BETHLEHEM STARThe newsletter of Bethlehem Original Free Will Baptist Church Joe Ard, Pastor July-August 2010

• LEADING • UNITING • EQUIPPING • SERVING •

Bethlehem’s choir presents “This is My Country,” a patriotic cantata, during the 11 a.m. worship service on July 4.

Four of our young people claimed their high school diplomas last month.

Amanda Price, Brent Fountain and Ross Rigdon graduated from East Duplin High School.

Amanda will continue her education at Coastal Carolina Community College, Brent plans to attend Cape Fear Community College and Ross is headed to East Carolina University.

Chelsea Sherrard Getts gradu-ated from Richlands High School. She plans to attend Coastal Carolina Community College and study dental hygiene. Chelsea also

is a newlywed. She and Zachary Getts were married May 8.

Bethlehem also boasts two new community college grads.

Caleb Ard graduated from Lenoir Community College and will be continuing his educa-tion at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Carol Madigan completed her stud-ies at James Sprunt

Community College and now is pursuing a degree at Mount Olive College.

Please keep all of these gradu-ates in your prayers as they tackle new challenges in their lives.

Four new high school grads

Keep up with the latest news and events. Look for “Bethlehem Church” on Facebook.

The quarterly business meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28. It’s been moved to later in the month because of vacation Bible school.

Hero Headquarters opens July 11You’re invited to be a part of

Hero Headquarters, where kids and adults join forces with God.

The vacation Bible school adventure begins Sunday, July 11 and continues through Thursday, July 15. Supper will be served each evening at 5:30. Classes will start at 6:45 and end at 9 p.m. Commencement will be at 7 p.m. Friday, July 16, with refreshments served afterward in the fellowship hall.

The superheroes at Hero

see VBS on page 3

2 Bethlehem Star July-August 2010

• LEADING PEOPLE TO JESUS •

Legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said, “You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”

This reminds me of a story I read about an ex-athlete who had traveled down to Rio for a few days of festivity, but he was struck by all the poverty he encountered. Especially heart-wrenching were the groups of homeless children who beg on the streets during the day and sleep in the doorways of buildings at night, huddled to-gether on strips of cardboard.

This man and his buddies got an idea: They rounded up a few kids and took them to a pizza place — the buffet type that keeps bringing food to the table. He said these half-dozen boys had never seen anything like it. The food kept coming and they kept eating. The kids had a blast, and so did he and his friends. And he was glad

to know that those young men slept with full stomachs that night. The man said, “The whole thing cost less than $50 — and it’s the best money I spent in Brazil.”

Do you realize how many chances you’ll have today to make this a perfect day? You can get a

jump-start on it right now, maybe by walking into the next room or picking up the telephone. Or maybe you can take someone out to lunch or give an employee the day off or surprise someone with a special gift or ... if you put your mind to it, you’ll be amazed at the all the possibilities and opportuni-ties that are right before our eyes!

Jesus said, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they can’t repay you, you will be repaid at the resur-rection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12-14)

Let us all commit to having a Perfect Day ... every day!

— Preacher Joe

Have a perfect day — every day

Pastor Joe Ard, 252-568-4590 joe_ard@hotmail.com

Sunday school superintendent Rita Fountain, 910-324-5016 rita.fountain@nmcrs.org

Choir director Vernie Fountain, 910-324-5817 vernie.fountain@ncfbins.com

Deacon chairman Sherwood Fountain, 910-324-3018 (home)

or 910-358-2046 (cell)Deacons

Stanley Craft, 910-324-5915 Darrell Edwards, 910-324-4280 Byron Fountain, 910-324-5016 Vernie Fountain, 910-324-5817 Freddy Jones, 910-520-8715 Reid Southerland, 910-298-5509

Newsletter Jeri Fountain, 910-324-5268 jerifountain@yahoo.com

Bethlehem church contacts

when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed

• UNITING THEM TO THE FAMILY OF GOD •

July-August 2010 Bethlehem Star 3

Headquarters — Maintenance Mac, Water Woman, Pizza Man and Super Cooper — will help youngsters learn what i means to be a hero for God. Kids will be introduced to unnamed Bible heroes who were not super or powerful, yet whose small acts were used by God to do wonderful things.

Kids will be challenged to be heroes who do the unexpected, take action, step out on faith, save the day, and stand for truth.

Each day at Hero Headquarters, kids will experi-ence God’s word with amazing stories of Bible heroes, learn songs of praise and worship, create service or craft projects, and discover how to serve God. They’ll learn that they can make a difference in the lives of people around them every day.

For more information about Hero Headquarters, contact Diane Dail at 910-324-3192.

Eager to learn what God has in store

VBS /from page 1

When the women’s Bible study class “Cultivating Contentment” was announced, I said to myself, “Nope, not for me ... I’m too busy as it is, without trying to squeeze yet another something into my already too-busy schedule.” I did everything I could to talk myself out of it. But that small voice in the back of my mind kept saying, “Go on; try it. You need this class.” I would argue back, “But why?” I finally agreed to “try it.” Boy, am I glad I did. I have learned things about myself (good and bad) that I didn’t know before (or just wouldn’t let myself believe). I have also learned things about others and that we are not alone in our struggles. The more I learn about what God’s word teaches us, the more I am thirsting to learn even more. I am eager to learn what he has in store for us. The best is yet to come.

If you have not attended our class, I invite you to come (Monday nights at 7). I also urge you to find a Bible that “speaks” to you — something that you can fully comprehend and understand. It will change your life!

— Gail Walton

Summertime has arrived in Fountaintown! The heat has been almost unbearable, but our seniors remain faithful to their ministry as we meet monthly for din-ner and fellowship. Our attendance remains great and we continue to see new faces each time we meet.

It the month of May we had the privilege of being joined by Phillip and Cheryl Woods. Phillip brought the message in song and the Rev. Jeff Banks brought us the message from God’s word. Our theme was Memorial Day as we remembered the thousands of men and women who gave their lives for the freedom that we continue to enjoy.

At our June meeting the theme was summertime. Our pastor, Joe Ard, spoke on the “Good Old Days” as we remember the days of the past. We also had the pleasure of hearing our men’s group sing, with their newest member, Mallory Jones. They did a great job of entertaining us!

In July we will celebrate Independence Day. We will meet July 22. Please plan to join us and invite others along.

To our non-senior church members: We can always use servers to help us out. It’s just one Thursday each month. Think about it, pray about it and help us out. You will receive a blessing by helping in our senior ministry.

In His service— Rick Dempsey

America’s birthday is theme for July

4 Bethlehem Star July-August 2010

• EQUIPPING THEM TO SERVE JESUS IN THE WORLD •

New arrivalThe newest addition to the

Bethlehem family is Sophia Grace, daughter of Jan and Michelle Jones. She arrived June 24.

Welcoming her home are big sisters Tori, Jade and Amy and big brothers Taylor and Waylon.

Congratulations!

Make a Difference tourAuthor/speaker/preacher Max

Lucado and musical guests Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith and Third Day will be at Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville at 7 p.m. Oct. 30.

The program has grown out of Lucado’s latest book, Out Live Your Life.

Tickets are $24.50. More info: www.makeadifferencetour.com.

Baby showerA baby shower for Mallory and

Tony Jones will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 14 in the fellowship hall.

Baby Mason is due Sept. 10.They will be registered at Target

and Babies R Us.

Growing family Ricky and Susan Dempsey are

the pround grandparents of Mason Dempsey. Parents are Joel and Mariah Dempsey of Durham.

Library hours The resource center in the edu-

cation building is open Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. and before Sunday school and between Sunday school and worship service.

The library shelves hold fiction

and non-fiction books, reference works and videos/DVDs for all ages.

Call Suzy Southerland at 910-298-5509 with any questions.

Barbecue dinnerThe Cedar Fork Ruritan Club

and friends are holding a barbecue benefit for Debbie Brinson Pierce and Shirley Foster Davis from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, July 23 at the Cedar Fork Community Center, 1416 Cedar Fork Rd.

Plates are $6 and free delivery is available for five or more. Call Rhonda at 910-298-5294 to schedule a delivery.

News, notes & tidbits

There were times when I thought I would lose my mind, but GOD kept me sane. (Isaiah 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer, but the LORD kept me moving. (Genesis 28:15)

At times, I’ve wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, but the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psalm 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn’t enough, but GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the

water on, the car going, the mort-gage paid. (Matthew 6:25-34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.

When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I’m sure you hear me!

I’m blessed to be kept by the love and grace of God.

— submitted by Nancy Ripley

Thankful to be a ‘kept’ woman

July-August 2010 Bethlehem Star 5

• BRINGING HONOR AND GLORY TO GOD •

July6 - Devon & Anna Bryan7 - William & Wendy Lanier12 - Jan & Michelle Jones21 - Sherwood & Ella Fountain30 - Joe & Billie Ard

August6 - Randy & Angie Williams10 - Truman & Pam Waller17 - Jimmy & Jeri Fountain11 - Timmy & Jo Wood

Bob AdamsJohnnie AlbertsonTammi AlbertsonJosiah AllenBillie ArdJoe ArdMargaret ArdSam BakerJoe BattsJudy BevensShelby BooneMertie BrinsonChris BrockChasity BrownFranklin BrownJoAnne BrownVan BrownKassidy BryanKimberly BryanMichael Bryan Jr.Nancy BryanCathy BurnetteMelissa ChaseTeresa DempseyBeulah DixonRandolph Edwards familyDoris FountainJoyce FountainReba FountainSutton FountainScott Fowler

Mabel FranklinEddie GobleKevin HartPeggy HorneFaye IvesTim JarmanJennifer JohnsonGeno JonesLeslie JonesLouise JonesReba JonesFallon LanierRose ManningSuzie MarshburnC J MercerBill NoblesBobby PattersonJustin QuinnGeraldine RaynorJulie ShayEdwin Simpson familyDee Dee SloanIndia StanleyRonnie SumnerDavie SwinsonJustin TaylorBill Voss familyCindy West familyGuy WilliamsJolly WilliamsJo WoodAleisha Young

July1 - John Michael

Bryan Sr.2 - Chris Fowler5 - Tony Strickland9 - James Dail9 - Tina Dail10 - Byron Fountain11 - Adrian Lanier12 - Kenneth Pickett15 - Peggy Williams15 - Heather Huffman19 - Kimberly

Fountain21 - Dwight Wood26 - Jordan Glegola26 - Jordan Medlin27 - Sutton Fountain

August5 - Donna Fowler5 - Candice

Strickland8 - Cory Simpson8 - Herb Ripley9 - Jo Wood

10 - Raye Southerland

11 - Charlie Brown12 - Sarah Madigan16 - Danny Brown16 - Dineen Greene17 - Devon Bryan17 - Austin

Whitehurst18 - Jeremie Fountain18 - Sandy Miller20 - Randy Williams23 - John Grayson

Craft23 - Brandon Brown24 - Anna Bryan24 - Judy Jones24 - Carol Madigan24 - Bonnie Jones26 - Elvis Fountain27 - Shelly Chase29 - Meridith Lanier29 - Suzy

Southerland31 - Heather Young

AN

NIV

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SA

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6 Bethlehem Star July-August 2010 July-August 2010 Bethlehem Star 7

Things I learned as a child ...I awoke with a start! It was 5:45 p.m. Communion

and feet-washing services at Bethlehem started at 6. I grabbed my pocketbook and out the door I went. When I arrived at the church, it was 6:15. I was late!

As I entered the sanctuary, I noticed there was a fair crowd of adults, but only four young people. I thought, “Where are the children?”

When I was a child, my parents always took me to the services. In fact, I remember I was so small I would usually lay my head in my mama’s lap and take a nap while the minister preached. I would awake when the serving of the bread and wine began so I could participate.

First, I learned that this service was something Christians participated in.

Second, I learned that washing a fellow Christian’s feet taught me a lesson. It helps me remember to be humble, and that in God’s eyes that is how one becomes great!

Third, I learned that Christ instituted the Lord’s supper. He said that the bread represented His broken body and the wine represented His saving blood. In fact, the night before He died on the cross, He knelt down and washed His disciples’ feet. Did we realize that He washed 12 grown men’s dirty feet — exactly 24 feet — and dried them with a towel that He had tied around His waist!!

When I was a young girl, my mama would ask me to wash her feet. We had the only country store for miles around. It was located in our yard. My mama would work all morning, standing on her feet in the store, and somehow would manage — by running back and forth from store to house — to cook a great country dinner. After dinner she would lie down to rest and ask me to get a wet washrag and wash her feet. At night when she came in from the store she also would ask me to get a pan of water and wash her feet.

At the time, I don’t know what I thought. Nevertheless, I would wash her feet. Now that I think about it, I realize what a special privilege it was to wash her feet. She was a great lady and I loved her very much.

Fourth, Jesus said in John 13:14,17, “If I your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought to

wash one another’s feet ... If ye know these things, happy (blessed) are ye if you do them.”

What kind of blessing will we receive? Obviously it is something the Lord bestows upon us that we cannot do for ourselves.

Fifth, because I learned as a child why we had communion and feet-washing services, and saw it practiced in our own church, I could choose to participate with a knowledgeable decision. In fact, its importance became so ingrained in me that I can never get away from it.

Lastly, I learned what an amazing, special, sacred service this is, and what a privilege it is to have the opportunity to take part in it. Actually, it places us on the same level with Christ. It also brings glory and honor to his name. Praise the Lord!

Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

— Margaret Ard

6 Bethlehem Star July-August 2010 July-August 2010 Bethlehem Star 7

“Dad, has it always been this way?”

“Well, even from the beginning men hated Jesus even though He did nothing but love them and teach them and heal them. They nailed Him to a cross. They thought they had killed Him, but they only set Him free to live in the hearts of people like you and me who believe in Him. Then came the apostles and most of them were killed for telling other people about Jesus. So they tortured them and killed them and even left their bodies to rot as an example to other people, but the church kept right on grow-ing, watered by the blood of these precious saints.”

“But Dad, did they want to die?” “No. They didn’t want to die. I

mean, many of them had children just like you they had to leave behind. But they were forced to make a choice. They could choose to live this one life here on earth and reject Jesus and be damned or they could choose to believe in the words of Jesus and live forever.”

“I think I understand.” “Here, maybe this will help you

understand.”

I have heard how Christians long ago

Were brought before a tyrant’s throne

And they were told that he would spare their lives

If they would renounce the name

of Christ But one by one they chose to die The Son of God they would not

deny Like a great angelic choir sings I can almost hear their voices

ring I pledge allegiance to the Lamb With all my strength With all I am I will seek to honor His com-

mands I pledge allegiance to the Lamb Now the years have come and

the years have gone But the cause of Jesus still goes

on And now our time has come to

count the cost To reject this world, to embrace

the cross And one by one let us live our

lives For the One who died to give us

life Till the trumpet sounds on the

final day Let us proudly stand and boldly

say I pledge allegiance to the Lamb With all my strength With all I am I will seek to honor His com-

mands I pledge allegiance to the Lamb To the Lamb of God who bore

my pain Who took my place, who wore

my shame I will seek to honor His com-

mands I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

“You’ve got to remember that it wasn’t always this way. I mean, my dad could even pray in school, of course, they took that away from him. Then it became incorrect for us to believe in the Bible and after that they just stripped our right to worship away from us and we quietly stood by. But son, I hope that you’re never put in the position that you have to choose between your faith and your life. But if you are — I know which choice you’re going to make because I know that Jesus lives inside of you. In the meantime, just pray like I taught you how to and take care of your mom and remember that God is the Father of the fatherless.”

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb With all my strength With all I am I will seek to honor His com-

mands I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb

For more about singer/songwriter Ray Boltz, go to www.rayboltz.com.

— submitted by Mallory

Jones

8 Bethlehem Star July-August 2010

Bethlehem Original Free Will Baptist Churchc/o Jeri Fountain2986 Catherine Lake Rd.Richlands, NC 28574

Women’s weekend!Interested in attending the

Nov. 12-13 Women of Faith conference in Greensboro?

Contact Rita Fountain or Rosa Craft for the details.