards the end of the Academy as I will need to ask and answer these two questions: “Where is Christ leading me with all that I have come to learn and know through the Academy? What new ways may I be invited to risk and offer leadership to others?” My prayer is that the Academy will be a great benefit to not only my own personal journey, but for our journey and ministry together as God’s people at Whiting Community Baptist Church.

God Bless,

Pastor Jim

P.S. Should you need to contact me during this week, you can call me at 920-450-7680. Please leave a message and I will get back to you.

Vacation Bible School

VBS is here! It will begin, Sunday August 3rd, beginning at 6:00 pm. However, there are some things you might want to know about that are happening prior to the start of VBS. Here they are:
· If you would still like to help with VBS donations, contact Denise to see what is needed.
· After Sunday worship on August 3rd, we will put the finishing touches on set-up for VBS. If you can stay after worship to help, it would be much appreciated! (We will also be setting up for VBS on Thursday, July 31st at 6:30 pm. Come and join us.)
· Keep praying for VBS all week long! We anticipate a great week of VBS, fueled by your prayers.
· A VBS Kick-Off Dinner will be held on Sunday, August 3rd, beginning at 5:00 pm. All are invited. This means you!
· From 5 to 6 on that day we will be receiving registrations. If you know kids who are coming, it would help us immensely if you would encourage them (and their parents) to register before Sunday.
· VBS “Power Lab” begins officially at 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 3rd.
· Come anytime during VBS week and see what the kids are up to!
· You are invited to our closing celebration of VBS, which will take place on Thursday, August 7th, beginning at 7:45 pm.
· Remember – keep us in your prayers!

Compulsive Gambling

Compulsive Gambling (Source: The Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley)
Compulsive Gamblers will answer “Yes” to at least seven of these “20 Questions” from Gamblers Anonymous:
1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulities?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing, did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win, did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you often borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disagreements or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

If you need help dealing with a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLE-5 or The Samaritan Counseling Center (886-9319.)

Camp Tamarack Celebration

You’re invited to Camp Tamarack’s 50th Birthday Celebration, August 8-10 at Camp Tamarack. It all begins with a campfire on Friday the 8th at 8 pm. Saturday the 9th is filled with all sorts of activities: breakfast, flag raising, worship, cookout, silent auction, guided tours, wagon rides, crafts, canoeing, swimming, dinner, vespers, and a campfire with s’mores. Sunday the 10th includes a breakfast and a worship service. Come for the day or come for the weekend! (Reservations are needed if staying overnight, or if staying for a meal.) For more information, see the bulletin board in the hallway, or contact Jeff Steffen or Pastor Jim.

Brat-Fry Fundraiser

Scott, Sharon, Amber and Anna Fesko are heading up a Brat-fry Fundraiser. The purpose of this Brat-fry is to assist our refugees, Moo Khu Htoo and his family. It will take place on Saturday, August 2nd, beginning at 11:00 am, at the Wal-Mart on Winneconne Ave. Come and support this effort by buying a brat or two!

Habitat For Humanity

It has been 15 years that HFH has been building houses in the Fox Cities. HFH’s impact on individuals and families in need of decent and affordable housing has been tremendous! Of course, they have been blessed with the contributions of businesses, churches and individuals who have shared their vision.

The Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity is about to dedicate its 100th house in the Fox Valley. On Saturday, August 16th, at Douglas Park in Neenah, a joyous celebration will be held, and you are invited! From 11 am until 2 pm there will be games and activities for children and adults, a free corn roast, food and beverages to purchase, and plenty of music and fun. The actual dedication of the 100th house, which is located down the street from the park at 137 Douglas Street, will be at noon.

Congratulations!

To John Bowers, who will be marrying Leighton Aycock on Saturday, August 16th.

To Barb Bell, who will be baptized on Sunday, August 17th.

July Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Several weeks ago we had a luncheon to recognize the various ways people of our church family are involved in ministries outside our church and in our community. We came up with quite a list of community ministries where our church family serves others with the love of Christ. Here is the list we came up with (though I am sure there are other organizations we did not remember at the time). We have volunteers at:

Theda Clark, the Boys and Girls Service Brigade, the Community Clothes Closet, Habitat for Humanity, the VNA and Gardenview; Community Table, Camp Tamarack, Muscular Dystrophy Association, SHARE, in area schools, Scouts, Salvation Army, visitation to shut-ins, activities for Veterans, and various Mission trips.

I was quite impressed and amazed to hear of all the ways our church family touches the lives of people in our community and beyond. Thanks for serving in such wonderful and unselfish ways!

I’m also very, very thankful for the many volunteers who serve our church’s ministry. If we were to take a look at our church’s annual report we would quickly become aware of those who serve as volunteer staff, on the Ministry Council, teach Sunday School, etc. In fact, if I were to list all the volunteers who serve our church and the various ministries they are engaged in, I would need many more pages! So I want to thank all of you who willingly and unselfishly serve our church through the ministries you have committed your time and energy to. Our church serves Christ and our congregation because of your love and dedication. Thank you!

Many people are involved in ministry in our church. To be sure, it takes a lot of people and a lot of effort to be effective in our ministries. Therefore, I want to let you know of some ministries within our church where we are in need of committed people who want to serve Christ and our church. We are looking for volunteers to help with these ministries:
· Sunday School Superintendent
· Special Events Ministry
· Fellowship Coordinator
· Worship volunteer staff person
· People to help Scott Fesko with care of our property

All of these ministry opportunities are important to the life and ongoing ministry of our church. Pray and ask God if God is calling you to one of these ministry opportunities. Contact me if you have any questions about what the ministry entails. Be aware that there is training and support for each of these ministries. Know that you will be a blessing to our church and to God.

In Christ,
Pastor Jim

Update on Refugee Family

Moo Khu Htoo and his family are ready to move into a duplex! They will be moving on July 8th, to a three bedroom duplex in Neenah. They are excited about the move and we’re excited with them!
Their move will take place in the afternoon and evening of July 8th. We are looking for volunteers to help pick up furniture and deliver it to them. Tom and Kathy Schroder are helping to coordinate the move. Please call them if you can help with vehicles for moving as well as the actual pickup and delivery of furniture and other household items. You can also call Pastor Jim for information.
Moo Khu Htoo’s family has been quite active around our church. They are worshiping God with us on Sunday mornings, and helping on Tuesday evenings with VBS decorations. They helped at our Tree Farm workday, and Moo Khu Htoo and his son, Hsar Blut Moo, joined several of us at the Memorial Day parade and later at Riverside park. Moo Khu Htoo’s family has been greatly assisted by the Schroders, who have driven them to appointments concerning their housing, medical needs, and job applications. Moo Khu Htoo and his family have also received tutoring by Amber, Abby, and Chrisiti Lewis, and Pastor Jim.
Moo Khu Htoo’s family are looking forward to meeting a couple of their cousins, soon, who live in Milwaukee. They are also looking forward to getting jobs.
Eight-year old Hsar Blut Moo was enrolled at Coolidge school in Neenah for the last three weeks of the school year, and did well. He will be attending Summer School and will even have two weeks completed by time you read this article! His little sister, Mu Nay Blu Paw is starting to walk! What a delight it is to see her taking her first steps.
Our refugee family are delightful people. Sometimes we don’t understand them, and they don’t understand us. However, more and more we are learning to communicate with one another. Let us continue to warmly welcome them in the name of Jesus.

Church Landscaping

Around our church sign, around the trees, in pots, along side our building - you will see some beautiful flowers and other landscaping. Our thanks to Sharon and Scott Fesko, and Nancy and Kenny Biettler in the use of their "green thumbs" in helping our church look very attractive!

The National Youth Gathering (MtW - More Than A Week)

Four of our youth and two youth leaders will be attending the National Youth Gathering in Estes Park, Colorado, from
July 5 – 11. Please pray for our attendees: Leah Bowers, Lori Bowers, Scott Lewis, Christi Lewis, Amy Taake, and Amanda Isom.

Vacation Bible School

This year’s Vacation Bible School is Power Lab… Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power. Power Lab is Sunday through Thursday, August 3 – 7 from 6:00 to 8:15 PM. VBS week is always an exciting time for our church, and there are many ways that everyone can help to make it a great week. Here is how you can help:
· Prayer- specific prayer requests are available on the VBS table
· Volunteers- before, during and after VBS
· Spread the word- Word of mouth is the best publicity. Tell neighbors, friends and relatives.
· Registration- Pre-registration is very helpful. (Registration forms will be available on July 6.)
· Donations of food and supplies- Lists of items will be out on July 6

Our Kick-Off Dinner will be August 3 at 5:00 and the Final closing will be August 7 at 7:45. Please join us! Feel free to stop in anytime during the week.

Here are some important dates and meetings for our VBS:
· On Tuesday, July 1st, at 6:30 pm, a VBS Planning Meeting will be held for all members of the VBS Planning Team
· On Tuesday, July 29th, a VBS Orientation and Training Meeting will be held for all adult and youth volunteers. The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm.
· On Saturday, August 2nd, at 2:00 pm, VBS set-up will begin. Please join us in helping to set up our VBS.
· On Sunday, August 3rd, following our worship service, VBS set-up will continue.

American Baptist International Missions

We give God praise and thanks for:
· Missionaries who are serving in places of crisis and disaster, such as Nicaragua, which has been ravaged by Hurricane Felix, and Jamaica, which was devastated by Hurricane Dean. We thank God for David and Laura Parajon, who are working with our partners in Nicaragua, and Tim Long, who visited our partners in Jamaica to assess damage, to provide immediate relief and to partner for long-term programs of redevelopment.
· Missionaries who are working to confront health care crisis around the world – like the outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We give God praise for the courageous efforts of Dr. Bill Clemmer and Ann Clemmer, as well as Katherine and Wayne Niles who help coordinate treatment and the delivery of needed medicines and supplies to remote village hospitals, where the sick and suffering are.
· Missionaries who continue to be led of the Holy Spirit to set the captives free from human trafficking and forced prostitution in Europe, Asia, and Africa. We are grateful to God for their efforts in business-as-mission, to provide educational and economic opportunities for women so they can continue to walk in the freedom they have gained through this Christ-like ministry.­­from International Ministries Update, Vol.12, No. 7

Thank you for your support!

Our Pampered Chef fundraiser, with proceeds helping those attending the National Youth Gathering in Colorado this month, raised $520! Thank you for your purchases and support. And a special thank you to Roxanne Schwandt, who forewent her commission and donated it to the youth for this project!

Hospital Dolls

Several of our church family have been busy making Hospital Dolls for Theda Clark’s Children’s Hospital. These dolls help kids explain their medical problems to their doctors. Our church volunteers made 114 dolls! What a wonderful ministry. Thanks!

June 2008 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Each year during the month of June our church joins about 5,000 other American Baptist Churches in receiving the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. Your gifts to this offering make a world of difference to people in our country, as well as to people half a world away. In fact, as I write this letter, OGHS donations are being directed to both China, for earthquake relief, and to Myammar (Burma) for relief from the cyclone that hit that region a couple of weeks ago.

Gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing help not only in emergency relief situations, but by helping families and villages around the world build lives and communities that are healthy, safe and sustainable. One Great Hour of Sharing:

· Helps rebuild communities ravaged by natural disasters
· Creates sustainable sources of income for rural villages
· Provides micro-credit to women to start poverty-escaping businesses
· Teaches trades and job skills
· Offers children a chance to survive past the age of 5 and go to school
· And much more.

Here is one example of “and much more.” In the remote villages of Bonde, Ethiopia, the cost to dig and finish one well is $200. With the well nearby, which is made possible through OGHS funds, the lives of the villagers changes dramatically for the better by having a source of clean water close by.

Here is a second example of “and much more.” In refugee camps all around the world, people fleeing war or natural disaster find shelter and the support to begin rebuilding their lives. Through OGHS funds, families are provided a tent, blankets, water, latrines, and a month’s worth of food, for a cost of about $380.

Your gifts do make a difference! And they gladden the heart of God, who promises that those who respond to need, “shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail” (Isaiah 58:11.)

An offering envelope is provided in this newsletter for your gift. Thank you for your generosity.

Sincerely Yours,
Pastor Jim

P.S. Since the OGHS offering is used in part for Refugee assistance, the Ministry Council feels it appropriate for any who want to, to designate any amount of their OGHS offering to our refugee family. If you choose to do so, simply mark on your envelope a “R” with a circle around it, and state the amount designated for the Refugee family, and the designated amount for OGHS. And thank you! Your giving to help others less fortunate and to help our refugees has been outstanding!

Laughter Is Good Medicine

Norman Cousins, the man who laughed himself well in 1964, shows that by simply changing your mindset and attitude or emotion towards an illness even the nastiest aliments can be reversed (“Anatomy of an Illness”).
"Our bodies’ healing system responds to positive thoughts, moods, and emotions, and negatively to depression, anxiety, pessimism, loneliness and hopelessness. A well-developed sense of humor can be an excellent coping mechanism. Laughter contributes to physical health by relaxing tense muscles, reducing the production of stress hormones, lowering blood pressure and enhancing the immune system. It improves emotional health since laughter is a protective factor against anxiety and depression. It can improve social health by creating a bond between people of diverse backgrounds. There are no known negative side effects to laughter."
We need to cultivate our sense of fun. Children laugh 300 times a day. That number falls to 15 with adults. Laughter is literally the sound of play. Do at least one fun thing every day. Remember the “key” that distinguishes situations in which being playful is appropriate from those in which it’s not; real humor is based on love – not on an agenda such as putting someone down.
Look for humor. List stressful situations, and then look to see if you can find something funny in them. Can you think of challenging situations that you have been through that now, upon reflection, make you smile? A wise person once said when you are in the midst of a difficult situation and if there is the slightest chance you might look back on it some day and laugh about it, start laughing now.
From the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley

Tutoring

The Literacy Education Services and the Fox Valley Literacy Coalition are making available Tutor Training, which would be helpful for tutoring our refugee family. Tutor Training will be held on Monday and Wednesday nights, 6:00 to 9:30 pm, June 23, 25, 30 and July 2 (attendance is required each night.) In addition, Tutor Orientation is required as well. There are two options for this: Monday, June 16, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm., and Wednesday, June 18, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information and to receive a registration form, please see Pastor Jim or contact the Fox Valley Literacy Coalition.

You Know You’re Having A Bad Day When…

· Your doctor tells you that you are allergic to chocolate chip cookies
· You have to borrow from your VISA to pay off your MASTERCARD
· You realize that you have memorized the back of your cereal box.
· People think you are 40…and you really are
· Everyone is laughing but you.

Music Sunday

The Adult Choir, the Children’s Choir, the Flute Choir, and other special music will highlight our Music Sunday, which will be held during our regular worship time of 9:00 am, on Sunday, June 1st. We hope you can join us!

Tree Farm News:

Camping Weekends still Available!

Are you looking for a place to vacation? There are still weeks or weekends available at the Tree Farm. Only one hour from home.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped with "Workday". It was a huge success with 35 workers participating and making a big job easier. Thank You! Thank You!

Our next Tree Farm Church Potluck will be July 13th. This is a brunch! Meeting will be held following our meal. Everyone is invited.

Reservations, questions, or anything else on your mind regarding the Tree Farm can be directed to Dave & Donna Mentink. dmentink@centurytel.net
Bell Timber, Inc. will be having their annual tree farm meeting on Friday, June 20,2008. It will be at Barron, WI about one hour north of Eau Claire. If you are interested in attending contact Dave or Donna.

Congratulations, Graduates!

• Neil Mongan, from Neenah High School
• Heather Stilp from Winneconne High School
• Craig Hoehne from Fox Valley Tech
• Jeremy Rose from Fox Valley Tech
• Josh Rose from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater

Summer Worship Schedule

During the months of June, July and August, worship will be at 9:00 am.

Father’s Day History

The idea of celebrating "Father's Day" originated in 1909 in Washington. Sonora Smart got this idea while listening to a Mother's Day sermon. She thought of a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. William raised all the six children by himself. When Sonora grew into an adult, she realized the courage and selflessness shown by her father. Sonora's father was born in June, so she decided to celebrate the first Father's Day celebration on June 19, 1910. President Calvin Coolidge, in 1924, supported the idea of a national Father's Day. The National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City in 1926. A Joint Resolution of Congress recognized Father's day in 1956. Then in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. President Richard Nixon signed the law, which finally made it permanent in 1972. Happy Father’s Day to our dads!

A New Opportunity to Share

Dear Friends,

God has blessed us with a wonderful opportunity! A family of refugees from Burma are coming to our area and we have been asked to be their sponsor. Did you know that Jesus and his family were refugees? Shortly after Jesus was born, King Herod found out about the new-born king, and so he went about killing all boys two years of age and younger. Jesus and his family were forced to flee to Egypt. Jesus, Mary and Joseph became political refugees in Egypt until it was safe to go back to Israel. Later, during His ministry, Jesus talked about welcoming the stranger (in this case refugee.) In Matthew 25 Jesus said, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” When we welcome the stranger, the refugee, we are welcoming Jesus! By time you receive this newsletter, the refugee family will already be here. Their names are: Htoo Moo Khu (father); Paw Hsar Say (mother); Moo Hsar Blut (8 year-old boy); Paw Mu Nay Blu (one year-old girl.) This family comes from the Karen people, a people reached with the Gospel by our American Baptist Missionaries. It is a good chance that this family is Baptist and has a direct link to our American Baptist missionary work in Burma.

Our new friends from Burma come with hardly anything. In time they will get assistance from governmental agencies and begin looking for work so that they can support themselves. But in the meantime they look to sponsors to help them with housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, and so forth. That’s where we come in. We will be helping to meet these needs during the next three months.

Not only will we strive to meet their physical needs, but we will strive to meet their emotional needs as well. They come to the Fox Cities knowing no other people from their country other than Htoo Moo Khu’s two sisters, who are also coming to this area. We are their support group – their new friends who will help them feel welcomed. We are the ones who will encourage them in this journey in their lives. This won’t be too difficult to do. Some of us may bring a meal to them. Some may stop over and just converse with them. Some may invite them to a picnic, a ballgame, a church function, or show them the sights and sounds of our community. Yes, this is a ministry we can do!

Several years ago, when we were looking at goals for our church, one goal was to sponsor a “big event.” Most of us thought in terms of hosting a concert or something similar. I believe sponsoring this family of refugees is our big event! I believe God is providing us this opportunity to help us grow as a church, to step in the waters of faith and see if we will trust Him. To be sure, sponsoring this family will challenge us. We might be challenged with language barriers. (I believe Htoo and Paw Hsar know some English, but I’m not sure how much.) We will be challenged with sacrificial giving for to sponsor this family will require our financial support. We will be challenged to make ourselves available as friends to people who are very different than us, yet like us are children of God.

This is a great opportunity for our church to serve Christ and serve God’s people. Let us embrace it wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. I believe that if we do, not only will we bless this family, but we’ll be amazed in the ways we are blessed as well.

In Christ,
Pastor Jim

American Baptist Connections to Burma

Our mission work in Burma can be traced back to nearly 200 years ago. Baptist missionaries, Adoniram and Ann Judson, arrived in Burma in 1813. Baptist work in this Southeast Asian country grew, especially among ethnic minorities in Burma (including the Karen people, from which our refugees come,) who have been persecuted throughout the time Baptists have been in the country. A political change in the government, in the 1960’s, forced missionaries to leave, including American Baptist missionaries. However, American Baptists continue to maintain strong ties with the Myanmar (the new name for Burma,) Baptist Convention, which is over 100 years old. Presently, American Baptists share over $100,000 annually in resources directly in Myanmar for education, development, relief and outreach ministry. American Baptists also provide $100,000 annually in resources and direct services to refugees living in Northern Thailand. More than 500,000 have fled Myanmar for the refugee camps due to years of persecution. Thousands of ethnic Karen and Chin refugees from Burma are now coming to the United States, escaping repression and violence, to find freedom and new life in America. Meanwhile, back in Burma, the army continues to attack unarmed Karen, Karenni, and other villages.

Who are Refugees?

Refugees are individuals or families who seek safety outside their country because of well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or because of political opinions. The family we are sponsoring has spent 10 years in a refugee camp due to the persecution they have experienced.

Mission Lunch

We have many of our church family who minister outside of our church doors. For example, we have volunteers with Community Table, Community Clothes Closet, Habitat, Brigade, and so forth. These volunteers serve in the name of Jesus and make a wonderful difference in our community.

On Sunday, May 18, we are having a Mission Lunch following our worship service to recognize those involved with mission outside of our church doors. We are asking those of you who volunteer in our community to briefly share about your ministry. This is an opportunity for all of us to see and hear the difference our church makes in our community through our members who serve in some way. We’re looking to learn about the various ministries our church family is involved in, the responsibilities of the ministries, the kind of commitment it requires, the way it blesses the volunteers, etc.
The Mission Lunch is for the whole church family. Meat will be provided – please bring a side dish, a salad, or a dessert.

Tree Farm News

Time to get out of your rocking chair! Join us at the Tree Farm for a day of fresh-air; food; and a little bit of muscle workout and some fun!
· Date: Saturday, May 17th
· Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
· Bring: rakes, cleaning supplies, and your energy!
· Reservations are helpful. Email or phone: dmentink@centurytel.net; 920-787-3455. If you plan to camp overnight, contact the Mentinks so power and water would be turned on.

You Know You Are Having A Bad Day When…

· It costs more to fill up your car than it did to buy it.
· You wake up to the soothing sound of running water…and remember that you just bought a
waterbed.
· The bird singing outside your window is a vulture.
· Your income tax refund check bounces.You put both contact lenses in the same eye