THE WITNESS
of First Baptist Church, Malden
Editor: S. Jacobson August 2012 Volume XXXVI Number 6 _______________________________________________________
Everything Is Possible with God!
That was the theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School. Each day we looked at a different context in which we can trust God:
No matter who you are ... No matter how you feel ... No matter what people do ... No matter what happens ... No matter where you are ... TRUST GOD!
Participants sang new songs and learned motions for many of the songs, studied a Bible story, watched a video, and enjoyed a craft, snack and imaginative activities to reinforce the daily lesson. The daily offering went to Housing Families to help provide back-to-school supplies for children in that program.
Thank you to all the children who attended, as well as the teens and adults who provided leadership for another creative, fun and educational week. Special thanks to Sharon Jacobson for organizing and coordinating this year’s VBS.
Read the Story. Experience the Bible.
That is the theme of the new study the Tuesday Bible Study group will begin on September 11. Participants will be using The Story - a collection of carefully selected verses from the Bible that are organized chronologically from Genesis to Revelation. Condensed into 31 chapters, The Story sweeps the reader into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events. The stories, poems, and teachings of the Bible read like a novel. And like any good story, The Story is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance, and redemption - and this story's true! The goal of this study is to help participants understand God’s story and how their stories intersect with it. (adapted from the book’s website: www.thestory.com)
New participants are always welcome to attend. Those who regularly attend have already received their copy of the book. New participants may pick up a copy at the first session.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
THANK YOU
... to the following who volunteered at the Feeding Ministry on Friday July 20: Bob Clarkson, Richard & Doreen Freeman, Irving Greenblatt, Delphine Haldane, Jim & Betty Hickey, Chuck & Cindy Huddy, Steve Lacey, Joseph W. Mercuri, Mae Upperman and Pastor Martha Dominy. Thanks also to Jim Hickey for the doing the shopping and preparing the salads.
... to all of the Vacation Bible School children and adults who gave offering to support the Housing Families Backpack Drive. A total of $92.65 was collected and will be given to Housing Families to buy backpacks and school supplies for children in their program.
Andy Nowak and family gratefully thank everyone for your prayers. Andy is recovering well. May the Lord continue to heal him.
The family of Jose M. Lantin, Sr. Sends their heartfelt “Thank You” to our church family for every act of comfort and support.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
Carol Acres
Lucille Berry
Katherine Horton
Lantin and Nowak Families
Dr. George Tooze
SYMPATHY
... to the Lantin and Nowak families on the death of Jose Lantin Sr. on July 30. Jose had been an active member of our congregation for 21 years. A funeral service was held at the church on August 4.
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Gifts to the Feeding Ministry in memory of Jose Lantin, Sr. has been received from Mona Hatch and Linda Mercurio.
Gifts to the Church in memory of Jose Lantin, Sr. have been received from: Noreen Jacobson, Judy Dean, Mae Upperman, Joseph Riordan, Dorothy Umlah, Debra Umlah-Smith, Claire Stevens, Pat and Sid Wright
SANCTUARY CHOIR
The Sanctuary Choir will return from Summer Vacation on Sunday, September 9, 2012. If you are interested in joining the choir, rehearsal is at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday morning. Please speak to Richard Freeman, Director or Marilyn Glover, Organist with any questions you may have.
COMING IN THE FALL
“OLDE TYME HOLIDAY FAIRE”
The ABWomen of First Baptist are moving along with plans for an “Olde Tyme Holiday Faire” to be held in November. It has been several years since the last fair was held and we are looking forward to a very exciting and wonderful time for all. Several tables will be offered and there is sure to be something of interest for everyone. This will be a great time to get started on holiday shopping.
“HAPPY HOLIDAYS” --- Many Harvest, Thanksgiving and Christmas items including ornaments, wreaths of all kinds and decorations for the holidays.
Irene Hofmann
“CREATIVE CRAFTS” --- Hand-made knitted and crocheted items, kitchen things, hand-decorated wreaths and baskets, pillows and aprons and much more.
Susan Bowdridge
“GIFTS GALORE” --- Many new and like new items suitable for gift-giving. Something for everyone on your list.
Marilyn Glover
“JAZZY JEWELS” --- A wide array of beautiful jewelry of all kinds.
Virginia Williams
“SPECIAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES” --- All kinds of really interesting items where real treasures may be found.
Judy Dean
“BOOK BONANZA” --- Great hard cover and paperback novels at bargain prices.
Cindy Huddy
“THE OLD COUNTRY STORE” --- Delicious food of all kinds including baked goods, jams, relishes, candy and cheese.
Claire Stevens
“THE DONUT SHOP” --- Have a cup of coffee and a donut while shopping.
“THE LUNCH STOP” --- Take a break from shopping, rest and enjoy some delicious soup, sandwiches, desserts and beverages.
If anyone would like to help or donate items, please be in touch with the person listed on each table. Please watch the Witness in coming months for more information as plans for the fair continue.
MYSTIC VALLEY ELDER SERVICES
Use Your Expertise To Help Children Read!
Start the new school year off right by helping children in all Malden public schools who need extra help with reading! Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is looking for volunteers for its Reading Partners Program. Designed to boost confidence and improve reading skills, the program pairs adults age 55 and over with children in grades K-3. Training starts in September so please call Lauren Reid, or Ken Neal at 781-324-7705 today! Combine the wisdom of age with the energy of youth and become a Reading Partner!
Medicare’s Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7
Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment (October 15- December7) is an opportunity to enroll in or change your Medicare coverage for 2013. State-certified SHINE (Medicare) Counselors can help you understand your plan, as well as other options you may have. As always, Open Enrollment is a very busy time so it isn’t too soon to schedule your appointment for a free counseling session with a SHINE counselor.
If you are a member of a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will be receiving information in the mail in September about changes to your current plan. Be sure to save this information and bring it, along with your prescription drug list and your Medicare card to your SHINE appointment. Call your local Senior Center or Council on Aging soon to make an appointment during Open Enrollment. You may also call the SHINE Regional Office at Mystic Valley Elder Services in Malden at 781-324-7705 x 164.
HOUSING FAMILIES
The following excerpt are from letters sent to First Baptist Malden from Housing Families Inc:
Dear First Baptist Church Members,
On behalf of housing Families Inc. I would like to thank you for your generous contribution to our Annual Backpack Drive for homeless and at-risk children and youth. We are so grateful for your kindness and on going dedicated support.
Item(s) donated: Backpacks, School Supplies and Cash Donation
Donor’s estimated value $85 cash donation , $500 Backpacks and Supplies
It is your gracious support that enables us to continue our work to strengthen low-income families, increase their self-sufficiency, and help them secure and sustain permanent affordable housing. With your help, we can continue to build and expand our important programs and better serve the families in our shared community who need it the most.
Sincerely,
Jim Goebebecker, CEO
Dear Vacation Bible School Participants,
...I would like to thank you for your generous contribution of $92.65 to purchase school supplies for local children and youth in need as part of our Annual Backpack Drive!
At Housing Families, we are committed to providing exceptional supportive services and high quality housing for families facing the trauma of homelessness. All families in our transitional shelters, stabilization and eviction-prevention programs receive individualized, intensive case management, life skills instruction , housing search, mental health counseling services, and other assistance in overcoming barriers to securing and maintaining permanent housing.
Sincerely,
Jim Goebebecker, CEO
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND
A MEMORIAL CONCERT OBSERVING
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF ROBERT K. LOVE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2012 at 4 P.M.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
493 MAIN STREET, MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
Participants
Organists: Eric Anderson, Rosalind Mohnsen, and Marilyn Glover
The First Baptist and Immaculate Conception Choirs
The Robert K. Love Choral Art Alumni
The Malden High School Choral Art Society
A freewill offering will be received
Refreshments will be served following the concert
AB Women’s Ministries Fall Meeting
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Saturday: September 22, 2012
at the First Baptist Church
13 Common St.
Natick, MA
Mission and Service Ministries:
“It’s a Small World after All in the Potter’s Hand”
~ Isaiah 6:8
Register Me to Attend!
Name________________________ Address ___________________________________
City/State__________ Zip___________ Phone ________________Cell _______________
Email__________________________________________ Church____________________________________
Name_______________________ Address ___________________________________
City/State________ Zip___________ Phone __________________Cell _______________
Email__________________________________________ Church____________________________________
Registration Deadline: September 15, 2012
Please notify Sharon Keyes, Assistant Treasurer/Registrar, of any food restrictions.
Conference Registration Rates:
Number Cost Each Type Description
$18 AB Woman Registration includes programming, snacks during registration, and lunch.
$10 AB Girl Registration includes AB GIRLS programming with Heather Dunn, snacks during registration, and lunch.
$ TOTAL Amount Enclosed
check payable to: AB Women’s Ministries of MA
Some scholarships are available from the Friendship Fund for those who qualify. Contact Sharon Keyes, Assistant Treasurer/Registrar, to apply.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Summer is almost over ...
and it’s time to get back to school!
Join us for
RALLY DAY!!!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
10:30 a.m.
Registration for Sunday School!
Parents please come and register your child
and enjoy a light snack and some juice.
BREAD OF LIFE
Bread of Life 20th Annual Walk for Bread and 5K Fun Run
Sunday, September 30, 2012 12:00 p.m. Registration
1:00 p.m. Start - Pine Banks Park, Melrose
This event benefits Bread of Life to help feed the hungry and homeless in Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Wakefield, Reading, Winchester and Saugus. Come enjoy healthy snacks and drinks, live music, face painting and balloons, bring your kids, bring the dogm enjoy the day! For more information, or to donate a pledge online, go to www.thebreadoflifeonline.org and click on the “Donate” button or call Gabriella at Gread of Life, 781-397-0404.
CHURCH OFFICE
Rev. Martha A. Dominy Pastor
Marilyn Glover Organist
Sharon Jacobson Secretary
Richard Freeman Bookkeeper, Choir Director
Kevin Quinn Maintenance
Phone: (781) 324-2745
Fax: (781) 324-9495
E-mail: fbcmalden@verizon.net
www.fbcmalden.org
http://theonlinewitness.blogspot.com
Church Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9 :00 - 4:00
