deep thoughts pastor dave august€¦ · size; a fact-finding mission of sorts. we want to observe...
TRANSCRIPT
This summer we have begun, and
will continue, to explore our
identity, our policies, and how we
operate as a church family. The
last few years we have seen
incredible growth. This has
created some growing pains and
challenges, but also excitement
and renewed energy. It is safe to
say that we are not the church
we were 3–4 years ago. In this
month’s Scroll article, I want to
share some thoughts with you
regarding “what is going on” and
“what is next”.
In our Bible study groups, we
have been focusing on Scriptures
that speak about the church.
Through these discussions, we
have begun to look at why the
church exists, values we hold as
a church family, our identity, and
why we exist. My hope is that, as
we enter the Fall season, we will
begin forming a new mission
statement, developing a logo for
the church, lifting up our values,
and using that identity to shape
our ministry together.
In recent months, I have
recorded some statements that
individuals made when speaking
of our church. The list that
follows speaks well to our
values as a church as we see it
unfolding in the book of Acts.
Check out this list and see how
well it represents us as a
church.
Worship is Transformational
The Message is Central
Prayer is Potential
Fellowship is Amazing
Hospitality is Genuine
Discipleship is a Journey
Generosity is Normal
Ministry is an Adventure
Love is a Verb
Inviting is Expected
Jesus is Everything
All churches need vision, a
direction, a road map to follow.
The above list speaks to our
values; actual and hoped for. As
we enter the Fall and Winter
seasons, we will take some time
to flesh these out in such a
way that they speak to our
identity, motivation, and passion.
There are items on this list that
we are excelling at, and there
are items we aspire to. In all of
them, we find values that the
early church lived by (Acts 2)
and in which they were blessed
and growing as a result.
PASTOR
Rev. David Anderson
MINISTER OF MUSIC
Dr. Matthew McConnell
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Lora Peck
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday–Friday,
8:30 A.M.–1:30 P.M.
PHONE:
413/663-3780 or
413/664-8256
FAX:
413/664-8275
EMAIL:
firstbaptistnorthadams
@verizon.net
WEBSITES:
firstbaptistnorthadams.org
campashmere.org
DE E P THOUGHTS W I TH PA S TOR DAVE
continued →
AUGUST 2016
We will be spending time creating a
mission statement that speaks to our
identity—a short sentence of 6–8 words
that is easily memorized and lived out in
everything we do. An example would be
“Love God, Love People, Share it with
the World” or “First Baptist Church: A
Community of Faith, Love, and Hope”.
What are your thoughts and ideas? Give
us your input; shoot us an email or drop
your ideas off at the office. All ideas will
be incorporated in the brainstorming
process as we develop a statement that
brings excitement, pride and, motivation.
We are also finishing our Constitution
Revision. The goal is to present changes
to the congregation this Fall for
approval. A great deal of time has been
spent looking at our policies, operating
procedures, board structure, and
governance. Again, our church was not
what it was 3–4 years ago. Growth has
found us in an almost fluid state, which
has been exciting but at times challeng-
ing. Praise God for the blessings of
growth.
We will be also starting a brief
endeavor of sending out a few small
teams to visit others churches similar in
size; a fact-finding mission of sorts. We
want to observe their hospitality, worship,
children and youth ministries, disciple-
ship, structure, facility, fellowship, and
identity. We sometimes get so caught up
in our own church context that we forget
that God is doing a mighty work in many
churches. What is going on elsewhere
might very well help us to define our
next steps together as a church family. If
you would be interested in going forth
DE E P THOUGHTS CONT I NU ED
as part of a team, please speak to
Pastor Dave. Teams will be forming
soon.
One new topic that we will
be touching upon is staff, and the
possibility of adding a second front-line
ministry position. Ongoing growth has
put us in the position of needing to
add to our staff. A small team has
been formed to begin the conversation
and, in time, the congregation as a
whole will be looked to for input and
ideas. This possibility brings about
much potential for our church, but the
discussions will also need to include
careful and intentional consideration as
to what this will mean for us financially.
Stay tuned for more on this front in
the coming months.
Our newly formed Worship Arts
Team has been meeting to help discern
what is next for our worship experience.
Worship is one area in the life of a
church that can cause a measure of
conflict. We have different musical
tastes, varying desires for the message,
and a plethora of opinions when we
look at tone, feel, and esthetics. My
vision for worship is somewhat
simple….if the Body of Christ is made
up of many diverse parts, and if all of
these diverse parts gather at one time
for worship, then the worship experience
must do its best to connect with ALL
parts of the Body of Christ who have
gathered. There are mature believers
and new Christians, and those in
between, in the pews. There are young
and old, and everything in between, in
the pews. There are people from a wide
Page 2
Page 3
ADV ENTURES W I TH PA STOR DAVE
Through the Summer and Fall, a monthly
event will be offered. Some will be free,
some will have a small cost. Some will
be for exercise, some will offer social
opportunities. ALL will offer a chance to
be outside enjoying God’s creation.
On Sunday, August 14 at 12:30 P.M. we
will gather at the church to head to
Bosquet for water sliding, mini golfing,
go-carting, and other summer time fun.
The cost will be $12 per person. Sign up
with Pastor Dave if you want in!
We will be collecting a different item
every month. There is a box on the Mis-
sions table in the chapel for donations.
COLLECTION ITEMS FOR AUGUST:
School Supplies
OPERAT ION CHR I S TMAS CH I L D
range of church backgrounds and no
church backgrounds in the pews. Our
worship experience should and must
reflect that amazing diversity.
Many churches have gone the route
of 2 worship services, one contemporary
and one traditional. My struggle with that
is we are then dividing the Body of
Christ. We all need the traditional hymns
AND a taste of what is musically new
within the Body. We need traditional
approaches to preaching AND the
graphic, interactive, cutting-edge elements
for a world that is becoming more visual.
Is it possible that worship should not be
a “this OR that” experience but instead a
“this AND that” experience that brings
together the whole Body of Christ?
The last few years have been an
amazing journey for our church, and
there is still much to be experienced
and explored. Growth brings about
change, and change sometimes brings
about challenges. As your pastor, I feel
that at times I have managed it well, and
at other times I have managed it not as
well as I would have liked. The growth of
our church has changed the complexion
of my position in a number of ways,
and for me that has been exciting and
unnerving at times. We are blessed to be
a church that has almost doubled in size
over the last few years. We are blessed
to be a church in which I anticipate that
this growth will continue.
I am praying for fruitful discussions,
planning, strategizing, and decision-
making that will help us as a church take
these next steps together as a family.
Yes, this month’s article was a lot
longer than usual...but Wow! God’s
blessings have been bountiful, and there
is much to do. Want to get involved?
Please speak to me and we will find a
place for you. Blessings!
DE E P THOUGHTS CONT I NU ED
Page 4
DATE WORSHIP OFFERINGS
June 26 161 $2,743.50
July 3 181 $4,213.50
July 10 162 $3,524.00
July 17 167 $2,670.00
OFFERINGS TOTAL: $13,151.00
OFFERINGS NEEDED: $15,200.00
SHORTFALL: $2,049.00
WATER DONAT IONS WEEKLY STATISTICS
The weather is hot, and so is the sanc-
tuary! We are looking for donations of
bottled water to be used for worship on
Sunday mornings. If you are able to
help, please leave your donations on the
bench outside of the church office.
I N T RODUC I NG . . .
MYLES MATTHEW ALLEN July 1, 2016
8lb, 2oz
Parents: Holly Solak & Josh Allen
Siblings: Mackenzie & Maxwell
Aunt & Uncle: Scott & Jen Solak
L ILLIAN ROSE MERANTI July 8, 2016
7lb, 13oz
Parents: Matthew Meranti & Beth Malynn
Grandparents: Steve & Connie Lincoln
Great Grandparents: Bob & Connie Lincoln
Uncle: Mitchell Meranti
KAMRYN MARIE SPOONER July 5, 2016
4lb, 5oz
Grandparents: Fritz & Judy Spooner
Aunt: Sarah Spooner
Page 5
NURSERY
7 Jen Solak & Peg Shartrand
14 Heidi McCausland & Krista Tower
21 Lora Peck & Lauren Bellows
28 no nursery: worship @ Fish Pond
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
7 Kim Miller & Melissa Montoya
21 Steve King & Nancy Kennedy
BIRTHDAYS 1 Matt Goodermote
3 Bryce Robison
4 Kathi Lampron
Jeff Kurpaska
5 Melissa Crews
6 Prudy Gravel
7 Lyla Crews
Paulette Fullerton
8 Jeff Kennedy
9 Diane Perry
10 Marion Beer
14 Dale Bona
15 Paul Goyette
Cooper Olimpo
Gary Clark
16 Judy Licht
18 April Olimpo
21 Alex McCausland
Judy Spooner
22 Heidi McCausland
Nicole Volff
23 Elizabeth Wood
Stefanie Tatro
24 Enid Shields
26 Myrna Harvey
Frank Risatti
27 Declan Cantoni
29 Corey Kennedy
Kim Dix
31 Herbie Putnam
DEACON ON CALL (If there is information that needs to be
shared, if you need to pray, or if you need
help, please call the Deacon on Call.)
July 31–Aug 6
Kathy Church 652-4562
Aug 7–13
Eloise Stevens 663-5272
Aug 14–20
Lois Hescock 663-9526
Aug 21–27
Kathy Church 652-4562
Aug 28–Sept 3
Eloise Stevens 663-5272
B I RTHDAYS & ANN I V E R S A R I E S
S E RV I NG I N AUGUST
ANNIVERSARIES 3 Frank & Eloise Stevens
6 Bob & Melanie St. Pierre
8 Emory & Janet Scholl
Jerry & Nancy Bush
13 Steve & Lisa Brown
14 Steve & Lori King
16 Chuck & Anita Mosher
19 Brian & Laurie Douglas
23 Randy & Sue Wood
Rev. Roy & Winnie Burdick
27 Bob & Connie Lincoln
Page 6
Too often in the news we are hearing
and seeing shootings and violence! We
begin to have feelings of doubt, and we
ask the question, “why”? Where is God
in all this?
The following excerpt from a daily
devotional by Joyce Meyer challenges us
to ponder why we are really asking that
question.
“In recent years, I’ve begun to think that
‘why’ isn’t what Christians are really ask-
ing God. Is it possible that we’re asking,
“God, do you love me? Will you take
care of me in my sorrow and pain? You
won’t leave me alone in my pain, will
you?” Is it possible that, because we’re
afraid that God doesn’t truly care about
us, we ask for explanations?
Instead, we must learn to say, “Lord
God, I believe. I don’t understand, and I
could probably never grasp all the rea-
sons why bad things happen, but I can
know for certain that you love me and
you are with me—always.
Heavenly Father, instead of asking for
answers to the why questions, help me
to focus on your great love for me.
When Satan tries to fill my mind with
troublesome questions, help me to feel
the protection of your loving, caring arms
around me. Help me always to show my
gratitude and devotion for all that you
do for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
On July 10, the deacons held a
bake-less bake sale to raise money for
deacon ministries. A bake-less bake sale
is really, you, giving a donation to the
deacon board. Thank you for your gener-
osity in giving! we raised $112. The
winner of the drawing for the tote bag
was Lisa Mineau.
The deacons are compiling a list of
church family members who are in
college, or some kind of training beyond
high school. If you or someone you know
within the church is beginning this Fall,
or who is already attending school,
please let me know. We want to keep in
touch with you!
Together we serve,
Emory Scholl
THE DE ACON ’S B ENCH
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 FOLLOWING WORSHIP
COF F E E HOUR
Join us for refreshments and fellowship.
We missed July due to other events.
Come eat, drink (church punch), and be
merry! Coffee hour gives us one of the
best opportunities to get to know our
church family.
As we move into the Fall season, we
will be working creatively to move part
of our crowd down to the Eagle St Room.
How exciting it is to know we have grown
to where the chapel is no longer big
enough! There will be a goodie table and
beverages served on both levels of the
building.
P R A YER R EQUESTS
Page 7
NORTH ADAMS COMMONS Rosemary Andrews
Bessie Lapine
Ivis Lewis
WILLIAMSTOWN COMMONS Lyle Blanchard
Marion Beer
FILLMORE POND Ray & Elaine Bentley
HEALTH ISSUES Nancy Anderson
Kerry Arigoni
Martha Bean
Owen Benoit
Ruth Boucher
Lisa Brown
Stan Brown
Barb Busl
Elmer Douglas
Judy Duquette
HEALTH ISSUES CONTINUED
Barb Garling
Myrna Harvey
Joanne McNulty
Linda Quimby
Emory & Janet Scholl
Barbara Spencer
Donna Sprague
Ralph Underwood
Gail Weber
Frankie Williams
Carrick Wood
Phyllis Wylde
Fran Zappula
IN THE MILITARY Elizabeth Culpepper
Sarah Lapine
Bryce Lyons
Jon Oleson
Hayden Parsons
Justin Schovenac
OTHER CONCERNS Matthew Arigoni
Sam McVinney
MISSIONARIES John Carrick & Family
in Bohn, Germany
Joel & Karen Gray
in Africa
Joanna Hodges
in Haiti
Hector Newman
in Honduras
Karen Smith
in Thailand
B I B L E S TUDY U PDAT E S
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
We will continue to meet throughout the
summer, with the monthly potluck held
at the parsonage on August 16. All are
asked to bring a salad, side dish, or
dessert to share.
THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
This 5:30 P.M. Bible study with Pastor
Dave will be taking the remainder of the
summer off.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
We will NOT meet on August 3, 10 or 24.
The group WILL gather at the parsonage
on Wednesday, August 17 for a potluck
cookout. Pastor Dave will fire up the grill
and prepare something yummy. All are
asked to bring a salad, side dish, or
dessert to share. We will resume our Bible
Study on August 31.
in this light, the inclusion of an
excerpt from his student George
Gerswhin’s “I Got Rhythm” in The
Schillinger System of Musical
Composition can be viewed as a
humorous pun. Schillinger continues his
conclusion by saying that this limited
exploration of rhythm was “because they
[Western composers] thought in terms of
ordinary musical notation.” Messiaen was
of the same opinion, and wrote about
the inadequacy of traditional notation
to depict complex rhythms. Both he
and Schillinger proposed ways to
overcome this inadequacy, but even
earlier, Alexander Scriabin...”
In addition to playing piano works by
both composers for demonstration during
my lectures, I’ll be performing in concert
with one of my former students my third
night abroad. While not at the Conserva-
tory, I plan to visit several churches,
test-drive a few organs, purchase books
and novelties, and play on some
well-maintained, historic pianos touched
by Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich,
and Tchaikovsky! All-in-all, this will be an
inspiring trip, and I may even be able to
bring back a very traditional, Russian
musical instrument to add to my
ever-growing collection. If that is the
case, you’ll definitely hear it make an
appearance during a worship service at
FBC!
God Bless You,
Dr. Matt
Page 8
MUS I C NOTES
Interested in what I’m lecturing on
at the Moscow Conservatory? Here
you go: “Composers Alexander
Scriabin (Russian, 1872-1915) and
Joseph Schillinger (Russian, 1895-
1943): How to employ the theories of
Joseph Schillinger to analyze non-diatonic
harmonic motion in the piano preludes
Alexander Scrabin.” Below is a taste from
the "summary" I’ve prepared for partici-
pants to digest their first day:
"Schillinger drew inspiration from
mathematics. This included the series of
prime numbers, the power series, the
Fibonacci series, and series employed in
visual creations, including biblically-derived
plot-points used in the “writing” (painting)
of Russian Orthodox icons. He also
utilized a strict additive and subtractive
series, while Olivier Messiaen applied
looser elements of addition and subtrac-
tion to notes in his own way by using
additive and subtractive values, motivic
transformational tools used create
variation in pre-composed musical phrases.
Like Messiaen, Schillinger also had an
interest in the rhythmic complexity found
in non- Western music. He was, at one
time, working as an ethnomusicologist for
the State Institute of the History of Arts,
and this work exposed him to the
rhythmic intricacies of “primitive” music,
leading him to the conclusion that: “The
history of creative experience in [Western]
music shows that even the greatest
composers have been unnecessarily
limited in their rhythmic patterns.” Perhaps,
Page 9
CHURCHW I D E TAG SA L E
The 2016 fundraising tag sale is
scheduled for Saturday, September 10.
As you clean, please put aside any
good, working items that you could
donate to the sale. (Please, no clothes,
TV’s or computers. Furniture items will be
considered.). Also, be thinking about how
you can participate in this project as it
draws nearer!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 AT 5:30 P.M.
ANNUAL MUS I C B ANQUET
Part of the Sanctuary Choir? Bell Choir?
Praise Team? Soloist? If so, join us at
the 6’ House in Williamstown. We will
order off the menu, with each person
paying for their own meal. Please join us
as we celebrate the amazingly musical
year we’ve had!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10 BEGINNING AT 5:30 P.M.
DOWNTOWN C E L E BRAT ION
Join us as we head downtown to share
in the city’s BIG summer event. We will
again offer bounce houses, games, face
painting, and activities. We will also be
serving beverages and food.
A team is forming to lead this event. A
sign-up sheet will be available at the
Welcome Center if you are interested in
helping our church gain some visibility
within the community.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 AT 10:30 A.M.
WORSH I P ON THE WATER
In recent years, the downtown has been
taken over by Motorama. This has made
arriving at church for worship on that
Sunday a challenge, soooo….
During Motorama we will be worship-
ping at Fish Pond with a few other area
churches. Come and sing, sing, sing.
Our plan is to hold a music-heavy “sing-
spiration” service.
We will gather on the shores of the
lake to share in great fellowship without
all of the parking hassles and traffic of
Motorama.
Stay tuned for more information. We
may even turn this into a cookout/picnic
event!
Page 10
Swim, play, rest, hike, fish, go boating,
sit by a campfire, read by the lake, do
a craft project, play foursquare, kickball,
volleyball, foosball, capture the flag,
lawn games, board games, enjoy a
movie under the stars, hang with friends
and family, make ice cream sundaes,
visit the Ashmere Store…
This list speaks to just some of what
you (and your family) can to at Camp
Ashmere’s Family Camp Weekend. There
will be something for everyone!
You can reserve a cabin, a room, or
bring your own tent, RV, or trailer.
There's room for all.
This weekend away is affordable for
everyone. Come with your family, a
friend, or by yourself. Come for an
afternoon, a day, an overnight, or for the
whole weekend!
Enjoy the blessings of our little piece
of God’s creation. End the Summer with
a bang, and start the Fall off right with a
great weekend away.
LODGING & MEALS
Family (up to 4) all weekend: $150
Individual all weekend: $80
Family (up to 4) daily with meals: $40
Individual daily with meals: $20
(Children under 5 are free)
F AM I L Y CAMP @ ASHMER E
RA L L Y DA Y
LABOR DAY WEEKEND: SEPTEMBER 2–5
We have not yet hit August, but Septem-
ber will be here before we know it! With
it comes Rally Day – our Fall launching
point to experience things anew within
the life of the church.
Worship on Rally Day will be BIG and
it will be special. Adult Sunday School
and Children’s Sunday school (grades
K–5) will begin again. Groups that took
time off during the summer will resume.
Following worship on Rally Day, the
entire church family will be invited to a
cookout/potluck picnic at the Clarksburg
Field. The Board of Christian Education
will provide the meat, but all are asked
to bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to
share. We are hoping to have a bounce
house for the kids, games for all ages,
and...
The Amazing Race—teams of four
will head out in cars for approximately
3–4 hours to engage in activities,
challenges, searches, and games. It will
be wild! Put together a team and get
signed up. This will be the event of the
Fall season!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 FOLLOWING WORSHIP
PRAYER WARRIORS
Every Wednesday at 6 P.M.
Please join us in the upper room (off the
chapel) and let’s pray together. “For
where two or three are gathering together
in my name, there I am in the midst of
them.” (Matthew 18:20)
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Saturday, August 6 at 8 A.M.
Join us in the Eagle St. room and partake
in culinary delights, guy conversation, and
a powerful and impactful Bible study.
WOMEN’S BREAKFAST
Saturday, August 6 at 8 A.M.
We will meet in the conference room for
a continental style breakfast and a bible
study. Please join us!
YOUNG ADULT GROUP
Sunday, August 7 & 21
at 5 P.M. at the church
‘The Group’ is organized of young adults
that meet twice a month. The 1st Sunday
of every month features a potluck meal
and fellowship. The 3rd Sunday of the
month features a bible study, fellowship,
and snacks! It is never to late to join us!
HARVEST FAIR: PLANNING
Wednesday, August 10 at 10 A.M.
Anyone interested in planning and organiz-
ing this year’s event is welcome to
attend.
ADULTS UNLIMITED
Friday, August 12 at 6 P.M.
No church business, just church
fellowship! Each month is a new venue.
Questions? Call Fran Czarnecki.
COFFEE & CRAFTS
Thursday, August 18 at 6:30 P.M.
Come join us at the parsonage for a fun
evening of crafting, conversation, and
coffee (or tea). Please RSVP to Jen if you
are able to attend. She will provide the
coffee/tea, you provide your craft!
FIGHTING WITH FAITH
Sunday, August 21 at 6 P.M.
This community support group is for
anyone who has been touched by
cancer). We will inspire, and be inspired,
through fellowship, scripture, prayer, and
stories of hope and strength. Light
refreshments will be served.
POTLUCK PALS
Friday, August 26 at 6 P.M.
Join us in the Eagle St. room and bring
an appetizer, main dish, or dessert to
share. We have a great time socializing
and eating, with occasional entertainment.
BRUNCH BUDDIES
Sunday, August 28 at 12 P.M.
We are heading out to brunch! We will
share in a great meal at a local restau-
rant as well as share in great fellowship.
MORE U PCOM I NG E V ENTS
Page 11
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 131 Main Street
North Adams, MA 01247
HOW TO SURV I V E THE S T R ES S OF SUMMER BY TRACIE MILES
The threat of summer craziness becomes
reality - work obligations, sports practic-
es, mission trips and church activities.
Isn’t summer supposed to be footloose
and fancy-free? Are relaxing summer days
merely a thing of the past?
We have more and more days when
we lose our patience or harbor a bad
attitude, or have had quite enough of
"family time." Days when we feel power-
less against the exhaustion of our busy
schedules and stress rules the roost.
It may seem that easy summers are
long gone. However, we can make it
through the hectic days and stay at
peace despite the chaos. God promises
He will help us with whatever we face:
"The LORD gives his people strength. The
LORD blesses them with peace" (Psalm
29:11).
When we remember to focus on God’s
sweet goodness, instead of all the scrib-
bles on our calendar, we can proactively
manage our summertime. We can receive
God’s calm, even in a busy and sometimes
stressful time of the year.
Busyness and stress can heat up
quicker than the summer sun. But it is
possible to stay cool on the inside. Wheth-
er we are low in spirit or low in energy,
depending on God and seeking a daily
infusion of His strength and peace can
ensure a less stressful summer.