I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12
The Lamplighter
Vol. 38 No. 3
November, 2007
A prayer
for Thanksgiving day
Almighty God, our Creator, Redeemer and Eternal Companion,
we come to you overwhelmed by the goodness you bestow on us without limits.
On this special day, we recall how you blessed our
forefathers who came to this wonderful land seeking freedom to worship
without restraint or hindrance.
We are immeasurably grateful for our heritage. We
pray that our faith may be as fervent as the faith of those who left
everything for a land strange to them and where they were strangers to the
natives.
Therefore, we gather as grateful benefactors of
your pilgrim servants who paid a costly price to glorify you and serve you
faithfully. For them, we give you our deepest gratitude mindful of that
first Thanksgiving meal shared by newcomers and natives. We gather around
our tables as family and friends.
We come to you in love and great appreciation for
your constant grace and gifts bestowed upon us. The abundant and beautiful
food before us is the most lovely and present evidence.
Ever-giving and ever-loving God, we humbly thank
you for all your benefits. We wish only one thing more. May we have the
honor of your presence? Be our Guest that we may know that we have had
fellowship with you and with one another.
In the name of your greatest gift to us, our Lord,
Jesus Christ. Amen.
x
—copied by permission
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THANKSGIVING Service
with Rev. Robert HALL
Wed., Nov. 21, 7:30pm
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A Word from the Pastor
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Our family has been
reaching some milestones this past week.
Our oldest son, Doug, turned 30 and his son, Brandon, turned 2!
I feel old, and Doug says he feels old, too.
Ha! Oh, to be young
again.
Operation
Christmas Child
Dedication
Service
Sun., Nov. 11,
8:30 & 11am.
Nov. 12-18
Mon., Nov.
12-Sat., Nov. 17, 10am-4pm.
And
Sun., Nov. 18,
1-6pm.
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Hello from Children’s Worship
We’re running
out of space
We are still praising the Lord for our wonderful turnout each week.
We truly are running out of space.
(It’s a wonderful problem to have.)
We thank the Van Ministry leaders for the great job they’re
doing. Let us know how we can
help out in any way. A growing church is where everyone serves.
For the next few weeks until Christmas we’ll be experiencing the Scripture
come to life. We’ll experience
some of the awe the angels must have felt when God was sending His Son to
earth. The boys and girls will
question, like Mary and Joseph, how God could have chosen them for such an
honor. And, they’ll realize “God chose a strange way to save the world.”
Our theme for the next few weeks will be “Angel Alert—The Night Heaven Came
Down.” I Praise God for Tina Gibson and
We’re still looking for a team of leaders to help us out on our 4th
Sundays. Could this be you?
All you need is love of kids and love of God and commitment.
The Children’s Worship group has a challenge each week.
Maybe you can help.
Can you think of 10 names of Jesus (Isaiah 9:6 will help)?
Our prayer for you: For He
will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways
(Psalm 91:11NIV).
Children’s
Worship Leader
It was a very dark
night;
the TeamKid next to me
moved a little closer, (Or, was that an adult?) as we moved into the black
woods while sitting on the long flatbed covered
with straw. We had no
idea where we were going or where we would end up.
The stars were the only things shouting; but, even they seemed to
sense that this was not the time to upset the uneasy silence of the
darkness. Then a shooting star
and then another and pretty soon we stopped by a raging fire inviting us to
warm our bodies and our spirits.
Sun., Oct. 28
Appreciation Day
for our pastors:
Dr.
Dan Mohler
You decide how you’ll show your appreciation.
It’s not too late. Now or
anytime throughout the year is fine.
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Fall Festival
filled with firsts
Fog, overcast clouds, sun, heat and humidity—No,
this is not the forecast for a day in August but rather the weather we had
October 6 for our 5th Annual Harvest Time Car Show & Family Fall
Festival. Even though this was our 5th year and we followed our tried and
true festival formula, this year would prove to have many
firsts.
The extremely foggy morning started at 6am as Phil
(Meekins), Zach (Meekins), Jim (Gibson), Christopher (Bibey) and I (Dave
Bibey) started setting up the new Quick Shades. We used them this year for
the
first time. Believe me, they earn their name. All of them went up in no time flat. As
the fog lifted, crew members started showing up to help in their areas. I
would like to take this moment to thank all the crew members for arriving
early and/or on time. Every
year, without fail, we’ll start to get folks arriving before we are
completely set up. This is definitely true with the car show people. Our
first show cars arrived this year before 9am! But, we were ready. Set up
went so well that
You couldn’t miss all the smiling faces around the
game area this year—everyone throwing bean bags, hula hoops and Frisbees.
The ring toss and the fishing game looked to be the favorites.
I have to hand it to the Hot Wheels Derby crew this year. Nathan
Porch took this event for the
first time
and ran it like a champ. He put his pinewood derby skills
from Scouting to excellent use. Three winners were awarded trophies at the
3pm run-off.
With the dry weather we’d had leading up to The
Festival we were able to use the full field next to the church for the very
first time
for the car show. Even though we have used the field during our first and
second years’ festivals, we were still limited to the area that we could
use. The field has a tendency to stay wet near the back fence line when we
get wet weather. This year we had cars parked from the fence line to the
black top out to the road. Fifty-five cars were on display—the second
largest number that we’ve ever had. Of the 60 places that we had allowed for
the cars, 36 were pre-registered. This gave us room to take 24 drive-ups.
Knowing that the Lord is in control, we had 24 drive-ups. We didn’t need to
turn anyone away. Even then, we could have taken in more as 5 of the
pre-registered vehicles did not make the show.
Our special award this year was in memory of church
members who went home to be with the Lord since our last Harvest Festival. I
really felt I wanted to do something for my Mom, Judy Bibey, who passed away
in March. She was always ready with the right words to keep me going when
planning for The Festival would get hectic. She and Dad hadn’t missed a
festival and I could always see how proud she was on how each year turned
out. The Festival was her last family outing before she had a stroke later
that month. We called this award “The Rose” because the single rose we were
told represents love. It was also my Mom’s favorite flower. This was the
first time
that I was responsible to pick an award winner. From the start, I really
never thought of this as an award but more of a memorial to our beloved
members. Knowing how special it was to me and that it would be hard to give
it to just anyone, I prayed for the Lord to lead me. Steve Foster came to
mind. He has a show car and has been in The Festival before. His father,
Elwood Foster, had passed away in January.
He was not registered for the show at that time but I really felt
strong about it. As the pre-registration dead line was fast approaching, the
next to last form that came in was Steve’s. I was sure that I was to give it
to him. On show day as we were getting closer to the award ceremony, I
happened to see Steve leaving early. All of the sudden I was not sure what
to do with this award. I prayed once again and then called his home and
spoke to his wife. She explained to me that he had to be home so that he
could attend another church-related meeting. I told her about the award and
said that I would still award it to him. When it came time to announce it, I
awarded the “Rose Award” to Steve and said that he had to leave and wasn’t
there. Phil (Meekins), who was there with me to hand out the awards said,
“Yes, he is.” Steve had come
back and for me this became the most special moment of the day. I knew in my
heart that it was right.
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Wanted:
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Church family rescues Mrs. Jackson
Did you hear about our church family coming to Sandy
Jackson’s and the Jesus Loves Me Childcare Center’s rescue?
I was witness to everything.
Several staff members were sick and for one reason or
another The Center was very short handed.
Mrs. Jackson was making an attempt to be in dozens of places @ one
time and she nearly took up residence in MY church.
WELL! Word got
around and thanks to several church family members things were running
smoothly in a couple of days.
Patricia Culver, Kate Galyen,
Mrs. Jackson is breathing a little easier thanks to some
church family who graciously helped out.
Kat, The
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Drama Ministry
We’re growing
Believe it or not there is still a Drama Team.
We are growing slowly; but, keep your eyes open as we’ll be appearing
soon. Some of us have been
working on some skits for the upcoming holidays.
It has been my experience that drama ministries will bring people to
church that are not saved and may not ordinarily come.
Therefore, this is a very important church ministry.
It’s a great opportunity to serve the Lord.
If you’re interested in being part of this ministry, let Patricia
Culver know.
Solid, colored sheets—(may be used) in good, clean condition (no stains,
please).
If you’re able to donate items for our Drama Ministry, please leave them in
the box in the foyer.
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Field Mouse is
fooled
It’s been
so nice outside I hadn’t seen Field Mouse for a while.
But, recently on a very cool morning Field Mouse came in the church
for a visit. He was frustrated
and said he’s been having trouble finding some tasty snacks.
He’d tried to have some delicious-looking berries for a snack that
were on the wreaths on the church front doors.
But, they were artificial—not a bit tasty.
Boy, did he get fooled.
Thankfully the wreaths look just as wonderful as the day they were placed.
It’s good to know that the church folk like to keep God’s house
orderly even though it’s tough finding a bite to eat at times.
I understand that a very nice lady, Lynn Leatherwood, made those
wreaths. They’re beautiful!
Take a look for yourself.
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Support Our Troops
Christmas
Women on
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Mark your NOV calendars
Sun, Nov. 4
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Sun., Nov. 4 @ 12:15 pm
Fellowship Meal
Bring a covered dish & dessert or drink
Note: Breakfast will be held as
well
@ 9am.
Wed., Nov. 7, 6:30-8:30 pm
Youth Hayride & Bonfire
@ Milburn Orchards
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Car Show Awards
People’s Choice
Russell
Proctor
James McCarthy
Alan & Annie
Pitts
Charles
Richardson
Howard Lockard
Sr.
Frank Small
Bill Norris
Neil
Blanchette
Jim McCarthy
Sr.
Jamie Harris
Charles Bibey
Donald Frist
Charles Snyder
Tom & Cheryl
Favorso
Charlie &
Diane Baxter
John
Hollenbough
Kathy & Wilmer
Ball
Joe Ligenza
Kenneth
Campbell
Steve Chapman
Dave Saunders
Pam McCarthy
Harvest Choice—Contemporary
James McCarthy
Harvest Choice—Traditional
Alan & Annie
Pitts
Rose Award
Steve Foster
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The church family was outstanding
Today
(October 6, 2007) the First Baptist Church of North East had our 5th
Annual Harvest Time Car Show and Family Fall Festival. I must say, it
exceeded my expectations by a mile. Things today seemed to flow naturally. I
know that Mr. Dave (Bibey) has been under a lot of pressure lately; but,
today the tide seemed to change for him as the day progressed. I love to
work along side of Dave in these times. We may change a few things for next
year to make the task on Dave more bearable. He sure had a load to deal with
this time around.
I have agreed to coordinate
festival matters next year, Lord willing, and let Dave concentrate on the
car show side of things. Seems we have had many moments over the past few
years where we have both been “under the gun,” so to speak. These times give
us great fellowship that we both need. All in all this year’s event was
great!
The church family was outstanding
again as usual with help from many. The youth of the Frontline worked like
bees to complete all assignments as directed. The Christian band
Emptiless
was as awesome this year as they were five years ago. The ladies that
prepared the fellowship meal did an awesome job. I know it was a lot of work
after working The Festival all day.
I believe that God has given this
church a ministry that is very unique. These days there are not many places
you can go and bring the family that are wholesome, fun and don’t cost a
thing except a little time.
I praise God for what he has done
for us! What an outreach we have been given.
I had the pleasure to speak and witness to a lot of people at this
event. One family of four told me that they were coming to our church
starting next week! Praise the Lord Most High!!
(And, PTL!
we’ve been having guests in worship services who came to The
Festival.)
This is why I believe that God continues to bless The Festival as an
outreach ministry. I trust and pray that WE keep this ministry alive and
well for many more years to come.
With that I say thank you to
everyone who supports the Harvest Time Car Show and Family Fall Festival.
Most of all, Thank You, Lord.
Your Brother in Christ,
Mr. Phil
(
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Mark your DEC calendars
NOW!
Sun., Dec. 2, 11am
Jesus Loves Me
Childcare
Christmas Program
Sun., Dec. 9, 11am
“Angel Alert . . .”
Presented by
Children’s Worship
& Preschool
Sun., Dec. 16, 8:30am
Christmas Celebration
Praise Team
Sun., Dec. 16, 11am
“One Small Child”
presented by the adult choir
Christmas Eve, Mon., Dec. 24, 7pm
Candlelight Service
with Praise Team music
Sun., Dec. 30, 6pm
A Night to Remember (Hymn Sing)
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