The Voice of Hope - JUNE
“Equipping God’s people to be His presence in our community”
Pastor’s Musings
As I write this article, I am thinking about Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit washed over the disciples and empowered them for mission and service. On that day, Peter preached and about 3,000 people believed the message of the Gospel and were baptized. The Power of God that moved over the disciples that day is still at work in our lives and in our midst today.
The effect of the Spirit of God on the church that day was evident in the way Christians related to one another. In Acts 2:44 we read of the way the new life in Christ overflowed into all their relationships: “All the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common.” And as they lived in harmony, and worshiped and prayed together and ate together, we read, “People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.”
The Church in Jerusalem was Christ’s presence in their community, it was a place of healing and safety for people who had been hurt and cast out. We are called to be the same. When we fuss and fight, it is Christ’s name that is defamed. However, when we love one another and care for each other and support each other, it is Jesus Christ who is glorified. When we are willing to be open with one another and share what we have, the world will see Jesus in us. May that be our goal.
May the Power of Pentecost that strengthened the apostles, move through us so that the presence of Christ would be seen in our community.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. -- Isaiah 43:18-19
June 1 marks the beginning of five months of continual prayer for our Region. American Baptists all across Michigan will join to pray 24 hours a day, seven days a week from June 1 through October 30, which is the date of our Annual Gathering.
Our prayers will invite the Living Water of Christ Jesus to spring up within our Region, nourishing our ministries and carrying us forward with a unified vision.
We need 168 people or groups to cover every hour of the week - individuals, church groups, congregations, pastors, circles, clusters, teams. When you sign up, you will pray the same hour each week until October 30. What will you pray about? The Region, our camps, Friendship House, campus ministries, Region staff, transition teams, our churches ...
Sign up now! Send your first, second and third choices, (specifying the day of the week and the time, marked AM or PM) to Rev. Sharon McAuley (email) or 4608 S. Hagadorn Rd., E. Lansing, MI 48823. Include your name, address, phone number and email address.
When your prayer time is confirmed, you will then also receive details about an 800 hotline number you can call to keep informed about new prayer requests daily.
Together, our prayers will invite the Living Water of Christ Jesus to spring up within our Region, nourishing our ministries and carrying us forward with a unified vision.
Thank You!
Dear Friends of New Hope,
Thank you for the gift of the five Gideon Memorial Bibles you gave in memory of Clair
and for the many other ways you have shown your love for us. Your prayers and expressions of
sympathy have been very comforting to us.
Carolyn, Andrea, Tanya & Tim, Bill
Thank you for sharing the New Hope Baptist Church newsletter. It helps me feel connected and also enables me to pray specifically for things going on with all of you.
Cathy Holmes
Thank you very much for having us come and share with your congregation. We enjoyed the service and fellowship! Your support of Teen Challenge will help us to reach more who need healing through Jesus Christ. May God bless you!
In Christ’s Love,
Rev. Toni Johnson
Another Mission Opportunity
This is from Steve Stratton, he is preparing for a 4 week mission journey to work with a church planting ministry.
Konnichiwa!
Many of you know that last summer I traveled with a group called the Xtreme Team to Japan. It was a wonderful experience where I was able to do more things in one summer than many people who have lived there 30 years have been able to do. It only increased my interest in Japan and the possibility of doing full-time ministry there someday. I want to thank those of you who made the trip possible through your prayers and donations, it was amazing! Thank you!
As we were traveling across the country we stopped at a thriving church in a little community and spoke with the pastor who told us something that has stuck with me. He told us that he feels the people of Japan are being strangled by the spirits of the religion Shinto. This is spiritual warfare that is evident almost every place you go. Many Japanese have said that Christianity is incompatible with their heritage. This causes people to feel that to become Christian means to turn your back on your culture, which is a huge sacrifice to make. Many of their rituals and celebrations have religious significance in Shinto and Buddhism, and many Christians struggle wondering what they should and should not participate in. If they do not go to the festivals they are turning their back on who they are, but if they do go are they turning their back on God?
These are some of the issues I saw our Japanese brothers and sisters dealing with last summer. But God is moving in mighty ways. In Ueno Park, where over 50,000 homeless people live we participated in a Christian service where the Gospel was presented, right in the middle of the park, and then helped to feed over 500 people. We met an aspiring pastor who is excited about doing ministry in Shibuya, where sex and drugs are creating a destructive web in the youth culture. We met a missionary who performs Christian wedding ceremonies and sees this as an amazing opportunity to share the Gospel with people who may otherwise never enter a church (in one weekend he performed 13 weddings!).
There is still a lot of work to be done in Japan. Less than 1% of the people claim to be Christian, and over 84% of the people say they practice Shinto and/or Buddhism. This summer I have been accepted to lead a small group of people from Judson College back to Japan to work with a church doing outreach and evangelism. The organization we will be working with is called Asian Access (www.lifejapan.org) and is totally focused on church planting in Japan. They are responsible for almost 90% of the church growth there. I'm very excited about what this group is doing and the opportunity to work with them. We will be serving there July 5th-August 4th doing outreach events like English teaching, coffee houses, music ministry, and anything else we can do to help out. I would like to ask you for your prayers for our team as we will experience things and be stretched in ways many of us never have been before. There is also a financial need I would ask you to consider supporting us in if you are able and lead to do so. There are 5 team members and we each need to raise $2,900 which will cover airfare, training, and daily expenses. We would love for you to join us in this mission of reaching out to the Japanese. Please prayerfully consider supporting us and being a part of spreading the love of Jesus to people in Japan this summer.
In His Service,
Steve Stratton
Judson College Team Leader
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.
Our Camping Ministry
We are blessed with two wonderful camps in the state of Michigan. Camp Lael (formerly Detroit Baptist Camp) is located in Lapeer and offers camping programs in June and July. Lake Louise is located on Thumb Lake in Charlevoix County. They offer youth and family camps from June into August. You can find schedules for camp online.
Another opportunity for camp comes with the following e-mail:
HELP!!
Hi, my name is Cheryl Felch and I am the Program Director for Senior High camp at Lake Louise this year. I am desperately in need of counselors and am putting out a request to all the churches for volunteers. Senior High week is July 17-24. Counselors must be 21 years old or older. An application, three reference forms and a statement of conviction are required. If you know anyone willing and interested in serving God and our camp this way, please contact me at smithfelch@juno.com or (989)662-4954.
Thank you,
Cheryl Felch
REMEMBER: The Education and Nurture Ministries Team of New Hope has made camp involvement a top priority. Every camper will receive scholarship help to make attendance possible. If you are interested in participating in camp this summer, please call the church at 989-684-6830 for more information.
Our Circles
Rachel Circle - We are still taking orders for the Patriotic Wreaths. There is a sign up sheet located in the narthex. The cost will be $12. We would like to say thank you for all of your support. Our next meeting won't be until Monday, September 6, 2004. We will begin with a Potluck at Molly Lopez' home beginning at 6:00p.m. Until then, have a great summer!
Dorcas Circle - We will take a break for the summer and meet again on Tuesday, September 14, 2004. 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 in May or September? God bless you and have a wonderful summer! - DORCAS CIRCLE
MINISTRY OF HELPING HANDS
The Membership Care Team has begun a new ministry called, “MINISTRY OF HELPNG HANDS.” The purpose of our ministry is to help families in need of help such as: Hospital visits, taking them 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 mentioned areas, please ask an usher for a brochure or you may contact Lois Didier at 686-3512 for more information.
Membership Care -We will meet next on Monday, June 21, 2004 at New Hope at 11:15a.m.
Property Management - Our next meeting will be held at New Hope on Monday, June 28, 2004 at 6:30 p.m.
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.
HIDDEN HARVEST DISTRIBUTES 875,227 LBS. OF FOOD - We are off to a great start for 2004! This past fiscal year (10/1-02/ - 9/30/03} Hidden Harvest distributed more than 875,000 pounds of surplus food products. 290 food donors throughout the Tri-County area participated in our food rescue efforts and 141 recipient agencies received food items. Since 1994, (it’s our 10th year of service), we have distributed more than 4.7 million pounds of surplus food. Hidden Harvest does not charge agencies for any of the food we provide.
CHILD HUNGER FACT SHEET:
**One in four people in a soup kitchen line is a child.
**Of the more than 23 million emergency food recipients served, more than 9 million are children.
**In 2000, approximately 13 million American children were food insecure, meaning they were hungry or at risk of hunger.
**Among client households with children, 76% are food insecure and 37% are experiencing hunger.
**In 2000, slightly more than half of all food stamp recipients were children. About 68% of these children were school age. Most of the food stamp households with children were headed by single adults, with half of these households receiving cash assistance in addition to food stamp benefits.
**In 2002, demand for emergency food assistance climbed an average of 19 percent in 25 major cities.
**Recent research indicates that even mild undernutrition experienced by young children during critical periods of growth may lead to reductions in physical growth and affect brain development.
Bay Area Emergency Food Pantry Network
Already in the 16 weeks of 2004 New Hope and the Food Pantry (along with Hidden Harvest, Christ United Methodist, and multiple food drives throughout the year) has fed 58 adults and 58 children. Serving 41 Families altogether. That’s 2665 meals since the beginning of the year. Thank you for your generosity.
Created For Caring - We are in need of bath and kitchen towels. If you can assist, please bring to Treasures Galore, 244 Saginaw, St. Are you aware of Created For Caring’s Connecting Citizens with Cars Program? We accept donated vehicles and connect them with citizens who need transportation. For more information, contact Trisha at 892-7475... Also, we are in need of beds and dressers. Please call to arrange for a pick-up....Thank you...
BAY CITY MICHIGAN AGLOW
“A Community lighthouse for Women”
June 4, 2004
11:00a.m. at the Lindenhof,
201 N. Euclid Ave., Bay City, MI.
SPEAKER: Eunice Good of Pinconning, Michigan
Eunice and her husband, Nelson, are retired educators. They have two grown children, and one grandbaby girl. As they retired, they had plans for traveling and sailing. God began speaking to them about His plans. So they are traveling and enjoying sailing on the side.
Their ministry is “Restoring the Father’s Heart.” They have both been so touched and healed by the Father’s love that they cannot help but share His love. They see God healing and restoring individuals and couples as they minister through counseling.
They have just returned from Ukraine where they spent the month of march teaching in “Catch the Fire Ukraine School of Ministry.” They counseled many of the students in the school and other leaders during our stay. They have plans of returning this fall to minister to pastors and leaders and then again next March in the School of Ministry. They are planning a ministry trip to Bangladesh in the near future.
Camp Forget-Me-Not - Children’s Grief Camp - June 26-27, 2004
This is a two day, day camp facilitated by professional staff and trained volunteers from Visiting Nurse Services of Michigan. Children, ages 6-14, who have experienced loss due to the death of a loved one are eligible to attend. Located at Lions Bear Lake Camp. Camp Forget-Me-Not provides a program of support groups, learning and camp activities, including: swimming, music, art and craft programs, team sports, nature walks and a Memorial Service. For more information, please call 1-800-840-3147 or 989-895-4750.
American Baptist Women’s Conference - Alma College
June 4-6, 2004
Speaker: Ruth Polgren (Bible Study Leader)
Missionary Speaker: Rev. Judy DeRolfe (Missionary to Japan)
Fees are as follows: Whole Weekend - $105.00
Sat. & Sunday Only - 85.00
Saturday Only - 65.00
All fees include meals, overnight stay and registration fees.
If anyone is interested in attending, or would like further information, please contact Lois Didier at 686-3512.
GAITHER HOMECOMING CONCERT - CELEBRATION TOUR 2004
The Gaither Homecoming Concert is coming to Detroit, MI! Homecoming concerts continue to be an exciting adventure from night to night as we experience unforgettable gospel music, performances, comedy for the entire family, and toe-tapping favorites which hark back to the all-night singings of the 50's and 60's.
This all-new tour features a great line-up of Gospel music’s most beloved artists who bring together an eclectic mix of bluegrass, country, Christian contemporary, old-fashioned gospel quartet music, and everything in between!
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 4, 2004 - Palace of Auburn Hills
You can reserve your tickets now by calling (888) 217-0301 or by visiting the web at: www.gaithernet.com!
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. Then 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, they will experience the joy and satisfaction of knowing that they 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:
*They may participate in one-on-one training in the area(s) of their interest and are invited to 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!
Messiah Lutheran Church, 501 S. Catherine Street, Bay City, is excited to host the CAMERATA SINGERS on Saturday, June 12. 2004 at 7:00p.m. The Camerata Singers will present a special concert as a fundraiser for the Westside Food of Faith Program. The concert entitled Sing for Someone’s Supper is an eclectic mixture of fascinating choral repertoire that promises to delight and inspire. Featuring vocalists from all Music Society groups, Camerata is a 26-member chorus known for its intricate work in the classics, as well as for showcasing new and dynamic pieces.
Westside Food of Faith is a cooperative ministry of twelve churches and service organizations providing a weekly meal to community residents on Thursday evenings. The meals are served at Messiah Lutheran from January to June and then at Westminster Presbyterian from July to December. Our guests represent a cross section of the community who enjoy a good home cooked meal and an evening out. The proceeds from the concert assist in the purchase of supplies.
LLOYD SEVERANCE THUMB GOSPEL MUSIC CONVETION - August 27-29, 2004
There will be 18 Gospel Groups with all proceeds going to Bay Shore Camp-Sebewaing, MI.
Saturday - Breakfast Buffet, 7:30 - 11:00a.m.
Saturday - Chicken BarBQ, 3:00 - 6:00p.m.
Sunday - Noon Dinner
Camp Housing & RV Sites are available. Register by mail. For more information, please call
(989) 883-2501.
RED, WHITE, BLUE CHRISTMAS CONCERT - THURLOW SPURR
NOV. 19, 2004 - Heritage Theater - 7:30p.m. Tickets are $20.00 per person. We need the money and confirmation by Sunday, May 2nd. If you would like to attend, please call the church office or contact Lois Didier at 686-3512.
Birthdays for June - 2-Jason Miller, 5-Randy Buchanan, Liz Lauden, Christopher Riegler, 6-Steven Clark, 7-Peggy Greene, 10-Mike Murphy, 17-Annette Nuenke, 18-Kevin Murphy, 20-Elliott Colling, 21-Arlene Herzberger, 22-Kevin Atwood, 23-Lois Laymon, 25-Diana Perry, 26-Shirley Sicherd, 30-Marla Moore
Anniversaries for June - 4-Les & Wilma Anderson, 10-Don & June Buchanan, 13-Randy & Kathy Perkins, Elliott & Maxine Colling, Douglas & Kathy Jacobs, Ted & Donna Headings, 19-Sam & Gwen Morley, 24-Dale & Marla Moore, 28-John & Mary Cambron
Shut In-Ministry for June - 6-Adele Kroening, 13-Toyo Hill, 20-Ila Drabble, 27-Eleanor Stringer
Worship Assistants for June - 6-Alan Hill, 13-Kitty Perkins, 20-Howard Perkins, 27-George Barrett
Nursery Workers for June - 6-Lois Didier, 13-Kathy Perkins, 20-Andrea Harman, 27-Kay Murphy
Sound System for June - 6-Diana Perry, 13-Mark Dewitt, 20-Matt Perry, -Linda Philipp, 27-Diana Perry
