Selected items from the March 2004 Newsletter…

ABW MINISTRIES
    
Scholarship Aid for American Baptist Women/Girls - Applications for ABW Ministries/NYS Scholarships are in the office or you may call 682-8169.  These are due into the office by Monday, March 1st.  We currently have a scholarship woman, Colleen Guynup, who has applied and received aid for the past three years.  The applicant must be an active member of an American Baptist Church and intends to enroll in college as a regular, full-time student.

BLANKET SUNDAY
Blanket  Sunday was held February 8th.  We thank all who contributed.

On Saturday, March 13, the ABC/NYS Coffee and Luncheon will be served here at First Baptist.  Dottie Ammann and Ruby Pfohl are in charge.



LENTEN BIBLE SERIES
A series of four Lenten Bible Studies will be offered to the congregation on the following Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel:  March 9th, March 16th, March 23rd, and March 30th.  Leaders will be JoAnn Mostar, Ruby Pfohl, Gail Carlsen, and Myrna Benedict Stasiw.  There will be a soup luncheon following each Bible Study.  The committee consists of Ruby Pfohl, Shirley Mapstone, Olga Schmidt, and Annette Andrusyszyn.  All are invited!


WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
World Day of Prayer is Friday, March 5th.  It will be held this year at Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville.  Refreshments are served at 9:30 a.m.  All are invited.  Child care will be provided upon request.  Cindy Mapstone will be our representative this year.  She will participate in the service.

JOYFUL SOUNDS CHOIR
The Joyful Sounds Choir will be singing on Sunday, March 21st.

MISSIONS

Share God's Blessings Today -
     I recently sat with a young man who was dying of AIDS.  When I entered his room, I saw a body of bones tightly covered in skin and heard his labored breathing.  His eyes were wide and fearful as I sat on the side of his bed and took his large, thin hand in mine.  Since he could barely speak, I held his hand and asked if he was a Christian.  He said no, but something in his eyes begged for hope and release from his burdens.  Not wanting to force anyone to accept God's free gift, and yet knowing the man had very little time, I talked with him about his pain and suffering.  After about ten minutes, I asked him again if he wanted to know Christ.  Almost immediately he nodded his head and said yes.  We talked about God's love for us, about our sin, and about Jesus' suffering and the hope we have in Him.  Then I asked someone to pray with him as he gave his life to Christ.
     Before the man died a month later, I spoke with him again for a short time, and his eyes had lost the fear and hopelessness I had previously seen.  His family said he remained firm in his belief in Christ until the end.
     I often wonder if we really are good stewards of God's gifts to us-health, talents, finances, or love-before they are gone or diminished?  Take time today to hug your children, your spouse, or your best friend.  Thank God every morning that today you have another opportunity to show the love of Christ in your life.  Share the blessing God has given you today; I know you will be blessed in return.
-Kristy Engel, Dominican Republic

An excerpt from ABC International Ministries Update - January 2004   

From all God's Children . . .

A BIBLE TEACHER ASKED HER CLASS TO WRITE NOTES "TO GOD"  --- HERE ARE SOME THEY HANDED IN:

Dear God:
I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset You made on Tuesday. That was cool.

ADDRESS CHANGES
Please note the following changes:
 

From the Pastoral Search Committee

We continue to discuss and pray about potential candidates, make contacts, talk to references, and make decisions about moving forward with particular individuals. 

One of the encouraging things we've experienced throughout this search is that whenever we've come to an "end" God has given us a "beginning".  And not just any beginning, but one about which we can be excited.  He hears our prayers (and yours!) and is continually providing. 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
-- Isaiah 41:10

Your ministry partners,
Ken Bex, Ross Binder, Betsy Burt, Ellen Everly, Mark Mapstone, Mary Schwarz, Myrna Stasiw