First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa TheThe First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa

We are a Messenger body of believers VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7 & 8 JULY & AUGUST 2017 united in Christ to proclaim, Pastor Update live, and love By Terry van den Heever according to God’s Word. Just a personal note from me: sheep.” (Ezekiel 34:12) And also from INSIDE THIS Isaiah 46:11, “what I have said, that will ISSUE: Over the years, I have seen God work in many situations – both in my life and I bring about; what I have planned, that Birthdays and 7 I will do.” Anniversaries the lives of others. I have seen Him answer prayers and demonstrate His He is working! We are working diligently Backstretch Kids 3 Program love and faithfulness in a million and yet resting in Him, refusing to be different ways. But I have never before distracted by the enemy. God is leading Backstretch 4 Mission Collection experienced His constant and ongoing us onward to His chosen shepherd for

Birthright Booties 4 guidance and wisdom like I have during First Baptist Church. I am grateful to be this process of searching for His next part of the process. Book Bound 3 pastor for FBC. Budget & Finance 5 Terry van den Heever We have prayed for His discernment Chair, Pastoral Search Committee 2 CABA Women and you have prayed for us as well CUMENICAL ORSHIP ERVICE Calendar 8 (thank you!). He has revealed so many E W S

Children’s Choir 6 things to us along the way, things we July 2, 10 a.m.

2 needed to know to make a wise Christ Episcopal Church (15 W. High St.) Christian Ed decision concerning this candidate or Church Mouse 6 Nursery School that candidate. His wisdom has been so

Dave Koblish timely and inerrant that we have been 5 Concert amazed over and over. I personally have Deacons 5 grown so much in trusting Him and Every July the village churches join Ecumenical 1 listening to the guidance of the Holy together for an Ecumenical Worship Worship Service Spirit. Service. All participating churches Library 7 I know that we all desire to call the contribute to the service, beautifully Men’s Fellowship 3 exact person God has chosen to lead us. exemplifying our unity in Christ. Come take part in this opportunity to worship Missionary Visit 4 I also know that we would like that to with our extended church family. This Pastor Search 1 happen sooner rather than later. Committee However, in Isaiah 55:8 God says, “For service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 15 West High Street. Rip’N’Roll 2 My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Summer Lunch neither are your ways My ways.” He has 2 Program His own plan, His own timetable. He SUMMER TIME CHANGE

Summer Time 1 does give us encouragement in the On July 9 our worship time Change waiting time, saying “as a shepherd will change to 9:00 a.m. for looks after his flock when he is with the summer. Sunday School them, so will I look after My will resume in September. P A G E 2

CABA WOMEN’S GATHERING SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM

“A SUMMER SMORGASBORD” This is our seventh year of operation Clifton Park Center Baptist Church and we are expecting to serve almost Saturday, July 8, 2017 200 children a day! Friends Worship Volunteer signup so far is looking good, but we will need more especially as the summer progresses. Food Music Please sign up at SignUp.com: Ministry Fun http://signup.com/go/h712jw. 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Registration It will take you through step by 11:30 a.m. Luncheon step. Easy! You will be able to select the specific spots and dates you want to fill, and SignUp will Join us in July for this fun and informative send you automated confirmation and reminders. gathering as we see how we can reflect Jesus’ light SignUp does not share your email. If you prefer in our communities, featuring testimonies from not to sign up online, please contact the church Women’s Crafts Ministry at Saratoga Race Track. office 885-8361.

Plus: Pat Rogers and Karen Jones  Report on Scholarship Girl  White Cross (packets available for pick-up) HE OARD OF HRISTIAN DUCATION  New York State Mission Project for 2017-18 T B C E  CABA/Adirondack Fall Retreat. Well, in a little over two months it will be September. Yes, that means starting up Sunday (a Love Gift offering will be taken) school and our regular hours for Registration Fee: $8.00 (includes luncheon) church. But let’s not rush it, maybe payable at the door we will have some summer with

Registration Deadline: Monday, July 3, 2017, the sun! Even as we acknowledge to Marie Schilling, Telephone 373-9673 and thank the people who served in our children's ministries, we will be setting up Mission Project: the ministry for next fall. Please bring an item to donate for the Women’s Please be in prayer about helping out, if everyone Crafts Ministry. The women like bright cheerful colors and designs. served once or twice during the year, the same  Kitchen Towel and Hot Pad Set people wouldn't have to volunteer so many times!  100% Cotton Fabric (fat quarters 18” x 21”) Remember just because it is summer it’s not time  Sewing Shears (8-1/2”) to forget our Lord. Let the SON walk with you every day. His ministry goes on all year. Food Pantry and Summer Lunch Program is in need of RIP ‘N’ ROLL! workers. Be blessed by serving our Lord! From Bed Sheets to Bandages We are praying for God’s leading for the start up Rip n Roll for White Cross is alive and of Sunday school and how we can kick it off. well. We had our second get-together on June 14th at Diane McGarry’s and rolled Please be in prayer for our Search Committee and 32 - 5 yard bandages for the Congo. These ten for the new Pastor that the Lord has chosen for ladies beat the previous record in May of 25 rolls. our Church! We are here to help grow God’s A good time was had by all and we will be planning Kingdom. our next social event soon, either a pool party or a Serving Him together, lake party. Watch for details. All are invited. Joan Anderson P A G E 3

BACKSTRETCH MISSION EVENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BookBound! Saturday, July 29 THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF On Saturday, July 29, we have a mission BALLSTON SPA BOOK CLUB opportunity to spend the day with the children of the backstretch track workers. Throughout the day SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) we will help with childcare, The Handmaid’s Tale play games, do arts and crafts, have VBS lessons, Margaret Atwood and provide snacks and lunch. Please consider spending part of your day with us – a few hours in OCTOBER 9, 2017 the morning and/or the afternoon. There are 20- A Man Called Ove 25 children this year, and we need as many people Fredrik Backman as possible to help. A sign-up sheet is in the gathering area. Contact anyone on the Mission NOVEMBER 13, 2017 Board with any questions and thank you for any When Breath Becomes Air time you can give. Paul Kalanithi

DECEMBER 11, 2017 The Box of Delights John Masefield

JANUARY 8, 2018 Lost Lake: A Novel Sarah Addison Allen

FEBRUARY 12, 2018 The Idiot Elif Batuman

MARCH 12, 2018 Walking on My Grave Carolyn Hart

APRIL 9, 2018 Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family Condoleezza Rice

MAY 14, 2018 A Dog’s Purpose MEN’S FELLOWSHIP & COFFEE Bruce Cameron

All men are invited to the Men’s Fellowship on All are welcome! Thursdays at 10 a.m. at Come each month or just once. Fortunate Cup (West St. Saratoga) for fellowship 2nd Monday of each Month, 4:30-5:30 and prayer. Each week the men’s group joins in Join a diverse group of women to discuss books, and casual conversation about contemporary issues enjoy tea and fellowship. Childcare is provided. and Christianity. Please contact Sarah Watkins [email protected] P A G E 4

THE BOARD OF MISSIONS Tripoli. She now runs an integrated Centre for Domestic Workers—Insaaf: Justice and Compas- Missionaries, Daniel & Sarah Chetti, are coming! sion of Jesus—at Hadath Baptist Church, Beirut. In cooperation with other organizations, Sarah advocates for the rights of the maids, fighting injustice and human trafficking. Dan and Sarah are very active members of the International Church in Beirut, a vibrant congregation with over thirty nationalities. Dan is a member of the Ministry Leadership Team; he preaches and coordinates home groups and mission outreach. The Chettis host one of the home groups once a week and Dan hosts a men’s Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 27! prayer breakfast twice a month. Missionaries, Daniel & Sarah Chetti, will be our guests at church to talk about their mission work. Daniel & Sarah Chetti Come and hear their message! International Ministries ABC/USA PO Box 851 Dan and Sarah Chetti, the first International Minis- Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 tries missionaries in the Arab World, have been serving in Lebanon for over a decade—and have continued to serve through the Israel-Hezbollah fighting and the “Arab Spring” and “Arab Winter.”

They believe these are moments of great challenge, yet opportune times in the Arab World. NEW LOCAL MISSION Dan is an Adjunct Professor at the Arab Baptist We are collecting donations Theological Seminary, Beirut—an institution for Backstretch Workers. preparing leaders for ministry primarily across There is a box to collect new nine countries in the Middle East and North Africa. or slightly used items. Please He teaches history of Christianity and historical speak to Mary Ann Becker if theology. In addition, he is a member of the you have any questions. A detailed list of items Faculty Council, mentors students, and does needed is on the collection box. research and writing on contemporary Christianity. Dan is currently promoting a strategic ministry concept called “Arab World Initiative.” BIRTHRIGHT: KNITTERS NEEDED

Sarah worked as the librarian at the Arab Baptist When a pregnancy test shows a positive result, we Theological Seminary, reviving and reorganizing it offer the young woman a pair of knitted baby after the long Lebanese Civil War. She expanded booties. Right now, we are very low on booties the holdings, classifying and computerizing the and are looking for knitters to help replenish our entire library. She then trained and turned over supply. You help is truly appreciated. Donations the management of the library to a Lebanese lady. may be given to Mary Ann Becker.

For the last few years, Sarah has been pioneering Instructions for Knitted Booties: a ministry among foreign migrant women working 1. Size 4 needles, baby yarn as maids in Lebanon. There are 300,000 foreign 2. Cast on 38 stitches maids laboring in Lebanon, a small nation with a 3. Knit 18 rows (9 ridges) population of just three million. Sarah ministers 4. Bind off 8 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows with the help of three other ladies. She visits and 5. Knit on 22 stitches for 28 rows (14 ridges) ministers at two other prisons, including one in 6. Bind off and sew together and turn down cuff P A G E 5

BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE THE BOARD OF DEACONS Through the month of May, our pledges were We will be starting our worship services for July ahead by $3,499, which continues to show great and August at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 9. It is our commitment from our congregation. Our hope to go no more than an hour. There will be no non-pledged giving was behind by $3,494. children's parable or children’s worship during the Through the month of May, FBC’s expenses were summer. We hope to have a couple of Sundays, $104,778 and income was $94,566; leaving a defi- where after the worship hour, we can meet for cit of $10,212. We continue to have a very healthy fresh fruit and drinks and fellowship time. Stay checkbook balance of over $33,000. tuned!

I am writing this message the morning after our I would like to update the prayer chain ministry, so most recent Budget & Finance Committee meeting if you are interested, please let me know. at FBC. We had a lengthy and healthy discussion about the options that FBC has regarding the We hope to get more of the congregation involved financing of proposed capital projects (new in our ministry programs come the Fall. parking lot, new audio/visual system, air Serving together, conditioning), which were discussed at FBC’s Pat Rogers, Deacon semi-annual meeting. The size of FBC’s endowment gives us a great deal of flexibility, as DAVID KOBLISH IN CONCERT does our new relationship with NBT Bank. Sunday, September 24, 2017

Speaking of NBT Bank, they are scheduled to First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa attend the July Budget & Finance Committee David Koblish, soloist and recording meeting to give us an update on our endowment’s artist from Minneapolis, MN is one performance, any changes they plan on making to of the great favorites in sacred the portfolio, and what they are seeing from a music. His beautiful and natural macro-economic and a technical perspective. voice is heard in music that is Contemporary, Also, Church Mouse Nursery School has decided to Traditional, Inspirational and a touch of Country offer the parents of its students the ability to pay Western and Southern Gospel. online. As a result, CMNS will begin utilizing the As a youngster David often sang with his five capabilities of FBC’s Online Giving system in brothers at various functions in their small, August. Northern Wisconsin community. He remembers As always, FBC’s Budget & Finance Committee is that in his early childhood, he used to hike through here to support the FBC family and the work that an open field, find a large stump, climb upon it and our members do in God’s name. Please let us sing at the top of his voice the song "Standing on know what your thoughts are, and how we can the Promises of God". support FBC from your perspective. Since 1973 David has been singing full-time. He As always, feel free to contact me with any has been giving concerts and speaking in churches questions. of all denominations, Bible conferences, crusades and evangelistic services. In God’s Service, Troy Filburn David often ministers musically in conferences and festivals throughout Asia, South America and ONLINE GIVING Europe with the International ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He has sung his Going away for the summer? We’re still here! songs in over 35 languages in order to more Online giving is available. Go to this link to sign up. effectively communicate the gospel to so many https://www.acionlinegiving.com/4225 different cultures.

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CHURCH MOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL of June. We will return in August to get things In spite of the very rainy underway for September. weather, we were still able to hold our field days - inside. I am thankful that all of our staff plans on We had many wonderful returning in September. We still have openings in parents helping run the games our afternoon 3 year old class, our afternoon 4 and activities. Our Parent year old class, and our morning Pre K class. Please Organization did a great job spread the word! organizing the Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer! whole event. Serving Christ together, Cheryl Dunkelbarger

It is bitter sweet as we goodbye to our 4 year old and Pre K students, but we are excited as we send them off to Kindergarten. Each class has become a family, growing and learning together throughout the school year. Our promotions and graduations went smoothly. Parents, relatives and friends enjoyed the ceremonies. Each student received a DVD from their teacher, with a slide show of the entire year. This will be a great souvenir from their time spent at The Church Mouse. Who: Children from Pre-K to 5th Grade Time 2 Learn had a little When: Wednesdays, 6—6:45 pm ceremony with their class on September 20, 2017, start Where: The First Baptist Church Upstairs Room June 8. Meric Pritchard was among the graduates. Time New This Year: Combination of 2 age groups. 2 Learn will be returning in  Cherub’s Choir Director, Sarah Watkins the fall. We have enjoyed  Junior Choir Director, Colleen Pierre having them in the building. A few of their  Groups will practice individually & together.

students have moved into our 3 year old The children will have the opportunity to sing programs. during Sunday worship services, at the Home of Once again the staff worked the Good Shepherd and Saratoga Center for Rehab and Skilled Nursing Care. for a couple of days after school ended, cleaning and For information call: storing away materials for Sarah Watkins 583-0668 or the fall. We had our end of Colleen Pierre 928-5355 the year luncheon at school, catered by Moe’s. Over the summer rugs and floors will be cleaned, and a few little projects will be done. Jennie and I will be in for limited hours until the end

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LIBRARY CORNER

Children’s Books: July Birthdays 1. The Statue of Liberty by Lucille Recht Penner 2. The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha 2nd Robby Pierre 14th Walter Talmadge Wing 3rd Matthew Watkins 16th Bonnie Rodriguez 3. Fourth of July Mice! by Bethany 3rd Mike Watkins 17th Nancy Harrison Roberts th th 7 Jason Gerbing 18 Susan Filburn Children’s Books & CDs: 7th Emmeline Hanchett 19th Cailin Rabideau 1. The Hippo Hop by Steve Smallman 10th Lucretia Hommel 23rd Debbie Porter 2. Gilbert the Great by Jane Clarke 11th Erin Murray 27th Emily Fresn 3. Pig Kahuna Pirates! by Jennifer Sattler 14th Kameron Cox 30th David Cox 4. Clifford’s Beach Day by Quinlan Lee 5. Penguin on Vacation by Salina Yoon 6. Buzz Bumble to the Rescue by Lynn Hazen 7. Zoomer’s Summer Snowstorm by Ned Young 8. Fun Dog, Sun Dog by Deborah Heilingman

Children’s DVD: 1. Gunther and the Paper Brigade Feature Film for August Birthdays Families—Guther takes up a paper 2 nd Susan Talmadge 16th John Marino route to make . Will he stand 3rd Thomas Townson 19th Kevin Porter up to bullies who try to take over? 4th Jim Sellers 22nd Michael T. 2. The Pond—there’s something funny 5th Nick Zalar Hensler in the water. 6th Lisa Kindt 27th Linda Uline 3. Tomato Sawyer & Huckleberry Larry’s Big River 6th Virginia Vencuss 27th Cheryl Rescue—VeggieTales th 7 Alaura Appell Whittredge Family DVDs: 7th Dottie Sellers 30th Larry 1. Return to Nim’s Island—Nim defends her island 8th Henry van den Dunkelbarger against resort developers and ani- Heever mal poachers. 9th George Ginngreen 2. Angel in the House—Zooey and Alec 14th Angeline Pierre await confirmation to foster a child. th Unexpectedly seven year old Eli 15 Chris Wright appears on their doorstep.

Adults Books: 1. The New Strong-Willed Child by Dr. James Dobson 2. America the Beautiful by Ben July Anniversaries Carson, M.D 3. The God I Love by Joni Eareckson 2nd Robert and Shirley Melander Tada 4th John and Karonne Watson 4. Hawaiian Sunrise by Lauraine 15th Larry and Norma Dunkelbarger Snelling 16th Dale and Carol Gerbing 5. Island Refuge by Linda Hall 18th Mike and Sarah Watkins 6. The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker st 21 Nick and Holly Zalar There are many books for teens and adults from fiction to more serious reading. And don’t forget the DVDs, August Anniversaries Videos, and CDs that are available! Happy summer 9th Kevin and Lori Livingston watching, listening, and reading!! th 17 Dan and Laura Wright Enjoy! Mary Morelock If we missed your birthday or anniversary, please let the church office know! July 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8:30 a.m. Claire’s Musique Notes Recital

2 3 4 5 6 10 a.m. Men’s Coffee 7 8 10:00 a.m. Ecumenical Independence Day 11:30 a.m. Summer 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP Worship Service @ Christ Lunch Program 4:30 p.m. Food Pantry Episcopal Church begins

9 WORSHIP TIME CHANGE 10 11 12 13 10 a.m. Men’s Coffee 14 15 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 2:15 p.m. Saratoga Center 7:00 p.m. Board Meetings 4:30 p.m. Food Pantry for Rehab Worship Service

16 17 18 19 20 10 a.m. Men’s Coffee 21 22 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. SLP 9 a.m. Food Pantry 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 4:30 p.m. Food Pantry

23 24 25 26 27 10 a.m. Men’s Coffee 28 29 Backstretch 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP Kids Program 4:30 p.m. Food Pantry

30 31 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. SLP August 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 10:00 a.m. Men’s 4 5 9 a.m. Food Pantry 11:30 a.m. SLP Fellowship 11:00 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 4:30 p.m. Food Pantry

6 Communion Sunday 7 8 9 10 10:00 a.m. Men’s 11 12 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP Fellowship 11:30 a.m. SLP 7:00 p.m. Board 11:30 a.m. SLP Meetings 4:30 p.m. Food Pantry

13 14 15 16 17 10:00 a.m. Men’s 18 19 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. SLP 9 a.m. Food Pantry 1130 a.m. SLP Fellowship 11:30 a.m. Summer 2:15 p.m. Saratoga Center 11:30 a.m. SLP 11:30 a.m. SLP Lunch Program Ends for Rehab Worship Service 4:30 p.m. Food Pantry

20 21 22 23 24 10:00 a.m. Men’s 25 26 9:00 a.m. Worship Service Fellowship 4:30 p.m. Food Pantry

27 28 29 30 31 Chetti Missionary Visit 9:00 a.m. Worship Service The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa

202 Milton Avenue Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-8361 www.BSpaBaptist.org

Church Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Church Staff

Rev. Dr. Bill Tatum, Interim Pastor [email protected] DARRYL DREW, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC [email protected] RITA DREW, CHOIR DIRECTOR [email protected] JUSTINA DANISON, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR [email protected] CHARITY BUCKBEE, CHURCH SEXTON [email protected]

The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Avenue Ballston Spa, NY 12020