July Newsletter

Volume 15, Issue 7

First Baptist Church 102 Bishop Ave. Coldwater MI 49036 www.fbcofcoldwater.org “A Place to Call Home”

Some of you have asked how the church is faring financially in these times. Certainly much of the economic news has been dismal since the COVID-19 pandemic struck and its impact began to be felt. That happened in mid-March, as you will likely recall. Its arrival brought much concern to our nation and world and for many translated into deep fear. The fear regarded our health, our mortality, and our finances. It prompted concerns for corporations, small businesses, educational institutions, mom-and-pop operations and churches, both large and small.

As I visited with Pastors we have all been pleased to learn that “giving” to local churches has generally stayed fairly consistent. My local pastor friends have remarked that giving during these tough times was rated as “strong”.

How consistent has our giving at FBC been in 2020?

We just got our “Week 26” report from our Treasurer Tim Lynch. Week 26 is the half-way point of the year. It amazed Tim, and the other elders as well, that the amount given in 2020 is EXACTLY THE SAME on Week 26, as it was on Week 26 of 2019! TO-THE-DOLLAR! That’s amazing!

Of course, on the other hand, the elders have implemented several decisions that have had effect and reduced the weekly budgetary need to more closely approximate a balanced budget.

$8,457 had been our “Weekly Need” earlier this year, prior to mid-March. That number has been reduced to $7,912 currently. We continue to study ways to reduce spending and conserve resources.

Tim further reports that year-to-date giving in 2020 is slightly “ahead” of actual expenses for the first 6-month period as well. On another positive note, some of the initial declines in our market portfolios have re-balanced with aspects of recovery in the market.

As members and contributors to FBC we try to keep you informed about our financial operations, as you are entitled to be. It’s not the MOST important part of our ministry, but as Jimmy Steward told Clarence in “It’s A Wonderful Life” (money)…”is pretty important down here!”

We’ve all learned that the only REAL SECURITY we have is found in Christ. Not in the market. Not in finances. Certainly not in Courts or politics.

Thank you for your faithful support here at FBC. Our Finance Team (Al Carpenter, Crit Jent, Dennis Babjack and Tim Lynch) all join me in expressing our thanks and appreciation. If you have questions about any aspect of church finances, please contact a member of the team or the office and we will do our best to help. God Bless! Pastor Dave

From the Pastor’s Desk…

Worship Service Times

Sunday Mornings

8:45 am Traditional 9:45 am Contemporary

10:45 am Contemporary

Watch us on our Facebook Page: “First Baptist Church of

Coldwater”

Sunday Mornings

at

9:45 am

What’s Inside...

From Pastor Dan’s Desk………..…..2

Birthdays & Anniversaries…….3

ABW Update..…....4

Getting to Know You………….........4

SHOEBOX STORY……....…...5

Puzzle Page……..7

Kids Page……..…8

Greetings church family, We are starting to get back into the swing of things. As of a couple weeks ago, the Junior & Senior High youth groups have begun to meet at the church. Although we have not been able to continue with our regular schedule of events, it has been a breath of fresh air to see everyone in person. As an update to our youth ministry, I would like to personally ask for help. Since I moved into the role of youth pastor two years ago, we have consistently had a need for adult volunteers, people who have a heart for students and helping them grow in their walk with Jesus. Someone once said, "God doesn't have a choice, but to use imperfect people for His work". You don't have to be perfect, but you do have to be willing to be used by Jesus. Our middle school often ranges between 10 and 25 students (depending on school events and other calendar issues) and our high school can be anywhere from 5-13 people. When we split the youth group just over a year ago, we only had 2 high schoolers attending. For some events, we have had as many as 40 students with 2-3 adult volunteers. Our events include social gatherings, fun outings, regular Wednesday night programing, retreats away, bible studies, summer mission’s trips, overnighters, prayer walks, etc. I find myself often thinking, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." When the youth group meets, I normally become spread thin to welcome and connect with each student. In some ways, it breaks my heart. Each student needs connection with Jesus, and adults are perfect people to step in and be an ambassador of His love and grace. Every student is unique in personality and interests, and where I may not connect easily with a student, another adult may. Not to mention, adults have great life experience and have the ability to be consistent.

I am extremely thankful for the few volunteers who have been committed to our youth and serving in whatever capacity needed. I am also thankful for our Sr. High students who have stepped up to lead with the Jr. High over the last year. Last month, I received an invitation to speak at Senior High week at Camp Selah! Although I am excited for the opportunity, the short notice and weight of the task is proving to be very stressful. Would you commit to praying for me, the staff and the high school students over the next two weeks? Not all battles are won with might. Many are won with prayer (see Exodus 17). Thank you for your love and support. We miss all of our church family during this strange season. God Bless, Daniel Erwin Youth & Children's Pastor

Thank you everyone for your prayers, cards, visits and calls during this most difficult time of Jerry's illness and passing. What a blessing it is to be part of a loving church family. Sincerely, Carol, Eric and Evan Frederick

PAGE 2 FBC NEWSLETTER

From the desk of Pastor Dan

01 — Abby Austin 16 — Doug Johnson 01 — Judy Downs 17 — Tracy Forrester 01 — Charlie Foupht 17 — Shannon Strock 01 — Nancy Morrell 18 — Ann Brois 01 — Colleen Nichols 18 — Debbie Cameron 02 — Jim Barnes 21 — Dan Erwin 03 — Bill O’Grady 22 — Sherryl Bowers 04 — Linda VanBlarcum 22 — Jarad Ennis 06 — Rose Mavis 23 — John Derrickson 06 — Howard Taylor 23 — Don Shiery 07 — Dave Rumens 23 — Mary Turner 08 — Ina Carpenter 25 — Scott Boyer 08 — Kendall Love 25 — Paul Cosgrove 09 — *Dominic Prough 25 — *Asher Stroble 10 — Steve Kasperski 27 — Russ Feller 10 — Greg Rubley 27 — Dave Sharpley 14 — Jean Nelson 28 — Natalie Forrester 14 — Janice Sharpley 29 — Larry Downs 15 — Matt Bovee 29 — Sheila Furney 15 — Lola Taylor 29 — Jerry Morgan 16 — Hannah Forrester 31 — Philemon Erwin

(F) = Female (M) = Male * = Under 18 yrs. Old√ = Turning 18

01 — Larry & Linda McLaughlin 02 — Russ & Tasha Hickey 03 — Kevin & Michelle Sheppard 05 — Brian & Amanda Miller 10 — William & Barbara Smith 13 — Scott & CC Lippert 17 — Bill & Wendy O’Grady 19 — Mike & Kristi Gatke 21 — Howard & Lola Taylor 22 — Akihiko & Cheryl Machida 22 — Nick & Kristin Stout 22 — Dan & Sheila Taylor 27 — Tony & Christine Ankner 29 — Bob & Mary Turner 30 — Bill & Rita Graham 31 — Larry & Linda Krzeminski

In 2000, Cornealious Anderson was sentenced to 13 years for robbery. The 23-year-old was released on bail and told to await orders to show up to prison. But due to a clerical error, those orders never came. Some people might have taken advantage of such freedom and committed more crimes. But Anderson started a business, coached youth football and volunteered at church, earning respect in his community.

Thirteen years later, when Missouri officials discovered the error and put Anderson behind bars, an online petition called for his release. A judge agreed that Anderson was a changed man and, again, he was freed.

What would you do with such undeserved freedom? What do we do with the unmerited freedom God grants us despite our sin, and with the freedoms we celebrate on July 4? May we follow Anderson’s example and use our freedoms — social and spiritual — to serve others.

—adapted from Homiletics

After conversing and eating with two followers heading to Emmaus (Luke 24), Jesus disappears from their midst. According to theologian Ronald Goetz, that vanishing has special meaning for followers of the resurrected Lord. “Human love … is spontaneous, fragile and fleeting,” he writes in The Christian Century. “Like the heavenly manna of the Exodus, love cannot be preserved and stored. We cannot manage it. We can only hope that it will be there for us when we most need it.” Those aren’t “melancholy thoughts,” though, “any more than the two disciples should have lamented the vanishing of the risen Christ.” Goetz continues, “We know that Christ’s vanishing and the vanishing of every human moment … serve to underscore the utter preciousness of life.” This, in turn, makes it a glorious mystery that the life we experience as fragile is, in fact, eternal.

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES PAGE 3

Happy Birthday to All Celebrating in July!

Happy Anniversary to All Our FBC Couples!

HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR FREEDOM?

FLEETING FOREVER

Summer is finally here And things are slightly better??? They are, if we have faith in GOD and know that HE is with us and watching out for our world. “If my people will humble themselves and pray…” 2 Chronicles 7:14 We are praying and GOD is listening. In the most optimistic mind, ABW program will be meeting in July to begin planning for another year. Pray – Pray - that we will be able to gather again soon. We are still working on Operation Christmas Child items. The barrettes are completed. But we are in need of laundry soap lids. Still need 250. We are getting there and there is time. But, if you have lids and would like to have picked up, let me know. Also, keep collecting those old t-shirts. Continue to work on jump ropes. And if you have any completed jump ropes and would like to have picked up, call me. PRAY! For our church, leaders and each other. We need GOD today, more than ever. Sending love and hugs to all. Julie Pierson ABW President

O day of all the days the best, When — laid aside each earthly care — We meet with God’s dear saints so blest, And in their praise and worship share. Not by a rigid code we’re bound With death to all who disobey; But through God’s love within us found, We keep this precious worship day. —Charles W. Naylor

Meet Derrick & Jamie Bracy… We have one son, Owen who is 5 years old. We have been married seven years and was set up on a blind date by one of Derrick’s aunt. Derrick has lived in Quincy his whole life. I (Jamie) grew up in Toledo OH and moved to Quincy in 2007. Derrick grew up in Quincy and graduated from Quincy High school and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business at MSU and now is a farmer. I (Jamie) grew up in the city of Toledo, Ohio and graduated from Whitmer High School. I moved to Quincy in 2007. I am the Event/Marketing Coordinator for the Coldwater Chamber of Commerce. I also filled in for Susie in the church office last year while she took Family Medical Leave. Derrick enjoys farming, traveling and any shooting sport. I enjoy cooking, sewing, gardening, reading and crafting. I am a self-taught graphic artist. I love building things and making bigger craft items. Anything hands on I enjoy doing. You should check out my child’s Halloween costumes! We have been attending FBC for 7½ years now and usually attend the 10:45 am Contemporary Service. Pastor Dave married Derrick and I and we wanted a church home for ourselves. I have grown to walk closer with God as I’ve attended FBC along with the small groups. I have had to push myself out of my comfort zone by helping in the children’s ministry here at FBC. Looking forward into seeing what God has for us in the future here at FBC.

PAGE 4 A.B.W. UPDATE/GETTING TO KNOW YOU

A. B. W. UPDATE GETTING TO KNOW…

REMEMBER THE SABBATH

Your Shoebox Gifts Travel to the Ends of the Earth!

Many children around the world have never heard the Gospel message of eternal life in Jesus Christ. They live in hard-to-reach, impoverished communities where parents struggle to provide the basics. Rarely, if ever, do the children receive a present that's just for them.

This year, more than 10.5 million children in over 100 countries and territories received shoeboxes full of special gifts. And, for the first time, these children heard that God loves them. This has resulted in evangelism, discipleship, and multiplication across the world!

Shoeboxes were packed by individuals and families in 10 countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Children on Remote Pacific Islands Respond to the Gospel

A new Operation Christmas Child initiative is bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to isolated island nations.

Some communities in the Marshall Islands are so isolated that the only way to reach them is by boat. On Lib Island, boats can't even anchor safely due to a dramatic 300-foot drop-off.

Delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children in the Marshall Islands is sometimes only possible with the help of a boat!

Lib runs on solar power, which means no refrigeration and cooking must be done over a fire. The island has little commerce, as most resident’s fish or farm coconuts for their oil. Children are not required to attend school, and most stop their education after grade 8 because there is no high school on Lib.

Yet Samaritan's Purse made this remote place a priority in 2019. Lib was one of the initial stops for Operation Christmas Child in the Marshall Islands—a country comprised of more than 1,000 small islands and 29 atolls, or ring-shaped reefs surrounding a lagoon. The Marshall Islands were among the first of the Pacific Islands to receive shoebox gifts as part of an initiative launched by Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham to distribute gift-filled shoeboxes to 1,000 Pacific Islands in the next five years.

Our Operation Christmas Child team partnered with missionaries Katie and Scott Suderno who have lived in the Marshall Islands for about four years.

They helped deliver shoebox gifts to boys and girls on several islands, including Lib, by using their Bowman sailing yacht.

“Operation Christmas Child has been the highlight of my year because we've had so many kids respond,” Katie said.

Katie shared that after the distribution on Lib, many children stayed and played for hours with the fun gifts they found inside their shoeboxes. The children don't often receive gifts and were thrilled to discover toys like a jump rope, Slinky, and yo-yo.

The children were also excited to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ during the outreach event and to read The Greatest Gift Gospel booklet they received with their shoebox. For some, this Gospel booklet was their first time to have Scripture in their own language.

Along with their shoebox gift, children also receive a copy of The Greatest Gift Gospel booklet.

Katie is grateful for how Operation Christmas Child opened doors for Gospel ministry. “The program is amazing,” she said. “The way the Gospel was presented was so easy for the children to understand.”

More than 1,000 children on the Marshall Islands prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior during outreach events.

Millions of children have prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through Operation Christmas Child and The Greatest Journey.

“The power of the Holy Spirit was definitely with us,” Katie said. “It's not just a shoebox. We're talking about souls being saved, communities changing, and, in our case, an entire island being impacted for the Lord.”

Several churches are already leading The Greatest Journey, and the Kingdom impact and Gospel reach will continue to increase as children learn how to grow in their relationship with God.

SHOEBOX STORY PAGE 5

Collection Spotlight for the month of JULY: CRAYONS; NOTEBOOK PADS (the ½ size); ERASERS; RULERS; SCISSORS (for ages 5-9); PENCIL SHARPENERS; PENCILS

In Isaiah 43:19, God proclaims, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (NIV). God’s process of creating is active and ongoing, meaning there’s always something new for us to notice, grasp and learn.

“God’s will is not an abstraction,” writes Thomas Merton in No Man Is an Island. “It is a living concrete reality in the lives of [people], and our souls are created to burn as flames within his flame. The will of the Lord is not a static center drawing our souls blindly toward itself. It is a creative power, working everywhere, giving life and being and direction to all things, and above all forming and creating, in the midst of an old creation, a whole new world which is called the Kingdom of God.”

Many vacationers rely on a global positioning system to get them easily to a destination. But in every season of life, God sends us on vocation — following his call to both feed our passions and serve others. Our “calling,” Frederick Buechner said, is “where [our] deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

But is there a GPS for vocation? It’s not as detailed or predictive as we’d like. It doesn’t name our destination at the outset, and it offers general instructions rather than specific directions. And we may end up “recalculating” our life route more often than our vehicle GPS recalculates our vacation route.

Even so, we travel in safety. This “GPS” might stand for God’s Peace and Strength, or Gospel Promises Sustain, God Provides Salvation or Go! Proclaim! Serve! The GPS guiding our vocation speaks to us through Scripture, worship, trusted Christian friends, life events and the silence of our heart. Listening, we hear our Guide’s calm voice and continue on vocation.

—Heidi Mann

PAGE 6 FBC NEWSLETTER

GOD’S CONSTANT CREATIVITY

ON VACATION? USE GPS!

PUZZLE CORNER PAGE 7

INDEPENDENCE DAY

America Celebrating Liberty Bell America Birthday Colonies Loyalty American Flag Constitution Old Glory Bald Eagle Declaration of Independence Patriotism Banners Festive Picnics Barbecue Founding Fathers Red Betsy Ross Freedom Star Spangled Banner Bill of Rights God Bless America United States of America Blue Honor White Bravery Independence Day

SUDUKO (EASY)

SUDUKO (Medium)

www.TheTeachersCorner.net Printable Sudoku

Which of the following did not sign the Declaration of Independence?

A. Thomas Jefferson B. John Adams C. William Whipple D. George Washington

Answer: D

Just for Giggles…

What did the left eye say to the right eye? (A: Between us, something smells!.)

What is fast, loud and crunchy? (A: A rocket chip!.)

PAGE 8 KID’S CORNER

First Baptist Church 102 Bishop Ave.

Coldwater MI 49036 517-279-7912

www.fbcofcoldwater.org