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Wading River Baptist ChurchP.O. Box 438, 1635 Wading River-Manor Road, Wading River, NY 11792

(631) 929-3512; 929-6022

www.wrbc.us [email protected]

Sing a Song of Christmas

The Christian church has a rich tradition

of Christmas music. There’s just some-

thing about the season in which we

commemorate our Lord’s birth that

lends itself to musical celebration, and

indeed, composers and lyricists of all

genres have found the story of Christ’s birth a fruitful outlet for their creativity.

Many Christians look forward to singing

the traditional carols every year, not the

least because of the precious memories

they evoke. Even in spite of the radical

change in church music over the last

couple of decades, that’s a practice I trust

will continue until the Lord calls His

church to glory.

Much of our beloved sacred Christ-

mas music consists of settings of the bib-

lical text itself. From the almost word-

for-word settings of Bach in his cantatas

and Handel in his Messiah, to the hymns

of Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts (and

others of their style), to the twentieth-

century cantatas of John Peterson and

the many composers who were influ-

enced by him, the words of Scripture

provided the texts for inspiring composi-

tions both for choir, for soloists, and for

congregations. The liturgical tradition of

the Roman Catholic Church has been

especially influential and reaches well

back into the Middle Ages.

Luke’s narrative recording the birth

of the Lord Jesus Christ includes several

eloquent poetical sections, and these

have been especially attractive to com-

posers in the Christian tradition. Be-

cause they were first set to music so long

ago, they have generally been known by

their Latin titles. Were they originally

sung? Probably not. But throughout

history, they have inspired a rich musical

heritage. In this Christmas article, I

want to highlight the four of them along

with the spiritual lessons they teach.

The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). The

first song is that sung by the teen-aged

Mary after she had become pregnant by

the Holy Spirit with the Son of God, and

upon her arrival in Judea to visit herrelative, Elizabeth. This is her hymn of

praise to her Heavenly Father, and it is

characterized by a remarkable humility

and understanding on her part of the Old

Testament prophetic Scriptures (“Mag-

nificat” means “magnifies”). Mary

clearly grasped the biblical significance

of what was happening to her, and

quotes one biblical text after another.

The hymn is in three stanzas progressing

from personal to more general.

Overwhelmed with God’s choice of

her to be the mother of the Lord Jesus,

she begins by praising God for His grace

toward sinners (vv. 46-49). Even though

she is a slave-girl, she nonetheless re-

joices that God has done great things for

her. Above all, she sees herself as a sin-

ner in need of God’s grace: “my spirit

has rejoiced in God my Savior” (v. 47).

She then offers her praise to God for His

mercy toward the humble (vv. 50-53).

Throughout, she reflects her very ordi-

nary, if not poor, background and is

overwhelmed that God would favor an

insignificant Jewish teenager, rejoicing

that the Lord shows His mercy to those

who fear Him by alluding to Psalm 103.

On the other hand, the Lord imposes

justice on those who forsake Him (vv. 51-

53), by which Mary undoubtedly reflects

the frustration of her fellow countrymen

with their proud rulers—especially the

arrogant religious authorities who would

be so often denounced by her Son

throughout His ministry.

God had been silent for 400 yea

during which time the Jews had unde

gone oppression at the hand of the Pe

sians, the Greeks, and then the Roman

Mary understands history, howeve

Human empires come and go, but Go

never fails to care for the poor and hum ble among His people. We realize w

Mary that apart from God’s mercy, n

one would be saved (Titus 3:5).

Finally, Mary praises God for H

faithfulness toward His elect (verses 5

55), specifically targeting the Jewi

people. She has no doubt but that h

Son will restore Israel and will occu

the throne of David forever, all accordin

to God’s promises to Abraham, Isaa

Jacob, and David (Genesis 12:2-3;

Samuel 7:14-16).

Benedictus (Luke 1:67-79). This

the “song” of Zacharias, the father

John the Baptist. “Benedictus” is Lat

for “blessed” (v. 68). During the thr

months Mary stayed with Zacharias an

Elizabeth (who was pregnant beyon

normal child-bearing age), they mu

have had extensive discussions (lo

Bible studies?) about the meaning

what was happening. Zacharias’s song

very Jewish with a prominent theme

salvation for Israel and the Messiah

Israel’s Savior and Redeemer. In a wa

he is speaking for the entire natio

Thus, the Benedictus is a less person

hymn than Mary’s, but equally inspir

since he was “filled with the Holy Spiri

(v. 67). Zacharias rejoices that the prom

ised Redeemer had at last been given (v

68-75). The Old Testament promises

His coming have been fulfilled at la

(“the Lord has visited us”), and in so d

ing “has accomplished redemption f

us” based on the covenant He had esta

lished with the nation (v. 72).

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The significance of this is even more

profound, however, for Zacharias recog-

nizes that “the Lord has raised up a Sav-

ior for Israel (vv. 69-71), a “horn of salva-

tion” from the family of David. This sal-

vation is both national and spiritual (see

Psalm 89:19-24), and is an expression of

faithfulness to Israel’s patriarchs (vv. 72-

73) and a guarantee that He will save

Israel from their enemies (vv. 74-75).

In addition, Zacharias is ecstatic that

his own son will be Messiah’s forerun-

ner. This baby will grow to become the

last and greatest of the prophets, some-

thing the Lord Jesus would eventually

say himself (Matthew 11:9-11). As such,

he would prepare Messiah’s way (Mala-

chi 3:1), a privilege no other prophet in

Israel’s history ever had. He would do

this by preaching salvation and the for-

giveness of sins (vv. 76b-77), which is

significant because it points out that Is-

rael’s future salvation would not be

merely political or military deliverance,

but would strike at the very heart of the

problem—the need for the forgiveness of

sins (Luke 3:2-14).

In addition to preaching repentance,

however, John would also introduce the

Son of God to Israel (vv. 78-79; see Luke

3:15-18; John 1:29-30). He would be

their Light (v. 79a; Isaiah 9:2), and He

would be their Guide (v. 79b; see Isaiah

59:8; Micah 4:3-4). The tone of this en-

tire hymn can be summed up in the

words, “Joy to the world, and blessed bethe Lord God of Israel!”

Gloria! (Luke 2:13-14). We now

move from two solos to a brief, but mag-

nificent, choral anthem. This is the song

of the angels as they announce the birth

of the Lord Jesus Christ to the shepherds

tending their flocks in the Judean fields

near Bethlehem. Their hymn of praise

has inspired many hymns such as

Wesley’s wonderful “Hark! the Herald

Angels Sing.” The birth announcement

of the Lord Jesus begins with a consola-

tion, encouraging the shepherds thatthey have no reason to fear (v. 10), fol-

lowed by a communication that the Baby

had been born in the city of David (v. 11),

and concluding with a confirmation that

the baby could be found lying in a feed-

ing trough in a stable in the village (v.

12). At that, the angelic choir erupts in

an anthem of praise (Gloria, “glory [to

God]”).

We often overlook the impact of this

joyful song. It does not mean that men

on earth should praise God in heaven,

but that the angelic beings in heaven

should praise God for what is happening

on earth. Heaven is not a place of inac-

tivity and silence. God is constantly wor-

shipped by the angels, not only for who

He is, but also for what He is doing on

earth. Thus, the writer of Hebrews

quotes Psalm 97:7, declaring that “when

He [God the Father] again brings the

first-born into the world, He says, ‘And

let all the angels of God worship Him’”

(Hebrews 1:6). So the angels are just

repeating God’s words in heaven for the

benefit of men on earth.

What they say is of immense impor-

tance for mankind. The birth of Jesus

was to mean peace on earth (v. 14). We

can’t help but think of Isaiah’s prophecy

that the Son who would be given to Israel

would be called (among other names),

the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7). But

then we remember what the Lord Jesus

himself said (Matthew 10:34): “Do not

think that I came to bring peace on the

earth; I did not come to bring peace, but

a sword.” Is this a contradiction? No,

because the latter passage speaks of His

first coming. When He comes a second

time to reign on the earth He will indeed

enforce peace (Isaiah 54:10; 66:10-12).

So why the delay? Because peace

between the nations requires peace with

God as its foundation. Unregenerate

men generally don’t live harmoniously

with each other; by nature, they do not

peacefully co-exist! That’s because“there is no peace for the wicked” (Isaiah

48:22; 57:21), and the peace the world

craves could only be provided through

the saving work the Lord Jesus did on

the cross of Calvary when He made

peace with God the Father as our Substi-

tute and Savior. “Therefore, having been

justified [declared righteous] by faith, we

have peace with God though our Lord

Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). And this

peace with God provides the believer

with the peace of God (John 14:27;

16:33). Do you have that peace in your heart today?

Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29-32). The

final song is a burst of praise from the

(apparently) elderly Simeon, a righteous

and devout Jew (“the Holy Spirit was

upon him”) who met Joseph and Mary as

they presented the Lord Jesus in the

Temple in Jerusalem according to the

requirements of the Law (Leviticus 12:6-

8). Simeon had been anticipating Mes-

siah’s arrival, and he was going about

God’s business in God’s house when

Christ suddenly appeared. He was t

right man with the right outlook in t

right place at the right time.

The Lord had promised Simeon th

he would not die until he had seen th

Messiah. His first words, therefore, a

“Now let [your servant] go.” Thus t

Latin, nunc dimittis (“now dismiss

which signifies “set free” or “release”

29). Here was a man who was so Go

focused and so heavenly-centered th

His aspiration was to be in heaven wi

the God he loved. Yet that would n

happen until he laid eyes upon the ba

Jesus. So to see the Messiah was his o

remaining passion in life. We are r

minded of the Apostle Paul’s similar pa

sion (Philippians 3:13-15; 2 Timothy 4:

8). It should be ours as well (1 John 3:

3). Godliness means heavenl

mindedness (Colossians 3:1-2).

In addition, Simeon was focused o

God’s Word: “You are releasing Yo

bond-servant to depart in peace, accor

ing to Your word” (v. 29). God’s Wo

was the secret of His hope, as it is ou

Through it, he understood God’s plan f

the future and God’s will for His own lif

How could he depart in peace? Becau

He was content in the knowledge

God’s revealed truth, and especially

knowing that God, through the baby h

held in his arms, had provided His salv

tion for a desperately needy nation an

world (v. 30). In fact, through his devo

eyes of faith, Simeon understood thGod’s saving grace accomplish

through Mary’s little son would have

global impact. Messiah’s arrival w

good news for “all peoples, a Light

revelation to the Gentiles,” and yet al

“the glory of Your people Israel” (vv. 3

32).

We can’t help but be impressed wi

the profoundly eloquent, intensely d

vout, and sublimely exalted character

all four of these “songs.” No wond

composers have so often enlisted the

as the basis for their musical creationThis Christmas season, as you join wi

your brothers and sisters in worshippi

the Lord and remembering your Savio

birth through music, unite your sp

with those of Mary, Zacharias, the a

gels, and Simeon and “repeat the soun

ing joy.” “Glory to God in the highes

and a merry Christmas to each of yo

— Pastor Ron Glas


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Missionaries of the Month – Rev. Marlin and Donna Fuller

3

Each week, more than 1.5 million kids

throughout the United States, ages 2 to

18, participate in Awana, an organization

with fully integrated evangelism and

discipleship programs for ages 2 to 18

that actively involve parents, church

leaders and mentors. It is an organiza-

tion that provided WRBC with a local

Awana club for many years until this

year. The name Awana stands for “Ap-

proved workmen are not ashamed” (2

Timothy 2:15).

For this reason, we need to focus onthe Awana program and Rev. Marlin &

Donna Fuller, leaders of the Western

PA/Western NY area ⎯ including Long

Island, that the ministry will find oppor-

tunities to rebuild at WRBC.

Rev. Fuller was born into a Christian

family with an upbringing that afforded

him many opportunities to hear the

Gospel. He attended Harpursville Bap-

tist Church in Harpursville, NY, and as a

junior in High School began teaching the

third grade Sunday School class and took

on leadership positions in the Awana

program at his church. By the time he

was a senior in High School, he became

an assistant Sunday School Superinten-

dent and the director of their teen pro-

gram. The more involved Rev. Fuller

became, the more he knew he had a real

burden to reach others for the Lord.

In December of 1970 he became en-

gaged to Donna Weiss and as they began

to make wedding plans, they also began

to make plans to serve the Lord in some

type of ministry. Unlike Rev. Marlin,

Donna was born into an unsaved family

with the mother finding her salvation

when Donna was a young girl. After

moving to Harpursville, NY, Donna’s

mother began taking her to church

where she attended VBS resulting in

Donna accepting Christ as her Savior.

She met Rev. Fuller in her senior year

and was married September 25, 1971.

Rev. Marlin & Donna Fuller now live

in Meadville, PA, and have 3 grown mar-

ried children with children of their own.

It has been said they travel over 40,000

miles a year throughout their area in PA

& NY. As Awana Missionaries, they be-

come partners with local churches to

help start, equip, maintain and coordi-

nate the Awana program. They will train

Awana leaders; host a ministry confer-

ence to share with Awana leaders the

newest techniques; and coordinate out-

reach events such as Awana games, Bible

quizzing, Summit, Sparks-a-Rama and

Awana Grand Prix.In addition to his involvement with

the Western PA & Western NY Awana

program, Rev. Fuller is the lead missio

ary for the entire PA & NY area. Perso

ally he loves to spend time with his ch

dren and grandchildren. He loves

travel, read, golf, bike and watch NA

CAR and football. As for Donna, s

loves being a grandma, plays the pian

and can sing, also loves to read and

watch NASCAR.

Support for the Awana progra

does not come from Awana headquarte

but from donations from the lo

churches such as ours. Surprising

enough, many of the Awana churches d

not support them. As with most m

sionaries, support is not running

100% so we need to continue to suppo

them not only financially but with o

prayers. As we continue to have conce

for our young people it is comforting

know that there is Awana and people li

Rev. Marlin & Donna Fuller devoti

their lives to the children and youth

the world that will come to know, lo

⎯ Joan Tysk

and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Getting Acquainted with William Kirchberger

1931 saw the doubling of

unemployment to 16.3%, and everybody

realized that the stock market crash of

1929 was having far reaching effects.

Many car manufacturers also went out

of business as people did not have

money to buy new cars. Nature even

conspired to make things worse by

causing a serious drought in the

Midwest which in turn made food more

expensive and turned some areas into

dust bowls. (Source: "What Happened in

1931 Inc. Pop Culture, Prices and

Events." The People History. 18 June

2006.) Also in 1931, William Kirchberger

was born in New York City on July 6th to

German immigrants, John and Margaret

Kirchberger. John was a butcher/meat

curer and Margaret was a homemaker

and mother, raising their only son,

William, or Bill as we know him. As you

can see, it was a time of hardship and

concern.

The Kirchbergers lived in “cold

water flats” (apartments without central

heat or hot running water) or “railroad

apartments” (an apartment with a lon

hallway or connecting rooms in a lon

narrow fashion) most of Bill’s early yea

until in 1941 when they moved into

house in Jamaica.

He attended school at PS 54 an

170, and subsequently at StuyvesaHigh School. Following graduation,

enrolled at CCNY (City College of Ne

York) ⎯ where he took bus

courses ⎯ and at NYC Communi

College; through his studies, he earn

an AAS (Associate of Applied Scienc

degree in Structural Science.

When Bill was age 5 or 6, he w

enrolled in a German-speaking Sund

School at St. Paul’s Evangelical Luthera

Church in Richmond Hill, Queens. H

walked ½ to ¾ of a mile ev



Sunday ⎯ rain or shine ⎯ until he got his

bike at the age of nine and then rode the

distance to Sunday School every Sunday.

Through his faithfulness to Sunday

School, Bill became acquainted with

Jesus, followed by Baptism and

Confirmation.

4

At age 18, Bill became an apprentice

as a real estate salesman working for his

aunt, a licensed broker. By 1951, Bill was

called into the service with the Marines,

serving until 1953.

Once out of the Marines he became

employed at Republic Aircraft in

Farmingdale as an aircraft final assembly

mechanic, later working as a draftsman

and steel designer at Combustion

Engineering in NYC, only to take

employment with Grumman in 1958

working in many areas of engineering

such as drafting, manpower/budgets,

estimating, presentations and dealing

with other departments. Bill remained

with Grumman for 32 years before

retiring in 1990.

A bit of family history is addressed

here to understanding how Bill met his

wife, Elfriede. During World War I, a 12-

year-old girl by the name of Emma

(Elfriede’s mother) was sent to live in the

country (rural district of Germany). The

farmers had a need for workers and food

was available in the country and scarce

in the cities. Emma wound up in the

town of Burgbernheim, Bavaria, where a

God-fearing family named Henningertook her in as if she were family. Bill’s

mother’s family also lived in the town

and an acquaintanceship developed.

Years later, Ludwig Henninger married

the sister of Bill’s mother in New York

City. They began sponsoring many

others to come to the USA, which would

include Bill’s mother and Emma. Emma

married Albert Schmidt and had four

daughters, one of them Elfriede; Bill’s

mother, Margaret, married and had a

son, their only son, Bill. The Henninger,

Schmidt, Kirchberger friendships

continued to their dying days. Although

the families were close, the Bill/Elfriede

“spark” developed years later. Now, Bill

and Elfriede have been married 52 years;

they were married on June 6, 1959, with

a friendship that has lasted truly a

lifetime. Their marriage has provided

them with four children: Linda Margaret

(died June 8, 2010), William John, Paul

Albert, and Edward Karl.

Offering another window of family

history: in the early 1950’s, Bill’s aunt

and uncle purchased a bungalow just

west of Camp DeWolfe in Wading River.

There was always an open invitation to

Bill’s family to visit with them and to

enjoy the beach that was close by. Bill’s

family visits continued after he was

married and as Bill and Elfriede visited

with their children, they watched the

bungalow grow larger. Eventually, Bill’s

aunt died, leaving Bill and Elfriede the

option to buy it and move from Dix Hills

to Wading River.

Camping was something the

Kirchbergers liked to do because it was

an inexpensive way to travel and to see

the sights. A “1930’s vintage tent” was

used before purchasing a pop-up trailer.

As time went on, Bill’s involvements

included Cub Scout leader, scoutmasterfor handicapped scouts (Pack/troop 366,

Huntington Station), and various duties

at the St. Luke Lutheran Church in Dix

Hills and Faith Evangelical Free Church

in Dix Hills.

There were many carry-overs from

Bill’s father including work ethics and

the enjoyment to hunt and fish. Bill at

80 years young, has put aside many

his early hobbies and interests includin

working on and repairing au

rebuilding houses, and collecti

standard-gauge model trains. Stam

collecting and coin collecting were oth

hobbies he had and still dabbles in the

nowadays.

Now his interest and time a

diverted to his children and

grandchildren ranging from 6 years o

to 23 years old. Not only do they ke

Bill on his toes and active in their live

but Bill makes himself available to ke

the grandchildren (and others) on th

straight and narrow; with whatever oth

time he has left, Bill spends in nudgi

politicians to do the right thing.

Now to go back to another histo

lesson to the beginning of Wading Riv

Baptist Church, the beginning began

Camp DeWolfe, a neighbor to Bill an

Elfriede’s home. On occasion, Bill an

Elfriede would attend services at Cam

DeWolfe’s meeting place of the new

formed church. They slowly gravitat

to the WRBC at its present location an

began attending more regularly wh

Pastor Glass began preaching.

Bill is a well rounded out guy fill

with so many childhood memories o

time when it was not easy for a family

German immigrants. But those da

built a man with character, a man wi

an enormous love for his children an

grandchildren, and a man with wonderful sense of humor.

⎯ Joan Tyska

A Month in Review

A memorable month it was with a senior

luncheon, a bridal shower, and a 90th

birthday celebration. Memorable also

were the record-setting high temperatures,

allowing the cold winds to hold off a bit

longer as we savored the last of the fading

flowers, the misplaced butterflies, and the

exiting robins. It was a month also of

thanksgiving.

November 5, 2011 was first on the

list to be enjoyed by a small turn out of

seniors for the “Cornucopia” Senior Saints’

Luncheon. The WRBC Fellowship Hall

was decorated with thanksgiving in mind

as cornucopias dominated the decorations.

Five new guests attended, promising to

return when their schedules would allow it.

Keeping with the theme of the lunch-

eon, Doug Heuzey led the devotions with a

message entitled “God’s Abundant Attrib-

utes.” As the group soon learned through

his humorous skill and tasteful sharing of

the Word, there were seven attributes dis-

cussed ⎯ Lovingkindness, Righteousness,

Goodness, Grace, Truth, Strength and R

demption ⎯

which when viewed as a whohelp to define the love of God.

The luncheon itself was a menu

pork loin, sauerkraut w/apples, pierogie

and assorted vegetables. A special Itali

Wedding soup was made by Mina Pirai

which received rave reviews. And,

course, an assortment of pies were serv

for dessert while the seniors selected item

from the ever-favorite “Trash to Treasur

table.

It is always a special treat for those a

tending the luncheon to anticipate the ar

val of Diane Pandolfini and to see her atti



for the occasion. She loves to make the

seniors smile ⎯ something that comes quite

easily for her.

Another Senior Luncheon is in themaking, scheduled for the second Saturday

in January. The theme will be “A Friend-

ship Luncheon” encouraging everyone to

come and to bring a friend. Hope to see

you there as we will be decorating the fel-

lowship hall in blue and white with friendly

little snowmen.

5

November 12,

2011 was a special day

for Silvia Hofmann as

the WRBC sponsored a

bridal shower that will

remain most memorable

to anyone that attendedthe shower held in Fel-

lowship Hall. To quote

Helen Bryan, it was the best bridal shower

that she ever attended. The décor was most

elegant, with the hall decorated in white

with a touch of burgundy; bud vases of red

roses and some very fine tableware loaned

to the church for the occasion by members

of the church. The collective efforts of the

Deaconess Committee plus two (Sarah

Chapman, Judy Ehmann, Jackie Hall-

strom, Bonnie Heuzey, Mina Piraino,

Marcelle Ritzmann, Vicki Valentine, and

Martie Best) put together the “The Perfect

Bridal Shower.”

Among the 32 attending the bridal

shower were the mother of the groom, Mrs.

Elaine Albrecht,

an aunt of the

groom, Mrs.

Beth Albrecht,

and the sister-

in-law of the

groom, Mrs.

Myra Albrecht,

that had trav-

eled from upstate NY or Manhattan (Myra)for this occasion. What a blessing that was

to meet some of Peter Albrecht’s family.

Silvia’s mother, Rosie Hofmann,

touched not only Silvia’s heart but every-

one’s heart with devotions only a loving

mother could share. In quoting Scriptures

of a virtuous woman and what it is to be a

good wife, Rosie shared those special

words of advice that a mother shares with

her daughter anticipating marriage.

On the lighter side of celebrating Sil-

via’s impending marriage, Martie Best led

the group in a variety of games, bringing

some most special moments of laughter

and enjoyment for all ages ⎯ from teens to

89. One game that will be remembered

always and forever and then some, is the

designing of wedding gowns out of simple

plain toilet paper and a few paper clips.

The group was divided into five teams, with

each team choosing someone in their group

to model the gown. This is where the fun

began as each group went off to a privatearea to bring together their designing tal-

ents to create the most fashionable wed-

ding gown for Silvia to judge. Judge she

did, awarding Kaitlyn Hallstrom’s team the

honor of top designer.

The focal point of a bridal shower of

course is the gifts, and for this shower most

of them were from Silvia & Peter’s chosen

registry at “Bed, Bath & Beyond.” Each gift

was exquisitely wrapped with a full selec-

tion of ribbons and bows to fulfill a shower

tradition to design a shower bonnet for the

bride to model. The teens attending the

shower took on the task to design a special

hat ⎯ and special it was. With such grace

and dignity, Silvia modeled the hat for a

photo shoot and to give the perfect endingto the perfect shower.

November 13, 2011 was Marge

Kurthy’s special day at the request of her

son, David Kurthy. Just a few days prior,

Marge had turned 90 years old, and what better place for her family to gather to-

gether to celebrate but at the WRBC,

Marge’s church for a third of her life.

Dave’s call put the deaconesses in motion

to provide a coffee hour after the Sunday

worship service. A beautiful buffet was

provided which included a special punch, a

birthday cake, and food brought in by the

members of the church.

How wonderful it was to see her family

from all parts of the United States file into

the first three pews of the church for Sun-

day service to share a time of spiritu

enlightenment. They came from upsta

New York, New Hampshire, Marylan

Florida, Missouri, Colorado, Texas, and

far away as California. Many stayed wi

Marge in her home, while others stayed

a 40’ RV that was parked on the street

front of Marge’s home. There was

doubt in anyone’s mind the love th

Marge’s family had for her. Of cour

many pictures were taken to preserve thspecial memory, but only a few are i

cluded to share with you. The first pictu

is Marge and three of her children. T

second is the 17 family members that cam

to celebrate. The third picture is Mar

with another of our seniors, Helen Bry

(who will be celebrating her 90th birthd

next year), and Janet Perry and Jani

Manges, not only sisters but twins.

As always the fellowship was great an

slow to disassemble as Marge’s family li

gered on with grateful appreciation of t

work done by the deaconesses and oth

volunteers.

WRBC did not have an agenda

Thanksgiving besides remembering ea

other in prayer as some traveled to be wi

family; some shared Thanksgiving wi

loved ones in need of witnessing; wi

some just reflecting on the many, ma

blessings we share at the WRBC. To

able to freely worship in a church that pr



fesses the truth of God’s Word is truly

something to be thankful for. We thanked

God for the leadership of the church; for

those providing worship in music; for the

servants that give freely of their time and

skill; for the sweet, sweet fellowship; and

for all those that offer prayer and support

for each other as obstacles arise in one’s

life. On this Thanksgiving, we gave thanks

to our Father, in the name of our dear Lord

and Savior, Jesus Christ.

One final note on Thanksgiving: Our

dear friend and sister in Christ, Marge

Kurthy, not only traveled to be with her

family in Colorado, but went home to be

with the Lord on Thanksgiving morning.

What a blessing it was to be with her fami

and how loving it was of our heavenly F

ther to have such sweet fellowshipping

celebration of her life just 12 days prior

her passing. God’s perfect timing in H

most loving care is worthy of our prai

and thanksgiving once more.

⎯ Joan Tyska

Elects Consider Gambling Expansion

Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist at-

tacks ten years ago, Governor Pataki and

the New York State Legislature pushed

through a major gambling bill. The bill

authorized six Indian casinos and per-

mitted horse tracks to open and operate

casinos with Video Lottery Terminals

(otherwise known as VLTs). The legisla-

tion did not authorize traditional casino

table games or any full-blown casinos

operated by non-Indians.

In an August 11 editorial, the New

York Daily News urged the Governor to

reject “casinomania”. The News argues,

“Cuomo should also put the brakes on

the Lottery Division’s drive to offer com-

puterized versions of games such as rou-

lette that violate the spirit, if not the let-

ter, of the constitutional ban.”

6

At the time New Yorkers were told

that it would help the state recover fromthe terrorist attacks, but ten years later

some are looking for more. Race tracks

are asking permission to offer more

forms of gambling including poker, rou-

lette, craps and other table games.

Now Governor Andrew Cuomo is

privately indicating support for a consti-

tutional amendment permitting non-

Indian casino gambling in New York

State. Currently only a limited number

of Indian gaming casinos are permitted

in the state. In an August 10 article enti-

tled, “Will New York get more casinosunder Cuomo administration?” the Al-

bany Times Union reported that it isn’t

just the Governor interested in gambling,

even “The Republican-led Senate has

signaled support for the constitutional

amendment.” Initially, Assembly

Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan)

seemed to signal opposition to a New

York City casino, but the Speaker seems

to be softening his stance in recent days.

Other gambling advocates contend

that simply expanding the existing In-

dian casinos would be more palatable to

the general public. Some Indian tribes

would like to open new casinos. The

Seneca Nation is proposing a casino in

Rochester, NY.

Pro-family advocates contend that

New York already has too many gam-

bling opportunities. They point out the

irony of the State Senate denying a peo-

ple’s vote on marriage, but its eagerness

to allow a vote on gambling expansion.

New Yorker’s

Family Research

Foundation (NYFRF)

doesn’t agree with

many of the Daily News’ editorials, but

they nailed it on this

one. Increasingly,

state leaders are opt-

ing to circumvent the intent of the State

Constitution by simply connecting new

gambling opportunities to the state’s

lottery computer. Once it is connected to

the lottery, leaders allege the gambling is

now legal because it is only part of the

lottery, not a casino.

The Aqueduct Race track in Queens

in scheduled to open in October. Its op-erator, Resorts World Casino, is billing

Aqueduct as a casino, not a limited video

lottery parlor. Aqueduct will offer the

digital slot machines, but also computer-

ized versions of roulette, craps and other

traditional casino games.

Senate hearings were recently held

on gambling expansion, but the deck was

stacked against pro-family anti-gambling

advocates. The only way to participate in

the hearings was by invitation, and anti-

gambling groups were not asked to par-

ticipate.

A September 2011 Quinnipiac poll

found that 56 percent of New York State

voters support the creation of casinos

similar to those found in Atlantic City

and Las Vegas. It also found that 63 per-

cent believed that casinos would lead to

a rise in gambling addiction. A March

2011 University of Buffalo study found

that problem gambling is more common

than alcoholism in those over age 21.

These facts should not be ignored, b

carefully considered.

Some other questions should be a

swered before New York becomes th

eastern Las Vegas, such as: How w

these new gambling addicts suppo

their habit? Who will pay for the i

creased cost of treating gambling addi

tions? Will the costs associated wi

gambling addiction outweigh the rev

nue raised? And what about the societ

cost of increased crime, divorce, dome

tic violence and suicide associated wiproblem gambling?

Rev. Duane Motley, senior lobbyi

with New Yorkers for Constitutio

Freedoms, a group opposed to any for

of gambling expansion, said, “When

comes to gambling, the house alwa

wins, but taxpayers always lose th

shirt.” Motley expects a major push fo

casino gambling constitutional amen

ment during next year’s legislative se

sion.

Historically New York State has

habit of rejecting these types of referedums, but this issue could be differe

with millions expected to be poured in

pre-election advertising from vario

gambling interests. Many elected of

cials, casino developers and voters w

roll the dice on gambling expansion.

⎯ Rev. Jason J. McGuire,President of the New Yorker’sFamily Research Foundation

[Reprinted with author’s permiss from the October 2011 edition (Vol. 2

Issue 4) of Freedom’s Alert , a public

tion of the New Yorker’s Family R

search Foundation.]



DDeecceemm b beerr 22001111 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 7:30 PM

Funeral

Service for

Marge

Kurthy

3

4 9:45 AM Sunday

School (Evangelism)

Peter Albrecht, Teacher

11:00 AM Morning

Worship Service

5 6 7 8:00 AM Ladies

Prayer – Joan Tyska

(727-5998)

7:00 PM Prayer Meeting

and Exposition of Psalms

8 9 10

11 9:45 AM Sunday

School – The Training of

the Twelve (Discipleship)

Doug Heuzey, Teacher

11:00 AM Morning

Worship Service –“Christmas Tapestry”

WRBC Choir Ensemble

12 13 7:00 PM

Board of

Deacons

Meeting

14 8:00 AM

Ladies Prayer



15 16 17 1:00 PM

Wedding of

Peter Albrech

and

Silvia Hofma

18 9:45 AM Sunday

School (Discipleship)

11:00 AM Morning

Worship Service

19 20 21 8:00 AM

Ladies Prayer



22 23 24

25 10:00 AM

Christmas Day Worship

Service (No Sunday

School)

26 27 28 8:00 AM

Ladies Prayer 29 30 31

DDeecceemm b beerr Bible Quiz Questions

1) The Ammonites, a nomadic race, descended from

_______, Lot’s son.

2) God changed Jacob’s name to ______.

3) Who was the father of the Edomites?

4) How many sons did Jacob have?

5) Who suggested casting Joseph into a pit in lieu of

killing him?

Bonus: What price was Judas paid to betray Jesus?

― Felix Acerra

NNoo v v eemm b beerr Bible Quiz Answers

1) Pergamos (KJV) or Pergamum (NASB)

(Revelation 2:12-13).

2) Israel (Isaiah 44:1-2; Deuteronomy 32:15-18).

3) Cyrus, king of Persia ⎯ prophesied by name

(2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-3; Isaiah 44:28; 45:4

4) Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32

Mark 3:28-29; Luke 12:10).

5) Lydia (Acts 16:14).

Bonus: Isaiah 40:15.

Submit the answers and Bible references to: [email protected]

Congratulations to Dennis Tyska and Virginia

Sylvester for submitting all five correct answers

plus the bonus for the November Bible Quiz!

TThhee BBiirrtthhddaa y y CCoorrnneerr

December 2nd – Pastor NoelFaustinorio

December 5th – Bob Drummond

December 8th – Martie Best

December 9th – George Ehmann

December 10th – Ruth KerrDecember 13th – Kristen Hallstrom

December 13th – Denise Tolf

December 16th – Pastor Ron Glass

December 22nd – Katie Glass

TThhee A A nnnnii v v eerrssaarr y y CCoorrnneerr

December 18th

– Pastor Noel & NoraFaustinorio

December 25th – Dennis & Joan Tyska

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



PO Box 438Wading River, NY 11792

Our Purpose

1. To glorify God through sharing

the good news of salvation by God’s

sovereign grace through faith in His

Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To nurture believers through a

strong program of Christian educa-

tion, youth ministries, and expository

Biblical preaching.

3. To provide an opportunity for

Biblical worship, service, and fellow-

ship.

4. To extend our ministry through-

out America and around the world

through participation in home and

foreign missions.

WRBC is affiliated with the Conserva-

tive Baptist Association of America

and the Conservative Baptist Mission

to the Northeast.

Wading River Baptist Church

• For the Exaltation of God in All Things

• For the Proclamation of Faith in Christ

• For the Transformation of God’s Peopl e

8

december 11 beacon

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