IN THIS ISSUE : Church Announcements ...............................................page 2 Church-wide Calendar .................................................page 3 A Letter from Pastor Ross .............................................page 4 Music Ministry .............................................................page 5 Adult Discipleship ........................................................page 6 Encore Ministry ............................................................page 8 Youth Ministry ..............................................................page 10 Children’s Ministry .......................................................page 11 Preschool Ministry........................................................page 12 FBC School ..................................................................page 13 Special Announcements...............................................page 14 From Troy’s Heart ........................................................page 15
CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS NO REGULAR WEDNESDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES - Through the summer starting June 3rd. Watch the bulletin and newsletters for upcoming events. MOTHER’S DAY OUT FALL ENROLLMENT - Packets are available online, or at the church office. Enrollment fee of $100 secures your spot. ENCORE VBS - (ADULTS 55+) In the Gym. 9am - 12:30pm June 29 - July 1. COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR - Wednesday, July 22 6:00pm Rm112. BUSINESS MEETING - Sunday, July 26 5pm in the gym.
New Members:
Fred and Louise Tanner David Towell Sarah Faske
Mark Your Calendars Now! SEPTEMBER 2nd - Regular Wednesday evening activities resume.
CHURCH STAFF
Ross Shelton, Pastor rshelton@fbc-brenham.org Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor tsikes@fbc-brenham.org Charles Covin, Music Minister ccovin@fbc-brenham.org Alex Morrison, Minister to Children amorrison@fbc-brenham.org Chad Marrs, Minister to Students cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org Stacey Strickland, Preschool Ministry sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org
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Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org Ernie Lewis, Graphic/Media Tech elewis@fbc-brenham.org O’Dell Merryman, Facilities Manager omerryman@fbc-brenham.org Nancy Fritz, School Administrator nfritz@fbcsbrenham.org Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Director mdo@fbc-brenham.org
CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR JUNE: Jun 2 Piece Makers Student Center 9:00am - 12:00pm Jun 3 Church Picnic S. Market St. 6:00pm Jun 3 Pastor’s Noon Bible Study Pahl House 12:00 - 1:00pm Jun 7 Lord’s Supper Services 8:30 - 11:00am Jun 7 Deacons Meeting 2:00 - 3:00pm Rm111 Jun 7 Committee On Committees 2:00 - 3:00pm Rm112 Jun 9 Security Committee Mtg Pahl Garage 6:00 - 7:00pm Jun 9-17 Honduras Mission 2015 Jun 22-25 Family VBS - Gym 5:30pm Jun 29-Jul 1 Sr. Adult VBS Gym 9:00am - 12:30pm JULY: Jul 1 Jul 5 Jul 5 Jul 6-10 Jul 7 Jul 13-17 Jul 14 Jul 22-23 Jul 22 Jul 26
Homemade Ice Cream Fellowship Gym 5:30 - 6:30pm Lord’s Supper Services 8:30 - 11:00am Deacons Meeting 2:00 - 3:00pm Rm111 Youth Camp-Panama City Piece Makers Student Center 9:00am - 12:00pm Camp Tejas Security Committee Mtg Pahl Garage 6:00 - 7:00pm 2:4 The Mission Register online. 1:00pm - 1:00pm Coffee With The Pastor 6:00pm Rm112 Business Meeting Gym 5pm
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. First Baptist Church Contact Info: Ph: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 info@fbc-brenham.org Mailing address: PO Box 600, Brenham, TX 77834 LINKS TO CHECK OUT ONLINE CHURCH & SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.fbc-brenham.org CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/Brenhamfbcs
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FROM PASTOR ROSS As a pastor, one of the privileges I have is to walk with people through some of the most difficult times in life. One of the hardest times is when life seems to be rolling along and then something difficult happens and seems to change everything. These become those pivotal moments in life that you define as how life was before the event and after the event. When I have walked with people through such difficulties, I have found three responses helpful: 1.) Sometimes the best thing is to be present. We don’t always have to try to fix things or attempt to say something to make someone feel better. It can sometimes be most helpful to be present with them. 2.) People often need others to recognize the pain is real. When we are hurting, people can well-intentionally attempt to downplay the pain, rationalize it, or compare the pain to what someone else is “really going through.” I have found that naming the pain and acknowledging it is real can be a helpful way for people to know you care. 3.) People also need a word of hope. The best place to find hope is in God and what He has revealed in the Bible. One of my favorite verses is John 6:33. In this verse, Jesus teaches us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus reminds us that we will have difficulties in this life, but Jesus can provide peace and is ultimately bigger than anything we are going through. Our community is going through a difficult time right now. It is hard and painful to watch and experience. I also believe that God is up to something. I believe if we turn to Jesus, we will see Him work in Brenham and Washington County in ways we could never imagine! 4
WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY We had a wonderful time at the Independence Association Music Festival on Sunday! Thank you to all of you who came and sang, played, or listened! This was my first time to be a part of the event, and it was a great opportunity to meet members and staff of some of our area Baptist churches and to hear some beautiful music. The BFBC Worship Choir shared two songs that they absolutely knocked out of the park! The night ended with a powerful hymn medley by our own Mary Sparks. And of course, we couldn’t have done it without our accompanist, Martha Haydon – she’s the best. Church family, I know you already know this, but we are so blessed to have such talented musicians who, most importantly, have a heart for the Lord. If you happen to be one of those people yourself, and are not currently plugged in, let me encourage you to GET IN THE GAME! We would love to have you join the team. There is something very special and satisfying to one’s soul to make music for God with a group of His children. I’d love to talk with you if you are interested. Also, I have the music ministry summer calendar available if you have not received one. Finally, I want to make you aware that on Sunday, June 21st, gospel singer / songwriter, Ralph Sparks will be joining us for the 8:30am Traditional Service. Ralph’s ministry is based out of Waco, TX and has traveled around sharing his musical gift with churches for many years. If you enjoy gospel music, you will be truly blessed by Ralph’s presentation!
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ADULT MINISTRIES SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASSES At BFBC we offer fifteen different Sunday Morning Bible Studies for YOU! Each Sunday @ 9:45am, you will find people eager to meet you and engage you in friendly discussions of faith and life from the Bible. Agape (various ages) Rm 213 Virtuous Women (Ladies - various ages) Pahl Living Rm Life Applications (various ages) Rm 110 Family Life Class (various ages) Rm 214 Choices (various ages) Rm 103 CSI: Brenham (Open to All) Rm 205 Adult 1 (Sr. Adults) Rm 112 Joy (Ladies) Rm 112
Friendship (Ladies) Rm 104 Scripture Searchers (Men) Rm 111 Adult 2 (Sr. Adults - all ages) Syc Liv Rm Hope Class (Ladies all ages) Syc Gar Covenant Keepers (Senior Married Couples) Syc Liv Rm Adult 3 ( 60’s) Pahl Garage Adult 4 (50’s & 60’s) Rm 105 Adult 5 (50’s) Stone House
SEWING GROUP PIECE MAKERS If you have fabric that you no longer need please consider donating it to FBC’s new Piece Makers quilting group. Piece Makers is currently focusing on baby quilts and a Texas themed quilt for the Honduras Mission Trip. Please bring fabric to the church office. Monetary donations are also accepted for fabric, batting and other quilting necessities. Need more information? Call Sara Byman at 979-830-8555.
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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE CONNECT & SHARE LIFE TOGETHER IN ONE OF THESE GROUPS!
Schroeders - Study: Marriage, 620 Country Place West, 1st & 3rd Sundays @ 5pm Koenig/Sossaman (Ladies/Widows) Study: Walking by Faith - Breaking for the summer Bishop/Doebler - Breaking for the summer Yeakleys - (Excellent Way Bible Study Group)- Study: The Acts of The Apostle, 800 Loesch St, Tuesdays @ 6:30pm Atkins - 9250 Lake Dr. Various times this summer
Weekl y Bi ble St udi es & Fel low sh i p *Unless noted below, there will be no Wednesday activities this summer. The schedule for choir and praise band on Wednesdays will be provided by Charles Covin. INTRODUCING NEW SUMMER BIBLE STUDY Pastor’s Noon Bible Study Meeting weekly starting June 3rd, Noon-1pm in the Pahl House livingroom. Bring your lunch, your Bible and a friend and let’s search the Scriptures together! Men’s Study/Prayer Breakfast: Wednesdays @ 6:00am, Sycamore House Sweet Hour of Prayer: Will start back up in July
LAD IE S BIBLE STU D I E S
• The Morning Ladies Bible Study has finished for the summer. • Wednesday 6:30pm class ”Fight Back with Joy” Sycamore House. Last class is June 6th, then will break for the summer.
LADIES BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP CLASS Will not meet during the summer. They will start again in September.
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ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING! Our Encore Ministry is comprised of Adults 55 yrs of age and above who know God has more for each of them to accomplish for His kingdom. Therefore, our Encore adults are growing in faith, community, ministry, missions and their love for others.
GREAT STUFF
Last month we held our last Encore Luncheon before the summer break. What a great time!! We were doubly blessed. The first blessing was a catered lunch from our Student Ministry. Chad and Bobbye Marrs served up a delicious lunch. Thank you very much. The second blessing was Dr. Walter Jackson, the new BISD Superintendent. Dr. Jackson graciously accepted our invitation to speak and delivered his vision for BISD moving into the future. We can’t wait to see what God will do through him and his leadership.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR Encore VBS – June 29-July 1 9:00am-12:30pm – Gym What a Comeback!! Come join us and bring a friend for three days of spiritual growth, singing, crafts, missions and of course, food! Guy Cagle and his wife LaRinda will be our leaders as we look at how God can use us even after we have been knocked down. Registration forms are available in Sunday Bible Study, the church office and at our Guest Welcome Table. Supplies needed for our mission craft, Sole Hope: blue jeans, large safety pins, empty milk jugs or 2 liter drink bottles, & gallon ziplock bags. Bring items to church office.
CELEBRATE OUR JUNE BIRTHDAYS! Wayne Sales 6/3 Linda Ware Neatha Muery 6/4 Jean Miller Lisa Hammer 6/5 Wayne Brown Charlotte Avera 6/6 Lynn Schmidt Carole Gessner 6/7 Joyce Burchfield Doyal King 6/8 Billie Cooper Martha Haydon 6/8 Larry Groover Lisa Linden 6/8 Sallie Moody Barbara Norman 6/10 Gene Cooper Bob Cook 6/13 Don Loesch Donna May 6/13 Gayla Lambert Charles Cottingham 6/14 Mike Doebler Dixie Rutledge 6/14 Johnnie Hamilton Kathleen Brown 6/15 Kay Gregory Arretta Gallagher 6/15 Mary Jackson David Doelitsch 6/16 Gary Hamaker John Hermann 6/18 Gary Sonnenburg Bob Billington 8
6/19 6/20 6/20 6/20 6/21 6/21 6/21 6/22 6/22 6/24 6/24 6/27 6/29 6/29 6/29 6/29 6/29 6/30
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Here we are half way through this year already. Maybe it’s time to take an inventory of what we have accomplished this year for God’s kingdom. I know it is hard to get out and do some things, as I struggle with that myself every day. As I age, getting around is harder each day, but through God’s grace I have not lost my push to keep doing my things that God has called me to do. That reminds me the Scripture of the month that we are to be the light by which the lost will find Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We can be the light even at our advanced ages through prayer and giving. One of the things I like about our church is the mind for missions around the world. We have already sent one team out this year and they had an awesome group go and build a house for a family on the border of Texas. There is a group going to Honduras this summer, then another one in the fall. We can give prayer support and monetary gifts to assist others to be able to go. Lastly let me say Happy Father’s day to all our men. I lost my dad at an early age, but what an impact he had on my life. He received an award for not missing Sunday School for 25 years shortly before his death at age 49. I just hope I have been the example to my children that he was to me. One of my favorite memories of him is finding this Scripture he marked in his Bible shortly before his death. It is from 2 Timothy 4:7-8. It says “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” I would pray this is each of our goals today. Blessings, Reba Pair BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH “You are the light that gives light to the world…” Matthew 5:14
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“The believer’s talents are not to be laid up for self, but laid out in service.”
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STUDENT MINISTRY Often when I prepare for a mission trip, people will tell me reasons why they can’t “GO” on a mission trip. For many, work, health concerns, and family situations make “GOING” simply impossible. Even if you can’t “GO” you can still “BE ON MISSION.” Several ladies in our church right now are doing just that! If you hadn’t heard, we now have a quilting ministry that meets every first Tuesday of the month in the Student Center. The “Piece Makers,” led by Sara Bynam have been learning some new quilting skills while a part of missions. The team has created a beautiful quilt that I will have the honor of gifting to our Honduran missionary friends. Until we leave, it will be displayed in the main hallway by the TV coming into the sanctuary from the Sunday Schools area. Please go by and admire their handiwork. The “Piece Makers” are also making small bathroom bags and receiving blankets for two orphanages in Colombia. We hope to take those to them this fall. Preparations for the Honduras mission trip have reached the fast and furious stage. On our trip we will be going to four different villages presenting a one-day VBS. Our theme is “Jesus is our Savior” and we will be sharing with the kids the Parable of the Lost Sheep. Sheila Suders, Merlene and E.J. Schumacher’s daughter has been sewing over 300 drawstring backpacks. These adorable green bags will be their craft project where kids will paint their handprints and glue white wool cloth on it to create a sheep. The memory verse, “Jesus came to seek and save the lost” from Luke 19:10 will also be on the bag. Drs. Robin Baird and John Studer have donated dental supplies for us to put in the backpacks as well. Sheila has also been working in the youth department, helping us cook on Wednesday nights and has made homemade cinnamon rolls for our group twice. Also another extremely special part of the church’s ministry is one particular lady, who I won’t name, who regularly prays for me, my family, and the church staff. She always encourages and asks how she can pray. I can’t tell you how important this is to the day-to-day operations of ministry. I am so thankful for these ladies and the many others serving here locally using their skills for the Lord. It is such a blessing!!! “BEING ON MISSION” does not just mean you have to go somewhere far away, but it also means serving here, preparing the way, using your unique skill set and showing love. So what gift has God given you to advance His Kingdom? I pray that God would show you what it is, and where you can “BE ON MISSION” and it is for His glory! In Him, Bro. Chad 10
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” - Psalm 119:11 As Goes The Church…So Goes The Culture By Phil Vischer (Creator of Veggie Tales and Buck Denver Asks... What’s in the Bible?) “So… everyone knows a little something about the Bible. It’s a big book, it’s important. Jesus… Noah. A guy with some lions. “Be nice to people.” Or something like that. Learning a little about the Bible certainly isn’t a bad thing, but stopping there, with just a little knowledge about the Bible, is a VERY bad thing. More and more in our culture the book that informs our faith is held up to derision by people who know just a LITTLE about it. And more and more in our culture, those of us who hold a very high view of this book, those of us raised in the church, fail to respond intelligently to this criticism, fail to live in ways that historically have silenced critics of the Bible. Because more and more in our culture; even those of us who hold a very high view of the Bible know only a little about it. Biblical illiteracy is stripping our beliefs of their legitimacy. We cannot live what we do not know. We cannot explain what we do not understand. And as goes the church, so goes the culture. So… what do you say we spend some time learning the Bible? REALLY learning the Bible? I’m thinking that might be a good idea.” His Servant & Yours, Bro. Alex BFBC KIDS KLUB MONTHLY BIG IDEA Conviction is standing for what’s right, even when others don’t. WEEKLY BOTTOM LINE 1. Jesus showed us how to stand for what’s right. 2. When you know what God says, it can help you stand for what’s right. 3. When you stand for what’s right, you stand up for others. 4. When you stand for what’s right, others can see God MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE “Don’t ever get tired of doing the right thing.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13) SAVE THE DATE! FAMILY VBS @ FBC (K-6th) - June 21st-25th, evenings Camp Tejas Parent Meeting - June 26th, 6-6:30pm, Kids Klub KlubHouse (above the kitchen-use gym entrance). Camp Tejas (3rd-6th) - July 13th-17th 2:4 The Mission (1st-2nd)- July 22nd-23rd
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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES SUNDAY MORNINGS IN JUNE BASIC TRUTH: GOD LOVES ME. KEY QUESTION: WHOSE WAY IS PERFECT? BOTTOM LINE: GOD’S WAY IS PERFECT. MEMORY VERSE: “GOD’S WAY IS PERFECT.” 2 SAMUEL 22:31 (NIRV)
It’s summerrrrrr! I hear Olaf singing that, don’t you? Gotta love Olaf, but we do not have any snowmen in our summer theme this year. We do however have water – and lots of it! It’s time for Camp Splish Splash! Camp Splish Splash will run through both June and July. It will introduce our preschoolers to lots of interactive Bible stories that will teach us God’s way is perfect. They will have something else in common – water! In June, preschoolers will hear about Noah, his ark, the multitude of animals and the rainbow. This one is always a preschool favorite. Noah’s story is such a great one of how one man trusted God and did extraordinary things. And, the animals – they’re lots of fun too. Then, preschoolers will learn about Jonah and that very BIG fish. Oh Jonah, why didn’t you listen the first time? Jonah truly shows us that God’s way is perfect, even when we don’t want to do it. The month will end with Gideon and his dwindling army. Now, here is a man who really trusted that God’s way is perfect. He listened to God and allowed his scared soldiers to leave. Then, God told him to only keep the soldiers who drank from the river in a certain way. Gideon trusted and listened, and God led his army to victory. What an awesome story. As we share these stories with our preschoolers, we want not only to have fun, but to show them solid examples of people following God’s way and being the perfect way. We want to teach them to trust God’s way in the easier things so that when life gets harder, they will know that God’s way is perfect, and that’s the way they should choose.
Stacey 12
FBC SCHOOL & EEC
SUMMER EEC PROGRAM! Grab your Passport! First Baptist Church School and Early Education Center invites you to Travel Around the World with Us this Summer! Two’s – Sixth Grade 7:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. *Crafts *Music *Languages *Famous Places *Show ‘n Tell *Country’s Local Cuisine *Sports *Themed Attire *Animals *Field Trips All Teachers are CPR and First Aid Certified 302 Pahl St. (979) 836-6411 MOTHER’S DAY OUT - KRISTIE MENDOZA
Mother’s Day Out is closed for the summer but will start back up on September 8. Enrollment for the new school year is going on now. If you are interested in picking up a packet, please go to the church office or you can download the packet online at fbc-brenham.org 13
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Thank Yous: Dear Church Family, I would like to thank you for your generous outpouring of love shown to me at my Goodbye Reception. The event meant so much to my family and me. The love in that room was overflowing. Thank you for your gifts, words of encouragement, and sharing memories with me. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past thirty-one years of employment at FBCS, with fifteen of those serving as the School Administrator and on Church Staff. I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve in Christian education for my entire years of full-time employment. I am uncertain as to my next step of life’s journey, but I am certain that God is in control, and He is orchestrating the events that will unfold for me. I love you, Church family, and look forward to serving beside you in future church events. In His Love, Nancy Fritz
Flowers: The altar flowers for June 21st have been donated by Hal and Allyne Machat in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary.
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FROM TROY’S HEART A few weeks ago, I had the joy of officiating the wedding of a good friend of mine, you probably know him, Steve Ponder. Steve was Pastor here at BFBC for twenty years. I had the privilege of serving with him for twelve of those years. For those who don’t know Steve, he resigned as Pastor in May of 2011 and moved to Georgia to be near his children. Soon after moving, his wife Celia had a stroke and in September 2013, she passed away. Steve honored me by asking me to speak at her funeral, which I graciously accepted. I met Steve and his family in the summer of 1998 as I interviewed for the Minister to Students position here at BFBC. During the interview, I told him my primary focus was to “pick my Pastor”. I knew God would lead me to perform the tasks of the job, but was Steve the Pastor who God was calling me to work with in leading the church to minister to students? I wanted to serve side by side with a Pastor who would care for me and give me the opportunity and freedom to pursue God’s calling. Fortunately, God and the good people of this church called me to be on staff. Although Steve was my Pastor, over the past four years, God has turned the tables and I have had the blessing of being his Pastor. Through the grief of losing a ministry and his wife, I have prayed and cried with him. We have talked through forgiveness, fear, doubt and loneliness. On the other hand, we have also seen restoration, joy, renewal and peace. The journey God has taken us through hasn’t been easy, but looking back, HE has been good. As I sat with him and his family at the wedding, we laughed, remembered and enjoyed God’s faithfulness. Yes, it was different, but it was still good! God’s family done right is always good! I love you, Troy
“Good friends are like stars, You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.” Christy Evans
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Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
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