First Baptist Church
224 Main St. Penn Yan, NY 14527
(315) 536-9821 e-mail: pyfbc@usadatanet.net
Rev. John R. Tharp, Pastor
WORSHIP WITH US
Oct.
7 “Don’t Break The Chain”
II
Timothy 2:1-7
Guest
Preacher – Rev. Don Lawrence
Oct.
14 Guest Speaker – Rev. Daniel Chetti
American Baptist Missionary
Oct.
21 Festival of Faith
Guest
Speaker – Randy Snavely
Family Life Network Radio
Oct.
28 “The Church is Mission”
Acts. 16:1-10
Greeters Lay Readers
Gladys Kjar & Shane Furman Oct. 7 Jack Clancy
Judi Gibbs & Fran Morse Oct. 14 Brittany Griffin
Milly Bloomquist & Marge Moulton Oct. 21 George Slocum
Betty Johnson, Brittney Griffin & Lisa
Wood Oct. 28 Rita Castillo
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS!
1 – Margaret Mills 16 – Greg Marion
2 – Rebecca Scouten 16 – Doug Passage
7 – Polly Logan 19 – Marlene Guild
8 – Jean Brewer 25 – Scott Robbins
14 – Christina Tharp 25 – Pam Scutt
25 – Bob Fullagar
The Pastor’s message
What I Do In Private Is My Own Business
¨
“It doesn’t hurt anyone
but me.”
¨
“It’s my life, I can do
with it as I please.”
¨
“Go for the gusto and
forget about the consequences.”
We have all heard these kinds of statements. We may even have
said them ourselves.
In a pamphlet entitled “Truckstop Ministries News”, given to
me after one of his trips by Paul MacDougall, Chaplain Joe says, “This is
simply not true.” In his monthly articles, Chaplain Joe tells how he had been
hooked on pornography until God freed him from this addition. He had seen it
destroy people, marriages, families, and churches. It has even lead some to
take their own lives.
Chaplain Joe, reminds his readers that “the thief does not come
except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10a) Satan is out to
steal the joy in your life and to kill the spiritual life within you. If Satan
cannot kill you, he will make you ineffective as a Christian witness, or as a
Christian father, mother, or friend. After you have given in to Satan, he will
drown you in guilt and further deplete your energy for doing good.
Because pornography can interfere with God’s plan for your
life and turn you toward a destructive path, it affects everyone around you. A
clear and beautiful mind becomes a twisted and defensive mind. Wholesome joy
which might have been shared is covered over by the smut that always lingers
from pornography.
The good news is that God wants to free us from all wrong so
that our scarlet sins become whiter than snow. (Isaiah 1:18) For this reason
Jesus came to preach freedom to the oppressed, sight to the blind, and healing
for the broken hearted. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and
will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness!” (I John 1:9)
Just now, in the towns of Jerusalem and Benton, the town
counsels are trying to find ways to hinder the establishment of “adult
entertainment” stores. Usually these establishments come in without the
invitation of the resident population and bring with them a very unsavory
traffic. The social cost of damaged people and families, added police, and a
moral smudge on our community makes the presence of these places a high cost
and zero return kind of business.
I encourage you to contact your town council and see what has
been done to keep the area free of these “adult entertainment” stores.
Encourage your leaders by standing with them as they work on this issue. Pray
for strength in the churches and in the groups around town that there might be
commitment to a morally wholesome community. Pastor John
CHURCH MEETINGS!
Tuesday, Oct. 2 @ 7 p.m. Board of Missions
Tuesday, Oct. 2 @ 7 p.m. Diaconate
Tuesday, Oct. 9 @ 10:30 a.m. Mary & Martha Circle
Tuesday, Oct. 9 @ 7 p.m. Board of Trustees
Thursday, Oct. 11 @ 7 p.m. Board of Christian Education
Wednesday, Oct. 17 @ Noon Fellowship Class
Wednesday, Oct. 17 @ 7 p.m. Nominating Committee
Thursday, Oct. 18 @ 7 p.m. Advisory Council
At this meeting there must be a representative present from
each church board/committee. Each rep is required to present figures for your
portion of the budget. We will discuss reports, and 2008 budget and goals.
YOUNG FAMILIES EVENTS
Focus on the Family: The Essentials of Discipline
On Sunday, September 23, a group of parents started meeting
for a video/discussion group that will focus on parenting and discipline
issues. The group will last 12 weeks for 1 hour following worship service. The
basic idea of this group is to take a practical look at child raising and
discipline in today’s society. Anyone is welcome to join us; even those who
have already raised their children or who have older children and can offer
insight or mentoring to us “beginners.”
We all have our questions,
doubts and fears when it comes to raising our children. I know I do. My desire
is to bring us together so we can support and help each other through this
challenging time. I would like to see the group continue on after the 12 weeks
as a means of continuing the support. We can accomplish great things together,
Ithaca Science Center Trip
A trip especially for the youth of the church is being planned
for October. Anyone who is interested
in attending, please contact Eileen. I need input as to a
good date to go!
GAD-ABOUTS
The Gad-Abouts will start Gadding again! On Sunday, October 7,
at 12:15 p.m. we will go to Atlanta for chicken and biscuits.
If you would like to join us, call Ed and Rita Castillo at
536-3631.
Betty’s Local Harvest Celebration - Saturday, October 13
Sponsored
by HUBBA (Helping Us Build Better Assets)
Hubba is a
school-community initiative involving both youth and adults. Assets are things
that all children need to succeed in life-positive adult role models,
development of values such as integrity, honesty, and caring, as well as
encouraging service to others and caring neighborhoods and schools. HUBBA has
been providing positive opportunities for adults and youth to learn form each
other, and strengthen the connections between relationships in our community
for over 6 years.
In honor of Betty Bistoff, a founding HUBBA
member HUBBA will be hosting
Betty’s Local Harvest Celebration
Saturday, October 13
Yates County Fairgrounds
4 p.m. – Scarecrow building contest, sling
shot gourd throwing, pumpkin decorating, relay races, music by Crooked Lake
Fiddlers
6 p.m. – Sit down family style dinner made
with all local produce
7-9 p.m. – Community Dance with a live band
and caller for a variety of different dances – no dancing experience necessary,
and all ages welcome.
Free event open to all in the community.
Any donations received that evening will be
given to Christmas for the Needy – one of Betty’s dearest passions for over 50
years. It is our hope that the positive, family-oriented activities and
intergenerational focus will continue to strengthen community spirit and
provide nurturing and safe bonds with adults for our children.
*Note – All area
churches have been asked to donate 10 pies each for the free dinner. If you can
help, please call Peggy in the church office at 536-9821 and give your name (I
will forward info to HUBBA). Pies need to be dropped off the day of the event.
GUEST PREACHER SUNDAY OCTOBER 14
The Rev. Daniel Chetti, American Baptist Missionary who has
been serving in Lebanon, will be our guest Preacher on Sunday, October 14. He
is currently spending this year on “Home Assignment” with his wife, Sarah, and
daughter, Rachel, with relatives in Oregon. Dan will be one of the leaders at
the World Mission Conference in Canandaigua, October 12-14.
Dan and Sarah have spent the last four years at the Arab
Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, Lebanon, where he taught theology,
coordinated graduate studies and provided administrative assistance to the
academic dean, while Sarah worked on the development and management of the
seminary’s library. Together, they were also involved in ministries in a local
prison and with the Sudanese Congregation that meets at Fanar Baptist Church.
In the midst of the Hezballah/Israel war last July, daughter
Rachel was evacuated to Oregon and completed her High School Education there.
She is attending the Community College in Eugene, Oregon this year. Dan and
Sarah are spending much time this year visiting churches and providing seminars
on topics such as:
“MORE THAT MEETS THE EYE: Understanding Islam and Muslim
People”.
He asks that we pray for the following concerns:
For the
people of the U.S. as they try to fathom the senseless violence in the Middle
East
For the
safety and effective witness of the minority Christians in the Middle East and
the Muslim lands.
For the
ministry and service of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Beiruit,
Lebanon.
For daughter
Rachel as she is still having health issues with increase in blood pressure
FESTIVAL OF FAITH 2007 -
OCTOBER 19 & 21
Friday, Oct. 19
6
p.m. Our world famous Baked Spaghetti
Dinner
7 p.m. Festival Worship with “The Common Ground”
(Christian Blue Grass Band), from Canandaigua United Church, and Randy Snavely
as our keynote speaker. He will speak on: “When God Looks Down” Psalm 14:1-3
You will love the kind of “hearts wide open to worship” experience this band
and this speaker provide.
Sunday, Oct. 21
10 a.m. Festival Sunday
Morning Worship
Choir Anthem “Is This Not the
Land of Beulah”
Randy Snavely “When God Looks
Up” Isaiah 66:1-2
11 a.m. Coffee with Randy in
the Great Room
Randy Snavely is the “sports guy” on The Family Life
Network will be our keynote speaker for our special weekend. If you are not
presently listening to the family network, it can be found in Penn Yan at 91.9
FM, or north of town, at 93.7 FM.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SUNDAY, NOV. 4!
Chapel Dedication - Nov. 4
During the worship service we will be dedicating our newly
furnished chapel. Two members of our church family have donated new chairs and
created an extraordinary stained glass piece to hang in the window! Please take
the opportunity to visit the chapel and experience the loving additions. A huge
“thank you” too, to the generous
donators!
2008 Stewardship Drive - Nov. 4
Immediately following Sunday School at 12:15 the Trustees are
sponsoring a
“POT LUCK” dinner to kick off our Stewardship Drive! The
trustees will furnish beverages and desserts and the congregation is asked to
bring a dish to share and your own place settings. We look forward to seeing
you there! Plan on joining us for food, fun, and fellowship. If you have any questions
see Cheryl Stewart.
FALL
FEST BAZAAR
November
17 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
We
are looking for ideas and contributions for theme baskets as well as donations
of other craft items and baked goods. Be thinking of how you can join in the
fun of preparing for and helping to make this annual event a success again this
year.
Work
/Planning day #1 ~ Oct. 13
Work/Planning
day # 2 ~ Oct. 27
At
the home of Cindy Ovens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ~ bring your lunch!
AREA EVENTS:
INTERFAITH PEACE FORUM
Promoting a Culture of Peace: Bridges of
Shared Values
Can religion help to build a culture of
peace?
Come hear what representatives of different
traditions bring from their faith communities to promote harmony and peace.
Thursday, October 11, at 9 a.m. – noon
Our Lady of Peace Parish Center – Geneva
RSVP or questions: Contact Rhonda t
315-789-2686 ext. 104
Free Will Offering
29TH ANNUAL
SINGSPIRATION
Saturday, October 20, at 7 p.m.
Potter Baptist Church – Route 364, Potter
Everyone is welcome – Refreshments
following!
Instrumental
Solos
Duets
Hymnsinging
*If you or someone you know would like to
share your talent at our singspiration, please call 585-554-3532 by Oct. 6, to
discuss details.
THANK YOU!
A special Thank You to everyone who helped with and supported
the Almighty Jam on September 15. The Jam was a success, and the proceeds will
enable two youth in the community to further their interest in music and
community service. We look forward to next years event and we hope you’ll join
us. Thank you again!
+ + +
WHITE CROSS REQUEST
Our White Cross Request for 2007-2008 has just been received.
If you wish to help fill this year’s request, you may sign the sheet at the
front of the sanctuary. Most of the items must be brought in by November 15.
The following items are needed for Stewart Community Baptist Church in Carson
City, Nevada: small toys, new Bibles,
gift wrap, ribbon, gift tags, and hand puppets. The Veterans Village in the
Philippines has asked for boy’s shirts and shorts or pants. We will also be
making bandages and patchwork pieces. Please see Kathie Lawrence if you have
any questions. Please sign up today to help with this year’s White Cross
Request.
Thank You.
Board of Trustees report
¨
We
are contacting a Steeple Jack to inspect and repair the roofing of the steeple.
¨
The
meals served at the concerts in the park, the ice cream sale, and the ABW bake
sale netted $1,311 which has been paid on the principle of our mortgage.
¨
We
are planning to clean out the basement of the church. Watch for the date as we
will need help.
¨
Kick
off for the Stewardship Drive is scheduled for Nov. 4 with a pot luck dinner
that will be hosted by the Trustees.
¨
Ivan
Horning is going to be asked to inspect our sanctuary pews and give us an
estimate for any needed repairs.
¨
There
will be a dedication of the chapel during the Nov. 4 service.
¨
The
coffee hour will start again this month. The Trustees will be in charge of
September and October.
¨
Cleaning
supplies are needed. Please leave your donations at the church office.
¨
Repair
was made to the part of the furnace that collects condensation from the air
conditioner.