the Proclaimer - Torrance First Baptist Church
Transcription
the Proclaimer - Torrance First Baptist Church
Torrance First Baptist Church the Proclaimer July 2012 Inside this issue: The Pastor’s Heart Reflections We Get Mail Wedding Invitation Business Meeting Shower Invitation CRUX Activities Quest Activities Awesome Adventures Family Fun Events Just for Kids Calendar Singles’ Ministry TFB Academy Seniors & Friends Global Outreach Reflections (cont.) Attendance/Giving More Mail Hiking Ministry Sympathy Summer Camp Dates 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 Volume 25 Issue 7 Combined Service & BBQ Lunch July 1, 10 a.m. Bring your family and friends to our morning service on July 1 at 10 a.m. There will be Children’s Church but no Sunday School that day. After the service, we will have a BBQ with hamburgers/hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, chips and soda for the whole family for only $3/person or $15/ family. If you have an easy-up, please label and bring to church so they can be set up for shade outside the gym. Also on July 1 at 6 p.m. Jerry Nelson in Concert Jerry Nelson’s keyboard artistry has been recognized around the world as he has performed in six continents where his artistry demonstrates an incredible range of styles from simple hymn renditions to jazz, to robust, high-energy arrangements of great hymns. In recent years he has augmented his concert schedule which has become increasingly an extension of his passion for missions and a need to touch people where they live. His concerts achieve this goal through a balanced blend of humorous antics, welldesigned musical flow and a sharing of personal insights that leave his listeners not only entertained but enriched in spirit. Bring your family and enjoy! A freewill offering will be taken. Mini-Golf for Men July 19, 7 p.m. Proclaimers are also available for viewing and printing on-line: www.tfbclife.org Come to Mulligan's to putt-putter around and work on your slice … of pizza! Enjoy a round of golf & some fun all for $20 on Thursday, July 19, at 7:00 p.m. Sign up in the patio. First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 2 Living Outwardly Focused Lives in an Inwardly Focused World In John 4, Jesus describes a quality of life that is amazing: “…the water I give is like a flowing fountain that gives eternal life” (v.14). If this is true then our lives are not meant to be like half a glass of water but instead an overflowing glass of water. As one author put it: “God created you to be so perpetually full of rich experiences, rewarding relationships, and abundant blessings that you can afford to pour out huge amounts of hope, comfort, and refreshment on others and still have more than you’ll ever need.” Jesus put it another way in John 10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (v.10) I began this year 2012 by sharing with you some thoughts about living such a life. Our theme in the front of our sanctuary reminds us of this each week: Living Outwardly Focused Lives in an Inwardly Focused World. The source of this abundant overflowing outwardly focused life is our own personal love relationship with Jesus Christ. The more we love Him the more His love will overflow from us to others. Jesus told us that the world around us, the people who do not know God, will know we are His by the love that overflows from our lives. So we are six months into this focus, this idea, this truth. My question for you is: how abundantly is the love and life of Jesus overflowing in your life? Do the people in your world who are far from Jesus, your co-workers, your neighbors, your extended family, know you are a follower of Jesus because of your demonstrated love for them? Do they see evidence of an abundant overflowing life? I invite you to spend this summer personally seeking God on this matter. Ask Him to transform your heart, if need be. Ask Him to fill you with His love if need be. Plead with Him to enable you to love Him more, if need be. Express to Him your honest desire to have your glass not just half full, but overflowing. Loving God together, Pastor Charlie by Pastor Rog Dear Church Family, What a privilege it is for us to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His great love for us, as demonstrated by His death on Calvary’s cross, we have the privilege of belonging to God through faith in His Name. Because of this, our lives have become new (2 Cor. 5:17), and we now have the privilege to be His witnesses/ambassadors in the world (2 Cor. 5:20). Truly, our lives are not our own...they belong to Him (1 Cor. 6:19-20). In realizing the significance of the above verses, I couldn’t help but be reminded of our ministry theme for 2012: “LIVING OUTWARDLY FOCUSED LIVES IN AN INWARDLY FOCUSED WORLD.” In other words, our lives are to be interacting with others in such a way that we honor Christ and minister to the needs of others. We not only do this OUTSIDE of TFB’s walls, but INSIDE as well. You now might be asking: “How do we do this?” First, we have guests who come in unannounced. We don’t know them or what is going on in their lives, and by extending a WARM WELCOME to them, the “door” is open to interact with them. We have had some wonderful opportunities to “touch” our guests lives as we were open to be of help to them. May we all keep our eyes open to these ministry opportunities the Lord sets before us. Second, every month we have the privilege to minister to our community through our LOAVES & FISHES Ministry. Linda Stratton has faithfully led this ministry of outreach for over 20 years. She and her fine team provide a warm welcome and a fantastic meal for all who attend. But, before the food is served, these dear people hear a loving, biblical message from God’s Word. The plan of salvation and God’s desire for a personal relationship with them is clearly made known. It has been my privilege to bring God’s Word to our guests these past 10 years, (Continued on page 11) First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 3 Dear TFB Family: Please accept this as your official invitation. III Church Business Meeting July 15 ~ 7 p.m. After Worship & Witness on Sunday, July 15, we will have a Business Meeting to approve a candidate for deacon and also to discuss the funding of a new church sign. The cost of the sign that we would like to have is $24,000, of which we currently have $10,000. We would like to ask members of the congregation to consider helping to fund the sign with contributions over and above their regular giving. We Get Mail During a time like this we realize how much our friends and relatives really mean to us...Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered. Dear TFB Family, Thank you for all of your prayers, cards, calls and love during Bill’s mom’s passing. We rejoice that she is now in the presence of our Savior! The Morris Family Thank you very much for the beautiful flowers you sent. They were very breathtaking. Thank you for everything you did to make the memorial a special day in honor of our Dad. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated. Your special ways and generous heart make a beautiful difference. Thank you again so much. God bless, Dorothy Spann (and Carol Albee) [daughters of Bill McNair] Torrance First Baptist Family: Thank you, dear people of (TFB) and friends, for being there for Art’s “Buddy’s” homegoing. All of your hugs and kind words meant a great deal to our family. We know he is in a better place and he is deeply missed. Thank you for your donations towards Love Inc. Love to all of you from, The May Family. More mail on p. 11 First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 4 Catch $25 seat Where: TFB ~~> Knott’s When: August 15 (Wednesday) Some July 24th 4:45~11 p.m. Fun What: All Day Knott’s Trip 8:30 a.m ~ 11 p.m. How Much: $28 + Food $ Sign up with Pastor Jay or Trevor before it’s too late! First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 5 Awesome Adventures for kids going into 1st through 6th grades Family Fun Events! for the whole family Smooshball/BBQ @ Wilson Park Sunday, July 15 Seaside Lagoon Friday, June 29 10 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. $8 Pack a lunch or $ for Ruby’s walk-up. Drop off and pick up at Lagoon Circle, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach. What to bring: sunscreen (apply in advance and extra for reapply), sand toys, towel and friends. Backwards Day Friday, July 6 12:30 ~ 3:30 p.m. $5 per person or $20 max per family Bring your family for an afternoon of fun and fellowship while you play or watch a game of Smooshball and eat some all-American food. Dogs on leashes are also welcome. Pick up tickets at the Outreach Table in the patio to give to your neighbors and friends. Only those who do not attend TFB will be able to come and enjoy all the food and festivities for free if they have a ticket. 10 a.m. ~ 3 p.m. $5 Pack a lunch and come to the church to discover some things that seem backwards in the Bible, e.g. “The last shall be first and the first shall be last.” We’ll have games, lessons, crafts and then walk to Foster Freeze for a treat. Farmer’s Market/Shut-Ins Tuesday, July 31 9:30 a.m. ~ 3:30 p.m. $5 Drop off at Wilson Park (by skate park); pick up at church. We will be shopping for gifts for shutins at Farmer’s Market and then delivering items to them by bus. You can bring extra spending money if you want. “We are His hands” 1 Pet. 4:10 “We are His feet” Romans 10:15 Through the Years TFB Gym Saturday, July 28 6-8 p.m. $5 per person or $20 max per family Come enjoy making your own sundae, play board games, participate or enjoy a talent show and make use of the black and white photo booth. Come dressed in your favorite era. TFB Family Movie Night Movie in Parking Lot with Pizza and Popcorn Friday, August 3 7:30-10:15 p.m. All are invited to attend another family fun event for parents, grandparents, kids, and friends. Reach out and invite everyone you know. Movie to be announced at a later date. First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 6 Just for w lo l ye KIDS 23 22 9:30a Awesome Adventures: Wilson Park & Shut-ins 31 30 29 6p Ardent Worship 5p CRUX Angel’s Game 5p Prayer Gathering 6p CRUX Camp Report @ W & W 24 6p Committees: Fellowship, Worship, GO & Outreach 7p Deacon/ Deaconess Mtngs 25 2p No Women’s Bible Study 26 12noon Women’s Bible Study Luncheon 7p Journeymen to Mulligan’s 19 7p Committees: Ad Ops & Finance 12:30p Family Fun: BBQ & Smashball at Wilson Park 4p C. E. Comm. 18 16 15 17 1p Jr. High Beach Day 2p Women’s Bible Study 7p Beacon Light 9a H.S. Leaves for Hume Lake 2p Sing @ Royalwood 5p Prayer Gathering 12 10 8 11 10:30a Circle of Friends 2p No Women’s Bible Study Office Closed for Independence Day 9 5 4 THU 7p Lauran Bethell Circle WED 3 2 1 TUE 10a Combined Service & BBQ 1:30p J.H. leaves for 1000 Pines 6p Jerry Nelson Concert MON SUN First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 7 27 20 13 Wednesday Tuesday High School Revive: 7 p.m. [except 7/10] Discipleship Bible Study: 7 p.m. Bible Study: 7:30 p.m. Monday Ladies’ Prayer: 11 a.m. Open Basketball: 6:30 p.m. Men’s Bible Study: 7 p.m. (off-site) Saturday New Covenant (Korean) Prayer: 6 a.m. Friday Ladies meet @ Denny’s for Bkfst.: 9 a.m. Thursday Ladies’ Bible Study: 2 p.m. [see calendar] Worship Band Practice: 6:30 p.m. Open Volleyball: 8:15 p.m. [All above except 7/4] 6p Family Fun Jr. High QUEST: 6:45 p.m. Activity: Through Group Bible Study: 6:45 p.m. Small the Years Choir Practice: 7 p.m 6:30p Singles’ Dinner Out New Covenant (Korean) Bible Study: 8 p.m. 28 10a J.H. Event 12:30p Srs. & Friends to Glendale Theatre 5p Sonseekers’ Party [off-site] 7p Share & Care 21 9a Load bus for H.S. Camp 10a HS 5-Day Club Training 11a Loaves & Fishes Recurring Weekly Events: Sunday Worship Services: 9:15 & 11 a.m. Worship & Witness: 6 p.m. Adult Sunday School: 8:15, 9:15 & 11 a.m. Children’s Church: 9:15 a.m. Patio Fellowship: 10:30 a.m. Children & Youth S.S.: 11 a.m. 14 12noon McMillian [All above except 7/1] Bridal Shower New Covenant Children’s S.S.: 11 a.m. 6:30p Singles’ New Covenant (Korean) Wrshp: 12:45 p.m. Game Night New Covenant (Korean) Fellowship: 2 p.m. 7 Anx reserved all day for Loaves & Fishes 10a Awesome Adv. Backward’s Day SAT 6 FRI First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 8 Enjoy Time with the Singles’ Fellowship Please invite anyone of any age to join us. Game Night ~ Saturday, July 14, 6:30 p.m. ~ Meeting place: Penny Rahmeyer’s, 2703 W. 175th, Torrance. Bring snacks to share. Dinner Out ~ Saturday, July 28, 6:30 p.m. ~ Meet at Pei Wei Asian Diner, Torrance Town Center, 2777 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance. For questions, suggestions, or more information, call Brenda-Jean Shephard, 310/901-0816. Worldview and Glory by Laura Springer, M.Div., Th.M. http://www.facebook.com/pages/TFBSanctify-Academy/166588986702549 “Since God is Creator and Lord, seeing and understanding his glory reflected in the stuff of reality should develop a God-centered worldview…” The other night at Bible Study, we were talking about how it is possible for perfect to become more perfect (Hebrews 9:11). According to our 21st century understanding of perfect (“conforming absolutely to the description of an ideal type” dictionary.com), this is impossible. But, if we look at the Greek term translated “perfect” in Hebrews 9:11 (telios), we see it refers to completeness, maturity, or adulthood. In the New Testament understanding, perfect can become more perfect as we raise the bar. Now, if you’ve glanced up at the title of this article, you may be wondering what all this talk of perfection has to do with worldview and glory. I’m so glad you asked. It has to do with what we see and what we think it means. One can have a mature understanding of reality and still have room for growth. When we look at reality, what do we think the stuff means? Humans see, understand, and interpret everything in the context of a worldview. One with a more G0d-centered worldview will see God’s hand, despite creation’s brokenness. One with a more human-centered worldview may see sin’s corruption, despite God’s hand in his very good creation (Genesis 1:31). One with a more material-centered worldview may see mere stuff, seeing God mainly in Sunday worship and quiet times. Worldview becomes more complete when we raise the bar from the material-centered, to the human-centered, to God-centered. This is where glory comes in. Since God is Creator and Lord, seeing and understanding his glory reflected in the stuff of reality should develop a God-centered worldview, bringing us more in line with Kingdom life and thought. Since God is Creator and Lord of all, his perspective is the only proper basis for an adequate and truly complete worldview. First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 9 Next Events for Seniors & Friends Glendale Centre Theatre July 21 (Saturday) We will be going to see “On Golden Pond.” It is about Norman Thayer, a cranky 80-year-old retired professor, and his wife, who are making their annual pilgrimage to their New England summer cottage. Their solitude is interrupted when the couple's daughter, Chelsea, arrives with her fiancé, Bill, and his son, Doug, in tow. It takes awhile, but Chelsea and Bill, about to go on a vacation of their own, persuade Mom and Dad to take care of Doug. Norman and the kid dislike each other from Square One, and it looks as though this summer (which may very well be Norman’s last) will be a depressing experience. Gradually, Norman and Doug grow to love one another; their bond is strengthened during a near-fatal accident while fishing. It is through the warm relationship between Norman and the boy that the old man and his daughter are at last able to display affection towards each other--the first time they've done so in years. We will leave the church at 1 p.m. and return by 7 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. We will have lunch on the way, so bring money for that too. Getty Center August 23 (Thursday) The Getty Center in Los Angeles presents the Getty's collection of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. We will leave the church at 11 a.m. and return around 5 p.m. Admission is free but bring money for lunch at the cafeteria on site. If you want to sign up and/or want more details for any of our Seniors & Friends’ outings, call Terri Mullin at 310/629-0396. First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 10 From Missionaries John & Faith Karetji; TFB Global Outreach by Pastor Rog Faith & John We are so thankful to at last send this newsletter to give you a quick update with respect to my missionary activities during the last few months and more importantly, that you will be encouraged. I hope that these photos will communicate how grateful we are for God’s faithfulness and goodness. Firstly, Faith and I are thankful that our children and grandchildren were able to celebrate Easter with us this year at our place in Calimesa. This year was also special because Jonathan, who has been living and working overseas for the last four years, was able to join us. We are also thankful for God’s enablement for John to continue his work overseas. In 2011, John made a total of four mission trips to Indonesia and one to Australia. As always, the highlights have been seeing people’s lives being impacted through the preaching and teaching of the gospel. For example, last November, 12 people made decisions to get right with God after the service at an international church in Jakarta. I talked to one person, who when asked how I could be of help said, “I just realized that I am lost; could you help me?” Attending church as a duty or being religious is not enough—one needs to experience the transformational power of the gospel and have the peace of God. We are also thankful for new open doors to preach and teach the gospel to the people who are working in high rise buildings in the capital city of Jakarta. Every Friday small groups of believers are allowed to gather for a time of worship in their offices during their lunch break while their Muslim co-workers are at the mosque. I have been guest speaker at a number of these services on Friday and many lives have been impacted as well. In March, I spoke to about 50 people in a company with 2000 employees. The president director, a devout Christian, encouraged this small group with the words, “we are small in number but remember we are the salt in this company.” Finally, we are so thankful for your partnership in our missionary endeavors. Your long-standing support has sustained and enabled us to do “Salt” in the company of 2000 the work God has called us to, making the most of every opportunity to share the gospel. To God be the glory! Let me quote the apostle Paul to once again express our gratefulness to all of you. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6). We do pray for you often so once again, thank you. In Christ, John and Faith Karetji Speaking at a Friday Church Networking with Christian Workers First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 11 (Continued from p. 2) and when I’m unavailable, Gary Schiller capably steps in for me. In doing this, opportunities to speak with our guests have arisen and lives have been changed. What a joy this has been for us. And then . . . Third, our ministry theme of focusing on others has been an integral part of our COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER. Along with the wonderful gifts which are given to these mom’s at risk here in the South Bay and beyond, we have built a “bridge” to them through a time of personal interaction and the sharing of God’s Word. Each year, our program is built around how we can share Christ with these ladies and help them understand His desire to have a personal relationship with them. Once again, opportunities to speak personally with these ladies have been opened to us. Time fails me here to speak of all of our outreach opportunities here at TFB, but our SHOEBOX and BACKPACK Ministries have also spiritually touched others here and clear around the world. It you’d like more information about how you can participate with us, please speak with me or Linda Stratton or with members of our OUTREACH MINISTRY TEAM. We’d love to speak with you. Yes, may our prayer as a church family be centered on being prepared by the Holy Spirit to minister to others so that when these opportunities arise, we will be ready and available to be used of Him. I’m so thankful for His grace to me, Pastor Rog Dear TFB Family, Thank you dear friends for the beautiful plant in memory of my Mom. And many, many thanks to all of you who were so faithful in keeping her and all of the family before our great King. I’d appreciate your prayers that God would sustain me and that I might be a witness to His grace. Kathy Wright More Mail July 1 (Sunday) Hiking & Backpack Ministry Our next full-moon hike will be on Sunday, July 1, leaving the TFB parking lot at 7:30 p.m. Or you can meet at the Rolling Hills Estates City Hall on the northwest corner of P.V. Drive North & Crenshaw. We will cross the last weeks of a seasonal stream, so parents who are bringing their children might want to pack a towel. Please bring water, a flashlight, appropriate clothing and your neighbors and other friends. Contact Dan Rollino, 310/328-3320, or email: dtrollino@yahoo.com for more information. Attendance & Giving AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE FOR MAY = 358 Please pray for the following families who have lost loved ones: Thank you for giving approximately $46,766 in the month of May. Franceen Smith lost her husband, Stuart; Carol May’s husband, Art, is now with the Lord; and John Peterson lost his father, Pete. Summer Camp 2012 First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 12 Jr. High (July 1-6) Junior Summer Camp August 13-17 Camp Ponderosa ~ $300 Cost: $360 Contact Trev or Levanna to sign up. There are a few spots still available. We are again asking for donations for our Scholarship Fund to help our kids go to Camp. The high cost of camp often keeps kids at home. If you’d like to help in this area, please mark your donations “Scholarship Fund.” Those who receive these fund are extremely grateful! Backpacks and School Supplies for Needy Kids in coordination with Love INC, TUSD BOSS (Bringing Our Students Supplies), and His House Due July 2~September 4 Now is the time to start looking for school supplies on sale to help supply filled backpacks to needy children. Would you like to help one, two or more children go back to school this fall with some new and fun school supplies? You can help by purchasing one or more backpacks filled with the following school supplies: 1½-2” notebook, 1 pkg. paper (wide rule, elementary; college rule, grades 6-12), 3 pocket folders, 1 box crayons, 1 set of markers or colored pencils, 3 highlighters, 2 pens, pencils/pencil sharpener, eraser, ruler, pair of scissors, 2 glue sticks, pencil box or pouch and 1 spiral notebook. Any extra of the above items will also be appreciated. Bring them to the church office. We have a few extra backpacks here at the church that you can purchase in the patio for $10 and fill with the above items. The Proclaimer is a monthly publication of the First Baptist Church of Torrance, California, located at 2118 West Carson Street (6 blocks east of Crenshaw). Sunday services: 9:15 a.m. Worship Gathering (Contemporary Service); 11:00 a.m. Blended Service (with Sunday School for all ages); and 6:00 p.m. Evening Service. Mid-week events for children and students: High School Revive; Jr. High Quest; and Task Force Bravo for children. For more information, contact the church office: 310.328.5030 or info@tfbclife.org or visit us on the web at www.tfbclife.org
Similar documents
the Proclaimer - Torrance First Baptist Church
Bonz Grill, 2599 Airport Drive, Torrance (next to AMC
More informationthe Proclaimer - Torrance First Baptist Church
Ladies’ Tea Party Sunday, May 22 2:00 p.m. Calling all mothers, daughters, and grandmothers to join us.
More informationthe Proclaimer - Torrance First Baptist Church
Game Night ~ Saturday, March 9, 6:30 p.m. ~ Meeting place - Brandon Kroelinger’s, 1666 W. 257th Street, #3,
More information