Love in Action 365… - Cowee Baptist Church
Transcription
Love in Action 365… - Cowee Baptist Church
The Gem Cowee Baptist Church April 2015 Church Newsletter Last Month’s Averages: Based on 4-weeks Morning Worship: 331 Sunday School: 200 Total Offerings: By Pastor David... If you are a Christian, you know that Easter is a huge deal. The empty tomb declares victory and eternal life. While we celebrate this Easter Sunday, will you do your all to help proclaim this truth? $69,155.37 Special Dates: (Specific times listed on pg. 3) 4/3- Good Friday, Special Service, FUMC Franklin 4/5- Easter Sunday Building Fund Sunday Macon Valley Service 4/6- Church Office Closed 4/8- Family Missions Night 4/11- Baptist Men’s Workday 4/13- Missions Council Meeting 4/15- Preregistered Photo Day 4/16- Preregistered Photo Day Cowee Gems Dollywood Trip 4/17- Preregistered Photo Day Cowee Gems Game Night 4/18- Preregistered Photo Day 4/19- Deacons’ Meeting Quarterly Business Meeting 4/21- Preregistered Photo Day 4/24- Parents’ Night Out 4/26- Children’s Choir Performs Children’s Council Meeting Easter is a great time to invite someone to church. 82% of unchurched people are at least "somewhat likely" to attend church if they are invited. I believe the likelihood of someone saying "yes" around Easter is even greater! All you have to do is think back to previous years and you will recall that indeed more people show up at Easter than on a typical Sunday. There is the possibility that some will say no... but there is also the possibility that some will say YES! Even if only 1 person out of everyone invited attends, it has been worth the effort. Easter is the greatest story ever told! We recommend movies, books, restaurants -think of how you can recommend someone coming to church Easter Sunday: Put an invite in with your candy filled eggs Send an email, text or Facebook post Pick up the phone or walk across the street Add an invitation when you are thanking a co-worker or someone who has served you Go the extra mile and offer to bring them to church with you on Easter Sunday, to save them a seat or to take them to lunch after church. Easter is huge — consider its impact upon history and our very lives. Pray now, that Easter Sunday at Cowee Baptist will make a huge, positive impact on the lost and unchurched around us. See the Calendar on page 3 for specific times of events. Inside this Issue: Announcements Pg. 1 Thank You’s & More Pg. 2 Monthly Calendar Pg. 3 Children Pg. 4 Youth Pg. 5 Missions Pg. 6 LIA 365 & Gems Pg. 7 Announcements Pg. 8 SAVE THE DATE! WELCOME! New York City Mission Trip Join us in welcoming our new administrative assistant, Kim Carnes! Kim’s first day will be April 7. She can be reached by calling the church office (524-3469) or emailing office@coweebaptist.org. JULY 17-26 More information and applications available SOON! KIM CARNES New Administrative Assistant (Church Secretary) Christie McGaha is transitioning to serve as our part-time financial secretary. She can be reached by calling the church office (524-3469) or emailing finance@coweebaptist.org Page 2 Monthly Service at Macon Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (3195 Old Murphy Rd.) On Sunday, April 5, (2:15pm in the Spark Unit and 2:30 in the dining hall) and on the first Sunday of each month following, Cowee Baptist Church will be leading a worship service at Macon Valley Nursing Home. All are welcome & encouraged to attend this time of fellowship & worship. WEDNESDAY NIGHT ADULT STUDY: "What Every Christian Ought to Know" 6:30pm, in the loft above the church office Leaders: Pastor David & Steve Waldroop Tuesday Morning Ladies Study… “Hebrews, The Nearness of King Jesus” by Lisa Harper Tuesdays 9:30am-11:30am Room G116 All women are invited. There is still time to join. E-mail Frankie Reynolds for more information (fidreyn11@gmail.com). Baptist Men… Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, April 8, 7pm Monthly Workday: Sat. April 11 All men are encouraged and welcome to attend! For information, contact Brotherhood Director: Bill Fouts (342-1647, wefouts@dnet.net). ”I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all the prayers, cards, and acknowledgements over the past months. We have lost Randy, my mom and two very special aunts in a short time. Maggie’s brother, Steve, passed away during the time of mom’s illness as well. Cowee Church Family, thank you for all the love you have shown throughout all the losses we have endured. We have the assurance of seeing them again. Love you all, Karen Raby and Family” “Thank you to the Brotherhood who came and installed a ramp for me. May God bless each of you. In Christ, Anna Mason” ”Cowee Baptist Church, thank you so much for the card and the baby bottles coming in. SMPCC appreciates your support and prayers. Thank you all, Jenny Goldsmith, SMPCC” “Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for your prayers, phone calls, visits, and food during this special time as we welcomed Holden! We are so thankful to be part of this church family. Thank you, Justin Tara & Holden Riles” “Dear Church Family, thanks for your remembrances of us during this time, especially your prayers. These things mean so much in difficult times. May God Bless, Judson & Lib Hall” Cowee is proud to have partnered with the Baptist State Convention to plant "Campus Church" at Western Carolina University. Below is an update: “God's really blessing us here in amazing ways! People are continuing to be saved and we are seeing people growing in their faith by leaps and bounds. We continue to see people stepping up to lead and our small groups are growing tremendously. We will be cranking up three services beginning this weekend at 9:30, 11:15, & 6pm, so pray for the souls that will be added. The state convention has given us the use of the old Baptist Student Union (BSU) building and improvements to the first floor are almost complete. We're also going to be needing some help outside and downstairs from landscaping, construction, painting, etc. We just can't thank you guys enough for all the help and support and the way you've stood by us!” Pastor Josh, Campus Church *Campus Church has a need for chairs. If you, your Sunday School class or small group would like to sponsor a chair, they are $14 each. You can turn in your sponsorship through the regular offering by placing it in an envelope with "Campus Church Chairs" written on it. The red squares represent the previous paid down portion of the debt for the Children’s Wing. The green squares represent the most recent paid down portion. Month of February 2015: Loan Balance was $457,196.86. We paid on loan: $10,602.42. Colored in: 18 squares ($10,602.42/596=17.789). At this point: 308 squares are colored in. Page 3. Cowee Baptist Church — April 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday April 5 is Building Fund Sunday! DEACON (3/29-4/04): Bruce Harwood 5 EASTER SUNDAY BUILDING FUND SUNDAY 6 7 OFFICE CLOSED MACON VALLEY NURSING HOME SERVICE, 2:15pm DEACON (5-11): Kaine Matthews 12 13 Missions Council Meeting, 6:30pm 14 DEACON (12-18): Bill McGaha 19 4/5 4/12 4/19 4/26 10 11 Baptist Men’s Workday, 8:30am 16 PHOTO DAY (preregistered) 17 PHOTO DAY (preregistered) 18 PHOTO DAY (preregistered) COWEE GEMS DOLLYWOOD TRIP Cowee Gems , Marble Pursuit, The Hub, 6:30pm 27 28 29 5-7PM (drop-in)-Love in 30 Action 365 5:30-6:30pm (drop-in)-Supper 6:15pm-Children’s Choir 6:30pm-Youth, Fusion 5/6 6:30 & 7pm-Adult Bible Study 7pm-Mission Friends, RAs, GAs, Adult Choir Toddlers 11am Preschool Children’s Church Tammy Foster Jamie Shepherd Carolyn West Joel & Katy Sonya Adams Ashley Matthews Delona Crisp Schick Kim Norton Roy Burnette Steve & Michelle Kaine Matthews Christie McGaha Sabrina Scruggs Green Kyle Norton Kevin & Jenn Evelyn Greer Julie Jenkins Jason & Kelly Adams Denise Bueck Gen Bingham Maisa Josephine Cabe Lacy Harwood Cheyenne Robinson Cheri Patterson Barbara Roper Charles Cabe Frances Gentry GOOD FRIDAY Saturday 9 22 5-7PM (drop-in)-Love in 23 Action 365 5:30-6:30pm (drop-in)-Supper 6:15pm-Children’s Choir 6:30pm-Youth, Fusion 5/6 6:30 & 7pm-Adult Bible Study 7pm-Mission Friends, RAs, GAs, Adult Choir DEACON (26-5/2): Steve Green Friday 3 21 PHOTO DAY (preregistered) DEACON (19-25): TBA 11am Nursery Thursday 2 20 Deacons’ Meeting, 4:30pm Quarterly Business Meeting, 6pm 26 Children’s Choir Performs during both Worship Services Children’s Council, 4:30pm Wednesday 1 5-7PM (drop-in)-Love in Action 365 5:30-6:30pm (drop-in)-Supper 6:15pm-Children’s Choir 6:30pm-Youth, Fusion 5/6 6:30pm-Marriage Study 6:30 & 7pm-Adult Bible Study 7pm-Mission Friends, RAs, GAs, Adult Choir 8 FAMILY MISSIONS NIGHT 5-7pm-Love in Action 365 5:30-6:30pm (drop-in)-Supper 6:15pm-NO Children’s Choir 6:30pm-Marriage Study 6:30pm-Adult Choir 6:30pm-Youth, Fusion 5/6 7pm-Africa Missions Presentation (Crossover Area) 7pm-Mission Groups, Mission Friends, RA’s, GA’s 15 PHOTO DAY (preregistered) 5-7PM (drop-in)-Love in Action 365 5:30-6:30pm (drop-in)-Supper 6:15pm-Children’s Choir 6:30pm-Youth, Fusion 5/6 6:30 & 7pm-Adult Bible Study 7pm-Mission Friends, RAs, GAs, Adult Choir 4 24 25 PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT April Deacon of the Week: April Ushers: Jack Baldwin, Charles Cabe, *Paul Dodge, **Steve Green, Eddie Guy. Jeremy McGaha, David Morgan, Dennis Stamey *Leader, ** Assistant Leader Amanda Stewart 1 Gabe Pickens 4 Noah Powell 9 Nikki McDaniel 17 Rick McAlister 24 Cole Dulicai 1 Jennifer Trammel 4 Charlie Scruggs 9 Leah Stamey 18 Ryan Balmer 24 Alanna Peavy 2 Bobby Bolick 5 Emily Chandler 10 Ryan Beckney 18 Diane Dillard 26 Austyn Bajek 2 Addasyn Hane 5 Lucy Pickens 10 Logan Dodge 19 Lela Guy 27 Samantha Barrett 3 Delona Crisp 6 Chelsea Heard 10 Lydia Horton 19 Daniel Pickens 27 Claire Hill 3 David Morgan 6 Zackeus McDaniel 13 Maycee McCollum 20 Luke Schick 27 Stan Jeffress 3 Kim Norton 6 Tyler Pendergrass 14 Nathan Johnson 21 Sarah Jackson 28 Janice Fouts 4 Jan Gillette 7 Christy Hart 14 Megan Ramsey 21 Joel Schick 28 Ashley Waldroop 4 Eddie Lee, Sr. 8 Brian Tebrock 16 Destny Hickman 23 Kathy Snyder 29 Jennifer Hicks 4 Jenny McAlister 9 Evelyn Greer 17 Jason Maisa 24 Diedre Breeden 30 Mike Trammel 29--4/4 Ernie Pait 5--11 Kaine Matthews 12--18 Bill McGaha 19--25 TBA 26--5/2 Steve Green Page 4 Children’s Council will meet Sunday, April 26, 4:30pm. Children's Choir meets each Wednesday evening from 6:15 - 6:45 in the Children's Worship Center. Children’s Choir will not meet on Wednesday, 4/8 due to Spring Break for Macon County Schools. The children will perform the following in April: 4/26- “Jesus Loves Me” with chimes Leader: Kim Clark Assistants: Bonnie Bennett, Stephanie Jennings Friday, April 24 5:30-8:30PM Kingdom Kids Center–Supper provided. To sign your child up or volunteer to help with childcare, contact Sierra Womack (sierra@coweebaptist.org) 4th Week of June PARENT/CHILD DEDICATION There is a Parent/Child Dedication service being planned for the end of April. If you are interested in taking part, contact Pastor David (524-3469 or david@coweebaptist.org), Pastor Jason (371-1167 or jason@coweebaptist.org) or Sierra Womack (421-4176 or sierra@coweebaptist.org). Don’t forget to invite extended family to join us Easter Sunday, April 5. There will be plenty of room and lots of fun learning about Jesus in all of our Children’s Sunday Sch0ol classes and during Children’s Worship. Classes are available Sunday mornings for all ages. Pyle Scholarship Fund… (for church members seeking a college degree) Applications are located in the church office. Deadline for submission is April 15. By Sierra Womack, Children’s Ministry Director... What Am I Going to Do in Africa? I was asking God this question as I mentally prepared for my trip to Burkina Faso, Africa to be part of some medical clinics. I've been on many mission trips in my life but none that I didn't know exactly what I was going to do when I got there, what I had to offer. I was not sure what I could offer, but I knew God had a plan. God repeatedly brought Isaiah 6:8 to my mind many times and reminded me that if we're obedient He'll do the rest. "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 God indeed came through in a big way. Kathy Daniels, an IMB missionary in Burkina, has had a heart for the truckers of West Africa for a long time. She has prayed for God to show her how she could reach the truckers where they are. So, God led her to visit many truck stops and story to the truckers. She has a card she gives them so they can contact a pastor in their area that speaks their language and can answer their questions and can share more stories with them. She also gives out SIM cards with stories on them in over 4 languages. So, when the opportunity came for us at Cowee to partner with 2 doctors out of Georgia and provide some medical clinics at truck stops, Kathy knew God was providing a way to reach these truckers. We saw over 800 people in our 10 days in Burkina and Togo. God blessed us with many wonderful volunteers and the truckers were overwhelmed with our presence in their country and our desire to serve them. We have heard from Kathy Daniels and she said doors have been opened and the truckers are asking questions about God and wanting to hear more Bible stories. So, in short, obedience is all God needs, He's got the plan all laid out! By Pastor Jason, Associate Pastor & Minister of Students and Families... Just a few months back our worship services focused in on a series called "Seeing Clearly" and as Pastor David shared, it is evident that the way we see impacts every part of our life. In the culture we live in, statistics show that most of our young people have a worldview that has been shaped by a pluralistic culture rather than an understanding of God's word. With this cultural influence, their beliefs differ widely from biblical standards. As a result, many teens are leaving the faith they grew up with, and of those who remain in the church, few are living as bold witnesses for Christ. Through much of the teaching over this past few months, we have engaged students and challenged them to know what the Bible says about life, and many of the challenges that culture is throwing at them. In the midst of this culture, the good news is that teenagers who embrace an authentic Christian worldview are not abandoning the church, but are living for the Lord in their everyday lives! Page 5 This is why apologetics training is such a critical component in the disciplining of youth. If we can help them to see the truths and validity of God's word, they will be far more likely to live out its truths. Those of us further along in our faith must lovingly train young people to be able to defend their faith with confidence and authority. God's word challenges every one of us, from the youngest to the oldest, to be ready to make a defense, and share the reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15). On May 3rd we will have an opportunity to be encouraged and equipped in this great task, as Cameron McCallister, from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries will be with us for both of our morning worship services. Cameron will also be speaking that night at an event at the SMCFTPA geared for students at 6pm. 1 Peter 3:15, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (NASB) AFRICA MISSIONS TEAM PRESENTATION...Wednesday, April 8 Worship at 6:30pm, led by the youth band Missionary Speakers at 7:00pm (Crossover Area) Come hear a recap of events told by our very own missionaries to Africa. See pictures and hear how God is working. All are welcome to attend! David Platt Russell Moore Eric Mason Louie Giglio Ronnie Floyd Passion Band Matt Carter Al Mohler Shane and Shane Jimmy Scroggins HB Charles Jr Ed Stetzer Crowder Casting Crowns 11am Married Couples Class Begins New Study Sunday, April 19 Room G117 11:00am Biblical Financial Study By: Crown Financial Ministries Facilitators: John & Lisa Welch Limited Space Available— Available—Open to Students and Adults Cost: $135/pp (includes lodging for 2 nights) - See Pastor Jason or Casey Jennings to sign up. For more information and to request materials, please contact John or Lisa Welch (371-8525 or 349-4656). Page 6 Missions Opportunities April 8 ♥ SAVE THE DATE! LOVE IN ACTION DAY…SATURDAY, MAY 16 th Family Missions Night, 7:00PM Make plans now to participate in our 17 annual Love In Action Day, a one-day mission blitz of our community, by all ages of our church family. Team signups will take place on April 26 during morning services. April 11 Baptist Men Workday, 8:30am April 26 Deadline for “Spring for Students” IVE donations April 26 Deadline for Food Gift Cards for Baptist Children’s Homes May 16 Love in Action Day, breakfast at 8:00am, projects begin at 9:00am May 17 Love in Action Day Celebration Cookout, 5:30pm, Fellowship Hall SPRING FOR STUDENTS Iotla Valley Elementary NC BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOMES ANNUAL FOOD ROUND UP: WMU PROJECT Over 350 students will receive an individual treat bag filled with items. Please bring the following: Women: #2 Pencils & Glue Sticks Girls & Preschoolers: Big Erasers Deadline: April 26 Place items in the boxes provided outside the church library & children’s wing. WMU will be collecting FOOD GIFT CARDS for NC Baptist Children’s Homes, which includes Drake Cottage. Any amount is appreciated. Cards may be purchased from Ingles, BI-LO, Kmart or Wal-Mart. Place gift cards in the church office or hand to Kaye Rickman, WMU Director. THANK YOU! 62 Cowee Baptist families turned in generous donations for the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center via the baby bottle fund drive. 100 empty bottles were distributed, 60 were returned. If you still have a bottle, please drop it off in the church office, so we can return them to the center. It costs the center to replace each bottle not returned. Page 7 Seasonal Residents, Did you know Cowee offers ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP? An individual who lives in this church area on a part-time basis, and is a member of a Baptist Church of like faith in another area, may become an associate member of Cowee Baptist Church after completing membership requirements of the Constitution. An associate member of Cowee Baptist Church is not required to transfer membership from his/her home church, but will be under the watch-care of Cowee Baptist while here. Associate members may serve on committees, make nominations, participate in discussions on the floor, and serve as a substitute teacher or assistant teacher. When: Wednesday Evenings Time: 6:00 to 8:00pm Location: Upstairs Room 224 If you’re interested in Associate Membership, contact Pastor David for additional information and next steps. CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY THERE IS STILL TIME... Contact Gen Bingham for more information, 371-2131. There are still a few appointments available April 21. If you missed your appointment or have not made one, please contact the church office (524-3469) immediately. You do not have to be a church member in order to take part in our church directory. By taking part, you will receive a free 8x10 and a free church directory. Cowee Gems – Mark Your Calendars. . Cowee Gems Annual Dollywood Trip: to the Festival of Nations, Thurs., April 16, departing from the church at 7:29am, returning at 8-9pm. Cost is $59pp/+tax (for those that do not have a season's pass). There is no charge for the bus ride, but donations will be taken up to help defray the cost. Please register at the Gem Mine or call Middie McSwain (524-5818) to reserve a seat on the bus. This will be a day of fun and Christian fellowship. If the bus is filled, the bus driver will get in free. Visit the Gem Mine for more information and registration. Love in Action 365… WED . An opportunity to touch lives SUNDAY SCHOOL ANCHORS 1st Servant’s Heart, Esther Willing Workers ABEL, Joy, Daughters of the King Dorcas, Gardner Holden, Omega, 11am Adults Drop in Wednesdays, 5-7pm 2nd 3rd 4th Love in Action Be a blessing... Volunteers needed EVERY Wednesday night. Deliver a meal Write a card Make a phone call Go on a visit Lift up a prayer Make a card Assemble packets Contact Us… Phone: (828) 524-3469 Fax: (828) 524-5687 E-Mail: office@coweebaptist.org We’re on the Web! Visit us at: www.coweebaptist.org Email Addresses… Pastor David: david@coweebaptist.org Rev. Jason Smith: jason@coweebaptist.org Page 8 Welcome New Members... Gary & Teresa Scaff Associate Members CHURCH SOFTBALL TEAM: Signups are available at the Sunday School desk and in The Hub. Ages 14 and up are welcome (under 18 must have a permission form signed by parents). For more information, contact Ed Rewis (347-5320, or rewis569@frontier.com) or Dawn Trammel (371-7081, scubadivers@frontier.com). Rev. Ronnie Branson: ronnie@coweebaptist.org Children’s Ministry Director: sierra@coweebaptist.org Church Office: office@coweebaptist.org Sound Techs: audiovisual@coweebaptist.org Community Good Friday Worship Service-at First United Methodist Church Franklin, Friday, April 3 at noon. The service will be based on the “Seven Last Words of Christ” with Pastor David and other local pastors sharing the Scripture reading and then a brief message on Jesus' words from the cross. Music from local church musicians will also be part of this special worship service. Everyone is invited. CD/DVD Requests: request@coweebaptist.org 6301 Bryson City Road Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 524-3469 Cowee Baptist Church