Baptist Tidings Fairfield First Baptist Church “A Faith Building Community” May Calendar Vol. XLVII No. 4 April 29 , 2021

Sundays @ 9:00 AM Ray’s Sunday school class @ 10:15 AM Worship Service

Wednesdays @ 5:30 PM Youth Group 6:30 PM Faithweaver (zoom) ______

Monday, May 3 5:30 PM Deacon & Worship Board meetings

Tuesday, May 4 6:00 PM Trustee Board meeting 6:30 PM C.E. & M&E Board meetings Saturday, May 8 9:00 AM Make-and-take meal prep Sunday, May 9 10:15 AM Service in Central Park A Matter of Interpretation “ Tuesday, May 11 6:30 PM Church Council meeting For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any Thursday, May 13 5:45 PM Pastoral Relations Committee mtg. double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Tuesday, May 18 1:00 PM Maxine Bates Circle meeting (Hebrews 4:12) Thursday, May 20 6:30 PM Sac & Fox Lapidary Club How is it that we all have the same Bible, yet we understand it Saturday, May 22 1-5 PM Grad Party for Chris Kyle so differently? Why is it that two people can look at the same verse in Sunday, May 23 Grad Party for McKayla Taylor following graduation the Bible and come to such different conclusions about what it means? Saturday, May 29 3-6 PM Grad Party for Claire Epperson In our Sunday morning series called “Following and Leading” we’ll be Saturday, June 5 11 – 3 Grad Party for Bailey Hird looking into the factors that lead to differing interpretations and I’ll provide some pointers on how to have more confidence in our own We'll still be providing a Worship experience through interpretation. Facebook Live. You can tune into that worship by clicking One of the factors we’ll examine is the fact that the Bible on this wasn’t written in English. We all understand that we need someone to link: https://www.facebook.com/Fairfield-First-Baptist-Church-10429 interpret for us if we are communicating with someone who speaks a 4022934947/ different language. But words and phrases have different shades of meanings in different languages, so it can be difficult to come up with Coming soon… the exact meaning translation. Worship Services in I laugh every time I think of the story that Amy’s uncle, Floyd, told of the time he was receiving recognition for the work he and his Central Park. wife, Doreen, had accomplished in some churches in Japan. The host Watch for dates. said, “Floyd is a wonderful man with a great woman’s behind.” Of course he meant to say that Floyd had a great woman behind his PRAYER LIST success, but something got lost in the translation. Becky England, Mary Keller, The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Marilyn Holmes, Amy Greek, so what we are reading in our Bibles are the English translations Kermott’s parents, Ralph from those languages. Some words are difficult to translate because Paulding, Tiff Widmer, Niel Nielsen, Deanna Wilson there are shades of meaning that are difficult to capture in another language. The classic example of this is the Greek words for “.” There are four Greek words that carry different shades of meaning but Our sincere Christian sympathy is extended to Barb & Carl McRoy on the April 6th passing of Barb’s dad and the death all translated into English as “love.” Three of those Greek words are th used in the Bible. Phylia is brotherly love, or . is of Carl’s mom, Betty McCarty, on April 28 and to Ray romantic love, and is ; the kind God has for Woody on the recent passing of his brother. us. Something gets lost in the translation if we aren’t taking those shades of meaning into account. Thankfully, the text of the Bible has been studied and scrutinized more than any other text in history, by some of the brightest minds who ever have lived, and we can be confident that the translations we have, today, are faithful translations of the original languages. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, for instance BIRTH was translated in 1611 by a team of 60 scholars, mostly out of Oxford Jane Eilene Richmond was born April 12, 2021 to Jasper & and Cambridge Universities, with vast knowledge in Biblical Jackie Richmond. Grandparents are Roger & Staci Wright. languages, history and archeology. The New American Standard Great-grandparents are David & Margaret Wilson. Congratulations to Bible, (NASB) translated in 1977, had a team of over 50 language all of you! specialists from the best universities and seminaries across the U.S., and have had the benefit of the discovery of thousands more HELPING HANDS MINISTRY manuscripts in the original languages over the years. The same is true Do you have a job that you are unable to tackle of the translation team for the New International Version (NIV). by yourself? Sometimes even the smallest task is too The slight differences in translations of each of these versions big to do…like changing a high-hanging light are due to the aim of the translation team. The KJV and NASB seek to bulb, taking the trash out to the curb, or translate in a “word for word” sense, whereas the NIV translators washing windows! Well we’re here for sought to translate the concepts in the biblical phrases. you! Our church has a Helping Hands Program through While we’re separated, historically, from the biblical context the Deacon Board ministry that is waiting to complete such we have the benefit of thousands of years of scholarship and language a task for our church members and attendees. Just call the study that help to provide us with translations that are faithful to the church office (472-5205) any weekday morning or contact one of your deacons and we will try to fulfill that need. original languages and that we can understand, today. Join us on Sunday mornings during worship, in our building or Jan Baird 472-5293 Lisa Greenig 919-4343 through the livestream, to find out how you can better understand the Darrel Bisgard 472-6201 Sharie Leazer 472-3892 deep meaning of the Bible! Ken Burns 451-4207 Harold Munson 472-8895 With you, in the Word, John Rathbun 472-1452 Lee Muntz 919-3337 - Pastor John LIFE GROUP MEETING AGAIN The 5:00 PM Sunday Night Life Group has started up again. This group meets at Mike & Sue Carr’s home each week. Chuck & Pat Comfort facilitate the study, “Jesus, the HAPPY Master Story Teller”.

MAXINE BATES CIRCLE BIRTHDAY Maxine Bates Circle will hold their next regular meeting Tuesday, May 18th @ 1:00 P.M. in Fellowship Hall. No agenda has been set yet. Hostess will be Sue Carr. All women are invited. MAY BIRTHDAYS 2 Hailey Ryan 12 Mike Carr 23 Melody Hird 2 Steve Cardis 13 Morgan Vaughan 24 June Workman 2 Chris Paul 13 Ashley Worley 25 Kellen Copeland VBS IS COMING THIS SUMMER! 4 Lundy Anderson 17 Janelle Epperson 26 Lori Vaughan We're excited to be planning an 5 Henry Salee 18 Travis Dunkin 28 Mark Epperson in-person VBS this year, and it is planned for 11 Portia Bisgard 22 Roger Wright 28 Marvin Roemen Sunday, July 25 through Thursday, July 29th, 30 Rod Ryan from 6:00-7:30 P.M. each night. Help is needed in all areas: Snacks, Games, Class Groups (Preschool, K/1st, 2nd/3rd, and 4th/5th), Music, and Crafts. To volunteer, contact Jamie Gates at [email protected] or 641-919-3177. May Anniversaries

1 Rick & Rachel Clark 21 Jason & Lisa Crandall MAKE-AND-TAKE MEALS IN MAY 15 Greg & Deb Fritz 22 Dick & June Workman Our January Make-and-Take Meals was attended by 8 helpers, who 15 Mike & Renee Telfer 23 Greg & Julie Hanshaw each got to take that night's supper home for their families, and 19 Virgil & Jane Symmonds 27 John & Amy Kermott immediately benefited at least 29 people in 16 households. We were Note: If your birthday or anniversary is this month, but is not able to put away some extras in the freezer, which listed, please call the church office with that information. have since benefited several people, and we

are OUT of stock! To bless our usual HEAD USHERS recipients, and to restock the freezer for May 2 Paul Greenig upcoming unexpected needs, we'll meet 9 Jason Crandall on Saturday, May 8th at 9 A.M. at the 16 Travis Dunkin church. This event usually takes 3-4 hours, and 23 Joe Hird will require deliveries when the food is ready, so there 30 Niels Nielsen are plenty of ways to help out. Contact Jamie Gates with any CHILDREN’S SERMON May 16th: Jan Baird questions: [email protected] or 641-919-3177.

Congratulations F.H.S. Class of 2021!

CHURCH OFFERING will be March 28 - $3841.26 Claire Epperson General - 2410.26 America for Christ - 150.00 attending Drake University in Des HVAC - 280.00 Our Daily Bread - 1.00 Sanctuary Repair - 1000.00 Moines to study Psychology. Claire is the daughter of Mark & April 4 - $3283.26 Janelle Epperson. General - 3281.26 Our Daily Bread - 2.00 A graduation celebration for Claire April 11- $3584.26 will be Saturday, May 29, 2021, General - 3584.26 from 3-6 P.M. in the Fairfield April 18 - $4810.18 _ Middle School Commons. General - 4400.18 Deacons - 150.00 Hanna Kermott - 260.00

April 25 - $1380.92 General - 1348.82 Our Daily Bread - 11.00 Bailey Hird will attend St. ABWM Love Gift - 21.10 Ambrose University in Davenport. Her plans are to get a degree in

Speech Pathology with a minor in Psychology or Spanish. Bailey is

the daughter of Joe & Melody Hird. Come celebrate with Bailey on Did you know that you may Tithe online? Visit Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 11:00 our website www.fffbc.org. Click on the gift tab. If you A.M. – 3:00 P.M. in Fairfield First haven’t already set up your account, it’s very easy to do. You Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. can also keep track of your giving in your account.

FOREST LAKE SUMMER CAMPS 2021

Don’t wait any longer….sign up for camp before May 1st to receive the early bird discount! Even greater news; if you are a regular attendee at Sunday morning worship or Wednesday night Faithweaver/Youth Group, you qualify for a 50% scholarship! Pick up your registration form in the church narthex. Please return ALL registrations and deposits to the church office Congratulations F.H.S. Class of 2021! by tomorrow, April 30th.

Camp Kickoff 10:00 A.M. to ??? (free will donation) May 29 Picnic lunch provided Christopher Kyle plans to Outdoor Adventure/Pioneer Entering 6th – 8th grade attend Indian Hills Community June 21 - 23 Cost: $110 College this fall. Christopher is Deep & Wide Camp Entering 1st – 3rd grades the son of JoDee Kyle and Eric June 24 - 26 Cost: $110

Kyle. th th Please join the graduation Collide Camp Entering 9 – 12 grades July 5 - 10 Cost: $275 ($250 before May 1) celebration honoring Christopher at Fairfield First Baptist Church Encounter Camp Entering 4th – 5th grades July 12 – 17 Cost: $275 ($250 before May 1) Fellowship Hall on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 1-5 P.M. Impact Camp Entering 6th – 8th grades July 19 – 24 Cost: $275 ($250 before May 1)

th th will attend Contact Camp Entering 7 – 12 grades McKayla Taylor July 26 – 31 Cost: $275 ($250 before May 1) Indian Hills Community College Senior High Canoe Trip Entering 9th – 12th grades in the fall. She is the daughter of No Aug. 1 - 3 (4 P.M.) Cost: $60 Nick & Joyce Taylor. picture Family Camp The WHOLE family A graduation party for McKayla available. Aug. 20 – 22 Program fee: $50/family will be held following graduation (food & lodging extra) rd on Sunday, May 23 at 501 East Young Adult Retreat Ages 18-30 Briggs. Oct. 1-3 Cost: $110 Please RSVP to Joyce @ Bring a friend: Campers can bring one 309-252-1000. friend who has never been to camp for FREE! One friend per camper, please.

Christian Education Board Meeting

April 6, 2021

The camp early bird registration deadline is approaching quickly.

Vacation Bible School will be July 25-29 from 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.

Jamie and Melody gave a report about their March outing with Barb’s th group. Melody and Sarah are planning an outing for April 17 from

11:00 – 3:00 at Jefferson County Park.

Faithweaver is continuing on Zoom for a few more weeks. The egg hunt before the Easter service was a big hit. We discussed Family Camp ideas for kid’s activities before future outdoor services.

@ Mission & Evangelism Board Minutes Forest lake Camp & Conference Center April 6, 2021

August 20-22 The following was discussed: Come spend time with friends and family during our family Reviewed the Mission Moments responsibilities. retreat camp event. The goal of the event is to provide an Discussed the content for April's article by James Kyle on Forest Lake. opportunity for families to experience the beauty of camp Discussed the meaning of the Evangelism responsibilities for the together. The participation fee is $50/family. Scholarships are Board and this will be an ongoing discussion. available and registrations may be picked up in our church Talked about the importance of personal evangelism and it was noted narthex. that few people are comfortable in doing this. Different lodging options are available and you can find prices Set an approximate date for the offering of the Alpha Course for after on the registration form. Space is very limited, so please register the first of the year. by August 6, 2021. Set a date for the training for Welcoming New People for the first Sunday in May. Training will be developed by Joe Hird, with Pat as support person. Any person interested in being involved can sign up. Young Adult Retreat Details will be in the bulletin as well as the newsletter.

@

Forest Lake Camp Friday, October 1 – Sunday, October 3 $110 registration – scholarships available!

We will work through devotions, prayer, meditation, relationships, and other struggles we encounter as young adults! To register, please pick up a form in our church narthex or visit the camp website @ https://www.forestlakecamp.org or direct any questions to [email protected]. Deacon Board Meeting April 5, 2021

Deacons prayed with Mary Keller in preparation for her upcoming surgery. Deacons prayed for Tiff Widmner, Neils Neilson, Ralph and Mary Paulding. Jan shared a thank you note written to the Deacon board. Deacon checking balance is $2,388.61 after last month's disbursements. Deacons sent cards to those who are on the in-touch list announcing Easter service times and locations. The weather was great and there were many who showed up for the service in Central Park. We reviewed the in-touch list to see if there were any corrections that needed to be made. MISSION MOMENT At this time, no one has reached out to a deacon for an immediate need. Forest Lake Camp If you know of a need, please contact one of the deacons. With summer right around the corner there is a lot of talk about what everyone is doing. I think it is a great time for the Trustee Board Meeting Kiddos to start thinking about Camp. April 6, 2021 Some of my favorite memories were made at camp; from

Minutes from the past meeting were approved. camp games to fellowship. My favorite memory from camp Ray gave the Financial Report. The nail biting is over. We now have would have to be the game we played called Romans and $32,704 in the General Fund and also the PPP balance is $25,419.00, Christians. We would play it all the time before bed or in the for an overall balance of $68,612.84. Praise the Lord! middle of the night. The game was played as such the We are also getting a $667.42 credit on our next quarter’s social counselors would be the Romans and would try to catch us as security and Medicare expenses from early this year for COVID days we made our way from the lodge to the chapel in the camp off called Qualified sick days off. ground. If they caught us, we would have to do as they say - Virgil made the motion to pay another $1,000 on the principle of the whether that be to find other campers or make up a story about furnace and office loan. Ray seconded. Motion carried what we were doing out past curfew. After we completed the task Bob said Jake Dunbar had called him back about mowing. The board we would either have to go back to the lodge and try again or be agreed for Bob will talk with him more. allowed to pass. The goal for us campers was to make it to the Lights in vestibule are going to be put on hold until the Sanctuary chapel and back to the lodge as we were the Christians going to painting and light bulbs are finished. This should be happening Bible study. We would be given a Bible verse and could not be anytime. The bulbs are here. caught with it or we would be sent to bed for the night. Bob will be talking to Steve Lamb about Jamie’s office heat pump The meaning behind the game was to show what system. Christians went through to hear the message of God. If they were caught, they would be punished. The game was fun to play, but the meaning behind it was much greater. We live in a world today where we are all lucky to be free and worship an awesome God and not face punishment for it. I learned so much at Camp the month and 3rd week when there are five Sundays. about our God and I think we can all learn something from a Tentative dates are May 9, June 13, July 11, August 15, and week at camp. So, I encourage you to think about having your September 12. Worship Board will follow through and make Kids attend Forest Lake Camp. Our Church is a proud the final decision. sponsor of Forest Lake Camp and supports it yearly and I A discussion was held about membership concerns. The would like to thank everyone deacons are addressing this issue. who has given money to Forest Lake. Bob Keller said giving was lowest ever for the month of I would like to announce that on Saturday, June 19, we January, but the first Sunday of March, the giving was the will be doing a Church Canoe trip highest ever. Right now, the weekly giving is making from Ottumwa to Eldon; time yet to be determined. Please let expenses. James Kyle or Pastor John know if you would be interested in New LED light bulbs have been installed in the sanctuary the trip so we can get a head count. and the painting should be done and pews replaced by By James Kyle for the Missions & Evangelism Board Sunday Worship. Sound system board is on order. New

speakers have been installed in the narthex and can be heard in Fellowship Hall when partition is open.

First Baptist Church Council Meeting Pastor reported an all-church retreat will be planned for fall; April 13, 2021 maybe mid-week in conjunction with other programs for children. Present: Pastor John Kermott, Jan Baird, JoDee Kyle, Margaret Wilson, Pat Comfort, Lorri Deeke, Aaron Kooiker, Bob Keller mentioned children are running and playing in Bob Keller the basement and asked what authority he had, as usher, to Absent: Sue Carr, Joyce Roemen quiet them. JoDee Kyle made a motion parents should be Minutes were approved from previous meeting. notified that all children over nursery age (4) should be in Sue Carr submitted a letter giving duties of the Worship church service. Margaret Wilson 2nd motion. Motion carried. Board, noting that many of these duties overlap into other Discussion on whether an adult should be downstairs to board duties. The Council decided to read, pray, and think supervise when the nursery is used. JoDee will check into the about changes and continue discussion in future meetings. list of volunteers who signed up to do this. Aaron Kooiker closed in prayer. Pastor John talked with a person about using Central Park for Respectfully submitted, Lorri Deeke, Clerk a once-a-month Sunday Worship; probably the 2nd week of