The Star February 2015 Page 1
2015 Mission Summit
Guest Speakers
February 2015
Volume 53, Issue 2
February 2015
Volume 53, Issue 2 First Baptist Church
3033 SW MacVicar Ave.
Topeka, Kansas 66611-1811
www.firstbaptisttopeka.org
785.267.0380 | [email protected]
Staff & Volunteers
Cheryl Henson, Senior Pastor
Corey Fields, Associate Pastor
Blake Bledsoe, Student Intern
Robyn Aeschliman, Dir. of Faith Forest
Joe Barnes, Building Superintendent
Will Kubie, Organist/Pianist
Rick Kready, Director of Chancel Choir
Pam DeFries, Chancel Choir Pianist
Boopesh Kumar, CCLC Director
Steve Martin, Custodian
Kay Renyer, Day Care Director
Verlee Sanneman, Office Manager
First Baptist is challenged to bring 1,000 cans of soup with you to worship. To
date, we have received 199 cans of soup. You may also bring crackers. Soup
and crackers will be donated to Doorstep. Let’s can the hunger in Topeka!
American Baptists from around the globe will be returning to Overland
Park for the 2015 Mission Summit from June 26-28. First Baptist has paid a
sponsoring church registration fee, which lowers the individual registration
fee from $165 to $40. This does not include your meals, transportation, and
lodging. Registration forms will soon be available outside of the worship
areas. The Summit will have multiple highlights, including: the Mission
Summit Conversations, dynamic speakers, luncheon events held by
American Baptist International Ministries, American Baptist Home Mission
Societies, and the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, and more!
Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, senior minister of the historic Riverside Church
in New York City, will preach during the Friday evening service. Rev. Dr.
A. Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, will
bring the message on Saturday evening during a celebration of his fourteen
years as General Secretary. Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III,
executive director of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, will
speak during the Sunday morning time of worship. The Sunday evening
service will be highlighted by speaker Rev. Dr. Don Ng, president of the
American Baptist Churches USA and the first Asian-American to serve in
this role.
More information can be found on the web: americanbaptists2015.com
Clockwise: Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, Rev.
Dr. A. Roy Medley, Rev. Dr. Don Ng,
and Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-
Riggins III.
The Star
Page 2 February 2015 The Star
January 31-Feb. 1 — Corey Fields, 379-3852
February 7-8 — Cheryl Henson, 338-2161
February 14-15 — Corey Fields, 379-3852
February 21-22 — Cheryl Henson, 338-2161
February 28-29 — Corey Fields, 379-3852
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE February 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Lattimore Chapel
Our Number One Fear by Cheryl R. Henson, Senior Pastor
Jerry Seinfeld is quoted as saying, “According to most
studies, people's number one fear is public speaking.
Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that
sound right? This means to the average person, if you go
to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the
eulogy.”
W ell, I have officiated at numerous funerals and
done many a eulogy in my 40 years of
ministry, but never really had the desire to be
in the casket instead of the one up front talking. I do
however, have some practical suggestions for you. Write
out your obituary! Yes, write it out. Do not let it depend
on your families
whose memories may
not serve them well in
times of grief. Write it
down now while your
memory still serves
you well. Write down
your desires for the
type of funeral service
you want. Recently, I
had a service in which
I was simply told,
“You choose the
songs and the
scriptures; we don’t
know what she liked.” It is difficult to plan an
appropriate service if there is no information about the
deceased provided. Come into the church office and get a
Funeral File form which provides us with information
such as the songs you would prefer or where you would
like your memorial to be used. Since I have been here,
we have had more than one member whose family didn’t
even know the person attended church at First Baptist,
and yet she was a long time member. Make sure your
family knows where you go to church! Any pre-
arrangements you have made with a funeral home may
also be put on file here. Adult children who live in
faraway places may not be aware of what your current
wishes are.
Finally, whatever your age, make out a will! My
father said verbally all his life he wanted his money to go
to the church, but since he died without a will that didn’t
happen. Seniors, please consider, how will your tithe to
the church be replaced after you are gone? One way to
be sure is to place the church in your will. A minimum of
10%, representing your tithe on your estate, is the least
of what we all should give. If you have no family or
family that needs no funding, then it is appropriate to
consider leaving your estate to the church. The assets
will certainly be put to work for the kingdom of God. It
will have eternal consequences.
In case you think this article is only for seniors, I
have a word for our young adults. It is especially
important for young parents to have a will designating
guardianship of dependent children. Have you discussed
with your spouse who would raise your children if you
both died? Do you have it in a legal document?
Somehow we think that there is always plenty of
time to make out our will. We even fear making out a
will because it will
somehow make our death
more probable. Please be
responsible. Don’t let the
state decide how your
assets are distributed or the
custody of your children.
In the extreme case of no
living relatives, the state
receives your assets. Why
not make 2015 the year to
get your affairs in order?
The Star February 2015 Page 3
Please remember in your prayers. . . Teresa Brotherton
(Pastor Cheryl Henson’s sister); Marilyn
Bradley; Bill Campbell and Joey
Campbell (Rev. Art & Karen Campbell’s
sons); Lucile Edson; Pam Ensley’s
brother Skip; Donna Hinshaw; Grayson
Irwin (Allan & Joyce Robinson’s great
nephew); Joan Kerchner’s great-great niece; Greg Knox
(Jim & Letha Zahourek’s nephew); Jeanne Kopp; Calvin &
Jeanne Kopp’s son-in-law Jeff; Bethany Krusor; Evelyn
Leesman; Terri Mallouex (Gary & Sandy Shofner’s
daughter); Sandy Milligan; Dick Mossman; Ray Robinson;
Kim Ross; Sandy Shofner, family of Faith Spencer; Rick
Willoughby; Mardine Wilson; Crystal Wolgast; Nelson
Young; and our homebound members.
— 2014 Finance Report —
Receipts (Offerings/Tithes) .................. $ 524,421.44
Expenses ............................................. ( 531,380.20)
Deficit ................................................. ($ 6,958.76)
Retired Ministers & Mission Offering .... $ 2,749.50
Christmas Offering ................................. $ 1,289.00
You are Invited . . . Faith Forest will host cookies and hot cocoa on Sat.,
March 7th in Fellowship Hall from 1 to 2 p.m.
This is a cross
generational event with
Faith Forest families and
anyone in the church who
would like to attend. If
you are a member of
Faithbuilders, Bereans,
Seekers, New Horizons, Maranatha SS class or a member
of another group we would love for you to join us and
share your favorite winter memories with the children
and families of Faith Forest.
Robyn Aeschliman, Director of Faith Forest
Welcome, Naomi Naomi Brooks joined
First Baptist by transfer
of letter. Naomi is a
member of the Berean
Sunday School class,
and attends Fellowship
Lunch on Thursdays.
Please extend a warm
welcome and introduce
yourself to Naomi when
you see her.
Music Concerts
Topeka Big Band will be performing on Saturday Feb. 7 at the
Foundation's Gala Dinner & Silent Auction. See back page for more
information.
Ottawa University’s Concert Choir will be in our sanctuary on
Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. This is a free event.
Page 4 February 2015 The Star
Thanks so much for the lovely poinsettia plant delivered by Mary Muilenburg, The plant brightened our day as did Mary’s visit, and Pastor Corey’s call.
— God Bless, Bob & Jeanne Edwards Our many thanks to the church for the beautiful poinsettia and a thank you to Stan and Shirley for delivering it. It adds color and the feel of Christmas to our home.
— Jim & Joyce Gray
We thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity for remembering us at Christmas with a staff love gift. We are blessed to be working with you and for God at First Baptist.
— Pastor Cheryl, Pastor Corey, Joe Barnes, Steve Martin, Will Kubie, and Verlee Sanneman
I want to thank the church for the beautiful poinsettia and the Christmas card. I also want to thank Joan Kerchner for bringing them to me and also for her visit.
— Blanche Meggison Thank you for the beautiful poinsettia that Winnie Davis brought to us. It is still a bright spot in our home. Thank you for your prayers.
— Floyd & Mary Johnson
We want to thank Joan Kerchner for delivering the bouquet of the altar flowers for Dick. We appreciate all of your prayers.
— Dick & Carolyn Mossman
We want to thank Pastors Cheryl and Corey for their visits and prayers. And, many thanks to Joan Kerchner for her visit and bringing a bouquet of altar flowers during Nelson’s 2-week stay in the hospital.
— Nelson & Nadine Young
Thanks for all the cards, phone calls and especially the prayers of the Berean Sunday School class, as well as our first worship service friends. Special thanks to Joan Kerchner for delivering altar flowers. Much thanks to both ministers for all the hospital visits and prayers. Thanks all!
— Ken & Rita Nichols
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!
Upward Basketball games are on Saturdays at
8 a.m. in our gym and will be ending February
14.
The Upward Award Ceremony will be February
26 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Congregation
is welcome to come.
Search Committee Update By Robyn Aeschliman
Since July, the search
committee for the
Associate Pastor position
narrowed down the list of
candidates to three. The
three candidates all
seemed promising and
have since found other jobs or have removed their name
from consideration. The committee is now starting over
with a new posting and the date for applicants to apply is
March 15. Please keep the search committee in your
prayers as we continue to search for the person to whom
God is leading us.
Search Committee members are: Robyn Aeschliman,
James Beutler, Karen Campbell, Julie Cook, Matt
Harader, Dennis Slimmer , and Pastor Cheryl Henson.
FBC 101
For those who recently joined or
who would like to know more
about First Baptist are invited to
FBC 101 on Saturday, Feb. 28 at
10 a.m. in the cafè. If you plan to
come, please let the church office
know.
SAVE THE DATE We will recognize the 5th anniversary of
Rev. Dr. Cheryl R. Henson as Senior Pastor of FBC-Topeka
and 40 years of ministry on Sunday, February 22.
Watch for more details.
The Star February 2015 Page 5
Congratulations, Dr. Paul Dr. Paul Eppinger was inducted
last year into the Martin Luther
King, Jr. International College of
Ministers and Laity Board of
Preachers of Morehouse College
in Atlanta, Ga. This recognition
has special meaning for Dr.
Eppinger. Not only did he march
with Dr. King in the 1963 March
on Washington, but as Arizona’s
Executive Director of the Victory
Together campaign, he also played a pivotal role in
raising support for the legislation necessary to institute
the Martin Luther King, Jr. state holiday in 1992. He
currently serves on the Board of Directors of A
Parliament of the World’s Religions. Dr. Eppinger
served as senior pastor at FBC-Topeka from 1974-1985.
Members in the News —— LUCKY & PAM DEFRIES In recognition of Dr. Stanley and Alice Jo DeFries
of Lawrence, Kan., the Ottawa
University has announced the
establishment of the DeFries
Society for the Performing Arts at
Ottawa University through a
generous family gift from alumni Dr. Stanley and
Alice Jo DeFries of Lawrence, Kan., as well as their
children, Lucky and Pam DeFries, Topeka; and
Robert and Paula Nauman, Louisburg. This fund
will serve as a financial resource to enhance the
University's performing arts programs.
Lucky De Fries was recently named Vice Chair of
the Ottawa University Board of Trustees following a
three-year term as Treasurer.
WALTER SCHOEMAKER Walter, a licensed attorney,
has opened his own practice
which specializes in Elder
law, Medicaid issues and
Estate Planning. He also
can provide services to
surviving spouses or other
surviving family members
that assists and enables them
in wrapping up the affairs of
a recently deceased loved
one and allows them to have
a successful transition of financial and other estate
issues. This includes: wills, trusts, powers of attorney,
Medicaid eligibility, division of assets, Medicaid spend
down, and all other Elder law related issues. Walter is
also very knowledgeable about other healthcare
reimbursement practices and methods.
The population he serves is not always mobile and
may not be able to leave their homes or facilities.
Walter can arrange for meetings in their home, a family
member’s home, or in his handicap accessible office
located near 29th and Gage. He is available to speak
with individuals one on one or to groups about
Medicaid planning, estate planning, health care power
of attorneys, financial power of attorneys, and other
general legal and Elder law issues. Seminars, discussion
groups, and initial consultations are free. After that, his
fees are reasonable and in the form of a flat fee, where
the fee is fixed and the work to be done is clearly
identified. Walter may be reached at 409-1642.
Pack Your Bags, Senior Adults! Now is the time to start planning to
go to Cross Wind Camp for the
Senior Adult Retreat. It will be held
April 15 and 16, and the cost is $95
per person. Contact the church
office to save your seat on the
church van. A registration form may be found in this
newsletter.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Jerry Cain who was
chaplain at William Jewell College for 20 years before
becoming president at Judson University in 1998. While
president at Judson he led the school through several
building programs including the construction of the
Harm A. Weber Academic Center to house the Library
and the School of Art, Design and Architecture; created
the first four graduate programs; led the transition from
college to university; and raised over $42 million for
campus budgets and projects.
Krystal Harry invites you to
her Senior Recital on
Saturday, March 7
at 7:30 p.m. in
White Concert Hall
on the campus of
Washburn University.
This is a free event.
Page 6 February 2015 The Star
Wednesday Family Night Returns Spend Wednesday evenings at First Baptist beginning
on March 4. Home cooked dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.
in the Fellowship Hall, with programming at 6:15 p.m.
Dinner is freewill offering and no reservations are
required.
On March 4 following
dinner the choir from
Ottawa University will
perform in the sanctuary.
Regan Aeschliman is a
member of the choir, as well as their student president.
Programming for adults and children will begin on
March 11. Adults will have three options: GriefShare
led by Ginny Peters, a couples enrichment class led by
Pastor Corey, and a Bible study led by Rev. Janet
Crowl. Children’s choir will resume and it will be led
with Will Kubie. Beth Hanes and Tracy Gallaway have
agreed to provide childcare during the programming
hour. We have several open dates for a small group or
family to prepare one of the weekly meals. Please
contact the church office to sign up.
Making It Happen by Gary Smith, chairman of FBC Foundation
If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily
food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed
and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is
necessary for their body, what use is that? James 2:15-16
The book of James reminds us of the important
difference between words and actions. We can’t just talk
about helping our neighbors in need, we must also take
action and make it happen.
One way we can make sure our church continues to
“make it happen” is by adding to our FBC Foundation
endowment funds. As these funds grow, we’ll be able to
buy more “coats” for everyone in need. One of the easy
ways to support the church, at a level far greater than you
may realize, is by using appreciated securities, like
stocks and bonds. When you transfer appreciated
securities to the First Baptist Foundation, you avoid
capital gains taxes and the full amount can be used by the
church for mission. So, instead of cashing out
appreciated securities and paying capital gains taxes and
income taxes, you make a larger donation and receive the
full tax deduction as allowed by law. Please contact your
financial advisor before making this type of gift.
By supporting the endowed, restricted, and non-
restricted funds through the Foundation you have the
opportunity to create a legacy of faith that will positively
impact our congregation’s ministry long after your
lifetime. Gifts you can give later include bequests and
memorials. These can be designated for where the
current need is greatest or for a specific favorite program
or mission activity. These funds open new horizons for
our congregation to reach even more people with Christ’s
love, allowing new programs to emerge as needs are
made known to future generations.
To learn more about how to include the church in
your estate plans and how your legacy can support its
ministry, please contact a Foundation Trustee: Jillinda
Ansell, Whitney Casement, Jack Eakins, Fred Loseke,
Bill Ogle, Gary Smith, Karen Stryker, and Harold
Wolgast.
The children of
Mike & Pastor Cheryl Henson
invite you to join them
as they celebrate their parents’
40th Wedding Anniversary
Saturday, March 28
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Church Parlor
High School/Adult Work Camp Cross Wind Camp & Conference March 16-20 Come for one day or stay for the entire week! Registration form enclosed.
POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to The First Baptist Star,
3033 SW MacVicar Ave.,
Topeka, KS 66611-1811
The sunrise photo on the cover was taken
by Whitney Casement.
3033 SW MacVicar Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66611-1811 785.267.0380 785.267.9148 (fax) www.firstbaptisttopeka.org [email protected]
First Baptist Church The FIRST BAPTIST STAR (USPS: 194-960) is published monthly for
$25.00 per year by the First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave.,
Topeka, KS 66611-1811. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, Kansas.
Periodicals Postage
Paid
at
Topeka, Kansas
Note: Dated Mater ia l Enclosed
February 7 — FBC Foundation’s Gala Dinner & Silent
Auction
Feb. 8 —- Pastor Cheryl’s 5th Anniversary Luncheon
February 14 — Upward season ends
February 18 — Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30 p.m.
February 28 — FBC 101, 10 a.m., Cafè
March 4 — Wednesday Family Night begins
March 4 — Ottawa University Concert Choir, 6:30 p.m. Up
co
min
g D
ate
s Sunday Morning Schedule
8:30 a.m.—Traditional Worship, Prince Prayer Chapel
9:30 a.m.—ConneXion Gathering, Lattimore Chapel
9:30 a.m.—Sunday School for all ages
10:45 a.m.—Common Ground Worship,
sanctuary
Foundation’s
Gala Dinner &
Silent Auction
Saturday, February 7, 2015 5:30 p.m. Gym
Musical Entertainment: Topeka Big Band, directed by Cliff Manning
We still need more new or homemade items for the auction, contact Karen Stryker, 272-4140.
Where to buy tickets? Sunday mornings in the Parlor at 10:30-10:45 a.m.
During the week in the Church office, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost is $12.50 per adult, $6.00 per child (age 6-11).
Deadline to purchase tickets or to reserve childcare is February 1, 2015.
FEBRUARY 2015Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
8:30 am Worship 5 pm Badminton, gym 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 12Noon Fellowship Lunch 8 am ROMEOS 8 am Upward games,9:15 am Faith Forest 5 pm Upward Practice 1 pm Prayer Group 9-12Noon Shepherd's Ctr Gym9:30 am Adult Sun. School 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 5:15 pm Brass Choir 5 pm Badminton 5:30 p.m. Foundation's9:30 am ConneXion 6 pm Upward Practice Gala Dinner &10:45 am Traditional 7 pm Chancel Choir Prac. Silent Auction, gym
8:30 am Worship 5 pm Badminton, gym 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 12Noon Fellowship Lunch 8 am ROMEOS 8 am Upward games,9:15 am Faith Forest 7 pm Roseberry Circle 5 pm Upward Practice 4:30 pm Care mtg. 1 pm Prayer Group 9-12Noon Shepherd's Ctr Gym9:30 am Adult Sun. School 1:30 pm Adult Ed 5:15 pm Brass Choir 5 pm Badminton
9:30 am ConneXion 5:30 pm Day Care mtg. 6 pm Upward Practice10:45 am Traditional 6-8:15 pm *Ministry Team mtgs. 7 pm Chancel Choir Prac.4 pm Youth Bible Study 6:30 pm Cub Scouts5:15 pm Living & Active5:45 pm Youth Handbells
8:30 am Worship 2 pm Jane Circle 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 9:30 am Esther Shaffer 12Noon Fellowship Lunch 8 am ROMEOS Upward Volunteer9:15 am Faith Forest 5 pm Badminton, gym 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 1 pm Prayer Group 9-12Noon Shepherd's Ctr Appreciation,9:30 am ConneXion 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday 5:15 pm Brass Choir 5 pm Badminton (Tentative date, TBA)9:30 am Adult Sun. School Service 7 pm Chancel Choir Prac.10:45 am Traditional 7:30 pm Board of Ministries4 pm Youth Bible Study5:15 pm Living & Active5:45 pm Youth Handbells7 pm Foundation
8:30 am Worship 5 pm Badminton, gym 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 9 am White Cross 12Noon Fellowship Lunch 8 am ROMEOS 10 am FBC 101, Cafè9:15 am Faith Forest 6 pm Children & Youth Ed 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 1 pm Prayer Group 9-12Noon Shepherd's Ctr 12Noon-9 pm Boy Scouts9:30 am ConneXion 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 5:15 pm Brass Choir 5 pm Badminton Blue & Gold Banquet,gym9:30 am Adult Sun. School 7 pm Chancel Choir Prac.10:45 am Traditional4 pm Youth Bible Study5:15 pm Living & Active5:45 pm Youth Handbells
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