November Newsletter

Selected items from the July 2003 Newsletter…

ABW MINISTRIES
     Please continue to save Campbell's labels and cancelled stamps (1/4" border, please).

CARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

     If you know of anyone in the congregation who needs a get-well card or a card of encouragement, please give Jessie Mapstone a call at 682-2874).

Running through the Rain. . .

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let 's run through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey, we'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain." "We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet? "Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith...

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

MISSIONS

International Ministries Update March 2003

May God Repay You

     "Que Dios te lo pague." "May God repay you." That's what the caretaker of the local Bolivian church told ABC missionaries Steve and Francesca Crane when they gave him a box of basic food items. The deacons of the church have asked members to help the caretaker and his wife, who are paid less than $50 per month to provide security, maintenance and upkeep for the church. The church can't afford any more. It's an acceptable wage for a person of his social class, but it's not enough to take care of his family. He is sincerely grateful for the box, but a little embarrassed at his needs.

     Steve says, "'Que Dios te lo pague' are familiar words in Bolivia. They are hard words to hear. It seems that I always want more than I need or deserve. But as I look at myself in comparison to the disadvantaged masses of this world, God has already paid me well." He adds that "God has given his people the responsibility to care for the poor. When we help the poor, we are helping Jesus."

     Francesca says, "On the cross of Calvary, Jesus paid the price for my sins. My life has been purchased through the blood of Christ. As a Christian I live in Christ; God has already paid me. The fact is that God has already blessed me abundantly and I can never give more than God has given. But I'm thinking that maybe I should try. This small box of goods lets me know how small my response is in comparison to what God has already paid."

MY ATTORNEY

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell."

He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise."

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished."

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine."

My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy"

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said,"There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all."

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips... "This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed."

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one."

I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?"

Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, "PAID IN FULL."

If you do not pass this along to 15 people immediately, absolutely nothing will happen. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend, (as I have done here), will bless you both.

"Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!"

This is an eye opener; some probably never thought nor looked at this Psalm in this way, even though they say it over and over again.

The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship!

I shall not want
That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters
That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul
That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That's Guidance!

For His name sake
That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
That's Testing!

I will fear no evil
That's Protection!

For Thou art with me
That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
That's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil
That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over
That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
That's Security!

Forever
That's Eternity!

Face it, the Lord is crazy about you. Send this to the people you are crazy about.

I thought this was pretty special, just like YOU !!! What is most valuable, is not what we have in our lives, but WHO we have in our lives!

Texas Joe
This was sent via email from Ann Morales

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the
territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the island, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren. After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing. Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?" "My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything." "You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings." "Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "What did he pray for that should owe him anything?" "He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us. This is too good not to share. With obedience come blessings. My prayer for you today is that all your prayers are answered.

Be blessed.

FOOD PANTRY

It's summertime again and hunger doesn't take a vacation. Help us fill the shelves with the following:

Spaghetti Sauce              Elbows
Spaghetti O's                  Ziti
Tomato Sauce                Spaghetti
Stewed Tomatoes          Tomatoes
Tomato Paste                Vegetable Soup
Chicken Soups              Sloppy Joe Mix
Tuna, Hash                    Spam
Canned meat                 Green Beans
Rice/Potatoes                Meal Helpers
Whole Kernel Corn       Mac & Cheese
Other Canned               Baked Beans
Vegetables                  Beans
Cake Mixes                  Frosting Mix

We are always in short supply of:

Laundry Detergent       Shampoo
Dish Detergent             Hand Soap
Paper Towels              Toilet Paper

Thank you so much for your generosity!
                    Love, Monica

ADDRESS UPDATES

Please note the following address changes:

Mrs. Reva Burt
2415 Fenner Road
Cazenovia, NY   13035
655-2741

Mrs. Leah Stark
430 Ackerson Boulevard
Brightwaters, NY   11718-1713

UNITY FELLOWSHIP

     The Chicken Barbecue will be held at the Richardson's home on Saturday, July 26th. Please bring table service and a lawn chair. Come at 5:00 p.m. - Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. All are invited!

CHURCH LIBRARY

     Our church library has been reorganized and is ready to be used. We have many good books written by noted Christian authors such as Norman Vincent Peale, Max Lucado, Charles Colson, Catherine Marshall, Billy Graham, Charles Swindoll, Tony Compolo, and others. Please come in for some good summer reading. To check books out, please sign your name on the card and place the card in the box (alphabetized by author). Thank you!

PULASKI BAPTIST CHURCH
7 Bridge St., Pulaski, NY (298-2955)

Pulaski Baptist Church will be celebrating its 175th Anniversary the weekend of July 11-13. Friday, 3-7 pm, there is an ice cream social. This is at the Farmer's Market, South Park. Saturday, 5:30 p.m., there will be a catered celebration dinner at the American Legion Hall (corner of Delano St. & Maple Ave.) in Pulaski - $10/person, $5/child under 10. You need to call in advance to make a reservation (298-5661). Sunday at 10:45 a.m. is worship with a reception from 3:30-5:00 p.m. All are invited!

THIS IS GOOD! Think about them one at a time BEFORE going on to the next one......... IT DOES MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD, especially the thought at the end.

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the supermarket

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half price.

12. Chocolate milkshake. (or vanilla!) (or strawberry)

13. A long distance phone call.

14. A bubble bath.

15. Giggling.

16. A good conversation.

17 The beach

18. Finding a 20 note in your coat from last winter.

19. Laughing at yourself.

20. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

21. Running through sprinklers.

22. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

23. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

24. Laughing at an inside joke.

25. Friends.

26. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

27. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

28. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).

29. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

30. Playing with a new puppy.

31. Having someone play with your hair.

32. Sweet dreams.

33. Hot chocolate.

34. Road trips with friends.

35. Swinging on swings.

36. Wrapping presents under the Christmas tree while eating cookies and drinking your favorite tipple.

37. Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid.

38. Going to a really good concert.

39. Making eye contact with a cute stranger

40. Winning a really competitive game.

41. Making chocolate chip cookies.

42. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

43. Spending time with close friends.

44. Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends.

45. Holding hands with someone you care about.

46. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change

47. Riding the best roller coasters over and over.

48. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.

49. Watching the sunrise.

50. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.

Friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

I'm Fine - How are You?
There's nothing the matter with me,
I'm just as healthy as can be.
I have arthritis in both knees, and feet,
and when I talk, I talk with a wheeze.
My pulse is weak, my blood is thin, but I'm awfully well
for the shape I'm in.
All my teeth have had to come out,
and my diet I hate to think about.
I'm overweight and I can't get thin,
but I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.
And arch supports I need for my feet,
Or I wouldn't be able to go out in the street.
Sleep is denied me night after night,
but every morning I find I'm all right.
My memory's failing, my head's in a spin,
but I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.
Old age is golden I've heard it said,
but sometimes I wonder, as I go to bed.
With my ears in a drawer, my teeth in a cup,
and my glasses on a shelf, until I get up.
And when sleep dims my eyes, I say to myself,
is there anything else I should lay on the shelf?
The reason I know my Youth has been spent,
is my get-up-and-go has got-up-and-went!
But really I don't mind, when I think with a grin,
of all the places my get-up has been.
My shoulder's been fixed and is slowly getting better,
but I still can't hold a pen to write my kids a letter.
I get up each morning and dust off my wits,
pick up the paper and read the obits.
If my name is missing, I'm therefore not dead,
so I eat a good breakfast and jump back into bed.
The moral of this as the tale unfolds,
Is that for you and me, who are growing old.
It is better to say "I'm fine" with a grin,
than to let people know the shape we are in.
SO...I AM FINE, HOW ARE YOU?

WORSHIP SERVICE
At
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
On
July 6, 2003 - 9:30 a.m.
This service is in combination with Manlius Methodist at First Baptist Church
Rev. David Buchanan will be preaching

SUMMER SECRETARY

Betsy Miller will begin as Summer Church Secretary on Monday, June 30th. The church office hours will be Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Elaine will be back 9/2/03.

Some food for thought...

A man went to a barber shop to have his hair and his beard cut as always. He started to have a good conversation with the barber who attended him. They talked about many things and various subjects. Suddenly, they touched the subject of God. The barber said: "Look man, I don't believe that God exists as you say so."

"Why do you say that?" asked the client.

"Well, it's so easy, all you have to do is go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Consider this: If God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering or pain. I can't believe in a God who permits all of these things."

The client stopped for a moment thinking, but he didn't want to respond in order to prevent an argument. The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with long hair and a beard (it seems that it had been a long time since he had his cut and he looked so untidy).

Then the client again entered the barber shop and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist!" "Are you crazy, of course they exist!" said the barber. "I'm here and I'm a barber."

"Oh no, no, no!" - the client exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did there would be no people with long hair and a beard like that man walking down the street!" The barber responded, "Ah, but barbers do exist! What happens is that people do not come to the barber even when they need him."

"EXACTLY!"- affirmed the client. "That's the point! God does exist, what happens is people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world." Amen!

And on the lighter side...

CHURCH BULLETIN MISTAKES

This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

Thursday night - Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

Don't let worry kill you-let the church help.

Rev. Adam spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.

The preacher will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth with Joy."

During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when A. B. Doe supplied our pulpit.

Kids in Church. . .

3-year-old, Reese: "Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen."

A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys."

I had been teaching my three-year old daughter, Caitlin, the Lord's Prayer and for several evenings at bedtime, she would repeat after me the lines from the prayer. Finally, she decided to go solo. I listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word right up to the end of the prayer: "Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us some E-mail. Amen."

And one particular four-year-old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

A Sunday school teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church." "Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked. Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers."

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'" Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A father was at the beach with his children when his four-year old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked. "He died and went to Heaven," the Dad replied. The boy thought a moment and then said, "Did God throw him back down?"

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied." Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

A guy goes on vacation to the Holy Land with his wife and mother-in-law. The mother-in-law dies.
They go to an undertaker who explains that they can ship the body home but that it'll cost over $5000, whereas they can bury her in the Holy Land for only $150.
The guy says, "We'll ship her home."
The undertaker asks, "Are you sure? That's an awfully big expense and we can do a very nice burial here."
The guy says, "Look, 2000 years ago they buried a guy here and three days later he rose from the dead. I just can't take that chance."