The Family Connexion By Cheryl Henson, Senior Pastor, pastorcheryl@firstbaptisttopeka.org

S unday morning has been said to be the most segregated time of

the week. Not only do we all worship in separate churches, but

once we get to church we go off to our separate areas to

different age groups. Families seldom worship together.

Intergenerational connections are infrequent.

As a trial we are refocusing the Connexion Service on all ages,

from infants to great-grandparents. We are inviting you to come and

get connected with someone other than your own age. Come join us

for Sunday night worship at 6:30 p.m. for a new type of worship experience. It will be child-friendly.

It will be visitor friendly. It will have more music and shorter sermons. It will be more visual and

participatory. It will be the Connexion service only more!

For a 12-week trial period, the Connexion worship service is moving to Sunday evenings at

6:30 p.m. beginning on September 11, in the chapel located across from the church office. Here are

some of our goals:

Allow families to worship together (no nursery).

Allow more people to volunteer at the 9:30 a.m. time for Faith Forest or nursery attendant.

Allow more people to attend the new Bible study “Experiencing God” or a current Sunday

School Class.

Allow people who work on Sunday mornings to come to an evening worship.

Allow those who are gone over the weekends to still worship when they get home.

Allow those who attend Sunday School an opportunity to come to a contemporary service.

The trial worship service begins on September 11, a memorable date. On that first fateful 9/11,

I was in St. Louis at a 3 day staff retreat, separated from my family. My husband called worried that I

was in a large city with no way to get home. He simply wanted the family all together when it

appeared the world was coming apart. I think that’s a accurate picture of where we are today in our

society. We feel our world is coming apart from outside forces and we want to draw closer, to connect

to our families. Come experience Connexion as we move to Sunday evening, as we draw closer to the

family of God and connect with God in a deeper way. Invite a friend to join us on this journey.

The Star

First Baptist Church 3033 SW MacVicar Ave Topeka, Kansas 66611-1811 www.firstbaptisttopeka.org 785.267.0380 | email@firstbaptisttopeka.org

Staff & Volunteers Cheryl Henson, Senior Pastor Janet Crowl, Director of Senior Adult Ministries Robyn Aeschliman, Director of Faith Forest Joe Barnes, Building Superintendent Rick Kready, Director of Chancel Choir Pam DeFries, Chancel Choir Pianist Boopesh Kumar, Director of CCLC Steve Martin, Custodian Kay Renyer, Director of Day Care Verlee Sanneman, Office Manager

September

Page 2 First Baptist Church September 2016

First Baptist’s Financial Report

Comparison of our actual tithes and offerings, and what our operating budget requires each week. The operating budget pays for utilities, staffing, and programs. Please be in prayer on how you can help to eliminate the deficit. Amount Received ......... Amount Needed July 24 ..................... $ 5,234 .......................$ 10,941 July 31 ..................... 3,335 ....................... 10,941 August 7 .................. 13,491 ....................... 10,941 August 14 ................. 8,616 ....................... 10,941 August 21 ................. 4,820 ....................... 10,941 Year-to-date deficit of July 31, 2016: ..... ($32,123.71)

Pastor on Call Schedule (Saturday and Sunday)

Please call the church office, 267-0380, if you have a need during the week.

August 27-28 - Pastor Janet, 272-3072

Sept. 3-5 - Pastor Cheryl, 383-2161

Sept. 10-11 - Pastor Janet, 272-3072

Sept. 17-18 - Pastor Cheryl, 383-2161

Sept. 24-25 - Pastor Janet, 272-3072

Begins Sunday, Sept. 11 9:30 a.m.

Fellowship Hall

Contact the church office to reserve your copy of the study

book, 267-0380 or email@firstbaptisttopeka.org. The cost of

the study book is $15.00. Please write study book on the

memo line of your check.

“Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God” is a 12-week Bible study written by well-known Bible scholars Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King. This new Bible study will be held weekly on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. beginning Sept. 11 and concludes on November 27. It will be led by Pam DeFries. It will also be part of our stewardship theme. The study has a weekly Bible verse which has a specific message and it will be carried out throughout the worship services in message and song at First Baptist, and with our partnering church, Terra Heights Baptist Church. On the 10th anniversary of this publication more than three million copies of the workbook had been distributed. This workbook is now published in 47 languages and has been used in almost every

denomination. Countless lives have been changed in all walks of life. Please be in prayer concerning how God will lead us in the weeks ahead to know and to do His will. The 12 weekly topics and verses are listed below. Week 1 — God’s Will and Your Life, John 15:5 Week 2 — Looking to God, Psalm 20:7 Week 3 — God & a Love Relationship, Matt. 22:37-38 Week 4 — Love and God’s Invitation, John 14:21 Week 5 & 6 — God Speaks, John 8:47 & John 5:19 Week 7 — The Crisis of Belief, Hebrews 11:6 Week 8 — Adjusting Your Life to God, Luke 14:33 Week 9 — God & Obedience, John 14:23 Week 10 — God’s Will and the Church, Romans 12:5 Week 11 — Kingdom People, I John 1:7 Week 12 — God in Your Daily Life, Hebrews 10:24-25

Church office and Day Care

will be closed on Sept. 5 for

Labor Day.

Intergenerational

Pumpkin Painting

Saturday, October 8

3:00-4:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Sox for a Cause Bring brand new socks with you to worship on September 18 and they will be donated to Topeka Rescue Mission. In May we collected 321 pairs! They can be for either men, women, or children. This date was selected because that is when the Royals will play the Chicago White Sox in Kansas City.

Sponsored by our Outreach/Recreation Committee

Food, Fun,& Fellowship!

Wednesday Family Night will begin September 4 for eight weeks. Melinda Schoemaker is back to do the preparation and cooking. Dinner is freewill offering and begins at 5:30 p.m. At 6:15 p.m. is programming for children and adults. Nursery is free during the programming hour. Children (age 4 to 5th grade) will have choir rehearsal and gym time. Adults will have four options: 1) Bible study on Samson with Pastor Janet; 2) Glenna Meek and Kathy Ogle have teamed up to teach beginning line dancing; 3) Moments for Mom with Beth Hanes; and 4) Financial Peace University classes with Kristy Henson and Matt Harader. If you wish to attend the Financial Peace classes, please contact the church office so we can reserve a membership kit for you. The kit costs $95 and it includes: a workbook, audio CDs, the “Financial Peace Revisited” book, plus your lifetime membership to FPU. Scholarships are available. If you have never attended Wednesday Family Night, you are missing out on good food and fellowship with your friends at First Baptist. So, why not give it a try?

Please remember in your prayers: Diane Albert; Liz Beutler; Joey Campbell (Rev. Art & Karen Campbell’s son); Linda Childers; Carl Golden; Jim & Joyce Gray; Delanna Halkins (Terri Hurley’s niece); Frank Hedrick; Pam Higgs; Donna Hinshaw; Mary Johnson; Kyle Kelly; Kenny Knox (Jim & Letha Zahourek’s nephew); Preston Miller (Ginny Peter’s brother); Betty Joe Morris; Shawn Parcells; Doris Peery; Vivian Pitts; Donna Rankin (Barb Norman’s sister); Merlene Rogers; Helen Satzler; Nancy Warren; Rick Willoughby; their caretakers; and our homebound members. Note: Care Committee is requesting the congregation to remember and pray for FBC-Topeka whether it be at work or at home.

September 2016 First Baptist Church Page 3

Attention Youth Parents and Youth! Our youth will resume meeting again on Sundays at 4 p.m. beginning Sept. 18. It will include Bible study, supper, and handbells.

Congregational Invitation to Jim & Letha Zahourek’s

70th Wedding Anniversary Reception

Saturday, Sept. 10 from 2-4 p.m. Fellowship Hall

Hosted by their children: James and Gay Keyes, and Jeff Zahourek

Jim & Letha request no gifts.

Rally Sonday | Sunday, September 4 We will worship and praise the Lord in our parking lot near the gym entrance at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4. Worship will include the children’s Sunday School promotion. Following worship there will be games, bounce house, hot dog lunch, sno cones, and beverages. Don’t forget to wear you church shirt. There will be no Sunday School classes that morning.

During August the Foundation of First Baptist has an annual campaign for its Century Tree Fund. To date, it has raised $4,053.00 and the contributors are listed below. It is not too late to give if you have not done so. Please make your check payable to the First Baptist Foundation and on the memo line write Century Tree Fund.

Anonymous Aaron & Jillinda Ansell Jack & Gloria Barron Walter & Charlotte Beye Don & Marie Boaz Floyd & Marilyn Bradley Jan Burnett Jerry & Virginia Claunch Don & Ann Cousins Margean Cress Gale & Sharon DeVore Jeff & Rachel Ebert Mary Zo Foster Don Gasper Bill & Barbara Grogan Matt & Dr. Jennifer Harader David & Mellody Trahoon Harrison Mike & Dr. Cheryl Henson Jean Lamb

Page 4 First Baptist Church September 2016

Fred & Katie Loseke Benny & Wanda Meyer Carolyn Mossman William & Kathy Ogle Ken & Doris Peery Mary Petrik Lorne & Norma Phillips Duane & Cathy Reiff Allan & Joyce Robinson Janet Robinson Robert & Helen Satzler Walter & Melinda Schoemaker Dennis & Kathy Slimmer Gary & Gayle Smith Karen Stryker Mary Stryker Rolland & Ruby Trahoon Harold & Crystal Wolgast Robert & Suzan Youse Jim & Letha Zahourek

Women’s Ministry News Our two ABW Circles will begin meeting in September. All women at First Baptist are invited to attend a circle this next year. Their theme for September is “SEE. . . the peace of Christ.” Terri Hurley will be bringing the programming for both circles based on Isaiah 58:12; and John 20:19-23, and 26. Esther Jane will meet on Monday, September 19 at 9:30 a.m. in the Parlor. This year the ladies in Esther Jane have changed their day, time and location, so please make note of it on your calendar. Roseberry will meet at Annie’s Place in Gage Center on Monday, September 12, at 6 p.m. for dinner. Dinner is dutch treat. The presidents for each of the circles are: Betty Fenton for Esther Jane and Pam DeFries for Roseberry. White Cross Coordinator Theresa Hodges is looking for more helpers when White Cross meets from 9 to 11 a.m. in Room 207 on Wednesday, Sept. 28. White Cross is a hands-on mission service of ABW. Tri-River Rally will be gathering at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 in Horton. ABC missionary Jill Lowery will be the speaker. If you wish to ride the church van, please contact the church office, 267-0380.

Funeral Meal Ministry A funeral dinner is a service our church provides enabling loved ones to gather and celebrate the life of the deceased and share a meal together. A plan has been formed to make the planning and preparation of this meal go smoothly. Melinda Schoemaker has offered to oversee these dinners in the future. Once the clergy has made contact with the family, if the decedent was a member of a Sunday school class, and that class wishes to provide the dinner themselves, then they will handle the planning, preparation, serving and clean up. But if the decedent was not a member of a Sunday School class or if their Sunday School class they belong to is not able to provide the meal, then Melinda Schoemaker will be contacted and the dinner arrangements will be made by her. The family will be given a few choices of meal options, but salads and cakes will be requested from church members to supplement the entrees. Melinda would like names and phone numbers of those willing to assist her in the preparation, set-up and cleanup of a dinner; or if you prefer, you may be called to donate a salad or cake. If you would be willing to help in any capacity, it would be very much appreciated. You may contact the church office, 267-0380, or Melinda, 478-3373, to let them know how you would be willing to help with this ministry.

Dinner & a Movie

September 10 | 5:30 p.m. Come at 5 p.m. to help set-up

tables and chairs in the Parlor. Movie: “Guess Who Is

Coming to Dinner” Dinner: Potluck

RSVP: Nancy Fleeker-Daniels, 640-2767

New Photography Gallery Bob Victor has opened Bob Victor’s Discover Nature Gallery at 1100 SE Rice Road. The current display has nearly 50 Giclee images of flowers to American landscapes and wildlife plus the works of guest artist Matt Dieterich. Matt is a national park astronomy ranger and one of his images on display in the gallery is a commemorative stamp published by the USPS for the National Park Service 100th Anniversary. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On First Friday Art Walk (Sept. 2) it will be open until 8 p.m.

September 2016 First Baptist Church Page 7

News from ABC Central Region

Sunday, Sept. 11 — NE Area Annual meeting at West Side Baptist Church, 1018 SW 4th St., Topeka. Keynote speaker: Nate Marsh, Associate Executive Minister from ABCCR. Registration is at 2:30 p.m., program at 3 p.m., and the evening meal will be prepared by the youth and it is a freewill offering. Please bring diapers (size 5), baby wipes for West Side’s Baby Closet.

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 14-15 — Annual Gathering of the ABCCR will again be at Cross Wind Conference Center in Hesston, Kansas. Soozi Whitten Ford will be the keynote speaker. She serves as Executive Minister for the American Baptist Churches of Indiana and Kentucky. The AB Women’s Ministries luncheon’s speaker is Kristy Engel, who is a global consultant with a focus on health care issues. First Baptist has paid for an all church registration, so you are only responsible for your travel, meals, and lodging. Registration forms are in the church office.

Trusting God in Change By Janet Crowl, Director of Senior Adult Ministry

M y daughter has told me for years that I make up the funniest sounds for things. Yur-Eee…Yur-Eee is the sound I make for my grandchildren

as I walk these days. Several of you have noticed the teeter-totter walk effect I have had lately. That is because of a development in my back that needs some attention. I am attending to it the best I can; but, I have to make some changes in my lifestyle habits, and learn to enjoy physical therapy. Many of you have experienced these changes for yourselves. I will learn from you as we share together. Change is hard. It is difficult to do things a different way from what is your norm. I never wanted to walk with a teeter-totter, but this may become my reality. So the lesson is: never say never. I woke one morning, during the time of tests (ugh), singing the song, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” I could not get rid of it. It was bugging me; and, I asked my grandson Matthew to sing it with me and then sing another song to get it out of my head. All it did was become more intense and now Matthew said, “Now, it is stuck in my head!” That song was with me all day long. The next day I woke up to the scripture, “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Okay God, slap me in my face. You have my attention. Trust in the Lord in everything and be obedient to God’s Word. There is so much more for all of us than where we are right now. “I have plans for you…to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) I was in a lamenting funk because of all of my changes and after meditating on God’s Word, I realize that there is so much to celebrate! Not just in my personal life, but also in the life of the church. Pick out a Psalm and read it. Do you realize that following a Psalm of lament there is always affirmation of God’s presence and action in life? This directs us to offer God the lament and then to also offer the praise for God’s majesty and power in ALL things. For me, the most magnanimous change in world history occurred with the birth, teaching, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God loved us so much that he gave us his Son as a sacrificial lamb. Jesus loves us, died for us and washes away our sins with his blood and gives us the gift of eternal life, and covers us with undeserved grace. What a celebration! All is good – no matter what. We must remember that! Jesus went through a change for all the world. I can make my changes, and I believe our church can accept changes that God has for us. Trust….trust in the Lord – not in your own understanding. I was watching a TV show recently where the actress said, “Without change there is not life.” Hmmm…Until next time. Love God, Have Fun!

Adult Seniors on the Road

Trip to Atchison | Saturday, October 22

Come with us as we explore the town of Atchison. We’ll leave from the church at 9 a.m. Saturday, October 22. It will include: a trolley guided tour of the historical sites in Atchison, lunch at Cedar Ridge Restaurant, and in the afternoon you have a choice of seeing either Amelia Earhart’s birthplace and museum, St. Benedict’s Abbey/College/Mount St. Scholastica, or Evah Cray Historical Home Museum. We plan to be back at the church around 5 p.m. Please make your reservations to the church office, 267-0380. The cost is $6 plus the cost of your lunch.

Have you signed up for

Dillons Community Rewards?

The Community Rewards is a way for Dillons to give back to non-profit organizations, like First Baptist. It is not a credit card, and you will not loose your fuel points by signing up. If you have not signed up, please contact Verlee in the church office and she will be glad to assist you.

Page 8 First Baptist Church September 2016

The words “thank you” seem inadequate for the 10 wonderful years we spent with you, and for the many gifts, hugs, and words of encouragement we received from you as we prepared to move. Your generosity and kindness is something we’ll always remember. Even as we begin our new chapter in Delaware, you have very much been in our thoughts and prayers. May God richly bless all of you and your ministry together. — In Christ, Pastor Corey, Dayna, Braydon, and Alyson

Thank you so much for the prayers and cards after my knee operation and the continued concerns for my progress. I appreciated the altar flowers that were given to me not once, but twice! Flowers always lift my spirits. Thank you to Pastor Cheryl and Pastor Janet for their visits in the hospital. — Nancy Fleeker-Daniels

Dennis and I want to thank the Care Committee for the beautiful flowers that have been delivered to mom since she has been ill. We really do appreciate the time spent seeing our homebound members. Thank you so much.

— Dennis & Kathy Slimmer, and Vivian Pitts

Thanks so much to the church and for Fred and Katie Loseke for delivering the lovely altar flowers on Sunday. They do brighten our home. We enjoyed visiting with Fred and Katie.

— Bob & Jeanne Edwards

Thank you for the lovely altar flowers that Sharon Harry delivered last week. I hope to be back with all of you soon. I am having to make some changes to the way I get around and all the changes are not complete yet. In the meantime I’m not feeling confident in getting out. — Thank you again, Jan Seagraves

Bob wishes to thank you for your prayers and support. He is back on the road to recovery.

— Bob & Pauline Knittel

We thank you for the prayers, calls, and cards when Mike’s father passed away. We appreciate your support.

— Mike & Pastor Cheryl Henson

Thursday Potluck Luncheons Come join us every Thursday at noon in Fellowship Hall for a potluck luncheon. We have a devotion, sing our favorite hymns, and pray for those on the church’s prayer list. We finish at 1 p.m. We celebrate birthdays once a month. There is always room for more to join us! Note: We will not be meeting on Sept. 15, because many folks will be attending the Harvey House luncheon at the Great Overland Station.

Seniors on the Road! There are 16 senior adults who have signed up to attend the Harvey House luncheon on September 15 at the Great Overland Station in north Topeka. If you want to join us, please contact the church office by September 1. The cost for the luncheon and tour is $15.00. Write ‘Harvey House’ on the memo line of your check.

Senior Adult Ministries Harvester’s BackSnack Program This school year marks our fifth year in assisting with Harvester’s BackSnack program. The food is for children (kindergarten—5th grade) to eat over the weekend. Some children in Topeka have little or no nutritious food to eat when not in school. The BackSnack Program in Shawnee county will help 1,360 children in 24 schools. We will be packing and delivering food to 110 children at Bishop, McClure, and Whitson. We need volunteers and plastic grocery sacks. Contact the church office, 267-0380 to sign up, or drop off your plastic sacks in the church office.

Thom, Amy &

Riley Shockey,

and Barbara

Baker were

baptized at this

year’s Galilean

Baptism held at

Lake Shawnee.

Sept. 13 - Committee Mtgs. 1 2 3

4 Rally Sonday 5 Labor Day 6 7 8 9 109 am Walk 'n Talk, gym

9 am Professional Staff

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

9 am Professional Staff gather by the gym doors RSVP 267-0380

18 Sox Sunday 19 20 21 22 23 24

9 am Professional Staff

25 26 27 28 29 30

9 am Senior Task Force 9 am Professional Staff9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym

9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym

Washburn7 pm Indian Worship, chapel

Football Tailgate

Parlor

6:30 pm Outreach/Recreation/Adult Education7:00 pm Property, Finance, & Risk Mgmt.

6:30 am ConneXion Gathering

6:30 am ConneXion Gathering

9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym

6:15 pm Financial Peace

9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym

12Noon Fellowship Lunch, F.H.4:30 pm Washburn

~ September 2016 ~Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9:30 am Combined Worship Office & Day Care are 6:45 am Men's Breakfast1-3 pm Pickleball, gym

12Noon Fellowship Lunch

8 am ROMEOs 2-4 pm Zahourek's 70th

6 pm Football game @

6 pm Worship

5 pm Badminton, gym

6:45 am Men's Breakfast

Wedding Ann., F.H.

5:30 pm Staff Relations 6:15 pm Children's Choir Rehearsal 5:30 pm Dinner & a Movie,

& SS Promotion closed.10 am All Staff mtg. 5:30 pm Wed. Family Night

7 pm Chancel Choir 9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym

RSVPs to Nancy @ 640-2767

6:30 pm Scouts 6:15 pm Financial Peace

8 am ROMEOS1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 10:45 am Seniors @

9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym

8:30 am Traditional Worship 9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym 6:45 am Men's Breakfast1-3 pm Pickleball, gym

12Noon Fellowship Lunch

9:30 am Esther Jane Circle,

10 am All Staff mtg.5 :30 pm Care Great Overland Station

9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym

8:30 am Traditional Worship 9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym

to Tri-River Rally,9:15 am Faith Forest Parlor

6:15 pm Children's Choir

6:30 pm Scouts6:15 pm Financial Peace

8:30 am Traditional Worship 9 am Walk 'n Talk, gym 6:45 am Men's Breakfast9 am White Cross

12Noon Fellowship Lunch

5 pm Badminton7 pm Briarwood Nghbd mtg.

9:30 am Adult Sunday School9:15 am Faith Forest

10 am All Staff mtg.

RSVP 267-038010 am All Staff mtg.

10:45 am Common Ground6:15 pm Children's Choir

7 pm Foundation mtg.

6:30 am ConneXion Gathering Day Care staff

4 pm Youth 7 pm CPR Training for

10:45 am Common Ground7 pm Roseberry Circle,

7 pm Chancel Choir

Ministries

9:30 am Adult Sunday School

9:30 am Adult Sunday School

4 pm Youth

9:15 am Faith Forest

6-7:15 pm Committee Mtgs.

5 pm Badminton

Rehearsal6 pm Children's Ed Mtg.

1-3 pm Pickleball, gym5:30 pm Wed. Family Night

Horton

5:30 pm Wed. Family Night

7 pm Chancel Choir

10:45 am Common Ground

5:30 pm Day Care Bd mtg. 6:15 pm Financial Peace

5 pm Badminton

Annie's Place @ 6:15 pm Children's Choir

Rehearsal

5:30 pm Wed. Family Night7 pm Chancel Choir

3 pm NE Area Meeting Gage Center

Rehearsal 5 pm Badmintion, gym

7:45 am Gather to ride van8 am ROMEOs

8 am ROMEOS

8 am ROMEOs

5 pm Badmintion, gym

5 pm Priv Party

6:30 pm Scouts

7:30 pm Board of

9 am ABW Tri-River Rally @

Senior Olympics, gym

6:30 pm Scouts

First Baptist Church

3033 SW MacVicar Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66611-1811 785.267.0380 785.267.9148 (fax) www.firstbaptisttopeka.org email@firstbaptisttopeka.org

POSTMASTER: Send address Changes to The First Baptist Star, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave. Topeka, KS 66611-1811

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 Material Enclosed

The Hallelujah Hoedown will be a talent and no talent show with dinner. It is a fundraiser for the World Mission Offering. We are looking for skits, comedy routines, musical talent, etc. If you wish to participate, contact the church office to sign-up. All area American Baptist churches have been invited to come and participate in the show!

Saturday, October 1 | 6:00 p.m.

September 1 — Tailgating at Washburn football game,

4:30 p.m. meet at the Bell Tower, game

at 6 p.m.

September 4 — Rally Sonday, 9:30 a.m., FBC parking lot September 5 — Office & Day Care are closed September 7 — Wednesday Family Night, 5:30 p.m. September 10 — Zahourek’s 70th Wedding Anniversary reception, 2-4 p.m., Fellowship Hall September 10 — Dinner & a Movie, 5:30 p.m., F. H. September 11 — ABCCR NE Area Annual Mtg., 2:30 p.m., West Side Baptist, Topeka September 18 — Sox Sunday October 14-15 — ABCCR Annual Gathering, Cross Wind

Up

co

min

g E

ve

nts

Schedule for Sundays, beginning September 11 8:30 a.m. Worship, Prince Prayer Chapel 9:30 a.m. Experiencing God Bible study, Fellowship Hall 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for adults and children 10:45 a.m. Worship, sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Youth, Room 209 6:30 p.m. ConneXion Gathering, Lattimore Chapel This schedule is just for 12 weeks, and will be re-evaluated.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF TOPEKA BOARD OF MINISTRIES MINUTES

August 17, 2016 Members Attending: Robyn Aeschliman, Deane Burgess, Whitney Casement, Janet Crowl, Janet Crowl, Shirley Davis, Wendy Davis, Pam DeFries, Rachel Ebert, Beth Hanes, Matt Harader, Dave Harrison, Cheryl Henson, Sandy Shofner, Dennis Slimmer, Deanna Williamson, and Harold Wolgast. Guests: Jeff Ebert and Pam Ensley. At 7:00 p.m., Pam DeFries opened a devotional with Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” She made comparisons with Jesus’ cleansing and her father’s dry cleaning business. Her father taught her that a dry cleaner needs to know four things to take out spots: (1) What is the stain? (2) What have you tried? (3) How long has it been there? (4) What is the fabric? Pam pointed out that God works on all our stains, no matter how long they have been there. Pam opened with prayer.

Report of Listening Sessions Jeff Ebert reported the summary of seven listening sessions held in July with congregation groups. The results of each session were consistent with each other. The ministries God is calling us to were (1) children, youth, senior ministries; (2) young adults; (3) music ministry; and (4) Christian education (Sunday School, small groups, Bible studies). The ministry areas that should be our priorities for the next two to three years were (1) youth ministry (middle school/high school), (2) music ministry, (3) young adults, and (4) Christian education. The ministries that could be led by volunteers were noted as vast and varied. We need to be sure our focus of ministries truly matches our Vision Statement. We still operate with volunteer opportunities as if we were a large congregation. Ministries essential to be done by professional staff were (1) the Children/Youth Pastor and (2) Music/Worship Arts Coordinator. The listening groups concluded that the church needs to hire a Children/Youth Pastor and that the church needs to intentionally focus and may need to drop some of its ministries. It was suggested that Children/Youth Education and Worship committees work on a job description. Robyn Aeschliman asked if the job description would be for a new associate pastor or a new director. Harold Wolgast suggested that the job description needs to be more focused, more like a director. If we need a director, we should look for one; if we find someone who has pastoral skills, we could consider it as an associate pastor. Pam DeFries referred the creation of a job description to Children/Youth Education and Worship, knowing the church has recommended children/youth/music as priorities. Action Items Approval of 06/15/16 meeting minutes: Shirley Davis stated that Faith Builders did not remember requesting removal of pews, as described in the Administration report. Dennis Slimmer suggested deleting the rest of the sentence after “canes and walkers.” The minutes of 06/15/16 were approved, as corrected. Financial report: Matt Harader said June was a very bad month for church giving, but the giving was up a bit in July. The net income for June was -$9,529.42, with year-to-date net income of -$35,395.93. At the end of July, net income for the month was $2,972.48, with year-to-date net income -$32,123.71. The Administration committees discussed factors that may have led to such low giving, including congregation’s possible belief that, with two pastors gone, they do not have to give as much. The summer slump in giving may play a part. Staff put a freeze on spending in July and are looking at ways of cutting expenses. The Finance Committee moved and Whitney Casement seconded to receive the June-July 2016 financial reports. Motion carried. New Business ConneXion worship change proposal: Wendy Cole described the purpose of the ConneXion service to be a relaxed atmosphere, giving examples of differences between it and the traditional services. With decreasing attendance over the past several years, the ConneXion Team discussed ways to attract more families with children and to give them more opportunities for interacting with the church. Although the team was not unanimous, it proposed moving the ConneXion service to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays during the 12-week “Experiencing God” session. After lengthy discussion, Wendy Cole moved and Deanna Williamson seconded to move the ConneXion Service to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings, from September 11 through November 27. Discussion followed:

• Change is hard. The Living and Active group would have to meet another time. • This would be a trial period. It would allow ConneXion attendees to go to both Sunday School and ConneXion worship.

Families who travel on weekends could probably attend Sunday evenings (although some may want to use Sunday evenings to get ready for the week).

• Worship could focus on children and youth. Children could attend youth services as well as worship service. Some families want their children in service with them, and small children would have an area set aside for them.

• Attendance went from about 50 five or six years ago to an average of 28.3 for the past seven months. Something needs to be done to change this.

• Some parents might not have their kids attend Faith Forest if they are not attending a 9:30 service. • It would essentially not affect the youth group. They meet at 4:00, break, practice bells, and would be free by 6:30 for worship

service. • Changing to Saturday night was discussed, but was not considered seriously.

DRAFT—NOT YET APPROVED

BY BOARD

2

• The ConneXion worshippers were not surveyed on this proposal. Band members have discussed it, and regular attendees have discussed it. If the church were to consider making the change permanent, it would be discussed and surveyed by all ConneXion members.

• The new time might pull in new families or might encourage some to attend the 10:45 service. It could reach non-churched groups.

• The timetable is aligned with the “Experiencing God” class to allow ConneXion members to attend. This class is scheduled for the Sunday School time, and members of other Sunday School classes may join the new class for this time period.

After a call to question, the call was approved to end the discussion. Motion carried, with 11 for and 1 against. Pam Ensley expressed her feelings, with full disclosure that she is on the ConneXion Team and disagreed with the proposal. She said people sometimes do not accept change well when the Board makes a decision without asking the congregation. Board members added that it can be brought up later and that we need to try this. The ConneXion Team is represented on the Board and the Board defers to the Board member and the team. Pam and Wendy were commended for presenting their views fairly. Upward grant request: Whitney Casement stated that the Recreation Committee noticed that Upward Basketball spends about $2,400, but budgets only $750 each year. The Recreation Area moved to request a $2,000 grant from the First Baptist Church of Topeka Foundation for payment of expenses for the 2016-2017 Upward Basketball season. Whitney explained that Upward will have a new event: to recruit and give kids experience, they will do a skills-and-drills basketball training for a small “buy-in” fee ($5 if bought ahead or $10 at the door). A suggestion was made to allow parents to give extra to support the program. Motion carried. Interim Children and Youth director or intern: Cheryl Henson stated that she would like permission to hire an interim Children and Youth director or intern for four months, at a salary of $1,000/month plus travel or business expenses (no retirement or health care). The person would be expected to work 15-20 hours/week and to be paid from existing budget. Harold Wolgast moved and Deane Burgess seconded to hire a part-time person to work with children and youth, with a salary to be negotiated, up to $1,500/month. Discussion followed, including that the church identified children and youth as important, Cheryl and Janet cannot cover everything, and they are having trouble getting volunteers. After a call to question, the call was approved to end the discussion. Motion carried, with 11 for and 1 against. Membership report: The Membership Secretary moved and Harold Wolgast seconded to accept membership for Barbara Baker, Amy Shockey and Thom Shockey by previous experience, and Riley Shockey by profession of faith. All were baptized on August 14 at the Galilean service at Lake Shawnee. Motion carried. New dates for the calendar: Sept. 1: Tailgating for Washburn football, 4:30-6:00 p.m., church providing hot dogs and drinks. Area Reports Children and Youth Education: Day Care enrolled about eight new students, increasing its attendance. Traditional Worship: Harold Wolgast reported that repair of the handbells was estimated at $4,526, more than double what was approved. Pam DeFries negotiated with Silver Woodbury and decreased the cost to $2,095, to include new parts in some instances, used parts in other instances, not replacing handles or cracked bells or repairing cases at this time. Harold added that we are working with an organist to replace Will, but haven’t heard from the candidate. ConneXion Worship: In a written description, another successful Backpack Bash was reported, and for the first time the event broke even. Terra Heights worked with First Baptist for the event, and it was held at Terra Heights to promote Terra Heights’ impact in their community and to relieve a bit of financial stress for families in that area. On the day of the event, we gave away about 80 backpacks. We gave 150 backpacks to the Rescue Mission and more than 60 to people calling the office asking for them. Recreation: A written report described plans for Upward Basketball, scheduled from January 14 to February 18 for the younger divisions and for January 14 to February 25 for the older divisions, with a tournament with Northland Christian Church on March 4. Staff Reports Cheryl Henson reported that the church hosted the Briarwood neighborhood for National Night Out on August 6. August 1-5, she attended classes at the Lombard Peace Center in the Chicago area and received training and certification in conflict mediation. She reminded that all worship services will meet together at 9:30 a.m. on September 4 for Rally Sonday. Cheryl added that an Indian group wants to start an Indian service in its own language the first Friday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 in the Chapel. Janet Crowl reported senior activities for June through August. Still to come will be a tour of the Flint Hills Discovery Center and a stop in Wamego to eat lunch on August 20. On September 15 the group will have a replicated Harvey House lunch at the Overland Station. At 9:55 p.m., Pam thanked everyone for honest, open discussions and closed the meeting with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Norma Phillips, Church Clerk