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Central Baptist Church of Westerly, 16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891 The Good Word Carrying News of God’s Work into the Community and World September 2018 Volume 11 Issue 9 CHURCH MEETINGS September 5 7:00 PM Board of Missions September 17 4:00 PM Board of Trustees September 18 7:15 PM Board of Deacons September 19 5:30 PM Board of Christian Ed September 24 7:00 PM Church Council HOW TO CONTACT US Church Office: e-mail [email protected] Telephone :[401] 596-4929 Newsletter submissions: e-mail [email protected] Pastor : e-mail [email protected] Website: http://www.cbcwesterly.org To see the newsletter in color, visit our website Worship With Us At Central Baptist Fall Hours resume on September 9 Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School 10:30 AM Fellowship Hour 11:45 AM All Hands On Deck We have been serving the Lord in various ways this summer. From cooking up meals at the WARM Shelter and at church, to doing some landscaping, to the simple work of serving on Boards, we have been busy. Thank you to all who have taken time out of their summer to help.

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Page 1: Central Baptist Church of Westerly, 16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI … · 2018-08-30 · Central Baptist Church of Westerly, 16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891 ... They are inviting the

Central Baptist Church of Westerly, 16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891

The Good Word

Carrying News of God’s Work into the Community and World September 2018 Volume 11 Issue 9

CHURCH MEETINGS

September 5 7:00 PM Board of Missions

September 17 4:00 PM Board of Trustees

September 18 7:15 PM Board of Deacons

September 19 5:30 PM Board of Christian Ed

September 24 7:00 PM Church Council

HOW TO CONTACT US

Church Office: e-mail [email protected]

Telephone :[401] 596-4929

Newsletter submissions: e-mail [email protected] Pastor : e-mail [email protected]

Website: http://www.cbcwesterly.org

To see the newsletter in color, visit our website

Worship With Us At Central Baptist

Fall Hours resume on September 9

Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM

Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

10:30 AM Fellowship Hour

11:45 AM

All Hands On Deck We have been serving the Lord in various ways this summer. From cooking up meals at the WARM Shelter and at church, to doing some landscaping, to the simple work of serving on Boards, we have been busy. Thank you to all

who have taken time out of their summer to help.

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Central Baptist Church of Westerly

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Dr. Cal Lord, Jr., Pastor Lynn Dowding, Music Director

Cindy Capizzano, Administrator Paul Arnold, Custodian

Ray Deptulski, Jr., Custodian

Church Office Hours Monday—Friday , 9:00 AM—1:00 PM

NEWSLETTER TEAM

Suzanne Vanaman

Dot Marra Cindy Capizzano

and A host of other contributors

Page 2

Newsletter Deadline Articles for The Good Word,

are due the 15th of the month.

Please submit articles as a WORD document if possible.

e-mail all articles to: Suzanne Vanaman

[email protected]

NEEDLEWORKERS

First and Third Monday 9:30 AM

Come join us.

All women interested in any type of needlework, please

join us for fun and fellowship.

Men’s Breakfast September 1

Fellowship Hall 8:00 AM

ALL MEN INVITED

Nancy Balentine’s home 35 Spruce Street

Westerly, RI

All Church Pot Luck Supper Wednesday, September 5, 5:45 PM

Last Name A - C Vegetable D - G Salad H - L Main Dish M - Z Dessert

Bring a dish to share

Wednesday, October 3, 5:45 PM

Last Name A - C Dessert D - G Vegetable H - L Salad M - Z Main Dish

Celebration and Recognition of our First Responders Sunday, September 30

Join us as we come together as part of the community to thank those who serve with the police, fire and EMT departments in the region. Blessing the fleet 4:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church Procession to Christ Church, 4:50 PM Service of Thanksgiving at 5 PM featuring a message by Pastor Cal

Reception for all 6:00 p.m.

Join us as we resume our Fall Schedule on Sunday, September 9, with Rally Day Worship and our "Back to Church Barbecue." Adult Sunday School classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship and Children's Sunday School will return to the 10:30 a.m. hour. We will have a few fun surprises during worship as we introduce our Sunday School staff and send the kids off to Junior Church and their classes. The pastor will also begin a brand new sermon series titled, "Getting to Know This Awesome God of Ours!

The all church barbecue will follow worship in the back yard and it will include a dunk tank, a bounce house, games for the kids and adults. We will provide the burgers and cold drinks. You can provide salads (macaroni, potato, beans, fruit and garden etc.) Make sure to invite a friend, a neighbor and your grandchildren.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

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Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 3

PasTor Cal’s Corner Dear Friends,

I hope you have had as much fun this summer as I have. While it has been busy at church, I’ve still found plenty of time to catch up with old friends, relax and even got out to Detroit with Lori to enjoy a few Tiger games.

Among the highlights of my summer vacation was catching up with Pastor Ronnie Short and his family, meeting a long lost cousin, Laura, for the first time, spending time with Dave, an old high school friend, who showed up for worship, presiding over Scott and Tiffani’s wedding and winning my first real trophy with the Mustang.

It was all good but I can’t wait till we get back to our regular routine after Labor Day. We kick off the fall with Rally Day and Back to Church Sunday, 10:30 a.m., September 9th. It is going to be a great day! I hope you will join us. After church we will have our “All Church Barbecue.” It makes for a great occasion to invite a friend. We will have food, drink and lots of fun activities including a dunk tank and bounce house.

I am also very excited about an addition to our Men’s Breakfast series. With the theme, “Community, Faith and Service” as our focus, we will be having a guest speaker at our monthly breakfasts. We kick it off with Stonington Police Chief Darren Stewart. Chief Stewart grew up in our church and he is a man of deep faith and conviction. All men are invited to join us at 8:00 a.m. on September 1st. We promise you will still be out and on your way by 9:00 a.m.

On Friday, September 7th the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center will be honoring Rev. Josh McClure. He has served as their President for many years. I am honored to be the keynote speaker for the occasion. The event will be at the Mystic Marriot and tickets are $100 per person.

On Sunday, September 30th we will honor our First Responders again with a special program that will begin here at 4:30 p.m. with prayers and a blessing of the fleet and continue at Christ Church with a worship celebration at 5:00 p.m. Again I am honored to have been chosen to be the keynote speaker for this event as we honor these brave men and women and their families.

I want to thank Judy Lathrop and her crew for putting together a Men’s Appreciation Banquet for Saturday, September 15th. They are inviting the men to enjoy a delightful evening with sons, grandsons, and friends. Please sign up at church or call the office so we can get an accurate count.

Finally, I’d like to invite everyone to find some way to serve the Lord this fall. You can do it though the church or out in the community. As it says in Colossians 3:23-24; “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Be blessed! Cal

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The Book of Isaiah

This 12-week study will survey the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is one of the most significant books of the Old Testament. To the Jews, Isaiah was the greatest of the prophets. Isaiah ministered to the southern kingdom of Judah from around 740-690 B.C. Isaiah is especially significant for his revelation of God. He reveals a mighty God who acts in history, both in Israel and in the nations of the world. In his vision of the Messiah to come, the “Suffering Servant,” he clarifies our understanding of the New Testament’s statements regarding Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. Isaiah also writes of his powerful visions of the culmination of history, of God’s judgment and restoration of mankind and the physical world. The study begins on September 9, at 9:00 A.M., third-floor classroom. All are invited! No previous Bible study experience is needed. Led by Gary Engler.

The Wisdom Books

The Parlor Class will be exploring the main ideas and unique perspectives in three of the Old Testament wisdom books: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. The book of Proverbs is a guidebook for living wisely and well in God’s world. The book of Ecclesiastes is a reflection on the paradox of life, the inescapability of death, and learning to enjoy life even though we cannot control it. Job recounts the story of a righteous man's suffering and his dialogue with God. All you will need is your Bible. This is a 6 week study led by Meredith Eckel in the parlor.

Central Baptist Church of Westerly

Sunday School begins again . . . Seek and you shall find! You have been chosen for an elite mission should you choose to accept it! Mission 1: Come to Sunday School on Sunday, September 9th at 10:30 am! Mission 2: Learn something new about Jesus! Mission 3: Get through the web without touching the wire on your way to class! Mission 4: Find your envelope labeled "top secret" to see what surprises are inside! Is Jesus really God's son? Evidence: An eyewitness report, Matthew 3:13-17 and John 1:29-36 Be sure to come to Sunday School and follow the footsteps. Then climb your way through the web. Look for clues. Seek the truth. Then look for your top secret envelope. Enjoy some special treats too. Sunday School is for kids from preschool through grade 8. It takes place during the worship service. Don't miss out!

ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

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Central Baptist Church of Westerly

Top Ten Reasons to Join the Choir

1. Friends! You will no longer be able to complain, "Church is so impersonal-- I don't know anyone there.” You will make new friends in short order. 2. Psalm 100 will come to life for you as you make a joyful noise unto the Lord. 3. Intellectual stimulation - when you make music, you are using both sides of your brain simultaneously. 4. Serving the Lord - considering all He does for us, it's just a little giving back to Him. 5. Serving others - the congregation really loves it when the choir leads the singing. 6. Every once in a while, you might catch a glimpse of heaven's choir singing along with you. I'm not kidding.

7. You never know - your pastor and music director might decide to take the choir to Mel's Downtown Creamery for ice cream. It could happen. It's right down the street. 8. Choir parties - they're fun! 9. You will be setting a good example for all the children and teenagers. 10. Romance possibilities - that's how Pastor Cal and his wife, Lori, spent time together when they first started dating. Join us on Thursday nights

at 7:00 p.m. starting

September 6th in

Fellowship Hall.

Why Sunday School is Important

I have a great deal of respect for my dad who taught me at an early age that Sunday School was important. From as far back as I can remember, all the way through high school, I went to Sunday School. Even when I attended college, I continued to participate in Sunday School as my schedule allowed. My dad believed it was important for my younger brother and me to know Jesus, to understand the Bible and to learn what it meant to be a Christian. I learned that church was a fun place to be and I made friends there. It would soon become a central and important part of my life.

I wonder what my life would have been like if I never went to Sunday School or if my dad didn't care about my spiritual growth and development. I'm sure it would have been different. What we study in Sunday School is a preparation for life. It equips us for our life's journey. Read the letter of Jude! The point of the letter is clear. The world is filled with those whose goal is to teach us false truths that will undermine our core values. People will tell you that the church's faith and values aren't important. But we know better. The Bible tells us so. Sunday School is the academy of faith. It is the place where our children learn to trust in God's love. This is the arena for teaching values to our children that they can apply to healthy living, honesty, care for others and justice. Over and over again we teach our children to respect each other, to love their neighbors and to hold onto their faith even if they are picked on because of

it. What they learn in Sunday School from the heroes of our faith; Abraham, Moses, Ruth, David and others, help build character and instill integrity into their lives. They will carry these gifts with them well into their life's journey. So make it a point to bring your kids to Sunday School when we start up again on Sunday, September 9. It is a gift that they will thank you for when they are older. While you are at worship, they will be having fun, making friends and learning about the love of God. Pastor Cal

10:30 AM

Page 5

10:30 AM

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Central Baptist Church of Westerly

Page 6

July 2018

Actuals

July 2018

YTD Plan

Annual Plan

Total Income 24,674.36 26,880.16 319,112.00

Total Expense 22,299.34 24,107.71 318,359.00

Net Planned Income/Loss 22,375.02 2,772.45 753.00

Jan—July 2018

175,758.66

179,080.43

(3,321.77)

YTD Plan

176,022.27

188,853.20

(12,830.93)

Treasurer’s Report

Board of Trustees

Fritz Eckel, Chairman Board of Trustees

The Trustees add their thanks to the congregation of Central Baptist Church for its continued generous support for this year’s spending plan. The following are some of the giving statistics you may find interesting. This year there were: 32 increased pledges 39 pledges that remained the same 5 decreases 9 new pledges 8 fewer pledges. There were 9 who didn’t pledge but give regularly. In the upcoming stewardship campaign we hope there will be a continued increase in giving. More information to come.

Our Vacation Bible School program was a great success in July, supported by many generous donations. For the month, our income was less than planned, but so were our expenses. As a result, we ended the month with a net income of more than two thousand. Our year-to-date position is also still strong. We are nearly ten thousand ahead of our goal at mid-year. Thank you for your continuing generous support!

For your convenience, here are a couple easy online giving options. For no cost, add CBC to your bank’s Bill Payment site and the bank will print and mail your check to the church. For online giving, visit cbcwesterly.org/donations or scan this code on your phone to access CBC’s online giving app, to give from either your bank account or a debit/credit card. The app uses the same security as bank web sites, so your personal information is secure. Also, it allows you to schedule your donations in advance, so ‘once and it’s done’! Please take a look and see how online giving can make giving easier for you!

We appreciate your continued support of God’s work at CBC.

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Board of Missions

Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 7

MISSIONARY UPDATE— Marilyn Raatz Supported Missionary of Central Baptist Church American Baptist International Ministries* Africa Email: [email protected] Birthday: March 5 Language Used in Ministry: English. In November of 2016, the Rev. Dr. Doug Scalise, Lead Pastor of Cape Cod’s Brewster Baptist Church, stated that it was a historic moment for the church as Marilyn Raatz was commissioned as a missionary. “As far as I know, over the more-than-190-year history of the congregation, this is the first time our very own missionary has been commissioned.” Marilyn’s ministry relies heavily on the grace of God. She assists IM partners throughout Africa to promote peace and justice. She offers conflict transformation workshops, practical skills training and healthy organizational coaching for churches and civil society organizations experiencing conflict. First called to Africa in 2007, she continues to encourage personal and community commitment to Psalm 85:10, “Mercy and truth have met; justice and peace have kissed.” Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Marilyn teaches at Cape Town Baptist Seminary, a ministry of the Baptist Union of Southern Africa. She prepares future Christian leaders in peacemaking, spiritual formation, restorative justice, trauma awareness and response, and other topics. Marilyn has obtained a Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation from the Center for Justice & Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University and intensive training at the Center for Nonviolent Communication in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is also trained in Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR). Please continue to pray for Marilyn as she follows God’s leading. *International Ministries, also known as the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, works cross-culturally to invite people to become disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim, through both word and deed, God’s reign of justice, peace and abundant life for all creation. Jean Smith

Board of Deacons

Deacon Board Members: 2018-19 Karen Boeniger, Philip Bryan, Gary Engler, Jonathan Gibson, Paul Johnson, Vicky Keane, Geri Maloney, and Skip Terwilliger The Board of Deacons met in July to elect new officers and appoint deacons to areas of ministry. Officers and assignments for the 2018-19 church year include: Chair Skip Terwilliger Lay Assistants Geri Maloney, Karen Boeniger Vice-Chair Philip Bryan Hospitality Jonathan Gibson Treasurer Jonathan Gibson Fellowship Hour Skip Terwilliger Assist. Treasurer Vicky Keane Newsletter Gary Engler Secretary Karen Boeniger Avondale Chapel Representative Gary Engler A decision was made to change the meeting night of the Board from Wednesday evening to the third Tuesday of the month, starting at 7 P.M. The Board would like to thank the congregation for their continued support of the Deacons’ Fellowship Fund. This support enables the Board to reach out to meet the physical needs of church members and our neighbors in the community. Thanks again! Gary Engler

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Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 8

Speak to Brian Gerbutavich if you have questions

regarding Central Baptist’s participation in this project.

Planning Ahead for the Christmas Bazaar 1. We are looking for your help with items for the CBC Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon. Our vintage table will showcase linens and small antiques. Donations of linens can be given to Katy Burnside at any time. Antiques and glassware can be brought to the church in late November. 2. The Needleworkers have received two very generous donations of yarn. Even though we

plan to sell yarn at the bazaar, we are looking for a few who knit or crochet to make items we can offer for sale such as hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, children’s sweaters, etc. We have the yarn, we have needles, we just need your talent. Talk to Dot Marra if you are willing to help.

AVONDALE CHAPEL Please join us for the final service of the summer at Avondale Chapel at 8:00 AM on September 2. Rev. Julia Fuller of Weekapaug Chapel will be serving as Pastor, Lynn Dowding as organist and David DeAngelis Jr. and David J. DeAngelis will provide the special music.

We have begun our Operation Christmas Child collection efforts for this year. Check the Sunday Bulletin for the specific items to be collected for this month. There will be a box on the stage in Fellowship Hall for your donations.

It costs $9.00 to ship each shoebox. Please consider a cash donation to cover the shipping cost. A check can be made out to Central Baptist Church with Operation Christmas Child written on the memo line.

Scholarship Committee Announces Recipients of this Year’s Scholarships

Emma Burnside: Sophomore at Baylor University, Texas

Vanessa Bertsch: Junior at URI, Rhode Island

Marissa Day: Freshman at CCRI, Rhode Island

Taylor Day: Senior at Eastern Connecticut State, Connecticut

Leah Hallamore: Sophomore at Keene State University, NH

Cinphany McClure: Freshman at Dean College, Massachusetts

There were a record number of requests for a limited amount of dollars from our scholarship fund this year. We are sorry that we could not fulfill all the requests. For those who didn’t receive a scholarship this year, please apply again next year. We are hoping that our funds will grow through bequests and donations so that we can meet the demands of a growing congregation. Our best wishes to all of our college students. May God bless you in your studies.

In October, we will once again be coming together as a congregation for the World Mission Offering.

This is a time for Awareness, Advocacy and Action to celebrate and support the Ministries that help transform the world. Noreen Gerrish, Mission Board

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Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 9

LIBRARY NEWS

New Addi�ons to the Library

Inspirational Music for Your Heart - Ace Collins The author presents a collection of over eighty adored classics, love songs, and old-time hymns. He takes the reader behind the lyrics and the music to reveal the people, places, and events that brought these songs into being. Reflections on Scripture are included for each entry in the book. Many entries will be familiar to the reader!

Biography Woodlawn - Todd Gerelds The author is the son of legendary Alabama high school football coach, Tandy Geralds. Coach Gerelds was a teacher and coach at Woodlawn High School in racially segregated Birmingham, Alabama during the sixties and seventies. It is a story of how faith and teamwork aided the integration of Birmingham’s school system and the city as a whole. Faith and Football! A revealing look at the importance of high school football in the south during that period and how the gospel was proclaimed in the public schools within the football programs! The “Coach Geralds Story” was made into the movie Woodlawn.

Church Resource Baker’s Wedding Handbook - Paul Engle, Editor A wedding handbook representing updated traditional and contemporary ceremonies from eleven denominations. Includes suggestions for vows, prayers, candle-lighting, communion, Scripture readings, and music. Included also are services for renewal of vows, remarriages, and the blessing of civil ceremony.

These Books and other recent additions can be found in the Library Corner in Fellowship Hall. Visit the Library located on the Nursery School Hallway – Ground Floor. CD copies of Sunday Worship services are available in the Media Section of the library. Contact the Church office if you would like to receive a copy on a regular basis in the mail.

PLEASE RETURN OR RENEW ALL LIBRARY MATERIALS!

Fall Arrival September is the month I will always remember

My family happily welcomed me as a new member This is the month when summer fun slowly winds down

School bells can be heard ringing around town Summer sales are now offering great low prices

The most serious golfers have corrected their slices It is the time of year when named hurricanes suddenly appear

We will keep an eye on the sky and pray it stays clear September will come and go as it always does

Thank you, God, for watching over each one of us.

Sylvia Pierce

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Central Baptist Church of Westerly

Amazon Smile

When you purchase items from Amazon using Amazon Smile, you can choose a charity you wish to support. We are listed as Central Baptist Church of Westerly. Those of you who shopped with Amazon Smile have earned $240.73 to date for Central Baptist.

Mission Trip Opportunities

We are beginning to look ahead to 2019 and possible mission ventures. Right now we are looking at two possible trips for next year. One possibility is Puerto Rico. A second possibility is going back to Houston to continue the work there with the Fuller Center. We would do pretty much the same thing that we did this year but add a VBS component to it.

A third possibility comes through an invitation from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Groton to go with them to Guatemala. Dale and Debbie Green came here a couple weeks ago to talk about this opportunity. The proposed dates for this trip are January 19—27, 2019. The cost will be about $1,500. That includes airfare, in country transportation, room, and meals. The native people are very friendly and accommodating. In the past, the mission group flew into Guatemala City on Saturday, then traveled to the area where they would be working. On Sunday they met the local people, attended their church service and went sightseeing. Monday through Thursday they worked on site. Friday they went to Antigua to decompress before flying home on Sunday. Speak to Pastor Cal if you have any questions.

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Let’s praise Him with the dance, and let Christ shine through!

Central Baptist Church Dance Ministry will be holding

Christ-centered introductory dance classes, that focus on visualizing Love through dance.

SHINE BRIGHT -youth dance program RISE & SHINE -adult movement classes

For more information, please email, [email protected]

Classes will be open to the community and will run from October-December 2018.

Days and times will be determined from those who are interested and/or sign up at the church.

ATTENTION ALL MEN — SAVE THE DATE SEPTEMBER 15

The women of the church are sponsoring a Men’s Appreciation Dinner in

Fellowship Hall on September 15 at 5:30. All men are invited including theirs sons, grandsons, fathers, uncles, cousins and friends. Please check church bulletins for

further information.

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Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 11

The Perfect Pot — Ourselves by John Macomber Isaiah 64:8—We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

In the devotional for seniors “Miles Ahead,” devotion writer Carol Spargo Pierskalla, needing a subject to talk to seniors about, thought of this story about the old potter trying to please God and to use it as a presentation for the occasion. Seniors of Central Baptist have probably not had an opportunity to know of this story, so I thought it would be good to include in this newsletter as this month’s devotion. I hope you enjoy it. The Perfect Pot—A Parable

The letter said, “We want you to come to our seniors night and talk to us about aging, especially about being productive in retirement.” That didn’t sound too difficult. After all I had written my doctoral dissertation on the subject of retirement adjustment. Naturally, I have quite a bit to say on the subject! But when I sat down to write those things, the speech wouldn’t come out right. And then this old potter entered my heart, and I knew I had to tell his story—because it was really our story. Once upon a time in a country that you’ve never heard of before, there lived a very old potter. In his youth he heard a legend from a passing peddler: if anyone shapes and molds something perfect with his or her own efforts, and then gives it as an offering on God’s altar, that person will please God and have eternal life. “But how will anyone know if it’s perfect or not?” asked the potter. “If it isn’t perfect, then the moment it touches the altar, it will be destroyed. Nothing that isn’t just the way God wants it may touch the altar of God.” Believing what he was told, the goal of the potter’s life from that day on was to please God and therefore have eternal life. Each year he selected the most beautiful pot that he could find among his creations. He wound his way up the long hill to the temple and there offered his pot upon the altar. And each year the beautiful creation slowly developed cracks and fell to pieces on the altar. Undaunted by this failure, the potter went back to his wheel and begin again, praying with each turn of the wheel and each firing of the kiln that this would indeed be the creation that would please God and bring him eternal life. The villagers all knew of his efforts. And they profited greatly from it. His pots were known far and wide for their beauty and utility. No pot of his ever cracked when filled with boiling soup—nor did it look ugly sitting out all day. His creations were prized family treasures, passed on as heirlooms in families and even quarreled over by jealous siblings after a parent’s death. And every year with the regularity of the seasons, the potter toiled yet once more up the long hill to the temple, laying yet another beautiful creation on the altar. And each year he came down a little older, a little more stooped, yet still determined that one day his offering would be pleasing to God. On the day of the offering, the villagers were particularly kind to the potter. He was so patient and good-natured about his annual failures. They loved him for his efforts to please God, and all prayed that he would one day attain his goal. He inspired many of the younger workers to begin making trips to the altar with their creations, and soon the temple was visited many times during the year. Children loved him for his kind smile and willingness to help them make beautiful new creations. The years moved on. The potter’s struggle up the hill took longer and longer each year. His hands, once so agile and strong, could no longer knead the clay and pull it off the center to make a pot. He no longer had beautiful pots to take with him to the temple. So on this morning, the potter struggled up the hill for the last time. He had no pot to offer. This time he was going to ask God why no pot of his had ever pleased God, so that now, in his old age, he was denied eternal life. The potter sensed a difference as he approached the altar. He had never touched the altar itself before, but this time he extended both hands out on the altar hoping to get God’s attention. As his hands rested on the altar, he thought he could feel a hand on his head and a soft voice saying, “I am well pleased!” Those who saw the old potter come down from the temple knew something had happened. His face shone with happiness and joy. He tried to tell people about touching the altar, about the sound of singing, about the voice, but they thought it was just the wandering of an old mind. The old potter is long gone now, but if you visit the village today you will see people struggling up the hill to leave their creations on the altar. All the work done in that village is of the highest quality. No one has yet reported that God accepted a single crafted item as pleasing and perfect. Yet all who struggle up the hill, having nothing but themselves to offer come down the hill with shining faces and ever feel the need to make the trip again.

There are many thoughts in this story that one may reflect upon. Take a few moments of reflection as you read it and absorb the truths contained therein. Each person reading this can do that for him or herself. For myself, two things that enter my thoughts are: 1. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if at Central Baptist, there was an occasional gathering of seniors for the purpose of fellowship, friendship and education. We should look into it! 2. The offering that the old potter presented to God was not accomplished until he touched the altar in presenting to God, himself. The truth here is that he accepts us as we are—imperfections and all. What does God want? Ourselves – the perfect pot – made in his image.

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Just For Kids By Marcia Erskine

Central Baptist Church of Westerly Page 12

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Page 13 Central Baptist Church of Westerly

SMILES AND SO FORTH Humor, Wisdom, Poetry, Quizzes, and So Forth By Dorothy Marra

IN HIS HANDS

We know not what tomorrow brings ...although we plan ahead

For only God alone can know ...the pathway we must tread.

We cannot know the future

...not one minute nor one hour Each circumstance that we must face

...lay only in His power.

It’s vital that we live by faith ...from minute unto minute

And trusting that each step we take ...He’s walking with us in it.

We cannot see the future

...nor the trials we must face But in all things, God’s promised us

...sufficiency of grace.

This alone should give us hope ...whatever be our plans

In knowing that our future lies ...in His sweet, loving hands.

Betty Purser Patten

Didn't You See Him? A True Real Life Miracle

Denise Meyer almost lost her mother and her children on a lake in Wisconsin. When the boat capsized, Meyer lost sight of her two children. God gave her uncommon strength to lift her 2-year-old son Tim out from under the boat. Miraculously, he had found a pocket of air, so the ninety seconds underwater did not drown him. After Meyer's mother found her 4-year-old daughter Emily and everyone was back safely ashore, the grandmother started having a heart attack. "Had the heart attack started when we were in the water, she would surely have drowned," the witness wrote. Even then, God still had another miracle to reveal. When Emily was underwater, she had seen a man no one else had noticed. "Grandma," she exclaimed, "the man under the water! He grabbed my foot and put it in your hand!" Jacobson said this story reminded him of Hebrews 13:2, where Paul urges Christians to be hospitable because some have entertained angels without knowing it. "If God's going to let anybody see them, it's going to be those who still have the faith of children," Jacobson said.

Unscramble the name of each book of the Bible and write it correctly in the blank. Then write the letter from each numbered posi-tion in the corresponding blank at the bottom of the page. You’ll spell a phrase that’s used to describe the word of God. The first one is done for you as an example.

BOOKS OF THE BIBLE PUZZLE

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Central Baptist Church of Westerly

Our Shut Ins

Gertrude Smith

Prayer List

Donna & Carlo Antonino Lennie Ballesteros Frank Bruno, Jr. David DeAngelis June Deptulski

Kelly Engler Jennifer Johnson

Vicky Keane Pam Lord Tim Lynn

Shelia Martel Ken & Lynn McCall

Rev. Joshua & Ida McClure Jane Bowman Miceli

Bill Mitchell Sharon Mitchell Curtis Moussie Thomas O’Kelly Tony Perrone Paul Pierce

Sylvia Pierce Debbie Plante

Ed Schilke Tommy & Marilyn Taylor

Charlene Tops Ellen Turner Reta Turner

Those in Rehabilitation Facilities:

Alice Bliven, Apple Rehab, Watch Hill Ruth Brayman, Apple Rehab, Watch Hill Harriet Schilke, Apple Rehab, Watch Hill

Those in the Military: PFC Jordan Payne LT Evan Caval, Ft. Myers, VA Major Brian Gavitt Tyler Burnside, stationed at Ft. Campbell Staff Sgt. Audrie MacKenzie & her husband, Aaron Woods, Air Force, stationed in Georgia

And all those who serve in our armed forces.

Page 14

Bill-Jim Longo Germaine Whitman Nancy Zembruski

Church Family Sympathy is extended to the families

of:

Happy Anniversary this month to:

Carmon & Carol McPhail Scott & Dale Rahl Carol & Joe Potter

Katy & Steven Burnside Nancy & Jonathan Gibson Meredith & Jim Masucci

September 1 Cynthia Butler 3 Raymond Marra 5 Barbara Higgins Ruth Stewart 7 Sharon Arruda 9 Cheryl Lance Max Bertsch Lori Lord 10 Gilbert Scott 11 Jordan Gerbutavich 14 Serena Bates 15 Rita Harvey 16 Robert Chipperfield Denzell Rodriguez 17 Todd Higgins 21 Florence Young 22 Henry Collings 24 Pat Rhodes 27 Hermina Collings 28 Brandie Gerrish Billie Jo Whipple Sylvia Pierce 29 Ericca Gail 30 Lennie Ballesteros

October 2 Zander Lowe 4 Kristen Lloyd Sarah Edwards 5 Gia DeRota Rick Mann 7 Abi White 12 Debbie Prachniak

My wife Nancy’s Memorial Service on August 11 was absolutely beautiful. I give my sincere thank you to all who made it so memorable —- Pastor Cal, Lynn, Ann, Paul, and all the women who prepared the fantastic collation. Also a big thank you to all my friends and family who attended the service. I give you all my most heartfelt thanks.

Bill Zembruski

A special thank you to the Vacation Bible School team! They make every year more amazing than the last! Thank you to all those who donated supplies, decorations, money, socks for the mission, cooked, baked, setup, cleaned up, took pictures and gave your time and prayers!!

Marie Bertsch

Marissa Bertsch and Kainen Bressette upon the birth of their son, Mason James on Monday, July 16. Mason is the grandson of Marie and Max Bertsch.

——- Tiffani Kaminski and Scott DeAngelis who were married on July 29 in our sanctuary.

——- David and Marcia Erskine upon the birth of their great-granddaughter, Grace Emily Terranova on Monday, August 6. Grace is the daughter of Chris and Amanda Terranova, and granddaughter of Lora Morrone.

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NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID

WESTERLY, RI PERMIT # 67

Central Baptist Church 16 Elm Street

Westerly, RI 02891 Phone [401] 596-4929

[email protected]

We join together to nurture Christ-centered faith, foster

Christ-like maturity, and share Christ’s ministry within our

family, community and world.

Return Service Requested

Check out The Avondale Chapel’s web page:

www.avondalechapel.org

Monthly Newsletter

Avondale Bible Fellowship

The Avondale Bible Fellowship “ABF” will commence its fall schedule with the study of 1 & 2 Corinthians on Thursday, September 13. Coffee and

fellowship – 8:00 – 8:30 A.M., Study – 8:30 – 9:30 A.M. All are invited!