Connections - July 2014 newsletter

JULY 2014 // www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286

...Engaging young artists in a life of Christian worship

first baptist church greensboro

July 28 – August 1 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Closing Concert Friday

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Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.

Sights of Summer @ FBC

www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286 1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401

August Connections Deadline: July 22 Email news to kelly@fbcgso.org or bring it to the church office.

Kelly Stephens, Managing Editor Communications Director kelly@fbcgso.org / x223 Gloria Koster, Design Manager Administrative Assistant: Learning gloria@fbcgso.org / x288 Steve Sumerel, Supervising Editor Associate Pastor: Adult Learning steves@fbcgso.org / x233 Teresa Allen, Media Library Director teresaa@fbcgso.org / x229 Ginny Carpenter, Weekday School Director ginny@fbcgso.org / x240 Steve Cothran, Associate Pastor: Students and Family Life stevec@fbcgso.org / x235 Dolores Donahue, Administrative Assistant: Finance dolores@fbcgso.org / x226 Jane Anne Hayber, Administrative Assistant: Music and Worship / janeanne@fbcgso.org / x239 Monica Hix, Pastoral Assistant monica@fbcgso.org / x231 Marty Kellam, Food Services Director marty@fbcgso.org / x245 Rosemary Kellam, Operations Director rosemary@fbcgso.org / x225 Kate Kitchen, Homebound Ministry Director katek@fbcgso.org / 202-5757 Scott North, Church Administrator scott@fbcgso.org / x222 Josh Owens, Youth Intern josh@fbcgso.org / x236 Steve Pressley, Associate Pastor stevep@fbcgso.org / x231 Kim Priddy, Assistant Pastor: Missions kim@fbcgso.org / x295 Alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor alan@fbcgso.org / x231 Marion Smith, Facilities Supervisor, x243 Susanna Trotter, Summer Children’s Coordinator susanna@fbcgso.org Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor: Music and Worship doug@fbcgso.org / x237 Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor: Music and Worship terri@fbcgso.org / x238 2 | Connections

July2014 July 2014 3 Insight | by Alan Sherouse 4 Connect with the Community –Rosewood VBS –Peanut Butter and Jelly are Needed!

Connect with Worship –Youth Choir Concert CDs are on Sale –NC Baptist All-State Youth Choir Tour

5 Connect and Grow –New Library Books –FRONT August Mini-Semester: “The Bible’s Story” –Oasis

6 Connect with Youth –July Calendar –Photos from Middle School Trip to Asheville

7 Connect with Children –Worship in the Arts Camp –VBS Photos

8-9 Connect with Missions and Community –Missions Celebrations!

– “Getting Ready for School” Camp at Bessemer Elementary –Downtown Discernment Update –Baptist Children’s Homes’ “Hope in Style” Event

10 Connect with One Another 11 July @ FBC –Fellowship Meals –Looking Ahead to August

12 Connect with Business

BY ALAN SHEROUSE

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unday, June 22 was Food Truck Sunday at First Baptist. Hundreds of us stayed after worship to enjoy lunch on our front lawn provided by several local food truck vendors. Stamey’s, Taqueria El Azteca, and The Ice Queen provided lunch, but that’s not all.

They also provided a metaphor.

Long a staple of downtown street corners and urban construction sites, food trucks have gained wide popularity in the U.S. over the last 6 or 7 years. Part of this trend is due to economic realities – a truck is a cheap alternative to a conventional restaurant.

Additionally, however, the popularity of food trucks is a reflection of some deep cultural trends with which any healthy organization – whether culinary or religious – seeks to be conversant.

Churches can learn a lot from food trucks. Churches like ours have traditionally had what might be called a “cafeteria” mentality. Like any K&W, you can come and find a variety of options for a variety of people, with seating enough for all. What can a cafeteria church learn from a food truck?

We can learn about mobility. Food trucks go to where the people are, not simply waiting for the people to find their way to them.

We can learn about focus. Due to their size, food trucks don’t try to match the scope of a full service restaurant.

They typically have a limited menu, or “niche.” Instead of trying to do everything, they do certain things with excellence and distinction.

First Baptist received 10 percent of the proceeds from the food purchased to benefit FBC ministries.

Food trucks teach us about quality. With limited offerings, every ingredient counts. Often food is locally sourced, with attention to sustainability and other ethical concerns that surround food growth and production. While concerned with quality of taste, these rolling restaurants also give attention to the aesthetical and ethical quality of the food.

We learn from food trucks about collaboration. As we learned in the process of planning our Food Truck Sunday, the truck operators and chefs know one another and are accustomed to working together. They don’t mind being parked next to fellow vendors competing for customers, but instead act as though their individual success is tied together with the success of the whole.

Food trucks teach us about adaptability. They can (quite literally) turn on a dime. They can shift to new locations.

They can experiment with new recipes or new preparation methods depending on the present need. They can even change their Sunday lunch plans to park at 1000 W. Friendly Avenue.

Food trucks, finally, initiate new community. As a recent LA Times article describes, “The trucks have become a sort of roving party, bringing people to neighborhoods they might not normally go to, and allowing for interactions with strangers they might not otherwise talk to.” We sensed this energy and community across the First Baptist lawn as people clustered together in pods of lawn chairs or on shared blankets, strangers became friends, conversation lingered, and children played until they left with grass stains on their church clothes.

It was a great lunch. But that’s not all. It was a reminder of some of what can characterize our life and ministry together at First Baptist. I don’t think we’ve seen our last “Food Truck Sunday.”

July 2014 | 3

Connect with the Community

Peanut Butter and Jelly Are Needed!

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chools are out for the summer and many children in our community are left without the nutritious breakfast and lunch meals they received through school feeding programs. A sad statistic in our state is that one in four children experience hunger and food insecurity on a regular basis. A quick healthy snack is a PBJ, so let’s fill up the Greensboro Urban Ministry bins in the Atrium and the Children’s Wing with jars of peanut butter and jelly. When you do, you will help fill empty stomachs!

Rosewood VBS Thursdays: July 10, 17, 24, 31 & August 7 – 6:30 - 8 pm (Rain date: August 14)

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his neighborhood Bible school is held each summer in the Rosewood community. Volunteers are needed to tell Bible stories, help with crafts, play games, lead music, and provide snacks. Rosewood is a culturally diverse neighborhood in east Greensboro and the Bible school is held in Rosewood Neighborhood Park. Volunteering at Rosewood VBS is a great activity for the entire family so please bring your kids!

Directions: Wendover Avenue east to Summit Avenue north, right on Meadow Street and the park is on the left. To volunteer, contact Meganne Gould ( meganner@bellsouth.net /210.4523).

Connect with Worship

Youth Choir Concert CDs are on Sale Purchase yours from the Music office for only $5 each. For more information, Contact Jane Anne ( janeanne@fbcgso.org / 274.3286, x 239).

The 2014 NC Baptist All-State Youth Choir Tour will be July 13 - 20 First Baptist Church participants are: Leah Frost, Bryce Starnes, Anna Stephens, and Erin Stephens with Doug Vancil, accompanist.

All are invited to attend the choir tour’s final concert on Sunday, July 20 at 6 pm at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem at 501 Miller Street.

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4 | Connections

Connect and Grow

New Library Books

Sign up for this study!

Monday evenings in August Led by Robb Wells

BY TERESA ALLEN

SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE ROOM • Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary: Exodus 1-19

Bible’s Story

MAIN LIBRARY • Chestnut Street by Maeve Binchy CHILDREN’S LIBRARY • Duck & Goose, Here Comes the Easter Bunny! By Tad Hills • Easter Bugs by David A. Carter • Frosty the Snowman by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins • Happy Easter, Mouse by Laura Numeroff • Ollie’s Easter Eggs by Olivier Dunrea • The Story of the Easter Bunny

by Katherine Tegen • Tallulah’s Nutcracker by Marilyn Singer • That’s What Leprechauns Do

by Eve Bunting • There’s a Fly Guy In My Soup

by Tedd Arnold • Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown • One is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox • Ducks by Hollie J. Endres • Birds by Henkes, Kevin • Dogs and Cats by Steve Jenkins • Listen to the Silent Night

by Dandi Daley Mackall • Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger • When Blue Met Egg by Lindsay Ward • The Pigeon Needs a Bath

by Mo Willems

The FBC Library is open to everyone to check out books, DVDs, audio books, and magazines.

Stop by - Check it out!

The FRONT August Mini-Semester

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BY STEVE SUMEREL

e turn to the Bible in order to experience the word of God, to be inspired, to be comforted, to find direction in life, and to enter the grand narrative of God’s intervention in the history of God’s children. However, it is important to remember that the Bible has its own history and fascinating story of how it came to be the book we hold so dear today. We know Bible stories, but how well do we know the story of the Bible?

On each Monday evening in August, FRONT will explore the intriguing story of how the Bible came to be. Robb Wells will address such topics as: current scholarship on biblical authorship, the turbulent history of canonization, the proliferation and ramifications of mass translations, and many, many more.

FRONT was created to bring current scholarship to those who teach in our Bible study programs. However, along the way, many others have found FRONT to be a thought-provoking addition to their Bible study diet. We are all students and a “People of the Book.” Therefore, all are welcome to come to the FRONT table.

Growing in Christ @ FBC

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asis is Back! …A Summer Sunday Bible Study, at 9:30 am in the Chapel through August 31 Sunday School Teachers should have the opportunity to take a break in the summer, and Oasis is our way to facilitate this. Join Oasis for a week, a month, or for the whole summer.

Led by Dr. Sumerel and other teachers, Oasis takes the scripture that is to be the focus of the sermon for that Sunday, and engages the participants in an experience of encounter with the passage. Attention will be given to utilize various teaching styles and methods.

Take a break…come to the Oasis and stay for a while. Contact: Steve Sumerel (274.3286, x233 / steves@fbcgso.org ).

July 2014 | 5

Connect with Youth Keep this list of events to reference. Times are subject to change. Also see the youth summer calendar online which will reflect current updates: fbcgso.org/youth

Youth Department Contact Info: 274.3286 • Steve Cothran: stevec@fbcgso.org / x235 • Gloria Koster: gloria@fbcgso.org / x288 • Josh Owens: josh@fbcgso.org / #236

this

July

Ongoing Events: Arise! @ Grace UMC Join us Tuesdays at 7 am and feed the hungry! Drop-off at 7 am at Grace UMC – Pick-up at Grace UMC at 9:30 am (438 West Friendly Avenue).

Summer Reading Bible Study We will continue our summer reading Bible study sessions. We will continue discussing your readings, seeing how we can take what the characters in your novels are dealing with, and how we can respond in a Christ-like manner to those same situations.

> Tuesday, July J 1, 7 am: Arise! at Grace UMC > Tuesday, Tuesday July J 1, 12 noon - 3 pm: Lunch and “Transformers 4” Movie (meet at FBC and then go to lunch and the movie) > Wednesday, July 2, 10:30 am - 12 noon: Summer Reading Bible Study > Tuesday, July 8, 7 am: Arise! at Grace UMC > Wednesday, July 9, 10:30 am - 12 noon: Summer Reading Bible Study > Wednesday, July 9, 12 noon - 3:30 pm: Grasshoppers Game (if you’re going, let Josh Owens know before Monday, July 7) > Thursday, July 10, 11 am - 1:30 pm: Ultimate Frisbee and Picnic at Lake Daniel Park (bring your bag lunch) > Tuesday, July 15, 7 am: Arise! at Grace UMC > Tuesday, July 15, 7:30 - 10 pm: $2 Bowling at AMF, South Holden Road > Wednesday, July 16, 10:30 am - 12 noon: Summer Reading Bible Study > July 21-25: Unidiversity at University of Tennessee > Tuesday, July 22, 7 am: Arise! at Grace UMC > July 28 - August 1: Worship and the Arts at FBC > Tuesday, July 29, 7 am: Arise! at Grace UMC

Children’s and Middle School Choirs traveled to Asheville to join Ken Medema in “Come to the Table”

6 | Connections

Connect with Children Worship Leader

...engaging young artists in a life of Christian worship

July 28 – August 1 • 9 am – 1 pm The goal of Worship in the Arts camp is to encourage young people to grow in their faith and in learning to use their gifts, specifically by developing each child’s talent, engaging children in reflecting upon their own part in God’s story, and encouraging each child in expression of his or her worship more effectively and authentically. Two tracks will be offered (based on entering grade for fall of 2014): 1) Grades 3-5 & 2) Grades 6-8 • Classes offered in drama, visual arts, world instruments and sacred dance taught by professionals in our city • Fees: $40. FBC campers may enroll a guest for ½ price • Information/Register online: www.fbcgso.org/worship-in-the-arts-summer-camp or email terri@fbcgso.org

Worship in the Arts Closing Concert– Friday, August 1 at 1 pm All are invited to the closing concert and reception where we hope to see many welcoming faces from FBC and the community.

Cookie Bakers…we need your help! Would you be willing to make a batch of 4 dozen medium size cookies, bar cookies, or brownies for the reception following the Closing Concert of Summer Choir Camp? Place them in a disposable container and bring to the Music Office by the afternoon of Thursday, July 31. Contact Jane Anne ( janeanne@fbcgso.org / 274.3286, x 239).

Dr. Michael Hawn, University Distinguished Professor of Church Music and Director of the Sacred Music Program in Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. Dr. Hawn is a student of global music and crosscultural worship and extraordinarily gifted in bringing congregational song to life! He will be our guest worship leader on Sunday, July 27.

Choral Director Rozanna Vancil Goocey, daughter of FBC Greensboro.

Rozanna received a Bachelor of Sacred Music from East Carolina University and was a student of Dr. Hawn while pursuing a seminary degree at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Rozanna is currently the Director of Music Ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church, Durham, NC.

Thanks to everyone who made VBS a success!

July 2014 | 7

Connect with Missions and the Community

Mission Celebrations!

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BY KIM PRIDDY

had a wonderful opportunity during Vacation Bible School to work with the littlest in our church on spreading God’s love to those in our community.

Our children made over one hundred Manna Bags (bags filled with water bottles and snacks) to be handed out at the ARISE breakfast, over forty blankets to be given to agencies that work with children, cards to our homebound

congregation members and bookmarks to be given to children of Bessemer Elementary School. I was reminded that children give enthusiastically of themselves when provided the opportunities and space. Our church has been a place that encourages and gives children the chance to serve and love “thy neighbor.”

“Getting Ready for School” Camp @ Bessemer Elementary School August 4-7 & 11-14

We need volunteers!

8 | Connections

Connect with Missions and the Community

Downtown Discernment Update

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uring June we took the thoughts from our first round of meetings and hit the streets of downtown Greensboro and met merchants and downtown residents and ate at local restaurants.

We took time to pray for and lift up those who lead,

work and live within the downtown area. We got a feel for the rhythm, spirit and landscape of Greensboro.

One evening during the prayer walk, we gathered on the corner to to have a community prayer and there were three young teenage boys skateboarding. As we concluded our prayer and lifted our heads we noticed that one of the young men had joined us in prayer. This exemplifies our hopes of community in downtown Greensboro.

We also met around tables for our second round of Discernment meetings to continue to have open discussion about our vision and purpose for having a downtown ministry. We are thankful for all who are participating in this important process and we will continue to update you and provide opportunities for input in this discernment process. Contact Kim ( kim@fbcgso.org ) or Alan ( pastor@fbcgso.org ) with your questions or thoughts.

Baptist Children’s Homes’ Third Annual “Hope in Style” Event Saturday, August 9, Greensboro Country Club Children’s Fashion Show: 10 am - 12 noon Silent Auction with Brunch begins at 9 am

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he spotlights shined brightly as Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) residents took center-stage at last summer’s Hope in Style fashion show and silent auction to model their new back-to-school outfits.

“The children outdid themselves,” said Monica Vaughan, chairperson for the “Hope in Style” planning committee. “Their smiles made all our efforts worthwhile. They are so blessed to have a home and caring friends at BCH.” Last year’s Hope in Style event raised $100,000 in financial and in-kind donations for children living at BCH’s Mills Home campus in Thomasville. Hope in Style is made possible by community volunteers and sponsors. Belk will once again serve as the lead sponsor providing school clothing for BCH’s residents at no cost.

Longtime WXII Channel 12 News anchor Wanda Starke will serve as emcee for this year’s event.

A silent auction featuring vacation getaways, furniture, art and other donated items is also a featured part of Hope in Style. A catered brunch rounds out the two-hour event. But Hope in Style’s most prominent spotlight shines on BCH’s residents as they take to the runway and model their new backto-school clothing for the audience.

“So many of these children come from circumstances ranging from family dysfunction to even situations of abuse and neglect,” says BCH president Michael C. Blackwell. “To see them smiling on stage and standing tall is what makes Hope in Style so special. The children are able to connect with our sponsors – the people who are making a difference in their lives.”

TICKETS– Fashion Show tickets are only $30 each and are available from: Cheryl Angel: 643.9667 cherylangel@bellsouth.net Jennie Counts: 869.5252 jlcounts@hotmail.com Monica Vaughan: 323.0335 edwin550@aol.com

July 2014 | 9

Connect with One Another If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1st Corinthians 12:26)

Responding to the Invitation

Rachel Perry

Kim Youngdahl

Brad & Laura Wall

(on June 1) By Baptism

(on June 8) By Profession of Faith & Baptism

(on June 15) By Letter

(Caleb & Evy)

Bereaved

July Birthdays

• Sally Skidmore in the loss of her brother-in-law, Charles Crews, on May 22 • Gladys Boroughs in the loss of her sister-in-law, Collen Boroughs, on May 23 • The family of James Foxworth, on May 23 • Dr. John Chandler in the loss of his mother, Edith Chandler, on May 26 • Aaron and Emily Holmes in the loss of their son, Jordan, on May 29 • Amy Knight in the loss of her cousin, Ryan Queen, on June 1 • The family of Carole Anne Darnell, on June 4 • The family of Dan Linney, on June 8 • Ed Mitchell, Sr. in the loss of his son, Ed Mitchell, Jr., on June 12 • Todd Garcia in the loss of his grandmother, Betty Staton, on June 15

1. Cheryl Angel, Gary Beech, Michael Mathews 2. No FBC Birthdays 3. No FBC Birthdays 4. Cynthia Hartis, Molly Lyle, Virginia Vernon, Cathy Wells 5. Louise Garcia, Carol Matthews, Mike Moore, Clyde Rudd, Jr. 6. Matt Hall, Gilbert Pierce, Carolyn Ripley, Kevin Tutterow 7. Guyon Phillips 8. Eunice Beavers, Benjamin Hardy, Patricia Hilton, Bryce Russell, Jean Stanfield 9. Laura Cashwell, Steven Severance, Robert Stone 10. April Eller, Kenny Ripley 11. Margaret Barnes, Larry Canter 12. Kay Hensley, Andrew Kennedy, Lilly Persinger, James Watkins 13. Mark Blakely, Bob Ellis, Christine Garber, Cameron Gooding, Betty Jo Hardin, Beth Shaffer, Cassady Teague 14. Charlie Beavers, Susan Bennett, Bobbie Brown, Ruth Gibbs 15. Benny Pember, Lisa Russell 16. Bill Herring, Mason Lewis, LeAndrea Rainey, Margaret Swanson, Cynthia Townes 17. Corie McRae, Jesse Rainey, Anna Rider, Stephen Sumerel 18. Jesse Rainey, III, Gary Upchurch, Diane Watkins 19. Tom Boyce, Chad Carpenter, Clyde Mitchell, Allen Putnam 20. Wofford Boyd 21. Joanne Caldwell, Cam Simmons, Valerie Sutton 22. Virginia Wells 23. Joanne Osteen 24. David Angel, Jim Fogleman 25. Gene Cox, Joe Garcia, Laura Page 26. Patsy Thacker 27. Davis Bennett 28. Frances Fogleman, Gene Hester, Jack Sykes, Jr. 29. Aidan Eller, Virginia Little, Catherine Snavely 30. Davis Baugh, Alan Sherouse 31. David Moore, II, Alexander Porter, Kaitlyn Rainey

College Birthdays Kevin Tutterow 7/6 6203 New Bailey Trail, Greensboro, NC 27455

Bryce Russell 7/8 6315 Lakebend Court, Greensboro, NC 27410-8253 // wbrussell@uncg.edu

Andrew Kennedy 7/12 3600 Gramercy Road, Greensboro, NC 274109418 // kennedysnkids@aol.com

Cam Simmons 7/21 1509 Burlwood Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 // cam.simmons@yahoo.com 10 | Connections

C B F y@

l u J

...enjoy

! r e m m u your s

Regular Weekly Schedule: Sunday @ FBC

•Bible Study - 9:15 am •Worship - 10:30 am •Guest Reception - 11:45 am (209) Wednesday @ FBC

•

Fellowship Meal - Dinner is served between 5-6 pm Reservations: Due Tuesday at 12 noon – 274.3286 or www.fbcgso.org/fellowshipmeal

•Summer Evening Series: Stories from the History Channel’s “The Bible” - 6 pm (108) •Friday, July 4 – Church offices are closed for the holiday.

•Saturdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 – Shower Ministry. 3 pm, Gym •Sunday, July 13 – StepUp Ministry Clothing Collection. Atrium •Sunday, July 13-20 – NC Baptist All-State Youth Choir Tour •Sunday, July 20 – Community Lunch followed by Church Conference.

12 noon, Fellowship Hall •Sunday, July 20 – All-State Youth Choir final concert.

6 pm, Ardmore Baptist Church, Winston Salem July • 21-26 – Unidiversity. University of Tennessee-Knoxville •July 28-August 1 – Worship in the Arts, 9-1 pm (See page 7) •August 1 – Worship in the Arts closing concert, 1 pm, Sanctuary (See page 7)

Looking Ahead to August…

• Saturdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Shower Ministry. Gym • Mondays, August 4, 11, 18, 25: FRONT Mini-Semester • Sunday, August 10: StepUp Ministry Clothing Collection. Atrium • Sunday, August 10: Community Lunch followed by Church Conference • Sunday, August 24: Promotion Sunday for Children and Youth • Sunday, August 24: Baptism and BBQ at the Lake Key:

July Fellowship Meal Menu Wednesdays, 5-6:30 pm • 2: Hamburgers & Hot Dogs, Baked Beans & Potato Salad • 9: From the Garden–All Fresh Vegetables • 16: Pork Chop, Carrot Soufflé, & Stewed Apples • 23: Saladpalooza–All Salads • 30: Theo’s Famous Fried Chicken, Pinto Beans, Brussel Sprouts, & Cornbread

Baptism & BBQ at the

Lake

Sunday, August 24 at Camp Weaver • 4-7 pm

•Adults •All Ages •Children •Seniors •Weekday School •Worship •Youth July 2014 | 11

First Bapt ist Church Greensboro 1000 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27401 www.fbcgso.org

June Church Conference he monthly Church Conference took place on Sunday afternoon, June 8, 2014 in the Fellowship Hall. Deacon Chair, Dr. Laura Lomax, presided.

The following action was taken–

Blake Absher made the following motion: • Motion: On behalf of the Building and Grounds Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Deacons, I move that an expenditure of $4,577.86 from Account 310276, Major Repair - Capital Expense be approved for necessary maintenance work to be done on the church air conditioning system. Action: The motion was approved.

May 2014 Financial Update Receipts & Distributions May Budget Receipts May Budget Disbursements YTD Differential

US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC NO. 179

Connect with Business

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Actual

Budget Last Year

$677,301 $717,427 $ (40,126)

$744,604 $664,282 $739,638 $677,621 $4,966 $ (13,339)

Sunday, July 20–

Community Lunch followed by Church Conference 12 noon, Fellowship Hall. No reservations are required. $6/person – $20/family max.