Selected items from the August 2004 Newsletter…

ABW MINISTRIES
    
ABW Executive Meeting  Monday, August 30   9:30 a.m. at Rose Huffaker's apartment.

Family Night Supper Tuesday, September 14
6:30 p.m.
Speaker: Sue Landas
"Update on Habitat for Humanity"
Please bring a dish to pass and table service. All are invited! Love Gift will be taken.

Women's Sunday - Sunday, September 26
Pastor Pat Robinson preaching - Pat is the new President of ABW/NYS Ministries

Vacation Bible School - Lava Lava Island

Lava Lava Island Lava Lava Island
Let God's Love F-L-O-W !

Vacation Bible School
at First Baptist Church of Manlius
ALL GOD'S CHILDREN ARE WELCOME
WE ARE 100% Handicapped Accessible

Who:      Ages 3 yrs. - 5th grade
When:    August  2nd - 6th,  9:00 - Noon
Why:      To spread the word of God and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children and adults within and beyond our borders
How:      Upbeat praise music, Bible skits, crafts, games, and snacks. Each reinforces the daily Bible verse every 20 minutes. Mission projects for children locally and globally

Please help spread God's word by encouraging your neighbors, friends, and grandchildren to attend Vacation Bible School. Better yet, come and volunteer for a few hours or a few days. You will be a blessing and in turn be abundantly blessed by the Lord, Our God.

To obtain registration forms, call the church @ 682-8941. Download forms at our website:  www.firstbaptist-manlius.org.
Click on VBS registration forms. Thank you so very much for your support and prayers for VBS.


Journal entry for July 20, 2004
Dear God,
Thank you for all the wonderful blessings you have sent me throughout my lifetime. There are so many times you could have let me fall but you did not. Times when I did not honor you or your word. It must have made you turn your head and weep.

Jesus, I am so sorry, for the years I have tried to walk alone and not let you lead. Thank you Father, for waiting patiently for me to put my hand back out to you and let you once again show me the way. Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross for me. Thank you for suffering so I may live eternally with you. Thank you for loving me so very much. Thank you for all the miracles you have brought to my life. Physical healings, the birth of my children, and bringing me the most awesome man to be my husband.

Thank you for the roles you have placed before me in your church. I praise you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that you send to me. I praise you for my wonderful church family. They are all so special and wonderful. I ask you dear Lord, to really bless them at this time. Let them feel your Holy Spirit calling them to support Vacation Bible School. Burn the calling into their hearts, Lord.  Let them help to spread your word through funds or sharing their time and talents. All we have comes from you, Lord.  Set them on fire to return to you what has come from you. "Let there be Glory and Honor and Praises, Glory and Honor to Jesus, Glory, Honor, Glory and Honor to Him."

Dear Lord, especially bless these people who have volunteered their time and talents to our VBS to spread your word as you have asked us.
Colleen Guynup- Director of VBS Pre-K
Linda Kline- Crafts leader for Pre-K
Shirley Mapstone- Bible Stories for Pre-K
JoAnn Mostar- Chadder's video stories
Myrna Benedict-Stasiw- Chadder's Video stories

Mike and Jake Albanese, Barbara Richardson, Courtney Schevchuk, Trudy Siegenthaler, Avis Sell, Camilla Ware and two friends she is recruiting, as crew leaders with the Pre-K kids.
Liz and Millar Brace- Jungle Gym Games
Jenny Busch- Lava Lava Luau
Jean Lynn Buskey- Tropical Treats
Barbara Davison- Tropical Treats Assistant
Mary Reeves- Tropical Treats Assistant
Sarah Ziegler -Tropical Treats Assistant
Ellen Butler-   Chadder's Island Theater
Cindy Mapstone- Hot Bible Adventures
Wendy Mapstone- Crater Crafts & Missions
Debra Oley- Registration
Mary Schwarz- Sing & Play Bay
Kathie Schevchuk- Friday Picnic Celebration

And bless Ruth Bates, Betsy Burt, Ken and Elsie Bex, Melissa Buskey, Harry and Pauline Cole, Karin Davenport, Esther Dominy, Marge Edwards, Ellen Everly, Colleen Ferris, Alishia Foss, Damon Gagnier, John Granata, Carole Guynup, Michelle Hotchkiss, Dana Karanik, Sally Lyon, Jeremy Mapstone and  his friend JJ, Nancy Nozynski, Ellie Parker, Karen Ros, Harold and Ruth Ware, and anyone else you may send my way. Thank you, Lord, for these people. Without them there would be no VBS.  Also bless the people of Doug's Fish Fry and Burger King of Manlius who generously give donations to VBS and help defray our costs.
Lord, please pour your strength on me so I may continue this mission until the very end. Protect me from useless distractions that take my eyes from you. Help me to use my time, people and resources wisely. Help me to always show them your love and my appreciation.  Open wide my horizons to share your name.
Above all, help me to glorify your name in all that is done for you.
 Joni Dominy

From the Pastoral Search Committee

"God's ways are not our ways." As our pastoral search has often felt like a rollercoaster ride, that's a reminder we could all use right now. Only days after our disappointment in early June, the name of another strong candidate came our way. We had been in conversation with him as recently as last week (this being written on July 15th). However, his situation changed and he withdrew from consideration. "God's ways are not our ways." And here's another reminder: "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

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

Blood Mobile Report
Our Blood Drive on Saturday, July 17 ran from 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Actually, it ran until 2 p.m. We were extremely successful! Our quota was 50 pints.   85 people came, 78 were processed,   74 pints of blood were received.

Many thanks to all of those 15 people who helped with the beforehand calling and to Carole Guynup who faithfully works as registrar.

We're looking forward to our next drive already scheduled for Wednesday, November 10 from 1:30 - 6:30 p.m. I'll be looking for more people to help with the calling.

Shirley Mapstone
Coordinator for the Missions Board
 
 
From the Parking Lot Committee

Unfortunately, it looks like we will have to go until next year to re-do our parking lot. The Village of Manlius did not include any money in their budget for the supplies to "repair" their large drainage duct beneath our parking lot. Apparently, the Village Trustee's have not taken us seriously regarding our parking lot project. Our committee also put some changes into our project so we had to have the estimates re-done. There are a couple of other minor things that are holding us up also. I'm sorry we will have to wait until next year for this project. Perhaps there is a hidden reason for the delays.  Thank you for your patience.

J.W.L.

BAPTISM - RE-BAPTISM - MEMBERSHIP
Sunday, August 15th, 2004

The baptism/re-baptism service will be Sunday, August 15th at 8:00 a.m. on the beach at Green Lakes State Park! (Participants please arrive by 7:30 a.m.) After we dry off, we will head to the church, where new members will be welcomed during the regular 9:30 worship service.

Other details are still being worked out, such as music and the reception after the worship service.

If you would like to be baptized, re-baptized, or join the church, please contact Doc or a member of the Diaconate Board.

Everyone is encouraged to bring your children so they can see a major part of Baptist doctrine in action!

Directions:
From the 290 entrance, park in the first lot on the right. From the Route 5 entrance, pass the golf course, then take the next left past the Park Police sign. We will meet near the boathouse, where the water is deep.

Prayer Requests
-Please pray for Rose Huffaker who recently suffered a slight stroke.
-Continue to pray for Corrine Benedict and Husband, David. Corinne's prognosis is not good. Pray for peace and comfort.
-Please pray for Kathy Foss, Dick's mom. She is recovering from a skin graft.
-Please pray for Jeff Loope's continuing recovery from back surgery.
-Please continue to pray for Sandy Haase's battle with cancer.

 
A GRAIN OF SAND
by Stephanie Gosdis

I give myself to you, O Lord;
my life is in Your hands.
Please keep me safe in Your arms
as You would a grain of sand.

Lord, I know I'm not perfect,
and, of course, so do You.
But help me find the path so I
can act the way You do.

All the things I give to You,
my love, my hope, my strength,
are nothing compared to what You do.
You go the full length.

Oh, how I worship and love You
with all of my heart.
I know that when the day comes,
we will never be apart.

So, I give myself to you, O Lord;
my life is in Your hands.
Please keep me safe in Your arms
as You would a grain of sand.


Stephanie Gosdis is a high school junior and a member of First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City. She wrote this poem during the winter but later found herself reading it over and over again to help her get through a very difficult spring. Her poetry has been part of her healing and a significant way for her to express her faith.


PEACE WITHIN
by Mary Jackson

My mind was very troubled;
I was extremely depressed.
I needed to find tranquility,
for my body was feeling stressed.

What could I do
to find sure release?
I discovered that I needed
to really pursue peace.
I searched and searched,
looking far and near-
still no sign of relief,
thought I'd looked everywhere.

But then I remembered
there was another place to go-
to God, the Heavenly Father.
I was sure He would know.

I went into my room
and knelt down to pray.
Immediately He assured me
that He'd show me the way.

He instructed me to look
not to the right, nor to the left,
but stay right where I was
and search inside myself.

I listened to the master
and followed His advice.
It was then I discovered
positive changes in my life.

I'm telling this story,
for its testimony is true;
I thank the Lord for allowing me
to share it here with you.

So if there ever comes a time
to pursue peace anew,
you need not look to others;
it's right inside of you.

Mary Jackson is a member of Riverview Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia where she has served as chair of Youth Ministry, Christian Education and Stewardship. She is also recently retired as director of music. Mary also serves on the Executive Committee of American Baptist Women's Ministries. Calling herself a medical miracle (she is a double cornea recipient), she has a deep and abiding faith in the healing power of God.
- submitted by Kathie Shevchuk (article in Vital Woman)
 
A REAL FRIEND TEST!!
A simple friend has never seen you cry. A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.
A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names. A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.
A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party. A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.
A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed. A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems. A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
A simple friend wonders about your romantic history. A real friend could blackmail you with it.
A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest. A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.
A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you HAVE an argument. A real friend calls you after you had a fight.
A simple friend expects you to always be there for them. A real friend expects to always be there for you!
A simple friend reads this e-mail and deletes it. A real friend passes it on and sends it back to you!
Pass this on to anyone you care about......if you get it back you have no beginning, no end. It keeps us together, like our Circle of Friends.
- submitted by Jill Doss

Greetings from Leah Stark, who is happy and well. Also Charles and Arlene Struwing will be worshipping with us on August 15. From Margaret Vermilya

Thanksgiving for my church family. My days are truly much happier for my caring family. Summer is very warm; I'm thankful for air conditioning. My best to everyone and God's blessing to all. Love, Edith Laning.

Thank you to this wonderful church family for the many years she was a part of such a loving community. From Lucia Ernst through her stepson.
 
"I am a Christian…"
The next time you say... "I thought you were supposed to be a Christian," keep this in mind!
When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not shouting "I'm clean living'". I'm whispering, "I was lost", Now I'm found and forgiven.
When I say... "I am a Christian", I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble, and need CHRIST to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak, and need HIS strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed, and need GOD to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not claiming to be perfect, my flaws are far too visible; but GOD believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian", I still feel the sting of pain, I have my share of heartaches, and so I call upon HIS name.
When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner, who received GOD'S Grace, somehow.
Share this with somebody who already has this understanding, as reinforcement. But more importantly, share this with those who do not have a clear understanding of what it means to be a Christian, so that the myth that Christians think they are "perfect" or "better than others" can be dispelled.
submitted by Ann Morales.


The Family Car

A young boy had just gotten his driving permit.  He asked his father, who was a Minister, if they could discuss his use of the family car.  His father took him into his study and said, "I'll make a deal with you.  You bring your grades up, study the Bible a little, get your hair cut and then we'll talk about it." After about a month, the boy came back and again asked his father if they could discuss his use of the car.  They again went into the father's study where the father said, "Son, I've been very proud of you.  You have brought your grades up, you've studied the Bible diligently, but you didn't get your hair cut."  The young man waited a moment and then replied, "You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that.  You know Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair, and even Jesus had long hair."  The Minister said, "Yes, and everywhere they went, they walked."

August Birthdays

 

 

1.    Bill Burt

2.    Annette Andrusyszyn

6.          Elinor “Ellie” Parker

9.    Bob Mapstone

        Leah Stark

12.    Anthony Burrows, Sr.

        Carl Short

13.  Edith Laning

14.  Jill Dudley

        Jeremy Mapstone

        Andrew Short

        Carol Spradling

16.  Elaine Burt

        Claire Dudley

18.  Ruth Costello

19.  Greg Short

        Eugene White

22.  Richard Bishop

23.  Jenny Busch

        Crystal Callesto

25.  Michael Albanese

28.  Alexandra Dominy

29.  Kathleen Bates

 

 

 

Anniversaries

4.    Judy & Roger Schleicher

5.    Carole & Charlie Guynup

7.    Cathi & Steve Ferris

8.    Sally & Bill Lyon

11.  Nancy & Richard Bishop

14.  Gail & Bill Carlsen

27.  Kathy & Dan Clements

        Jill & Andrew Dudley

        Laura & Erman Ferris

28.    Angela & Damon Gagnier

        Barbara & Elwin Richardson

31.  Barbara & Bill Davison

        Kim and John Granata