Hello 2019 The Higher Ground - "In life, as in chess, forethought wins." - Charles Buxton - Parkesburg Baptist Church
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The Higher Ground
The Parkesburg Baptist Church Newsletter Volume 32 January 2019
Hello 2019
“In life, as in chess,
forethought wins.”
- Charles Buxton -
Dear friends,
A new year often brings a sense of new possibilities. Over the past several months,
there has been a lot of talk in the church about how to be more effective in our
rapidly-changing society. Over the summer and fall, there were a number of
opportunities to interact with materials based on the book Canoeing the Mountains:
Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory. The author compares the challenges of the
modern church in America to those of explorers Lewis & Clark, who had expected the
territories west of the Mississippi to be about the same as they were to the east, which
we now know is about as far from the truth as imaginable. But they found their way
through those uncharted lands. And as we seek God’s grace, leading, and power,
I believe we can, too. I have thought, read, prayed and consulted much with others
over the last several months to try to determine
what would be our “next step(s).”
There are two areas I would like to focus
on in the next year. One of them is graphically
displayed in this bit of clip art that captivated
me years ago. In case it doesn’t speak to you
as it has to me, let me explain.
The Holy Spirit’s presence and power
(signified by the Dove and the pure white light)
comes to us, God’s people (indicated by the
Church). Remember how a prism works? It separates white light into the full spectrum of
colors. I imagine God’s people acting in the same manner. When we came to Christ, the
Holy Spirit came to dwell in us and each one of us displays Him in our own distinct way.
None of us reflect God’s nature fully, but we each reveal Him in just the way He created
us to do. That is the symbolism of the multiple colors going out of the church and into
the world. (Sorry if you’re seeing this in black & white!)
Each one of us has been uniquely created by God, in His image. Each one of us has
unique gifts, knowledge, experiences, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and so on. And
all of those things have been given to us that they might be used by God for His
purposes. God has created you to fulfill the purpose for which He has called you. You
have been called to KNOW God, to GROW in the likeness of Jesus and to SERVE in
the power of the Holy Spirit – and God’s a plan for you in each of these areas is unlike
anyone else’s. This year, we’re going to work on helping each one of us better
understand and fulfill that calling on our lives. Clarifying our individual callings and
becoming better equipped to live them out will also help us to see a bigger picture of
where God is be leading us as a church, and will prepare us to follow. I am excited
about the possibilities and I hope you are too!
Grace & peace,
Notes From the Combined Board Meeting on Dec. 13, 2018:
PRESENT: Pastor Mary Lewis, Rusty Young, Amanda King, Ellen Brehm, Laurie
Robinson, Chris Markward, Ryan Clarke
ABSENT: Jamie Schempp, Suzanne Graybeal
Joint Meeting minutes:
Mission Board:
Summer Mission trip is tentatively scheduled to be in North Carolina from July
21 – 27. The trip cost will be $ 250.00 / person . This fee will include housing
and food. The mission board will vote definitively to confirm the trip location
tonight.
Trustee Board:
1) Charlie Palmer reporting that a balanced budget for 2019 has been
submitted. 2) Board is requesting that members use
the offering envelopes to designate desired money allocation. 3) As of January
1 , 2019, 15% of all non- designated cash offerings will be allocated to the
Mission fund.
4) Charlie Palmer will announce this change to the congregation.
Deacon Board:
Rick Woodhouse will be organizing the ALICE training sessions. Information
forthcoming.
By- Laws committee:
Bert Graybeal reporting that the committee met and is in the process of
reviewing the church by- laws. It was noted that the Boards and the
Committees need to review their duties and responsibilities. After reviewing the
duties and responsibilities, Bert requested that the By- Laws committee be
notified of suggested changes.
Nominating committee:
Discussion held re: whether bylaws allow for members to volunteer for board/
committee slots. Suggestion made that Nominating Committee make the
nomination process more clear to the congregation when they begin their work
next October.
Other:
Annual Meeting scheduled February 3, 2019. Year-end reports are due to
Denise by the end of the year.
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Robinson, Diaconate Secretary
*********************
SUNDAY NURSERY
9:00 AM—12:00 PM
Cathy Pisch
JUNIOR CHURCH SCHEDULE
Jan. 6 Deanna Blevins Jan. 13 No Junior Church
Jan. 20 Deanna Blevins Jan. 27 No Junior Church
PARABLE QUEST
Hey Kids ages 3 to 12, it is time for Parable Quest. Singing, dinner, Bible
stories and games can be enjoyed by all. Hope to see you there. Don’t forget
friends are always welcome! From 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Mark your calendars!
1/9/2019
1/23/2019
Any questions? Please call Diane Palmer 610-593-2846 or
Tamara Oswald 610-857-3314.
In case of bad weather please call to make sure we are having
Parable Quest.
BYF SCHEDULE
Sunday, Jan. 6th 5-7 pm
Sunday, Jan. 13th 5-7 pm
Sunday, Jan. 20th 5-7 pm
Sunday, Jan. 27th 5-7 pm
*****************
PARKESBURG COMMUNITY OUTREACH NEWS
We (PBC) collect food each week for both the Octorara Area Food Cupboard and for our
church’s own pantry. Please place all donations on the table closest to the alley door or in
the basket at the front entrance. If you have questions, see Deanna or Brianna Blevins. We
thank you for your continued support for this mission.
Please add the following items to your food cupboard list: paper towels, napkins, feminine
products (pads w/wings), toilet paper, tissues, bath soap, laundry soap, body lotion,
toothpaste, tooth brushes, mouth wash, trash bags (all sizes), dish liquid. They are
currently looking for non-perishable donations of the following: meaty soup, spaghetti
sauce, spaghetti noodles, applesauce, canned fruit, canned beans, peanut butter & jelly.
Bible Word Search: Wisdom of Christ
All the words listed below are in the puzzle - left, right, up, down or diagonally. Find each and
circle each letter of the words you leftover letters in the correct order to form the
mystery answer. (Answer will be in next months newsletter)
Creation, Displayed,
Excels folly, Ezra,
fear of the Lord,
given by Christ,
Gives happiness, Gives life,
God's Law, Huram, Jesus,
Keeps from evil,
Makes strong,
Mechanical skill, Mighty,
Moses, Nature,
Not asked for,
not without God, Realized,
Solomon, Sovereignty,
Technical skill,
The righteous, Women
Answer to the December’s puzzle:
Eternal Life
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Each Sunday the service is recorded. If you would like a CD copy of the
service, please sign notepad at the sound board or see Todd Allen. You can also
listen to the service on our website.
**************************
Digital Newsletter: If you currently do not receive this newsletter via email and
wish to do so, please contact the church office and provide your email address or
email info@parkesburgbaptist.org
*********************
Octorara Area Food Cupboard
In addition to food donations, the OAFC also supplies toiletries to families in
need. Currently they are looking for :
toothpaste; tooth brushes; shampoos, deodorants,
bath soap, toilet paper, tissues and bandaids.
They have none of these items in stock. Please help if possible. Thank you
*********************
THANK YOU NOTES
To The Members and Friends of the Parkesburg Baptist Church:
I would like to thank you for your many expressions of love and support you have
given me and my family during this difficult time.
I especially want to thank Diane & Tamara and all the ladies in the kitchen for the
wonderful meal they prepared (as usual), Jeanie for her decorations and those who
donated food for the meal.
I thank Mary for the kindness, caring and support she extended to us. I did not
send Christmas Cards this year but I want to take this opportunity to wish each of
you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Blessed New Year.
In Christian Love,
Barb Mellinger
I would like to thank everyone for the cards and gifts, as well as their help, kindness
and love given to me in the past year. Everyone has made my job so much easier.
Thank you again,
Denise Tomey, Church Secretary
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP NEWS
The next Men’s Fellowship meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 9th
at 9 am at the Dutchway Restaurant.
They had 9 in attendance at the December meeting.
********************
We have Sunday school classes for everyone in the entire family. Come check one
out! Our Sunday school classes and teachers are:
*Nursery (birth - 3 years old) - Cathy Pisch
*Pre-K (age 4) - 2nd Grade - Michelle Myles
*3rd - 6th Grade - Megan Clarke
*7th - 12th Grade - Dustin & Amanda King
*Adult Class - “Life Lessons from Galatians” - George & Rusty Young
If you would like to suggest a topic for an adult class, please see Ginny Schempp or
Debbie Desmond. We are always looking for new ideas or topics and anyone willing to
teach or volunteer.
PARKESBURG BAPTIST PRAYER REQUESTS
SPECIAL REQUESTS REQUESTERS
Curtis Aberts, Jim Rogers & Rob Vann Barry & Doris Aberts
Ruthann Passarelli Jeanie Barnett
John Rode, Fred Weller & Willy Lally Bobbi Cross
Peter Rubincam Helena Fulmer
TLC FRIENDS: Clint English, Peggy Haldeman, Verna Hanscom, Dorothy Major,
Catherine Rice, Norman & Loretta Robinson, Vivian Spotts and Lynn Vanderhoof
MILITARY PERSONNEL: Cpt. Matthew Fesak, Sgt. 1stC Christopher Gage,
Troy McBride, Joe Moore, Maj. Todd Moulder, SRA Andrew O’Hop,
Lt. Col., Bryan O’Neill, Erick Potter, Nathan Singer, GySgt. Matthew Wertz
*******************
MILITARY PERSONNEL FOR THE
MONTH
Troy McBride
941 W. 3rd Street, Apt. 3
Williamsport, PA 17701
Parkesburg Baptist Summer 2019 Mission Trip
Where: Lumberton, New Bern, or Wallace, North Carolina (7.5 hours away)
Work: We will be working with Baptists on Mission this year in the areas of NC that
were greatly affected by Hurricane Florence. In addition to helping with the
rebuilding effort, we most likely will have the opportunity to work with the local kids
at a Vacation Bible School or Day Camp.
Housing: Volunteer house
Food: Provided by organization
Transportation: Rental Vans
Cost: $250 (vans, gas, work supplies, food, housing)
When: Sun. July 21 – Sat. July 27, 2019
Who: Open to anyone who has completed 6th grade and older; friends are always
welcome!
Sign Up & Deposit: Team members must sign up by Feb. 17 by giving a $100
nonrefundable deposit to Dustin or Amanda King
Questions: Contact Dustin King (302-416-2029) or Amanda King (484-576-3602)
Website: baptistsonmission.org (check out Disaster Relief drop down menu)
Fundraisers:
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sale - $10 for one pound.
*Orders due by Jan. 27. Making them on Feb. 2-9. Pick up Feb. 9.
Bake Sale – various pies and whoopee pies for sale.
*Orders due by April 22. Making May 8-10. Pick up May 10.
“My Command is this: Love one another as I have loved you.” ~John 15:12
January’s
Birthday Important Dates & Times
Corner
Jan. 8th 12:30pm Faith Circle meets
7:00pm Hope Circle meets
Jan. 3rd Carol English Jan. 9th 9:00 am Men’s Fellowship
Chris Markward
Jeanette Welsh Jan. 10th 7:00 pm Deacon & Trustee
Jan. 4th Megan Clarke meeting
Jan. 7th Helena Fulmer Jan. 11th All Reports due to
Holly Wertz Secretary for
Jan. 10th Jansen Schempp Annual Report
Kevin Wilson, II
Jan. 12th Noah Mercado
Jan. 14th Fred Tyson, Sr.
Jan. 16th Rev. Dan MacDonald
Jan. 19th Ryan Clarke
Jan. 21st S. Jamison Schempp
Jan. 24th Todd Allen
Kerrie Morrow
Jan. 27th Sandra Cook To the following couples:
Charlene Pluck
Jan. 28th Sally Lawson Fred & Nancy Tyson - Jan 14th
Jan. 29th Kyle Kabakjian
Corby & Candace Decker - Jan 18th
Don & Pat Jacke - Jan 31st
The Parkesburg Baptist Church would
like to wish everyone a very Happy Directory Updates:
Birthday! Please make the following changes to your directory:
On Dec. 2, 2018 we told that Dorothy Leike had passed
away on Thursday, Nov. 29th, 2018.
Mike & Laura Bunting have a new address:
1300 Slaters Creek Rd, Goodlettsville, TN 37072Parkesburg Baptist Church
103 West Street
Parkesburg, PA 19365
The Higher Ground
,
January
The Mission of the Parkesburg Baptist Church is to accept and treat everyone as Jesus would; bring people to a
personal relationship with Him; and disciple all believers to be Christ’s witnesses to the world.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the week.
Isaiah 40:29, NIVYou can also read
