BBC Connections | Summer 2020

BBC CONNECTIONS

Celebrating the joy, warmth, hope, and light of

Summer 2020

Summer

Through June 24

bensonbaptist.org/ covid-19

www.bensonbaptist.org

Our Staff

Contents Pastor’s Paragraphs …………………………………………..

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Dr. Lawrence Powers Todd’s Notes ………………………………………………….

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K. Todd Johnson Michael’s Musings ……………………………………………

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Michael Lasater-Sizemore The View from Debbie’s Desk ………………………………

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Debbie Champagne Notes from the Chaplain …………………………………….

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Rev. Cari Willis Fox Tales ………………………………………………………

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Rev. Marie Fox Tales From My Heart …………………………………………

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Rev. Dr. Lawrence Powers Senior Pastor lawrence@bensonbaptist.org K. Todd Johnson Minister of Music todd@bensonbaptist.org Michael Lasater-Sizemore Minister of Youth and Children michael@bensonbaptist.org Debbie Champagne Secretary debbie@bensonbaptist.org

Larry Martin Jr. A Thank you and A Prayer ……………………………………

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Amy Whittington Vacation Bible School ………………………………………… 13 Birthdays ……………………………………………………….. 14 Celebrating Our Graduates ………………………………….. 15 BBC Happenings ……………………………………………… 18 Photo Board ……………………………………………………

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Art Gallery ……………………………………………………… 21 BBC Zooming In ………………………………………………. 22 COVID-19 Update …………………………………………….. 23

Marvin Rawls Music Ministry Intern Kate Crowe Nursery Coordinator Rannie and Sonja Lee Custodians Cover: Kennedy enjoys a stroller ride in the summer sun!

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@bensonbaptist @bensonbaptist

www.bensonbaptist.org

Search “Benson Baptist Church NC” on Youtube

Pastor’s Paragraphs Be the Light

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’ve always had a love/hate relationship with the summer months: I love that it’s not cold (I’m a it-can-only-snow-atChristmas-and-I’m-happy kind of person), but I don’t care for 100 degree weather either. If I’m honest, I’m more of a fan of the crisp coolness of fall with its smoky air and changing leaves.

Yet, there is something about the summer months that still evokes a deep feeling that there is more to our days. The bright light of the sun, the warmth of the air, the constant smells of grills fired up and grass being cut –– things that somehow arise feelings of calm, peace, and joy within me.

It seems like years ago that we began our journey into the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday. On that night we seemed as far from the warmth and light of summer as we were from anything. As we journeyed into that remembrance of the darkness of this world, we were gripped with the darkness of the uncertainty that crept into our lives almost overnight. COVID-19 has certainly shown us that even our most

carefully planned and organized lives can still come to a screeching halt in an instant. The darkness of Lent has been deep this year.

Yet, the light of Eastertide (that concluded last Sunday), reminds us that darkness is never the end. No matter what we face in our lives, the promise of Easter is that we will still – somehow – find the light that radiates from a dark, musty, and empty tomb.

It is that light that we must carry today. As the summer sun warms your face, I encourage you to turn your mind toward the light of Christ, and what it means for us to be light-bearers in the world. Some days this will mean sitting aside our differences to spread hope instead of hate and fear. It will mean not clicking ‘enter’ on certain social media posts that intend to jab at someone on the other side of the aisle. It will mean taking measures to love our neighbor –– even when it feels silly.

Being the light of Christ has never been easy. Spreading the warmth of Jesus’ love at the expense of our comfort has never been convenient. Yet, it is our call as Christians –– and we’ve got work to do.

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Powers Senior Pastor lawrence@bensonbaptist.org EXT. 22

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Todd’s Notes Living in the Light

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break from school, beach and mountain vacations, visiting kin with grandparents, going to the pool or lake, fishing expeditions, fish fries, shucking corn, shelling peas and butterbeans, Bible School, baseball games (and, more importantly, Charlie Barefoot’s hot dogs), visits by the Pine State man with his ice cream and popsicles, playing in the dirt with toy cars and trucks, movie matinees, swinging and sliding at the playground, Cub Scout day camp, childish mischief, barning tobacco, riding with Daddy on his potato chip route. These are the images that come to mind when I think about summertime and the longest days of the year when I was much younger and had hair.

Bad things sometimes happened, of course, but those memories are not the ones I cling to. Those dark days are part of who I am. However, I grow and learn from them, and they don’t define me.

The gospel of John says it best: “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:5) Light is God’s first and last word. As a people of faith, we are to live in it.

Happy summer y’all!

Todd

I did not realize just how good I had it back then until I became an adult. I was blessed to grow up on a family farm with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We played outdoors, took midday naps, often stayed out late watching Little League baseball games. Families enjoyed life together.

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K. Todd Johnson

Minister of Music todd@bensonbaptist.org EXT. 24

Michael’s Musings Finding the Summer Light

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hat makes summer time special? What is my “summer light”?

Summer has always been my favorite part of the year. When I was younger, I would wait intently for the summer because it meant I didn’t have to go to school for a couple of months. You see, I used to act like I didn’t like school. I was “too cool” for it and didn’t want to do the work it took.

I’ve changed since then. Now, I love school. I just graduated from my masters program, and I can already tell I will deeply miss the growth and conversation that comes with it. I think I liked it when I was younger too. Maybe I just craved the pause that came with the summer months. It was a time that I had less to do. It was the time we went on many family vacations. It is when my birthday is. I had endless sleepovers and hangouts with friends. It was snow cone season!

because it was when I got to do things that I loved with people that I loved.

What’s better than that?

As I have worked with the youth and heard them share on Youth Sunday, one of things most seem to be learning about is slowing down and being present. Their COVID experience is obviously vastly different from many, but I see this connection between what they are learning and why I have such fond memories of summer. This idea of a cycle that offers space to unwind, breathe, and simply be.

I know that this time is most likely stressful and time-consuming, but I am hoping to find what has always been my “summer light.” I hope that I can breathe slowly. I hope that I can pause to reenergize. And I hope the same for you.

May the summer light you most need be ever present in your life.

Reading all of that together, I see that I have such find memories of summer

Michael Lasater-Sizemore

Minister of Youth and Children michael@bensonbaptist.org EXT. 26

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The View from Debbie’s Desk

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hen I think of summer. I think of a summer a very long time ago. All the warmth, light,

hope, joy, love, that I felt during that summer brings back great memories even today.

I went to live with my uncle and aunt the summer after I turned 10. They were moving into a new home in a new town. I got to help them move everything into the new house. I thought it was a real adventure. It was exciting. My aunt let me carry her wedding dress from the car into the house. I was so excited that she let me do that. There were 3 girls about my age sitting on the curb across from our house watching us. I took that dress (in a drycleaning bag, of course) and held it up in front of me like I was wearing it. I swirled and turned around in it showing it off to these girls as I carried it into the house. I was so proud and happy. I was filled with hope and joy.

As you know I did not have the best life before I went to live with my uncle and aunt permanently. The one condition that they had this time when I went to stay with

them (my birth mom was always sending my brothers, sister and me to live with relatives) was that I was there to stay. My birth mother had to let them adopt me.

My birth mother agreed, but they wanted to make sure that I would be happy with that choice so they said that I would make the final decision. They would let me stay with them until I made up my mind.

I was so torn. I agonized over this decision. I had a loyalty to my birth mother but liked living with my uncle and aunt. With them I had enough to eat every day, I had decent clothes to wear, and we did fun family things. Plus, I loved them especially my uncle. (He took my birth mother and grandmother to the hospital when it was time for me to be born! We had a connection from the very beginning.) They let me visit my birth mother every other weekend and she would bad mouth my aunt the entire time I was with her. When I got back home, I had an attitude. I remember how horrible I was. Whew! I’m surprised they still wanted me. Lol! Finally, it was decided that I would go …

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE….

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… The View from Debbie’s Desk Cont. … stay with my grandmother (my birth

I started calling them dad and mom

mother’s mom) for a week so that she could

about 2 years after I was adopted. I know

talk to me and help me figure out what I

that the Lord had it planned all along that

wanted to do. It was a great week. I

I would be one of dad and mom’s kids. I

learned to ride a bike, we ate sunflower

am so very thankful to him that He had

seeds directly out of the flowers, we walked

such a great plan for me. Plans to give

to the ice cream shop and we talked and

me hope and a future.

talked. (I had her undivided attention.) She told me that she thought I should go live with my uncle and aunt, that she wasn’t

For I know the plans I have for you,”

happy with many of the choices my birth

declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you

mother had made during her life. My

and not to harm you, plans to give you

grandmother said my uncle and aunt would

hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

treat me right. They would always provide things that I needed and would love me like their own. When I went back home, I told my uncle and aunt my decision and

Debbie

they moved forward with adopting me.

Of course, through the years everything has not always been sunshine and lollipops, but my grandmother was right. I am one of their kids no doubt about it.

Debbie Champagne

Secretary debbie@bensonbaptist.org EXT. 21

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CHAPLAIN’S NOTES Light/ Dark and Dark / Light

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have started reading some books that I

And I think of my favorite Psalm, Psalm

am going to use for my Doctorate of

139 which says in verses 11-12: “If I say,

Ministry (DMin) at Campbell Divinity. I am

‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the

doing my DMin on darkness because I have

light become night around me,’ even the

realized that for most of my pastoral

darkness will not be dark to you; the night

ministry I have sat with people in their

will shine like the day, for darkness is as

darkest hours. One of the books that I just

light to you.” Light / Dark. Dark / Light.

finished is called “The Impact of God.” It is

All the same. God is there. God is

a book written about St. John of the Cross

present.

who coined the phrase “The dark night of the soul.” St. John’s contention is that every believer will at some point go through a dark time on their journey with Christ.

I have to admit that with the lifestyle changes we have to make with this pandemic, I have had times of great sadness and have found myself in a “dark” place. I have had to stay away

I think about the Israelites as they left

from my ministry for almost 2 months

Egypt on their trek to the Promised Land.

which meant that my daily “anchors”

One of the first things God did for them

were missing. I felt completely

was to show up in a pillar of cloud by day

disoriented. I would wake up every

and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21).

morning wondering “what day is it?!?!”

God wanted them to know that the God

And I just felt sad with all of the bad news

they served was going to be with them

I would hear on the news. My life had

during the day and during the night. They

been turned upside down and I felt

need not worry about God’s presence!

completely bamboozled by it all. So …

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE….

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… Chaplain’s Notes Cont. … the sadness at times would wash over me like a wave on the beach.

And because I have gone through dark times with God before, this time I didn’t worry where God went. I knew that God was sitting right there beside me even in my darkest of days. I have learned that I can finally trust in God’s presence no matter how I am feeling.

And so now that the light has started to shine a bit more, I smile that the God who was with me in the dark is just as content to be with me in the light.

Light / Dark. Dark / Light.

Cari

A Note on Cari: In addition to being chaplain to death row inmates in North Carolina and Virginia, Cari is also a spiritual advisor locally, is working on her Doctor of Ministry degree, helps the BBC staff in running the food pantry (and ensuring that they all stay humble!), and still has time to grab a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha in the midst of it all!

Rev. Cari Willis

yourstoryholder@gmail.com

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Fox Tales Family Memories

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ven with this virus that we have had to adjust to, I have been so thankful for truly three months of spring time. I can not remember since I lived in Louisville, KY having had three months of beautiful spring weather.  With all the extra time on my hands I have taken on the challenge of designing a new flower garden in memory of some of my family and friends that have gone on to live with our heavenly Father. My mom loved flowers and passed that love on to me. There is just something about taking seedlings and young plants and planting them in the dirt with hopes that new life and beauty will be created.

Spring brings about new life, but summer brings warmth and memories of family time. As a young child I remember spending much time out doors especially fishing adventures with my Daddy. These days we have been forced to stay home, days from times from long ago have been reflected of days that families spent more time together. Playing games with family, eating meals together, watching shows and movies together, and spending less time on phones and more time communicating all remind me of how far away from each other we had moved but thankful we are finding out way back.

We often lose sight of what is really important when we allow this world to have too much control over our daily lives. I believe God is not trying to punish us with this virus but has always given us a freedom of choice. Unfortunately, we have not always made good choices resulting in our abusing our planet, taking our relationship for granted, and not spending time with Him. As you have probably read our air is in better condition because of the lack of pollution, we are reconnecting with family and friends, and many people are making time to spend with God. Don't get me wrong, I, too, look forward to being back on a more regular schedule again, but I pray we will not forget what we have learned from this process and what God has allowed us time to do.

Summer offers more opportunities to make memories with those we love. Regardless, if we are social distancing or spending time shoulder to shoulder with those around us, I challenge you to re-evaluate how we use to live and see if we can take some of the positives out of this pandemic into the future.

Remember...wash your hands, wait by distancing, and worship in our new way of life. Just another way to make memories with those we love. These new ways of doing things may be bringing a lot of inconveniences to our everyday life, but I, for one, am thankful for the opportunity to refocus on what is really important.

Marie

Rev. Marie Fox 10

Stories From My Heart

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n this day in February the world has turned upside down. I never dreamed that I would wake up to this. I know we are all in this together and we will get through this together with God. It is unreal and it is like I am in a bad dream. I was crying and God asked me, “Why are you crying?” I said to

God, “This coronavirus is bad. Where my wife lives they are on lockdown which means no members from family can see her because of the coronavirus. The good thing is, she can call me or I can call her. There is not a day that goes by where I am not thinking about my wife.” I had my bible with me so I opened it up to Jeremiah 33:6 “I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”

The coronavirus does not care who gets it – young or old people. And if you get this virus, you will know it.

When I first heard of this coronavirus in February it seemed like everybody was going to the grocery store to buy up milk, eggs, and paper products. It was like Christmas or when Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina.

As I drove to the grocery store I had to find a parking space to park my car. I opened my door and walked towards the front of the store. I walked in the grocery store and it was packed with people. As I was walking towards the paper products, I saw the bare shelf. As people buy this stuff it makes you wonder where they are storing all of it. All I have heard is: “Wash your hands” and “distance yourself at least 6 feet away from your friends.” Gas prices have come down, but that has caused another problem: the gas nozzle. You don’t know who touched the gas nozzle last, so you have to have Lysol disinfecting wipe and surgical gloves.

You can’t be too careful with this coronavirus. This virus is not over by a long shot. It is sad that you can’t go to the beach for a day as all of the beaches are close. And you cannot eat in the Burger King or McDonald’s.

All they are offering is take-out only. At Kim’s Restaurant and Sherry’s Bakery, you can call your order in, but it is take-outs only. And the banks are drive through only. Even the schools in North Carolina are closed.

March Madness, Nascar, the NBA, Baseball, Hockey, and even the local churches are closed. But you can LiveStream the church services every Sunday morning.

There are young people on spring break in Clearwater, Florida. One person said, “If I get corona, I get corona.” This coronavirus is no joke. Just a little common sense will go a long way. The Governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, has asked everybody to stay home. I am getting cabin fever, but I am trying my best to stay positive during this pandemic. I can write my stories.

Thank you, to all of the doctors on the front line in this crisis. They are putting their lives on the line. And yes, you can die from this coronavirus. There are so many kids who are supposed to graduate from both high school and college. All of that is on hold. After all is said and done, I know we will be stronger. Let’s continue to look to God.

Larry

Larry Martin Jr. 11

A Thank You & A Poem Blessing Boxes

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rom the birth of an idea in a Wednesday night Bible study led by Marie Fox asking the question, "Why can't a homeless person in Benson get a blanket on a cold night?" So my dream of blessing boxes for Benson was born.I was able to incorporate them into my project for Supervised Ministry at Campbell University Divinity School. After almost two years, shortly before Christmas 2019, two of the blessing boxes were finally in place. I have often wondered why it took so long. Then COVID-19 came about and I knew that the God and the Blessing Boxes were right on time.

Thank you for generous donations to the blessing boxes. Also, thanks to Jeanelle McCain and BAMA for their donations to the blessing boxes. Thank you Ken Tart for the toiletries from the Food Bank in Raleigh.

As we head into summer, we will be switching from vouchers for blankets to vouchers for fans. Donations of fans or monetary donations for fans are appreciated. We are always in need of canned and non-perishable food items and toiletries.

Thank you!

“LORD, I need you every hour, Most precious LORD.” How can I make it without you?

Without you what would I do?

Through it all, both good and bad, the happy, the sad.

YOU’ve never left my side.

From YOU I could not hide YOU know me and still died to set me free.

Thank YOU for YOUR gift to set ME free!

Amy Amy Whittington

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We have made the tough decision for VBS to look a bit different this year. Because of COVID-19, the Youth and Children’s Committee has decided to move VBS to an at-home and virtual format this year. We know this will not replace in-person experiences or memories, but we believe it is the safest and best way forward. We also know that this format will still lead to faith formation and excitement.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We still need you to register each of your kids, so that we will know how much material to prepare. More info below.

We recognize that this will require more involvement of families at home, so we have decided for VBS to be done throughout the month of July. It will be a 5 week experience, 1 night per week. This is in contrast to the usual 5 nights in 1 week format.

The dates for the experience: July

1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.

Each week in July, we will deliver packs to your home (or have them available for pick-up) that will have all you need for VBS. Each Wednesday evening we will premiere a video to accompany the material. The videos will include most of the normal aspects of VBS (Gathering, Music, Bible Story, Games, Crafts, etc.). This means even though we will be in different spaces, all of our children will be learning, praying, and playing at the same time together.

Registration: Please register by June 24 to reserve your place and material.

Register your kids, or sign-up to volunteer at: bensonbaptist.org/VBS2020

uPCOMING BIRTHDAYS!!

June

July

William Neighbors (1)

Riley Neighbors (22)

Betty Jo Bennett (3)

Yolanda Padilla (2)

Courtney Newman (22)

Dylan Honeycutt (3)

Carl Canaday (5)

Ricky Barnes (25)

Barbara Denning (8)

Rick Gorsky (7)

Meredith Blalock (25)

Obed Carrillo (9)

Genevieve Sorrell (7)

Tina Lambert (25)

Matthew Guin (13)

Carrie Barnes (10)

Linda Massengill (26)

Mandy Jackson (14)

Debbie Canaday (10)

Daniel Lambert (27)

Jo Ann Davis (15)

Jarah Newton (10)

John Knox (29)

Madison Dunn (15)

Millie (Miller) Wood (10)

Heather Adams-Newton (29)

M.G. Johnson (17)

Bryan Honeycutt (11)

Amy Whittington (29)

Jane Bowman (22)

David Beverly (12)

Michael Lasater-Sizemore (29) Marilyn Penny (22)

Jack Hester (12)

Spencer Johnson (30)

Joyce Bryant (23)

June Byrd Gorsky (15)

Ashlyn Worthington (24)

Dinah McLamb (15)

John Robert Stephenson (25)

Reagan Hall (17)

Medwick Byrd (26)

Tony Woodall (18)

Andrea Tyndall (26)

Becky Best (19)

Kennedy Powers (27)

Chandler Bennett (20)

Bill Johnson (29)

Catherine Bouknight (20)

Stephen Langdon (29)

Frances Whittington (21)

Joey Worthington (30)

Larry Herring (22) Michelle King (22)

cONGRATULATIONS! pRESCHOOl Reese Honeycutt

Jenna Johnson

The Learning Tree

Two By Two

Graham Naig The Learning Tree

Bromley Royal The Learning Tree

High School Hayden Asbill South Johnson High

Spencer Johnson Triton High

Campbell University

Central Carolina Community College, then East Carolina

Stephan Kotouc

Abbie Lambert

Princeton High

West Johnson

Wake Tech

Johnston Community

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High School Hannah Lancaster

Amanda Spears

South Johnson High

South Johnson

Appalachian State

Appalachian State

Dillon Underwood Crestview High (Ohio) The Ohio State

Undergraduate Kara Johnson Dylan Honeycutt NC State Major: Ag. Business

Maria McQuade UNC Chapel Hill Major: Exercise Sports Science/ Minor: Religious Studies

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East Carolina Major: Fashion Merchandising/ Minor: Business Administration

Masters Degree Tyler Kleiwer Campbell University Divinity School Master of Divinity with Languages, with Distinction

Michael LasaterSizemore Campbell University Divinity School Master of Divinity, with Distinction

Doctorate Lawrence Powers Campbell University Divinity School Doctor of Ministry Project: “Journeying Out: A FieldBased Curriculum for Preparing Youth for Life After High School”

Congratulations, Graduates!

We know that this year did not end how many of you anticipated, but we still hope that you know the magnitude of your accomplishments! What you have achieved has been earned through hard work and perseverance. You step into the next chapter of your life prepared and ready – even if you don’t feel like it – for what’s ahead. If you don't know what’s next, know that it is OK! You are not the first, nor the last, that faces such a question. You will get there!

Know that your church family will always journey with you, no matter where you’re headed.

Know that we are extremely PROUD of you and that we will be praying for you now, and long into the future! CONGRATULATIONS!!

BBC Happenings Welcome to our newest members!

Bobbie Hall Jason Hall Reagan Hall

New Creativity Team This new team has formed to begin thinking creatively and with innovation about the future of our congregation at Benson Baptist. If you’d be interested in joining, email lawrence@bensonbaptist.org!

We Need Your Help!

Donations are needed for our food pantry and backpack buddies. We also need donations for our partner ministry, The Blessing Boxes.

To find out what is currently needed, email debbie@bensonbaptist.org.

Current Members: • Ava Grace Jernigan • Natalie Farris • Ryan Jackson • Marie Fox • Staff members

Please Note: The 100 Year Anniversary Celebration of the Annual Singing Convention has been postponed to summer 2021.

Photo board n ding i n e s for u tos o o y h p k n e Tha antin r a u this q r o r f u yo work nections! t r a and Con C B B are h f s o o n t ited editio c x e re !

We a them

Graham & Josh visit Dr. Larry Kennedy enjoying a Sunday streamed service

st

e of la s u d oo kes g a na m n banda Bria S B V year’s

The strength of the wolf is‌ Dennis & Ava Grace cooking dinner together!

Monroe, Betty Jo & Gregg’s youngest grandson, makes dinner for his parents!

Amanda after her birthday parade of youth and friends in cars!

Austin snaps a photo with Riley.

Michael delivered ‘congratulations’ signs to all of our BBC High School grads!

Ava Grace Zooming in to youth group!

Ashley celebrates the big “26” with her family!

We’ve got a high schooler in the house! Congrats Ava Grace!

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No exaggerated fish tales as Carly spends time at the pond!

Art Gallery Amanda Spears

Amanda Spears

Amanda Spears

Ava Grace Jernigan

BBC Zooming In

Visit

www.bensonbaptist.org For the most up to date gathering schedules, COVID-19 updates, service archives, and more!

Our Deacons and Pastor continue to monitor the realities of COVID-19 and are continuing to pay attention to what they mean in light of our congregation gathering physically in our building.

As of the publication of this newsletter, our leadership has decided that it is not yet time to begin gathering in our building of programming and worship. This decision will be revisited every two weeks to re-evaluate where we are, what the local, state, and national guidelines are at that time, and to decide if we have reached a point where we can safely return to physical gatherings again.

While this is frustrating for many, it is the goal of our church’s leadership to follow plans that will show caution and care for all of our congregation, from the youngest to the oldest among us. This means that there have been, and will be, decisions made that will change our calendar and types of gatherings in the weeks ahead of us.

Our leadership continues to appreciate your prayers and patience. While we are not able to gather physically due to safety and care at this time, we know that the church is NOT closed –– we’ve just changed how we gather for a little while.

Until we are able to return to physical gatherings, you’re invited to join us online for worship services, Bible study, youth activities, children’s gatherings, prayer, and much more. We’ve not closed the church, we’ve just moved online for a bit!

More at bensonbaptist.org/COVID-19.

Email

lawrence@bensonbaptist.org

for details and to connect with a Care Team.

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Benson Baptist Church

PO Box 323 Benson, North Carolina 27504 Return Service Requested

From Our Archives

Benson Baptist congregation, circa 1920.