June 2012
A Monthly Publication of the First Baptist Church of Pelham “Mature faith does not live by answers to prayer, but by prayer.” —R. E. O. White
Welcome
IN THIS ISSUE
Don and Diane Dixon
Page 2
A Word from Our Pastor “Dave Says” by Dave Ramsey
Page 3
The Counselor’s Corner Cheergivers Ministry Stewardship Ministry
Page 4
Student/Activities Ministry
Page 5
Senior Adult Ministry Children’s Ministry
Page 6
“In Touch with the Church Family” Our Newest Members
Page 7
June Church Calendar Ministry Weekend Rotation
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General Information
Don joins our ministerial staff on June 1, 2012, as our new Administrative Pastor. He is coming to us from Victory Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN, where he was Lead Associate, Minister of Education/Administration. Please help us make Bro. Don and Diane feel at home.
Sign up on-line today.
“Being Great Commission Christians by Becoming Completely Committed Followers of Jesus”
A Word From “ Our Pastor
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A Summer for the Savior
Dr. Mike Shaw Senior Pastor I am praying that June, July and August 2012 will be “A Summer for the Savior”. June begins with mission
work in Peru and Africa, and we need to pray for our teams, their travel and their time to be blessed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Vacation Bible School will be held June 4-8, and we have the potential to reach more children and teach more children than ever before. God bless all those who work and God bless all the prayer warriors who will undergird their work with prayer. Our church-wide mission trip to Jackson, Mississippi is also in June, and we usually have more than 100 of our family serve the Savior in our own country that week. Prayer is essential for a successful trip, and we should begin early to pray for God’s blessings. In July we have God and Country Day on July 1, the Homecoming Block
Party on July 8, and two nights of special Discipleship on the 15th and 22nd dealing with Apologetics. On July 29th we will observe the Lord’s Supper in all three morning services and have a singing on that Sunday night. August brings revival services with Dr. Sammie Gilbreath and Dr. Ted Traylor, church picnic, promotion day and getting ready for fall Discipleship. Rev. Don Dixon will join us on June 1 as our Administrative Pastor and we want to make Don and Diane welcome as they move back to their home state. God bless you and God bless America!
Bro. Mike
Dave Says Dear Dave, I’m getting married to a wonderful man, but his 19-year old daughter from a previous marriage is very irresponsible. She doesn’t want to make her own car payments and doesn’t want to work. Lots of days, she sleeps until noon and just lies around the house. He agrees that he’s been too lenient and that she needs to grow up, but doesn’t want to pull the rug out from under her. What do you think? Kelley Dear Kelly, There are two problems here. One is financial in nature, and the other is a lack of boundaries. You’re walking face-first into both of them. Marriage counselors will tell you if you can agree on four things — religion, money, children and in-laws — then you’ve got a good chance of having a successful marriage. You’ve got two of these yanking your chain right now — money and children — and they’re both
Dave Ramsey wrapped up in one spoiled little girl. If you and dad really want to show her that you love her, you’ll make sure she starts learning some character and discipline. I’d strongly suggest that you and your fiance go through pre-marital counseling to make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to handling this and other issues. You might also want to read the book Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud, together. Then, the two of you will have some tools to sit down and create a reasonable timeline for her
re-education. Her dad, not you, needs to present this to her and explain that he’s made some mistakes by not requiring her to grow up and learn self-sufficiency. Then, he can lay out the ground rules and a monthly timetable. It wouldn’t be cruel to require her to get a job during the first month, along with getting out of bed by 8 a.m. every day. During the second month, you could also require her to do some work around the house to help out. During month three, she could be required to pay rent. This way, you’re stepping up the expectation gradually to the fifth or sixth month, when she’s moving out and taking care of her own responsibilities. It’s all about love, Kelly. But it’s also about boundaries and expectations that will prepare children to function in the real world. Dave *For more financial advice, visit www.davesays.org.
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The Counselor’s Corner
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Unity of the home is important in the lives of the children The following information that I would like to share comes from an article entitled, “The Foster Report”, which is found in one of my favorite newsletters, “Christian Counseling Connection”. Although informative, I think you will also find it very troubling. Nearly one in three children lives apart from their biological fathers today, and these kids are two to three times more likely to grow up in poverty, suffer in school, and have health and behavioral problems. They also tend to be at a higher risk for child abuse. Seventy-one percent of all high school dropouts and seventy-five percent of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes. Eighty-five
percent of all children who exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes, and fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school as compared to two-parent homes. A study from Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse finds teens who have dinner with their parents three or fewer times per week, are four times more likely to use tobacco, twice as likely to drink alcohol, 2.5 times more likely to smoke marijuana, and four times as likely to say they will try drugs in the future as those who gather at the table five to seven times a week with their parents. On a lighter note, rates of teenage sexual activity have dropped every year
since the “True Love Waits” initiative began and the broader abstinence movement among our youth came on the scene. The physical and emotional devastation on our children resulting from the breakdown of the family unit has never been more apparent. God is passionate about the sanctity of marriage and unity of the home. This should serve to remind us as parents and Christians of the tremendous responsibility God assigned to us when He blessed us with the gift of children.
—James Roberts The HOPE Center — 663-2779
Easter isn’t over! During your preparations for Easter, you may have heard someone say, “All this work and it’ll all be over so soon.” Sorry, but they’re wrong. Easter as a celebration of the return of Spring, the Easter of the Easter Bunny and colored eggs and candy, fancy hats and new Spring clothes may be over by Easter Monday, not to come around again until next year. But the true Easter, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is never over. Easter is the reminder and the celebration of a continuing fact: Christ, who was raised from death, is alive today, tomorrow and forever. Daily he offers us and the whole world power to begin new life now. Easter isn’t over … ever! —copied
Cheergivers The CheergiversMinistry Ministry At this time we would like everyone to remember in prayer our Cheergiver, Gerri Basic, who is still recovering from her recent, bad fall. She is in rehab and will have a long recovery. We would also like to introduce Renee Jones, who has joined us this month as a new Cheergiver. Welcome, Renee! These are our June birthdays: Betty Spear Mary Lou Smith 220 Kentwood Drive 4 Ridge Drive Alabaster, AL 35007-5222 Pelham, AL 35124-1889 Sending cards to these precious ones would be your blessing as well as theirs. If you or one you love has a need for this ministry, please call Jeanette Owens at 664-9700.
The Stewardship Ministry
Student/Activities Ministry
4
VBS Student Mission Projects
Vacation Bible School is an outstanding mission effort sponsored by our Children’s Ministry. Several of our students work in VBS each year. This year we are offering our middle and high school students an additional opportunity to be involved in local missions. Monday-Thursday, from 1:00 until 4:30 (“ish”), we will meet at the Annex and load up the vehicles to do local missions. Monday — Firehouse Ministry Tuesday-Wednesday — Shelby Baptist Association Thursday — Oak Mountain Ministries There is a 35-person limit each day, so sign up quickly if you want to participate in this worthwhile week of missions.
There is still room available for our Kidz Kamp and Jr. Kidz Kamp
Kidz Kamp (for Grades 4-6) Date: June 18-21 Cost: $180. Jr. Kids Kamp (for Grades 1-3) Date: July 17-19 Cost: $115 Sign up forms are available in our Children’s Ministry Office. I would be delighted to answer any questions you might have. We join with First Baptist Church of Milan, Tennessee for both of these camps. This year another small church will also be joining us. This will be my 23rd year to facilitate these camps. I hope you will join us. Detailed information is available on our student webpage at www.fbcpelhamstudents.com. Donnie Sisk
Centrifuge!
Save the Date August 19 Watch for more information in the next Pelham Vision!
June 11-16 Union University, Jackson, Tennessee There are still a couple of spots available for Centrifuge, our summer student camp. Our campers will leave early Monday, June 11 and return early evening on June 16. Cost is $300.00 per person. Please call our Student Ministry Office (664-0237) if you are interested in going or in sponsoring a student.
Congratulations to Our 2012 Graduates High School
Pelham High School Andreia Nicole Bonds Kristian Elizabeth Coats James Ralph Cranford III Jacob Martin Lauren Ashley McGill Caleb Allen Travis Lindsey Nicole White Bethany Ann Wood
Hope Christian School Kelsey Lee Culbreth Evangel Christian School Aaron Douglas Fore Thompson High School Katharine Cannon Drake Holland Elizabeth Martin Spain Park High School Isaiah Smith
College
Benjamin John Birdsong graduated from Beeson Divinity School with a Master in Divinity. Cody Ray Boss graduated from Auburn University with a Liberal Arts Degree. Meredith Denise Cleveland graduated from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts. Jaley Ayn Cranford is graduating from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. John Alston Whiten is graduating from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor of Science.
Senior Adult Ministry
5
Dear Senior Adults, Thank you for your prayers and support during our recent loss of my sister on April 19th and then my brother on the 24th. We felt those prayers of support, and our God is walking us through the grief process. Thanks again! I want to encourage as many of our Senior Adults who can to work in Vacation Bible School this year. You are so very important to our church and its ministry. The boys and girls who attend VBS look forward to seeing you. I know that our seniors who have worked in years past have expressed how much they enjoyed working that week. Since the luncheon follows so close to VBS, we will skip the June meeting. However, look ahead to July when we will get back on schedule. Remember, we have several major events coming up this fall. Be sure to make your reservations to Celebrators and the Canadian trip ASAP. For His Glory, Bro. Paul
Yard Sale for Missions Coming July 28, 2012
You will soon see a container in front of the Annex. When you see the container, you can begin bringing gently used items for our missions benefit garage sale. In past years, this fund raiser has been successful in supporting our many missions efforts. It can only do the job if we all pitch in and be a part of the project.
Children’s Ministry Summer Activity Registration
Forms are available in the Children’s Wing Gathering Area for all summer activities. This includes Kidz Kamp, Jr Kidz Kamp, What About Wednesdays, and VBS forms.
• Big Summer Dates • • • •
June 4-8 Vacation Bible School July 17-19 Jr. Kidz Kamp (Grades 1-3) June 18-21 Kidz Kamp (Grades 4-6) Revival with Revered Ted Traylor
Looking Ahead
We are currently looking forward to the fall Sunday school semester which begins in August. We have numerous opportunities to serve. Please prayerfully consider teaching.
Vacation Bible School is next week, June 4-8 It’s here! The fun is back! Invite all your neighbors. Tell all your friends. Bring all your family members who don’t attend a church.
• What About Wednesday Schedule • • • • • • • •
June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27 July 11 July 18 July 25 August 1
Ice Cream Bash YMCA pool McWane Center (in house) Talent Show YMCA pool Ed’s Pet World (in house) Jump Zone Ice Cream Bash
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In Touch With the Church Family
It isn’t easy to adequately express what our church family has meant to us during this time of heavy loss. You have truly been the hands, the feet, the voice, the shoulders, the arms, the brain, the LOVE of Jesus. We have been truly blessed by the physical and spiritual presence of His love. It has been a greater comfort to us than the words I write could ever say. We love you dearly. Linda Maxwell, Andrew and Ashlyn Dear Church Family, Words cannot express our gratitude to you for the kind expression of love shown to us during the recent unexpected death of my sister, Marvelean White on April 19th and five days later the death of my brother J.C. Moore on April 24th. This has been a very trying time for Barbara and me, but God has sustained us.
You all have been the hands and feet of God, as you ministered to us in love: with prayers, visits, calls, cards, food, flowers and other acts of kindness. Thank you again for everything. With much love, Bro. Paul and Barbara Moore Dear Church Family, I am so blessed to be a part of such a loving church. I’ve felt your love and prayers in so many ways during my illness. Our church staff has been there every step of the way. And I look forward to going back to work. What an awesome God we serve. Love, Sandy and Jim Porter
Kathy Walker and family in the death of her husband, Hardy. Pam Dunaway and family in the death of her mother, Jeanette Fulmer. Bro. Paul Moore and family in the death of his brother, J.C. Moore, and his sister Marvelaean White. Steve Davis and family in the death of his father, Austin Davis.
Congratulations: to Crystal and Chris Rasco on the birth of Hallie Tipton Rasco on May 2, weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces and measuring 19 1/2 inches. Her proud sisters are Mackenzie and Madelyn.
2012 Church Family Giving (through 5-29-12)
General Fund given to date $ 948,678.45 Year to Date Expenses $ 879,160.78 Debt Retirement given in 2012 $ 24,238.02 Loan Balance as of 5/15/12 $ 8,462,489.06
Our Newest Members
Don and Diane Dixon by letter
April Murdaugh for baptism
Maggie Williams for baptism
Danny and Kathy Prichard by letter
June Schedule Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
7
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
M i s s i o n Tri p t o P e ru - R e t u rn s J u n e 2 M i s s i o n Tri p t o A f ri c a - R e t u rn s J u n e 8
Ezekiel 13-15
Ezekiel 9-12 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Vacat i on Bi bl e School - M onda y - F ri d a y, 9 : 0 0 A M u n t i l 1 2 : 0 0 N o o n 5 PM Mission Trip Preparation 6 PM Creative Ministries Ezekiel 16-17 10
St udent M i ni st r y Ser vi ce Pr oje c t s M o n d a y - T h u rs d a y, 1 P M - 4 : 3 0 6:30 Scout Troop Meeting Ezekiel 18-20 11
6:30 VBS Family Night
Ezekiel 21-22 12
Ezekiel 25-27
Ezekiel 23-24 13
14
Ezekiel 28-30 15
Ezekiel 31-33
16
Yout h Cam p “ Cent ri f u g e ” - U n i o n U n i v e rs i t y, J a c k s o n , T N - J u n e 11 - 1 6 9 AM 5 PM Job Concerns Mission Trip Ministry Preparation 6 PM 1 PM “Crafty Chicks” Creative Ministries Ezekiel 34-36 17 Rev. Don Dixon Preaching
Ezekiel 37-39 18
Ezekiel 43-45 20
Ezekiel 46-48 21
Hosea 1-7 22
Hosea 8-14 23
Ki ds Kam p - Shocco Spr i ng s - M o n d a y - T h u rs d a y - G ra d e s 4 - 6 9 AM Job Concerns 1 PM “Crafty Chicks”
Joel
Amos 1-5
7 PM Deacons Meeting
Summer Mission Trip to Mississippi Leaves
Sout her n Ba p t i s t C o n v e n t i o n New O r l eans - Tu e s d a y - We d n e s d a y Amos 6-9
Obadiah, Jonah
Micah
Nahum, Habakkuk
25 26 27 28 29 Chur ch- w i de Dom est i c Sum m e r M i s s i o n Tri p - J a c k s o n , M i s s i s s i p p i - J u n e 2 3 - 2 9
NO PM Activities Zechariah 1-7
Ezekiel 40-42 19
5 PM Mission Trip Preparation 6 PM Creative Ministries
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6:30 Scout Troop Meeting
Zephaniah, Haggai 30
6:30 Scouts Court of Honor Zechariah 8-14
Malachi
SUNDAY SCHEDULE 7 AM Prayer Team 8, 9:15, 10:45 AM Sunday School & Morning Worship 5 PM Mission Trip Preparation Celebrate Recovery Handbell Choir Rehearsal 6 PM Creative Ministries
Psalms 1-8
Psalms 9-16
Psalms 17-20
Psalms 21-25
WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 6 PM Prayer Meeting (Quad Room) 6:30 What About Wednesdays Begins (Preschool and Elementary) H.A.T. Games (Students) Celebration Choir Rehearsal Pastor’s Bible Study (Quad Room)
June Ministry Staff Weekend Hospital Rotation
June 2-3 - Donnie Sisk - Home 620-1157, Cell 567-7475 June 16-17 - Ben Birdsong - 907-6623 June 9-10 - Jonathan Williams - Home 663-4325, Cell 223-4277 June 23-24 - Paula Kornegay - 230-8987 June 30-July 1 - Paul Moore - Home 663-0155, 913-5129
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Non-Profit Org. PERMIT NO. 7 Pelham, AL 35124
2867 Pelham Parkway Pelham, Alabama 35124-1728
Address Correction Requested
Dated Material
Monthly publications are subject to change. Please check www.fbcpelham.org for the latest information.
Your faith can grow
The suspension bridge over Niagara Falls was begun by a thread attached to a kite. When the wind blew, the kite floated across the water to the other side. Workers then attached a string to the thread and pulled it across. To the string, they attached a rope and pulled it back. By this slow-but-sure method, the bridge was built. Our faith may be just a little thread or no larger than a mustard seed, but we must act on it (see James 2:14-18). Through action, our faith will be strengthened (Colossians 1:23) as it moves us to do even greater works of faith for our Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:3). And in this slow-but-sure way, our faith can grow exceedingly (Ephesians 4:15-16). —copied
More than a name
When the late CBS correspondent Ed Bradley visited the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., he found a letter propped against the black wall. It read: “I wanted to come back and say hello. You know, I went ahead and married Dick, and we have a beautiful little girl. Her favorite color is purple, the color of this stationery. I went to Arlington to see your grave, and on it, it said you got a Purple Heart for dying. Well, this is your purple heart for having lived. I hope that our daughter finds as wonderful and as beautiful a first love as you were for me. Good-bye. Hello. Nancy.” That’s a strong reminder that those we honor on Memorial Day are more than simply names. They were living people who loved and were loved … and are still loved. —Adapted from Homiletics
CHURCH STAFF
Dr. Mike Shaw, Pastor Rev. Don Dixon, Administrative Pastor Dr. Paul Moore, Assoc. Pastor: Ministry/Senior Adults Rev. Donnie Sisk, Pastor to Students/Activities Rev. Jonathan Williams, Preschool/Children’s Director Paula Kornegay, Worship Leader Rev. Ben Birdsong, Middle School Student Ministry Linda Kennemore, Administrator
GENERAL INFORMATION
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00 Church Office Phone: 664-0237 Children’s Offices: 216-0028 Fax: 621-2351 HOPE Center: 663-2779 School of Fine Arts: 664-2466 Sunday School Annex: 664-0237, ext. 5020 (All phones are area code 205) Web Site - www.fbcpelham.org Pelham Vision is published one time per month. Items for publication are accepted on a space-available basis and are subject to Post Office regulations for our class of mail. Please submit in writing or email pat@fbcpelham.org. No phone submissions, please. Pelham Vision exists to inform and to show the Good News in action. Check out all our activities and read us online at www. fbcpelham.org. Editor: Pat MacKay