July/August 2007 – Vol. 3, No. 4

Pastor's Moment

Dear Children of God of All Ages,

The Spirit of God is at work in the people of First Baptist Church. Truly, we are blessed. Our intergenerational reading group has begun meeting, and we are enthusiastically sharing and learning from each other. Our Arad Thompson Class celebrated a final regular meeting with a wonderful picnic and reflection time. Our Neighbors Group continues to meet and fellowship. Our Youth Choir recently returned from a hugely successful music and mission trip. And, one of our college students is taking steps to start up a Cherub Choir for our littlest believers.

Indeed, God is at work in people of all ages here in Bangor. We are blessed to be a diverse group, and I am certain that the work of God will continue through many, many more generations here at First Baptist.

May our Lord bless each generation who works for God's love and glory, in our past, our present, and our future. 

With Praise and Joy,

—Pastor Steph

Yes, I Believe!

18 months ago, it was a dream. The youth leaders of the First Baptist Church of Bangor, Maine, looked at their youth choir—then 16 teens strong—and realized God had given them a great gift. FBC’s pastor, choir directors, and youth advisors had numerous connections, and figured they could put together a youth choir tour. It was quite a dream.

But, when God puts a dream in our hearts, God shows us how to make it come true. Thanks to Custom Coach and Limo bus company, and the tremendously accommodating staff of Baptist Camp Lebanon in New Jersey, the tour came together. Hundreds of hours of rehearsal began on a musical entitled “Yes, I Believe.”

“We’ll take collections at our concerts to help pay our tour expenses,” said the adults.

“No way,” said the kids. “We’ll take collections for a mission and raise all our money before we go!”

And so, thanks to family, friends, and the good people of First Baptist, $11,000 was raised. On June 22, 2007, the choir (now 23 teens strong), 7 adults, and many pounds of electrical equipment and instruments were loaded onto a bus for New Jersey.

Over the next 10 days, the choir would sing 8 concerts, witness to hundreds of people, play at the Jersey Shore, paint each others toenails, shop in a 3-story mall, eat amazing food, write in a group journal, worship together, pray together, and provide the hope of Christ in so many ways. They would enjoy ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and a low ropes teambuilding course. They would laugh and cry, get sick and get better, strengthen old friendships and make new friends, and act as true Christian role models everywhere they went.

In the end, the choir raised over $5000.00 for Kupenda for the Children, an organization which rescues and meets the needs of disabled children in the developing world.

It was the experience of a lifetime for all involved. It was a dream come true. Praise God for giving us the courage to dream.

—Pastor Steph

Youth Choir at Presbyterian Church in  New Brunswick, NJ

Performing at Christ Congregation Princeton, NJ

On Sunday, July 15th, during the worship service, the youth choir presented a check of over $5000 to Cynthia Bauer, the founder and President of Kupenda. She told the Children's Story and explained to the chilren of all ages who wer present what the money and the work of Kupneda meant to the disabled children of Africa. For the luck few, it means education and the chance to live normally in their society.

Pastor Steph, Cynthia Bauer  & FBC Youth Choir

Cynthia Bauer accepting check & tour t-shirt  from FBC Youth Choir

Arad Thompson Class

On June 18th, 2007, the Arad Thompson Class gathered at Willie Reid's camp for a final picnic and farewell meeting. It was a nice day weather-wise. The refreshments included watermelon, hot dogs, hamburgers, potato, pasta and jello salads, and stuffed eggs, as well as blueberry cake and cheesecake. Ice tea and soft drinks were available.

We had Ben and his guest Joe, who went fishing. When they caught a fish, Libby took it off the hook for them. Other guests were a nephew of Willie's, Jim, and his wife Susie.

Reminiscing was a question of what programs we'd had which were favorite meeting times during the past year. The bus trip that Libby planned, where we went to the dollar store, counted as one favorite, with the presentation of Jane Pierce's crosses being another one. (Jane attends the United Church of Christ, and she has over 400 styles of crosses. Louine sponsored that one.)

We noted that Evelyn and Faye Clisham didn't come to the dark winter meetings but acted as hosts every May.

We have had a long history of providing the Dorothy Day soup Kitchen's meal on the second Thursday of each month, representing our church. It was first operated and cooked by Pat and Al Ellis with Dorrice Wetzler, but was later carried on by Gerald Pickard and Willie Reid. Now Gerry and Ray Homchuck carry on.

A motion was made and seconded that Evelyn Clisham and Willie Reid were to talk to the Trustees and come up with something fitting to commemorate the Arad Thompson Class to the future members of our church, using some of the money on our Class treasury.

Class members George and Marie McGlauflin and Irene Beadnell are in our prayers. The meeting was adjourned.

--reported by Christine Dyer

Tales from the Tour

At the beginning of our trip, Scott DeLong presented us with a journal. During the next 10 days, everyone wrote down their thoughts, feelings, jokes, quotes and stories. Some random, some with much thought. Here then are some excerpts from that journal.

Fri., June 22 . . . On the bus from Bangor to New Jersey . . .

“So far the ride is going well. We have watched Grease, The Incredibles and Over the Hedge . . . I can’t wait till we get off this bus, into the cabins, and asleep. La La La I Love to Sing!!”

“Being on the bus isn’t much fun (6th hour), but the trip will rock!”

“Well so far this has been a long, but incident-free bus ride. (of course now that I’ve said that, the bus will probably break down) . . . random fact: 400 quarter pounders can be made out of one cow.

Sat., June 23 . . . Parents, the Park and the Presbyterian Church in New Brunswick, NJ . . .

“Today we salute you, Ms. ‘Friends’ Trivia Expert . . .only you know who Joey’s friend’s uncles sister married Phoebes coworker who was Ross’s crush in high school who once gave a burrito to Chandler . . .”

“We’re definitely going to have enough food this week. By the end, I’m sure we’ll be singing: ‘I can’t believe we made it, survived another meal!”

“These 2 days have been awesome . . . I have gotten many minor injuries, most of then from the Frisbee . . . or Dan”

Sun., June 24 . . . Fellowship Baptist in the morning, Christ Congregation in the evening, the mall in between . . .

“take your buses off your shirt”

“There. Now it is a butt short.”

Mon., June 25 . . . Day of rest??? Ropes, Frisbees and v-ball, OH MY! . . .

“I’m a Barbie girlll . . .In a Barbie worllllllld! . . . ha ha, that was hilarious! Girl’s so beat the boys into the ground during the serenade . . . (For the record, the whole thing was Sue’s idea . . .)

“Woo! Caitlin hit a volleyball STRAIGHT!”

Tues., June 26 . . . Camelbeach Waterpark, 91 degrees and humid, air-conditioned sanctuary at Faith United Methodist (Hillary’s birthday) . . .

“Sore throats and solos don’t mix!!!”

“I wonder why the other guys didn’t want us to paint their nails?!?! . . .p.s. I puked today, it was awesome”

Wed., June 27 . . . Thunderstorms in Ridgewood, NJ @ Emmanuel Baptist . . .

“What is today? I think it’s Wednesday . . . I’m not sure who is ahead in the injury/illness department. Adults are giving the kids a run for their money”

“You kids are wonderful to travel with – we are all proud of you. Ryan – I’m sorry I scratched you – singing is a contact sport!”

“It’s dark in here”

“BUGS! Sooo, the girls left the doors to the bathroom open during the day. BIG mistake! It’s now infected with bugs . . . DRAMA!

“Tomorrow is Caitlin’s birthday! We had a great concert tonight and watched Friends the whole way there and back – sorry Matt. By the way . . . there are 5 ⁴ claps. Beach tomorrow – got to sleep”

Thurs., June 28 . . . Beach and the boardwalk (Caitlin’s birthday) . . .

“Heading down to the beach today. Right now I’m perched on the edge of our (the girls) couch, watching the sun lazily rise in the sky. Don’t tell, but it looks like most of us girls when we get up – slowly times 100!!! . . .can anyone tell me why girls go the bathroom in droves?”

“I am a cow, hear me moo; I weigh twice as much as you; and look good on the barbecue”

“I went on a real roller coaster for the first time ever! It was by far the scariest thing I have ever done in my life! I was terrified! But I did it, I faced my fear! . . . but I don’t know if I will do roller coasters much anymore”

“I got sunburned REALLY REALLY BAD and it totally stinks and Ned, Jim and I determined that Jim’s nasal spray smells exactly like Ned’s aloe spray . . .Caitlin has green hair . . . Seth is tired”

Fri., June 29 . . . on the road to Ramapo Reformed . . .

“Crud. It was four claps”

“Oww! Don’t burn your legs! It Hurts! . . . oops we stole a cell phone off the yellow roller coaster, but don’t ask! . . . 4 claps!”

“Confessions of a Ninja Counselor . . . Snore spray does have the same healing qualities as the spray-on aloe . . . I did not make noises outside the girl’s bathroom . . . I will also take responsibility for throwing Jenny’s glasses in the ocean . . . Being an old experienced Ninja, I don’t think West Side Story can truly be appreciated by the younger kids . . . I also forgive Hannah Banana for her ‘Natural’ tattoo”

“You kids are the best!! – Yaki Moto”

“The last day of our tour and I am sad to see it end. The gray sky is fitting. One more concert to go in N.J. then we head home for the finale”

“ . . . be safe, be strong in your beliefs and convictions and remember Jesus loves you – no matter what!”

“Rabbi Paul is the BEST Bus driver EVER!”

Sat., June 30 . . . on the bus from N.J. to Bangor!! . . .

“I’m so glad that the newer people came too, Scott, Katie, Aurelia and Ryan. I still feel like I have so much to learn about you guys, and for the rest of you, I Love You all!”

“funnel cake is better . . . this trip has been so much fun and I’m a little sad that it has to end but tomorrow will be our best performance ever! . . . so yeah, it was really amazing that we’ve raised over $3,000, God is definitely telling us that we can do amazing things!”

“Pizza so good you’ll sell your granny for a slice!” – Three Brother’s Pizza sign

“We’re finally going home! I’m going to sleep forever . . . I will never forget this trip. So many memories . . . Yes, I Believe!”

“Adios amigos, I love all of you . . .”

“We’re almost home. We’re almost home! WE’RE ALMOST HOME! . . . This was spectacular! I’ll remember it forever! . . . and the singing, and the 3,000-odd dollars! WOOHOO!!!!”

“Home! We’re home. I loved the tour. It was amazing!”

“SO WE’RE BACK . . . AWWW YEAH … MMM YESS . . . MMM YESSS … C-COOL ALRIGHT . . . C-COOL ALRIGHT”

“This trip. This Choir. All of You. Amazing!!! . . . God worked through us in ways like I have never experienced! Wow. God is so cool!”

Sun., July 1 . . . back at FBC for the last concert . . .

“. . . we will live so the whole world can see we believe!!”

“5,016.07 raised, 218 hearts changed today and forever!!!”

“God truly sang through you and kept you lifted up and sustained so that things only kept getting better and better”

“I can’t believe we made it! After all we’ve been through these past days . . . it seems like we’ve become a family … God has worked so much through the music, touching hearts along the way. No matter what (or how) you sang or played, God used you. He used us indeed. And therefore we believe.”

Donna Holyoke

On Sunday July 15th, during the worship service, Lee Van Dyne, Jane Ogilvie and the First Baptist Quilting Group presented to Donna Holyoke a quilt in recognition of what she means to our church. The quilt was signed by almost all the members of FBC and many carried a personal message to Donna. Donna, for many years has done so much for the church that it would be difficult, if not impossible to list the many responsibilities she has borne. This was but a symbol of our thanks.

Donna Holyoke, Pastor Steph & Jane Ogilvie with the quilt

Lee Van Dyne & Jane Ogilive holding the quilt

FBC Softball Gears Up for Playoff Run

With one game left in the regular season (July 16 @ 6:20 pm), the FBC softball team stands at an uncharacteristic 5 wins and 8 losses. The good news is they’ve beaten enough of the teams in their division to somehow land in 2nd place. A win in their final game would secure the second seed going into the double-elimination playoffs.

Coming off a 4-2 win against Job Corp. Fellowship, the team knows they’ll need to score more runs in order to stay in the hunt. However, FBC has steadily worked to integrate a host of younger players into their veteran lineup. With the addition of speedy youngsters Matt Taylor & Ryan Bailey along with James Bailey and John Pinkham the team has been able to fly around the bases when the big bats of Nathan Tapley and Stu Bullard start swinging. The loss of Pete Beckford to a broken thumb has hurt the defense but Dave Wright Sr. and son Dave Jr. have shored up the outfield and infield admirably.

With the season coming to a conclusion the fans are starting to show up and cheer. Check out the schedule on the FBC webpage or the Softball league page and come cheer on the orange crush.

FBC Softball Team Roster: Eric Boberg, Stu Bullard, Steven Douglas, Gary Larkin, Dan Livingstone, Ned Salinas, Nathan Tapley, Tim Watts, Mike Watts, Pete Beckford, Ron Russell, Dave Wright Sr., Dave Wright Jr., Matt Taylor, Ryan Bailey, James Bailey, John Pinkham

Belated June Birthdays:

June 26 - Hillary Dubois
June 28 - Caitlin Barrows

Errors? Omissions? Let us know!!

Newsletter Contacts: Any submissions for the newsletter may be delivered to the church office or any member of the Publicity Committee: John Cheney, Pam Levesque or Ned Salinas or emailed to chenauct@aol.com. The deadline for the next Messenger is Sun., August 26.