FEBRUARY 2017 The Baptist Briefs FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MONONGAHELA, PA

WINTER WEATHER This Issue Cancellation Pastor’s Corner P. 2 Children’s Corner P. 3 Policy Preschool Corner P. 4 A text message or email will be sent out if we need Women’s Ministry P. 5 to close due to bad weather. Missionary Newsletters P. 7 Information will also be posted on both WPXI & KDKA television stations.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Painting Event Witness Class Feb. 1 Peg Tomayko Would you like to go to the Feb. 5 Carol Baxter beach with us? Just sit and Feb. 6 Sandy Soffel relax in a comfy chair with Feb. 6 Gina McNamara your feet in the sand? Sounds Feb. 7 Ray Bolt great, doesn’t it? “Tell iT!” Is a new connection class beginning Feb. 8 Mary Filippelli Please join us at First Baptist Church for a paint- Sunday February 5 with Pastor Mark. This four Feb. 9 Bridget Callihan ing session with Kate Gibson on Saturday, week class will focus on how to give a non con- Feb. 12 Virginia Kearns March 25 at 1:00PM. Artistic ability is not re- quired. Kate Gibson will walk you through the frontational personal witness for Christ. Each Feb. 12 Emily Robbins class will be an informal mix of teaching and Feb. 14 Roberta Flowers steps to paint a beautiful beach scene on can- vas. discussion on this topic that seems to paralyze Feb. 15 Joey Stabile so many believers. Feb. 16 Michael Warchol All women ages 13 to 100 are invited to join us for “Paint With Kate Gibson”. This is a first come, Class #1 What is a witness will look Feb. 17 Dawn Stancato at common misconceptions and barriers Feb. 17 Micah Summers first serve event. Class size is limited to 25 peo- ple. The cost for this event is $30 per person. Class #2 What did I witness focuses on what Feb. 22 Patty Snyder Payment is due at time of reservation to hold there is to talk about Feb. 22 Michael Toth, Jr. your spot. Reservations and payment must be Feb. 23 Ila Ford Class #3 How do I witness we’ll engage in made by March 5. some role play Feb. 27 Shawn McNamara Beverages will be provided. Feel free to bring a Feb. 28 Jeri Caldwell Class #4 What do I say next will ex- snack to share with others. When it gets closer plore Scripture support to continue to the event we will have a sign-up sheet in the in a conversation narthex to let us know if you are bringing some- HAPPY thing to share. There will be no child care for this If you’ve struggled with telling what happened to you this is the class for you. You will come away event. ANNIVERSARY with a true sense of security that will enable you Ken and Bonnie Kirby If you have any questions, please contact Katie to “tell it” with a clear mind in every situation. February 13 Irwin (724-825-7654), Lisa Leach (724-454- 0942), or Sis Baxter (724-258-9649) for more

information. THE ASSEMBLY Pastor’s Corner

GATHERED IN THE MEETING “Let us think of ways to motivate HOUSE IS NOT one another to acts of love and a place for “sour grapes.” We good works…” live in a day where every- one is in the crosshairs of motivators. Many make a but encourage one another, living teaching others how to especially now that the day of “WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO INVEST motivate someone. It hap- his return is drawing near. He- pens between husbands and brews 10:24–25(NLT) IN MY SISTER OR BROTHER?” wives, parents and kids or This verse clearly says that growing in faithfulness journey around us and make disciples their teens; with friends. thought is to be put into motivat- towards our corporate meeting for Jesus. We’re not called to for Companies use all sorts of ing other believers to act. Moti- with Jesus! Rather than being Jesus. We’re not called to make motivators trying to get the vating them to act through love about personal benefit with we members of First Baptist, we’re best out of their employees. and do good works. Not work for are to be about the other’s told to make disciples of Jesus Volunteer groups spend con- good people or work for per- benefit. Gathering takes on a Christ. God will hold those here siderable effort on marketing sonal gain but for the benefit of very different reality when I’m that He chooses for stability of to gain some sort of voice others. But the interesting thing coming to walk along side you. this Baptist church as long as above all the other voices. is that the root word in Greek “to The call here is that my per- our goal is His goal - mak- You will be the target of motivate” is the word for "sour spective be for your benefit. ing disciples throughout the some act or process planned grapes." Depending on the con- That my thoughts are directed in whole world. When our purpose out to provide something that text the same word for moti- studying how to help you go with is to make baptists or keep the causes you to act in a certain vate can also mean to “stir to Christ. Sounds wonderfully ro- church doors open, He will not way. At times we may sense anger, to be provoked, irritated. mantic or “pie in the sky” and bless our efforts. As we begin it’s more like manipulation For example in Acts 17:16 Paul not truly possible. Yet it is the the second month of a new year rather than motivation. But in preaches because he’s angry Words of the Sprit to us today. in ministry together let’s purpose our current culture it can be about the idolatry being prac- In whatever ways previous gen- to think hard, consider carefully a debilitating pressure on ticed in Corinth. He’s not erations of FBC lived this out it one another and how we some to act according to preaching because of his call is is now up to us. We thank God can encourage each other to someone else’s viewpoint. It to preach the Good News to for their past success as it lays a “take the next step" in love and can even be found in the them. In Acts 15:39 Paul and solid for us to build good works. Asking ourselves: Church of Jesus. It can be Barnabas got so irritated over on today. But our building must what does God want me to in- illegitimate and ungodly. Or another companion that be in a faith that works through vest in my sister or brother? My could it be that what we're they could no longer minister love. For some, our current cul- neighbor in the next pew or interpreting as unfair ma- together. They could not get ture of entitlement and selfish- across the street. Let’s make nipulation is really God’s over their “sharp disagree- ness often incapacitates their this our prayer: "Father help me plan for His called out com- ment” (sour grapes) about Mark, desire to personally demon- to do today what You want to munity? Could a motivati- so they went their separate strate practical love for bless! God, I know you’re going nal call for everyone’s benefit ways! neighbor. It is easy at times to to do some very exciting things be misconstrued? Sound Our verses are not instructing us find ourselves like those reli- in the world today. Would you strange? Maybe even un- to use “sharp disagreement or gious leaders who asked Jesus, give me the privilege of just be- christian? I mean being told irritation" but in thought- “who is my neighbor?” We’ve all ing in on some of them? I just to deny yourself is definitely ful consideration of each other made an intellectual excuse as want to be in on what you’re un-loving, right? Take a look in love, we’re to rouse or en- to why that “samaritan" was not doing. I want to do what you’re at this verse: courage each other to act. Its my neighbor. blessing. I want to be used to Let us think of ways to moti- not a “measure up” message but We gather at First Baptist be- motivate others in love and good vate one another to acts of a “take the next step” message cause we’ve been given a man- works today!” love and good works. And let that we’re to share with each date - go into every area of our Pastor Mark us not neglect our meeting other. It is about strengthening community. It is His will that we Titus 3:8 together, as some people do, each other in an upward looking, go as well into the communities

New Children’s Work Director Happy 2017! I would like to take about. Lori Callihan will continue Sunday. Pray for our kids. Pray a few minutes to introduce my- to head up Vacation Bible that we teach them all that we self to you as the new director of School and we are already talk- possibly can about Jesus and Children’s Work. I was excited to ing about our upcoming summer that we plant a love for Him take up where Natalie had so plans. Natalie and David are still early. Pray that our Children’s NURSERY greatly finished. I would like to doing amazing work with the 252 Ministry grows and that God thank her personally for the work Basics kids and our teens during blesses us with more willing SCHEDULE that she has done with the kids our Connection Group Hour. I’m hearts and more kids. Feb. 5 10:00 Dawn Stancato for the last several years. excited to see all of the fun I also would like to extend my- 11:00 Lisa Zanardelli I will be taking over the reigns things that will be in store for our self if you have any amazing for Children’s Work and I’m ex- kids this year. ideas that you would love to see Feb.12 cited. I had previously been en- Now, I need some help from all us do, please don’t hesitate to 10:00 Leslie Trilli trusted with Children’s Work of you. No, I’m not going to ask come find me. 11:00 Debbie Jobes before the boys were born but all of you to be volunteers, al- Something to think about: Did Feb.19 needed some time off to adjust though we would love that. I am you know that according to Ba- 10:00 Michelle Tabacca to being a mom! I’m excited to going to ask for all of you to con- rna Research Group, most peo- 11:00 Darlene Willis work with our wonderful team of tinue to pray for the children’s ple who believe in Christ as their Feb.26 volunteers. I know that some of ministry. Please pray extra spe- Savior, do so before age 12. 10:00 Vergie Morris them have some exciting ideas cial for our children’s workers as That means that our kids need 11:00 Lori Ann Rock that we are already thinking they are in the trenches every to be one of our most prized about possessions as well as deserv- ing of our time and talent. Lisa Leach FIRST LOOK GOD IS IN THE CHURCH NURSERY SCHEDULE Feb. 5 Leslie Trilli his Word is read, preached, in his arms, he said to them, Feb.12 Gina McNamara loved and obeyed. The Lord “Whoever receives one such says, “I am watching over my child in my name receives me, Feb.19 Gina McNamara word to perform it.” (Jeremiah and whoever receives me, re- Feb.26 Beth Stabile 1:12) When the Bible speaks – ceives not me but him who sent God is with us. me.” (Mark 9:36-37) Where is God on Sunday morn- We know that God is every- When you welcome a child in the 252 BASICS ing? Of course, God is every- where. “Can a man hide himself name of Jesus you welcome where. We know that God is en- in secret places so that I cannot Jesus himself. When we minister SCHEDULE throned in the praises of his peo- see him? declares the LORD. Do to children – God is with us. 1st Hour: ple. (Psalm 22:3) When we I not fill heaven and earth? de- If you wonder why so many peo- Natalie Schollaert gather to worship – God is with clares the LORD.” (Jeremiah ple are blessed by serving in the & Lisa Robertson us. 23:24) “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping church nursery. Now you know – 2nd Hour: We know that God is there when watch on the evil and the God is there. Music Connection we pray. Jesus said, “For where good.” (Proverbs 15:3) No matter Written by Tony Kummer. © 2007 two or three are gathered in my where we go – God is with us. Gospel Driven Children’s Ministry name, there am I among http://ministry-to-children.com/ them.” (Matthew 18:20) When we But did you know that God is back in the church nursery? “And pray – God is with us. Jesus took a child and put him in We know that God is there when the midst of them, and taking him Preschool Corner

FBC Preschoolers Inspiring Kindness

The memory verse the chil- each student to see first-

dren have been learning this hand the wonderful acts month (Ephesians 4:32) these students do for their partnered with a friend each talks about being kind to one families. The families record day to play games, share another. Kindness has been the good deeds in Theo’s snack and create unique evident in our classroom unique journal, and when works of art together. They from day one, however, the Theo returns, Miss Steph learned the valuable lesson children have recently fo- reads the journal aloud. The of working out differences cused their efforts on prac- journal has listed deeds and how partnering with a ticing kind acts. Here a few ranging from cleaning one’s friend can be fun!

ways FBC preschool stu- toys without being told, go- In closing, remember, no act dents have let their kind light ing to bed without arguing to of kindness, no matter how shine… setting a place at the dinner small, is ever wasted! table for Theo! Wall of Kindness Brighten someone’s day We have a special hallway Show and Share today by performing a kind leading to our classroom On occasion, the students act. Inspire others to prac- that highlights the many kind have the opportunity to bring tice kindness and pass it on!

deeds the students have in one of their favorite toys Yours In Teaching, done for their fellow pre- from home and share it with Miss Steph school friends. When a stu- their friends. The preschool- dent does an exceptionally ers have done an incredible good deed, they get their job happily encouraging Please check out the new name and a detail of what others to play with their preschool bulletin board in the deed was on a special treasured possessions. Way the narthex!  Be sure to heart. Each student has the to go guys! take a card from our prayer opportunity to earn a heart. pail to pray for one of our Buddy Week students! Thank you. Thoughtful Theo Friendship and kindness go Thoughtful Theo is a special hand in hand. Recently, our teddy bear that takes turns preschooler participated in traveling to the homes of “buddy week”, where they

Women’s Simulcast Conference* With Priscilla Shirer (Star of the hit movie “War Room”) An event that focuses on the power of prayer and learning to study God’s Word for yourself. DATE: Saturday, April 22, 2017 TIME: 9:00am - 4:30pm PLACE: First Baptist Church of Monongahela COST: $30 (due by April 9 and non-refundable) This price includes coffee and doughnuts at 9:30am and a luncheon at 12:30pm. Seating is limited Pre-registration due by April 9 Forms are available in the narthex. Please fill out and turn in as soon as possible. *A simulcast event is an event that is broadcast to various locations simultaneously through the Internet. We will stream the Priscilla Shirer Live Event using Internet technology.

MEN AND WOMEN VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED Join us for a Planning meeting for the Women's Simulcast. Monday, February 6, 2017 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm in Bonnie Kirby's Connection Group Classroom. ALL who would like to help are welcome. 2017 Church Staff, Board Members & Officers CHURCH STAFF DEACON BOARD CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD Pastor, Mark A. Schollaert Ken Kirby, Chair Chairperson, Paula Schollaert Asst. Pastor, C. Ken Kirby Bill Morris, Vice Chair Adult Work, Laura Weber Choir Director, Brandon Zanardelli Howard Dunmire Sr. Camps & Conferences, Gina McNamara Preschool Teacher, Stephanie LaFrankie Chris Jobes Children's Work, Lisa Leach Church Secretary, Kris Quinn & Barb Ulens David Schollaert Leadership, OPEN Web Site Administrator, Joe Wolf Missions, OPEN DECONESS BOARD Music, To be appointed CHURCH OFFICERS Kathleen Boyce, Co-chair SS Superintendent, Shawn McNamara Church Clerk, Leslie Trilli Debbie Yohe, Co-chair Youth, David Schollaert Church Treasurer, Barb Ulens Linda Beattie Finance Secretary, Terri Graney Marilyn Curcio FLOWER COMMITTEE Sharon Gardner Gene King SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFICERS Terri Graney Lori Ann Rock Superintendent, Shawn McNamara Debbie Jobes Suzanne Schock Assistant Superintendent, Ken Kirby Vergie Morris Librarian, Sharon Gardner Barb Ptak OUR MISSIONARIES Secretary/Treasurer, Sue Wolf Kimberly Brown (IM, Thailand) TRUSTEE BOARD Todd Harris (InterVarsity CF) PRESCHOOL BOARD Robin Yohe, Chair Adam & Dianna Nathanson (Venezuela) Terri Graney Jeff Callihan, Vice Chair Robert & Joanna Waisman (Brazil) Barb Ulens Ron Ingram Walter & Jeanine White (IM, Global) Darlene Willis Bonnie Kirby Emerson and Ivy Wu (IM, China) Pastor Mark Schollaert Dan Rock Peggy Romeo Joe Wolf February 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 Mid-Morning Morning Co:Lab Home Prayer 10:00 Prayer 6am Team 9:00am

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Communion Youth Group Hand Bell & Mid-Morning Morning Fellowship Choir Practices Prayer 10:00 Prayer 6am Hall in use (tent.) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Youth Group Hand Bell & Mid-Morning Morning Choir Practices Prayer 10:00 Prayer 6am

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 No Preschool Hand Bell & Mid-Morning Morning Presidents Day Choir Practices Prayer 10:00 Prayer 6am

Trustees Mtg. Youth Group 26 27 28 The FBC Kitchen will be CLOSED Youth Group Hand Bell & th th Choir Practices from January 30 to February 10 for cleaning and painting.

In Our Thoughts and Prayers Jim Ptak - Crawford Long Term Acute Michelle Anderson & Family - loss of Carole Garvin Care, myasthenia gravis disease husband, father, grandfather Vickie Allin Gniefkowski - cancer Miriam Ritchie - shut in, home, severe Babe Baroffio - shut in, Finksburg, MD Donna Gorby - shut in, home physical conditions, pain management Dorothy Baxter - hip surgery recovery Johnna Gregg - spinal surgery recovery Etta Robertson - 5yr old, flu Lt. Col. Robert Bement/USAF, HI Rose Gust Troy Robertson - thyroid cancer Barbara Bolt Zach Householder T. Sgt. Erik Ruppert/USAF, AR Ray Bolt - moderate to severe aortic Don & Sally Howard - health problems Jake Sawich - Crohns Disease insufficiency, undergoing tests Alicia Hruby Frank Schollaert - speech Donna Boyce Claire Ingram - shut in, home, cancer Jack Schollaert - home dialysis Kathleen Boyce Donna Irwin - New Horizons Care, WY Patrick Schollaert - bone cancer Dorothy Broggi - car accident injuries Jesse - 8yr old, appendix surgery recovery Judy Shaw Marvin Caldwell - Sunrise Sr. Living Merle Kennedy - dementia Drake Spahr - basic training, Marines Kim Camisi - returning Lupus Miriam Kennedy - surgery recovery Derek Stabile Nancy Coder - dementia Genie King - healing, broken back Barb Stevens Sharon Coleman - health PO1 Owen Leaver/US Navy medic, NC Tessa Grace - premature, NICU Kay Crall - Washington Health Center Shannon Leaver - cancer Don Ulens - cataract surg. recovery Edna Detwiler Eric Martin - tractor trailer accident Dale Varega - brain tumor Betty Dornan Sparky Mancinelli - Havencrest Sam Wade - severe MS Margaret Falter - McMurray Hills Manor Sean Massey - MS Sis Weaver - Washington Health Center Gene Flowers - Residence at Hilltop LCPL Caylee Miller/USMC Brie Weber - seizures Roberta Flowers - health Isabelle Miller Cindy Allin Williams - needs a liver Ila & Vernon Ford Brad Odorisio - brittle bone disease Joe Wolf - eyesight Mark Furjanic - ALS Jean Papik - health issues Debby Zadnik - lung cancer Sharon Gardner Barb Ptak - courage, strength, wisdom

Family Update Ministry Update depend on prayerful people like Thank you considering our you who, through their giving, request and for the many

send us out to use the God ways that you have loved us has given us. That is, we need and encouraged us this year - you and all that you bring to this your prayers, messages and

partnership. We firmly believe that sacrificial giving. It means so we are able to accomplish more much to us to see our family As you've seen in previous up- together than any of us can on our and friends joining us in this dates, I spent a week in Jamaica own. Through our partnership, meaningful and transformative We've had an exciting fall semes- working with the staff there to more students are choosing to ministry. Our prayer for you, ter full of lots of travel, time with prepare for our March partnership follow Jesus, and taking costly as for our family, is that the family and friends, and all our in Kingston. After that, I also steps of faith into international giving and receiving of Christ- favorite fall activities. The picture helped staff Michigan's cross-cultural ministry. Through mas would fill you with joy, above was taken at a local farm "Compelling" conference with over our partnership, we're unleashing reminding you why we do any where we go for a petting zoo, 600 students and staff. I love op- wise, sensitive and thoughtful of this to begin with. hayrides, a corn maze and lots of portunities to work face-to-face women and men into a globalized Have a wonderful Christmas! great fall festival food with students and "Compelling" society with the skills to navigate Love from Todd, Missy and CJ CJ turned two in September did not disappoint - 28 students it, as well as the ability to commu- and is growing like crazy! I was made a commitment to follow nicate the gospel across cultural just looking at him today and mar- Jesus that weekend! I spent the differences. This matters in our veling at how quickly he's out- remainder of that week traveling world, and particularly in the King- grown toys that used to be bigger to a few different schools in mid- dom of God. than him. He is an energetic, Michigan helping them think about This school year, I have had to goofy, adventurous and persistent how God might want to use inter- spend significantly more time little boy who loves seeing his national missions to transform away from my work and focused extended family, playing with cars them and their fellowships. Two of on , due both to my and trains, building puzzles, being those three schools are planning deficit (currently $1300) as well as startled by daddy and getting to send students overseas this my hope to receive my full salary. daddy back for it. Right now, we're school year! Most years, I've spent months working on finishing potty training, trying to close the gap in our fund- starting big boy bed training, and ing - sometimes successfully, helping him figure out how to use other times not. Without a doubt, his words. We're having such a God has been faithful and met all fun time as a family. of our needs, even if we haven't Missy is continuing to sell books been fully-funded. However, I with Usborne Books and More, want to ask you to imagine what tutoring a few children, and taking Stronger Together - else God might accomplish great care of CJ and our home through us if I could reallocate while I've been finishing up my Our Funding Reality that time to face-to-face ministry, first busy travel season of the These are pictures from Compel- as opposed to fundrais- school year. We've been enjoying ling at which I had the opportunity ing. I would like to erase this defi- this stage with CJ - his rambunc- to lead in prayer for our counter- cit, receive my full salary, and be tious personality, his talkative- parts overseas as well as host an freed to invest further in these ness, his creativity, his affection. interest table to generate excite- missions programs and the rela- He always wants to ment about international missions. tionships that sustain them. Will "shug" (snuggle) at bedtime. Per- These are only a couple of the you give a year-end of $100, sonally, I've also been enjoying exciting parts of my job and I am $200 or $500 to help me accom- some fun novels and taking ad- able to do it because of your giv- plish this? ing. vantage of every opportunity to indulge my tabletop strategy Since students don't have the game hobby. capacity to support this work, we

Non-Profit First Baptist Church U.S. Postage Paid 601 W. Main Street Permit No.46 Monongahela, PA 15063 Monongahela, PA 15063 Phone: 724.258.7750 Fax: 724.258.9390 Email: [email protected] Website: www.firstbaptistmon.org

Inviting people to discover, live and share the love of Jesus Christ.