2012
A Monthly Publication of the First Baptist Church of Pelham “Walking by faith means being prepared to trust where we are not permitted to see.” John Blanchard, as quoted in Today’s Turning Point
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IN THIS ISSUE
A Word from Our Pastor “Dave Says” by Dave Ramsey
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The Counselor’s Corner Cheergivers Ministry Stewardship Ministry
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Student/Activities Ministry Worship Ministry
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Senior Adult Ministry Men’s Ministry Children’s Ministry
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“In Touch with the Church Family” Our Newest Members
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May Church Calendar Ministry Weekend Rotation
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Wednesday Night Meals General Information
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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May — A Month of Celebrations
Dr. Mike Shaw Senior Pastor We have some great opportunities for celebration coming up this month.
On May 6 we will recognize our “Senior Saints” on Senior Adult Sunday. On May 13 we will praise God for our mothers as we observe Mother’s Day. We will honor and recognize our High School and College graduates on May 20 as we celebrate these important milestones in life’s journey. On May 27 we will remember those who have paid the supreme price for freedom as we observe Memorial Day. We do not worship senior adults, mothers, graduates or patriots — We worship God! Don’t think because we observe these special days that we want to be remiss in worshipping the True and Living God. We will also commission the
Africa, Peru, and Vacation Bible School missionaries in May. Don’t Miss it! On a personal note, thank you, thank you, thank you for all those who prayed for Mary during her recent sinus surgery. A special thanks to Brother Jim Minor for his visit, and to all those who brought meals while she was convalescing. She is getting better every day, and we praise God for the good results and all the love showered upon us. We love you, we love you, we love you. God bless you and God bless America!
Bro. Mike
Dave Says Dear Dave, My husband and I need to update our will, but we’re not sure how to divide the money. All of our children are grown, including my three stepsons. The problem is that two of my stepsons are irresponsible with money and are drug users. Do you have any advice? Colleen Dear Colleen, Typically, if you give money to a drug user they’ll use it for one thing: drugs. Your goal as a parent is to love them and teach them to the best of your ability. Buying their drugs upon your death doesn’t fall into either of those categories. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you deciding not to leave them any money as long as they’re involved in this kind of activity. If it were me, I’d sit down with the family members and explain why you’ve updated the will in this manner. Let them know you love them and want what’s best for them, but you and your husband have decided you’re not going to take a chance on funding any misbehavior on their part. Make sure you let them know, too, that things can
Dave Ramsey change if they change. They might be mad and fuss about it, but that’s okay. Let them be mad. It’s perfectly all right for you to attach stipulations to any inheritance they might receive, especially when it’s for their own good! Dave Dear Dave, I want to keep one of our credit cards open and use the bill-pay option for utilities and other monthly bills. I want to do this so we can continue earning rewards points, and the way I look at it, we’d just be re-routing the money and paying it off every month. My husband doesn’t like this idea and
thinks we should get rid of them all. Am I just asking for trouble by wanting to keep the rewards card open? Cheryl Dear Cheryl, Yes, you are. Life never works out exactly the way you think it will. You can make all the well-reasoned and best-intentioned plans you want, but sooner or later that snake is going to bite you. The only thing I’d consider in a situation like this is a debit card that has a rewards system attached. Lots of debit card programs offer the same kinds of rewards programs offered by credit card companies, with one big exception—you don’t have to go into debt! You need to stop chasing these stupid brownie points, Cheryl. According to Consumer Reports, 78 percent of credit card airline miles are never redeemed. Studies also show that people spend more when using credit cards as opposed to cash. That extra money you spend on things you don’t need is money you could have been saving and investing. So, where’s the reward? Cut up the card and close the account, Cheryl. You don’t build wealth by using credit cards! Dave *For more financial advice, visit www.davesays.org.
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The Counselor’s Corner
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Keep your relationship with God active Our relationship with God is often the first to go whenever we are busy or stressed. Why? Is it because we know God understands? That He will forgive? He knows we will get back to Him? Maybe. God knows all that, but He also knows that if we do not stay close to Him and continually drink from the water that He offers that we will continue to grow weaker in spirit, stamina and strength. What happens that we lose all ability to understand that? It seems that sometimes we have selective memory and tend to act more in the moment and on impulse than on the truth that we will dry up without God’s wellspring of nourishment. It is not possible to survive without water. In order to survive physically, we need a continuous supply of water. Think
about how dry it gets in the winter. Our skin becomes dry and starts to itch. Our sinuses become dry and cause problems like nosebleeds, stuffiness and infections. We awaken in the night and find that we are thirsty, our mouths so dry our throats become sore. We are drying up, becoming withered and craving water. We know and recognize the signs of dehydration. Our common sense tells us what we need to do. We know what to do physically; drink water continually until we are no longer thirsty. In fact, we must drink water daily in order to retain physical strength, health and life. This very same concept applies to our relationship with God. We are physical, psychological and spiritual. Ignoring any one of those characteristics would be like ignoring one of your hands when
washing them, shining one shoe and leaving the other dirty, putting gas and oil in the car but never putting in water. Without water, it fails to function. Psychologically: Listen to how you talk to yourself. Bring into captivity every thought and make it obedient to Christ. Drink in the living water that feeds your mind. Physically: Find structure, exercise regularly, eat well, rest and drink water. Spiritually: Do not forsake God. Continue to listen to Him. Study His word, listen to Christian talk radio, and praise Him. Drink the living water on a daily basis. “Whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never thirst” John 4:14. —Linda Story The HOPE Center — 663-2779
Cheergivers The CheergiversMinistry Ministry In the month of April we celebrated Easter! HE CAME! HE DIED! HE AROSE! HE ASCENDED! HE IS COMING AGAIN! We serve a risen Savior and He is alive today. We also worship and celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ throughout the year and all the days to come. In the month of April, the Cheergivers delivered 28 Easter baskets to our “precious people” who are homebound, in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We filled them with candy, chocolate bunnies and other good things for them to eat. We also put cards with scriptures about the resurrection and the plan of salvation. They love their baskets. Some of you have helped us by giving donations and we would like to say “Thank you”. We couldn’t do it without you. If you ever have time, you would be blessed by visiting some of these wonderful people. If you are interested in our ministry, please call Jeanette Owens - 664-9700 This month we only have one birthday: Mr. James McKinney Columbia Cottage 3776 Crosshaven Dr Birmingham, AL 35223 Florence Strickland with her Cheergivers Easter Basket
The Stewardship Ministry
Student/Activities Ministry
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Mission Trip Planning Meeting Dates
Gong Show
Sunday, May 6, 5-7 PM
It is time for another one of our church wide fellowships. On Sunday night, May 6, we will have a covered dish supper followed by a FBCP “Gong Show”. Acts will last 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. If you are interested in being a part of the program, please call the Student Ministry Office at 664-0237.
We have Six Flags Tickets!
Our Student Ministry offers tickets to Six Flags and White Water at greatly reduced rates. If your class or family is going to either park, we would love to make tickets available to you. Tickets are on sale in the Student Ministry Office.
Graduation Recognition
Centifruge!
June 11-16 Union University, Jackson, Tennessee We have 35 people signed up for our Summer Camp. If you are interested in participating, contact the Student Ministry Office for information (664-0237).
Kidz Kamp (for Grades 4-6)
If you are going on our Domestic Mission Trip to Jackson, Mississippi, please plan to attend all the training meetings. For Sports Camp and Backyard Bible Club, training meetings are at 5:00 PM on May 20 and 27 and June 3, 10 and 17. For Creative Ministries, be here at 6:00 PM each Sunday night.
Date: June 18-21 Cost: $180. Deadline: Turn in your $80 deposit and completed forms to the Student Ministry Office no later than May 27. Jr. Kids Kamp (for Grades 1-3) Date: July 17-19 Cost: $115 Deadline: Turn in your $50 deposit and completed forms no later than June 24 in the Student Ministry Office.
May 20, 9:15 and 10:45 services There will be a Senior Luncheon following the 10:45 service in the Annex. Seniors and families must make reservations no later than Sunday, May 6. College graduates should call the Student Ministry Office for information.
Saturday, May 19
Leave the Annex: 5 PM Pregame Show: 5:45 Game begins: 6 PM Deadline to sign up: May 13
Worship Ministry I can still remember the first time I ever went to the Southern Baptist Convention. It was in the summer following 5th grade. I was so excited that Jerry Clower was going to be there and I met him after he spoke and we took a picture together. I was so excited! I, however, had no idea that the one thing that would stick with me for a lifetime was the fact that I saw missionaries commissioned prior to leaving for the mission field. I remember it being so special and Holy Spirit filled! Just to be there in that room and witness that occasion changed me forever. That same summer I went to GA camp and met my first “real” missionary. I cannot remember where in the world she served, but I can remember that she came into my cabin and sat down with me and talked about God’s call on my life for missions. My love for missions began that day at Shocco Springs. I had no idea then that my daughter and son-in-law would be entering the mission field and moving to Africa in the summer of 2012, close to forty years later. Liv and Brian are leaving for Tanzania, which is in East Africa, on May 18, 2012. They are abandoning everything to follow the call of God on their lives. We here at FBC Pelham have a tremendous opportunity to pray for them, to encourage them and to stay connected with them for years to come. We will be having a Celebration Service to commission them and to pray over them on Saturday night, May 12 at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Please consider attending this special service. I encourage each one of you to consider what God is calling you to do for His honor and glory. I love you all and pray God’s richest blessings on every family. Paula Kornegay
Senior Adult Ministry
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Dear Senior Adults, Our Senior Adults have been “busy as bees” in the last few months! I learned an ancient Hebrew expression from the Seminary President while in New Orleans. Wow! That just about describes our mission trip to New Orleans. The ministry sites we were able to serve are still rejoicing over what was accomplished that week. Our church made it possible for 41 Senior Adults to build a workable kitchen. This was our largest senior adult trip. We were able to raise about $3,000 for the project, but could still use a little more help to balance the books. Thank you again for your loyal support! Now on to further events: Remember our Senior Adult Choir rehearsals on the schedule. The rehearsal on Wednesday, May 2 at 6:30 will be with our Celebration Choir. We want the choir to be ready to sing for Senior Adult Day on May 6. Remember, we must make reservations for the Senior Adult Banquet on Saturday night, May 5 at 6:30 in the Annex. If we feed you, you should be able to sign up. Right? The Alabama Baptist Senior Adult Evangelism Conference will be held this year at First Baptist Church of Pelham on Monday, May 7 from 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM. We have wonderful speakers: Junior Hill, Bailey Stone and Charles Roesel. Music will be done by Paid-in-Full. You will not want to miss this conference. We don’t often get the opportunity to host such a wonderful event. Let us be here to welcome the guests (400-500 of them). We will also have our regular Senior Adult Luncheon on May 15. If you are not on a call list, please let us know so you will not miss anything. VBS workers are still needed! Contact Bonnie Elder “immediately” For His Glory, Bro. Paul
Men’s Ministry “Fishers of Men” Deep Sea Fishing Trip 2012 Thursday-Saturday, October 4-6 - Destin, Florida
This is a great way to make some new friends and to spend time with some old ones. We can take 28 men this year for a great time of fun, fishing, and fellowship. Don’t wait. Sign up today! Contact Mike Tallent (541-7221) or Rick Speorl (908-7733) for further information. Cost is $250. $100 deposit is due now to reserve your spot. Come with us!
Children’s Ministry Mother’s Day Parent/Baby Dedication
Everyone loves to welcome our newest and smallest family members. We will commit to pray for them as they grow and learn about Jesus.
“What About Wednesdays” begins May 23
Summer program for Elementary and Preschool - 6:30 Registration sheets can be found in the first floor preschool area and the Blues Clues area.
Vacation Bible School is June 4-8
Praise God, we have had a few additional volunteers to sign up, but we still have some areas of need. Please join us in prayer as we seek volunteers for VBS.
May and June Activities • • • • • • • • •
May 6 Church Wide Potluck Dinner and “Gong Show” May 9 Last night of Spring Semester Preschool Choir and CREW May 12 Missionary Celebration Service May 13 Mother’s Day Parent/Baby Dedication No PM Activities May 16 No Wednesday night Activities (Christian Home Week) May 23 “What About Wednesdays” Begins June 4-8 Vacation Bible School July 17-19 Jr. Kidz Kamp (Grades 1-3) June 18-21 Kidz Kamp (Grades 4-6)
Coming in August: Revival with Reverend Ted Traylor
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In Touch With the Church Family
During our time of sorrow we learn how much our friends mean to us. Your kindness and sympathy will always be remembered by the family of Frances Wardlow. Sincerely, Jim and Ronnie Wardlow To Our Church Family, Thank you for the love and support shown to our family during Matt’s illness and recent death. Every expression of love has meant so very much to us, and we appreciate your ministering to our needs. God has been gracious to us in many ways, and while we mourn for Matt greatly, we look forward to eternity with our
Savior and loved ones, Matt among them. Our continued prayer is that Matt’s greatest wish be realized, that his faith and his story point to the Cross, that Christ be magnified above all else and receive the Glory. Thank you for being our Faith Family. God Bless, The Blounts Dear Church Family, Thank you for all your prayers, visits, cards and calls for me as I had my foot surgery. I know I was lifted up in prayer because of the because of the peace I felt. God is so faithful and I am so blessed! In Christ’s love, Marsha Yates Willard Payne and family in the death of his sister, Patricia Ogles; Bryan Hill and family in the death of his grandmother, Mildred Hill; Bridget Rose and family in the death of her grandmother; Ken Bell and family in the death of his mother; Ronnie Wardlow and family 2012 in the death of his mother, Frances Wardlow; Family and friends of Church Family Giving (through 4-23-12) Mr. Jesse Weaver in his death on April 10th; Patti Raymond in the death of her mother in Florida on April 18th; and Susan Clark in the death of her Aunt General Fund given to date Addie Harris. $ 731,076.10 Year to Date Expenses $ 679,501.12 Forrest Oates and Minnie Lee Oates Scholarship is available Debt Retirement given in 2012 Mr. and Mrs. Oates were members of First Baptist Church of Pelham. Mrs. Oates $ 17,737.24 wanted to see young people of our church have the advantage of continued education. Loan Balance as of 4/15/12 She left a fund to be used for that purpose. Applications are available in the Pastor’s $ 8,485,909.74 Office and are due back in the office no later than June 29, 2012. Congratulations: to Jerri Corn on the birth of her first great-grandchild, Bentley Trey Corn, on April 10; to Terry & Judy Lee on the birth of their grandchild Mary Elizabeth (Mary Beth) McCanna on April 17, born to FBCP attenders William and Tricia McCanna, with siblings Victoria, David and Matthew; to Erin and David Coram on the birth of Charlotte Ann Coram on April 20, with a proud big sister, Sarah Katherine; to Jan and Steve Vickers on the birth of their grandson Kingston Jace Collins on April 19, born to Jeremy and Deonna Collins and big brother Cannon; and to Shannon and Steve Johnson on the birth of Hudson Mac Johnson on April 16 (big brothers are Wade, Garrett and Zach).
Our Newest Members
Margie Robson by letter
Dora Mae Callahan by letter
John Turner by letter
Mary Katelyn Latham for baptism
Nicholas Hohnstein for baptism
Photo Unavailable for: Chance Walton (for baptism)
Lindsey Weigant for baptism
Janet and Bob Rice - by letter
Bobby and Deb-E Rhoades - by letter
May Schedule Sunday
Monday
Tuesday 1
Wednesday 2
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Thursday 3
Friday 4
Saturday 5
6 PM Senior Adult Banquet (Annex)
6:30 Scout Troop Meeting 6 AM Senior Adult Ministry Highlighted 4 PM VBS Meeting (3rd Floor) 5 PM Family Supper “Gong Show” Isaiah 31-35 13
Isaiah 9-12 7 9:30-3:30 State Senior Adult Evangelism Conference (Sanctuary)
Isaiah 36-41
AM Parent/Baby Dedication on Mother’s Day
14 9 AM Job Concerns Ministry
No Evening Activities
1 PM “Crafty Chicks”
10 AM Women on Mission
Isaiah 64-66
Jeremiah 1-3
20 AM Graduation Recognition
21 9 AM Job Concerns
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Jeremiah 23-25 27
Isaiah 18-22 10
6:30 Scout Troop Meeting
Last Wednesday Night Church Family Meal
Isaiah 42-44
Isaiah 45-48
6:30 Africa Missions Meeting (Choir Room) Jeremiah 26-29 28 CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED FOR
Isaiah 28-30
Isaiah 23-27 11
12
11 AM Table Scapes
6 PM Liv & Brian Meany Going Away Missionary Celebration (Sanctuary) Isaiah 49-53
Isaiah 54-58
Isaiah 59-63
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16 17 18 19 C h r i s t i a n H o m e W e e k ( N o C h u rc h - w i d e E v e n i n g M e e t i n g s ) 11 AM Senior Adult Covered Dish Luncheon 7 PM 5 PM 6:30 Kindergarten 6 PM Student Baseball No Evening Scout Troop Proverbs 31 (Quad) Graduation Activities Outing Meeting Jeremiah 7-9 Jeremiah 4-6 Jeremiah 10-13 Jeremiah 14-17 Jeremiah 18-22
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23
24
25
1 PM “Crafty Chicks”
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Peru Mission Trip — May 25-June 1
6:30 Scout PLC Meeting
6:15 “What About Wednesdays” Begins
Jeremiah 30-31
Jeremiah 32-34
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5 PM Mission Trip Preparation Night Jeremiah 46-48
9:30 AM MOPS (Quad Room)
7 PM Deacons Meeting 5 PM Mission Trip Preparation Night
Isaiah 13-17 9
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6 PM Africa Missions Meeting (Choir Room)
Africa Mission Trip May 26-June 8
Jeremiah 38-41
Jeremiah 42-45
Jeremiah 35-37 31
6:30 Scout Troop Meeting Jeremiah 49-50
Jeremiah 51-52
SUNDAY SCHEDULE 7 AM Prayer Team 8, 9:15, 10:45 AM Sunday School & Morning Worship 5 PM Mission Trip Preparation Celebration Recovery Handbell Choir Rehearsal 6 PM Creative Ministries Adult Discipleship Training
Ezekiel 1-4
Ezekiel 5-8
WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 5 PM Wednesday Night Church Family Meals 6 PM Prayer Meeting (Annex) 6:30 Musicmakerz Choir (for Preschool) Ends on May 9 The C.R.E.W. (for Elementary) Ends on May 9 What About Wednesdays Begins May 23 (Preschool and Elementary) Refuge (Students) Celebration Choir Rehearsal Adult Discipleship Training
May Ministry Staff Weekend Hospital Rotation
May 5-6 - Paula Kornegay - 230-8987 May 12-13 - Donnie Sisk - Home 620-1157, Cell 567-7475
May 19-20 - Ben Birdsong - 907-6623 May 26-27 - Mike Shaw - Home 663-1788, Cell 283-4749
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.
Wednesday Night Meals Church Family Meal at 5 p.m. Prayer at 6 p.m. Please check the First Baptist Church of Pelham web site and/or your Sunday bulletin for current menus. Prices: Adults - - - - - - - - - - - - $ 5.00 Children (12 and under) - $ 3.50 Family maximum (one household) $18.00 Reservations: Before noon on Monday (no exceptions, please) Standing reservations payable in advance monthly Serving time: 5:00-5:45 PM This is a volunteer, self-supporting ministry (non-profit) from our church cook team. (Complimentary dinner for 1st time visitors by reservation.)
Careful of Counterfeits
Satan is good at counterfeiting in the spiritual realm. He can produce signs and wonders and can make his apostles look like Christ’s apostles. Christians must be careful. Spritual appearance is not a guarantee of spiritual integrity. We must “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” as John wrote (1 John 4:1 NIV). It is up to us to obey the Bible’s exhortation: “Do not be deceived” (Galatians 6:7). There are powers that can counterfeit almost anything in the Christian life. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah, April 17
CHURCH STAFF
Dr. Mike Shaw, 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 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