Whiting Community Church Newsletter

August Newsletter - The Baptist Light

2011-07-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

July 19, 2011

Dear Church Family,

I can’t begin to tell you how special Denise and I felt for the wonderful, fantastic Retirement Party you gave us! We were truly blessed that so many of you will able to attend. The Saturday evening meal was great, and the entertainment was a lot of fun even though it showed Denise and I still have a lot to learn about one another!

Sunday was very special. The worship service greatly blessed us as we heard a large choir of voices sing “Friends,” a song that will now always have special meaning for us. To be sure, sharing the Lord’s Supper with you was truly meaningful as well.

We enjoyed the Open House! There was lots of food and lots of guests. Thanks for hosting that for us. And a special thanks to all the planners and workers and creators of our special weekend! Your kindness we will always hold dear.

I was overwhelmed with your gifts to me. The steaks that prefer to remain anonymous, the future trip, the ipad (especially the ipad), the gift card, the ipad accessories, the checks – I was greatly blessed! Thank you so much for your generosity!

You will be in our prayers, and ask that you keep us in your prayers. May the God of mercy and hope bless and keep you in His tender loving care.

Love,
Pastor Jim

Just A Reminder - VBS

2011-07-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Although this is the August newsletter, you might be reading it before August begins. Therefore, just a reminder that Vacation Bible School begins on Sunday, July 31st at 6:00 pm, and continues through Thursday, August 4th, meeting each day from 6:00 – 8:15 pm. A kickoff dinner will be held on Sunday at 4:30 pm. The theme this year is Marketplace 29 AD, and is a joint effort with Faith United Methodist Church, which is where VBS will be held. For more information please contact Trudi Woods or Holly Robinson, who are co-directors.

Palmer Theological Seminary

2011-07-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Palmer was founded in 1925 as Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The founders were motivated by the desire to provide another option for graduate level theological training in the Baptist context. In the early days the founders maintained that conservative institutions were too narrow especially with regard to the prohibition of women in the ministry and the absence of “social concerns”. Originally located in Philadelphia, the seminary relocated to Wynnewood, PA in 1940, which is just outside the Philadelphia city limits. Palmer’s motto is the whole gospel for the whole world through the whole person. Palmer Seminary is one of the four American Baptist Institutional Support ministries our church is supporting this year.

Being Cool For School

2011-07-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Being Cool for School is an event being held on August 20th, to help children in need in our community with school supplies, new clothes and shoes. The event is sponsored by the Community Clothes Closet. Last year over 1,300 children were blessed by this event, thanks to the kindness of individuals and businesses in our community.

The Community Clothes Closet would welcome your donations of new clothes, shoes and school supplies. They would also appreciate Gift Cards and cash donations. If you would like to help with this drive, please bring your donations to the Community Clothes Closet, 1465B Opportunity Way, Menasha, before August 12th. For more information, call 731-7834.

Healing And Recovery

2011-07-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Healing is central to our Christian faith and to our calling as Christian people. Jesus’ promise is one of healing. God provides for our healing and recovery.
In the Gospels there are 58 references to healing: Jesus is seen as healing someone, on his way to heal someone, or on his way back from healing someone! Jesus as God makes clear that healing along with salvation are at the center of God’s relationship with mankind. When John the Baptist sent his disciples to inquire of Jesus if he was the Messiah, Jesus answered: “Go back and tell John what you see … the blind see again, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them (Luke 7:22). We are saved not only from sin and death but also from sickness and suffering.
Jesus commanded his disciples to heal. The practice of healing is presented in concrete terms. “Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:13). Every Christian is called to exercise some from of healing ministry: It might be praying for the sick, publicly or privately. It might be putting prayer into action by giving someone a smile, a word of encouragement, a moment of comfort, a helping hand, a gift of love, joy or peace.
God also provides for our healing through the calling of health professionals: doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, and others who care for the sick and suffering. Special training and experience is the “anointing oil” of the skilled physician or counselor. God wants us to actively seek the care we need. God wants us to be healed. That’s the promise of Jesus.
(This article was prepared by the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley, 886-9319, to support the mental health and family care ministries of congregations.)

Speak Like A Parent

2011-07-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some definitions used by experienced parents:
AMNESIA: condition that enables a woman who has gone through labor to have kids again.

DEFENSE: what you’d better have around the yard if you’re going to let the children play outside.

DROOLING: how teething babies wash their chins.

DUMB WAITER: one who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.

FEEDBACK: the inevitable result when a baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots.

FULL NAME: what you call your child when you’re mad at him.

GRANDPARENTS: the people who think your children are perfect even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right.

INDEPENDENT: how we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.

LOOK OUT!: what it’s too late for your child to do by the time you scream it.

PRENATAL: when your life was still somewhat your own.

SHOW OFF: a child who is more talented than yours

TEMPER TANTRUMS: what you should keep to a minimum so as to not upset the children.

Memorial Gift

2011-07-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

Our thanks and appreciation to Cathy and George Strohmeyer, for the donation of the new round tables in our fellowship hall. The tables are a memorial to Cathy’s parents, Ed and Thelma Meyer.

August Greeters

2011-07-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

7 Alice Dorton
14 Kathy Najdowski
21 Alice Dorton

28 Kathy Najdowski

August Birthdays

2011-07-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

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

August Wedding Anniversaries

2011-07-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

14 Trudi & Mike Woods

15 Joy & Brian Veldboom

16 Sheila & Rick Piunti

July 2011 Baptist Light Newsletter

2011-06-29T12:15:00.002-07:00

Dearest Friends,
In some ways it feels like I have been pastor at Whiting Community Baptist Church for a very long time. Actually I have – 19 ½ years! I measure the length of my time by Leah Bowers. Leah was born the month after I came to WCBC. This coming fall Leah will be a sophomore in college! 19 ½ years is young for a person, but a long time in many other respects. Did you know that the average length of a pastor serving a church is around four years?
At the same time it seems like only yesterday that I began my ministry at WCBC. However, all I have to do is look at pictures of myself back then and compare them to the present time to know that it has indeed been almost 20 years. Where has the time gone? And what happened to that mustache? . . .and the brown hair?
I remember preaching at WCBC long before I was called here to be your pastor. It was in 1983, and I was a potential candidate for another church. I never dreamed that nine years later I would be called to pastor the Whiting Community Baptist Church. God works in wonderful and mysterious ways.
I consider myself extremely blessed to have been called to be your pastor. I have been in ministry since 1980 – 31 years. Well over half of those years have been at WCBC. I am amazed. And I am grateful. Thank you for granting me the privilege of being your pastor!
A pastor’s role is very unique. Preaching and teaching are a big part of it, and I have certainly enjoyed that aspect of my ministry. Thanks for listening all these years! But more important than the preaching and the teaching are the relationships that develop over the years. I think of the many ways that I have been invited into your lives. I have had the great privilege of dedicating your children, baptizing your youth, officiating at your weddings. I have had the holy privilege of sitting with you during hospital stays for yourself or for a loved one, being with you in times of crisis, and walking with you through the death of one you held dear. You have let me into the most intimate circumstances of your lives – in times of joy and sadness, in times of grief and pain, in times of celebration and thanksgiving. I do not take these privileges for granted. I hold them in awe and thank you for trusting me with such experiences. They were a blessing to me.
You are a very special congregation. I will forever hold you in my heart with joy and thanksgiving. We have shared many special times together. I have been truly blessed and honored to have served God with you through the Whiting Community Baptist Church. Thank you for that honor.
I now pray that God will bless and encourage you as a congregation; that you may always know how special you are in his eyes. Continue to trust in God and follow God’s leading. May God’s peace and hope fill your hearts in this present time and in the days ahead.
The words of the Apostle Paul at the end of his first letter to the Corinthians are also my words to you as I conclude my ministry with you: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.”

Love,
Pastor Jim

Vacation Bible School

2011-06-29T12:15:00.001-07:00

Imagine yourself in a Judean Marketplace around 29 AD. The buzz in the marketplace is that Christ is journeying close by and may be coming. Come to the Marketplace and
· SMELL the aromas of bakeries
· HEAR the sounds of workers and animals.
· SEE the villagers in Bible-times attire
· EXPERIENCE learning the occupational skills of the times
· JOURNEY with the caravan to visit the great storyteller
· SING AND DANCE Israeli folk dances
· WRITE Hebrew in the Scribes Shops and make many other Bibletime crafts in the Marketplace.
The Marketplace will be held in Faith United Methodist Church from 6:00 pm until 8:15 pm, each evening on July 31 through August 4, 2011. Marketplace AD is a co-ministry of Whiting Community Baptist Church and Faith United Methodist Church. For more information, call Trudi Woods or Holly Robinson.

Upcoming VBS Preparation Schedule

2011-06-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 28 @ 6:00 - kitchen crew
Thursday, June 30 @ 6:00 - marketplace shopkeepers
Sunday, July 17 @ 10:30 - drama team
Sunday, July 17 - set up begins
Tuesday, July 26 @ 6:00 - tribal leaders
Sunday, July 31 @ 4:30 - KICKOFF DINNER
Sunday, July 31 @ 6:00 - VBS BEGINS!!

List of food items needed will be available on Sunday, July 3rd.

Other items needed: fabric scraps of all sizes and colors, buttons of all sizes and colors, empty kleenex boxes (long, flat boxes), wire hangers, brown paper bags or brown packing paper.

July Birthdays

2011-06-29T12:12:00.002-07:00

2 Grace Bell
6 Heather Rose
6 Jeremy Rose
8 Zachery Woods
11 Barb Bell
12 Joe Najodowski
17 Hsar Say Paw
18 Rachel Luebker
20 Paw Yu Lee Goggin
21 Jim Schmitz
24 Brianna Demarais
24 Kathy Schroder
31 Jessica Gulbrandsen

July Anniversaries

2011-06-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

23 Denise & Jim Schmitz
27 Lori & Fritz Bowers
29 Kathy & Joe Najdowski

July Greeters

2011-06-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

3 Alice Dorton
10 Alice Dorton
17 Alice Dorton
24 Alice Dorton
31 Alice Dorton

Honoring Pastor Jim

2011-06-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

HONORING PASTOR JIM, JULY 9TH AND 10TH.
See your mail for details.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR 19 ½ YEARS OF LOYAL SERVICE HERE AT WHITING COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH !

American Baptist Mission News

2011-06-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Taku and Katie Longkumer are newly endorsed International Ministries missionaries to North East India. Taku was born in North East India, and has seen God’s miraculous work in his family’s history. Taku’s grandfather was among the first Christian converts of his village in India in the early 1900’s. He and other new believers were persecuted and forced to settle elsewhere. Due to illness Taku’s grandfather, mother and elder brother died, and Taku’s father was sent to a school established by missionaries. After he received a basic education that included Bible training, he became an evangelist in 1953. He took his young family, including Taku, to the nearby village of another tribe that had not heard the gospel. In fact, its inhabitants still practiced headhunting.
Taku describes those early years. “The darkness I remember was not simply based on the absence of light in the jungle, but it came from the oppressive, spiritual darkness of evil.” Each evening Taku’s father would invite the villagers to sit by the fire in their small hut, where he would serve them tea while telling stories of Jesus. After many years, which included a series of miraculous events demonstrating the power of God over the power of the spirits, the villagers began to respond to the gospel message. They then became the evangelists until the entire village became Christian. Taku concludes, “The victory of Jesus’ love impacted every aspect of village life. Because of the gospel, fear and violence were replaced by joy and peace.”

Church Finances

2011-06-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

As of the end of May we were $1,582 in the red. That is, we have paid out $1,532 more to pay our bills than we have received in our general fund giving. Please pray about our church finances. Thank you.

Note from Margaret Huff

2011-06-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

“I wish to thank Whiting Community Church for all I and my family have learned from you over the years. The scriptures say to “go and tell”. You have equipped many to do this. My family alone has contact with many church congregations – not all at one church. What a blessing! When we have someone move away, don’t feel a loss, feel a gain for they are taking these truths with them – to “go and tell” and to “plant a seed.” You have done much. – Margaret Huff.

Judson College

2011-06-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

Judson College (now Judson University) is an evangelical Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences, and professions, offering a wide variety of BA programs. The faculty, board and administration feel that Christian Higher Education should include a consideration of commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Judson equips students to be fully developed, responsible persons who glorify God by the quality of their personal relationships, their work and their citizenship within the community, the nation and the world.
Judson was founded in 1913 as an outgrowth of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. It was named after the first American Missionary abroad, Adoniram Judson, who arrived in Burma in 1813 and lived there for 37 years. Judson is located in Elgin, Illinois, and is one of our four designated missions for 2011.

Laws of Golf Part Two

2011-06-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

· Golf carts always run out of juice at the farthest point from the clubhouse..
· A golfer hitting into your group always will be bigger than anyone in your group. Likewise, a group you accidentally hit into will consist of a football player, a professional wrestler, a convicted murderer and an IRS agent – or some similar combination.
· All 3-woods are demon possessed.
· Golf balls from the same sleeve tend to follow one another, particularly out of bounds or into the water.
· A severe slice is a thing of awesome power and beauty.
· “Nice lag” can usually be translated to “lousy putt.” Similarly, “tough break” can usually be translated “way to miss an easy one.”
· The person you most would hate to lose to always will be the one who beats you.
· The last three holes of a round automatically will adjust your score to what it really should be.
· Golf should be given up at least twice a month.
· All vows taken on a golf course shall be valid only until the sunset.
(From Mikey’s Funnies.)

Too Busy Disorder

2011-06-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

Too Busy Disorder or TDB is a sickness of our times. We are so busy that we don’t have time to do everything than needs to be done. We run from one task to another – always trying to catch up and it seems always falling behind. The stress of managing our time weighs heavy upon us. It contributes to our feeling tired and worn out. We may be experiencing TBD.
There are two Greek words for time: chronos and karios. When chronos dominates we live by time. Life is experienced as chronology with one thing happening after another. This is a linear concept of time: like a straight line along which we travel. When karios dominates we live in time. Life is experienced as opportunity. It is full time – real time. It requires dwelling in the moment so completely that the possibility of life opens up to us. Kairos time can be seen as a deep dot in which we dwell.
Spiritual transformation enables us to move from chronos to kairos: to tap the immediacy of life. To move from nowhere to now here: from living by time to living in time. When we are too busy we lose touch with kairos time. We get caught up with where and how we are going to spend the next moments – projecting ourselves into unlived time, “preparing” to live rather than living. We begin to think that life happens on “tomorrow’s stage”. We forget that life happens now. (Excerpt from Sue Monk “When the Heart Waits)
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24. (This article was prepared by the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley. 920-886-9319.)

Tree Farm Camping

2011-06-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

CAMPING SITES STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE JULY 4TH WEEKEND AT THE TREE FARM
You can camp close to home and enjoy the Wautoma area.
Contact the Mentinks for your reservations!

June 2011 Baptist Light Newsletter

2011-05-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

To say “good-bye” to you after nearly two decades of ministry at Whiting Community Baptist Church is very difficult for me to do. Yet it is time to do so. There are two aspects of saying good-bye that are important. One aspect is the “practical” aspect of the change that will take place in the nature of our relationship. This newsletter article will cover that aspect. The second aspect is the “personal” – these are the heartfelt thoughts I have as I leave WCBC. The July newsletter will cover those thoughts…

The American Baptist Churches Ministers Council Code of Ethics, affirmation 9 reads:
“I will, upon my resignation or retirement, sever my ministerial leadership relations with my former constituents, and will not make professional contacts in the field of another ministerial leader without his/her request and/or consent.”

This affirmation almost sounds like legal language, but its’ purpose is to underscore the importance of the retiring pastor to leave behind all his responsibilities and privileges. When a pastor resigns or retires from a church, that person is no longer the pastor. The normal ministry responsibilities and privileges such as hospital visitation, counseling, preaching, officiating at weddings and funerals are to cease. This is very difficult for both the pastor and the congregation. We have shared each other’s lives for a long time. Yet it is important for both you and me to do so. A pastor that hangs on more often than not hurts the church. A congregation can get confused as to whom to look towards for pastoral care and leadership – the retired pastor they have known for many years, or the new pastor who they have called to their church. It is tempting to go to those we know best, but in doing so a new pastor’s ministry can be jeopardized. To prevent this from happening it is best for the retired pastor to leave completely so that the church can move ahead into the new ministry the church will have with the new pastor.

When I first came to WCBC over 19 years ago, I was called to the hospital to meet with the family of a church member who was undergoing surgery. The chaplain at the time was a former pastor of Whiting, having served WCBC for over 13 years. The family respected and knew the former pastor, whereas I was new and unknown. The former pastor, who was now the hospital chaplain, could have stepped into my role, but he did not. He gently informed the family that I was now the pastor and they could receive pastoral support from me. I greatly appreciated him stepping aside so that I could fulfill the ministry for which the church had called me. I will step aside as well so that the pastor you call can fulfill the ministry for which he/she has been called.

One of the factors that make this transition a bit more difficult is that Denise and I will not be moving. However, we will be worshiping with a new congregation. Because we are still in the area, there may be the temptation of some to call us. Please know that I will not be able to respond to that call. My sense of what is appropriate behavior as a former pastor will prohibit me from any request for pastoral ministry, as is my adherence to the American Baptist Clergy Code of Ethics.

May God guide you and bless you with a loving and caring pastor. Pray for your new pastor. Encourage your new pastor. Welcome your new pastor. Bless your new pastor. And you will be blessed.

Sincerely,
Pastor Jim

Summer Worship Schedule

2011-05-28T13:56:00.001-07:00

Our Summer Worship schedule goes into effect on Sunday, June 5th. Worship throughout June, July and August will be at 9:00 am.

When You Least Expect It

2011-05-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

My plan was to finish my ministry here at WCBC at the end of June, having shared messages from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, which is a letter of Joy. However, I discovered I needed surgery on my neck and the sooner the better. So instead of preaching on Philippians I will be at home for several weeks, recuperating from my surgery. In my absence, please feel free to call Pastors Jon (570-0507) and Tabatha (570-0518) Gatlin of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (725-6822) for ministry assistance, as well as our church Moderator, Tom Romnek.

Congregational Meeting

2011-05-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

A Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 5th, following our Sunday morning worship. The purpose of this meeting is to vote on new members.

Habitat for Humanity House Dedication

2011-05-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 12th, Moo Khu Htoo, Hsar Say Paw, Hsar Blut Moo, and Mu Nay Blu Paw will have their Habitat for Humanity house dedicated, and you are all invited! The ceremony begins at 1:00 pm. The house is located on the corner of Harrison and Cleveland Streets in Neenah (610 Cleveland St.).

Vacation Bible School

2011-05-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

What would it have been like to live at the same time as Jesus?
COME JOIN US AND FIND OUT!
Vacation Bible School 2011
Marketplace 29 A.D.
Sunday, July 31st-Thursday, August 4th
6:00-8:15 P.M.

The Faith Church gymnasium will be transformed into a marketplace from 29 A.D. Witness Jesus and hear his stories “first hand”. Experience the crafts and work with the artisans. Learn the games and family customs. Taste the food. Sing and dance to traditional Jewish songs. Mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun. There are many ways adults and youth can help-before, during and after; for one day or many. Please talk to Holly Robinson or Trudi Woods.

In preparation for some of the projects, we are in need of the following items. We would appreciate your willingness to donate or save them for us. They may be dropped off at either the Faith or Whiting church office, or given to Holly or Trudi.
Fabric scraps of all sizes and colors
Buttons of all sizes and colors
Empty Kleenex boxes-the long, flat boxes, not the cubes
Wire hangers
Brown Paper Bags-if you have packing paper similar in color that would
work also
A larger list of other food and supplies that may be donated will be coming later.

Church Finances

2011-05-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks for your faithful and generous giving. You and your support are greatly appreciated!

Through the month of April we are $1582 in the red for our General Fund. That is, we have spent $1582 more than we have received. In our Mission Fund we are short $727 compared to our budget goals for regular mission giving. However, we have received $1620 for special missions. Please keep in prayer our financial needs.

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-05-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Because I’m a Dad …
· I must hold the TV remote control in my hand while I watch TV. If the remote has been misplaced, I’ll miss a whole show looking for it. (In an emergency, I can survive by holding a calculator.)
· When I catch a cold I need someone to bring me soup and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You never get as sick as I do, so for you this isn’t an issue.
· I can be relied upon to purchase basic groceries at the store like milk, or bread. I cannot be expected to find exotic items like “Cumin” or “Tofu.” For all I know these are the same thing. And never, under any circumstances, expect me to pick up a copy of “Cosmo” or “Better Homes and Gardens.”
· When one of our appliances stops working, I will insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice as much once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.
· I don’t think we’re all that lost, and no, I don’t think we should stop and ask someone.
· You don’t have to ask me if I liked the movie. Chances are, if you’re crying at the end of it, I didn’t.
· I think what you’re wearing is fine. I thought what you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is fine. With the belt or without it looks fine. You hair is fine. You look fine. Can we just go now? (from Mikey’s Funnies)

International Missions

2011-05-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

During June we receive the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. By sharing our resources, combined with offerings from thousands of congregations across the United States, we
· Build homes, schools, medical clinics, and clean water and sewage facilities in villages devastated by earthquakes, floods and poverty
· Bring safety, shelter, and food to refugees after often violent circumstances have made their hometowns uninhabitable
· Nurture stronger futures and self sufficiency through health care, education, job training, and tools for livelihoods.

In 2010 your gifts made a difference in these and other places: in Bosnia, providing winter storm relief; in Chile, providing earthquake and tsunami relief; in Haiti, providing earthquake relief; in Uganda, providing mudslide relief; in Iowa, helping to rebuild flood damaged homes; in Nebraska, providing flood relief; and in New Jersey, providing Nor’easter storm relief. From Burma, Khin, a farmer, said “Had it not been for you, I would not have been able to grow the rainy season rice because all of my rice seeds were washed away.” With millions of people in need after Cyclone Nargis, One Great Hour of Sharing worked with Church World Service and local partners to provide vital emergency and recovery assistance – when it was needed most.

Sharing because we have felt God’s love aligns our lives with God’s own life and work in our world. By sharing we are renewed and transformed. “Those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.” (1 John 4:16.) Sharing our love for God through One Great Hour of Sharing, we offer ourselves to others as they need us, imitating Christ’s offering of his life for us. In turn, we receive him more deeply into our own hearts, bringing indescribable joy. (Envelopes are available at our church, or send in our donation, marking it OGHS. Thanks!)

Ministry Opportunity

2011-05-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

Patti Houlihan, staff person with Best Friends writes: “Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha is a local non-profit mentoring program, and we are looking for adult mentors that we could match with the children on our waiting list. We have so many children that are in need of a mentor and we are hoping you will help us. . . We have 4 mentoring programs – Community-Based where you spend 2-3 hours a week with your mentee; Guy-Stuff Mentoring where you spend 2-3 hours a month with your mentee; Lunch-Mentoring, where you spend one lunch hour a week with a student in a school close to your work place during the school year; After-School Mentoring, where you spend one hour a week after school with a student, during the school year.”

For more information, and to learn about some of the kids that are on the waiting list, contact Best Friends at 729-5600

What Really Matters: Family

2011-05-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

What makes a healthy family:
· People feel free to talk about inside feelings
· All feelings are okay
· Persons are more important than performance
· All subjects are open for discussion
· Individual differences are accepted
· Each person is responsible for their own actions
· There are few shoulds
· Rules are clear and flexible
· The atmosphere is relaxed
· Persons face and work through stress
· People have energy
· Growth is celebrated
· People have high self-worth
· There is a strong parental coalition
The Samaritan Counseling Center helps individuals become healthy family members. (The Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley. 886-9319.)

Letter of Thanks

2011-05-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

“I’d like to personally thank you and your congregation for your generous gifts to the World Mission Offering and International Ministries in 2010. You have been part of the effort to help people come to Christ, grow in Christ, and change their world through Christ in over 70 countries around the world. Your church’s contribution went to support the efforts of over 1700 short and long term missionaries and partners as they bring the Good News of Jesus Christ while meeting human need through cutting edge ministries in over 70 countries. I am so please that because of your continued contributions through the World Mission Offering and targeted gifts for missionary support we have been able to maintain our missionary team on the field so far. We are also blessed that your support is allowing us to endorse three new missionary families. We are very thankful for the support of Whiting Community Baptist Church. Yours in Christian Mission – Rev. Dr. Reid Trulson, Executive Director, and Rev. Dr. Ray Schooler, Director of Development – Church Relations”. (American Baptist Churches, U.S.A., International Ministries.)

Thanks for FW Friends

2011-05-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

“Myles and Logan love coming to FW Friends every week. I want you to know that you and everyone at FW Friends make a huge difference in so many children’s lives. Thank you for all you do! -- Ty and Carla Steward.

June Birthdays

2011-05-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

4 Mike Kesselhon
6 Ken 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 Anniversaries

2011-05-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

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 2011 Baptist Light Newsletter

2011-04-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
I love to be in a worship service where I am encouraged, blessed, “lifted up”, and feel that being in worship was a great experience for me. I am sure you feel the same way. We want worship to bless us, encourage us and “lift us up” as it were.
That being said, we recognize that worship doesn’t always happen that way for us. Sometimes we find the minister’s message boring. We may find the music uninspiring, or wonder why the church doesn’t play and sing the kind of music we like. We may feel the worship service has gone too long, or it simply wasn’t encouraging, a blessing, or an experience of “lifting us up.” George Barna surveyed thousands of churchgoing Christians, asking them, “Have you ever experienced God in a worship service?” Only one-third, 33%, said they regularly experience God in church worship. Perhaps that is why worship attendance is in decline. . .
Pastor Rick Ezell in his One Minute Uplift newsletter writes, “It is safe to say that true, life-changing encounters with the living God are missing from many of our churches. We desperately need a life-changing glimpse of the greatness, the awesomeness, the wonder, the power, the mercy, the goodness and the loving-kindness of the God we serve.” We can all say “amen” to that! Who of us would not want a life-changing glimpse of God? (Of course, we have to be careful of what we ask for – not too many of us really want to change our lives all that much.)
Pastor Ezell continues by writing that the word worship comes from an Old English word that means “worthship.” The idea here is that when we come to worship, we’re declaring God’s worth. And if we’re truly declaring God’s worth, we don’t worship God for what we can get out of it, but to give God the honor and glory that is due Him. Think on that for a minute… We come to church not for what we can get out of it, but rather for what we can put into it. We come to bless God first and foremost. That is what our worship is all about.
Think of it this way: often we come to church as an audience, looking for what we will receive that day, what we will “get” from the worship service. But the correct way to think of worship to God is that God is the audience, and God is looking for what we will give him through our worship – our singing, praying, giving, listening. Worship is about giving worth to God above anything else.
Pastor Ezell writes: “Worship is not a weekly pep talk to rally the troops . . . Worship occurs when people encounter the God who loves them and desires a relationship with them. Worship is a meeting between God and His people. Worship does not lead to an encounter with God. It is an encounter with God.”
On the days I am bored with worship, just feeling like I’m not getting anything out of it, I have to stop and ask myself, what am I putting into it? Worship isn’t about you and me and what we want to experience in worship as much as it is about God and giving God the glory that is his. Let us therefore worship God with heart, soul, and voice, lifting up all that we are to him. And you know what? If we do so I doubt very much we will find worship to be dull or boring. In fact, we will find it encouraging, a blessing, a great experience, and we’ll feel “lifted up.”

Peace,
Pastor Jim

Missions

2011-04-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

One of our four church designated mission offerings this year is Kodiak Baptist Mission, located in Kodiak, Alaska. The Mission of Kodiak is stated as follows: As a Christian social service organization in Alaska, the purpose of Kodiak Baptist Mission is to improve the quality of life of children and their families by ministering to their unmet physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs, by following the example set forth in the life of Jesus Christ. Kodiak strives to carry out this mission through the following ministries:
· Circle J Ranch, which is an equestrian education and experience to small groups. The Ranch gives individuals who do not own, lease or otherwise have access to their own horse the opportunity to learn more about horse care, enhance riding skills, and develop showing interests in a safe, Christ centered stable environment.
· Afterschool Programming. ARK is a high quality, safe, structured, Christ centered atmosphere for school-aged children that provides them with the opportunity to learn and promotes academic, social and physical health.
· KBM Adventures, which is an indoor/outdoor, low/high ropes challenge course experience. The course helps promote problem solving and trust building for groups seeking to grow in those areas.
· Sonshine Christian Preschool/Daycare. Sonshine Christian Preschool and Daycare provides a Christ-centered school that is dedicated to the discovery of truth and to the active learning about God's world. It is based on three clear, positive beliefs: 1) Jesus Christ is the foundation on which we live our lives. 2) Children can learn the self-controls of responsibility, respect, and caring. 3) People, especially children, learn the most when learning is active, purposeful, relates to the immediate world of the learner, and is interesting.
· Island Summer Adventures, which is a summer program for kids.
· Kodiak Island Food Bank, which feeds and clothes people in need. For example, last November the food bank fed 932 adults and 388 children.
· Camp Woody. Camp Woody is owned by American Baptist Churches USA and functions as an inter-denominational Christian camp serving the youth of Kodiak and the greater Alaska area. Camp Woody is located on Woody Island three miles offshore from the Kodiak downtown harbor.

At the center of every program is the love of our Lord, states KBM director, Trevor Jones. “It is the desire that all the programs we do are simply wells by which thirsty people come for a drink and find the Lord waiting for them to converse and give hope.”

Mothers Day Humor

2011-04-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

Several children were asked, “What kind of little girl was your mom?” “My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff” . . . “I don’t know because I wasn’t there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.” . . . “They say she used to be nice.”

“What’s the difference between moms and dads?” “Moms work and work and work at home, and dads just got to work at work.” . . . “Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.” . . . “Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power ‘cause that’s who you gotta ask if you want to sleep over at your friend’s.

“What does your mom do in her spare time?” “Mothers don’t do spare time.” … “To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.”

“If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?” “She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I’d get rid of that.” … “I’d make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.”

“Describe the world’s greatest mom.” “She would make broccoli taste like ice cream.” . . . “The greatest mom in the world wouldn’t make me kiss my aunts!” . . . “She’d always be smiling and keep her opinions to herself.”

A Mothers Day Poem - "Hands" by Judith Peitsch

2011-04-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord for dirty hands that touch my stove and fridge;
For sticky little fingers that try to build a bridge.
For careless hands that go astray in search of something new;
For hands to hold and show the way as mothers often do.
For precious little hands in which great faith so abounds;
For silly little hands that reach to touch a mother’s frown.
And thank you for your guiding hand that leads me to the light;
That lifts me when I stumble and points me to the right.
As little hands reach out to me to show them what to do,

I’m steadied, reassured and loved as I reach up to You

Pastoral Search Committee

2011-04-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

On April 3rd, a Pastoral Search Committee was formed following a vote of the congregation. The members are: Cathy Strohmeyer, Mike Kesselhon (both Cathy and Mike represent the Ministry Council); Tom Schroder, Henry Rose, Donna Mentink, and Christi Lewis (who replaced Fritz Bowers.) Dave Isom serves as an alternate, and Tom Romnek is on the committee by virtue of being the Moderator of the Ministry Council. Henry Rose is the Chairperson of the Pastoral Search Committee.

Vacation Bible School

2011-04-26T16:54:00.002-07:00

This year’s VBS theme is Marketplace 29 AD! We will be combining our efforts this year with Faith United Methodist Church. Trudi Woods and Holly Robinson are co-directors. The children will be experiencing life as the people did in 29 AD. Each child will be one of the tribes of Jacob, learning about stories through a story teller, music, crafts, athletics and snacks. We would like for a great number of our church family to share their talents by being a parent of one of the tribes, using their special talents in a shop in the marketplace, acting as a carpenter to help set up, being a leader, or helping in the kitchen. The dates are Sunday, July 31st, through Thursday, August 4th, from 6:00 pm to 8:15 pm each evening. There will also be a kickoff dinner on July 31st from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We hope that this venture and partnership with Faith Church brings in a number of children to learn about Jesus and his teaching.

Sunday School

2011-04-26T16:54:00.001-07:00

The last day of Sunday School until Fall is Sunday, May 22nd. We are so grateful for our Sunday School teachers and their dedication to their ministry. Thank you, teachers, for blessing our students and helping them to know God through your ministry of teaching!

Our Sympathy

2011-04-26T16:53:00.001-07:00

On March 29th, Dottie Friesen, age 97, and a long-time member of our church, passed away at the Wild Rose Manor where she had been a resident for the past ten years. Dottie was a very active member of our church until she suffered a stroke in April of 1996. Dottie was the mother/mother-in-law of Donna and Dave Mentink, and the grandmother of Kim Mentink Rose (Henry), as well as the great grandmother of Joshua, Jeremy and Heather Rose. Our prayers are with Dottie’s family.

Buildings and Property

2011-04-26T16:52:00.001-07:00

Jack Zoglman has resigned as staff person of Buildings and Property. We want to thank Jack for his dedication and hard work in this task. Along with many unseen aspects of this ministry, Jack also made sure our grass was cut in the non-snowy seasons, and our walks shoveled when we had snow (along with the Lewis’), of which there has been a lot of these past two winters! Thanks, Jack!

Tree Farm Day Outing

2011-04-26T16:51:00.001-07:00

Join the group for a spring day at the Tree Farm, Saturday, May 14th. We usually gather around 9:00, work a little, play a little and enjoy each others company. You can bring your own rakes, chain saws, work gloves, and cleaning supplies. Because we are not sure how many will show up, we ask you again to bring your own lunches and beverages. We hope you will join us! If you need directions, call Donna & Dave at 920 787-3455.

Memorial Day Weekend Camping

2011-04-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

We know money is tight and travel might be limited, but you can camp at the Tree Farm, which is only 1 hour from the valley. If you want to camp with electrical service or use one of the two cabins, reservations are needed. First come, first serve! Come for a day or the whole weekend, whichever works for you. See the Tree Farm bulletin board for the reservation form or call Donna & Dave at 920 787-3455. We try to make a few weekends each year for church families, so this is your opportunity to get acquainted with a different style.

Sisters of Faith

2011-04-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

The Sisters of Faith (that is, the women of Faith United Methodist Church – right across the street), invite our women and young ladies to their Annual Fellowship Tea, to be held at Faith on Saturday, May 14th, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. “Join us for coffee, tea and goodies and listen to a musical program with Dorothy Zerbe and life lessons from women.” Childcare is provided. Please RSVP to Char at 725-8725, by May 7th.

Church Finances

2011-04-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

As of the end of March, we are $1,777 in the red. That is, our expenses have exceeded our income. Please keep our financial needs in your prayers. Thank you.

Camp Tamarack

2011-04-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

The camping season at Camp Tamarack will be beginning soon! Please contact Pastor Jim with the names and ages of any campers who are planning to attend. Camp scholarships are available.

Christian Concert for Youth

2011-04-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

Christian recording artist Rebecca St. James is coming to Appleton West High School on Saturday, May 14th. Rebecca will be performing some of her inspirational music, show her life-affirming movie, Sarah’s Choice, and share about a national organization called Mission: Pre-born. Along with other local organizations, Rebecca will share of how unborn babies are being saved through the love and support of others. The concert is being held at Appleton West High School, 610 N. Badger Ave, Appleton. Doors open and Gold Circle Meet N Greet at 6:00 pm, with the event starting at 7:00 pm. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.uniteforlife.us.

American Baptist Churches of WI Nominations

2011-04-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

The American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin is seeking people to serve in the following positions: vice-president, at-large board member, treasurer, commission on finance, commission of congregational missions, commission on camping, and commission on ministry. If you are interested in serving in any of these capacities, contact Pastor Jim.

May Birthdays

2011-04-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

2 Cathy Strohmeyer
4 Marion Burrows
4 Art Schwandner
6 Jonathon Delikowski
7 Becky Zoglman
10 Michael Smith
12 May Paw
13 Mikayla Weyers
18 Dorothy Hoks
23 Duane Langdon
30 Bruce Brazee

Wedding Anniversaries

2011-04-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

9 Dave & Mary Hill
13 Bob & Barb Bell
17 Charles & Judy Pfister
18 Henry & Kim Rose
29 Tom & Kathy Schroder

May Greeters

2011-04-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

May 1 Donna Mentink
May 8 Donna Mentink
May 15 Donna Mentink
May 22 Donna Mentink
May 29 Kathy Najdowski

Camp Tamarack 2011

2011-03-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Soon the camping season at Camp Tamarack will be here! CampTamarack is a great place to renew your faith, have fun, meet people, and enjoy the great outdoors. Best of all, Camp Tamarack is for people of all ages. Below is this year’s Camp Tamarack schedule: June 6-9 Young at Heart for ages 50+ June 12-18 Senior High Grades 9-12 June 19-22 Primary Grades 1-2 June 19-25 Middler Grades 3-4 June 26 – July 2 Junior Grades 5-6 July 3-9 Junior High Grades 7-8 July 24-27 Family Camp July 24-30 All Inclusive Camp (All camps listing grades are for students completing those grades.) See Pastor Jim to register for possible camp scholarships.

April Wedding Anniversaries

2011-03-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

22 Jeff & Jenne Steffen

April Birthdays

2011-03-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

1 Tina Voigt 2 Brittany Lieske 3 Alex Demarais 6 Veronica Smith 10 Amy Searles 12 Debbie Burrows 12 Scott Harrington 13 Bruce LaMarche 15 William Hoehne 15 Debbie Hudson 15 Alyce Leifermann 16 Alicia Romnek 16 Jeff Steffen 21 Kathy Najdowski 22 Amanda Isom 23 Jon Moravec 26 Tom Schroder 28 Jane Tennant

April 2011 Baptist Light Newsletter

2011-03-27T05:49:00.002-07:00

Dear Friends, Life-changing. There are many, many words that can be used to describe what Easter means for us, words such as transformative, redemptive,and so forth. But the word that comes to mind for me today is “Life-changing.” We as Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead. On Good Friday he died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. On the evening of Good Friday, on Saturday, and on early Sunday morning, He lay in the tomb. He was dead. No one believed that would change. Yet early in the morning on the day we call Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 these words: I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. Unbelievable! Can we even begin to grasp that fact? Jesus who died, rose again from the dead! Now it could very well be that the resurrection no longer impresses us, for we know all about it. But think of it this way – who do you know that has risen from the dead? After Jesus rose from the dead, he went to visit his disciples. It took awhile for some of them to believe, like Thomas, who wanted to place his fingers and hands in Jesus’ wounds first. But once they believed that Jesus had risen from the dead, they were changed. Jesus’ resurrection was Life-changing for them! The scriptures tell a few of the stories of what happened with the disciples. For example, Peter preached a tremendous sermon at Pentecost some fifty days later, that lead to the conversion of over 3000 people. He also became a leader in the early church, and was imprisoned for his faith in Christ. This doesn’t sound at all like the Peter we read about in the gospels. Philip went about sharing the Good News of Jesus, despite the threat of persecution that many were facing. James, we’re told, was killed with a sword by King Herod, because he was a follower of Jesus. Other stories of the disciples, not in the Bible, inform us that all but John were murdered for their faith in Jesus. Life-changing? You bet! Why else would anyone go to foreign lands (as many of them did), put up with being persecuted for their faith, and even be willing to die for their faith in Jesus? Life-changing. That’s what faith in Jesus is all about. It’s not just about the resurrection, as important as that is. It’s about what the truth of the resurrection does in us. It has the power to be Life-changing for us – to be something that affects the ways we live, the values we choose. Let us allow the fact of the resurrection, and the hope of our own future resurrection, be Life-changing. Happy Easter, Pastor Jim

Good Friday Worship Service

2011-03-27T05:49:00.001-07:00

We have been invited by Faith United Methodist Church, right across the street from our church, to join them in their Noon Good Friday Service, on Friday, April 22nd. Pastor Jim will be sharing leadership in this brief, holy service. (If you are unable to make the Noon service, consider attending Faith’s 7:00 pm service, or attend some other church in your area.)

Easter Breakfast

2011-03-27T05:48:00.001-07:00

We have a wonderful tradition of enjoying Easter Breakfast together as a church family. This year is no different! Our Easter Breakfast will be on Easter Sunday, April 24th, beginning at 9:00 am. The suggested donation is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children under 12, with a maximum of $15 for the immediate family. Our menu includes: pancakes, sausage, omelets, muffins, fruit, milk and coffee. Please sign up on the back table, or call the church office with your reservation at 722-4312. (There will be no Sunday School on Easter.)

An Ancient Easter Hymn

2011-03-27T05:46:00.002-07:00

Join, then, all of you, Join in our Master’s rejoicing. Rich men and poor men, Sing and dance together. You that have fasted And you that have not, Make merry today. Christ is risen: The world below is in ruins. Christ is risen: The spirits of evil are fallen. Christ is risen: The angels of God are rejoicing. Hipploytus, martyred theologian (235 A.D.)

Rebuilding Together

2011-03-27T05:46:00.001-07:00

Rebuilding Together Fox Valley is a nonprofit organization that helps low income seniors and disabled homeowners stay safe, warm and independent. Qualified applicants can receive assistance with home repairs or modifications to keep them safe or warm in their home. To qualify, applicants must live between Neenah and Kaukauna in the following zip codes: 54919, 54915, 54914, 54913, 54912, 54911, 54113, 53140, 54952, 54130, 54957, 54956. Income restrictions are: 1 – person household = $14,400 - $38,450 2 – person households = $16,500 - $43,900 3 – person households = $18,550 - $49,400 If you can benefit from this service, call 730-2156, or stop in at the office located at 605 Hancock St., Appleton, WI 54911 or visit the website at www.rebuildingtogetherfoxvalley.org. for an application.

Free Yard Help for Neenah-Menasha Residents

2011-03-27T05:45:00.001-07:00

April 16th is Global Youth Service day and the Neenah/Menasha Noon Optimists would like to give back to their community. Local youth that are served through Noon Optimists (The ARC, Boys and Girls Brigade, Neenah/Menasha Best Friends, Junior Optimists and Youth Go) will provide minor service for community members in need, such as lawn care and so forth. If you would benefit from this service, please contact Dale Devries at Dale-youthgo@new.rr.com, or by calling 722-1435.

American Baptist International Ministries

2011-03-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

Water, a source of sustenance, has been flowing through the life journeys of Duane and Marcia Blinkley from the time they were children growing up in the Cleveland, OH area. They met at Camp Koinonia, an American Baptist camp in Ohio, and after graduation from college, Duane and Marcia were married. (Duane earned a degree in soil and water conservation, and Marcia majored in psychology and sociology.) The Blinkleys applied to become ABC missionaries, and in God’s timing, a new irrigation and water project began among the Karen people in Thailand, which they were assigned to. The result of their labors on the project brought running water to the Karen. In the meantime, the Blinkleys began assisting the Thailand Karen Baptist Convention’s evangelism program. Later, they also worked in the fields of education and administration. As part of his responsibilities, Duane also served on the board of Thailand Burma Border Consortium, an international organization that ministered to Karen refugees who were fleeing from war-torn Burma across the border into Thailand. The Blinkleys made it back to the states where they began meeting Karen refugees who were being resettled in the U.S. Thus began their ministry to the thousands of Karen being resettled in America. Duane says, “Now we minister to refuges in America. And we marvel at how those we minister to also minister to us. Each of us is being refreshed with Living Water as God uses all of us in building His kingdom!” (excerpted from On Location, Autumn 2010)

American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. Biennial

2011-03-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

Every two years American Baptists gather together to celebrate their common American Baptist mission and ministry, and to worship and fellowship as the American Baptist family. The Biennial will be held this summer in Puerto Rico, June 24-26. There will be hands-on volunteer opportunities, presentations by American Baptist guest speakers devoted to discipleship as well as to community and justice across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and many other activities. Additional information is on the hallway bulletin board, and is available on the American Baptist Churches website at: abc-usa.org

Winnebago County Foster Care Programs

2011-03-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

Wanted: Safe Homes for foster children of Winnebago County. Foster parents are needed for all ages and levels of care for children. This includes homes to assist in taking emergency placements; homes to provide on-going foster care placements; homes for teens that have special treatment needs; and homes to provide respite to foster parents. If you are able to help with foster children, please contact Renee Soroko, Winnebago County Department of Human Services at 236-4658 for further information.

The Wisconsin Baptist

2011-03-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Make sure to check out the news of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin, which is posted monthly on our hallway bulletin board.

Great Quote

2011-03-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

“The empty tomb proves the value of Christianity; the empty church denies it.” Rev. Denny Brake

Congregational Meeting

2011-03-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, April 3rd, a Congregational Meeting will be held following worship, at 11:30 am. Among the agenda items will be business concerning repairs done on our furnace, and the election of people to serve on the Pastoral Search Committee. The Pastoral Search Committee is made up of 4 people at large from the congregation. The list of those being nominated include: Henry Rose, Tom Schroeder, Fritz Bowers, Christi Lewis, Donna Mentink, Dave Isom, Jodi Isom, and Scott Lewis (there may be additional nominees as of the writing of this newsletter.) The Ministry Council has two representatives besides the church moderator. Ministry Council Nominees include: Mike Kesselhon, Cathy Strohmeyer, Mike Woods, Pat Lewis, Julie Delikowski.

Prayer For Our Pastoral Search Committee/Church

2011-03-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

Please join us on Wednesday, April 13th, from 6:30-7:00 pm, here at Whiting, for a time of Prayer for our Pastoral Search Committee, our Church Leaders and our Church. We will pray just prior to the Ministry Council meeting.

New Vacaton Bible School Director

2011-03-27T05:36:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to announce that Trudi Woods is our Vacatin Bible School director this year.

Phone Number Change

2011-03-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Alice Dorton has a new phone number: 850-4190.

Our Sympathy

2011-03-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

We express our sympathy and lift up our prayers for Duane Langdon and RoseMary Buelow and their families at the death of Matt Langdon (grandson and nephew.)

Congratulations

2011-03-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

We congratulate Krystal Rose on her engagement to Kevin Pracki. Krystal and Kevin will be married this coming October.

Church Finances

2011-03-27T05:32:00.000-07:00

Through February, we were $56 over our General Fund budget needs, but $427 short for the year after paying our bills. In our United Mission Fund giving, we were $302 short of our Mission Fund Goals, but we had received $675 year-to-date in special mission funds (such as Blanket Sunday funds, etc.) As always, thank you for your faithful giving.

Why Men Are Never Depressed

2011-03-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

Your last name stays put The garage is all yours Wedding plans take care of themselves Chocolate is just another snack Car mechanics tell you the truth Wrinkles add character New shoes don’t cut, blister or mangle your feet Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack Three pairs of shoes are more than enough You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes You can play with toys all your life You can do your nails with a pocket knife You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on Dec. 24 in 25 minutes or less.

March 2011 WCBC Newsletter

2011-02-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness.” (Matthew 9:35)

Recognizing that all people are made in God’s image and are loved by God, all churches must reach across cultural, social, economic and racial lines with practical acts of love within the church and the community. Our ministries should address physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals – particularly the needy, forgotten and defenseless.

One way we can help is through our church’s support of the America for Christ Offering. This year’s theme – “Touching Lives, Transforming People” – is an encouraging reminder that Jesus’ public ministry was all about hope for people in need. With his hands, Jesus touched, comforted, prayed and blessed people. With those same hands Jesus restored sight to the blind, made the lame walk and miraculously fed the 5,000. What will our gifts do? They will help us continue the healing ministry of Jesus. Specifically, our gifts to the America for Christ Offering will support:
· Children in Poverty Grants that support families
· Burmese Ministries in support of the Chin, Kachin and Karen refugees
· Rebuilding efforts in the Gulf
· Neighborhood Action Programs such as the Milwaukee Christian Center
· American Baptists Churches of Wisconsin work with pastoral search committees
· ABC/WI on-going counsel and support of congregations
· And much more

In Jesus, we have both the model and the strength to “touch and transform” people in the church and the community. It is our personal walk with the Lord that transforms and enables us through the power of Christ to live not for ourselves, but to serve God by serving our neighbors. Our hands and our financial gifts become the tools of Christ in a world of need and opportunity. Christ’s work of transformation is accomplished when we step into the lives of people around us.

Please join me in giving generously to the America for Christ Offering 2011, so that together we will touch and transform lives for the cause of Christ.

Sincerely,
Pastor Jim

An America for Christ Offering Story

2011-02-28T20:24:00.001-08:00

Children in Poverty Grants that Help Families

Preparing children to return to school after summer break can be a considerable expense for families. When Janet Newell, founder and board president of Referral, Opportunities, Advocacy and Resources (ROAR) in Seattle, Wash., heard about the Children in Poverty (CiP) grants offered by American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), she did not pass up the opportunity to apply.

ROAR was awarded a grant last year, enabling the organization to provide backpacks, a full complement of school supplies and shoe vouchers to 329 Seattle school children. “The grant equipped these kids for the school year, while enabling their parents to save money that can be used to cover rent, groceries, light bills and other urgent expenses,” says Newell. “Thank you for what you have done for 329 students in Seattle.”

ROAR began as a ministry of Seattle First Baptist Church to ease the burdens of the homeless and disadvantaged in Seattle’s King County who are seeking education and employment. ROAR has grown and expanded its community partnerships and presently operates independently of First Baptist Church.

The CiP grant fund has existed since 2009, and any American Baptist-related entity—from local congregations to Christian Centers or other community agencies—is eligible to apply in the spring of the year. The only criterion is that the proposal address at least one area of need related to children struggling to overcome the limitations of poverty. In 2009, 15 grants were awarded. In 2010, 20 grants were awarded. Your gifts to the America for Christ Offering support this grant fund and provide care to children who may not otherwise receive it.

"Help for the Homeless"

2011-02-28T20:22:00.000-08:00

Helping the Homeless: “Do they use their last $10 to buy diapers, medicine, or gas so that they can drive to work?” -- Julie Coenan, LEAVEN staff member.

We are collecting NEW hygiene and cleaning items for local homeless shelters and crisis agencies through WEMI and WEMY Radio’s 19th annual “Help for the Homeless” campaign, March 1 – 27. Please place your donations in the Help for the Homeless collection box located in the back of the sanctuary. Supplying items will help area shelters serve those in need. Most requested items include laundry detergent, garbage bags, dental and hair care items, diapers and baby care, tissue, etc. (For a complete list, see the hallway bulletin board.) Your donations remain in this community. Agencies receiving supplies in our area include the Emergency Shelter, LEAVEN, Salvation Army, Fox Cities Community Health Center, etc. For more details call 800-236-9364 or visit www.ChristianFamilyRadio.net

Pastor Jim Retiring

2011-02-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, Pastor Jim will be retiring from full-time pastoral ministry this coming summer. For over 19 years, Pastor Jim has pastored Whiting Community Baptist Church. Moderator Tom Romnek and the Ministry Council are in the process of bringing together a Pastoral Search Committee. Additional information on the search process will be available at a later time. In the meantime, please pray for our church during this time of transition, and for Pastor Jim and Denise.

Daylight Savings Time

2011-02-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 13th. Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead on Saturday before going to bed as we “spring forward.”

Lent

2011-02-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

Lent officially begins on Wednesday, March 9th.

Free Yard Help for Neenah-Menasha Residents

2011-02-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

April 16th is Global Youth Service day and Neenah/Menasha Noon Optimists would like to give back to their community. Local youth that are served through Noon Optimists (The Arc, Boys and Girls Brigade, Neenah/Menasha Best Friends Seitan Junior Optimists and Youth Go) will do minor service for community members in need. We are currently planning on doing minor lawn care if the weather permits. What we need are community members that would benefit from this service addresses so we have places to go. AmeriCorps volunteers will be helping as well. If you can benefit from this service, please contact Neenah/Menasha Noon Optimist President Dale Devries at Dale-youthgo@new.rr.com or by calling (920) 722-1435 Thank you very much!

Our Deepest Sympathy

2011-02-28T20:16:00.000-08:00

With great sadness we express our sympathy to Roxanne and Nathan Schwandt at the death of husband/father, Tom. Pray for God’s comfort and strength to be with Roxanne and Nathan during these difficult days.

Tree Farm Potluck

2011-02-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

A Tree Farm Potluck will be held on Sunday, March 13th, following our morning worship. Please join us for great food and conversation. (Please bring food to share.)

Worth Repeating

2011-02-28T20:13:00.000-08:00

The 7 modern sins:
Politics without principles
Pleasures without conscience
Wealth without work
Knowledge without character
Industry without morality
Science without humanity
Worship without sacrifice
By Canon Frederic Donaldson

"Saint Patrick's Breastplate (Old Irish Prayer)

2011-02-28T20:11:00.000-08:00

I rise today
With the power of God to pilot me,
God’s strength to sustain me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look ahead for me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to protect me,
God’s way before me,
God’s shield to defend me,
God’s host to deliver me,
from snares of devils,
from evil temptations,
from nature’s failings,
from all who wish to harm me,
far or near,
alone and in a crowd.

The Laws of Parenting

2011-02-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

1. The later you stay up, the earlier your child will wake up the next morning.
2. For a child to become clean, something else must become dirty.
3. Toys multiply to fill any space available.
4. The longer it takes you to make a meal, the less your child will like it.
5. Yours is always the only child who doesn’t behave.
6. If the shoe fits … it’s expensive.
7. The surest way to get something done is to tell a child not to do it.
8. The gooier the food, the more likely it is to end up on the carpet.
9. Backing the car out of the driveway causes your child to have to go to the bathroom.

March Birthdays

2011-02-28T20:08:00.001-08:00

1 Austin Grade
4 Sheila Piunti
10 Becky Luebker
11 Randy Lehl
12 Emma Delikowski
13 George Strohmeyer
17 Alan Delikowski
18 Jacob Brazee
18 Ashley Moravec
18 Paula Mongan
20 Cathy Brazee
23 Mu Nay Blu Paw
24 Joshua Wolfe
29 Mary Hill
29 Brett Lewis

March Anniversaries

2011-02-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

31 Mark & Tina Bachorz

February Newsletter - The Baptist Light

2011-01-30T16:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

What is the most popular holiday in February? (I’ll give you a hint: it’s not Ground Hog day!) Even young children know that in the month of February we celebrate Valentine’s Day. We send and receive cards and candy. And if we’re really blessed, we might even receive roses!
I like to call February the “Love” month. (You can even spell it “Luv” if you want to.) With Valentine’s Day being such an important holiday in our country, we are reminded to show love to our families and our friends.

Love can be expressed through the cards and gifts we share on Valentine’s Day, but the apostle Paul had an even better idea. He wrote the famous “Love Chapter”, 1 Corinthians 13, that we often hear read at weddings. However, as beautiful a scripture as it is for weddings, it was intended for people in the Church and their relationships with one another.

I came across a paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13 that I want to share with you this month. I hope it encourages you in showing love to others, following the example of Jesus. I also hope it builds your faith in God, who first loved us, and gave us Jesus as proof.

No matter how eloquently or spiritually I speak, if I do not love people, I am merely making noise. People will never care how much I know, (whether of present or future), until they know how much I care. People will not care how much I trust God, unless they feel they can trust me. I may give everything, even my body, but if love does not purify the gift, it is a waste.

Love waits – it does not push.
Love is tender – it does not grab.
Love shares – it does not sulk.
Love rejoices – it does not gloat.
Love bears, believes, hopes, endures; it cares. Love is ultimate.

Predictions end; noises dissipate; knowledge is forgotten. These things are finite – they will fade. But the ultimate will remain.

We are growing – from childish speaking, feeling, thinking, to mature speaking, feeling, thinking. The future is unclear, as our own self-image is unclear. But the time will come when our purpose is known, as God already knows it.

Out of everything remain faith, hope and love – but the ultimate is love!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Jim

Love One Another As I Have Loved You

2011-01-30T16:53:00.000-08:00

Love One Another As I Have Loved You
Henry Cloud in his book, Rescue Your Love Life, presents eight things that marriages must work on to gain the most ground possible.
1. Lovers 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?
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Lovers love even when they don’t like: it is a reality that everyone has parts of them that are “unlikable” or things that we would not “approve of.”
5. 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 make connecting impossible.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Lovers resolve destructive conflicts, i.e., the ones that bring each other or the relationship down. They work towards a win-win outcome that goes beyond only playing “fair.”
(This article was prepared by The Samaritan Center of the Fox Valley – 886-9319.)

Valentine Pot-luck

2011-01-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Join us after church for a pot luck feast

Food & Fun for ALL ages!

More details will be announced
during Sunday services.

Anyone willing to help with the planning contact Christi Lewis.

Love Illustrated

2011-01-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

A group of 4-8 year olds was asked, “What does love mean?” Here are some of their answers:
· “When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore so my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” Rebecca – age 8.
· “Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” Karl – age 5.
· “Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French Fries without making them give you any of theirs.” Chrissy – age 6.
· “Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” Emily – age 8.
· “If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.” Nikka – age 6.
· “You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” Jessica – age 8 (from Mikey’s Funnies.)

Treats For Sale!

2011-01-30T16:48:00.000-08:00

Stop by the fellowship room after church on February 13 to pick up some treats for your valentine (or for yourself). There will be Linzer cookies, sugar cookies, small heart cakes and candy mints for sale. All proceeds from this sweet sale will go toward the piano fund.

Blanket Sunday

2011-01-30T16:47:00.000-08:00

Throughout the years one of our missions has been purchasing blankets for people in need around the world through Church World Service. For over 60 years, CWS has responded to disasters and other urgent humanitarian crises. Our Blanket offering supports the life-saving work of CWS here at home and around the world. Often, the first thing CWS provides in an emergency is a blanket for warmth, comfort, and sometimes even shelter. But as needs change, other things are required – tents, food, water, and the tools and materials to rebuild. So Blanket Sunday is now called Blanket+ Sunday. Blanket Sunday in our church is Sunday, February 13th. (However, you can give anytime throughout the month of February.) Thank you for your generosity.