January Newsletter
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it…to prepare God’s people for works
of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach unity in the faith…”
– Ephesians 4:7, 12,13
Hands Across the Neighborhood
In last January’s newsletter, I wrote about an annual theme the Deacons chose for this past year, 2011. The purpose of an annual theme is to give direction and focus to the church’s ministry over the course of a year. The theme becomes a guide for well-established programs and a stimulus for creating new ministry.
In 2011, Eastwood Baptist worked on the theme: Hands Across the Neighborhood
The year included:
- A Series of Sunday morning messages on Becoming an Inviting People
- Hosted the Mission Church Learning Experience training events. Our church participated and the team is currently presenting a project proposal in 2 stages.
- 10-12 participated in the Earth Day Clean Up that included the Midler/James intersection
- Several members started attending the Eastwood Neighborhood Assoc. Meetings
- Don Devito became an active member of the Memorial Committee of the ENA and the committee meets at EBC monthly
- A small crew helped clean up Sheridan Park in preparation for the 9-11 Ceremony with several EBC attenders.
- Pastor worked with a committee to clean up the Rigi St Apartment building, including shrub work with Scout leader Ed White.
- Hosted the James St Methodist men at a winter men’s breakfast with Pastor Roosevelt Baum
- Exchanged worship with James St. Methodist Church on Independence Day & Labor Day weekends.
- Hosted the Community Thanksgiving Service
As we look back, there were many initiatives taken with our existing programs (Example: men’s dinner, worship); as well as new efforts (Example: ENA connections, MCLE). Many of these endeavors will be continuing. It has been a good year and we have learned many things.
But an annual theme is meant to give focus for one year. This is a new year. And an annual theme addresses one aspect of church life, but there are many other areas that can be explored. Our Deacon discussions on a new annual theme have been moving in the direction of a spiritual life theme.
Teach Us to Pray
When our church first met on January 9th, 1927 in the Palace Hall, they closed the service with a decision to continue worshiping. But the first event was to start a Thursday night prayer meeting. In the early church, the disciples and followers were told by Jesus to stay in Jerusalem and they prayed (Acts 1:14). We could learn & practice prayer.
Experiencing God
Over the course of a year, we could try to create a variety of opportunities for the congregation to experience or encounter God. The Gospels are filled with people whose lives were changed because of an encounter with God. Events could include: Small group events, Dramatic depictions, a transforming film, worship events, guests who can lead us in spiritual exercises (labyrinth, spiritual direction,), retreat, prayer events, healing service, trip to Millennium Theatre, Study Richard Foster’s book on spiritual disciplines, trip to Samaritan Center)
Opening God’s Word
Contemporary Christians are continually accused of being biblically illiterate. Over the course of a year, the church could focus on knowing God’s Word in worship, small groups, classes, memorizing scripture, competitions, guest Bible teachers, etc.
Know What You Believe
Spend a year going back to the basics. Offer the Alpha Series of lessons on Christian beliefs, conduct small groups on the historical beliefs of the Christian church, learn what “others” believe, or examine Baptist beliefs.
At the Deacon’s retreat on January 28th, we will be picking a direction. If you have some thoughts, pass them on to one of the Deacons this month.
PASTOR’S SCHEDULE for 2012
In light of the 2012 budget reductions, Pastor Bailey will be teaching more this year at Onondaga Community College. While some changes will not be noticeable (not serving on the Center for New Americans Bd, the Iroquois Assoc.’s Youth Team, or coordinating Eastwood Clergy activities), the most visible changes may include:
- Generally not at church on Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Reduced visitation schedule
In June, the congregation will meet to approve a budget for the second half of 2012. At that time, we will know more about our financial status.
Worship Highlights for January 2012
January 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY
- Agape Meal & Worship in Titus Hall
- Gather around tables to feast on God’s Word and the Lord’s Supper
January 8 SERMON ON THE MOUNT: The Preaching Begins
- Matthew 4:12-25
- Dedication & Recognition of Leaders
- Samaritan Center Trip
January 15 SERMON ON THE MOUNT: Blessings
- Matthew 5:1-5
- Youth Overnight (Fri)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
January 22 SERMON ON THE MOUNT: And More Blessings
- Matthew 5:6-12
January 29 SERMON ON THE MOUNT: Our Church’s Calling
- Matthew 5:13-16
- Annual Meeting Sunday
- Deacon’s Retreat (Saturday AM)
YOUTH SLEEPOVER –
When: January 13th 7 pm, pick up 8 am Jan. 14th. Who: Grades K-12 (5 yr olds need a parent to stay the night). Please bring a snack to share and $1.00 for breakfast.
What to bring: sleeping bag & pillow & games
Location: Titus Hall
COMMISSON ON MISSIONS
Get your new year off to a great start! On Sunday, January 8, 2012, members of Eastwood Baptist Church will prepare, serve, and clean up dinner at the Samaritan Center, 310 Montgomery Street, Syracuse. Most helpers will need to be there by 12:30 and all will be done by 3:00. The volunteers so far include: The Stoddard’s, Gayle Vinette, Bonnie Miner, Ralph Long, Laurie Hadlick and the youth group, Phyllis Bailey, Madeline Kimbrell, and Brenda Mertz. There are many simple jobs to be done, and many hands make light work. You will need to bring hat hairnet to serve food, comfortable shoes, EBC t-shirt if you have one, apron if you would like one. If you would like to join us or need more information, please contact Doris Stoddard at 682-5652.
Those signed up to cook: Ralph Long, Bonnie Miner, Gayle Vinette, Stoddard’s will meet at EBC parking lot at 10:20 and carpool to Samaritan to cut down on number of cars needing to be parked.
ADULT CLASS -JOURNEY THROUGH THE PSALMS
Starting Jan. 8 the Adult Class will explore many types of psalms with a video featuring Pastor Mary Lou’s Old Testament professor. You are invited to share in the discussion or just listen at 9:30 am in the Lounge. Each session is complete in itself.
RMMO (Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering)
THIS YEAR’S THEME – REMEMBER WITH LOVE – GIVE WITH GRATITUDE
During January we will be receiving the RMMO offering. Since the Great Depression of the 1930s, American Baptist congregations have contributed to special offerings to provide financial support to retired ministers and missionaries and their widowed spouses. The Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering was established in 1977 to continue this tradition. The recipients have used this money for everything from medical, dental and prescription expenses to home repairs and groceries. Enclosed please find contribution envelope. Please remember those who have served. Our goal is $1,000. Thanks.
