Tuesday, February 12, 2013


THE WITNESS       of First Baptist Church, Malden
Editor:  S. Jacobson
January 2013 Volume XXXVII  Number 1




Jesus said: “When the Son of Man comes as King, he will say to the righteous people,  ‘I was in need and you helped me.’  The people will then ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you in need and help you?’  And the King will reply, ‘Whenever you did this for one of the least important of my followers, you did it for me.’”  (Matthew 25:31-40 condensed and paraphrased from the Good News Translation)

Show respect for old people and honor them.  Reverently obey me; I am the Lord.  Leviticus 19:32 GNT

Our congregation has an opportunity to follow the commands of Jesus to share the Good News with others and reach out to some who are in need.  I was recently contacted by a local nursing home and asked if we would consider providing a monthly Protestant worship service for the residents. This type of ministry is something I had been pondering for quite a while and I see this as a “yes” answer to my prayers.

When I first joined our church staff many years ago, our congregation provided a service at  a local retirement home.  Since that facility closed, we have not been involved in this type of ministry.  The details of this new venture are still being finalized, but the half to three-quarter hour service will probably be held on a Tuesday afternoon (after Bible study at the church).  

Most services will be designed around a theme.  Volunteers will always be welcome to assist and participate - reading scripture or a poem, providing special music, joining in the group singing, presenting a meditation, or just being part of the”congregation.”  Anyone who would like to participate in this new form of ministry may contact me for more information.

Worship the Lord with joy; come before him with happy songs! Psalm 100:2 GNT
Pastor Martha Dominy




ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP

We will begin the Lenten season again this year with a brief worship service in the Parlor and light lunch in the Kitchen on Ash Wednesday, February 13th, beginning at noon.




CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
THANK YOU 

... to the following who volunteered at the Feeding Ministry on Friday, December 21: Dorothy Berry, Peggy Blum, Bob Clarkson, Launa Cooper, Eleanor Covey, Richard & Doreen Freeman, Marilyn Glover, Irving Greenblatt, Delphine Haldane, Jim & Betty Hickey, Chuck & Cindy Huddy, Joseph W. Mercuri, Mae Upperman and Pastor Martha Dominy. 
Thanks also to Jim Hickey for doing the shopping and to those who baked and donated cakes.

.. to the following who volunteered at the Feeding Ministry on Friday, January 18:  Peggy Blum, Bob Clarkson, Launa Cooper, Richard & Doreen Freeman, Irving Greenblatt, Delphine Haldane, Jim & Betty Hickey, Chuck & Cindy Huddy,  Mae Upperman and Pastor Martha Dominy. Thanks also to Jim Hickey for doing the shopping and to those who baked and donated cakes.

... to those who helped take down and put away the Christmas decorations after Bible study on January 8 and worship on January 20.


SYMPATHY

... to the family and friends of Beryl Cookson, who passed away on January 6 at the age of 97.  Beryl was baptized at our church in 1938, served as a deacon, and was an active member until health issues limited her participation.  A funeral service was held at the Weir MacCuish Funeral Home on January 10.




DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES

Classes for youth and adults interested in baptism and/or church membership will be held during Lent.  A service of Believer’s Baptism is scheduled for Easter Sunday, March 31.  Please speak with Pastor Dominy if you are interested in baptism or church membership.



MEMORIAL GIFT

A Christmas gift to the Deacon’s Fund in memeory of Doris Porter has been received from The Singing Angels.



PRAYER CONCERNS

Please keep the following people in your prayers: 
Lucille Berry
Richard Freeman,
Barbara Tolstrup 
Dr. George Tooze




FOOD FAIR

The Annual Habitat International Food Fair will be held on Saturday, February 2 at First Church in Swampscott.  from 11 am - 2 pm.  Again this year, our Board of Christian Mission will be hosting a table with Korean food.  Rev. Paul Yoo and his family from Global Ark Baptist Church (the Korean church that meets in at our church on Sunday afternoons) will also be providing some of the food for our table.  Plan to attend and enjoy food from around the world and support the ministry of Habitat for Humanity.



RMMO

The Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering is a tangible way for American Baptists to say “Thank you for …” the commitment, service and spiritual guidance of retired ministers, missionaries and their widowed spouses.  The offering supports those who have devoted 15 or more years of their lives to God’s service by providing emergency assistance in times of need and a thank you check at the end of each year. Two grateful recipients write:
“My husband and I appreciate so very much the help you gave us.  We were able  to pay our car insurance, so now I am free to drive.  I don’t know how many of us need your help, but I am sure we are not the only ones to feel so grateful.” —Retired Minister in FL

“At our age, there seem to be more and more dental and medical emergencies.  These unexpected expenses can really put a drain on our resources.  Thank you for your generous support.  It is encouraging to know that we have a place to turn when these unexpected financial situations arise.”  —Retired minister in VT





Souper Bowl of Caring
    February 3 & 10

On February 3rd millions of people all over the world will tune in to the Super Bowl football game.  There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship.  At the same time, there will be people worrying about clothing their families, looking for shelter and hoping for a warm meal.  We will join with churches and other organizations around the country that day to demonstrate God’s love by loving our neighbors through a different kind of bowl, the Souper Bowl of Caring.  

It’s a simple, yet significant act of caring for others. Members of our Mission Board will hold soup pots at the parlor and kitchen doors after worship to collect money for those who are hungry and hurting.  In recent years, over 13,000 groups have participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring, generating over $10 million.  Our church will donate our entire Souper Bowl collection to Bread of Life.  Please support us in this effort to “love our neighbors” by dropping your dollar (or more) in the soup pot as you leave worship that day.  (We will also have soup pots available for donations on February 10th, before we enjoy a soup lunch and hold our annual business meeting.)       [Adapted from materials found at www.souperbowl.org]  




CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS


In Memory Of Given By


Roy E. Umlah             Dorothy Umlah and Family
Daniel, Magdalene and Samuel Ndiwane     Abraham Ndiwane and Family
My Dad, Robert C. Dings     Cathy Marino
Rev. Robert Haldane Jr.      Delphine Haldane
Reuben and Leona Goodwin      Hilton & Louise Bowdridge and Family
Ralph “Pete” and Lillian Knight      Hilton & Louise Bowdridge and Family
George Bowdridge and Esther Lennick      Hilton & Louise Bowdridge and Family
Ethel and John Goldrick      Joan Risteen
Lillian and Pete Knight      Joan Risteen
Frank Wanko              Joan Risteen
Richard Risteen              His grandchildren Brandon, Britney, Abrie, Kailey and Tyler
Loved Ones      Mark and Dottye Foxon
James F. Blatchford      Jim, Beth, Emily, Elizabeth and Lillian
Louis Catucci              Marilyn Glover
Pasquale Catucci              Marilyn Glover
Melvin and Margaret Glover      Linda and Marilyn Glover
Walter Sandberg
and Mr & Mrs Frank Buchanan      Beverly Sandberg
Our Parents              Richard and Doreen Freeman
W. Eric Quinn Mom, Kevin, Mike & Sarah, Kris & Kristen and Frank & Nicky and Families
Marian and Gustave Bergstrom Daughter Karen Quinn and Family




LOVE GIFT

In response to a large financial deficit by our national denomination during the depression years, the women of the churches were asked to assume the responsibility of raising money to help meet the deficit.  Even though few women worked and money was scarce, even for necessities, the women accepted the challenge.  

Today, Love Gift money is used to assist in the total program of the American Baptist Churches including international and national mission work, educational materials, regional activities, and the work of American Baptist Men and American Baptist Women, and others.  
If you would like to give a $5.00 “LOVE GIFT” in memory or in honor of a loved one please fill out the form below.  


In Memory of:__________________________________________________________

In Honor of:____________________________________________________________

Given by:______________________________________________________________


In Memory of:__________________________________________________________

In Honor of:____________________________________________________________

Given by:______________________________________________________________


In Memory of:__________________________________________________________

In Honor of:____________________________________________________________

Given by:______________________________________________________________

The church office must received all gifts by February 12th to be included in the honor roll that will be printed in the bulletin on February 17th. Please make checks payable to “First Baptist Church of Malden.”



The 209th Annual Meeting
of the First Baptist Church of Malden

will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2013 

following the worship service

A light lunch will be provided prior to the meeting

All Annual Reports are due in the church office on or before Wednesday, January 23, 2013 








CHURCH OFFICE

Rev. Martha A. Dominy Pastor
Marilyn Glover Organist
Sharon Jacobson Secretary
Richard Freeman   Bookkeeper, Choir Director

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

SHOW FAITH IN GOD IN ALL WE DO

THE WITNESS       of First Baptist Church, Malden
Editor:  S. Jacobson November 2012
Volume XXXVI  number 8




How to Respond in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy:
“STAY - PAY - PRAY”

Most of us reading this article were only mildly affected by Hurricane Sandy, but millions of others were dramatically impacted.  Witnessing the results of such devastation, we may wish to respond in some way.  There have already been numerous national fundraising events, and we have an opportunity to support the American Baptist Churches’ response to the devastation through special gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering (OGHS).  Below is information from our American Baptist Home Mission Society (our denominational agency that oversees response to natural disasters in the United States) and the Rev. Steve Youd, Director of Missions & Stewardship for the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts:

A protocol known as "STAY-PAY-PRAY" has been established to respond to this emergency and we are encouraged to follow these guidelines:

STAY stands for "stay put." Even though we may wish to personally respond by offering our help, we are encouraged not to at this time.  Work teams may be appropriate at a later date.

PAY reflects the way we can be most helpful in the current moment. Many of those affected need financial support to cover essentials.  This can be done through the OGHS.  Two reasons to contribute this way are: (1) 100% of what we give goes directly to the disaster; 0% goes to administrative costs. (The administrative costs are covered through other means.) (2) They have a stellar reputation for responding QUICKLY with relief (it was anticipated that checks would begin being issued four days after the storm.)

PRAY reflects how persons affected by the storm want us to continually support them: by going to the One who gives power, grace, stamina, peace and wisdom in the midst of any storm.  Pray that homeowners, companies, churches and contractors will make decisions that will be honoring to God and HELPFUL to people. At times like these, there can often be predators who take advantage of vulnerable human beings. Pray that this time things will be different. 
(The above information was adapted from an email received from Rev. Steve Youd of TABCOM)

If you would like to make a financial contribution for Hurricane Sandy relief through the One Great Hour of Sharing, please make your check payable to “First Baptist Church, Malden” and note for “Hurricane Sandy”.  To date we have received $150.

Pastor Martha Dominy

SHOW FAITH IN GOD IN ALL WE DO





CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

THANK YOU 
... to the following who volunteered at the Feeding Ministry on Friday, October 19:
Carmela Beattie, Peggy Blum, Bob Clarkson, Richard & Doreen Freeman, Irving Greenblatt, Delphine Haldane, Jim & Betty Hickey, Chuck & Cindy Huddy, Lisa Jacobson, Joseph W. Mercuri, Mae Upperman; Max, Naomi and Selena Vilcapoma; and Pastor Martha Dominy. Thanks also to Jim Hickey for the doing the shopping and to those who baked and donated cakes. 



LIFE'S TREASURES!?

A SPECIAL EVENT 
TOOK PLACE AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MALDEN 
ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH.  

ALL PARISHIONERS (MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD) 
WERE PRESENTED WITH THEIR OWN  
“GOLD NUGGET”.




WORLD MISSION OFFERING

Thanks to all who have given to the World Mission Offering.  To date $619 has been received towards out goal of $800 with $109.12 designated for Tibet.  



PRAYER CONCERNS
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
Lucille Berry
Noreen Jacobson
Barbara Tolstrup
Dr. George Tooze


MEMORIAL GIFTS

Gifts to the Feeding Ministry in memory of James Johnston have been received from
 Claire Stevens and Mae Upperman.  

SYMPATHY

Our sympathy is extended to the Szmyt and Catucci Families on the passing of Pasquale (Lino) Catuucci (Louie Catucci’s son).



WORK DAY

Saturday, November 10
8 a.m. - 12 noon
Projects are planned for both inside and out  

ATTENTION

On Sunday, November 11th the worship service and Sunday School will begin at 10:00 a.m.  





SAVE THE DATE!!!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2012
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

“THE OLDE TYME HOLIDAY FAIRE”


The date is set and plans for the fair are well underway.  There will be lots of great items for sale and delicious food to purchase and eat, so be sure to put the date on your calendar!

Below is a list of the tables and items needed.  It takes many people to have a successful fair and it would be greatly appreciated to have donations to help us out.  If anyone would like to help contribute to any of the tables please call the contact people listed below.  Some of the things needed for each table are included.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS:   Pine cones (all sizes), small baskets, Christmas ornaments in good condition, any other Christmas decorations in good clean shape. Irene Hofmann

CREATIVE CRAFTS:   Handmade items of any kind other than Christmas. Susan Bowdridge

GIFTS GALORE:   Any new or like-new items suitable for gift-giving, especially things for men. Marilyn Glover

JAZZY JEWELS:   New or like-new jewelry in good clean condition.  Small jewelry boxes and display racks.   Virginia Williams

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES:   Antique and collectible items in good clean condition.  Older china & silver pieces, vintage linens, old pictures.  Judy Dean or Barbara Tolstrup

BOOK BONANZA:   Hard cover and paperbake books and novels.  No textbooks or magazines. Cindy Huddy

COUNTRY STORE:   All kinds of baked goods, jams, jellies, relishes.  Bags of wrapped Christmas candy.  Claire Stevens

THE DONUT SHOP   Will have coffee and donuts available for early morning shoppers.

THE LUNCH STOP   Will offer delicious soup, sandwiches, dessert and beverages.  Donations of cash or gift cards to help purchase food items would be appreciated.   Sharon Jacobson






THANKSGIVING IN-GATHERING 
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2012


This year at our Thanksgiving Sunday morning worship service, we will be helping Housing Families Inc. with the food from our Ingathering.  They will be making baskets for many families and will need anything that would be served at a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  Suggested donations are turkeys, vegetables, pies (ready to  serve), nuts, fruits, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, etc.   This is an opportunity to share with others in our community as we observe a day of thanks to God for his many blessings.  






HANGING OF THE GREENS
Sunday, December 2
after worship

Please join with friends and church family members as we decorate the church for the Christmas season.  The Social Committee will provide a light lunch after the worship service.  Children and the young at heart will have the opportunity to create some ornaments for the tree in Judson Chapel with the help of the Board of Christian Education.  












OVERSEAS WHITE CROSS REQUEST

This year our Overseas White Cross request is $275 if you would like to help 
please send your gift to or speak to Sharon Jacobson.






AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN
of FIRST BAPTIST MALDEN

will host their
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA
on

Saturday, December 8, 2012
2:00 p.m.




All women and girls of the church are invited to attend the Christmas tea 
which will be held in our church parlor.    

This annual social is a wonderful time to gather with our sisters in Christ
 and celebrate the birth of our Lord.  

A short musical program is planned.  







The 69th Annual 

Festival of Carols

Sunday, December 9, 2012
at 5:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Malden
corner of Main and Salem Streets


Choral Conductor:
Richard Freeman

Organist/Accompanist:
Rosalind Mohnsen

Parking can be found on the street and
Ferry Street lot.

For more information please contact 
Richard Freeman at 781-324-4521






CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

Sunday, December 23, is Christmas Sunday ~ if you would like to order a RED poinsettia please send this order form with your check (payable to Boy Scout Troop 603) to the church office.

ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY
Sunday, December 9th
NO ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE

I would like to order _________ RED Poinsettias at $15.00 to be given:


      IN MEMORY OF or HONOR OF: BY:

__________________________________       _______________________

__________________________________     _______________________

__________________________________          _______________________

__________________________________          _______________________



Payment enclosed $_______________

I will pick up________________      

Please give to a shut-in_____________________










OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP LOCAL SENIORS


Give a little bit of time to provide nourishment to local seniors who need it.


Food Pantry Volunteers help at-risk people secure the food they need. The free nutritious food contributes to the health, wellbeing, and safe independence of elders living in Everett, Malden, Melrose, and Wakefield. Volunteers unload boxes of donated food, staff food distribution tables, and greet and assist participants at the monthly events.

Senior Dining Site Volunteers serve warm meals, warm smiles, and warm conversation. Meal site volunteers work as part of a team that contributes to the safe independence of elders living in the community by helping them access nutritious and balanced food and opportunities for socialization. They set tables, manage reservations, assist with some food prep, serving, and cleanup, as well as insure that visitors find a warm and friendly atmosphere at any of Mystic Valley Elder Services’ sites throughout Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Wakefield, Stoneham, Reading, and North Reading.

Contact Lauren Reid at Mystic Valley Elder Services at (781)388-2382 to get started at a Food Pantry or Senior Dining Site.








CHURCH OFFICE

Rev. Martha A. Dominy Pastor
Marilyn Glover Organist
Sharon Jacobson Secretary
Richard Freeman   Bookkeeper, Choir Director

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

SHOW FAITH IN GOD IN ALL WE DO