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First Baptist Church Petrolia December 2017
First News & Notes December 2017
Photo credit: Meggan Douglas
"And the Angel Said, Do Not Be Afraid . . ."
It's Christmas season! For some it is a season of joy and for other s a time of frustration filled with fear s. We too often dismiss our fears with clichés such as "Keep the faith!" or "Jesus is with you!"
In scripture we find God moving toward us with the hopes and fears of all the years being met in the Christ.
1. Do Not Be Afraid Mary . . . Receive God's Good Favour
Luke 1:30-31 Then the angel said to her , " Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.
As the angel greeted Mary fear of the unexpected arose in her heart, with confusion of the announcement filling her mind. Fear of the unexpected resides in many hearts today keeping them from God's purpose. Mary's heart is calmed as the angel speaks words of grace. "Do not be afraid."
"Do not be afraid for you have found favour with God." Mary was not to be merely an instrument to bring about God's (favour) but she like so many others had found grace in the sight of her God.
Mary facing her fears received God's measure of grace to bring into the world the means and message of His grace to all.
2. Do Not Be Afraid Joseph . . . Receive God's Good Word
Matthew 1:20-21 - We can only imagine the thoughts that raced through Joseph's mind as Mary told him about her being with child. That could mean only one thing: Mary has been unfaithful to him. His frustrations and fear mount-ed quickly.
The fear of loss as well as disappointment came over him. But Joseph was about to discover there are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them. The reality of the situation was God was be-ing faithful to His Word. “Joseph, the angel said, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.”
The angel spoke the words of God calming Joseph's heart and mind as he is told . . . not to be afraid to receive Mary for what is taking place is by the hand of God. If you and I will stand in the counsel of God's Word it will chase away our fears, leaving us room to enjoy all that Christmas is about our salvation!
3. Do Not Be Afraid Shepherds . . . Receive God's Good Tidings
Luke 2:10-11 - Upon a mid-night clear (or so the song sings) shepherds were in the field keeping watch over the sheep. Oh but this night would be anything but ordinary. From a common starry night the shepherds are confronted with an angel proclaiming the good news of all the years, with a voiced choir of heavenly hosts.
The scriptures tell us the shepherds were "greatly") afraid. Mega fear became their mode of operation. They cowered beneath the glory of God. But like Mary and Joseph their fears were replaced with joy.
The angel's first word to the frightened shepherds was, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of a great (mega) joy which will be to all people." There was no need to fear for the proclamation was br inging forth life not death. The good news was man's fears, futility's, and frustrations with life were being met this night through the One called Christ the Lord, the Saviour. The fears of all the years can only be met with these words, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord."
First Baptist Church Petrolia December 2017
The church’s new web site is: http://firstbaptistpetrolia.ca/
The church’s new email is [email protected]
If you need spiritual help during this time, please contact one of the deacons:
Ministry Leader: Alex Craig 1-519-786-3325
Deacons: Larry Ainsworth – 519-882-1019 Brad Loosley – 519-882-2073
Donna McAuslan – 519-882-3092 Lloyd McDonald – 519-882-1740
Bill Baker – 519-882-2325
Find us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/First-Baptist-Church-Petrolia-
December 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 9:30 Adult Bible
Class
10:30 Worship
4 5 7:00 p.m. Bible
Study & Prayer
6 10:00 Ladies
Bible Study
7 8 9
Men’s Breakfast
Watford Catholic Church
10 9:30 Adult
Bible Class
10:30 Worship
Christmas Dinner after worship
11 7:00—9:00 P.M.
Ladies Christmas Party
12 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study & Prayer
1310:00 Ladies
Bible Study
14
7:00 Deacons’ Meet-ing
Jean Bradshaw
15 16
Betty MacKenzie
17 9:30 Adult
Bible Class
10:30 Worship
18 19 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study & Prayer
2010:00 Ladies
Bible Study
21 22 23
24 9:30 Adult
Bible Class
10:30 Worship
6:30 Christmas Eve Service
25
Merry Christmas
26 27 28 29 30
Janice Kazek
31 9:30 Adult
Bible Class
10:30 Worship
First Baptist Church Petrolia December 2017
Looking Ahead:
*********************** 10:30 a.m. each Sunday
Corporate Worship
Junior Church for children
All are Welcome
******************
9:30 a.m. each Sunday
Adult Sunday School
*******************
November 26
Sunny Sunday Exchange
After worship Coffee Break
******************************
November 27 7:00 p.m.
Me Time - coloring, Sudoku, word find, other quiet pursuits
************************
December 9
Men’s Breakfast
Catholic Church, Watford
******************************
December 10
Christmas Dinner
After Worship *************************
December 11 7—9 p.m.
Ladies Christmas Event
“Birthday of A King”
All ladies and their friends are welcome ***************************
December 14 7:00 p.m.
Deacon’s Meeting at the home of Brad Loosley
************************ December 17
January newsletter items due. Newsletter to be distributed by Dec 24
[email protected] **********************
Jan 15 7:00 Puzzlemainia
*************************** Jan 20-7:00 p.m.
Movie Night *********************
Jan 28 After worship
Sunny Sunday Exchange
**********************
Jan 29 7:00 p.m.
Me Time
Please watch our web page http://firstbaptistpetrolia.ca/ and facebook page https://www.facebook.com/First-Baptist-Church-Petrolia- for more information as it be-comes available.
Musical Notes
Make a joyful noise with the 'First Choir' this Christmas season. All those who like to sing are welcome to join us. We are practicing during the week; times and dates to be decided by the Choir as we go along. Contact Joyce Finlayson or Cheryl for more details! Bring a friend! Everyone is welcome!
Advance Notice
Our outreach committee is planning for some warm fellowship in January
Puzzle mania will happen January 15. Puzzles and mats will be available or bring a craft to work on while you visit.
Movie Night complete with popcorn and snacks will happen Janu-ary 20. “Miracles from Heaven” is the feature film.
Jan 28 will be Sunny Sunday Exchange after worship
Jan 29 will be “Me Time”, to quietly color, read magazines, do Sudoku, and listen to gospel music.
Christmas Dinner
December 10
After Worship
All are welcome
First Baptist Church Petrolia December 2017
Missionfest was a huge success again this year. November 11, 14 of our 17 Associa-tion churches gathered in Forest to present our funds to CBM for the Guardians of Hope project. First Baptist Petrolia’s contri-bution was $6,000.00 thanks to the church matching all donations. The total for all the churches together was $34,142.95. The first $25,000.00 was to go to Guardians of Hope, the balance was to go to 3 different mission-ary couples who need help with acquiring a reliable vehicle.
Special speaker for the evening was Erica Kenney, who serves along with her husband as team leaders for Africa. She explained
how the Guardians of Hope project works in the various communities throughout Rwanda, Kenya and India. Her favorite aspect seemed to be the Summer camps that are run for the chil-dren and caregivers with HIV/AIDS. More information is available at: https://www.cbmin.org/who-we-are/field-staff/aaron-erica-kenny/
LADIES’ DAY OUTING
OCTOBER 2017
The morning of Oct. 28, 2017 was a typical Autumn morning. We awoke to an overcast sky and the air a bit chil-ly and misty. This day had been set for our LADIES’ DAY OUTING. Even though there was a damp chill in the air there was lots of warm friendship on our Ladies trip.
After meeting at the church, on that Saturday morning, we departed with 2 car loads of ladies. This included Helga, Joyce, Wanda, Wyn, Carol, Wendy, Kathy and myself.
The first stop was the Chatham Christian Bookstore. Officially known as Gospel Text Bookstore. We had lots of time to browse at all the gift selections, card section, as well as the numerous books and bibles. Purchases were made and we loaded up again for the next stop on our adventure.
We arrived at the Birdie’s Nest and were sur pr ised at the vast ar ray of merchandise. There were unique gifts from around the world that can’t be found at your average store. If you are looking for that special gift that you can’t find anywhere else then Birdie’s Nest is your one stop shop. There was a huge selection of fashion jewellery, home accessories, clothing, etc. So much to see and much more than what you would expect. With our shopping all rounded up we were all ready to have fellowship over lunch.
Lunch was not a disappointment. William St. Cafe is in the heart of downtown Chatham. It is a very relaxing , bright and cheerful atmosphere in an old brick building. All the wraps, paninis, soups, salads and of course desserts are all made on the premises. Wonderful time for sharing and eating. As we were leaving, the sun broke through the clouds and it was a lovely drive back to Petrolia.
TASTING the food, TOUCHING the merchandise and TALKING with friends. What a special way to spend a Saturday. Donna McAuslan
First Baptist Church Petrolia December 2017
Each Wednesday morning, any Ladies who are interested join together to study our Bibles and discuss topics that rise out of our studies.
This new study will begin November 15
All ladies are welcome. Cost for the book is $18.89 including taxes.
Love Day involved soap and elbow
grease this year—loving our congrega-tion. Did anyone know that 3 ladders and 7 ladies can fit in the kitchen? Cupboards were washed out, dishes, pans and utensils were sorted and washed, outdated things were thrown away all followed by a fellowship lunch.
On top of all that, Carol and Betty sorted out the library books so your favorite authors and reading materials are easier to find.
First Baptist Church Petrolia December 2017
Our Remembrance Service was very meaningful this year.
A special display was on the platform, showing the Canadian Flag, poppies, cases full of medals and even a uniform. Our church’s Roll of Honour was prominent in the display.
During the service a quilt of Valor was presented to Roy Luker, one of Petrolia’s veterans to thank him for his service.
He accepted the quilt on behalf of all the others who have served and the many who didn’t return home.
More information about the Quilts of Valor is availa-ble at: http://www.quiltsofvalour.ca/
Baptist Women’s Day of Prayer took a different turn this year with an after-noon event. A full table of ladies joined their hearts in song, prayer and snacks.
The heartfelt prayers were based on in-formation from each of the 7 continen-tal unions requests. Many of the area’s in the world requested prayer for the human trafficking epidemic and for po-litical stability.
Quilts of Valor are pleased to announce that 10,000 quilts have been presented since 2012.
First Baptist Church Petrolia December 2017
Quiet Angel
Did any of us know of a quiet angel that does all sorts of jobs around the church? Well, we have one and her name is Kim. She folds the bulletin, puts up the hymns, changes the bulletin board with announcements, checks the all the hymn books for envelopes inserted, sets up and take down for the outreach activities and the fellowship lunches. Kim also makes the wonderful decorated cookies for snacks at the church. Yes she is
our quiet angel and wants to show her appreciation to the church family for being there for our family with com-fort , prayers and love.
Operation Christmas Child was supported by our congregation again this year. A total of 81 shoeboxes were collected November 12 to go to the col-lection centre.
Out talented young people show off the pile of boxes. Meggan, Daniel, Rebecca, Jessica and Helen.
Men’s Breakfast
December 9
Our Lady of help Catholic Church, 432 Victoria St. Watford, Ontario
Contact Lloyd MacDonald for more information.
Gord and Ruth Park have sent out their Novem-ber newsletter. They have distributed 5000 Bi-bles this year with requests for more.
Their contacts in Mexico report that there are many unreached areas in Mexico and quite a bit of persecution.
Their ministry is funded through donations that are handled at the Brigden Community Church.
First Baptist Church Petrolia December 2017
1) The next Deacon's meeting will be Thursday Dec. 14th 2017 at 7:00pm, at Brad's residence. 2) The Nominating Committee report for 2018 will be posted at the back of the church, Sunday Dec. 3rd for every-one to review and later to be approved by the congregation.
3) The agreement with Horizon Solutions was signed for a new audio system, Projector Lamp and Installation, hopefully to start in the next 2 to 3 weeks?
4) The Youth Choir will be performing at our Anniversary Sunday May 2018.
5) The Church Vision Statement and Declaration of Faith, has been posted at the back of the Church for anyone interested in taking a copy. (They were also put in your church mailboxes.
6) Pastor Alex has been granted permission to join the speaking group for Meadow View, Albany, Fiddicks and the CEE for 2018.
Wayne Robertson Haiti Info
Just a brief note on what I'll be doing in Haiti - Dec 2017 - Jan 2018. First off once again I need to thank my FBC family for their overwhelming support for Lifewater Canada. Lifewater has received monetary blessings from FBC offerings, men's breakfasts offer-ings and SS offerings and I thank you on their behalf.
Three years ago I was helping start construction on a compound that would al-low Lifewater Canada to operate solely from their own property and loca-tion. The compound would house water well fixtures for repair of wells in Haiti as well as Drill new wells in villages needing clean drinking water
Anyhow I need to add that I was asked to comeback for another work pro-gramed on finishing the guest house on the compound, cement the workshop floors, install drainage tie ins to outside wall ditches. Some of you know we
moved a mountain to prepare the land for the compound. The challenge is always to redistribute the flood waters to a place where they can be safely diverted to the river without endangering villagers in the area.
Basically in a nutshell, Rolly Nantais and I will be leaving on the aforementioned dates to work on finishing that which was started. This is my third trip and Rollys second. We will be working mostly with rebar pillars and mix-ing and moving cement. We hope to have everything in place for the Mennonite Brethren coming end of January end of February to pour and finish the roof.
Four of our First Ladies went to Strathroy for our Association Ladies Day Apart on November 4. The theme was “Come Thirsty, Drink Deeply”. Shirley Gleadall was the featured speaker who spoke about how to intertwine the gospel into our lives.
Wonderful singing was let by Mellissa Spicer, wife of the new pastor in Arkona, ac-companied by Barbara Evans on the piano.
There were two breakout sessions. One involved a prayer room, where various sta-tion were set up to give the participants ideas about how to better connect to God in prayer. The second one was led by Michelle Gingerich who focused on inner heal-ing through prayer.
Plans are being made for the Spring Rally April 7, 2018
