VBS, Family Fun Day CONNECTIONS · June-August 2017 Make time for quiet CONNECTIONS First Baptist Church of Kennett Square VBS, Family Fun Day Summer is upon us. The days are longer

June-August 2017

Make time for quiet

CONNECTIONS

First Baptist Church of Kennett Square

VBS, Family Fun Day

Summer is upon us. The days are longer and we are

enjoying opportunities to spend time with family and

friends. There will be graduations to celebrate, pool

parties to attend, and vacations to enjoy.

Summer is supposed to be about relaxing and

enjoying life. Somehow we have figured out how to fill

our calendars with so much activity we often feel

anything but relaxed.

It is easy to become overwhelmed, and we miss out

on the joy of this special season.

As we head deeper into the summer months let me

encourage you to make time for quiet. Take time to head

outdoors and relax.

Walk around a park or Longwood Gardens. Find

your favorite chair on the deck or

back porch. In these times of quiet

be sure to let your mind wander.

Thank God for the many blessings you have received

over the past year. Invite Abba Father to show you how

He is calling you to grow and deepen your relationship

with Him.

Ask the Spirit to reveal where and how you can reach

out to those around you with the love of Jesus.

Summer is supposed to be relaxing and a time for

rejuvenation. Make sure you set some time aside to relax

with God and rejuvenate that most sacred of relationships.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Dan

Index VBS 2

One-Board 3

La Verona Day 5

J.A.M. 6

Missions 8-9

Birthdays 10

Calendars 11-13

Financials 14-15

Thursday,

June 8, was a great

night for First

Baptist Church!

We had the

honor of hosting

KHS students,

family and staff for

the school’s

baccalaureate

service ahead of

graduation. We did

a great job all the

way around.

FBC hosts baccalaureate service for KHS grads

CONTINUED on Page 4

View from the balcony of the baccalaureate ceremony.

Connections Page 2

First Baptist Church is gearing

up for this summer’s Vacation Bi-

ble School, whose theme is

“Maker Fun Factory: Created by

God, Built For a Purpose.”

Those hoping for a sneak peek

of what Maker Fun Factory is all

about can check out the display

outside the Sanctuary and soon in

the cabinets in the Welcome Cen-

ter.

Registration has opened and

will be accepted through July.

Registration forms are available at

the church and also online on FBC’s Website (www.firstbaptistkennettsquare.com)

and on its Facebook page (@firstbaptistchurchks).

VBS runs nightly from 6-8:45 p.m. Sunday, July 30-Thursday, Aug. 3.

VBS Director Linda Smith and her crew have been working for months prepar-

ing for the annual event. This year she enlisted the help of Brownie Troop 4424

(pictured at right) to help make decorations).

For more information about VBS, call the church at 610-444-5320.

VBS set for July 30

Join us for FBC’s Family Fun

Day on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The event is held rain or shine

and features fun for the community

from 4-7 p.m.

There is no charge. New this

year is a sports bounce house, and

puppeteers from Harrisburg, Pa.-based

The Puppet and Story Works.

The Puppet and Story Works is

Dotti and Steve Seitz, who will pre-

sent “Those Amazing Miracles” at

4:30 p.m.

According to their Web site, at

www.puppetandstoryworks.com, the

show features “a series of very funny

ventriloquism sketches interspersed with

puppetry, interactive songs and a touch

of illusion, based on three of Jesus’

amazing miracles.”

The Seitzes perform at churches, retire-

ment communities, nursing homes, and

other places.

For more information, check out our Fa-

cebook page at www.facebook.com/

firstbaptistchurchks or our Web page at

www.firstbaptistkennettsquare.com.

Family Fun Day returns to First Baptist

Connections Page 3

For the past two years we

have been living into a new form

of church leadership.

We came to understand that

our previous structure was not

sustainable.

The multiple boards and

committee meetings were not

facilitating ministry and in many

cases we found it hard to fill all

the required vacancies.

Two years ago we began

living into a one board system of

church leadership. Our Elders provide spiritual oversight

while the Deacons serve as team leaders for specific

ministries.

We have experimented with developing ministry

teams where people can serve without long-term

commitments in areas they are passionate about.

These past few years have been exciting as we

watched ministry teams take on projects and lead us into

new ministry opportunities.

We have accomplished more ministry with fewer

meetings. Our teams have been set free to do their work

in the ways that are most efficient for

them.

The Elder / Deacon board has

met on a regular basis to provide

leadership through this time of

transition. In the past few months

our Elders have started to meet for

times of sharing and planning.

During the first part of this year

our Bylaw Review Committee has

been working to update our Bylaws

to reflect our new Team Based

Ministry Structure.

The bylaw work is progressing well and we anticipate

having something for your review in the fall of this year.

We will provide opportunities for conversation and

comment on the revised bylaws before any vote to adopt

them is held.

This has been a long process. We have done very

well working our way through it and I am excited to see

us take the final steps toward formalizing our new form of

church leadership.

Pastor Dan

Board

Bylaw review process continues

Over the past few months we have been experimenting with Weekly Connections.

Our goal is to be able to get publicity, promotion and celebration of the ministry

and events at FBC to you in a timely fashion. This also frees up our worship bulletin

from becoming “crowded” with too many announcements.

The Weekly Connections can also be used as an outreach tool as you share it with

friends and family letting them know all the good things that are taking place here at

First Baptist.

At our last Elder/Deacon meeting the board voted to continue with the Weekly Con-

nections and reduce the number of full newsletters we produce. We will now produce

full newsletters in February, June, September and October/November.

We believe these four full newsletters, along with the Weekly Connections, will

help keep everyone informed in a timely fashion.

You can view an electronic record of our newsletters and Weekly Connections on the Website at

www.firstbaptistkennettsquare.com.

Newsletter changes, timing explained

Connections Page 4

During the week we had a team of people work to

make sure our facility was ready to go. Cassandra

McDonald, Tim McDonald, Nancy Nicewonger, Ken

Smith and Jill Nicastro cleaned the sanctuary, Welcome

Center, balcony and bathrooms.

Kathy Allaband worked to provide refreshments

following the service. Betty Gordon and Linda Smith

were there to help serve and clean up.

Chris Wells stopped by after work to turn on the

sound system and get the mics all set up. Chris Goldberg

was there to run sound during the service.

Dave Freeman and Chuckie came in to serve as

ushers. The students had their own ushers but we were

there to ensure that they had everything they needed and

to step in to help where needed. Chuckie ended up

helping Rayann to take the evening offering.

Pastor Dan was able to bring words of welcome from

FBC and shared a special blessing with the parents and

students at the close of the service.

Throughout the night many people expressed thanks

for being "allowed" to use our church to hold this special

service. It was a great opportunity for us to serve our

community.

Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible.

CONTINUED from Page 1

KHS holds baccalaureate at FBC

At top, KHS families and loved ones packed the church for the service. Above, Rayann Nicewonger, a 2017 graduate, and Chuckie helped take the evening offering.

Connections Page 5

La Verona Day About 45 members and friends of

First Baptist Church headed to La

Verona Restaurant after worship

on Sunday, May 28 for a luncheon

in the community.

La Verona Day, an outreach to

support the community, was

deemed a success.

Crusaders Class

Teachers: Martha Dunn, Paul Freeman

The Crusaders Class has been meeting for about 60 years. Martha and Paul lead this

class using the Union Gospel Press Bible Expositor Illuminator curriculum. There is time for getting to know each

other sharing life’s journey with each other. Martha has been teaching for four years.

Through The Bible

Teachers: George Fresolone, Don Poole Jr.

We are taking a chronological trip through the New Testament using the Chronological Study

Bible (NKJV) and The Archeological Study Bible (NIV). We use no formal curriculum. I

(George) prepare open ended questions and we ask the Holy Spirit to lead our discussions.

Adult Sunday School opportunities

Connections Page 6

On the Web: www.jamdaycarekennettsquare.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamdaycare

Graduation Chapel set for June 16 J.A.M. Christian Daycare

will host its second

graduation chapel at 9:30 a.m.

June 16.

The students who are

heading to kindergarten this

fall will be recognized.

There will also be music

by all classrooms, and a Bible

story presented by the Rising

Stars.

All parents and families are invited to attend.

Refreshments will be available in the Welcome Center

following the chapel, and families may eat in the classroom

with their students.

Outdoor play

Connections Page 7

June is the last opportunity to take advantage of our Wednesdays

at FBC before the three programs take a break for the summer.

Wacky Wednesday Worship, our

youth-led and youth-oriented pro-

gram, ended in May and will resume

in September. It was held on the third

Wednesdays of the month.

A Call to Worship and Prayer,

our second-Wednesday program, will

meet June 14 and then again in Sep-

tember.

Our fourth-Wednesday program,

Quiet Waters, will meet for the last

time June 28 before it takes a break

for the summer.

Wednesdays at FBC on break for summer

Each year the Pastoral Relations Committee and Pastor Dan work to put together goals and objec-

tives for the coming year. These goals and objectives serve to help guide the pastor’s evaluation at the

end of the year. The Elder/Deacon board has reviewed the “Pastor’s Primary Ministry Responsibilities

for 2017.”

On Sunday, May 28, a streamlined version was shared with the congregation, and Elder George

Fresolone talked about the importance of coming together to work toward these goals. A copy of

“Pastor’s Primary Ministry Responsibility 2017” can be found in the Welcome Center information

rack.

Pastor’s ministry responsibilities booklet available

Music in May The senior luncheon in May featured

keyboard music by FBC Elder of Worship

Dr. Christopher Wells, left.

Attendees picked music out of the hymnal

for Wells to play.

The luncheon is held at noon on the last

Thursday of every month and is open to all

seniors in the community.

The June luncheon will be held June 29 at

noon.

Connections Page 8

Glen and Rita Chapman, two

American Baptist missionaries to

the Democratic Republic of the

Congo, will visit First Baptist

Church on Sunday, Sept. 10.

FBC has supported the

Chapmans for years as they have

worked to spread God’s word.

“Thank you for your

partnership in world missions for

so many years!” wrote Glen

Chapman in an e-mail to Pastor

Dan this month.

Several projects they have

worked on include supporting the

Baptist University of Congo, and

also equipping pastors’ wives in

the Congo, according to their information page on the

American Baptist International Ministries Website,

www.internationalministries.org.

Chapmans to visit First Baptist in September

MISSIONS

Corenne Smith is one of the

missionaries FBC supports through

International Ministries. The

following is part of an e-mail update.

Dear Friends,

Last March we wrote asking you

to pray for Josue, a bright and

charismatic boy who could not

overcome his addiction for drugs, and

ran away. It often takes several

comings and goings before the

children stay . . . if they survive.

Soon after Josue left, he was

stabbed nine times trying to rob

passengers on a bus.

We prayed as he hung on for his

life. Josue got stronger, and was sent

to the prison infirmary to complete his

recovery.

Sadly, last week Josue just took a

turn for the worse. He spent several

days in an induced coma in intensive

care, with fluid in his lung and around

his heart. For those who have been

praying for Josue; don’t let up now.

Motivating our continued

investment in Josue is our hope—our

belief—that this trauma will jar him

into becoming all God wants him to

become. That got us thinking: what if

we could bring Josue hand-written get

-well cards from those who have been

thinking about and praying for him?

Would you consider writing a card

or note to Josue?

He’s in a phase where he is sitting

all day with little to do, and we

assume. reflecting about his future.

These letters might make a real

difference, and might even become part

of his testimony of transformation.

The address to send the card is

below. We are anxiously awaiting to

welcome our prodigal son home!

Blessings!

Philip & Corenne Smith

Where to send correspondence

and the card for Josue:

Philip and Corenne Garrison Smith c/o International Ministries , P.O. Box 851

Valley Forge, PA 08691

MISSIONS

Smiths ask for prayers for Josue

Connections Page 9

MISSIONS

The following is a combined May/June 2017 e-mail

update from John and Debbie Coats, two missionaries

in Cambodia that FBC currently supports.

This newsletter is about Debbie again, and one of

our good Cambodian workers. Her story this time

begins with Mr. Nyaw, our Cambodian coworker who

runs the tuberculosis program.

He has become quite ill the last two months and

has been steadily losing weight. Ironically, like Debbie,

he also had a blockage in his throat, and was having

trouble swallowing and speaking. His tonsils were very

swollen.

Debbie became completely occupied with finding

him treatment and good doctors. Finally, a lab test

showed he had cancer.

Then, a further lab report indicated he had an

aggressive lymphoma cancer with a poor prognosis. His

family was devastated. And so was Debbie.

This is Debbie’s right hand man in her health work.

He is a believer and has a compassionate heart for the

sick and poor.

His work has saved hundreds of lives. Debbie is

very fond of him. When Nyaw and Debbie got the lab

results, Debbie immediately slipped into an episode of

mania.

I am caring for Debbie in our city home until we

get through this.

Debbie has been dealing with various fears and a

few delusions. I raised her medication sharply per doc-

tor’s instructions to get Debbie back steady.

Debbie is getting better but it is slow, as is usual.

Anyone who knows Debbie knows that she is not

generally a fearful person.

However, she does have obsessive tendencies

when it comes to health matters, especially if they in-

volve someone close to her and she feels responsible

for their health.

While it has seemed a long, slow process, Debbie

has noticeably improved more rapidly the last week.

She has been willing to go out of the house with me, go

to church, meet some friends, and attend a short work

meeting.

She still has some fears and unusual thoughtsk, but

the fears are diminishing rapidly now. Please continue

to pray for her. She is not up to par yet, and she may

struggle with some depression soon.

I ask for prayers for Nyaw. His situation is serious.

Because Debbie was completely out of action, he went

to a private surgeon himself and they removed his

tonsils. The surgeon charged him an astronomical

amount of money. I don’t trust him yet.

The private doctor has said there is a very good

chance he will be cured via chemotherapy, but we are

suspicious of him.

Debbie looked over his lab results and realized that

he is probably treating him for the wrong kind of can-

cer. Yet we haven’t yet found a hospital that could give

him the correct treatment affordably.

I need to make a major decision about the

tuberculosis program. May the Lord give me wisdom.

Nyaw is the key man in the program, and he is out

of action. Recently, another worker resigned. She is

aging, and traveling on the muddy roads is very

difficult for her.

I am thinking maybe the Lord is saying it is time to

transfer the program over to the local

Cambodian health center.

So please continue to pray for Nyaw’s situation

and pray for Debbie to know how much she should or

should not get involved at this point.

She is not fully recovered, and I am reluctant for

her to have heavy responsibilities before she is ready.

At the same time, neither do we want Nyaw to get poor

treatment, which could be fatal.

Thank you all so much for your prayers!

John and Debbie

Prayers still needed for Debbie Coats, Nyaw

Connections Page 10

Join us in celebrating these June, July, and August birthdays

“Happy Birthday” by Petr Kratochvil. Courtesy of www.publicdomainpictures.net

Matthew Barlow June 3

Ana Leigh Poole June 15

Geri Brenthal June 16

Chris Mellinger June 17

Jackie Bogle June 18

Natalie Poole June 22

Kent Reasons June 24

Barbara Weer June 27

Nancy Seldomridge June 29

Christopher Norris June 30

Charlie Bossert July 2

George Hostetler July 6

Martha Dunn July 10

Pastor Dan July 18

George Fresolone July 19

Elizabeth Ely July 22

Kathy Allaband July 24

Betty Gordon Aug. 3

Glenn Anderson Aug. 9

Chris Goldberg Aug. 14

Rayann Nicewonger Aug. 18

Ella Ross Aug. 19

Valerie Barlow Aug. 21

April Allaband Aug. 23

Donna Bogle Aug. 23

Lou Ann Nask Aug. 23

Marcia Burton Aug. 24

Barbara McDonald West Aug. 24

Margaret Miles Aug. 25

If your birthday is not listed, please call, see or e-mail Monica Fragale.

Connections Page 11

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

28 9:45- 11 AM Sunday

School

11 AM - 12 PM Worship

6 - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb

29

J.A.M. Daycare and church office closed

Memorial Day

12- 1PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles

30 12- 1 PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

6:30 - 8 PM Softball home vs. CLC

7:30 - 9:30 PM AA meeting

31 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

7 - 8:30 PM Youth Group

8 - 9 PM Al-Anon

1 12- 1 PM AA- Mid-Day

6- 8 PM Monte Horeb meeting

6:30 - 8 PM Softball vs. Wesley/Willowdale

7 - 9 PM Kacie's Cause


2 12 - 1 PM AA-

Mid-Day Miracles


3 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

4 Communion and Deacon

Offering

One Great Hour of Sharing collection

Pentecost

9:45 - 11 AM Sunday School


6- 8:30 PM Monte Horeb

5 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

6 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

6 - 7 PM J.A.M. Day-care staff meeting

6 - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb-Vigil

6:30- 8 PM Softball home vs. Stillwa-ters Presbyterian


7 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles


8 - 9 PM Al-Anon

8 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-Day

Miracles


7 PM KHS baccalaureate


9 12 - 1PM AA-

Mid-Day Miracles


10 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

11

Youth/Graduation Sunday


11 AM - 12 PM Worship-Youth Sunday

12 PM Fellowship lunch-eon

6 - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb-Commitment Day

12

12 - 1PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles

1:30 - 2:30 PM Mission Team meeting

6:30 - 8 PM Softball away vs. Stillwa-ters Presbyterian

7- 9PMElder/deacon meeting

13


6 - 7:30 PM Brownie Troop 4424 meet-ing


7:30 PM - 9:30 PM AA meeting

14 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

7 - 8 PM Call to Wor-ship and Prayer


8 - 9 PM Al-Anon

15 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day

Miracles

6:30- 8 PM Softball home vs. Nottingham Baptist


7:30 - 9 PM AA meeting

16 9:30 - 10:30

AM J.A.M. program



17 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

1:30-5:30 PM Birthday party in F. Hall

18

Father's Day




19 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

6:30 - 8 PM Softball away vs. Oxford Methodist

7 PM PRC meeting

7 PM - 9:30 PM AA District 56 meet-ing

20 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

6 - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb-Talents Night

6:30 - 8 PM Softball home vs. Corner-stone Red

6:30 - 9 PMYoungDads meeting


21 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

1:30 - 2:30 PM Missions - Circle

8 - 9 PM Al-Anon


Miracles

6:30 - 8 PM Softball home vs. Cornerstone Blue



23 12 - 1PM AA-

Mid-Day Miracles

6 - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb-Prayer Service

24 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

25 9:45 - 11 AM Sunday

School



26 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

6:30 - 8 PM Softball home vs. West Grove Presbyteri-an

27 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles


28 12 - 1PM AA- Mid-

Day Miracles

7 - 9 PM Quiet Waters

8 - 9 PM Al-Anon


Miracles

12 - 2 PM Senior luncheon



30 12 - 1PM AA-

Mid-Day Miracles


1 9 AM M. Horeb

Spanish Revival campaign


June

https://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/74019774/event/264539867/2017-05-28
























































































































































































Connections Page 12

July


25 9:45- 11 AM Sunday School



26 12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles

6:30 - 8 PM Softball home vs. West Grove Presbyterian




8- 9 PM Al-Anon


7- 9 PM Kacie's Cause




1 9:00 AM Monte Horeb Spanish Revival campaign

12 - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles

2 Communion and Deacon Offering





4 Independence Day

J.A.M., Church office closed




8 - 9 PM Al-Anon


6 - 8 PM Monte Horeb monthly director meeting






9 9:45 - 11 AM Sunday School




1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Mission Team meeting

7:00 PM - 9:00 PMElder/deacon meeting


6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb-Couples meeting



8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Al-Anon


7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Kacie's Cause



6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb-Vigil






7 - 9:30 PM AA District 56 meeting



6:30 - 9 PMYoung-Dads meeting




8 - 9 PM Al-Anon





6 - 8:30 PM Monte Horeb-Prayer Service



11AM - 12 PM Worship







8 - 9 PM Al-Anon








30

Vacation Bible School

6-8:45 p.m.



31

Day 2 of VBS

6-8:45 p.m.

12 PM - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles

1

Day 3 of VBS

6-8:45 p.m.



2

Day 4 of VBS

6-8:45 p.m.


8 - 9 PM Al-non

3

Final day of VBS

6-8:45 p.m.

12 PM - 1 PM AA- Mid-Day Miracles






4PM Family Fun Day















































































































































































Connections Page 13

August


30

Vacation Bible School

6-8:45 p.m.



31

Day 2 of VBS

6-8:45 p.m.


1

Day 3 of VBS

6-8:45 p.m.



2

Day 4 of VBS

6-8:45 p.m.


8 - 9 PM Al-non

3

Final day of VBS

6-8:45 p.m.







4PM Family Fun Day

6 Communion and Deacon Offering


11AM - 12 PM Worship







8 - 9 PM Al-Anon


1 - 8 PM Summer blood drive









14


1:30 - 2:30 PM Mission Team meeting

7 - 9 PM Elder/deacon meeting



6:30 - 9 PM YoungDads




8 - 9 PM Al-Anon











7- 9:30 PM AA District 56 meeting





8 - 9 PM Al-Anon








27 9:45- 11 AM Sunday School








8 - 9 PM Al-Anon




























































































































































Connections Page 14

Connections Page 15

First Baptist is handicapped accessible

First Baptist Church

415 W. State St.

Kennett Square, PA 19348

FAX: 610-444-0480

Pastor Daniel Nicewonger

WEB SITE:

firstbaptistkennettsquare.org

W ORSHIP S ERV ICE :

11 A . M .

S UNDAY S CHOO L F OR

AL L AGE S : 9 :45 A . M .

B I B LE S TUDY T UES : 1 :30 P . M .

PRAYER FELLOWSHIP WED : 7 P . M .

Y OUTH G R OUP W ED : 7 P . M .

J.A.M. Christian Daycare

610-444-1795

Nancy Nicewonger,

Director

J.A.M. has immediate openings, which provides day care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. For more information, call J.A.M.

at 610-444-1795.

Nursery schedule First Sunday of the month:

Jennifer Allaband and Ana Poole

Second Sunday of the month:

Jessica Sturgill and Becky Yackscoe

Third Sunday of the month:

Jackie Bogle and Rayann Nicewonger

Fourth Sunday of the month: Deb Gray

Fifth Sunday of the month: Open

Those working in the nursery are responsible for

putting all the toys away, throwing out all the snacks, and

sweeping up all the crumbs.

First Baptist joins Instagram

First Baptist Church of Kennett Square is growing

its social media reach with the addition of an Instagram

page. To follow the church on Instagram, go to

www.instagram.com/fbc_kennettsq/

Altar flowers

Sign up now to place flowers in the church on Sun-

days in honor or memory of loved ones, in celebration, or

in remembrance. The cost is $30. There are still plenty of

spots available!

Documents

VBS, Family Fun Day CONNECTIONS · June-August 2017 Make time for quiet CONNECTIONS First Baptist Church of Kennett Square VBS, Family Fun Day Summer is upon us. The days are longer