Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I sit to pen this letter, I have just reviewed a number of photos sent by one of my cousins of my Dad’s

family taken over fifty years ago. I viewed them with amusement and fondness remembering them as I

grew up in the Johnston Union FWB community. The Warrick family was a major part of that church in

those days and I can remember the great singing, teaching and prayers that many of them offered there.

While going through these pictures I had a sense of “home” that seems to be comforting.

The great poet, Robert Frost, once wrote: “Home is the place that when you have to go there, they have to

take you in.” I don’t know about you; but, there have been many times in my life that I needed to go

home…if only in my mind for a few minutes. Home reminds us of things that are right with the world. We

remember good food. We think about the discussions around the dinner table. We chuckle over the

squabbles among siblings. And, we boast of the many times our parents had to “set us straight.” When we

think of home, we don’t often drag up the bad or sad times. Those are things that we want to believe were

aberrations of the perfect childhood.

I suspect that there were no “perfect” childhoods. There was just life. One of my favorite cowboy

movies…and I love them all… is Tombstone. Wyatt Earp is at the bedside of a dying Doc Holliday lamenting

the problems of being a “peacemaker” in the Wild West. Wyatt was telling “Doc” that he had just wanted

to live a “normal” life. Doc responded that there was no “normal life,” there was just life and you live it

the best you can.

Most of us lived life the best that we could, growing up on the farms and in the rural communities of North

Carolina. It was good and comfortable and to us as children, stress-less. But, as adults, we realize now

that the stresses of life are always with us when we are trying to provide for our families, develop careers,

work in our churches and communities, and be good parents. Life can become very complicated and many

of the issues that we face were totally unanticipated as we were entering early adulthood.

So, where do we go when life becomes complicated and we need to go home and home is no longer there?

We can always go to our heavenly Father! He has provided us a heavenly home that we begin to build and

enjoy while here on this earth. I believe that we begin to enjoy heaven as the Holy Spirit comes within us

to dwell. We are able to gain a peace within our heart that certainly passes my understanding and ability.

We can know that Jesus is always there for us. To paraphrase Robert Frost, “God is the Father, to whom

when we need to go, will always be there to take us in.”

Praise God from whom all blessings Flow!

Pastor AlPastor AlPastor AlPastor Al

Good news you can use……..from Micro O.F.W.B. Church

Summ er 2012

Volu me 4, Issue 2 THE

MESSENGER

Page 2 The Messenger

Summer brings us a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Here’s a great recipe for summer

squash.

Easy Cheesy Zucchini and Yellow Squash Bake (Makes 4-6 servings)

2 medium-sized zucchini, sliced 2 medium-sized yellow squash, sliced 2 Tbs. dried basil 2 T thinly sliced green onion 1/2 tsp. dried thyme 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1 cup low-fat Mozzarella cheese, divided 1/2 cup coarsely grated fresh Parmesan salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste Preheat oven to 350F. Spray an 8" x 8" baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. Wash the squash and cut in slices or half-moon slices. Slice green onions. Combine the sliced squash, basil, sliced green onions, dried thyme, garlic powder, half of the mozzarella cheese and all the parmesan cheese and stir together until the veggies are coated with cheese and the herbs are well-distributed. Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Put the mixture in the baking dish and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. When the squash is nearly cooked through, take the casserole dish out of the oven and sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Put the dish back in the oven and bake 10-15 minutes longer, or until the cheese is melted and nicely browned and zucchini is fully cooked. Serve hot.

(This recipe is from KalynsKitchen.com.)

CHURCH CALENDAR FOR THIS QUARTER

June 2 K4C Relay for Life walk

3 Graduation Sunday

13 Group meetings, 7pm (no meal)

16 Hinnant Outreach celebration, 5pm

17 Father’s Day

July 4 Independence Day

8-12 Vacation Bible School, 6-8:30pm

16-21 Youth camp at Cragmont

29 Early Worship, 9am

Aug 8 Group meetings, 7pm (no meal)

Page 3The Messenger

As editor of The Messenger, it is my privilege to dedicate this issue with love and appreciation

to Mrs. Hazel Surles. Miss Hazel will celebrate her 95th

birthday on July 24, and she has been a member of our church

for 75 years! Miss Hazel has graciously agreed to share some of

her thoughts and memories with us.

I first got to know “Miss Hazel” when we moved next to her in

1986. We shared so many special life moments with her in our

20-plus years as neighbors. She rejoiced with us when our

babies were born and cried with us when the pets died. Miss

Hazel always had words of wisdom for us. Sometimes the

words were funny, and other times the words were straight to

the point, depending on the circumstances! But no matter

what, we knew she loved us and truly cared for us.

Miss Hazel has experienced more than her share of life’s

difficulties and tragedies, but yet she has remained faithful to God and has endured with a

strength that is truly remarkable.

She grew up on a small farm outside Micro, and first came to our church after she started

courting Ed Hatcher, who was the church clerk. During the early years, Miss Hazel remembers

that the church was heated in winter with an old pot-bellied stove, and the only relief from the

summer heat came from paper fans. Whenever meals were served, the men would roll out

fence wire between the trees to make tables.

Miss Hazel and Ed were married after she graduated from high school. They were later blessed

with two children, Jeannie and Ronnie. Ed provided for the family while she cared for the

children at home. Their family was active in our church. Miss Hazel was one of the first youth

leaders we had. She remembers the college students that would come to town for youth

revivals and would stay with them and other church members during the summer.

When they had been married almost 20 years, Ed and Hazel decided to build their ‘dream

home’, where Miss Hazel still lives today. Before the house was barely framed up, Ed died from

a sudden heart attack at the age of 40. Miss Hazel, who had never worked outside the home,

was left to raise her family on her own and somehow get her house finished. With the help of

the Lord and the people of our church and community, she was able to get the house completed.

Miss Hazel worked at the local drug store during the day, and was a waitress at night in order to

make ends meet. Even though she struggled financially, her faith in God never wavered. She

says “the church was my refuge”.

A few years later, she married her second husband, Alfred Surles. About this time, one of her

neighbors encouraged her to go to Atlantic Christian College to get her college degree. She

worked hard, and was able to get her four-year degree in only three years! She graduated in

1961. (continued on Page 4)

Page 4 The Messenger

Tragedy struck again, and her son, Ronnie, was killed in a car accident on May 6, 1961 during his

senior year of high school. Once again, Miss Hazel turned to God and her church family, who

was her “refuge”. During this time, she said “I almost lost my faith, but God was able to give

me hope and strength to keep going on”.

She began her teaching career at Brogden School, where she taught for 2 years. She then

worked at Micro School for three years, and later retired from Nahunta School, where she taught

for 16 years.

Miss Hazel always relied on her faith in God and her church family. “When things get so bad, I

give it to God and He takes it and gives me what I always need”, she says. One of her favorite

Bible verses is Isaiah 41:10, which says: ‘Fear not, for I am with you….I will strengthen you…I will

uphold you with my righteous right hand’.

She also has some “words to live by”, which was shared with her years ago by Ms. Sadie Scott:

During happy moments, praise Him; During difficult moments, seek Him;

During quiet moments, worship Him; During painful moments, trust Him;

During every moment, thank Him.

Miss Hazel has seen many lives changed for the better because of our church. When asked if she

had any advice for the younger generations she says: “Always bring your children to church.

Don’t send them….BRING them. Children must be grounded in God so when they leave home

they won’t get lost. Parents need to set the example because the children are looking at you.

Don’t tell them what to do….live your life before them so they will know what to do.”

Miss Hazel has been blessed with two grandsons, four great-grandchildren and four great great-

grandchildren! She has also helped raise a whole community of young people who consider her

their ‘adopted grandmother’, including my own children.

Miss Hazel says she is “not sure” how she wants to be remembered by her family and friends, but

here’s what comes to mind when I think of her. She loves everybody, and always expects the

best of them. She prays for them and wants them to live for the Lord. And, she’s always had a

love for animals, especially a little Cocker Spaniel named Fred!

Although her life has not always been easy, Miss Hazel never lost faith in her church family or in

God. It’s been a real blessing to have her as a neighbor and friend over the years. I pray her

life story is a testimony to you, as it has been for me.

Miss Hazel…….thank you for letting us see God live in you!!

Lynn YoLynn YoLynn YoLynn Youngungungung

Page 5The Messenger

GROUP MEETINGS NEWSGROUP MEETINGS NEWSGROUP MEETINGS NEWSGROUP MEETINGS NEWS

MMAC News by Wyatt Brown

The Micro Men In Action recently held a Wild Beast Feast and auction which was a great success. The

Feast menu consisted of various types of wild game prepared by the group members and auction items

were donated by individuals and local businesses. The Feast netted approximately $7300 which will be

used for benevolence work in the community. All men in the Micro community are welcome to join our

group.

KFC News by Liza Strickland and Linda Finnell

The big thing the Kids 4 Christ have going on right now is the Relay for Life on June 1 and 2. The kids will

walk at 2pm on Saturday. We appreciate all the support everyone has given us.

Circle News by Crissty Scott

We plan on meeting every other Wednesday night, including Family night. We are going to go through

the book, Women of the Bible by Jean E. Syswerda. Anyone may join us in this study. If you would

like to order a copy of the book, please see Cindy Peele. The cost is $14.99 each.

Ladies Auxiliary News by Lou Brown

The Ladies Auxiliary continues to do lots of benevolent work each month. For March, we sponsored

"Undies Sunday" which was very successful in collecting underwear for all ages to be distributed through

the outreach center. In April, we donated money to the "Shake a Leg for Charles" fundraiser. And for

the month of May we collected Baby and Toddler Items for the outreach center. Now for June we are

donating to Relay for Life. Each month we have a devotion/ lesson presented by different members and

we average about 15 members in attendance. This year the "works of the flesh" are the topics for the

auxiliary programs. Elaine Phillips presented the lesson this month (May) called "the Devil Made Me Do

It" and did an excellent job describing the devil and practicing witchcraft. All ladies of the church are

invited and encouraged to attend.

Teen News by Katie & Brooks Moore

Our attendance has averaged about 8 at each of our meetings last quarter. We just finished our coning

project and raised a little over $900, which is a huge dent in what it costs to send kids to camp.

Because it was so successful, we will definitely plan on doing it again next year. We appreciate the

support our church gave us during our fundraiser.

We will have kids going to Cragmont this summer from July 16-21. After that, we will take a short

summer break until we get together again for our annual end-of-summer trip to Lake Gaston.

Page 6 The Messenger

For this issue of The Messenger, we introduce you to one of the

newer couples in our church family, John and Brenda Sadler.

They’ve been with us for several months now, and we are

blessed to have them serve in different ministries of our

church. Thank you, John and Brenda, for sharing your story

with us and for choosing Micro OFWB as your church home!

What led you to visit our church? We had recently moved to the area and were

trying to find a new church home.

What impressed you about our church?

The friendly people, the number of young

people (a growing church), and of course,

preaching God’s word.

Are you currently serving in any of our

church programs?

We both sing in the choir. John teaches

Sunday School, and Brenda works on a card

ministry.

Where do you work?

We are both retired. John retired from the

Navy and Fire Department, and Brenda from

Information Technology.

Tell us about your family

We have six children, 10 grandchildren and

“3.5” great grandkids (one due in

September)!!

Do you have any pets? We have a ferral cat that has adopted us!

What do you enjoy in your free time? John enjoys reading, hunting, fishing and

serves on the Micro Fire Department. Brenda

enjoys all kinds of crafts, especially making

cards.

THE WINNER

A father of five won a toy in a raffle. He

gathered his young children to ask who

should get the present.

“Who’s the most obedient?” Dad asked.

“Who never talks back to Mom”? Who does

everything she says?”

Five small voices answered in unison, “Okay,

Dad, you get the toy.”

Page 7The Messenger

We are proud of our 2012 graduates, Lisa Rabil and Emily Peele!

Emily Peele is the daughter of Mark & Cindy Peele, and is graduating from

North Johnston High School. During her four years, she was very active in

FFA, holding several different offices, as was named chapter President

during her senior year. She also served as Federation Secretary, and as NC

Regional Sentinel. In 2011, she and her Parlimentary Procedure team won

the state title and competed for the national honor as well. She was very

active in livestock judging, and received placement awards each year.

Emily is an active volunteer with the Micro Fire Department, and is also

active in The Burning Bush youth group

Emily will be attending Johnston Community College this fall, with plans to trasnfer to Mount

Olive College for a degree in Criminal Justice. While attending school, she will begin Paramedic

training and her ultimate goal is to become a Public Safety Officer.

Lisa Rabil is a 2012 graduate of Mount Olive College with a bachelors

degree in Management and Organizational Development. She attended MOC

for two years, while working full time at Cummins Atlantic in Kenly as the

Territory Sales Manager for the service department. In her ‘spare’ time,

Lisa takes care of her husband, Brian, and their three children, Natalie, Ella

and Ethan. Getting her four-year degree has been a longtime goal, even

though it was hard work. She credits her family for their love and support,

and the staff of Mount Olive College for making it possible for working

adults to further their education.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE………….

Jesus illustrated the future coming of the Son of Man and his

kingdom: When the _____ tree sprouts leaves, he said, you

know that _____ is near; when various cosmic signs take place,

you’ll know the Son of Man and the kingdom of God are near.

Choose the correct pair of words to fill in the two blanks.

A. pine; winter

B. beech; spring

C. fig; summer

D. olive; autumn

(See page 8 for answer)

Page 8 The Messenger

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLVACATION BIBLE SCHOOLVACATION BIBLE SCHOOLVACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JULY 8 JULY 8 JULY 8 JULY 8 –––– 12121212

Join us for a space adventure as we explore the mission

Jesus has for each of us! Invite your family, neighbors, and friends!

Space Quest adventures begin each night at 6pm with a meal, followed by

Bible study, music, crafts and games.

Find out how you can help! Get in touch with Allyson Flemer, our director.

There are jobs for everyone!

PHOTOS OF OUR LATEST

ACTIVITIES! (left) The Burning Bush youth group ‘double-

coned’ Pastor Al & Debby’s yard during their

Cragmont fundraiser!

(above) The Next Generation kids have a blast at the class cookout!

(left) Check out our new electronic church sign!

Bible Quiz Answer: C

(Read Luke 21: 29-31)

Page 9The Messenger Congratulations to Pastor Warrick

for being selected as the 2012

winner of the P.T. Lucas award!!

The P.T. Lucas award is given annually by the OFWB

Ministerial Association to a pastor who displays

extraordinary pastoral leadership, faithful commitment

to spiritual discipleship, and dedicated pastoral care.

Pastor Al and Debby received this award during the

OFWB convention a few weeks ago. In addition to the

recognition, Pastor Al received a gift of $3,000 to be

used for ministerial purposes. The money was donated

by Dr. Thomas Morris, in memory of his great-

grandfather, Rev. P.T. Lucas. Ironically, Pastor Lucas

was one of the first pastors here at Micro church.

We are so blessed to have Pastor Al and Debby leading

our church!! God bless you both!

Growing in Grace Campaign

Gifts & Pledges through June 1, 2012

$177,620

SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Do you remember how excited we were

the first time our Sunday School

attendance reached 100?

During the second quarter (April, May and

June) we AVERAGED 102 every Sunday! In

fact, during the month of April (with the

exception of 5th Sunday) we averaged over

114!

HINNANT OUTREACH CENTER UPDATE – APRIL 2012

There were 634 meals served this month. 2 new volunteers served. 7 adult Bibles, 9 children’s

Bibles, and 2 Spanish Bibles were given out. Dollar General in Micro donated food items,

Easter chocolates, candies, and cookies. Long-sleeved children’s shirts donated by Dollar

General in Kenly, NC. Three family food boxes were distributed. An area social worker

referred a single mom of four school-age girls to the center. She was given a family box of

food, clothing, toiletries and cleaning supplies. Also, the Next Generation class of Micro FWB

purchased and donated furniture for her and a cookware set. Chuck and Karen Fasalino

donated a double bed to her. The Next Generation class also purchased many food, baby, and

toiletry items for the center.

The adventures begin July 8 – 12. Join us!

Micro F.W.B. Church 104 US Hwy 301104 US Hwy 301104 US Hwy 301104 US Hwy 301

P.O. Box 247P.O. Box 247P.O. Box 247P.O. Box 247

Micro, NC 27555Micro, NC 27555Micro, NC 27555Micro, NC 27555

Phone: 919919919919----284284284284----5441544154415441

919919919919----631631631631----6519651965196519

(Pastor’s cell)(Pastor’s cell)(Pastor’s cell)(Pastor’s cell)

E-Mail: alwarrick@microfwb.orgalwarrick@microfwb.orgalwarrick@microfwb.orgalwarrick@microfwb.org

cindypeele@microfwb.orgcindypeele@microfwb.orgcindypeele@microfwb.orgcindypeele@microfwb.org

lynnyounlynnyounlynnyounlynnyoung@microfwb.orgg@microfwb.orgg@microfwb.orgg@microfwb.org

We’re on the Web!We’re on the Web!We’re on the Web!We’re on the Web!

Visit us at:Visit us at:Visit us at:Visit us at:

www.microfwww.microfwww.microfwww.microfwb.orgwb.orgwb.orgwb.org

Micro Original Free Will Baptist ChurchMicro Original Free Will Baptist ChurchMicro Original Free Will Baptist ChurchMicro Original Free Will Baptist Church

P.O. Box 247P.O. Box 247P.O. Box 247P.O. Box 247

Micro, NC 27555Micro, NC 27555Micro, NC 27555Micro, NC 27555

SERVICE SCHEDULESERVICE SCHEDULESERVICE SCHEDULESERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday SchoolSunday SchoolSunday SchoolSunday School 10:00am10:00am10:00am10:00am

Sunday Morning WorshipSunday Morning WorshipSunday Morning WorshipSunday Morning Worship 11:00am11:00am11:00am11:00am

Wednesday Bible StudyWednesday Bible StudyWednesday Bible StudyWednesday Bible Study