March 12.pub
Transcription
March 12.pub
Central Baptist Church of Westerly, 16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891 THE GOOD WORD Carrying News of God’s Work into the Community and World March 2012 Volume 5 Issue 3 Worship With Us At Central Baptist Sunday School 9:00AM Worship Service 10::30AM Fellowship Hour 11:30AM HOW TO CONTACT US Church Office: e-mail centralbaptist@cbcwesterly.org Telephone : [401] 596-4929 Newsletter: e-mail cbcnewsletter@cox.net Pastor : e-mail pastor@cbcwesterly.org Website: http://www.cbcwesterly.org These couples have been married 50 years or more! Church Meetings March 6 7:00 PM Board of Deacons March 7 5:30 PM Church Pot Luck Supper 6:45 PM Prayer Gathering 7:00 PM Board of Deacons March 14 7:00 PM Board of Trustees March 21 6:45 PM Prayer Gathering March 27 7:00 PM Church Council These couples have been married over 25 years! Nyca and Arnold Hall Married 54 years Gertrude and Isaac Smith Married 68 years Michelle & Scott Hallamore Married 27 years On February 12 we celebrated Valentine’s Day by recognizing those couples in our church family who had been married for over 50 and those married over 25 years. We wanted to celebrate the kind of commitment that God blesses and lift it up for all to see. Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 2 CHURCH STAFF NEWSLETTER TEAM Rev. Dr. Cal Lord, Jr., Pastor Lynn Dowding, Music Director Cindy Capizzano, Administrator Paul Arnold & Walter Dugas, Custodians Tiffani Kaminski—Editor Linda Engler Dot Marra Cindy Capizzano and A host of other contributors Church Office Hours Mon—Friday 9AM—1 PM Men’s Breakfast All Church Pot Luck Supper March 3 - 8:00 AM Fellowship Hall Bring a dish to share All men and boys welcome. Bring your buddies. A Men’s Bible Study is held each Tuesday morning in the Parlor starting at 7:30. All men are welcome to join this group. Wednesday, March 7- 5:30PM Last Name Friendship Circle See the No meeting in March The Good Word in Color Circle 2 visit our website at www.cbcwesterly.org Meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 9:00 AM in the Church Parlor. A-F G-L M-S T-Z Salad Main Dish Dessert Vegetable Wednesday, April 4 - 5:30PM Last Name A-F G-L M-S T-Z Vegetable Salad Main Dish Dessert Newsletter Deadline Articles for the newsletter, The Good Word, are due the 15th of the month. Electronic submission via e-mail is preferred. Please submit articles as a WORD document if possible. e-mail all articles to cbcnewsletter@cox.net NEEDLEWORKERS First and Third Monday 9:30 AM Nancy Balentine’s home 35 Spruce St., Westerly Come join the fellowship while we work on projects. Instructions available. March 4 First Sunday in Lent April 1 Palm Sunday April 4 Holy Wednesday 5:30 PM Pot Luck Supper “In the Garden” Prayer at 6:45 PM April 5 7 PM Maundy Thursday Service April 6 Good Friday 10 AM Ecumenical Walk with Stations of the Cross in Wilcox Park. Meet at the Columbus Statue. 12 Noon Good Friday Service 2 PM Prayer Vigil ( until 2 PM Saturday) 7 PM Cantata at First Baptist Church, Hope Valley April 7 2 PM Prayer Vigil ends 2 PM Floral Committee Decorates the Sanctuary April 8 Easter Sunday 8 AM Service at Avondale Chapel 9 AM Breakfast At CBC 10:30 AM Worship Service (No Sunday School or Fellowship Hour) For Those Who Have Eyes To See March 4 - Easter Through the Eyes of Martha March 11 - Easter Through the Eyes of Barabbas March 18 - Easter Through the Eyes of Simon Peter March 25 - Easter Through the Eyes of a Soldier April 1 - Easter Through the Eyes of Jesus Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 3 Pastor Cal’s Corner Dear friends, I am still aglow over the service we had on February 12 to celebrate the gift of Christian marriage. It was nice to see so many couples come forward who had been married 25 years or more. We took the opportunity to clap for them and give God the glory. As one person said, “It is only through God’s grace that we made it this far.” The whole service was special. The short video from I Love Lucy was an added bonus. I thought to myself afterward that this is what the church is all about. You can’t effectively live out your faith in a vacuum. We need each other. In his wisdom, God has called us together as a community of faith to encourage one another in our journey through life. The community gives us a place to gather in worship and adoration of God. It is through the church that our efforts to reach out with the compassion of Christ to our neighbors can be established, or at the very least, affirmed and celebrated. It is also that one place where we can join with others in our pursuit of the will of God for our lives through prayer and the study of Scripture. I hope we will have many more celebrations like the one we just finished for Valentine’s Day. They punctuate the reasons for our coming together. The next big one on the horizon is Easter. During Lent we will take time to reflect on who Jesus was and what he came to do. Each week we will look at Jesus through the eyes of those men and women who met him face to face. My hope is that in these encounters we will grow in our appreciation and understanding of the Savior. On Sunday mornings during Lent our Adult Sunday School class will be exploring Jim Cymbala’s book on Breakthrough Prayer. It will help us focus on prayer in a new way. On Monday nights Janet and Brian Gerbutavich will be leading a group in studying the Bible titled, 40 days in the Word. It is a curriculum developed by Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose Driven Life. Both studies are aimed at helping the participants grow as disciples. This is the kind of church growth that we all strive for. It blesses the individual as well as the community. The other kind of church growth that is exciting is measured in terms of numbers. It is much more evident visually. That’s happening here. Attendance and participation is up at church. People have begun to affirm the fact that we care for one another and that good things are happening. Last month we welcomed three new members as Suzanne Vanaman, Michael and Madison Harris were given the right hand of Christian fellowship. In March we hope to welcome three more new members. Joanne Shippee, Paul and Carol Johnson have all expressed a desire to join the church and will be voted on shortly. That number may expand to include others. I have had a few people speak to me recently about being baptized. I will be meeting with them in the next few weeks. So stay tuned. Finally, I have received a number of suggestions about things we can do together in the coming months. We are already making plans for a church photo directory and a Mother-Daughter banquet. We are also investigating a regular weekly prayer meeting, a women’s Bible study, mentoring a group of boy scouts, forming a walking group that might do laps around the parking lot and then meet for coffee, putting together a small praise band, and many more fellowship opportunities. If you have something that God has put on your heart, drop me a line and let’s talk about it. It might just be the next big thing for us here at Central Baptist. I look forward to hearing about it. So until next time… God bless! I will see you in church. Cal Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 4 The Board of Deacons Religion vs. Relationship Have you ever been asked by someone or had to answer a questionnaire ‘what religion are you’? Most of us would automatically respond with, “I’m Baptist or Catholic or Presbyterian” - whichever was appropriate. The truth of the matter is that ‘religion’ can refer to a cause or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith, thereby having little to do with a belief in or worship of God. Americans enjoy a myriad of blessings from God’s hand and our tendency often time is to take them for granted. Many people worship money and/or material possessions. God’s greatest blessing to humanity arrived quietly one night in Bethlehem. God’s plan is that each and every one of us would not have just a ‘religion’, but a true personal relationship with His Son, Jesus. As we have begun this Lenten season, we should seriously consider if our involvement with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is merely a ‘religion’ or a true relationship that He died on the cross for you to have. John 3:3, Jesus answered Nicodemus and said unto him, “Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” If you haven’t already asked Jesus into your heart, prayerfully consider it this Holy season. If you already know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, what better time to rededicate your life to Him? In Jesus’ matchless and eternal name, Stephen Day for the Board of Deacons The Board of Trustees With the passing of February and the relatively mild winter, the promise of Spring is on the horizon. Your Trustee Board is now focused on the various Springtime Projects necessary to maintain our church home. Aside from the normal clean-up and painting projects to be considered, we are also looking ahead at the following list: • Restoration of the second floor apartment for rental in the Spring • Estimates to re-pave the church driveway and sealcoat the parking lot. (a possible capital campaign project • Estimates from National Grid to convert from oil to natural gas heat in the fall • Formation of a Stewardship Study Group to look at funding opportunities, ways to decrease the deficit, short and long-term planning and goals, and estate planning As always, I ask you to keep our church and each other in prayer as we continue to deal with the challenges here at Central Baptist. Yours in Christ, George H. Champlin, Chairman Treasurer’s Report Jan 2012 Actuals Jan 2012 Plan Annual Plan Income 24,623.16 17,153.48 397,975,00 Expense 26,211.03 27,563.26 287,614.72 Net (1,587.87) (10,409.78) (79,639.72) Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 5 Board of Christian Education Good News of Great Joy Some people may have noticed a small basket in Fellowship Hall marked “Operation Christmas Child”. Please allow me a few moments to explain. No matter how difficult our personal situation or circumstances may be, it should always be a joyous occasion to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the angel proclaimed to the shepherds of Bethlehem, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10b-11) Operation Christmas Child celebrates our Savior’s birth by collecting shoe boxes filled with ordinary items donated from people like you and me and sends them as gifts of love to millions of hurting children in the name of Jesus. Operation Christmas Child has brought joy and hope to boys and girls in over 140 countries around the world. At its heart, this mission is still quite simple and personal – kids helping kids, families helping families, churches helping churches – all for the sake of the Gospel. Each and every shoe box represents the opportunity to reach one more child with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Each month, a different item will be collected so that in November we can pack shoe boxes for children as gifts as a small reminder of God’s great gift to us, his Son Jesus Christ. Please help the Board of Christian Education collect items and support what we consider to be a very powerful mission for our church. For March, we will be collecting: Toys: Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, Slinkys, etc. Janet Gerbutavich Opportunities Bible Study on Monday nights - 40 Days in the Word - at 6:00PM at the home of Brian and Janet Gerbutavich Bible Study for Men - Every Tuesday morning at 7:30AM in the Parlor Avondale Bible Fellowship - Every Thursday morning. Coffee is on at 8:00 AM followed by study in the Gospel of John. Truth Trackers We are beginning another 5 week lesson plan for Truth Trackers on Friendship. The lesson is called F.E.T.C.H. The lesson focus is God is challenging us to FETCH lost people though our Friendship, being a sample Example, being Trustworthy, showing we Care, and Helping to scatter seeds. We will be learning this while exploring the book of Luke in the Bible. We will all wear green the second Friday in March to earn some extra coins for the store where the kids, through hard work at learning, can purchase some small novelty items like yo-yo's, pencils, notebooks, and necklaces. March is looking exciting for truth trackers. Breakthrough Prayer - A book Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00AM in the Parlor Many people are missing the great things God wants to do in their lives because they don’t know how to receive answers to their prayers. This revolutionary book is not a step-by-step guide on how to pray but an inspiring vision that moves people to greater hope as they see the tremendous potential of prayer. Breakthrough Prayer is peppered with amazing stories of answered prayer from the Brooklyn Tabernacle, including the story of the final survivor of the World Trade Center collapse and the prayers she prayed before becoming the last person pulled from the wreckage alive. It answers the questions: What is the connection between how we live and how we pray? What are the prayers that really have power with God? How can we learn to recognize God’s answers to our prayers? Come join Roy Springer and Meredith Eckel in the parlor for this study. Page 6 Central Baptist Church of Westerly The Board of Missions The America for Christ offering is being collected during the month of February. AFC offering is distributed by American Baptist Churches U S A . America for Christ gifts support ministries that engage discipleship across Puerto Rico - through evangelism training, missional church learning experiences, discipleship resources, youth initiatives, volunteer ministries and disaster response, plus initiatives that fight poverty and so much more. The Mission Board prepared and served the WARM meal in January. Church Council members are planning to provide the February WARM meal. The Easter Offering will be collected on March 18, 25 and on Easter Sunday April 8. The offering will be divided equally between our Deacon's Fellowship Fund and the Ezekiel Ministries based at Pleasant Street Baptist Church. Both of these ministries assist people in our church family and in our local community. We received a letter of thanks and information from the Jonnycake Center of Westerly. From the newsletter.........."The Center's food pantry is beginning to prepare for our annual SPLASH Vacation Meal Program, which will run over Feb. and April breaks. The program aims at providing kid-friendly, healthy food items to children who qualify for free or reduced school meal programs. Items needed include fruit juices, granola bars, peanut butter and jelly, and fresh fruit. Donations are crucial to the success of this program." We are continually humbled by the many needs that exist where our help can be useful. We are for continually grateful for our church family's responses to these needs. With Christian Love, Kay Perrone, Chairperson of Missions Library News NEW from Pastor Joshua McClure: The Crimson Thread of the Bible: Following the Ribbon of Redemption from Creation to Christ Publication Date: February 2, 2012 Understanding the redemptive thread of Christ is the key to unlocking the mystery of the Bible! Countless people read the Bible with a desire to learn more about God; however they find the text difficult to understand and abandon their attempts to comprehend it. The Bible is meant to be understood as a whole and not in parts. It can be frustrating to pursue answers to life's difficult questions unless you perceive how the entire Word of God and life are strongly bound together by an intricate thread. Written by award-winning author Joshua A. McClure, The Crimson Thread of the Bible is not a study of the actions, stories, and exploits of people in the Bible, instead it is a story about God's faithfulness and determination to carry out His plan to redeem His fallen people. It reveals the constant thread throughout the Bible that tells how God's Divine plan is fashioned in eternity and how the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ were always central to His plan. With straight talk on kingdom living, this groundbreaking book speaks to the one who longs for the God who invites us to reach for Him. In it you will find that unlocking the mystery of the Bible leads you to a road of transformation and gives you a new sense of spiritual vigor! Nursery Care Help Needed The church nursery is in need of volunteers. Please use the sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the downstairs foyer by the elevator. Any questions, please feel free to contact Marie Bertsch, 322-6036. Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 7 In The Spotlight By Nancy Balentine Five days a week Henry Collings goes to the YMCA and works out. He looks back on a long history of sports activities including playing on the URI volleyball team, on a YMCA traveling volleyball team, and assisting in coaching the women’s volleyball team at URI. He started the girls' program of basketball and volleyball at Ella T. Grasso Technical School in Groton and coached both teams. Henry Collings Love of sport is not the only reason Henry is so active at the Y today. He is determined to follow all his cardiologist's recommendations after undergoing a triple by-pass eighteen months ago. He speaks up about his health crisis urging people to be alert to their own weight, cholesterol, and activity level especially since he had mistakenly counted on a strong factor of longevity in his family. His insistence on testing brought his own situation to light. Henry was born to Elsie and T. Marrack Collings in Westerly, attended Westerly schools, and graduated from URI with a major in psychology and minors in history and physical education. A graduate degree brought him teachers' certification in social studies. Initially after college he worked at Electric Boat for four years. A strike and cutbacks led him to take substitute work in public schools. EB enticed him to return during the summer vacation during which time he had to make a big decision: remain at EB or make a major career change to education for half the salary. He chose school and for 31 years taught history, civics, economics, geography, psychology, and world cultures at Ella T. Grasso. Henry remembers work days that started at 7 a.m. and finished at 11:00pm. A chance meeting in a parking lot during a URI graduate summer session led to marriage with Joyce Maggs. Now also retired, Joyce taught elementary students (mostly second graders) in Charlestown. She and Henry are enjoying their granddaughter, Alexa, almost two years old. She is often in their care. Alexa is the daughter of Sarah and Frank Giorno who are Westerly residents. Sarah is employed as a dietician and nutritionist at Miriam Hospital. Sarah's sister Katie graduated from the Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University. Her first job was for Catholic Digest; her present job is with New England Institute Review Board. She lives in Cambridge. Years ago the Collings family enrolled in the Disney Vacation Club. They have made use of their membership nearly every year and this year will be going with Sarah's family. Most family vacation trips have been made for educational purposes - such as visits to the Smithsonian. Henry has a 14 foot aluminum boat with a 20 hp engine that is still working well after 46 years. He also has a small sailboat (Sunfish) and hopes to get the go-ahead from the cardiologist to handle a kayak. Henry speaks warmly of the unconditional love of his parents. Their care for him saw him through eight years of perfect attendance at Sunday School. Stories about his mother included the surprise that she had lettered in three sports in high school and that she once moved multiple bags of Portland cement weighing ninety-four pounds each to get them protected from the rain. She let him have freedom in the kitchen and he became an eager and good cook. Henry's older brother David is the grandfather of the twins Madison and Michael Harris who were baptized on January 8 at Central Baptist making Henry and Joyce their great-uncle and aunt. Henry has served in many roles at church - as member of the Board of Education, co-superintendent of Sunday School with Mrs. Cushing, and deacon for six years. As a youth he ushered and remembers Mr. Beam slipping a peanut into his hand as he took the collection. He speaks admiringly of the awesome, strong women of the congregation whom he considers exceptional and talented. He is proud of the history of community involvement of members. He enjoys the idea that both of his daughters shared the same birthday with Emma Lloyd. Henry speaks like a historian; it was my pleasure to hear of the role Central Baptist has played in his life. Page 8 Central Baptist Church of Westerly Just For Kids By Marcia Erskine Central Baptist Church of Westerly . Page 9 SMILES AND SO FORTH Our Lord has written the promise of the Resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in Springtime. Martin Luther Daylight Savings begins March 11 If Noah had been truly wise, He would have swatted those two flies. Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. DUST IF YOU MUST Dust if you must. But wouldn’t it be better to paint a picture, or write a letter, bake a cake, or plant a seed. Ponder the difference between want and need. Dust if you must. But there is not much time, with rivers to swim and mountains to climb! Music to hear, and books to read, Friends to cherish and life to lead. Dust if you must. But the world’s out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain. This day will not come round again. Special Named Days of March 1 Peanut Butter Lovers' Day 2 Employee Appreciation Day (first Friday in March) 3 Peach Blossom Day 4 Hug a GI Day 5 Multiple Personality Day 6 Dentist's Day 7 National Crown Roast of Pork Day 8 International (Working) Women's Day 9 Panic Day 10 Middle Name Pride Day 11 Johnny Appleseed Day 12 Girl Scouts Day 13 Ear Muff Day 14 National Potato Chip Day 15 Ides of March 16 Everything You Do is Right Day 17 Saint Patrick's Day 18 Supreme Sacrifice Day 19 Poultry Day 20 International Earth Day 22 National Goof Off Day 23 National Chip and Dip Day 24 National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day 25 Pecan Day 26 Make Up Your Own Holiday Day 27 National "Joe" Day 28 Something on a Stick Day 29 Smoke and Mirrors Day 30 Take a Walk in the Park Day 31 National Clam on the Half Shell Day Dust if you must. But bear in mind, old age will come and it’s not kind. And when you go, and go you must, you, yourself, will make more dust. Remember, a house becomes a home when you can write “I love you” on the furniture. Author unknown SMILES ARE INFECTIOUS Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu, When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too. I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin, When he smiled I realized I’d passed it on to him. I thought about that smile, then I realized its worth, A single smile, just like mine, could travel ‘round the Earth. So, if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected; Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected! Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 10 Central Baptist is compiling a new pictorial directory! We are excited to announce that Olan Mills will create a new pictorial directory for us! Our photography will take place in the church parlor on April 27, 28 and May 7th, afternoon and evening and Saturday times are available. Sign ups will begin Sunday, March 4 and will take place every Sunday in March in Fellowship Hall after worship. You can also call the church office anytime through March to set up your portrait sitting appointment. Please participate! You are important to this Church! Every family will receive a A DOLLAR MAKES free directory and a $25 Portrait Gift Certificate which can be redeemed for an 8 x 10, A DIFFERENCE wallets, proofs - your choice. There is no obligation to purchase additional portraits. During the winter months, will seeoffice. an If you have any questions, please contact Cindy in theyou church We look forward envelope in your weekly bulletin. This ento seeing everyone in the directory, it won't be complete without your beautiful smile! velope is where we will place our donations to the WARM Shelter’s Dollar Makes a Difference Campaign which provides heating assistance to those in need in the commuIN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER CHURCH SERVICE nity. CANCELLATION INFORMATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON: A DOLLAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE RADIO STATIONS FM During the winter months, you will see an envelope in your pew racks. This envelope is where we will place our donations to the WARM Shelter’s Dollar Makes a Difference Campaign which provides heating assistance to those in need in the community. 92.3 WPRO 93.3 WSNE 94.1 WHJY 95.5 WBRU 98.1 WCTK 99.7 WSKO 100.3 WKKB 101.5 WBB 102.7 JAZZ 105.1 WWLI AM 1590 WARV 630 WPRO 790 WSKO 920 WHJJ 1110 WPMZ 1180 WCNX 1240 WOON 1290 WRNI 1540 WADK 1590 WARV TV STATIONS WLNE-TV/ABC 6 WJAR-TV/NBC 10 CW 28 RI PBS/Channel 36 WNAC-FOX IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER CHURCH SERVICE CANCELLATION INFORMATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON: RADIO STATIONS FM AM 92.3 WPRO 1590 WARV 93.3 WSNE 630 WPRO 94.1 WHJY 790 WSKO 95.5 WBRU 920 WHJJ 98.1 WCTK 1110 WPMZ 99.7 WSKO 1180 WCNX LindaWKKB and Rico 1240 BrunoWOON 100.3 101.5Married WBB 31 years 1290 WRNI 102.7 JAZZ 1540 WADK 105.1 WWLI 1590 WARV TV STATIONS WLNE-TV/ABC 6 WJAR-TV/NBC 10 CW 28 RI PBS/Channel 36 WNAC-FOX Barbara and Harry Higgins Married 48 years Donna & Carlo Antonino Married 26 years Kay and Tony Perrone Married 51 years Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 11 Seeing is Believing March is a great time to go fly a kite If the wind is strong it will get lost in flight We are starting to think about the coming of Spring And of all the beautiful colors it will bring The early bird will get his worm from the soft ground The others will greet the day with a beautiful sound These are wonderful blessings of sight and sound to me For God has given me the ears to hear and the eyes to see Spring is soon coming as winter is quickly going But God’s eternal light is forever glowing. Sylvia Pierce Members signed this large Valentine card as they entered the church during the Worship Celebration on Sunday, February 12th. Our sympathy is extended to the families of: Lois Terranova Eleanor Clark (Mary Macomber’s sister) Dr. David Reid, who led our Tuesday AM Men’s Bible Study. In Our Prayers Dr. Carlo Antonino Shirley Booker Debbie Collins Beverly Duntz Jerry Egan Frances Greene Wayne Grills Angela Hayden Jane Lawson Mary Limerick Michelle Lord Mac PcPhail Jaye Morgan James Murray Charlie Nardone John Pitts Debbie Plante Judy Quigley Suzanne Randall Katie Sampler Ike Smith Scott Smith Arthur Tate Carol Tautenhan Bruce Titterington Wendy Dobson Walsh Dennis Wright Ken Castor, our former Youth Pastor, at Spark* Youth Workers Conference at Crown College You can follow Ken at kencastor.com Our Shut Ins Ruth Brayman Muriel Chambers Elita Giorno Cheryl Hunt Lois Whewell Those in the Military: Maj. Eric Larkin Lt. Commander Roy Wilson Audrey MacKenzie Jonathan Macomber Mark Stepanishen Col. Stephen Day Veronica Ramirez All those who serve in our armed forces. Those in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living William Burdick - Westerly Nursing Home Betty Eckel - The Elms Dorothy Gallagher - Academy Point, Mystic Virginia Higgins - Westerly Health Center Jane Lawson - Westerly Health Center Diana Stedman - Westerly Health Center Sara Stevens - Mystic Healthcare Center 3 4 8 9 10 11 15 16 19 20 21 23 24 25 29 31 1 2 3 8 15 MARCH Kay Perrone Donna Antonino Taylor Day Marjorie Lihou Maude Larkin Robert Rodehorst Meredith Masucci Andrew Springer Linda Bruno Marcia Erskine Sandra Lawing Charlie Nardone Scott Hallamore, Jr. Susan Capalbo Kathy Caval Ashley Doenges Nancy Balentine Catherine Knight Rachel Lord Elizabeth Carter Vanessa Bertsch Alicia Luther Donald Plante Debbie Plante APRIL Harriet Schilke Olivia Lathrop Sandra Christina Evan Caval Janet Gerbutavich Susan Cozzolino Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 12 Numbers 21:10-11 ‘The children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness toward the sunrising’. KJV I want to share with you a devotion I read recently. For me it was a powerful message that was a reminder of the journey through this time called Lent. A journey that leads to the foot of the cross. Then on to the open tomb and the dawning of Easter morning. Please read it, ponder its meaning and carry it in your heart as your journey forth. ~Journey Toward Sunrise~ When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, the people immediately experienced great joy for deliverance from bondage. However, as they traveled through the wilderness toward the Promised Land, fear of the unknown would often take hold of their hearts. The following excerpt by Louise Haskins, taken from Traveling Toward Sunrise, captures the essence of how all of us press on into unknown territory by simply trusting God: These travelers were time’s valiant great hearts. They were journeying on the star road making their way through an inspiring land, a desert waste upheld by hope of a glorious new day, a tomorrow morning, when night with its darkness and shadows would be left far behind. Travelers whose hopes were fixed on what was before and beyond; men of faith who followed the gleam loyally, right through to the very end; road-makers, presenting an unparalleled example of courage and bravery; men of vision, always looking ahead, never behind. What an inspiring, challenging thought as we...begin our journey, traveling toward sunrise. Let us begin by filling the air with songs of rejoicing, with songs not sighs for we are wayfarers of the infinite, traveling to the land where dawns are begotten and glory has its dwelling place… where life begins, not ends, and where there is eternal springtime. And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year. “Give me light that I may tread safely into the unknown!” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God: That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And he led me toward the hills and the breaking of the day in the lone East. As you read this, you may be facing tremendous opportunities or over whelming difficulties. In either case, put your hand into God’s hand and walk with Him. Let Him give your comfort and wisdom as you move toward your promised land. John Macomber EASTER PLANTS I wish to provide a plant for Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012 in memory of: Please PRINT clearly) __________________________________________________________________ Please check for choice of plants.. ( ) Lilies ( $11.00 ( ) Daffodils $11.00 ( ) Tulips $11.00 ) I will pick up my plant after the 10:30 AM service ( ) I want the Floral Committee to deliver my plant as a Sonshine Gift Please return this form with payment to the church office by Tuesday, March 20,2012 Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 13 2012 –2013 PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION Central Nursery School Where children learn to play and play to learn in a hands-on, loving environment. PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION 2012-2013 School Year FRIDAY, MARCH 23rd 9 AM to 12 PM Children ages 3 to 5 years Half or full day programs Pre-Registration forms are available by calling (401)596-4929 Central Nursery School seeks to engage each child by stimulating different areas of development through hands-on learning activities that provide connections to the world in which he or she lives. The preschool program and its teachers shall model and encourage positive interactions and creative thinking to nurture the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of each child. Check out our school at www.cbcwesterly.org Click on the Nursery School tab. Central Nursery School Board Central Nursery School Board Meets The newly formed Central Nursery School Board met at the end of January to get acquainted and to make plans for their work together in the coming year. Their next meeting will be in March. Board members include Stefanie Renzi, Pastor Cal Lord, Susan Capalbo, Pat Rhodes, Janet Gerbutavich, Helen Mochetti and Lauren Sposato. Members not pictured are Alan Caval and Joan Serra. Do You need a Student Chair/Desk? Located on the stage off of Fellowship Hall, there are a number of folding chairs with a desk arm attached (as pictured). These chairs are free for the taking while supplies last! Page 14 Central Baptist Church of Westerly Lenten Study - 40 Days in the Word is a weekly study we will be doing in Lent of six principles of the Word of God. We will explore the authenticity, reliability, power, comfort, interpretation and doing of God’s Word. This Lenten journey, with a video study by Rick Warren, will encourage spiritual growth in every member of the group. The study began on February 20 but it is never too late to jump in. Join us for dinner and the study at 6:00 p.m. Holy Week Palm Sunday, April 1, 2012 - Come celebrate the triumphant entry of our Lord and relive the experience of that first “Palm Sunday.” Holy Wednesday, April, 4, 2012 – Join us for our pot-luck supper at 5:30 p.m. and learn about the Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples during the Passion week. We will have a guest speaker present to explain what happens during a seder meal. We will have an abbreviated “In the Garden” Prayer experience in the chapel at 6:45 p.m. Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012 – Witness the live re-enactment of the Upper Room celebration between Jesus and his disciples. We will gather with them to celebrate the Lord’s Supper in Fellowship Hall. Good Friday, April 6, 2012 – The Ecumenical Way of the Cross walk will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Wilcox Park. Walk with others as a witness to our common Christian faith as we relive that day when Jesus carried the cross to Golgatha. You may even have a chance to carry the cross for a while. Come hear “The Seven Last Words” of Christ in a service here in the chapel. We will sing and remember the Lord’s agony on the cross. The 40 minute service begins at noon. Join us for an Easter Season Cantata with our sisters and brothers from the First Baptist Church of Hope Valley on Good Friday at 7:00 p.m. Some members of our choir will join them for a dramatic musical presentation of “For Such A One As This.” It will be a blessing to your Easter Week-end preparation. The Annual Prayer Vigil – Sign up for a half hour of prayer in our 24 hour vigil at the church. From 2:00 p.m. Friday through 2:00 p.m. Saturday we will open the sanctuary for remembrance and prayer to help you prepare for the Easter morn. Easter Morning, April 8, 2012 Sonrise Service at Avondale – Join us at 8:00 a.m. for a community sunrise service at the Avondale Chapel. There will be special music and a bright message of hope and victory as we rejoice over the resurrection. Easter Breakfast – Join us for a quick breakfast at 9:00 a.m. before we gather for worship. There will be quiche and casseroles, rolls and coffee, conversation and expectation. All are welcome. Easter Worship at Central – Join us as we claim the victory of Christ’s resurrection with music and message that lift up the Glory of the risen Christ. It is the one day of the Christian year when you will want to be sure to be present. The sanctuary will be filled with the aroma of spring and the songs will remind us of the new life that we all have in Christ. Invite friends and family for this great celebration. Easter Egg Hunt – Immediately following worship the children will be invited to participate in the Annual Easter Egg Hunt out in the field behind the church. It is something that many of them look forward to all year long. Mon 5 9:30 AM Needleworkers at Balentine home 6:00 PM Bible Study at the Gerbutavich’s home 12 6:00 PM Bible Study at the Gerbutavich’s home 19 9:30 AM Needleworkers at Balentine home 6:00 PM Bible Study at the Gerbutavich’s home 26 6:00 PM Bible Study at the Gerbutavich’s home Sun 4 Communion Sunday 2nd Sunday of Lent 9 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 11:30 AM Fellowship Hour 11 Daylight Savings 3rd Sunday of Lent 9 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 11:30 AM Fellowship Hour 18 4th Sunday of Lent 9 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 11:30 AM Fellowship Hour 25 5th Sunday of Lent 9 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 11:30 AM Fellowship Hour 27 7:30 AM Men’s Bible Study 7:00 pm Church Council 20 1st DAY OF SPRING 7:30 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:00 AM Circle 2 13 7:30 AM Men’s Bible Study 6 7:30 AM Men’s Bible Study 7:00 PM Deacon Board Tue 28 7 PM Central Nursery Board meeting 21 6:45 PM Prayer Gathering 14 7:00 PM Trustees Meeting 7 5:30PM Church Pot Luck 6:45 PM Prayer Gathering 7:00 PM Mission Board Meeting Wed 29 8:30 AM Avondale Bible Study 7:00PM Choir Rehearsal 22 8:30 AM Avondale Bible Study 7:00PM Choir Rehearsal 15 8:30 AM Avondale Bible Study 7:00PM Choir Rehearsal 30 23 CNS Registration Day 6-8 PM Truth Trackers WARM Meal prepared 16 9 6-8 PM Truth Trackers (wear Green) 2 World Day of Prayer 1 8:30 AM Avondale Bible Study 11 AM Parent Academy 7:00PM Choir Rehearsal 8 8:30 AM Avondale Bible Study 7:00PM Choir Rehearsal Fri Thu 31 24 17 10 3 8:00 AM Men’s Breakfast Sat March 2012 Central Baptist Church 16 Elm Street Westerly, RI 02891 Phone [401] 596-4929 FAX [401]596-4244 NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID WESTERLY, RI PERMIT # 67 centralbaptist@cbcwesterly.org Return Service Requested We join together to nurture Christ-centered faith, foster Christ-like maturity, and share Christ’s ministry within our Family, community and world. Avondale Bible Fellowship The Bible Fellowship’s Spring study of the Gospel of John continues and will run through May. No previous Bible study experience or special Biblical knowledge is required to attend these sessions - just a desire to come closer to the person of Jesus! Coffee at 8:00AM followed by Bible Study from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. Join us in March! All are invited to attend.