December 2005 – Vol. 1, No. 2

Pastor's Paragraphs

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!'  — Luke 2: 13-14

I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of the way and let them have it. 
 —Dwight D. Eisenhower

Peace.

When Ned and I were designing our photo Christmas cards this year, choosing the family picture was pretty easy. We found a picture taken of the four of us at the "terrapin rescue station" in southern New Jersey.

Deciding what the card should say took more discussion. There were Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year cards. There were card designs for Hanukah and Kwanza. There were Happy Holiday cards as well. So many choices!

Then, we found a few cards that just said "Peace on Earth." Or, like the card we finally selected, just "Peace."

Peace. Shalom. 

I guess that's really my Christmas wish for all of us this year. Peace in our country, our world, our churches, and our homes. Peace in our hearts and our minds.

That is God's promise to us, in sending the baby Jesus-that we might find new ways to live out our lives in peace, and that we might experience that peace in our own souls, so that we can truly receive the baby Jesus anew this season.

And so, this Christmas, your pastor wishes you all the goodness of God in one word.

Peace,

Pastor Steph

Contest Winners

Magnificent Seven!

After 8 weeks of spirited competition, seven families came out on top during the Sunday School Christmas Tree Contest. Families earned points by having 50 percent or more of family members present during Sunday School. Bonus points were earned when the entire family was present, when teachers were present during assembly, and for bringing visitors. Congratulation to the following families: Dearing,Douglas, Livingstone, Bullard, Cobb, Salinas, and Cassidy. A big thank you to Bob and Dottie Frank for the contest idea and donating the trees.

What's in a Name?

Congratulations to Eric Boberg for submitting the winning entry in the “Name That Newsletter” contest. His winning entry now graces the front page. Eric received a DVD of the China Lake youth musical, A.D.

FOCUS: The Arad Thompson Group

The Arad Thompson Group is an informal fellowship group for older adults, and have a wonderful history with First Baptist Church. The group took their name from the late Honorable Arad Thompson, a prominent man who was born in Livermore, Maine in 1811, and moved to Bangor at the age of 21. During all the years Mr. Thompson lived in Bangor, he attended First Baptist Church, and became a member of the church in 1852. For more than 40 years he was treasurer of the church benevolent fund, and served even longer as a deacon. The Arad Thompson Group started in the early 1920’s as a group for teenage boys, and by the 1930’s became co-ed when the Bethany girls class was invited to join them, later evolving into the adult group it is today. The interests and projects of this group have been many over the years. Starting as early as the 1940’s, Arad Thompson has been an important and valuable part of First Baptist Church. It’s been noted that they took care of the church lawn during the summer, took over the nursery supervision during Sunday services, and held many fundraisers which aided the renovation of the Primary classroom, help construct a worship center, provided flowers for the church, purchased robes for the Junior Choir, and purchased and presented the Christian and American flags to the church.

The Arad Thompson Group is still active today. They meet the 3^rd Monday of each month (with the exception of January-March) for a pot luck dinner and informal program. Willie Reid is the current president. Arad Thompson also recently raised and donated $50.00 to FBC to help with the heating/fuel expenses.

The group would love to have new people join them. The next meeting will be their Christmas party on Dec. 18 at 12 noon at the home of the Pickards. If you would like more information on attending the party or any future meetings, please contact the church office, or speak with any of the current members of this wonderful group who promote a warm feeling of fellowship.

Music Notes

Time surely does "fly" when you're having fun. It doesn't seem possible that almost fourteen months have passed by since my coming to serve you as your Music Director.

Having my multi-tasking challenges put before me in the marvelous organ, energetic youth choir, happy bell choir and the beautifully serious senior choir, I am pleased to say, "so far, so good."

The Youth Choir put on two very meaningful performances of "God Is In Control" in November - one at Penny Memorial Baptist Church in Augusta; and for our congregation here in Bangor. I am looking forward to our Christmas Cantata on Dec. 11 (snow date Dec. 18) which will be selections from the Advent portion of G.F. Handel's Messiah.

Remember, all you silent musicians out there - you are always welcome in all of our musical endeavors. As our Christmas season approaches; it is with love that I wish you a Christ-filled Christmas!

Jackie Currey

POTLUCK

NEIGHBOR’S NEWS

The Neighbors recent chicken dinner/auction not only brought meal—fun and laughter—it also netted an income of $2293.00. At their recent meeting it was voted to pay the church $200.00 to cover the cost of gas and oil for several of their events. Other donations were: Salvation Army for Christmas gifts $300.00; Make-A-Wish $200.00; Coats for Kids will be purchased for $100.00; Sea Coast Mission “Telemedicine” Program $300.00 and Soup Kitchen $100.00. We greatly appreciate all who attended the dinner and took part in the auction.

DIACONATE NEWS

The Diaconate has been busy preparing for the Advent season. FBC has many traditions at this time of year that we like to keep up: the Chrismon tree, the creche (there will be a new one in the sanctuary this year), Advent candle lighters, Christmas eve services, decorative greens and wreaths, baby gifts for the St. Andre's cradle, special music. They will all be happening this year along with a new idea: QUIET TIME. On December 22 the sanctuary will be open from 5 pm to midnight for folks who would like a break from the hurry and scurry that often comes with Christmas activities. There will be soft lights and gentle music to soothe the soul, as well as time for intentional reflection, for as long as people want to stay.

The Diaconate has met with four baptismal candidates in preparation for the baptism that will take place Sunday, December 4 during the service before communion. So, members of the congregation, welcome Katrina Williams, Dan Bullard, John Cassidy, and Seth Livingstone with a warm Right Hand of Fellowship after the service and in the weeks to come.

The Diaconate sends warm wishes to you all throughout the Christmas season.

Cathy Larkin, Chair

NOTES FROM THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

We have two events coming up soon. Our “Christmas is for Kids” campaign is under way. We are seeking monetary donations that will be divided amongst the Sunday School classes. Our goal is that each class will be able to sponsor a child in their age group who has been highlighted on KISS 94.5. Thank you for your generosity!

On Saturday, December 17^th, we will be having a Christmas party at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. It will be a potluck supper. Each family please bring a main dish, and the Board of Christian Ed will provide drinks and desserts to decorate and devour. Also, each family please bring an ornament to share. It can be one that you make or one that you have and wish to share. We’ll decorate the tree downstairs, we’ll sing Christmas carols, and we’ll have a Christmas Story improv. It will be an enjoyable time for all.

FRIENDS IN FELLOWSHIP

Friends in Fellowship is open to all adults who are young or young-at-heart—singles, couples, FBC members or not. So—feel free to invite friends, and please spread the word.

FIF will be having a Christmas Progressive Dinner on Fri., Dec. 16. The dinner begins at 6 pm and will include stops for appetizers, soup and salad and dessert. The Dinner works well as a grown-ups only event. Need childcare? Various FBC youth will be available. Please contact the pastor.

Please join us for a time of “Friends” and “Fellowship.” Our next planning meeting is on Jan. 8, 2006.

Quiet Time in the Midst of Christmas Preparations

Already know your holidays are going to be hectic and stressful? Thinking you might like a quiet respite before your guests arrive? Treat your self to thirty minutes, an hour or two (or the whole evening!) of quiet - contemplate, clear your mind, ease the stress load, spend time with your Lord. On Thursday, December 22, the sanctuary will be open to all comers who wish to take advantage of the opportunity. Take care of yourself.

Come by sometime between 5 pm and midnight, enjoy soft music, soft lights and the quiet of our lovely sanctuary.

Pastor Stephanie will be on vacation from Dec. 26th to Jan. 1.

December Events

Dec. 4 — Service of Communion and baptism during worship service, 10:15 am

Dec. 11 — The Senior Choir performs the Advent portions of Handel’s Messiah

Dec. 16 — Friends in Fellowship Progressive Dinner

Dec. 17 — BCE All Church Christmas Party, 5 pm

Dec. 22 — An evening of quiet fro 5 pm-midnight

Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve Services

7 pm: Family Worship service

11:30 pm: “Songs of Faith” — A service of Christmas Carols and their stories

Dec. 25 — Christmas Morning service for the whole family. A lighthearted celebration of Carols and stories, 10:15 am

Looking ahead: We’d like to plan a BYF Reunion for all FBC folks who have been part of our Baptist Youth Fellowship programs here. We are planning a Homecoming weekend, the weekend of Rally Day, 2006, which will be the weekend after Labor Day. If you have the names and addresses of people who should be invited, or if you would like to assist in the planning of this fun event, please contact Hannah Tapley.

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 newsletter@fbcbangor.org. The deadline for the January Issue is Sun., Dec. 25.