the Proclaimer - Torrance First Baptist Church

Transcription

Torrance First Baptist Church
the Proclaimer
April 2013
Volume 27 Issue 4
Inside this issue:
The Pastor’s Heart
Reflections
We Get Letters:
Wedding Invite
Kamper Kamp
T.M. Golf Tourney
CRUX Events
Summer Camps
Angel’s Game
Jr. High Events
Kids’ Baptism Class
CMTA Event
Attendance/Giving
Love, INC Events
Just for Kids
Calendar
Singles’ Ministry
TFB Academy
Srs. & Friends
Smile Awhile
Global Outreach
Reflections (cont.)
New Sign
April Hike
New Baby
Sympathy
Don’t Forget:
Easter Cantata
March Hike
Passover Seder
Easter Lilies
Proclaimers are also
available for viewing and
printing on-line:
www.tfbclife.org
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Friday, April 5, 6:30 p.m.
D
NNER
&
a
M
VIE
Ladies, please join us for a girls’ night
out. Our theme is “Back to the Joyful Past:
Remembering the carefree joy we had as
children.” The movie is “Pollyanna.” Dinner
will be childhood favorites including cake and
homemade ice cream for dessert. The cost is $5
each. Sign up in the patio.
Ladies’ Retreat at
Thousand Pines
April 26-28
Ladies, sign up for our annual retreat at Thousand Pines. Save your rustic spot
with a $50 deposit. “New cabin” ladies, please reserve with full payment--space
for the new cabin is limited to the first 26 who pay.
The speaker is Sherri Alden. Through life's amazing moments and profound
disappointments, Sherri is learning to follow Jesus and longing to help others know
Him...not just about Him. Her desire to creatively connect, influence and draw
other people to the heart of God is expressed through her gifts and experience as a
speaker, worship leader, worship curator and programmer/producer/director of
services, special events, national conventions and concerts. Sherri enjoys being on
the team at Slingshot Group, a ministry serving churches across the nation through
pastoral staffing and coaching. She also invests her energy in teaching at Biola
University, actively mentoring and equipping next generation leaders. She is
married to a great guy and has three wonderful kids who love life together in San
Juan Capistrano, California. Worship Leader is Toni DeJesus-Coloma!
Activities offered:
* Arte Shoppe * Malt Shop * Big Oak Café * Massages * Afternoon Tea
* Frisbee Golf * BINGO
* Rec Equipment * Paintball
* Hiking Trails
* Confidence Course *Mountain Bikes * Shuttles to Lake Arrowhead Village
* Lake Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour
* Crestline Shopping and Dining
* Foosball, Air Hockey, Ping Pong, Basketball, Board Games and more!
Cost: $165 for the NEW CABIN! $149 for Rustic. Sign-up at the WM table in the
patio; the bus is available too.
First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 2
by Pastor Charlie
Spur one another on toward
love and good deeds
It was a Monday
morning in March of 1983, and
I was on the phone with a
doctor from a major hospital in
Sacramento.
At the time we lived in
Placerville and our local doctor
referred us to a specialist down
the hill to seek help regarding
our seven-week-old daughter.
All we knew at that point was
that her heart was enlarged, but
neither we nor our doctor had
any idea why.
While driving down the
hill, she began to struggle with
her breathing. When we
arrived at the emergency room,
they immediately began to
treat her, still not knowing the
problem. After four hours the
doctor told us that they did not
yet really understand her
condition, but they thought she
had a heart disease and would
probably pass away in the next
few days.
Early the next morning
they told us they had
discovered the real problem,
and it was treatable. What a
relief. That was great news to
us because although she had a
serious condition, they could
do something to help her.
On Sunday, March 3, I
shared some insights from
Hebrews 10:24 and 25 that I
called a cancer among us—a
serious condition. It was very
difficult to share and I am sure
for many of you, difficult to
hear. But it was shared with a
clear sense of hope, knowing
that it was something from
which God can heal us, if we
allow Him to operate.
That is what Karen and
I had to do with our
daughter—give the surgeon
permission to operate. There
were risks involved but the
operation was absolutely
necessary for her to live. So
Karen and I gladly gave them
permission.
I want to encourage
each of us at TFB to give God
permission to operate on us, if
needed. And we can gladly do
this knowing that God is ready
and capable of healing us who
need this surgery.
May we each look
forward to God working in us
and through us as we humbly
surrender to Him.
Pastor Charlie
by Pastor Rog
Dear Family,
We worship and serve a
wonderful Lord. One Who knows
our every need and understands all
that we are going through. He
never changes.
The psalmist, David,
understood these truths and wrote
them down for our encouragement.
In Psalm 18:2-3, he tells us:
“The Lord is my rock and
my fortress and my
deliverer; my God, my
strength, in Whom I will
trust; my shield and the
horn of my salvation, my
stronghold. I will call upon
the Lord, Who is worthy to
be praised; so shall I be
saved from my enemies.”
David knew what it was to
experience difficulty...to be hunted
down by those who were against
him and God. He knew a great deal
of discouragement because of this,
but he also knew where to turn when
he needed help. In this Scripture
passage noted above, he declared
seven attributes to describe his
glorious Lord and God. David said
of Him that He was his:
 ROCK
 FORTRESS
 DELIVERER
 STRENGTH
 SHIELD
 HORN OF SALVATION &
 STRONGHOLD
(Continued on page 11)
We Get Mail
Sign Up for Kamper Kamp
Sign up today for our annual family camp at Indian Hills Campground in Jamul, California, which will take
place June 21-23 this year. Activities include swimming, biking, horseshoes, basketball and the ever popular
“Zip-Line”! You can bring your own tent or motor home or sign up for one of the cabins. Registration forms in
the patio give the costs.
1st Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, April 29, 7:30 a.m.
Transformation Ministries exists to deepen and develop pastors as spiritual
leaders, coaching and networking churches toward greater health and missional vitality
and initiating and supporting viable church planting partnerships. We strive to build a movement of missionempowering relationships and cordially invite you to take part in Transformation Ministries 1st Annual Golf
tournament benefiting CHURCH PLANTING.
Please join us for a shotgun start, at 9:00 a.m. Monday, April 29, at Dos Lagos Gold Course in Corona,
California. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. with our Putting Contest open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. This
championship course provides a unique golf experience and combines diversity within holes to create a complete
and satisfying golf experience. With a park-like feel, the course provides a challenging, yet enjoyable round of
golf for all skill levels, featuring dramatic views of the Cleveland National forest, an oasis of restored waterways,
wetlands and a rolling hillside habitat.
The individual ticket price for this premier event is just $100 per player or $400 per foursome, and
includes green fees, golf cart, continental breakfast, lunch, and an hors d’oeuvres and awards reception. It is our
hope that you will support this vital cause and join with us in planting new churches.
You may download the Sponsorship Opportunities and Golfer Registration packet at http://
www.transmin.org/who-we-are/newsevents. Please feel free to contact Kimberly Flowers at 626/327-3100 with
any questions.
vs.
April 11 (4:30p-11p)
Mike Trout Blanket Night
Cost: $27
includes ticket and
all you can eat dinner.
Game
Night
Friday, April 5
4:30~7 p.m.
Calling all Jr. High students
to join us here at the church for an
evening of fun and kooky games.
The cost is $5 and includes
pizza.
Movie-Making
Part 1
Saturday, April 20
6:30~8:30 p.m.
We are going to make a mini-movie. We will
complete it in two parts. Part 1 will take place on the
above date and will involve the creation of the idea and
scriptwriting. The second part will be held on Saturday,
May 4, from 1-5 p.m. and will involve filming and
bringing our ideas to life. This is a free event.
Baptism
Classes
for Kids
If you are
interested in getting
baptized or just want
to learn what it is all
about, see Miss
Le v a n a
at
the
Children’s Table in
the patio between
services.
Wise Up!
(Proverbs 1:5)
Lightseekers’ Junior
Summer Camp
at Oak Glen
July 15-19
Everyone who is going into 3rd through
6th grades in the Fall is invited. The cost is a
total of $300; $50 holds a spot. Sign up in the
patio at the Children’s Ministries table.
Attendance & Giving
AVERAGE WEEKLY
ATTENDANCE
FOR FEBRUARY
= 282
Thank you for giving
approximately $53,723
in the month of February.
You are invited to the Love In the Name of Christ
A Fundraiser Event
Saturday, April 20, 2013
5:30 pm - 9 pm
Dinner Served 6:30 pm
Journey of Faith
1243 Artesia Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
Silent Auction and
Musical Entertainment by
Jan & Don
Presenting an array of music from
Broadway show tunes to
sacred arrangements
Please RSVP by
April 12, 2013
310/831-5683 x 104
cmontijo@loveincsb.org
Love sponsor: $40 per person with
a table of 6 or 8
Advance: $45 per person
At the door: $50 per person
Payable to:
Love INC P.O. Box 6442,
San Pedro, CA
Just for
w
lo
l
ye
KIDS
2
1
7p Ad Ops
22
29
5p Prayer
Gathering
21
28
A P R I L
5p Prayer
Gathering
Women back
from 1000 Pines
6p Committees:
Fellowship,
Finance, GO,
Outreach & Wor.
7p Deacon/ess
Meetings
15
14
30
23
16
7p C.E. Committee
9
8
2p Sing @
Royalwood
7p Lauran Bethell
Circle
TUE
MON
7
SUN
11
10:30a Circle of
Friends
4
THU
24
17
SAT
6:30p Singles’
Dinner Out
Women leave for
1000 Pines
Upcoming May Events:
27
11:30a Jonathan
Pribble Memorial
5:30p Love INC
Fundraiser
6:30p Jr. High
Movie-Making
7p Share & Care
20
3:30p Nawa/
Grindle Wedding
6:30p Singles’
Game Night
13
26
19
6p Wedding
Rehearsal
12
Anx. Reserved
6
for Loaves & Fishes 11a Loaves &
4:30p Je. High
Fishes
Game Night
6:30p WM Dinner
& Movie Night
5
FRI
5/4: Jr. High Movie Making, Part 2, 1-5p
5/17: Srs. & Friends Luncheon; noon
5/18: Women’s Ministries Progressive Dinner; 5p
5/19: CRUX Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, 12:30p
25
10:30p Srs. &
Friends to IMAX &
Space Shuttle
18
9a CRUX Service 4:30p CRUX to
Project
Angels’ Game
7p Beacon Light
10
3
WED
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.
Worship Band Practice: 6:30 p.m.
Next Step Bible Study: 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday
Bible Study Fellowship: 9:15 a.m.
[except 4/3]
T.F.B. (K-6th grades): 6:45 p.m. [except 4/3]
Jr. High QUEST: 6:45 p.m. [except 4/10]
Small Group Bible Study: 6:45 p.m.
Choir Practice: 7 p.m.
New Covenant (Korean) Bible Study: 8 p.m.
Open Volleyball: 8:15 p.m.
Tuesday
BSF Leaders: 9:15 a.m. [except 4/2]
High School Revive: 7 p.m. [except 4/9]
Monday
Ladies’ Prayer: 10:30 a.m.
Open Basketball: 6:30 p.m.
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.
New Covenant Children’s S.S.: 11 a.m.
New Covenant (Korean) Wrshp: 12:45 p.m.
New Covenant (Korean) Fellowship: 2 p.m.
Sunday
Recurring Weekly Events:
Enjoy Time with the Singles’ Fellowship
Please invite anyone of any age to join us.
Game Night ~ Saturday, April 13, 6:30 p.m. ~ Meeting
place - Brenda-Jean Shephard’s, 5757 Ravenspur Drive, #3,
RPV. Bring snacks to share.
Dinner Out ~ Saturday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. ~ Meet at Fish
Bonz Grill, 2599 Airport Drive, Torrance (next to AMC
Theaters).
For questions, suggestions, or more information, call Brenda-Jean Shephard, 310/901-0816.
“The Discipline of
Remembering”
Psalm 119:49-56: The Zayin Strophe
by Laura Springer, M.Div., Th.M.
Distraction. Crisis. Busyness. Self. So many things tempt us
to take our minds off of God and onto ourselves and our situation.
God, who is Creator, Sovereign, and Savior, so easily slips our
minds. This ought not to be so.
The psalmist knew this from experience. Surrounded by
those who sought his harm, he disciplined himself to remember God
and he wrote psalms to help others practice remembering. The zayin
strophe (vv. 49-56) gives us a glimpse into this practice.
The psalmist remembers God by asking him to
remember the promise of safety (vv. 49-50). The psalmist has
placed his hope in this promise (v. 49b). It is comfort in his current
trouble and his source of life (v. 50).
The psalmist remembers God by remembering his
rules (vv. 51-53). He is not like those who seek his
harm: they deride the psalmist, yet he does not turn
away from God's law (v. 51). Remembering God's
rules gives comfort (v. 52) and stirs a deep passion
against the disobedience of his enemies (v. 53).
The psalmist remembers God in worship (vv. 54-56). His
life is worship, whether in comfort or exile (v. 54). He worships as
he remembers God's name--his acts and character--and as he obeys
(v. 55). Fueled by passion for God, his obedience is a valuable
possession (v. 56).
Do we remember God by asking him to remember his Word,
which we know? Do we remember his rules by practicing godliness
and encouraging our siblings in Christ to do the same? Do we
remember by living each moment as an act of worship? Do we
remember with passion?
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I forget and I need
my brothers and sisters to help me remember.
“Fueled by passion
for God, his obedience is
a valuable possession.”
Next Event for Seniors & Friends
IMAX To the Arctic 3-D and Space Shuttle
April 18 (Thursday)
To the Arctic recounts the powerful story of a mother polar bear and her
two twin cubs’ expedition through the Arctic wilderness in the midst of a
changing climate. Facing rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and diminishing
land size, the family must fight to stay together while navigating through the
harsh environment. You will discover the most breathtaking regions of the
northern-most part of the Earth while witnessing the effects climate change has
on its vulnerable habitants. The film educates audiences on the present
ecological problems the region is facing through the captivating tale of one small
family.
We will also visit the Space Shuttle “Endeavour” on display at the
California Science Center.
We will leave at 10:30 a.m. and return at around 3:30 p.m. The cost is
$7.50 plus money for lunch.
If you want to sign up and/or want more details for any of our Seniors & Friends’ outings,
call Terri Mullin at 310/639-0396.
Smile Awhile!
Will Rogers, who died in a 1935 plane crash, was one of the greatest political sages this country has ever known.
Here are some of his sayings:
1. Never slap a man who is chewing tobacco.
2. Never a kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3. There are two theories to arguing with a woman.
Neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
7. The quickest way to double your money is to
fold it and put it back into your pocket.
8. Good judgment comes from experience, and a
lot of that comes from bad judgment.
9. If you’re ridin’ ahead of the herd, take a look
back every now and then to make sure it’s still
there.
10. Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot
easier’n puttin’ it back.
ABOUT GROWING OLDER:
First ~ Eventually you will reach a point when you
stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
Second ~ The older we get, the fewer things seem
worth waiting in line for.
Third ~ Some people try to turn back their
odometers. Not me; I want people to know “why” I
look this way. I’ve traveled a long way, and some of
the roads weren't paved.
Fourth ~ When you are dissatisfied and would like
to go back to the days of your youth, think of
algebra.
Fifth ~ You know you are getting old when
everything either dries up or leaks.
Sixth ~ I don’t know how I got over the hill without
getting to the top.
Seventh ~ One of the many things no one tells you
about aging is that it’s such a nice change from
being young.
Eighth ~ One must wait until evening to see how
splendid the day has been.
Ninth ~ Being young is beautiful, but being old is
comfortable.
Tenth ~ Long ago, when men cursed and beat the
ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today
it’s called golf.
Stephen & Cindi Barrett with Athletes in Action wrote:
TFB Global Outreach
Missionary News
Barrett Family ~ Christmas 2012
Dear Friends,
We’ve been on the go since mid-December and have
enjoyed great reunions with both family and friends. It was hard to
come back to Mongolia after such good times with many of you,
but we are thankful to be here and look forward to the work the
Lord has planned for us.
We spent Christmas with our children and grandchildren in
Missouri… We were a loud, but joyful crowd!
Right after New Years, Ruslan, a wrestler from the
Caucasus, came to stay with us. On January 15, Ruslan and I
joined a group of Russians (also from the Caucasus) in Chicago
where we started a 1,700 mile, ten-day tour in a rented van. In
Ohio, we were hosted by AIA, then on to Michigan to be hosted by
our friend Mike Gohn and Allendale wrestling, and we concluded
our time in Chicago, hosted by Dan Willis and his family. In each
place, families opened their homes and the team heard and saw the
Truth lived out! As always we were thankful for seeds planted by Christians from America.
Mike Gohn sent a letter from the coach in Michigan whose team hosted the Russians. Here is an
excerpt: “Now I have learned another grand lesson in what it is that truly makes up a TEAM. For you see, it
wasn’t ‘I” that taught the most recent and utterly important message to the wrestlers. It was ‘WE.’ The
outpouring of giving to our Balker (Russians) was the most rewarding experience that I have had in all my
years, involved in the great sport of wrestling. Watching the Wrestling Family here, watching the wrestlers
grow from Friday to Monday night was a microcosm of what ‘Salt of the Earth’ really is. Your boys took a
giant step toward manhood, as they came out of their cautious shells and received and provided for our
visitors from lands far away. The hugs, handshakes, smiles, and yes, some tears on Monday after our
practice, showed the passion which wrestlers invest in all that they do. Four days out of their lives and our
program is better, your families are better and our wrestlers are better for having sacrificed some time, food,
money and resources for the good of others.”
We loved hearing that hosting Russians was not a burden, but was a time of learning and growing for
the team from Michigan! The Russians were strict Muslims, straight from the mountains. They were amazed
by the outpouring of love and kindness from the host teams and families, saying over and over how calm and
peaceful people are in America and how good it is that people live without constant threats on their lives.
Their region of Russia has experienced violence over the past years, caused by Muslim extremists. I
explained A.W. Tozer’s theory that no society has ever risen above its concept of God and the difference
between our culture and their culture is Jesus. It would be great to tell you they all became Christians, but
this concept is very difficult to understand. I have known Ismail, the coach for 15 years and we had a close
association when I lived in Nalchik. Everywhere the team went, they heard the truth explained clearly, saw
Christians’ lives up close and felt their love and care. I can’t help but think God has brought Ismail back into
my life for a reason. My prayer has been that God will lift the dark veil of Islam so they can see Jesus for
Who He really is.
I flew from Chicago to meet a team of Mongolian wrestlers in Colorado Springs at a training camp.
Our Athletes In Action team hosted the Mongolians in their homes. On Sunday morning, Gene Davis told
Soktbayer, the coach, that they were all going to church. Soktbayer smiled and said, “Jesus house?”
Although they didn’t understand everything that was taught, they felt the love of Jesus as our friends
graciously hosted them.
After practice last month, Soktbayer and Sukhee headed to the bus stop when Soktbayer asked if they
could keep walking. He began to ask questions about Jesus and was so interested, they ended up walking all
the way home (7 mi) in the cold. This conversation took place just before the team went to Colorado Springs!
Please pray for all the Mongolian wrestlers, but especially for Soktbayer who is open to the Gospel...
Blessings and thanks for your prayers and support,
Stephen and Cindi
Continued from p. 2
As he reviewed his life and circumstances,
he knew that God alone had rescued him, and he
wanted to praise and thank Him.
During World War II, King George of
England ordered an evacuation of children from the
bomb-torn area of London. Imagine the fear and
anxiety of the precious children as their
heartbroken parents put them on a train, not
knowing when they would see them again. It was
reported that as a certain mother and father waved a
tearful good-bye to the train as it left the station,
their little girl turned to her brother and cried, “I’m
scared. I don’t even know where we’re going!”
Holding back his own tears, her brother put his
arms around her and said, “I don’t know where
we’re going either, but the King knows and so we
don’t need to worry.” What an awesome statement.
At some point in our lives, most of us have
felt alone and afraid of what might be around the
next curve. DAVID CERTAINLY DID. He
wondered if he would even see the light of a new
day as he ran from Saul and his army. But David
trusted God’s love and leading, and the Lord
delivered him from all of his enemies and made
him King of all Israel.
Today, you may be in a very difficult place
in your life of discipleship with Jesus Christ.
Please don’t fear. Like David, place your faith in
the Lord Who loves you and stands ready to
minister to your every need. He is FAITHFUL!
We may not know where we are headed, but our
wonderful Lord knows, so we don’t need to worry.
Trusting only in Him,
Pastor Rog
New
Church
Sign
As you can
see, the new church
sign is here!
Hopefully,
by the time you read this it will be electrically up
and operating!
Hiking
Ministry
Friday
April 27
7:00 p.m.
Meet in the church parking lot and we will
proceed by carpool to Palos Verdes Estates. Contact
Art Sigsbury, sigsbury@ca.rr.com, or call 949/4586062 if you have any questions.
It’s a Girl!
Please pray for the following families
that have recently lost a loved one:
Carol Cochran lost her Dad, Don Ogren;
Debbie Fuqua also lost her Dad, Ron Binaghi; and
Jonathan Pribble, TFB member
and beloved son of
Mark and Jan and brother of
Daniel and Stephen, is with the Lord.
Jonathan’s Memorial Service will be on
April 20, at 11:30 a.m. here at TFB.
Don’t forget . . .
Easter Cantata
March 24
6:00 p.m.
ON A HILL
Passover
Seder
& Potluck
March 30
Hiking
Ministry
Friday
March 29
7:00 p.m.
Meet in the church
parking lot and we will
carpool to the Royal Palms
County Beach in San Pedro
for our full-moon hike.
Contact Art Sigsbury,
sigsbury@ca.rr.com, or call
949/458-6062, if you have
any questions.
Join us in the Gym to participate in
an actual Seder. Contact Nathan
Montgomery if you’d like to make an
authentic Jewish dish to share or just make
your own creation for the potluck.
Suggested donation: $3/person or $10/
family to off-set cost of Seder elements.
Easter Lilies
$10 donations being taken in patio
to furnish lilies for Easter Sunday.
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

the Proclaimer - Torrance First Baptist Church

Transcription

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