January 2011 Newsletter

Dear Friends,
I know, I know. You probably don’t’ want to read about making New Year Resolutions. I can hardly blame you. Resolutions are hard to keep. Most of us have good intentions with our resolutions to eat healthier, lose weight, exercise more, etc., but we find that within a month or so we have already failed to keep our resolutions and we simply give up. A tongue-in-cheek article suggested that we need “realistic resolutions. If you set the bar low enough, you’re bound to succeed.” So what kind of New Year Resolutions did this article suggest?

· Gain at least 30 pounds
· Stop exercising. Waste of time.
· Read less. Makes you think.
· Watch more TV.
· Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.
· Spend more time at work.
· Take a vacation to someplace important: like to see the largest ball of twine.
· Stop bringing lunch from home: I should eat out more.
· Start being superstitious.
· Get in a whole NEW rut!
Well, these resolutions would be easy enough to keep, but they wouldn’t lead to any personal growth, which is the whole point of resolutions!
Even though resolutions are difficult to keep, they are important for our physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being. You will probably hear on talk-shows, in the news and in other media, resolutions in most of these areas. However, you may not hear much in the way of resolutions for your Spiritual well-being. How can you help yourself grow spiritually in 2011?
I’m glad you asked! Most of the resolutions you already know about – regular worship, Bible study, prayer, participating in Sunday School. These traditional approaches to spiritual well-being usually work. But perhaps there are some new things you could try. Here are some ideas to get you thinking: turn off the radio and use time in the car for prayer … read one Christian book of non-fiction and one Christian book of fiction this year … find another Christian to do weekly devotions with … fast once a week … volunteer with a non-profit organization that helps people in our community … sponsor a child in one of the poorer countries … commit yourself to pray for our church on a daily or weekly basis.
The above are just a few suggestions. There are so many other ways to develop our spiritual well-being. Make a New Year’s resolution to pick one that fits you. And ask God to help you to stick at it. To be sure, New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep, but with God, all things are possible.

Happy New Year!

Pastor Jim

Annual Meeting

The Whiting Community Baptist Church family (that’s you!), will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 30th, 2011, at 11:30 am. Our meeting will include a Potluck lunch. Please bring food to share. Thanks!

Annual Reports

Each year our church produces an Annual Report, which reflects the year’s ministry in and through our church. These reports are important for our status as a church, as a record of our history, and as a way of communicating our ministry. The following reports are needed: from all staff people in the following ministries: nursery, children’s, youth, special events, outreach, buildings and property, communication and tree farm. Reports are needed from the pastor, the moderator, the treasurer, the financial secretary, and the music director. Reports are also needed from the Velte Committee, the Community Table Committee, and the Memorial Committee. All reports need to be emailed to, or given to Lori Bowers no later than Sunday, January 9th. Thank you.

Directory Updates

In our Annual Report we include a church directory of our church’s members and friends. We include addresses, phone numbers (both landline and cell) and email addresses. Please check last year’s annual report to see if any of your information has changed. If you have a directory update, please get that information to Pastor Jim by January 9th. You can email him at pastorjjs@tds.net. You can also call him at the church office – 722-4312. Thanks.

Church Finances for November 2010

General Funds Needed for November: $6,793
General Fund Monies Received in November: $6,661
General Fund over or (short) for November: ($132)

Mission Funds Needed for November: $922
Mission Funds Received in November: $790
Mission Funds over or (short) for November: ($132)

Through November we are in the black for the year (more funds received than spent) in our General Fund by $1,918.

The Wisconsin Baptist

The Wisconsin Baptist is published once a month by our region office, and posted on our hallway bulletin board. It includes news about churches and people in our American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin, as well as other helpful information. Check it out!

Volunteer Opportunity

The VITA/TCE – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly – is looking for 100 volunteers to help taxpayers in the Fox Valley who cannot afford professional tax assistance. Tax background can be helpful, but is not necessary. Specific training will be provided. The VITA/TCE volunteers are asked to commit to at least 20 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays , Thursdays, or Saturday between February and April 2011. Volunteer positions include: Site Greeters, who make sure the taxpayers have brought the right materials; E-File Tax Preparers, who help the taxpayer work through the return; and Reviewers, who check the returns to make sure they are completed correctly. For more information call 968-6872, or email Julie at jlamers_gw@gwicc.org.

Camp Tamarack Youth Retreat

“Jesus Flakes: You Are Unique” is the title of the Camp Tamarack Youth Retreat to be held Friday evening, January 28th through Sunday morning, January 30th at Camp Tamarack. All youth ages 13 – 18 are invited. Cost is $90. For more information, see Pastor Jim.

Will It Be You

Who will go the extra mile and move when I command?
Who will step out in faith and grab hold of my hand?
Who will dare to trust me when reason tells you no?
Who will wait upon me in a world that’s on the go?
Who will I find praying, expecting me to hear?
Who will follow faithfully when the pathway isn’t clear?
Who’s willing to obey me in spite of what others think?
Who will climb out of the boat when others say, “You’ll sink!”
Who will praise my name when the roof is caving in?
Who will resist temptation when it’s popular to sin?
Will you be the one who hears my voice today?
If you are, then come, and I will lead the way.
Christine Hare

American Baptist International Ministries

For more than two centuries International Ministries (IM) has walked alongside political refugees from every continent. Eleazar Ziherambere, the former General Secretary of the Union of Baptist Churches in Rwanda (UEBR), has experienced this fact, saying, “International Ministries stood with me in the darkest moments of my life, exiled from my motherland.”
Before he was forced to leave Rwanda, Eleazar had already observed IM’s sensitivity to refugees in Africa. He remembered how in 1988 thousands of citizens from Burundi fled to Rwanda. Because of IM’s financial support, UEBR was able to provide food, medication and New Testaments. That same type of help came to Rwandan refugees in 1994-96, after Eleazar and others fled their homeland in the wake of the genocide that killed more than 800,000 Rwandans. Many of them sought safety across the border in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), where they stayed in refugee camps.
A number of the Rwandan refugees later left Zaire and traveled west, to the Republic of the Congo (known as Congo-Brazzaville). IM again responded to their needs with assistance that included seeds, farming tools and educational materials for children. Today, IM continues to help these former refugees who have established churches in their adopted country.
(from International Ministries ON LOCATION, Autumn 2010)

Living In A Peaceful World

Often when my family gets together and we start dwelling on the awfulness in the world, after awhile my Dad will break into the conversation and remind us what my grandmother would generally say, “Ya, ya, est ist ein bose velt” (loosely translated means: yes, yes, it is an angry world). It generally gets a laugh from the whole family as we affectionately remember my wonderful grandmother, but it also brings to mind the helplessness she felt about what was happening in the world.
As technology causes our world to grow smaller, we are reminded of the wars and scrimmages from the past that have wounded and hurt us. We are also confronted by the diversity of people and places in the world and find out that not everyone thinks the way we do. So, the question is how do we relate to one another, how do we let go of the anger from past hurts and make those healthy connections?
Rev. Desmond Tutu makes the ominous prediction that without forgiveness there is no future. Henri Nouwen suggests that we are all looking for the same unconditional love from one another and when we don’t get it, we strike out and hurt each other, even to the point of abuse and war. He goes on to say we are all guilty of looking for that love in the wrong places (money, success, drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc.) and if we could accept that God is the only source of that love, we could forgive one another and live in a world of peace.
(Prepared by the Samaritan Center of the Fox Valley, 886-9319.)

Food Pantry Change

The American Red Cross Food Pantry of Neenah-Menasha will be discontinued as of January 1, 2011. The Red Cross Food Pantry has seen a drop off of those seeking assistance while other larger food programs have reported significant growth in their programs. With the American Red Cross Food Pantry no longer being an option for us to feed the hunger in our community, we will now be collecting food for St. Joe’s Food Program. St. Joe’s has been around for a long time and has effectively fed the hungry of our community. They are located on Opportunity Way in Menasha, which is the same complex that has Leaven and Community Clothes Closet. Please continue your ministry to the hungry of our community by bringing food to our church which will then be donated to the St. Joe’s Food Program. Thank you.

The Essential Old Testament, by Rev. V. Rex Woods

The late Rev. Rex Woods was pastor of Whiting Community Baptist Church for over a dozen years. While pastor, Rex wrote curriculum and taught a class on The Essential Old Testament. Rex’s wife, Nancy, recently published his book, and has sent us a copy inscribed in this way: To Whiting Community Baptist Church. Thank you for twelve wonderful years together. We are so blessed to have this manuscript. If you would like to borrow it from our church library, please see Pastor Jim.

January Greeters

2 Nancy Biettler
9 Nancy Biettler
16 Nancy Biettler
23 Nancy Biettler
30 Nancy Biettler

January Birthdays

7 Margaret Huff
9 Troy Fisher
12 Kristin Bachorz
14 Krystal Rose
14 Perry Smith
18 Nancy Biettler
19 Doug Johnson
19 Holly Robinson
22 Kordell Grade
23 Kortney Fisher
26 Christina Hudson
27 Kaley Hill
28 Tina Bachorz

January Wedding Anniversaries

12 Dottie & Tom Dowman

December 2010 Newsletter

Dear Friends,
Do you like a good mystery? I remember when I was a kid, I enjoyed reading Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. Hitchcock always included a variety of good short stories, each one providing an unexpected twist.
There have been many great mystery writers through the years. Agatha Christie, best known for her Murder on the Orient Express, continues to be read by many long after her death. Many mystery writers today dominate the best-seller charts with their books: Patricia Cornwell, Sue Grafton, P. D. James, and David Baldacci to name a few. Yes, many of us really enjoy a good mystery.
Do you want to know of another great mystery? Christmas! Christmas is itself a mystery.
There’s the mystery of the virgin birth in Christmas: “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20b.)
We are baffled with the mystery of the “Word become flesh” (John 1:14) in Christmas.
We have the mystery of “God with us” in the baby Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem at Christmas: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us’.” (Matthew 1:23.)
And we have the mystery of Christmas in the pronouncement of what Jesus’ birth means for us: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16.)
Philip Yancey in his book, Rumors of Another World, writes that there are two ways of approaching God. One approach takes God apart. We make God manageable and measurable. We attempt to take the mystery of God out (as if that were even possible), and reduce God to one who “never surprises us, never overwhelms us, never astonishes us, never transcends us” (A. W. Tozer.) When people do this they refuse to believe in the virgin birth, refuse to accept that God could take on human form in Jesus, and fail to accept that God loves them even to the point of sending them a Savior.
The truth is, Christmas is a mystery. It is beyond us to really comprehend a virgin birth, the Word become flesh, a God who loves us just as we are, and a God who sends a Savior to save us. These are great mysteries! I like Albert Einstein’s perspective on mystery: “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious…he to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.”
Christmas is a mystery that brings great wonder to our hearts and souls. We may never understand it, but we can be blessed by the beautiful gift it is to us. Mark Batterson writes, “Experience the mystery of Christmas – the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God of all creation, born as a helpless little baby in Bethlehem.” I concur. After all, there’s nothing like a good mystery, especially when God is the author.

Merry Christmas!
-Pastor Jim

Open House

Denise and I would be blessed by your presence at our annual Open House on Sunday, December 19th, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. We will have many tasty treats and beverages, and we also look forward to our conversations with one another. We look forward to seeing you! -- Pastor Jim

We're Having A Sleepover!! With Animals?

This year the 1st through 5th grade children from Whiting Community Baptist and Faith United Methodist Churches will be joining together to prepare a Christmas program titled, Sleepover at the Stable. The preschool and kindergarteners from both churches will be singing songs prior to the program. Both groups will share at Whiting at 4:00 on Saturday, Dec. 18th and at 10:15 on Sunday, Dec. 19th. If you have any questions or concerns, please call director Holly Robinson at 729-9382. The December rehearsal schedule is as follows:
Sunday, Dec. 5 1st-5th grades @ Whiting during Sunday School and Children's Church

Saturday, Dec. 11 1st - 5th grades @ Whiting, 9:00 am - 12:00 am

Sunday, Dec 12 1st - 5th Grades @ Whiting during Sunday School and Children's Church and also during the church's business meeting.

Saturday, Dec 18th. 1st - 5th grades @ Whiting for practice, 12:00 - 2:00 pm; 3:30 pm for program.

Sunday, Dec 19th, PS - 5th grades @ Whiting for practice during Sunday School; program at 10:15 am.

Congregational Meeting

On Sunday, December 12th, following our worship, we will hold a Congregational Meeting. At this meeting we will be electing church officers and Ministry Council members, voting on Velte Benevolent proposals, and voting on our 2011 Church Ministry Budget. Your vote counts!

Christmas Eve

One of our great traditions at Whiting Community Baptist Church is our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It will be held on Friday, December 24th, at 6:00 pm.

Church Finances for October 2010

General Funds Needed for October: $6,793
General Fund Monies Received in October: $7,486
General Fund over or (short) for October: $ 693

Mission Funds Needed for October: $922
Mission Funds Received for October: $884
Mission Funds over or (short) for October: ($38)

Through October we are in the black (more money received than spent) in our general fund by $997.

Let's Give A Little Jesus

This Christmas…
Let’s Give a Little Jesus, a thoughtful word or deed,
An act of generosity for someone who’s in need.
Let’s Give a Little Jesus to everyone we meet –
The salesclerk or the server, the person on the street.
Let’s Give a Little Jesus, that’s what really counts –
Not what’s spent or brought, for whom, in what amounts.
Let’s Give a Little Jesus to everyone, large or small…
For Jesus, the Messiah, is the Greatest Gift of All.

Holiday Stress

Christmas is just around the corner! Does that thought delight you? Or terrify you? Even with the birth of our Savior as our focus, the next few weeks will be a time filled with anxiety and unmet expectations for many of us. Advent is a time to prepare ourselves not only spiritually but emotionally as well. Consider these things in your preparation.

· Know yourself and what you want from the holidays. Set goals, establish priorities, and make choices that give meaning to your life. Learn to say “yes” and “no” with this in mind. Knowing your own needs will help you understand the needs of others as you resolve dilemmas and conflicts around traveling, entertaining, and gift giving during the holidays.

· Use stress reducing strategies: a few minutes of quiet time to get yourself organized, renew your energy, and celebrate what you have accomplished (before fretting about what you have yet to accomplish). Even if you have a regular time for prayer or meditation each day, you might need some extra time to yourself to manage the stress of the holidays.

· Be a gift receiver as well as a gift giver. Share your joys and your burdens. Do for others, but let them do for you, too. Remember, the greatest gift of the holidays is a gift received . . . the gift of a Savior who knows our every cares.

In most cases, the added stress of the holidays can be managed with these preparations. But, if you or someone you know feels overwhelmed by the holidays, you should talk with someone about the way you are feeling. If you are losing sleep, finding it hard to concentrate, or are having thoughts of despair about your life, you might be experiencing a more serious anxiety or depression and should seek the care of a mental health professional.

(The Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley – 886-9319)

Kalamazoo College

Thomas Merrill came to Michigan with $7 and a plan to establish a Baptist College on the frontier. In 1833, Judge Caleb Eldred helped to make Merrill’s dreams come true.
Kalamazoo College was originally named The Michigan and Huron Institute, then changed in 1837 to the Kalamazoo Literary Institute due to support of local residents. “This institution will afford facilities for the improvement of the manners, minds, and morals of the young, unsurpassed by any of this section of our country.” The Baptists who founded the college and helped it grow, felt education not only made one a better Christian, but also contributed to a more moral citizen.
In 1843, J. A. B. Stone proposed the addition of a theological seminary to increase the supply of ministers in the region. The Seminary began in 1848. Lucinda Stone (wife of J. A. B. Stone) helped expand the “female” department.
While the seminary did not survive, the Stones brought to Kalamazoo College a well developed, rich curriculum and a strong support for the education of women. The name was changed to Kalamazoo College in 1855. The institution offered one of the superior educations in the Midwest. The vision of the Stones shaped the college.
The mission of Kalamazoo College today is to prepare its graduates to better understand, live successfully within, and provide enlightened leadership to a richly diverse and increasingly complex world. The college has 1348 students from 40 states and 25 countries.
(Kalamazoo College is an American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. related college, and is one of the 4 designated missions of Whiting Community Baptist Church in 2010.)

RMMO

Each December, American Baptist Churches throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, receive the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO). Since 1935, American Baptists have contributed to special offerings received in their churches for retired ABC ministers and missionaries or their widowed spouses. The RMMO was established in 1977 This offering is used in two ways:
· As Emergency and other financial assistance, based on financial need; and as
· Thank You” checks, based on 15 or more years of ABC service.
This year’s theme is “Remember with LOVE; give with GRATITUDE.” The RMMO is a blessing to the faithful pastors, missionaries, and other professional church leaders, who have served the American Baptist Churches, including our own. Rev. Robert and Ruby Taylor of Indianapolis write, “You will never know how much this ‘Thank you’ was appreciated at this lean time in our finances. (we) thank God for His gift of life – and friends like you.” Rev. James Pike of Chapel Hill, NC writes, “When my ‘Thank You’ check arrived, I was deeply touched. The thought gave me a surprising lift – that in retirement, my 43 years in pastoral ministry are remembered with gratitude.” Envelopes for this offering will be distributed December 5th, and can be found on the back table. On behalf of retired American Baptist Clergy and their widowed spouses, thank you!

Sunday School Update

There will be no Sunday School on Sunday, December 26th. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 2nd.

Share Your Gift of Music

There are opportunities for children and youth to share their musical gifts with the congregation during the Christmas season. If you are interested, please contact Holly Robinson with your instrument, song title(s), and dates available.

Out of Office

Pastor Jim will be out of the office from December 25th through December 29th. However, he can be reached at 450-7680.

Birthdays

2 Nathan Schwandt
4 Benjamin Romnek
4 Ellen Schwandner
4 Sara Taake
5 Elaine Bastian
11 Jeannie Grable
11 Barb Moravec
16 Andrew Zoglman
19 Dottie Friesen
23 Amy Taake
25 Tom Romnek
27 Kim (Mentink) Rose
28 Moo Khu Htoo
30 Judy Pfister
30 Kim Rose

Wedding Anniversaries

6 Ellen & Randy Lehl

14 Nancy & Ken Biettler

Greeters

5 Judy Pfister
12 Judy Pfister
19 Judy Pfister
24 Nancy Biettler
26 Judy Pfister

November 2010 Baptist Light

Dear Friends,
I can remember back to when I joined scouting. I started as a Cub Scout, and enjoyed the den meetings, being part of a softball team, and wearing my blue scout uniform with the starched yellow bandana (I never did quite get the hand of getting it starched just right.) I even won my den’s box car derby race with a car my friend helped me to build (he actually did most of the work.) But for all my time in scouting, I only earned one badge and never moved up to the Boy Scouts, as I had hoped. To express it another way, I never matured as a scout.
One of the challenges and responsibilities of Christians is to grow spiritually. Unlike the scouts, we don’t earn badges. However, we do want to make progress. The apostle Paul defined spiritual growth in this way: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Wow! We’re to have the mind of Christ, which means spiritually mature Christians become more and more like Christ as they live out their faith each and every day. I know I have a long way to go in developing this mind of Christ. In fact, this is a life-long work in progress! Yet I hope I am making progress. I hope we are all making progress. How can we know? What does spiritual maturity look like in people?
In research done by George Gallup, Jr. and Timothy Jones (The Saints Among Us) it was found that spiritually mature people have nine qualities that set them apart from other people:
1. They are much more likely to have a daily time of private prayer.
2. They feel a genuine sense of the presence of God in their daily lives.
3. They report that their religious experiences are a source of strength, personal growth, and the healing of inner conflicts.
4. They tend to have a greater sense of inner peace, to feel more joyful and happy, and are less likely to feel depressed.
5. They are more humble, less likely to exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance.
6. They are far more often engaged in compassionate helping acts to others.
7. They are less racially prejudiced.
8. They are far more capable of forgiving people who wrong them and of being constructive, reconciling members of society.
9. They are more favorable to church involvement in political activity in order to right wrongs in society.
As I look at the above list, I find I want to become increasingly more spiritually mature. How does that happen? To be sure, there are many ways to deveop spiritual maturity. Herb Miller (Connecting with God) cites research that indicates seven experiences for Christians as primary sources of spiritual growth:
1. Worship – focusing on God and sensing God’s presence.
2. Music – feeling moved to give God greater attention.
3. Prayer – relating to God.
4. Fellowship – receiving God’s love through others.
5. Preaching – hearing God speak to me.
6. Service – giving God’s love to others through time and talent.
7. Stewardship – giving money to help with God’s work in the world.
Maturing in Christ is as an important goal as we can have as Christians. Are you maturing? Can it be seen through your participation in worship, prayer, praise, fellowship, study of God’s Word, service, and giving?

Peace,

Pastor Jim

Harvest Celebration

Sunday, November 7, 2010
Following the morning service
November tends to be the time of year when we join our

hearts in giving thanks to God, the Lord of the Harvest.

EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD COMES FROM THE LORD !
Let us share in fellowship, love, laughter, and food

Please remain after the service on Sunday, November 7, 2010.

We will enjoy a pot-luck lunch and other activities. Your favorite dishes to share will be appreciated. Questions/offers to help: contact Christi Lewis.

Phone: 720-0072 Email: christi4christ@ymail.com

Christmas Giving Opportunities

• Each year we have the opportunity to bless others through our Christmas gift giving. In the past we have given to local, national and international non-profit agencies, to bless children and families who have little. This year we will continue that tradition by giving gifts to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child (Shoe boxes), and to the Salvation Army Fox Cities, where we are adopting a family. Here is some of the information to guide you in your gift-giving:
  The Shoe Box ministry of Samaritan’s Purse requires we turn in shoe boxes by November 14st, as many of these shoe boxes go overseas. You can pack your shoe box using shoe boxes you may have at home, or pick one up at church (and maybe Family bookstore.) Take one of the envelopes that have the ages of children and gifts appropriate to that age group. Then fill you shoe box, along with a check or cash for shipping, and bring to the church by November 14th.
  We are in the process of gathering information on the family we are adopting from the Salvation Army and the gift ideas for them. Watch your Sunday bulletin and weekly updates for more information.
  Thank you so much for your generosity in helping children and families through your gifts! The light of Jesus shines brightly through you.

American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. International Missions

Kyu Kyu Khin, came to the U.S. in 2002 from Myanmar (Burma) to pursue a masters degree in theology at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. A scholarship from American Baptist International Ministries (IM) enabled her to do so. She remained in the U.S. to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree in marriage and family at Eastern Baptist (now Palmer) Seminary. Many among the IM staff at the Mission Center in Valley Forge joined with both seminaries and the Friends of Burma to walk with Kyu Kyu since, except for one return visit to Myanmar, she was without her husband and two sons. She needed even more support when she fell ill to a debilitating cancer and required much medical attention and help with insurance and costs.
By God’s immeasurable grace and mercy, Kyu Kyu triumphed and today she is on the faculty of Myanmar Institute of Theology (MIT), the oldest and largest seminary in Southeast Asia. According to its principal, “95% of the church leaders, theological educators, theologians and organizational leaders in Myanmar come from MIT.”
Kyu Kyu serves as MIT’s chaplain, provides counseling services on campus and teaches courses like Marriage and Family Counseling and Crisis Counseling. She writes from Myanmar: “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks again to International Ministries.”
When you think of IM’s important work in theological education, you can give thanks to God that it includes a scholarship program that produces abundant harvests in partner countries year after year.

We're Having A Sleepover!! With Animals?

This year the preschool through 5th grade children from Whiting Community Baptist and Faith United Methodist Churches will be joining together to prepare a Christmas program titled, Sleepover at the Stable. The program will be shared at Whiting at 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 18th, and at 10:15 am, on Sunday, December 19th. The first rehearsal will be Friday, October 29th from 9 – 11:30 am at Whiting. The children will be practicing the music during Sunday School singing time. For the month of November, the 1st – 5th graders will be rehearsing during Children’s Church time at Whiting. If you have any questions or concerns, please call director Holly Robinson at 729-9382.

Mental Health and Food

(The following information is provided by the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley. Their phone number is 886-9319.)
Does better diet improve mental health, or do people who are mentally healthy tend to make better food choices? Despair, depression, and anxiety tend to drive all kinds of unhealthy lifestyle choices, including dietary ones.
A study in the March 2010 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry by Felice Jacka investigated three habitual dietary patterns: (1) Traditional – comprised mainly of vegetables, fruit, beef, lamb, fish, and whole-grain foods. (2) Western – consisting mostly of processed meats, pizza, chips, hamburgers, white bread, flavored milk, sugar, and beer. (3) Modern – includes mainly fruit, salad, fish, tofu, beans, nuts, yogurt, and red wine.
The study showed that of the three, the Western dietary pattern was most likely to be accompanied by dysthymia or major depression and increased psychological issues. The traditional dietary pattern was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of both depressive and anxiety disorders, and in general, the Modern with a higher diet score was associated with fewer psychological symptoms.

Church Finances

For the first nine months of the year, we are short of our budget forecast, $7,369 in our general fund, and short $1,518 in our mission giving, although we have received $3,583 in special mission giving. Since we have kept spending down to a bare minimum, we have reduced expenses but still find ourselves having paid out $788 more than we have received through the first nine months of the year. This is a concern. Please pray for our church and for our financial needs. Thank you.

Church Business Meetings

On Sunday, November 14th, following our worship, a church business meeting will be held for the purpose of reviewing our proposed 2011 church budget.

Ministry Council Nominations

Each year the Ministry Council experiences the end of terms of at least a couple of its members. Members who have served a three-year term, if the congregation wishes, are able to serve another three-year term. The maximum number of years anyone can serve on the Ministry Council without taking a break is six years.

The congregation (you) have the privilege and responsibility of recommending candidates to the church body for election to the Ministry Council. If there is someone you would like to nominate, please let Tom Romnek or Pastor Jim know by November 12th. Thank you.

Providential Provision for Pilgrims

Famine once we had –
But other things God gave us in full store
As fish and ground nuts to supply our strait,
That we might learn on providence to wait;
And know, by bread man lives not in his need,
But by each word that doth from God proceed.
Pilgrim Governor William Bradford

A History of Thanksgiving

In 1621, when only about one-third of the colonists had survived the severe winter, the Wampanoag Indians, under chief Massasoit, taught the settlers how to plant corn. They were blessed with a bountiful harvest. A great, three-day celebration followed, supplied primarily by Wampanoag gifts of turkeys, ducks, geese and deer. Two years later, when Massasoit fell ill, Pilgrim families helped nurse him back to health.
Years later, while George Washington was camping at Valley Forge, he prayed for help and saw God’s answer when the French sent military assistance. Washington called for a day of thanksgiving among his troops. Still later, in 1789, President Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving, November 26, as “a day of public Thanksgiving and prayer in gratitude for God’s allowing the American people to establish a form of government so conducive to their safety and happiness.”
The Day of Thanksgiving continued through the presidencies of Washington and John Adams. However, when Thomas Jefferson opposed such a day, the national observance fell into oblivion until Abraham Lincoln reactivated it in 1863 on the last Thursday in November. Between 1939 and 1941 President F.D. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the third Thursday of November, but Congress later restored the fourth Thursday date, where the holiday has remained since. The Canadian government established the second Monday of October as their national Day of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

Our annual Thanksgiving Eve worship service will be held this year right across the street at Faith United Methodist Church, on Wednesday, November 24th, at 7:00 pm.

Daylight Savings Time Ends

Remember to “fall back” on Sunday morning, November 7th, as Daylight Savings Time ends. Before going to bed on Saturday, November 6th, set you clocks back one hour and enjoy an extra hour of sleep!

Pastor Jim Elected Vice President

At the recent American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin Annual Meeting (October 8-9), Pastor Jim was elected Vice President of our region! He will serve as Vice-President this year, and then in October of 2011, become President of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin. By the way, the Annual Meeting of the ABCW will be held in Neenah in 2012.

November Birthdays

3 Dave Isom
5 Amber Lewis
6 Ernie Delikowski
6 Mary Miller-Wenzel
8 Abbey Lewis
11 Josh Rose
13 Erik Demarais
13 Kathleen Harrington
23 Jenny Wolfe
25 Cathy Lieske
25 Miranda Romnek
27 Neil Mongan
30 Vicci Achtner
30 Lois Harrington

November Wedding Anniversaries

15 Donna & Dave Mentink

November Greeter Schedule

7 Kathy Najdowski
14 Kathy Najdowski
21 Kathy Najdowski
28 Kathy Najdowski

October 2010 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

You and I follow Jesus because God used someone to share the Good News with us. We have continued to grow as followers of Jesus because God has used others to celebrate with us in victory, encourage us in defeat and call us forward in faith.

You can help to make the same things happen in the lives of people half a world away! That’s why I am writing to ask you to pray for and to give to the 2010 World Mission Offering.

The World Mission Offering is giving special attention to Haiti this year because it mirrors the ministries IM missionaries and partners are also doing elsewhere. The World Mission Offering is more crucial than ever to sustain those ministries “in Haiti and in the World.” Your contribution will help to support global projects, Christian partners (including churches, schools and hospitals), and missionaries in Haiti as well as in more than 70 other countries around the world.

Our giving to the World Mission Offering helps people
Come to Christ
Grow in Christ
Change their world with Christ

Our God is a God of abundance and can work through us to provide more support to global mission this year than last year. Our 2010 goal is $600. This year our offering will be divided equally between the general ministries of the WMO, and missionaries Duane and Marcia Binkley, who work with the Karen and Chin refugees in the United States and Thailand. Please join me in embracing this challenge. We will be receiving the World Mission Offering throughout the month of October.

We have received from the Lord. Let us also give so God can use our gifts as the Holy Spirit works to transform the world.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jim

Marriage Enrichment Group

Boundaries in Marriage: Understanding the Boundaries that Make or Break a Marriage is the title of a Marriage Enrichment class that will begin on Friday, October 22nd, at 6:30 pm. (location TBD.) The class, which will meet for 8 sessions over the next several months, will show how you and your mate can establish your own boundaries and respect those of your partner. “Drawing on principles from the Bible, it will help you safeguard against relational fractures and mend existing cracks. It may even save your marriage. And it can help make even the best marriage better.” Sessions include: What is a boundary anyway?, Applying the Ten Laws of Boundaries to Marriage, and Setting Boundaries with Yourself. Resources are free. Please register by October 17th. To register, see Pastor Jim.

Tree Farm Outing Planned

Take a break from your regular routine! Spend some time at the Tree Farm in Wautoma!
A day is planned for October 16th. Enjoy all day or just part of the day. Bring your lunch; walking shoes and dress for the outdoors! Some people will be helping for workday and some will be enjoying God’s Creation in the out-of-doors. Some will be doing both. If you are coming to help with workday, bring your work gloves and whatever else you want to bring. We should be able to take a ride on the trails! Come as early as you like, and work will begin around 9 a.m. The volleyball court has been worked up; any volleyball people are welcome or the kids can play in the BIG sandbox.
If you want to camp on Friday night, call the Mentinks to reserve a cabin or electrical site. We would like to see some new faces and share some camping stories!

International Ministries

The American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (operating as International Ministries), organized in 1814 is the first Baptist international mission agency formed in North America and the second oldest Baptist mission agency in the world. IM serves more than 1,800 short-term and long-term missionaries annually, bringing churches and individuals in the United States and Puerto Rico together with partners in more than 70 countries in holistic, cutting-edge ministries that tell the Good News of Jesus Christ while meeting human need.

Faith to Face Poverty Week

October 3-10 is Faith to Face Poverty Week in the Fox Cities. It is one of the initiatives of the Project Promise Poverty Coalition, which is a coalition of non-profit organizations, service providers and individual community members with the goal of ending poverty in the Fox Cities.

Here are some statistics that help us understand how people in our area are affected by poverty:
· As of 2008, 7,929 children in Outagamie and Winnebago Counties were living in poverty
· 1 in 10 Wisconsin families faced food insecurity in 2008; locally, St. Joe’s and other food pantries have recorded record numbers of request for food assistance the past 2 years.
· In 2009, the Salvation Army Food Pantry in the Fox Cities distributed over 913,000 pounds of groceries to 33,034 people, and served 53,821 meals to the hungry at their noon feeding program.
· LEAVEN provides emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, transportation and other basic needs. It has increased its assistance enormously in the past 8 years, supporting 2,667 families in 2000 to 7,400 families in 2009.
· The Tri-County Community Dental Clinic in Appleton estimates that over 60,000 adults in this area are unable to afford basic dental care.

There are many different ways to help people facing poverty. Here are some ideas for the month of October:
· Help out at Community Table on Saturday, October 2nd.
· Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and work on one of the houses
· Volunteer at the Emergency Shelter
· Make a donation to one of the community non-profit organizations that helps poor people
· Participate in a Poverty Simulation, which helps people to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month-to-month. One is being held on Monday, October 4, 5:30-8:30 pm at the Appleton Public Library; another is being held on Friday, October 8, 9:00-Noon at the Family Resource Center, 1165 Appleton Rd, Menasha. (Call 968-6365, ext. 6210 or email cholz@capmail.org for your reservation.)
· Raise funds and walk in the Crop Hunger Walk being held on Sunday, October 10, in Appleton. (see hallway bulletin board for more details.)

I’m not sure who said it, but it was in an article on fighting poverty with faith. “Poverty in America is a pressing and moral problem. All faiths speak out on the need to care for the poor and vulnerable and to strive for the common good…Poverty is not a Democratic or Republican issue…it is a moral issue.” Let us all consider what we can do to fight poverty in our community.

ABCW Annual Meeting

The 166th Annual Gathering of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 8-9, in Janesville and Beloit. A pre-gathering workshop, “Beyond Survival: What is God’s Future for the Small Church” will be held for clergy and laity, from 2-4 pm on Friday. In addition there will be worship, Bible studies, a concert by the Judson University choir, workshops, a Mission Marketplace, and much more! Information is available on the hallway bulletin board, or see Pastor Jim for more details.

ABCW Mission Mobilization

In Janesville, during the cold months, there is a ministry of temporary shelter for men called – God is Faithful-Temporary Shelter (G.I.F.T.S.) First Baptist Church of Janesville participates in this ministry. To assist them, we are collecting items such as toothbrushes, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream, disposable razors, aspirin, slipper socks, candy bars, gum, men’s thin slippers, combs and brushes, to put into hygiene kits. Please bring your donation and place it in the wicker basket in the back of the church sanctuary. Thank you.

Velte Benevolent Requests

Each year at our December church business meeting, the Velte Committee makes recommendations to the congregation for the use of Velte Benevolent Funds. The recommendations of the Velte Committee are based on the proposals written by our church members. So if there is a non-profit organization that you would like to recommend to receive funds, submit your proposal to Barb Moravec. Some of the previous recipients of Velte Benevolent Funds include Leaven, Muscular Dystrophy, Boy Scout Troup 300, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations in the Fox Cities. For more information see Velte Committee members (Barb Moravec, Pat Lewis, Fritz Bowers, Kathy Hoehne), or Pastor Jim.

Church Finances as of the end of August

General Funds Needed for August: $6,793
General Fund Monies Received in August: $6,914
General Fund over or (short) for August: $121

Mission Funds Needed for August: $922
Mission Funds Received for August: $976
Mission Funds over or (short) for August: $54
(There was also $1,230 monies received for special mission projects, namely Convoy of Hope and Mercy Ships (VBS).)

Through August we are in the red (more money spent than received) by ($238.)

Quote from C. S. Lewis

"Christianity, if false is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."

We Care

Did you know that Pick-n-Save, and now Copps food stores, has a way that your shopping can benefit our church? It’s called We Care. When you use your Roundy’s Rewards card at either Pick-n-Save or Copps, and designate Whiting Memorial Baptist Church as your charity, 1% of what you spend will benefit our church! To be sure, that 1% adds up, and over the years our church has benefited. Your Roundy’s Rewards card also benefits you with many discounts! So if you shop at either Pick-n-Save or Copps, sign up and designate our church today. Thanks!

October Birthdays

6 Sue Schroder
7 Victoria (Tori) Luebker
8 Ken Burrows
10 David Hill
16 Dan Franz
17 Steven Searles
18 Fritz Bowers
20 Ritchie Rose
21 Roxanne Schwandt
22 Carl Stilp
25 Alice Dorton
30 Charlie Pfister
31 Julie Delikowski
31 Michelle Franz

October Wedding Anniversaries

2 Kathleen & Greg Harrington
3 Esther & August Bratz
3 Diana & LeRoy De Broux
5 Michelle & Dan Franz
7 Cathy & George Strohmeyer
9 Roxanne & Tom Schwandt
9 Tina & Nick Voigt
11 Alicia & Tom Romnek
18 Hsar Say Paw & Moo Khu Htoo
20 Kim & Richard Rose
22 Roxane & Mike Kesselhon
29 Ellen & Art Schwandner
29 Veronica & Perry Smith

September 2010 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

According to Christian History magazine, in 1712 the colony of South Carolina required “all persons whatsoever” to attend church each Sunday and refrain from skilled labor and travel. Violators of the “Sunday Law” could be fined 10 shillings or locked in the stocks for two hours!

There was a time when church attendance was mandatory. I doubt it made much difference in the lives of those forced to attend (though you never know.) It probably didn’t make them any holier nor did it better their relationship with God. Like the little boy who was forced to sit down in his chair at the dinner table once said, “I may be sitting down on the outside, but I’m standing up on the inside.” Those South Carolina folks may have been “inside” the church, but I’m sure their spirit was someplace else. Requiring by law that people go to church just doesn’t work.

Rather than have people in church because they have to be there, it is better to have people in church because they want to be there. Why would people want to be in church? There are many reasons; here are a few:

First, the church is where we are most likely to worship God. There are those who say we can worship God while taking a walk in the woods, or even when golfing! (For me, those are one in the same.) Truth be told, we can worship God anywhere. But usually we don’t. So coming to church gives us a place, provides us the space and time, and creates for us an atmosphere where we can worship God. Please be aware: there is nothing more important in our lives than worshiping God, and your church provides you that opportunity.

Second, the church is where God’s family gathers. Now this family has its flaws. It needs lots of work. It has lots of characters. But it is God’s family, and that makes it special. Even if we have nothing else in common, we have God as father, Jesus as brother, and the Holy Spirit as comforter. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, sharing our lives as God’s holy children.

Third, the church is where we learn how to live. We live in a culture where godly values are often absent. We can easily get confused about what is right and wrong, what is helpful for us and what is detrimental. At church we open God’s Word and look for answers to the most profound of our questions: What is the meaning of life? Who am I in relationship to God? Does God love me? The answers to these and all our other questions in God’s Word are life-giving, filled with hope, and are an encouragement to us.

There are many other reasons to be at church – delicious pot-lucks, great fellowship, wonderful music, opportunities to serve others, assurance of God’s love and forgiveness – and the list goes on and on.

The church needs you. And you need the church. See you Sunday!

Peace,
Pastor Jim

Church Worship Schedule

Beginning on Sunday, September 5th, our Sunday morning worship will be held at 10:15 am.

Sunday School

Sunday School begins on Sunday, September 12th, at 9:00 am. Sunday School learning opportunities are available for students of all ages. One of our new classes this year is a “Post-High” class for students who have recently graduated from high school and are in the work force or attending college. We will kick off this year’s Sunday School ministry by having a pancake breakfast on Sunday, September 12th. It will begin at 9:00 am, and everyone is invited.

Adult Sunday School

The theme for the Adult Sunday School this Fall is “The Inescapable God.” We know God through God’s actions and relationships. Through looking at the books of Exodus and Psalms we will deepen our understanding of the majesty and mystery of God.

FW Friends/Adult Foundations

Our Tuesday night ministry for children (FW Friends) and adults (Adult Foundations) will begin on Tuesday, September 21st, at 6:30 pm. (It concludes at 7:45 pm.) This Fall the Adult Foundations will be exploring the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians. This letter was written to a church with many problems, not unlike churches today. How does God’s Word speak to churches? How are we to handle difficult issues? What is church all about? Come and find out as you participate in this study.

Mission Opportunity

The American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin, in connection with their Annual Meeting, has a special Mission Mobilization Project. Hygiene kits for “God is Faithful-Temporary Shelter”, a ministry the First Baptist Church of Janesville participates in, are being collected. The hygiene kits will be put together by nursing home residents in Janesville at the time of the Annual Meeting, and given to men at the shelter.
Items needed are combs, brushes, shampoo, body wash (travel size), toothbrush, toothpaste (travel size), deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, Tylenol or aspirin (small packets or bottle), cough drops, ear plugs, thin masculine slippers or slipper socks, candy bars and gum.
Please bring these items to our church and they will be delivered at the time of the American Baptist Church’s Annual Meeting.

Mission Opportunity - Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is also participating in Quarry Quest. HFH will run a "Drop-a-Line" fishing pond and all proceeds directly from that area go to Habitat!Jodi Isom is looking for volunteers to help that day specifically from 8am-12:30pm or noon-4:30pm and lunch is provided for all volunteers. Volunteers can help kids fish or keep the line organized. Volunteers age 14 and up can help! Jodi is in need of 5 volunteers for the AM shift and 11 for the PM shift. Contact Jodi if you are able to help.

Mission Opportunity - Best Friends

Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha is looking for volunteers to help raise funds for their organization at this year’s Quarry Quest, which is being held on Saturday, September 18th. The Volunteer areas include: children’s activities, exit surveys, and face painting. There are four different volunteer shifts to choose from: 8:30 am – 10:30 am; 10:15 am – 12:30 pm; 12:15 pm – 2:30 pm, and 2:15 pm – 4:30 pm. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Patti Houlihan at 729-5600 or quarryquest@bestfriendsnm.org.

Church Finances

For the first six months of the year, we are short of our budget forecast, $6,198 in our general fund, and short $1,348 in our mission giving, although we have received an additional $2,323 in special mission giving. These figures represent what we had hoped to raise in order to fulfill our church’s mission. Since we have kept spending down to a bare minimum, we have reduced expenses but still find ourselves having paid out $2,090 more through the first six months of the year than we have received through our offerings, which means we have had to dip into other funds. This is a great concern for us. Please pray for our church and for our financial needs. Thank you.

American Baptist International Missions

When American Baptist International Missionary Sarah Chetti was earning a university degree in her native India, civil war broke out in Lebanon. She recalls, “Every day I learned in the news about the gruesome atrocities committed by warring militia. I then prayed for Lebanon and its people. But I never really knew where Lebanon was and had no idea about its people, language or culture.” Guess what: years later she and her husband Dan, were called to be missionaries in that very country.
Soon after she began her work in Lebanon, a neighbor asked Sarah to speak to an Indian woman who was imprisoned. Ever since that day, Sarah has been serving Christ through a prison ministry to women. These women have become prisoners because of the destructive complications associated with human trafficking. Girls sixteen years old and even younger are being brought to Lebanon as maids. They come from impoverished home situations in countries like Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Nepal under false names, dates of birth and passports. Lebanese families who “employ” these young women commonly confiscate all legal identification documents from them and then prevent the maids from leaving their homes. These maids are not protected from any labor laws, while their employers have laws supporting them. When the maids try to leave they are often caught without ID or passports. This is a crime in Lebanon, and the maids are put in prison.
Sarah regularly leads a team of four women who visit the detention center in Beirut and the prison in Tripoli. They take both physical and spiritual food.
For Sarah, it began with praying. Now it continues as she introduces women prisoners to Christ, who brings liberty to the captives! (Luke 4:18.)
n taken from article by Rev. James G. Layton

Annual Meeting of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin

“New Life 2010” is the theme of this year’s Annual Meeting of the ABCW, also known as the “166th Annual Gathering Mission Mobilization Mission Marketplace.” That’s a long name, but it incorporates all that the annual meeting will be about. This year it begins on Friday, October 9, at the First Baptist Church of Janesville, and concludes on Saturday, October 10 at the First Baptist Church of Beloit. It includes:
· “Beyond Survival: What is God’s future for the Small Church”, a workshop to be held on Friday afternoon
· A concert by the Judson University Choir
· Mission Marketplace
· Workshops on Emotionally Healthy Marriages; Emerging Church 101; The Ministry of Music
· And much, much more.
Registration forms as well as hotel information is available on the hallway bulletin board.

Love One Another As I Have Loved You

(from the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley.)
Henry Cloud in his book, Rescue Your Love Life presents eight things that marriages must work on to gain the most ground.
Lovers must work on themselves first: stop looking to one’s spouse to “make it better”, look to oneself and ask, “What do I need to change about me for the connection to be re-established?
Lovers revamp their expectations: too many marriages function with impossible requirements for each other. Scale back your expectations in accordance with reality. Expect things that really can exist in the relationship and give up what is not realistic.
Lovers nurture needs and accept weaknesses: each one nurtures and becomes a force for healing and growth in the other person. They help each other to get better.
Lovers love even when they don’t like: it is a reality that everyone has parts to them that are “unlikable” or things that we would not approve of.
Lovers repair communication lines: marriage is a connection and to connect with each other requires being able to communicate. Get rid of toxic elements that makes connecting impossible.
Lovers rebuild trust and understanding: they focus on the things that destroy trust and work on the things that can rebuild it. They sometimes add structure and help from others, and take it one step at a time.
Lovers rekindle love to rescue sex and vice versa. God uses the expression “to know one another” when speaking of sex. Good marriages realize that working on the sexual relationship is an important part of “knowing” one another. They know that good sex, like anything else, doesn’t just happen. It means being focused, intentional and healing the individual and relational things that get in the way.
Lovers resolve destructive conflicts, i.e., the ones that bring each other of the relationship down. They work towards a win-win outcome that goes beyond only playing “fair”.

Senior Saints Special Activity

Everyone is invited! September 26, 2010, at 5:00 pm. Please come and join in the fellowshi. We will be blessing the "Senior Saints" of our church family.

In Honor of Grandparents

She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she’d done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, “But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!”

My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, “Did you start at 1?”

After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, “Who was THAT?”

I didn’t know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask her what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, “Grandpa, I think you should try to figure out some of these yourself.”

Church Cleaning Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to clean our church during the month of September (no valcuuming). Pick your own hours. See Pastor Jim for details, or call him at 722-4312.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Charlie Pfister, who retired as a custodian at the Menasha Public Library after 19 years of service!

Prayers and Sympathy

We extend our prayers and sympathies to the family and friends of Dorothy Markel, who died on August 15.

Tree Farm Camping

If you would like to camp at the church Tree Farm over the Labor Day weekend, please make reservations with the Mentinks.

September Birthdays

5 Mike Woods
5 Jack Zoglman
9 Jodi Isom
10 Jacob Wolfe-Thorpe
14 Madyson Warbelton
15 Scott Lewis
19 Rosemary Buelow
21 John Bowers
21 Nicolas Brazee
22 Diana DeBroux
22 Kris Hoehne
24 Bob Luebker
24 Hsar Blut Moo
25 Beverly Strong
26 Mark Bachorz
29 Sasha Piunti

September Wedding Anniversaries

7 Jenny & Craig Hoehne
9 Kristine & Troy Fisher
13 Julie & Al Delikowski
16 Becky & Bob Luebker

August Newsletter

Dear Friends,

I have always appreciated the way you, our church family, has stepped up to the plate and helped others in our community. You have helped others with a delicious meal through the Community Table, and blessed children in our community through Vacation Bible School. You have given regularly and generously to our Deacons Fund and to the Red Cross Food Pantry in order to help others in need. You even helped to build a house working in partnership with other churches and Habitat for Humanity.

This month, in addition to VBS, you (we) have another opportunity to help people in our community. There are many in the Fox Cities who are struggling to get by day-by-day. They may have lost their jobs, or be under-employed. They may find life’s challenges overwhelming at times and are unsure which way to turn. Whatever their story may be, they are people in need that the Convoy of Hope wants to respond to.

What is the Convoy of Hope? It is a community ministry. shared by many churches and businesses, reaching out to people in need with the Good News of Jesus Christ in Word and in deed. What is the Convoy of Hope offering? It’s offering free services such as haircuts, 35,000 pounds of groceries, health screenings, job support, resume assistance, family portraits, shoes and school supplies, a kids carnival, lunch, live entertainment, community services, and much more. There will also be an opportunity for “guests” to have someone pray for them.

As you can see, this is quite a community event. My prayer and hope is that just as you have responded to other ministry opportunities in our community, you will respond to this one as well. How can you help? There is a need for about 1,000 volunteers to help with services such as bagging and handing out groceries, serving lunch, etc. You can be one of those volunteers! How? Well, on Friday evening, August 13th, a rally will be held at Appleton East High School at 7:00 pm. At the rally you will learn of the ministry opportunities for the following day, August 14, which is the day of the event. You will be asked to pray about where you would like to serve. And then on Saturday, come to Maplewood Middle School in Menasha at 7:30 am, where you will choose your ministry and receive training in what you will be doing.

Our church is a “Connections Church.” This means we will be one of about 20 churches welcoming people and asking them if we can pray for them. We will also be presenting the Good News of Jesus if they are interested in hearing more about him. I will be involved in this and I am looking for others to join me from our church. Training for this ministry will take place on Thursday, August 12, 7:00 pm, at Pathways Church. If you are interested, please see me.

Our church’s vision is “to impact the lives of people in our church and community, discovering needs in all areas of life, and striving to meet those needs with the love and power of the Good News of Jesus Christ.” The Convoy of Hope will provide us a great opportunity to do this. I hope you will join us in this great outreach to our community.

Peace,
Pastor Jim.

P.S. If you would like to make a financial contribution to the Convoy of Hope, make a check out to our church and earmark it for the Convoy of Hope. Thanks!

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is here! It is an exciting time for not only the kids who come, but also for our helpers as well as for our whole church! Below are some things that will be of interest to you concerning our VBS:
· Our theme is High Seas Expedition, and the Bible stories are based on stories from the Book of Acts.
· It begins on Sunday, August 1, and concludes on Thursday, August 5
· Each day VBS begins at 6:00 pm and concludes at 8:15 pm
· You are invited to a kickoff dinner on Sunday, August 1, at 5:00 pm. (This means everyone!)
· Our mission emphasis is a water theme, so we’re collecting cans of tuna, boxes of tuna helper, Hi-C drinks, and other such items, for the Neenah-Menasha Red Cross Food Pantry.
· We are also collecting financial donations for the ministry of Mercy Ships, which is a hospital ship that goes to ports around the world, providing medical help to those in need.
· You are invited to our closing program for VBS, which will begin at 7:45 pm, on Thursday, August 5th. This is a great way to hear and see what our VBS was all about and how kids were blessed with the Good News of Jesus.
· Please pray for us. Thanks!

Church Finances

Church Finances
Below is our Church Economic Picture for the month of June:
General Funds Needed for June: $6,793
General Fund Monies received in June: $5,210
General Fund over or (short) for June: ($1,583)

Mission Funds Needed for June: $922
Mission Fund Monies received in June: $1,213
Mission Funds over or (short) for June: $291

Actually, we have been short of our budget goals every month this year, and except for January, we have spent more money than we have received, which means we are operating at a deficit for the year. Please pray about your giving. Is it reflective of how God is blessing you? “Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need.”
(2 Corinthians 9:6-8a).

The Convoy of Hope

On Saturday, August 14th, a tremendous ministry blessing people of the Fox Cities, will take place at the Maplewood Middle School in Menasha. There will be a kids carnival, entertainment by Christian music groups, a free lunch, free groceries, free haircuts, free school supplies, as well as other free resources. This event is for people who are struggling and just need to know someone cares about their needs, both physical and spiritual. It begins at 10:00 am, and will last until about 2 or 3:00 pm. So if you need to be blessed, come to the Convoy of Hope. You will be glad you did!

American Baptist International Missions

Duane and Marcia Binkley serve ethnic Karen and Chin refugees, originally from Burma, who now live in the United States as legal immigrants. They also keep connected with those still remaining in refugee camps along the Thai-Burma (Myanmar) border.
Duane and Marcia have been busy this summer helping the Karen find jobs at farms and poultry plants, visiting churches across the U.S. that are working with the refugees from Burma, and attending various conferences and meetings. One conference was the annual General Assembly of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). This year it was held in Charlotte, NC, and after the conference they visited with a new Chin congregation. This July, the Binkleys attended the Karen Youth Conference in St. Paul, MN, which drew hundreds of Karen youth and young adults from all across the country. This is the first event of this kind in the U.S.
Another exciting project for the Karen people is the production and printing of the first parallel Karen/English New Testament. This project is being sponsored by the Scottsdale Bible Church in AZ.
Continue to pray for the Karen and Chin people as they adjust to the day to day challenges of a new culture and language.

From The Samaritan Counseling Center of teh Fox Valley

“Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

The Samaritan Counseling Center announces an opportunity to participate in a special ministry. Our Treatment Foster Care Program has been firmly established and is open to receive host families. Have you ever considered fostering a child? We are looking for individuals and/or couples with big hearts and lots of love to give: to provide much needed care, structure, and stability for treatment foster children. Our goal is to provide a safe, loving environment for a child or adolescent who would otherwise be in an institutional setting, hospital, unsafe or abusive situation. These children and adolescents require a more specialized setting than traditional Foster Care can provide since they have greater needs.
Treatment foster care parents will receive training, support, and compensation for their care-giving. You can make a big difference in the life of a child or adolescent who has been through really tough times. You have a lot of love to give! We invite you to share it by fostering a child or adolescent through our Treatment Foster Care Program.
Prayerfully consider whether you are called to this special ministry. For more information, contact our Treatment Director, Amy Plettner (886-9319).

Thoughts on Taking a Vacation (from PreachingNow)

· No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one. ~Elbert Hubbard
· A good vacation is over when you begin to yearn for your work. ~Morris Fishbein
· A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking. ~Earl Wilson
· A vacation is like love -- anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort and remembered with nostalgia. ~Author Unknown
· A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in. ~Robert Orben
· The alternative to a vacation is to stay home and tip every third person you see. ~Author Unknown
· We hit the sunny beaches where we occupy ourselves keeping the sun off our skin, the saltwater off our bodies and the sand out of our belongings. ~Erma Bombeck
· Those who say you can't take it with you never saw a car packed for a vacation trip. ~Author Unknown
· The rainy days a man saves for usually seem to arrive during his vacation. ~Author Unknown
· Vacation: Two weeks on the sunny sands -- and the rest of the year on the financial rocks. ~Sam Ewing
· No vacation goes unpunished. ~Karl Hakkarainen
· Vacation: a period of travel and relaxation when you take twice the clothes and half the money you need. ~Author Unknown
· Vacations prove that a life of pleasure is overrated.
~Mason Cooley

August Birthdays

4 Lori Bowers
8 Andy Bowers
9 Jenne Steffen
10 Dottie Dowman
12 Trudi Woods
14 Brittany Kesselhon
14 Donna Mentink
16 Dave Mentink
16 Denise Schmitz
18 Joy Veldboom
19 Myrna Lopas
21 April Bachorz
21 Robert Bell
21 Grace Zoglman
22 Mikayla Hoehne
23 Christi Lewis
29 Ellen Lehl
29 Luke Moravec

Wedding Anniversaries

14 Trudi & Mike Woods
15 Joy & Brian Veldboom
16 Sheila & Rick Piunti

August Worship

For the month of August our Sunday worship is at 9:00 am.

June 2010 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

In his final moments with his disciples, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” “Yes,” Peter replies. Then, “Feed my lambs,” Jesus tells him. “Tend my sheep.” Three times, Jesus passionately repeats his instruction, pressing his followers: if you love me, take care of the people I love. Live your love for me by actively tending these for whom I have sacrificed everything. (John 21:15-19.)

Throughout June you have the opportunity to offer your gift to One Great Hour of Sharing, empowering our American Baptist ministries of disaster relief and refugee aid, meeting basic needs in Christ’s name throughout the world, and sharing resources that allow people to improve their own lives and communities. This offering helps each of us to decide how to respond to Jesus’ question, “Do you love me?”

The members of the family of God – from those we know to distant sisters, brothers, and cousins in parts of the world we may never visit – are God’s flock, the sheep of God’s pasture (Ezekiel 34:31). Yet, God’s flock is often forcefully scattered, as people are chased from their homes and livelihoods by brutal expressions of war, as communities and futures are shattered by natural disasters, as societies and countries are ground down by unrelenting hunger, disease, and poverty.

Jesus calls us to tend his sheep caught in these situations of evil and nature run amok. And with love and energy, the Church responds! Through One Great Hour of Sharing,
· Disaster victims quickly receive shelter, food, water, and medical supplies
· Local communities develop secure sources of food and clean water
· Minds and bodies grow stronger with new schools and medical clinics
· Refugees receive housing and long-term help to construct new lives.

In these challenging times, we often wonder how much we can afford to sacrifice to help feed Jesus’ beloved sheep, when our needs remain pressing. Perhaps only our prayerful conscience can answer that. But remember the feeding of the 5,000: when Jesus asked the disciples to feed the crowd, the disciples despaired (Mark 6:34-44). The five loaves and two fish seemed insignificant compared to the massive need. Yet when each gave sacrificially from what they had, through God’s blessing, their gifts turned into a miracle of compassion for all.

Heed Jesus’ call to feed his sheep with a generous, even sacrificial, gift to One Great Hour of Sharing. Sharing your resources will change lives – including your own.

Sincerely,
Pastor Jim

One Great Hour of Sharing Use in 2009

When you take a global view of our world, natural disasters occur every week. If you include man-made disasters, the opportunity to respond to people in need is even more frequent. The larger disasters are captured by our news media, such as the earthquake in Haiti this past January. But many needs of our world – whether in a neighboring state or half the world away – remain uncovered by our news media. However, with our extensive network of international and domestic partners, American Baptists are able to make a difference wherever and whenever disaster strikes. Here is where your gifts made a difference in emergency situations last year.
· Burundi – Flood Relief
· China – Flooding in Southern China
· El Salvador – Tropical storm relief
· Gaza – response to humanitarian crisis
· Haiti – fire at the seminary library
· India – Andhra Pradesh Fire Damage
· Indonesia – Typhoon Ketsana relief and West Sumatra earthquake relief
· Myanmar – cyclone relief
· Philippines – Typhoon Ketsana relief
· Sudan – assistance for medical relief
· Vietnam – flood relief
· Zambia – fire damage to homes
· California – wildfire relief
· Iowa – flood rebuilding effort in Cedar Rapids
· Kansas – storm damage to Wichita Community Church
· New Jersey – storm Damage to Calvary Baptist Church, Belmar
· Pennsylvania – fire damage to First Baptist Church, Crestmont
· West Virginia – flood relief
· Wisconsin – water damage to Karen Baptist Church, Milwaukee

Motivation

How many times have you said to yourself, “I’d really like to (fill in) but I just can’t find the motivation”? Motivation is simply a concept, a mental construct that has no real substance, yet it holds the key to success in all our endeavors. Motivation is a mindset – an attitude – that when activated, pushes aside our normal tendencies towards apathy and inertia and gets us moving towards a goal. Motivation is a great mind tool. We all enjoy it when we have it. But because we misunderstand how it works, we too often sit around waiting for it to appear, and when it doesn’t, we wonder why we’ve been unable to find it.

The truth of the matter is, however, that motivation is not like a mosquito. It’s not going to land on you, no matter how long you wait. You must initiate it and create it by an act of will. Then, once the pump has been primed, so to speak, the motivation you seek will begin to flow.

So, just do it! Will trumps emotion. Willpower is powered by intent, the act of deciding in a very determined way. Once you make a definite decision, you are more likely to muster up the will to follow through, then act on your commitment, whether you “feel” like it or not. Once you act, you will likely find the motivation you’ve been looking for. This is because motivation follows action; it does not precede it.

The next step is to set realistic goals and break the goals down into small segments that can be accomplished. Success breeds more success. Focus on what you want vs. what you will have to give up. It is always more motivating to imagine ourselves moving toward a positive experience than moving away from a negative one. (from “Demystifying Motivation” by Rita Milios, prepared by The Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley – 920-886-9319.)

Time Change for Worship

For the months of June, July and August, our worship time on Sunday mornings will be 9:00 am.

Happy Father's Day

A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd from Spokane, WA, thought of the idea for Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Her father, Henry Jackson Smart, had raised Sonora after her mother died and she wanted him to know how special he was to her. Her father was born in June, so she chose June to celebrate Father’s Day.

What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain. The majesty of a tree. The warmth of a summer sun. The calm of a quiet sea. The generous soul of nature. The comforting arm of night. The wisdom of the ages. The power of the eagles flight. The joy of a morning in spring. The faith of a mustard seed. The patience of eternity. The depth of a family need. And then God combined these qualities. When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete. And so, He called it – DAD. – Author Unknown

Congratulations, Graduates!

We congratulate our 2010 High School Graduates. They are: Leah Bowers, Amy Taake, Scott Lewis, Amanda Isom, and Jess Fails. Jess is a mechanic at Ray’s Transmission; Amanda will be attending Bethel College in St. Paul, MN; Amy will be attending the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire; Scott will be attending the University of Wisconsin – Fox Valley; And Leah will be attending Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL

Special Thanks to Sunday School Teachers

We are so grateful for the faithfulness of our Sunday School teachers who have taught throughout this past Sunday School year. They blessed their students and our church. Our Sunday School teachers are:
Nursery – Myrna Lopas, Erin Hill, Mary Hill, Mary Miller Wenzel
Elementary – Barb Moravec
Middle School – Jodi and Dave Isom
High School – Fritz Bowers
Refugees – Denise Schmitz and Christi Lewis
Adult – Tom Romnek and Pastor Jim Schmitz

Church Finances

Forecast Needs Through April

Our General Funds goal through April is $27,107. We have received $23, 445. This means we are short of our goals for the year for our General Fund by $3,725. Our United Mission/Institutional Support Mission Funds goal through April is $3,689. We have received $2,885. This means we are short for the year in our Mission Fund goals by $804. However, we have received $1,737 in special mission giving…In our actual receiving of funds as compared to our spending for the year, we are $434 in the negative.

Congratulations, Newlyweds!

On Saturday, June 5th, at 3:00 pm, Jeannie Grable and Doug Bottine will be married here at WCBC. We congratulate them on their special day, and pray a long and happy life together as husband and wife!

Out-of-Office

Pastor Jim will be out of the office from June 15 through July 2. For pastoral assistance during this time please call Pastor Jon Gallatin at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The phone number is 725-6822.

Newsletter Articles

Anyone wishing to submit an article to the Baptist Light may contact Pastor Jim at 722-4312. You may call him with your details, submit PC diskettes, send emails or printed material. Please have articles to him by the 20th of each month to allow time to print by the 1st of each month.

Nominations for American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin Offices

Would you like to serve on a commission or a board for the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin? There are several areas that nominations are being accepted for. They include: at-large board member; treasurer; commission of finance; commission on congregational missions; commission on camping; commission on the ministry. All are three year terms, except for treasurer, which is a one-year term. If you are interested, please call Pastor Jim.

June Greeters

6 Becky Zoglman
13 Becky Zoglman
20 Kathy Najdowski
27 Kathy Najdowski

(We are grateful to Kathy Najdowski for scheduling our greeters. If you would like to help in greeting, please give Kathy a call.)

June Birthdays

1 Dorothy Markel
4 Mike Kesselhon
6 Keri Biettler
6 Michelle Grade
8 Ryan Bachorz
8 Tyler Fisher
9 Heather Stilp
15 Scott Weyers
16 William Bell
18 Earl Klug
20 Roxane Kesselhon
22 August Bratz
27 Pat Lewis
27 Ethan Zoglman
28 Jim Romnek
29 Kristine Fisher

June Wedding Anniversaries

6 Bruce & Cathy Brazee
12 James & Marion Burrows
15 Pat & Christi Lewis
17 Dave & Jodi Isom
25 Earl & Shirley Klug
30 Ken & Debbie Burrows
30 Jack & Becky Zoglman

May 2010 Newsletter

Dear Friends,
Sometime ago I was listening to the radio and heard for the first time a song entitled “Walking in Memphis.” Marc Cohn writes some interesting lyrics, which includes the following:
Now Muriel plays piano every Friday at the Hollywood
And they brought me down to see her
And they asked me if I would do a little number.
And I sang with all my might
And she said: “Tell me are you a Christian, child?”
And I said, “Ma’am I am tonight.”
I do not know what the author intended in these lyrics, but I do know what I heard them say to me, which is this: one can pick and choose the times one wants to be a Christian, or at least the times one wants to live out their faith. So playing a piano and singing some good old gospel music might very well speak to one’s faith and stir within a person their longing for God – at least for that point in time. Of course it is also true that at other times, when one’s heart isn’t stirred, one can do what one wants and choose not to be a Christian, or at least act like one, at that particular point in time.
I fear this happens all too often in our society with us Christians. There are times when we feel very close to God and affirm our faith by how we live. And then there are other times when we completely ignore God and do whatever we want. So today we might choose to be a Christian, but tomorrow we might choose not to be – at least in terms of our behavior. We decide not to let our faith influence how we act, how we speak, what we watch, how we live.
If this is true of any of us, it is not what God expects or hopes for in our Christian walk. The God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, wants us to live out our faith yesterday, today and tomorrow. There is to be no interruption in how we live out our faith. No pauses, no detours, no lapses. If we follow Jesus – truly follow – living our faith consistently is something we desire to do, not just today, but tomorrow as well.
To live our faith consistently isn’t easy to do, as most of us well know. In fact, we can only do so by the power of God in our lives. Here is the Good News: God provides that power for us. Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:20 these words: “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask for think.” Indeed, with God’s mighty power within us, we can live holy lives.
Let us live holy lives, not just when it suits our purposes, but each and every day, each and every night.

Peace,
Pastor Jim

A Little Parable for Mothers

The young mother set her foot on the pathway of life. “Is the way long?” she asked. Her guide said, “Yes, and the way is hard. You will be old before you reach the end of it, but the end is better than the beginning.”
But the young mother was so happy that she could not believe that anything would be lovelier than these years. So she played with her children, gathered flowers for them along the way, bathed with them in the crystal streams and the sun shone on them and life was good. The young mother said, “Oh, surely, nothing will ever be better than this.”
Then the night came and with it the storm. The children trembled with cold and fear, but the mother gathered them close and covered them with her mantle. The children said, “We are not afraid, Mother, for you are here and no harm can come.” And the mother said, “This is better than the brightness of the day for I have taught my children courage.” The morning came and the storm went. There was a steep hill ahead and the children climbed and grew weary and the mother found herself weary as well. But at all times she told them, “A little patience and we will be there.” So the children climbed and when they reached the top they said, “We never could have done it without you, Mother.” And the mother, when she laid down to rest that night, looked up at the stars, and said, “This is a better day than the last one for my children have found fortitude in the face of hardship. Yesterday I gave them courage, today I have given them strength.”
And another day came and strange clouds darkened the sky. Clouds of war and hate and evil, and the way was rough and dark. The children groped and stumbled but the mother said, “Look up, lift your eyes to the light.” And they looked and saw beyond the clouds an Everlasting Glory. It guided them and brought them beyond the darkness. That night the mother said, “This is the best day of all for I have shown my children God.”
The days, weeks, months and years went on. The mother grew old and became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong and walked with courage. When the way was rough, they lifted her for she was as light as a feather.
At last they came to a hill and beyond the hill was a shinning road with golden gates at the end, flung wide open. The mother said, “I have come to the end of my journey and now I know that the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone and their children after them.” The children said, “You will always walk with us, Mother – even after you have passed through the gates.” And they stood and watched their mother as she went on alone and the gates closed after her.
And they said, “We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory, she is a living Presence.” -- Author unknown

Vacation Bible School Planning and Decorating

On Tuesday, May 4th, at 6:30 pm, a very important Vacation Bible School meeting will be held. Please plan on attending if you have a leadership role of any kind in this year’s VBS, such as Bible Story, Chadder, Crafts, Games, and so forth. Also, beginning on that same Tuesday, and for the following Tuesdays in May, we will engage in decorating and painting sets and such for our VBS. All help is appreciated! For more information, please see or call Denise.

Youth Discipleship Class

A new Youth Discipleship Class will be beginning soon. If you are interested in learning more about being a disciple of Jesus, this is the class for you! In this class we discuss God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Prayer, Living God’s Way, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Church, Worship, Baptist History, Salvation and Stewardship. Most students by the end of the class sessions accept Jesus into their lives and then are baptized. This class will help you decide if you are ready to make that kind of commitment to Christ. If you are interested in finding out more, a meeting is being held on Sunday, May 2nd, following worship. Please see Pastor Jim for more details.

Tree Farm Workday

Come join the group for a relaxing, accomplishing, enjoyable time at the Tree Farm in Wautoma.

RELAXING can be Friday, May 14th,if you want to stay overnight!

ACCOMPLISHING will be Saturday May 15th, starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending when you have to leave! Ideas for the day will be yard work; splitting wood; clean cabins for the season; trash pickup along the road property; fire ring repair; stain outside of log cabin. More ideas will be discussed on the April 25th potluck. Watch for updates in bulletin or church weekly updates on computer.

ENJOYABLE will be hikes, volleyball, conversation, meditation and maybe some singing. It all depends on your mood.

BRING your work gloves; rakes; dress for ticks; and anything else you can think of.

Contact Donna Mentink if you need to reserve a cabin for overnight. Otherwise camping is allowed. Fires will probably not be permitted due to the dryness of our spring. (Pray for rain)

Kids in Church

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, “And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?” One bright little girl replied, “Because people are sleeping.”

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.’ Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!”

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to her six-year-old daughter and said, “Would you like to say the blessing?” “I wouldn’t know what to say,” the girl replied. “Just say what you hear Mommy say.” The daughter bowed her head and said, “Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?”

The Art of Apology

The art of an apology can be learned. There are five fundamental aspects of an apology, which Gary Chapman calls the five languages of apology. Each of them is important. But for a particular individual, one or two of the languages may communicate more effectively than the others. The key to good relationships is learning the apology language of the other person and being willing to speak it. When you speak their primary language, you make it easier for them to genuinely forgive you.

The Five Languages of Apology are:
· Expressing Regret: “I am sorry” - Apology is birthed in the womb of regret. Regret focuses on what you did or failed to do and how it affected the other person.
· Accepting Responsibility: “I was wrong” – At the heart of accepting responsibility for one’s behavior is the willingness to admit, “I was wrong.”
· Making Restitution: “What can I do to make it right?” – A willingness to do something to try to make up for the pain I have caused is evidence of a true apology.
· Genuinely Repenting: “I’ll try not to do that again” – The word “repentance” means “to turn around” or “to change one’s mind.” The person regrets the pain he or she is causing the other person and chooses to change his behavior.
· Requesting Forgiveness: “Will you forgive me?” – Requesting forgiveness indicates that you want to see the relationship fully restored. It shows that you realize you have done something wrong. It shows that you are willing to put the future of the relationship in the hands of the offended person.
(Excerpt from “The Five Languages of Apology” by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas. Submitted by The Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley.)

Church Finances

Through the month of March, we are $2,276 behind on our forecasted church financial goals in the General fund, and $570 behind on our Mission goals. However, we have received $1718 in special missions. As far as our overall budget picture of money spent to money received, we are $174 ahead as of the end of March.

Sunday School

We are so very grateful for our Sunday School teachers, who week after week serve their students by teaching God’s Word. The last day of Sunday School is Sunday, May 23rd. We will honor our Sunday School teachers during that time. Sunday, May 23rd, is the last day of Sunday School until Fall.

Help for the Homeless Results

WEMI – Christian Family Radio, recently held their “Help for the Homeless” campaign, to which many of you contributed. Christian Family Radio was pleased to announce that more than $200,000 worth of personal hygiene items and cleaning products were collected and donated to 43 local crisis and homeless agencies throughout the area. More than 460 area businesses, schools and churches in the Fox Cities, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Manitowoc worked together with area homeless coalition agencies to stock their shelves for the coming year.
Thanks for your participation! You make a big difference in our community.