Matt 13:34

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.

This month I want to write about a few things:

First, I want to write about the verse above. The reason I use that verse is to make the point of how powerful stories are to people. I am sure I don’t have to convince you of that. Many of you have raised children and can remember reading them stories prior to bedtime. I can remember how my dad used to read to myself and my two brothers at bedtime and I look forward to the many opportunities I will have to read to my daughter, Mercedes. One of the things that I have done in order to connect with our church preschool is periodically read stories to the children. In the summer I read about Jonah and the whale, prior to Christmas I read the Christmas story and another children’s Christmas book, and more recently, I read a book titled: What Snowmen Do at Night. Interesting, I read that two weeks ago and one of the children mentioned it to me today. Most interesting that Jesus, knowing the way we are and we think, taught in stories too. But you know what? Our lives are made of stories and I am interested in hearing your story, the story of your life. So, periodically, as we have time to visit and talk, never feel like you are boring me with your life story. I love hearing about people’s past, both young and old.

Also, if we haven’t gotten to talk in an extended conversation; I am eager to talk with you. I am eager to get to know you. Feel free to call me, email me, or stop by and we can set up a time to go to lunch, talk in my office, or at another location.

The second thing I want to write to you about is a reminder of the new member’s class coming up. The announcement below is the same announcement that has been in the bulletin:

This class will meet for three weeks: February 12, 19 and March 4, Sunday evenings at 6:00. This class is not only for new members, it is also for people who have been attending and are interested in knowing more about our church, denomination and Christianity. You can attend if you have been a member for 50 year or you are not a member at all. This class will teach and discuss:

If you are interested please see me.

Have a great month!

Pastor Steve

Women’s News


February 3 Church Women United

1:00 p.m. St Paul’s Lutheran Church

3295 S Union Ave.

Program: Is God Good All the Time? Linda Meiter


February 7 ABW Ministries

7:00 p.m. Program: Africa - Judy Douglas


February 13 Circle of Concern

1:30 p.m .


Bible Book of the Month

Philemon

Missions

We are faced with adjusting some of our budget this year since the amount is less than last year. It is always hard to decide how to adjust because all of the organizations do good things and need all the help we can give them. This year we face the task of cutting $ 1,273 from last year. We will still give to the two missionaries, food pantry, sister church, united missions, and Neighborhood Ministries. The board will have to reevaluate where our other monthly gifts will go. As always, we will accept additional funds.

Sno Bowl : The annual Sno Bowl sponsored by Neighborhood Ministries will be held Feb. 19th from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at Mahoning Valley Lanes in Youngstown. Each bowler needs to get sponsors, prizes are awarded at the end of the afternoon, food will be furnished by GEMS during the Sno Bowl for a donation. The food donations go to help GEMS and the money from the bowling will go for the after school program at Neighborhood Ministries. I will announce Sunday who will be bowling from our church so you can be sure and sponsor them.

Blankets: Feb. is always blanket month. It is the month of Love and our theme is Blanket the World with Love. Mary Walter is doing an extra special bulletin board this year so be sure and check it out. In 2011 blankets were not only sent overseas, but were sent to 22 of our states in the U.S. Over 10,000 blankets were sent to the states who were affected by Hurricane Irene, the tornadoes in Missouri, the spring floods in Georgia, as well as migrant workers, the homeless, and many others too numerous to mention. So this month when you are in your nice warm homes snuggled under a warm blanket, remember to give to buy blankets for others who are not as fortunate. $5.00 will buy one blanket, but why not buy more? Last year we collected $481; let’s go over that amount this year.

Bake Sale: The mission board will have a bake sale February. 19th during coffee time. Bring baked goods to sell and then buy someone else’s to take home. The proceeds will go to help with the mission work in Alliance June 18 through the 22.


CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS


Your council met on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, and board representatives shared their activities and plans. Please review their individual board minutes for specific actions. Each board has elected their Chair:

Child Care – Deb Carter

Christian Education – Marty Daniels

Diaconate – Faye Hollaway

Evangelism – Kathee Bungard

Missions – Judy Douglas

Trustees - Don Carter

Worship – Janet Wise

These names will be posted on the Narthex Bulletin Board. This will indicate for each of you the “Who do I contact about…” .

It was noted that the first meeting of the Constitution Revision committee will be January 29, 2012, following Sunday School. Updates on this process will be provided in The Chimes.

Faye Hollaway reviewed the “Kitchen Rules”. These are posted in the kitchen and all were reminded that used towels and dishcloths are to be taken home washed and returned, counters cleaned and any leftover food/drink must be labeled and dated.

Discussion was held on the rest of the content from last year’s planning conference. Last fall a review of the section on a “Life of Worship” was held with ideas, input and planning for enhancing our worship service. The other two sections, Life of Love and Life of Service will be the focus of a gathering on Sunday, March 11, 2012, to review the ideas from last year’s meeting and then brainstorm and prioritize. Please put this on your calendar. We need as many people as possible so we can share, discuss, and plan.

We also discussed ideas for a more active outreach plan including ideas on marketing, surveys, card mailers, and other ways to more actively achieve our mission.

As always, Church Council is a wonderful meeting of your board chairpersons who share, discuss and seek to organize our church activities in order to best serve our living Lord. The meetings are open to the congregation. If you would like to see your church leaders in action, we meet the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Serving Him and you, David Daniels, Moderator

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The Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of our secretary, Doris Miller, effective February 29, 2012. Doris has served us faithfully for 18 years. If you would like to contribute to a retirement gift for Doris, please see Sarah Seacrist or Mary Alice Gwynne by February 19, 2012.

There is an opening for the Church Secretary position (part-time @ 20 hrs/wk). Please submit a letter of intent and a resume with references to Pastor Steve by February 15, 2012.



DINNER TIME!

Support the Kids!

On Saturday, February 11, the First Baptist Child Care Center will sponsor a Spaghetti Dinner to benefit the Child Care Center. Dinner will be available from 4:30 until 7 pm. Join us in Fellowship Hall or plan to do carryout – both are available! Tickets will be $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children 4-11. Under three eat free!