inside this issue - First Baptist Church of Collinsville

“Growing Relationships with Christ”
V O L U ME
1 I
I SS U E
2 6
MA R C H
2 015
“THE VALUE OF VISION”
In Kalama, Washington there is a heavy equipment operator named Mike O'Neil. Not long ago,
Mike had an unfortunate experience while driving his bulldozer on a logging job.
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Pastor’s Pen
Pastor David
1
2
Men’s Breakfast
2
Anniv./Birthdays
AWANA
3
3
Greenhouse
Greeters Schedule
Library
3
4
4
Prayer Emphasis
4
Upcoming Events
4
Ministry News
5
Mission Circles
5
Nursery Schedule
5
Church Calendar
6
As Mike recalls, he was hauling a large log out of the woods and up an incline. While climbing
up the slope, his bulldozer’s blade was raised, obscuring his vision. At first, everything seemed to
be going as planned. The log was dragging behind him, and the bulldozer was easily bearing the
load as he ascended the incline. But then, all of a sudden things got crazy! Bright shiny objects
began to appear on the ground behind him. Looking closer Mike realized, those shimmering
objects were pieces of a car! Indeed, Mike was seeing parts of his Datsun squished between the
treads of his bulldozer's tracks. Recalling that day Mike said, “It was not a good feeling.”
Vision is important. Without a clear vision a bulldozer operator may flatten his Datsun. Jesus
understood the value of vision. He warned, “…If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (MT
15:14). It is important for people to see where they are going. Likewise, churches need a clear vision of where they are headed.
At First Baptist Church our vision is to be “Positively impacting Collinsville with our
message, members and ministries.” Jesus spoke of the importance of the Church making a
positive impact on the culture. He said, “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your
good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (MT 5:16). Our vision is to positively impact
Collinsville (and the metro-east) for the Kingdom of God. To those ends, we aim to:



Declare our Message: As followers of Christ, our message is the Gospel. We are not called to
share pop-psychology or motivational speeches with our culture. Rather, we are called to
preach the gospel. To that end, we will call our culture to turn from sin and put their faith in
the Lord Jesus.
Develop our Members: When God calls us into His family, He equips us with spiritual gifts.
Those gifts are to be used to edify the Body of Christ and to make disciples. To those ends,
we will focus on equipping our members to engage in the Great Commission.
Deploy our Ministries: An army is most effective when each soldier pulls together to form a
unified force. They understand that together, they will do more than they could ever
accomplish on their own. As a church, may we unite our members around mission-focused
ministries. Such ministries provide us the opportunity to reach out to our community with the
love and hope of Christ.
Habakkuk said “…Write the vision. Make it clear…so that anyone can read it quickly” (2:2). I hope
this has helped make our church’s vision clear and easy to remember. Because, there is a lot of
work to do as we await the return of our Lord!
Envisioning our Clear and Exciting Future!
Pastor Greg
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2
PRAYER MEETING. . . . . .
BIBLE STUDY WITH PASTOR GREG. .
Pastor’s Class in the Action Class. We are
currently studying the book of Hebrews.
Sundays - 5:00 PM
Prayer Meeting
Wednesday Night @ 6:30 PM
A time of prayer and praise for
family and friends!!!!!
A WORD FROM PASTOR DAVID . .
In the Old Testament, God spoke to His people in
supernatural ways: dreams, visions, still small voice, bush,
the incarnate Jesus Christ, angels and many more. Whichever method God used it was essential that the listener
paid attention. Listening is more than hearing. Listening
requires the listener to be active and obtain
comprehension of what is being communicated. It is
common in the world today to see a young child try their
best to garner their parent’s attention. The child wants to
share a story or ask a question while the parent is preoccupied with the television, cell phone, book, or work.
The child may yell, jump up and down, whistle, tickle, or
move their head into the sightline of their parent just to
make sure they are listening. The child will persist until
the parent stops what they are doing and makes eye
contact. It is in that moment that the child feels they have
their parent’s full attention and can carry-on with his
question or story. The parent may not be amused and can
be irritated that their child would be so rude to interrupt
him in the middle of his “personal” time. But what must
that child feel in the same moment? He has something so
important to share with his parent that he cannot wait to
tell them. The child has done everything he can imagine in
hopes that his parent would pay attention. The child must
wonder, what is so important that my dad does not have
time for me?
Men’s Breakfast
Day: Saturday
Date: March 7th
Time: 8:00 AM
(Note the new time!)
THE
MONTHLY
MESSENGE R
The same can be said of God. He does not speak in the
same supernatural ways as He once did, not normally anyways.
He speaks to His children through His Holy Word. Yet, people
often times take on the same role as the parent in the story
above. Believers and non-believers alike become distracted
with pleasures, pursuits, and pride that they miss the
opportunities they have to listen to God. How frustrating it
must be for God when He allows His child to wake up early so
they can spend time with Him only to watch them hit the
snooze button on the alarm because it did not fit in their
schedule. How about the moment when an afternoon work
appointment has been cancelled and instead of taking time to
listen to God the believer fills that time with other activities? I
am not suggesting that personal time and activities that bring
enjoyment are wrong. I am suggesting, however, that when a
believer, who desires to pursue righteousness and purity of
heart neglects his time spent with the LORD in preference to
his own pleasures, there is a problem. James told the early
church that if they ask for something, they better expect God
will provide it (James 1:5-6). If a person desires to know God’s
will, he must be willing to take the time and listen to God
speak.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Week of April 13-17.
We need more volunteers to assist
with delivering meals. If you would be
interested in this ministry, please call
Kevin Shinn - 618-345-7245
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PAGE
Anniversaries and Birthdays
Birthdays
Anniversaries
6
Scott & Alaina Schlaefer
1
2
Wally & Mary Louise Fedder
5
6
7
8
10
11
17 Doug & Judy Weiss
20 Mike & Joan Taylor
25 Luther & Rose Holst
12
13
2015 GRAND PRIX
AND THE WINNERS ARE:
SPARKS DESIGN:
1-Karlie Jane Altenberger
2-Shane Box
3-Katherine Strackeljahn
T&T DESIGN:
1-Madison Altenberger
2-Lilly Vallina
3-Landen Risler
TREK DESIGN:
1-Noah Hubler
2-Blake Risler
SPARKS RACE:
1-Cavan Callahan
2-Isabelle Badgett
3-Micah Davis
T&T RACE:
1-Tyler Boerner
2-Jayda Bowers
3-Lisa Crawford
TREK RACE:
1-David Lemansky
2-Drake Tarrant
The cars were all beautiful. The clubbers worked
very hard to have the best car! Race Day was a
great day in the life of a race car driver
“wannabe.”
“Clubbers will continue
to learn about Christ and
His everlasting life
through hearing and
memorizing scripture…”
Carter Hasamear
Drew North
Joyce Liniger
Mary Ann Bowers
Allison Roesch
Kenneth Lathrop
Cheryl Pace
Ryan Fedder
Dan McFall
Jim McFall
Lisa Calvert
15
16
18
21
24
27
29
30
31
David Barnett
Lois Waldvogel
Norma Mohler
Wyatt Hester
Wes Dix
Mike Swindle
Alaina Schlaefer
Tim Nance
Carrie White
Brooklyn Barnett
Troy White
Shannon Taylor
John Lacopo
In February we had our Valentine’s Day parties. The
3s went to McDonalds and had lunch and played in
the play area. The 4s went to The Sports Academy for
their Valentine’s Day party. They played and ate pizza.
The 4s are busy learning letters and words to prepare
for Kindergarten in the Fall.
We still have room in our 3 year old class. We would
love to have our 3 year old class as full as our 4 year
old class. If you know any 3 year olds that would
love to be in preschool, please call the church office
at 618-344-2713.
We are still enrolling 3s & 4s for 2014-2015.
EARN FUNDS FOR GREENHOUSE JUST BY
DOING YOUR GROCERY SHOPPING @
SCHNUCKS. PICK UP YOUR Escrip CARD IN THE
OFFICE TODAY!
THE
MONTHLY
MESSENGE R
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VOLUME
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Prayer Emphasis for the Month
This month, let’s show our
support for the following members
by praying for them and sending
them greeting cards.
MILITARY OF THE MONTH:
ALAN & MANDY MORFORD
6601 BOWIE DRIVE
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22150
SHUT-IN OF THE MONTH:
Shirley Wyatt
Liberty Village
6955 St. Rt. 162
Maryville, IL 62062
MISSIONARY EMPHASIS OF THE MONTH:
PAUL & ANNIE PILLAI
INDIA INLAND MISSION
BOX 2603
FOREST, VA 24551-0652
OUTREACH & UPCOMING EVENTS…….
KID’S CHOIR meets Sunday (in the sanctuary) at 5:00 PM. We will be performing “Livin’ Inside Out in An Upside
Down World” If you have a child K-6th grade and they like to sing, bring them to choir. They will be doing a spring
musical May 3rd.
TUESDAY WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY - Spring Session runs March 17-April 28. Morning - 9:00 AM-11:00 AM - Evening 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
This Bible study “brave” by Angela Thomas looks boldly at some of the fears and struggles of being a woman. You’ve got
questions? GOD’S GOT ANSWERS. BE BRAVE. ASK. Sign-ups are Feb. 15,th 22nd and Mar .1st. Cost: $15. Questions or
if you would be interested in being a group leader, call Terry Dye @ 344-7631.
VBS - Drum roll please!!! This year for Vacation Bible School we will be conquering Mt Everest. We will be learning to
Conquer Challenges with God’s Mighty Power. I am so excited to share this experience with you. Coming up in March we will
be learning more about this great VBS and providing ways for you to get involved. I will need people interested in serving on
the VBS committee and helping to coordinate decorations, preschool, crafts, snacks, stories, games, music, and more. We
will also need volunteers to help in these areas during VBS. Sign-ups will be out in March. Or you can contact me at
sms489@yahoo.com or 343-3070. So Mark your calendars now for VBS, June 8-12 and begin praying about how God wants
you to be involved. Thank you - Sylvia Strackeljahn
GREETERS
LIBRARY…….
We have many new DVDs in the library. We have
DVDs for all ages. Come check out the library. There
may be some books in there that you haven’t read.
We are open on Sunday morning before and after the
worship service.
THE
MONTHLY
MESSENGER
Date
Volunteer
1
Cookie Wicker
8
Jean Lauer’s Team
15
Christine & Betty Roy
22
Claudette Klein & Dee Burkett
29
Mike & Barb Brown
4
PAGE
5
Ministry Opportunities……
Mission Circle Mtgs.
For The Month of March
Cards For Christ
Tabitha – 3/3 - 10 AM
Lydia - 3/16 - 7 PM
Abigail - 3/23—10 AM
Dorcas - 3/24 - 9:30 AM
Esther - 3/26 - 9 AM
March 23rd @ 1:00 PM
NURSERY SCHEDULE
Call the chairman for meeting
places, or the church office
for more information 344-2713.
NURSERY
“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward
from him.” (Ps. 127:3)
1
9:00 AM
Desk
A
B
10:00 AM
8
9:00 AM
Desk
A
B
Sharon Rawdon
Laura Worley
Olivia Schubert
A
Jeana McFall
Natalie Pratt
10:00 AM
A
B
Alaina Schlaefer
Ashley Stroup
Kevin Middleton
Beth North
Mary Lacopo
Lindsay Vogt
Gabrielle Labbee
B
WORKERS
NEEDED
Lois Waldvogel
Holly Pratt
Olivia Schubert
15
9:00 AM
DESK
Desk
Lavelle King
9:00 AM
A
B
Open
Emilie Altenberger
A
Tomoko Crawford
Rose Holst
10:00 AM
A
Myra Sams
Deloris Burkett
B
Diane Miller
Mary Shea
B
Emilie Altenberger
Claire North
29
Call Mary Lacopo @
(618) 972-5974 or
Alaina Schlaefer @
(618) 920-1957
if you can help staff the
nursery.
22
Rae James
Jean Lauer
Olivia Schubert
A
B
10:00 AM
Norma Mohler
DESK
Pat Kirk
9:00 AM
A
B
Open
Olivia Schubert
10:00 AM
A
Open
Open
Open
Open
B
THE
MONTHLY
MESSENGE R
March 2015
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
8 AM Praise Team Rehearsal
9 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Children’s Church
10:30 AM Worship
5 PM Kid’s Choir
5 PM Warehouse 22
5 PM Pastor’s Class
Sunday
2
OFFICE CLOSED
7 PM Dodgeball
Monday
3
10 AM Tabitha Circle
7 PM Women’s Ministry Comm
4
5 PM Wednesday Nite Café
6 PM AWANA
6:30 PM Prayer Meeting
7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
5
6:30 PM CE Comm
Thursday
6
Friday
7
8 AM Men’s
Breakfast
Upward BB Games
K-3rd – 9 AM
4th-6th – 11 AM
Saturday
8
8 AM Praise Team Rehearsal
9 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Children’s Church
10:30 AM Worship
5 PM Kid’s Choir
5 PM Warehouse 22
5 PM Pastor’s Class
9
7 PM Mission Comm
7 PM Dodgeball
10
7 PM Trustee Comm
11
5 PM Wednesday Nite Café
6 PM AWANA
6:30 PM Prayer Meeting
7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
12
13
14
Upward BB Games
K-3rd – 9 AM
4th-6th – 11 AM
15
8 AM Praise Team Rehearsal
9 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Children’s Church
10:30 AM Worship
5 PM Kid’s Choir
5 PM Warehouse 22
5 PM Pastor’s Class
16
7 PM Lydia Circle
7 PM Dodgeball
17
6:30 PM Deacon Board
18
5 PM Wednesday Nite Café
6 PM AWANA
6:30 PM Prayer Meeting
7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
19
20
SPRING
21
Upward BB Games
K-3rd – 9 AM
4th-6th – 11 AM
22
8 AM Praise Team Rehearsal
9 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Children’s Church
10:30 AM Worship
5 PM Kid’s Choir
5 PM Warehouse 22
5 PM Pastor’s Class
23
10 AM Abigail Circle
1 PM Cards for Christ
7 PM Dodgeball
24
9:30 AM Dorcas Circle
25
5 PM Wednesday Nite Café
6 PM AWANA
6:30 PM Prayer Meeting
7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
26
9 AM Esther Circle
27
28
Upward BB Games
K-3rd – 9 AM
4th-6th – 11 AM
29
8 AM Praise Team Rehearsal
9 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Children’s Church
10:30 AM Worship – PALM
SUNDAY
5 PM Kid’s Choir
5 PM Warehouse 22
5 PM Pastor’s Class
30
7 PM Dodgeball
31