From The Pastor’s Blog

May 2016 | Monthly Newsletter of Selma First Baptist Church

M A RK Y OUR C A LEN DA R

SELMA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

PERMIT # 68

SELMA CA 93662

Selma First Baptist Church 2025 Grant Street

Selma, CA 93662

559-896-5842 www.selmafirstbaptist.org

facebook.com/SelmaFBC

Senior Pastor:

Student Ministry:

Senior Adult Ministry:

Children’s Ministry:

Facilities Ministry:

Office Ministry:

Pastor Seth Pankratz

Pastor Luke Chow

Danay Niles

Pastor Greg Parker

Delfina Vazquez

Karri Smith

Carrie King

Cathy Christensen

5.5-5.7

Raisin Festival Food Booth

5.8

Mother’s Day

5.13

JOY Ministries Game Night

5.19

Servant Board Meeting

5.21

BBNBTL Block Party

5.27-5.29

Family Camp

Office Hours:

T-TH 8:30am-2:30pm

SELMA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Who Is My Neighbor?

In Luke 10, a famous interaction between Jesus and a lawyer is recorded:

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Continued on page 2…

Mission of Selma First Baptist Church:

“To help make disciples of Jesus Christ, who love God and love others in our community, region, and

world.”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

The lawyer’s question (“who is my neighbor”) was a veiled attempt to create a distinction—arguing that some people are neighbors and others are not, and that one’s responsibility is only to love God’s people. Jesus, however, did not allow distinctions to be made when it comes to choosing the recipients of our care and affections.

The passage says that “when he [the Samaritan] saw him, he had pity on him,” the Greek word used here for pity (splanchnizomai) is a very vivid word. It comes from a word that refers to the intestines, or bowels. It sounds gross, but it is the cultural equivalent of you or I saying we have a “gut feeling.” A gut feeling is one that comes from the deepest part of who we are. The Samaritan saw the pitiful man lying in agony beside the road and his heart churned within him so that he could not pass by without helping. That’s the way compassion affects us. It stirs us; it troubles us, it keeps us awake at night until we do something.

Let me point out some basic lessons concerning compassion.

First, compassion is based on need (not perceived value).

Our compassion is to be driven, not by the “perceived worth or value” of the recipient but by the need. Notably, the man is left anonymous. He could have been anyone. The lawyer, himself had more than likely taken the road to Jericho many times. Everyone feared suffering this man’s fate. Jesus just says, “A certain man…” Today we would probably just say, “Some guy…”

His ethnicity doesn't matter. His net worth doesn't matter. His ability or in-ability to repay or say thank you doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that this man has a great need.

Second, compassion is emotive.

When that Samaritan looked at that suffering man lying half-dead by the side of the road, something happened in his gut; something that made it impossible for him to walk away. He didn’t decide to help this guy on the basis of how worthy or valuable he was. He helped him because a need moved him.

Third, compassion is sacrificial.

The Samaritan didn’t just have an emotional experience and go about his day. His care for his newly discovered neighbor was very active, tender, conscientious, thorough, and sacrificial. His compassion toward the unknown victim was extraordinary!

Continued on pg. 4….

IN THIS ISSUE…

Adult Ministry

page 4

Birthdays &

Anniversaries page 7

Calendar

page 8

Children’s Ministry page 6

From the Pastor’s Blog pages 1, 2 & 4

Giving & Attendance page 3

Letters page 7

Serving this Month

page 3

Student Ministry page 5

From the Pastor’s Blog Continued from pg. 1...

May 2016 Page 2

4-3-16 4-10-16 4-17-16 4-24-16

Offering/Tithing/Missions $5,562.55 $7,766.30 $2,542.00 $5,979.32

Benevolence Fund $202.00

Designated Funds $179.00 $1,839.77 $126.42 $594.81

Building Expansion fund $4,450.00 $1,590.00 $1,275.00 $240.00

SERVING THIS MONTH

GIVING AND ATTENDANCE

APRIL 3, 2016: 165 APRIL10, 2016: 208

APRIL 17, 2016: 167 APRIL 24 , 2016: 168

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. ‘Test me in this,’ says the LORD

Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not

Worship Service

WEEKLY BUDGET OBLIGATION (Includes Missions): $6,681.00

Serving May 1st Nursery - Kristi Pankratz & Kiley Reetz Toddler/Preschool - Clarissa Cole & Caitlyn Larkin K-6th Grade - Jamie Wenter, Jeremiah Escobedo, Elva Gonzalez Computer Check In - Dan Sparks Greeters - Cecil & Judy Eslick Serving May 8th Nursery - Dimple Rasmussen & Darlene Wilbanks Toddler/Preschool - Tom & Katie Chandler K-6th Grade - Chris Smith, Jo Murray, Debbie Lopez, Elva Gonzalez Computer Check In - Dan Sparks Greeters - The Roger’s Family

Serving May 15th Nursery - Russ & Janet Mitchell Toddler/Preschool - Christina Stephens & Sarah Mitchell K-6th Grade - Jamie Wenter, Jeremiah Escobedo, Angel Vazquez Computer Check In - Dan Sparks Greeters - The Bianchi Family Serving May 22nd Nursery - Leola Keiser & Wealthy Grilione Toddler/Preschool - Judee Howard & Caitlyn Larkin K-6th Grade - Chris Smith, Jo Murray, Debbie Lopez Computer Check In - Dan Sparks Greeters - Mark & Laurie O’Brien

May 2016 Page 3

FROM THIS CORNER

As of May 1st, we are two thirds of the way to fulfilling our goal of raising $600,000 in pledges and donations toward the purchase of the Selma Enterprise building!

Serving May 29th Nursery - Tom & Katie Chandler Toddler/Preschool - Christina Stephens & Sarah Mitchell K-6th Grade - Delfina Vazquez, Jeremiah Escobedo, Angel Vazquez Computer Check In - Dan Sparks Greeters - Frances Harrington & Nikki White

Adult

May 2016 Page 4

If you would like to give to Selma FBC electronically, you can do so through our website, or by scanning the QR code to the left.

From Pastor Greg

Hello Fellow Seniors,

For the month of May we are having a Game Night where great laughter and fellowship will abound! We are moving the date from Friday May 20th to Friday May 13th at 6 pm.

I hope this doesn’t cause too much trouble because like the great hymn says, “Flex and obey, because there is no other way!” Eat early then bring desserts and finger food to snack on during the games. Bring your favorite game to the Fellowship Hall for a night of fun and laughs. Fun and friends are always better than TV, so bring a friend. Here’s a thought, invite one of your 8 to 15 people!

Greg Parker

Family Camp

Now is the time to sign up for Family Camp at Sugar Pine Christian Camps. This will be a fun-filled retreat for your mind, body and soul. We will be hiking, playing, eating, singing, worshiping and spending time with church family.

What better way to spend Memorial Day weekend? Sign up in the back of the sanctuary and reserve your spot. The cost is $300/family or $80/

person. This is a steal at today’s camp costs. If you would like to come up for the day, the cost is $20. Come up and breath the fresh mountain air! May 27-29. See Tiffanie Harrell or Luke Chow if you have questions.

VBS Registration help needed!

This year I am again heading up registration for VBS. I believe we have been able to make this process easier this year but it will take more volunteers. I am in need of 10

people who can be available at 5:00 pm on the first day of VBS (Monday, June 20.) You will receive instructions on how to

easily register children in their age group, fill out name tags and send them to their

From The Pastor’s Blog

Continued from page 2…

While the lawyer wants to know if he can be a neighbor

to a select few, Jesus tells him through the Samaritan’s

example, “Let the neighbor be you.” Rather than

worrying if someone else is a neighbor, Jesus tells us to

be a neighbor to those who have need. By reversing the

perspective Jesus changes both the question and the

answer. He makes the issue no longer one of assessing

other people, but of being a certain kind of person… a

God-loving person.

As Christians, our compassion towards people is a direct

reflection of our love for God (1John 3:16-18; James

1:15-17).

It is difficult to walk or drive through our town without

recognizing spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. The

question is whether or not these needs will stir us to

compassionate action. Perhaps there are even people

you walk by each and every day that look good on the

outside, but are actually dying an emotional, physical, or

spiritual death on the inside. There are several

tremendous opportunities we have to be compassionate

neighbors.

Each of us has an immediate opportunity to participate in

our church-wide effort to be intentional about

recognizing, praying for, loving, and inviting the people

in our circle of influence (our “8-to-15”) to join us in

following Jesus. Will you be intentional about being a

neighbor to those people God intentionally places in your

path?

As a church-wide expression of our neighborly

compassion, we also regularly participate in outreach

events such as our neighborhood block parties. Thank

you to those who sacrificially served over one-thousand

people in our community earlier this month!

Another opportunity to be a neighbor is through our VBS

(Vacation Bible School). This year’s VBS is June 20-24.

Give to Selma First Baptist

May 2016 Page 5

Hi Church Family!

As the month of May approaches, the student ministry is

beginning its final push for the end of the school year. I’m

pleased to report that our BreakAway Spring Break Mission Trip

was a huge hit! We had the privilege of partnering with several

local organizations, and all of them contributed to our

theological education:

Peoples Church hosted us and provided lodging, food, and

chapel services.

The Fresno Police Department taught us about crime and

brokenness in the city of Fresno, and provided us with a police

escort as we made contact with prostitutes who were possibly

human trafficking victims.

The Senior Citizens Village gave our students an opportunity

to connect with their residents and learn from them.

The Central Valley Justice Coalition provided us with

information regarding human trafficking, specifically in Fresno.

Olmos Elementary School granted us a chance to spend time

with at-risk kids.

The Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries gave us

a chance to serve the Southeast Asian refuge population.

Selma Community Outreach Ministry provided us an opportunity

to serve the homeless here in Selma.

4/20/16

It was a fun, educational, difficult, and rewarding week. Thanks

so much to everyone who participated and financed this

opportunity for our students.

We will be finishing up our Send Me series this evening, and

starting May 4th we will begin our final series of the semester on

Spiritual Gifts. This coming Wednesday, April 27th, will be our

Ultimate Olympic Nite,

which is an outreach

event planned by our

PASTOR LUKE CHOW AND DANAY NILES

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful

servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I

will put you in charge of many things. Come and

share your master’s happiness!”

May 2016 Page 6

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

VBS is around the corner!

Please mark your calendars/phones for VBS meetings every Sunday from 9:00-9:45 am. Join us as we work together and iron out the details for the 2016 “Back to Jerusalem” Vacation Bible School. We need people in every area: Registration, Snacks, Crafts, Storytime, Recreation, Group Leaders, Group Helpers, Nursery Attendants, Toddler Department, Gofers, Hospitality etc. This is a church-wide outreach and we want our entire church community to get involved and experience the blessing of reaching out to the children of Selma, Ca. There will be sign-up at the back of the sanctuary so please find the area you want to volunteer and sign up. Every volunteer will need to fill out a volunteer validation this year so please talk to Delfina or come into the church office to fill one out. We will also be ordering volunteer shirts so we can be easily seen and be able to point new families in the right direction. Order your shirt at the back tables and use the envelopes for the $10. We won’t be ordering shirts for the children this year. Sign your children up for VBS today on our website. www.selmafirstbaptist.org

American Red Cross Day

On April 3rd 2016, the American Red Cross came out and

How far can God’s arm reach?

On April 10, 2016 during Children’s Church, our kids were had the opportunity to speak to the Williams family all the way in France via Skype. The Williams family is in partnership with Baptist Community of the Congo at the Pastoral Institute of Kikongo. Katrina & Kyle Williams have a family of four children: Ian, Adison, Elijah & Abraham. In September 2016 they will be sent to Congo as missionaries. Our Selma First Baptist children will be sponsoring the Williams family kids. After discussing this with our kids, they decided that the Children’s Church offering on every 4th Sunday would go to the William’s children. We also discussed having a fundraiser dinner on a Wednesday night that the kids would help with. I will be talking with our dedicated teachers about a date for the fundraiser and will notify you all ASAP. Please help SFBC kids make this a successful fundraiser for the Williams children and be in prayer for their family as they make the big move to a new country and begin their ministry.

Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back

To Life

I would like to thank all of the Selma First Baptist Church members who came out to help with the Kid’s Zone set-up for the Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life Event on April 9th. It was so exciting to see so many of you and our youth help make this the best event ever! The event was a success for the Glory of our Lord and Savior. As you all know, it rained all night and in the early morning it was still going. I received many texts to ask if we were cancelling. With faith before us we pressed on and at 8:00 am the rain stopped. We had the most beautiful day. Over 1000 people showed up and the day was full of blessing. As you all know, we were the hosting church and I am so excited to report to you that we spent under $100 for the entire event from our budget ;-)

Summer Schedule

May 2016 Page 7

1 - Luke Chow, Kennette Tuttrup Melanie Ramirez, Bridget Harrell 2 - Heather Escobedo, Silas Chandler 3 - Daniel Givens 4 - Judith Eslick 5 - Sharon Cruff 7 - Lisa Coigny, Jan Knutson Tanner Givens 8 - Ir is McKay, Trent Viau Syrah Beltran 10 - Alex Stedle 14 - Laura Chandler 16 - Krist i Pankratz, Adam Ornelas 18 - Jeanette Derr, Ethan Wenter Adam Howard 19 - Jason Dietmeyer 21 - David Dobrinin, Linda Wise 22 - Janet Self , Hailey Acosta 23 - Kenneth Stoen, Sydney Stoen 24 - Bonnie Brooks, Kris Colvin 25 - Libby Green, Paul Green 27 - Esther Silva, Sydney Harrel l 28 - Gabriel Coigny, Kailey Emmersen 30 - El i jah Escobedo 31 - Dolores Nimmo

Birthdays in May

CHURCH FAMILY

CELEBRATIONS

Anniversaries in May

4 - Phi l l ip & Amanda Mariscal 7 - Vern & Shirley Hughes

10 - Charles & Mary Davison 16 - Daniel & Tasha Givens

29 - Curtis & Dimple Rasmussen 30 - Tom & Katie Chandler

Letters

Friends at SFBC,

Thank you for continuing to give to

Young Life, even as you pursue the

Enterprise Building. Your generosity and

kingdom vision are a blessing not only to

us, but to the community at large. Good

things are happening in Selma and you are

a part of that!

Travis Feaver

A Letter from Paul

First of all, then, I urge that supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings

be made for all people- for kings and all

who are in high positions, that we may

lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly

and dignified in every way. This is good,

and it is pleasing in the sight of God our

Savior, who desires all people to be saved

and to come to the knowledge of the

truth. For there is one God, and there is

one mediator between God and men, the

man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a

ransom for all, which is the testimony

given at the proper time. For this I was

appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am

telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher

of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

1 Timothy 2:1-7

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