THE VOICE OF HOPE - MARCH 2005
“Equipping God’s people to be His presence in our community”
3360 E Midland Rd, Bay City, MI 48708
989-684-6830
March’s Church Calendar - Click Here!
From the Pastor
New Life from Death
We are Christians, and as such we are resurrection people. Paul said, If the dead are not raised then “we are the most miserable people in the world” (1 Cor 15:19, NLT). But Christ has risen, and with the resurrection of Christ, we have hope.
Death is called the last enemy. Modern medicine (as did ancient medicine) goes to extreme lengths to stave off death. Research into medicine and treatments and therapies all seek to postpone what is inevitable. However, the Christian declares that death is not the end, and resurrection is the hope for new life. Even more, the Christian believes that death is the door to resurrection and to new life.
However, we all realize that physical death is not the only death we seek to avoid. Dating teenagers will go to any length to postpone the death of their relationships. Companies have a comatose state known as “bankruptcy” that postpones financial death. Even churches refuse to die for fear that they may miss an opportunity for ministry or importance. But just as death is a prerequisite for resurrection in our physical bodies, death must also be faced if we are to experience resurrection in our relationships, or our ministries.
1 Peter 2:24 says, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” If we live for Christ, if we serve Christ, if we would experience His abundant life, we must die to ourselves. That is painful. It is not waht we want to do, however, nothing else works. If we live for ourselves, we will never know the joy that God has in store for us. If we will die to ourselves, everything can be changed.
Easter is the day of resurrection, may be use this Lenten season to learn again what it means to die to ourselves.
We are American Baptists – Part 1
I grew up in American Baptist Churches. My grandfather and my father pastored American Baptist churches. I went to an American Baptist Seminary. I have pastored American Baptist churches. I love the family to which New Hope belongs. But lately I have been asking myself the question, “What is an American Baptist?” And even more to the point, “What is a Baptist?”
This month I want to make a few comments about being Baptist. There are an awful lot of voices telling us what a Baptist is and what a Baptist believes. Some Baptists define being a Christian so narrowly, that unless you are part of their group, you have no chance of salvation. Other Baptist groups are so open, it makes no difference what you believe. How is it possible for such a wide divide to exist under the same name? Is there something in our spiritual DNA that makes us vulnerable to such diversity, and the confusion that goes with it? I think so.
As a family, we trace our roots back to England and the Radical Reformation. The early Baptists were persecuted because they clung to several principles that were very threatening to the established church and to the ruling authorities. They are principles of liberty: Liberty of the individual; Liberty of the congregation; and Liberty of religion. (These ideas come from Paul Mast Hewitt. If you would like to explore Baptist identity a little farther, click here. )
“1. Liberty of the individual
“Each believer has the right and responsibility to read and interpret scripture as led by the Holy Spirit. Each believer is a priest and minister of Christ. They need no mediator other than Christ to live in relationship with God.There is no creed other than scripture itself. No authority may dictate what the correct interpretation is.
“2. Liberty of the congregation
“Each congregation is autonomous and free. The highest authority, under God, is the gathered believers within a congregation. Congregations are free to develop their own by-laws, covenants, and statements of faith. Congregations are free to allow into membership any whom the membership deems fit. Congregations are free to call any as pastor whom the membership believes to be called. Each congregation is free to associate with other congregations. Baptist congregations have historically associated with other congregations for the tasks of evangelism, mission, education, and good works.
“3. Liberty of religion
“Freedom of religion, freedom for religion, and freedom from religion. Baptists rejected the state-religion union that was common in Europe during the reformation period and advocated for religious freedom. Baptist pastors, especially John Leland and Isaac Backus were strong advocates for the the disestablishment of religion in the second half of the 18th century. John Leland was a close friend with James Madison and Thomas Jefferson and helped establish the language of the First Amendment, guaranteeing freedom of religion in the fledgling United States. We believe each person must have the freedom to choose for herself or himself whether to live with faith and by which faith to live. We practice believer's baptism for two basic reasons: (1) because we believe scripture teaches it, and (2) because we believe each person must choose for herself or himself whether to appropriate the faith of the community.”
These Liberties, or freedoms are the DNA that make us vulnerable to such wide diversity, and the confusion that goes with it.
Next month we will look at some of the implications that grow from these freedoms.
JUDSON COLLEGE CHOIR CONCERT
Judson College Choir, Elgin Illinois, will be presenting a concert at Essexville Baptist Community Church, 1001 Main Street, Essexville, MI. at 7:30pm on Tuesday, March 8, 2005.
The Judson Choir has performed during a highly successful 3 week tour to Germany and received rave reviews from the German press. The Choir tours the United States three times a year and travels to Europe every three years.
The 50 voice Judson College Choir will be performing at an evening concert with inspirational music and sharing testimonies from students. There will also be American folk hymns, Spirituals, Gospels and Patriotic music.
Judson College is located on an 80 acre campus 40 miles northwest of Chicago. The American Baptist affiliated college provides students with a Liberal Arts Education in the arts, sciences, and professions taught from an Evangelical Christian prospective. Admission is free and open to the public.
There will be a free will offering to help defer the costs of the transportation for this tour.
For further information call: New Hope Baptist Church, Bay City, at 684-6830 or Essexville Baptist Community Church at 989-892-9892.
SPECIAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Our Moderator, Kitty Perkins, has called for a special Informational Meeting of the church for Sunday, March 13 immediately following the worship service. This meeting will provide important information about the restoration project following our broken heating pipe and about Adventure’s Bay PreSchool. Plan to be a part of this meeting, there will be opportunity for questions as they arise.
FROM OUR MISSIONARIES
Dear Pastor Doug and members of New Hope Baptist,
Thank you for this Voice of Hope. The story about the water leaking and the response of your members was really good to read about. Thank you for sharing this. It is exciting to see the range of ministries, classes and discipleship that you are carrying out in the Bay area. Also, to know how you have encouraged missionaries further from home. We feel the Spirit moving our ministry and opening up new doors of collaboration. This has been encouraging for us.
Yours in Christ,
Rick Gutierrez
(Drs. Rick and Anita Gutierrez serve Jesus in Durban, South Africa. At this time they are developing church based holistic lay health ministries for Indian and Zulu communities. AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, violence and substance abuse are some of the health challenges here. Drs. Rick and Anita use their expertise in family medicine to consult with local churches. Together, they discern unmet health needs of people and train members in health skills that can be used concert with evangelistic outreach. Their vision is an energized and encouraged Body of Christ taking up its God-given role to be an agent of Christ’s healing and shalom.)
Dear Family and Friends,
We trust you all had a very Merry Christmas and a good start to 2005. We had a really fun Christmas, our fifth one in Panama. Each year the celebration is different, so we never quite know what to expect. This year we opened presents in the morning, panting as we did so, because December begins the hottest time of year here in Panama. Three friends came over for dinner, and many more came in the evening for goodies and square-dancing.
After Christmas both Kirsten and Danny had the opportunity to help visiting mission teams with translation. A group of high school students from Canada came down to work with Youth with a Mission and Kirsten and Danny traveled around with them. The following week Kirsten went with an American medical team to western Panama, also to interpret. She learned to pull teeth, too, and almost got to help deliver a baby!
In January Chaz had another opportunity to visit the Chagres, this time with a team of Christian veterinarians. The vets, Dan, John and Ben, wanted to improve the health of the people by reducing the chances of domestic animals passing on parasites and diseases. So we treated dogs, cats, cows, chickens, guans, a curassow, and one red spider monkey.
The first weekend in March we'll be attending a dedication of the Guaymí New Testament. The Guaymís are the largest indigenous group here in Panama with around 200,000 people. Wycliffe colleagues Bill and Ann Bivin have worked among them for about 14 years. They held the first dedication at a church New Year's conference. It makes us dream of the day when we can hold the dedication for the Northern Embera translation. Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers and for supporting our work here.
Serving together with you for the Emberas,
Chaz and Helga, Kirsten, Danny and Laura Mortensen
The Mortensen Family live and work in Panama. They are actively working to translate the scriptures into the language of the Northern Embara people. They are commissioned missionaries of Wycliffe Bible Translators. Remember Chaz, Helga, and their children in prayer as they give their all to the work of the Lord. For more information about their ministry, click here.
OUR OUTREACH CONTINUES
During the first week of the semester at Delta College New Hope was able to have an information on the Campus, right beside the Cafeteria. During the week ~200 students stopped to have a cookie, receive some supplies or talk to us. There were many comments about our presence at the school. Two students asked if there was a campus fellowship group that they could be involved with. One said, “I wish my church would do something like this!” Another, when we told them where we were located, said, “Oh, Bay City, that’s too far for me, I live in Clare.” Some just wanted cookies, one wanted to eat his cookie over the laptop and another wanted the laptop as a “free school supply.” One thought he might pop-in since he was looking for a church in his new town. Perhaps one of the most rewarding comments, beside the in depth conversations we were able to have, was, “Your church does a very lovely thing.”
Those words give us a chance to be the presence of Christ in our community. As we demonstrate “no strings attached love,” the arms of Jesus are opened to the world and we can share why we care with students and faculty and staff.
In August, if the Lord gives us the chance, we will again be offering cookies, school supplies and Christ’s love to the students of Delta College. If you would be willing to give a few hours to this project, I know you will not be disappointed. Talk to Alan Hill (aghill@tm.net) if you would be willing to share in this adventure.
WANT TO GO DEEPER?
At times I have been asked questions about sermons I have preached. Sometimes there has been an itch created that needs scratched, sometimes people have been convicted and want to study more, and sometimes people are simply confused (most common). If you want to see more about a sermon, you can find the message at Sunday Sermons at times I will try to add additional links for further study.
CIRCLE NEWS
Rachel Circle - We will be meeting on Monday, March 7, 2005 at 7:00pm at New Hope.
Dorcas Circle - We meet on the second Tuesdays of each month in the “elevator room”, with the next meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at New Hope at 9:30a.m. If you enjoy sewing and would like to become a part of our circle, please call Molly Lopez at 686-3424 or Vi Schlitt at 684-6700. We need more cheerful, willing helpers! Won’t you join us?
NEW CLASS - BIBLICAL MONEY MANAGEMENT
We will be starting this new class using Larry Burkett’s “How to Manage Your Money”. The day and time is yet to be determined but if you are interested there is a Sign-Up Sheet located in the narthex. Please respond promptly. Thank You!
LENTEN LUNCHEON SERIES
GUEST SPEAKERS HOST
Friday, March 4, 2005 Dick Van Akker
Pastor Seth Doyle
Second Baptist Church
Friday, March 11, 2005 Dave Dunn
Pastor Bill Hennessy
Westminster Presbyterian
Friday, March 18, 2005 Jim Merrill
Pastor Fred Wibert
Lighthouse Free Methodist Church
Friday, March 25, 2005 Jim Merrill
Pastor Robert Harvey
Fremont Avenue United Methodist Church
You are cordially invited to worship at the Bay Area Family Y during Lent. This year marks the 62nd year that the Y has invited the community to join together during the Lenten Season for worship.
These luncheons are open to men and women of all denominations in the Bay Area. We encourage your support for this Lenten Series through your prayers and attendance...Please come, and you will be richly blessed.
The Good Friday Breakfast will be held at Fremont Avenue United Methodist Church, 510 Fremont Avenue, Bay City, MI. at 7:30am. A Good Will Offering will be taken.
The cost for these luncheons is $5.00. Reservations are required. Please call the Bay Area Family YMCA at 895-8596.
“MINISTRY OF HELPNG HANDS”
The purpose of our ministry is to help families in need such as: hospital visits, transporting to appointments and/or shopping, yard work, housework, or child care. If you haven’t yet received a brochure and are interested in any of the above areas, please ask an usher for a brochure, or you may contact Lois Didier at 686-3512 for more information.
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY to the family of Eleanor Stringer, who passed away on February 16, 2005. All our prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
MEN’S BREAKFAST - The Men’s Breakfast this month will be on Saturday, March 12, 2005 at 8:30 am, at the Texan Restaurant. This is a good time of conversation where we can get to know one another better. Mark your calendar for this time and plan to be a part of it.
PRAYER CHAIN - Anyone who would like to be on the prayer chain, either E-mail or phone, please contact Membership Care (Lois Didier, Chairman) at 686-3512. Thank you
DIAL-A-DEVOTION – A NEW MINISTRY IN TOWN – Essexville Baptist Community Church has just introduced a new outreach ministry. Each day two new devotional messages are available at their Dial-a-Devotion Prayer Line. One is especially for youth, and one is for adults. In addition, if you would like to leave a prayer request, option three will let you do just that. The prayer line number, 892-2198, is available 24 hours a day.
DIACONATE MEETING will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2005 at 7:30p.m. here at New Hope.
MEMBERSHIP CARE MEETING - It will be held on Monday, March 21, 2005 at 11:15a.m. at New Hope.
A BIG THANK YOU!
Dear Lois, Thank you for all your hard work that made Billy Schlitt’s dinner so nice. I don’t know the names of all the people that helped you but please thank them for me. We appreciate you all so much. –Sue Bauman
EASTER PLANTS
Because Easter is very early this year (March 27th), Stagray Plant Farm will again be offering
Tulips, Hyacints, and Daffodils.
Easter Lilies................................6" Pot......................................$8.50
Hybrid Lilies: Rose Shaded........6" Pot......................................$8.50
Tulips......................................... 6" Pot......................................$8.00
{ Lavender, Pink, Yellow, Red
Hyacinths....................................6" Pot.....................................$8.00
{Pink, Blue, White}
Daffodils.....................................6" Pot.....................................$8.00
Mums.........................................71/2" Pot.....................................$9.00
{Cushion Type: White, Yellow, Coral, Lavendar, Burgundy}
{Daisy Type: White, Yellow, Pink, Coral}
Hydrangeas.................................6-7" Pot...................................$15.00
{Average 3-4 Blooms/Pink or Blue}
Azaleas.......................................6-7" Pot...................................$13.00
{Shades of Pink or Blue}
Please order by March 7th. A Sign-Up Sheet is located in the narthex.
GEAR UP FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL! New Hope is offering Sunday School Classes for ALL AGES. Tuesday evenings at 7p.m. - Children of all ages Sunday mornings at 9:30a.m. - Adult Class and children of all ages. We offer Bible-based teachings, cut-outs and crafts, games, lots of fun and students learn regularly how to live the Christian life effectively.
WORSHIP & CELEBRATION - We will meet on Monday, March 28, 2005 at 7:00 p.m., at Vi Schlitt’s home. Please remember that we could use more lay worship leaders and more volunteers on sound. If interested, please let Linda Philipp or Pastor Doug know. Thanks!
EDUCATION & NURTURE - We will be collecting returnable cans and bottles to raise money for camp next year. The more we raise, the more kids we can send!! Please consider helping with this most important endeavor. There will be a container available in the narthex for you to drop your cans off. Thank you all for your support!
BAY AREA EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY NETWORK
In the first 8 weeks of 2005 New Hope and the Food Pantry (along with Hidden Harvest, Christ United Methodist, and multiple food drives throughout the year) have fed 17 adults and 14 children. Serving 11 Families altogether. That’s 709 meals since the beginning of the year. Because you care, our branch of the Network is one of the most active pantries in the network. Thank you for your generosity. In order to continue this ministry, we need your help!
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS - . We still need: Sugar, Flour, Canned Baked Beans, Fruit Cocktail, Jello, Soups, Cake mixes, Toilet paper, Laundry Detergent, and Dish Soap. Monetary donations would be very helpful also. Thank you for all of your donations and support.
AGLOW INTERNATIONAL - A Community Lighthouse for Women
Coming 11:00am at Lindenhof, 201 N. Euclid Ave. Bay City, MI.
Friday, March 4, 2005
Speaker: Amy Briggs from Pinconning, MI.
Amy was raised in a Christian home in Pinconning, and has attended the Full Gospel Lighthouse Church in AuGres since childhood. Amy graduated from Pinconning High School and started dating John Briggs, who is now her husband of 12 years. Amy is a graduate from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations. God has now directed her to a completely different path. Amy and her husband have been on several Indian Mission trips to various reservations, where they built churches and parsonages for local congregations. Amy is currently the President of the Aglow International Pinconning Lighthouse. She serves as Praise and Worship Leader and Christian Counselor. Amy’s vision is to see God’s people walking in the destinies that God has created them for them, and seeing those who are bound set free in Jesus Christ.
Have you ever wanted to help a sick child? Here’s your chance! C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor collects pop tabs. When they have enough pounds of tabs, they take them to a recycling center to convert them into funds for their programs.
Here’s how you do your part... Before you recycle your aluminum soda cans, pull off the pop tab. Bring the tabs to church. A collection jar will be in the narthex for your tabs. When the jar is full, it will be sent to Connie Kemner who will make sure it gets to Ann Arbor.
BAY AREA WOMEN’S CENTER - As you may already know, The Bay Area Women’s Center provides residential and non-residential emergency and supportive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and their families. We are inviting you to join us in our efforts to end domestic and sexual violence through volunteering. Volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things and are clearly the backbone of our agency. Without them we could not provide the many services that we do. While volunteering at BAWC, you will experience the joy and satisfaction of knowing that you are needed and are making a difference in our community. Volunteers keep the future bright, are partners in tomorrow and are the key to success. Training is provided in two fashions:
∙ Participate in one-on-one training in the area(s) of interest and attend our 20-hour volunteer training program each time it is offered.
∙ On-going training is also provided through in-services conducted during volunteer committee meetings, held every other month, and during our quarterly Professional Development series.
Being part of our team and volunteering your time to assist victims in rebuilding their lives is a very rewarding way to spend your spare time and give back to your community! If you are interested in joining our team, please feel free to contact Rosanna Wellner at (989) 686-4551 or rosebawc@yahoo.com at your convenience. We look forward to working with you soon!
MEIJER COMMUNITY REWARDS
Meijer Community Rewards was developed to meet their guests’ growing desire to support K-12 schools and religious groups in ways that won’t stretch their budget...or their time. Now, every time you shop at Meijer, you can earn rewards for New Hope Baptist Church. Through the use of the Meijer Credit Card or Meijer Guest Card, these contributions cost you nothing. The more you shop, the more you earn!
How does it work? 1-Join Meijer Community Rewards in one of three ways: In-Store; Internet; Paper Application; 2-Earn more rewards by encouraging your family and friends to join the program. If requested, their rewards can go to your account, using our Family & Friends linking feature; 3-Meijer will mail your Guest Cards directly to you within 2-3 weeks. You can begin earning rewards after you receive your Guest Cards; 4-Shop at Meijer, scan your Card, and earn rewards for qualified purchases; 5-New Hope receives a check.
Please check with Sheryl Stratton for more information!
ADVENTURES BAY PRE-SCHOOL We are located in a country setting with lots of room for your children to play and learn. You can expect the same quality instruction Ms. Suzanne and Ms. Kathy are so well known for. Come join us this fall! We are now taking registrations for the Fall 2005-2006 school year. For more information please call Ms. Kathy and Ms. Suzanne at 684-6831.
Birthdays for March - 2-Janet Stratton, 5-Joyce LeFevre, 6-Wilma Green, 7-Garrett Perry, 8-Andrew Leggett, 10-Sierra Parmley, 12-Mark Humphrey, 13-Kelly Buchanan, Sue Dishaw, 14-Molly Lopez, 15-Jeff Riegler, 18-Connie Kemner, 19-Joel Pommerenke, 22-Lorraine Fowler,
20-Kathy Jacobs, 30-Ila Drabble, 31-Sherry Proderut
Anniversaries for March - 3-Larry & Lois Soltysiak, 6-Jeff & Gwen Riegler, 9-John & Leona Kaczmarek, 12-David & Debra Hines, 20-Jack & Betty McClelland, 23-Emory & Jean Hahn
Communion Servers for March - Jack & Betty McClelland and Rich & Linda Philipp
Shut-In Ministry for March - 6-Toyo Hill, 13-Ila Drabble, 20-Lena Horner. 27-Toyo Hill
Worship Assistants for March - 6-Mark Dewitt, 13-George Barrett, 20-Kitty Perkins, 27-Howard Perkins
Nursery Workers for March - 6-Kay Murphy, 13-Lois Didier, 20-Kathy Perkins, 27-Andrea Mondeau
Sound System for March - 6-Diana Perry, 13-Matt Perry, 20-Mark Dewitt, 27-Diana Perry
