October 2006 – Vol. 2, No. 9

And who knows, but that you may have come to the Kingdom for just such a time as this.... 

--Esther 4:14

Fall is a busy season here in Maine. It is a time for sports, for back-to-school, and, in church life, it is a time for meetings, meetings, meetings!

October 19-21, the American Baptist Churches of Maine's annual session will be held. This year, it will be held here in Bangor, at Columbia Street Baptist Church. Our youth choir is scheduled to sing at the Friday night session, and I am scheduled to assist with communion at that worship service.

If you want to attend all or part of the session, please be in contact with me. Even more important, I ask you to pray. The American Baptist Churches of Maine, and our national organization as well, are facing a great deal of conflict. tensions are growing, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to do ministry. On Sunday, November 5th, I will preach on unity in Christ, and will hold a sermon talk-back time from 11:30 to 12:30 to update folks on denomination matters.

I still believe that we can all come together, united in Christ, even when we hold differing opinions on sensitive subjects.  I am not being naive--I believe this because I see it here at First Baptist.

My friends--please join me, in praying for peace and listening in our denomination meetings. Join me in praying that GOD'S voice be the only one we follow, because then we will walk together. And join me in letting FBC serve as an example of how unity CAN work.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son..." The WORLD. God loves the whole world. Let us strive to do the same--together.

With you, in peace and grace,

Pastor Steph

BUS TRIP ENJOYED BY CHURCH MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

The First Baptist Church Fellowship Bus Trip was conducted on September the 14th and 15th. This was the eighth trip sponsored by The Neighbors with arrangements provided by F&F Coach Tours Ltd.

The adventure this year was to the beautiful Rangeley Lakes area in western Maine. The theme was, "A Lady Politician, narrow Gauge Railroads, and summer Theater". These trips are not only fun-filled but are educational as well. Maine's geography, natural resources, and cultural attractions are emphasized. Maine humor and stories often appear to be continuous.

At each location we visit, we endeavor to hear detailed information form our various hosts. In past years we experienced boat rides on a lake and the ocean, horse and wagon rides, ski lift rides, and bus travel through potato fields, mountain passes, and deep forests. This year we enjoyed a ride on a narrow gauge railroad in Phillips. Our stop in Skowhegan at the Margaret Chase Smith Library and Homestead was highlighted by a video presentation of her life. Senator Smith was often referred to in Washington as the lady from Maine! A red rose was always part of her dress. The spectacular view from "The Height of Land" south of Rangeley allowed us to see several of the large lakes surrounding Rangeley. In between stops, shopping was available in Oquossoc, Rangeley, and at Mooseville in Phillips. Accommodations and meals were fabulous including a luncheon on top of Saddleback Mountain at the new ski lodge. Other natural features were Coos Canyon in Byron and Smalls Falls south of Rangeley.

As we approached Lakewood we had a glimpse of the new 25-acre greenhouse in Madison. Dinner at the Lakewood Restaurant and a tour backstage at the Lakewood Theater concluded our 289-mile trip . . .Christian fellowship abounded and was with us every mile of the way.

What Are Those Folks at First Baptist Doing?

Women's Retreat

The 2006 Women's Retreat will take place October 27 and 28 in Old Orchard Beach. You can stay overnight or come for one day or the other. Contact Sue Staples or Pam Levesque ASAP for more details.

Neighbors

Bob and Dottie Frank will host the NEIGHBORS October 17 at 7:30 pm.

Neighbors Auction & Dinner

The NEIGHBOR'S Dinner & Auction will be held on November 18 at 5 pm. tickets are $7 for adults and $4.50 for children. Clyde folsom again will be the witty and willing auctioneer. I know he always looking for good things to sell.

Adopt A Window, Get A Tree

If you haven't been in church for the last couple of weeks, you might not know that you have the opportunity of a lifetime! The Trustees have determined that if we replace the storm windows in the church, it will make the building more energy efficient and we can save money on the heating oil bill. So they decided to let you adopt a window for $105 and get a free Christmas tree from the Bob and Dottie Frank Tree Plantation. In all seriousness this is something which needs to be done and the Franks have generously provided to the first few folks who do so the bonus of a free Christmas tree.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Hannah and Nathan Tapley and their family! The Tapleys have been chosen "Foster Family of the Quarter." Congratulations and blessing, Hannah, Nathan, Tim, Jonathan, James, and Harrison!!!

Board of Christian Education

The Board of Christian Ed. is trying to find a person to handle the nursery during the church service. This is a paid position. If you know of someone who might be interested, please contact Sharon Cassidy or Pastor Stephanie.

VBS Director Needed

We are in need of a new Vacation Bible school director or directors, for next year, in order to continue this fun week of summer learning and fellowship. If you are interested, please contact any member of the Board of Christian Ed.

Youth Choir

Friday, October 20th, our Youth Choir will sing at the ABCOM Annual Session which is being held this year at Columbia St. Baptist church.

Recycle Your Ink & Toner Cartridges

Leave your used ink-jet and toner printer cartridges in the box next to Betterly Chapel and they will be purchased by a company which will refill them. The money will benefit the FBC Youth Choir next year and the ink cartridges will not be sitting for centuries in a landfill. 

Got Style?

Have you ever felt a barrier between you and another person when sharing the Good News? Personality style differences create struggles for us as we try to share. Understanding our own style--as well as that of the people we encounter--can make our evangelism efforts more productive. Here are a few styles you can use.

What's your style of evangelism?

Intellectual Style - While faith sharing transcends information giving, failure to answer questions can be an obstacle for some people becoming Christians. It is not about convincing people to believe. Nor is it a matter of checking your brains at the door and expecting people to believe without a good reason. If you feel comfortable entering into a dialog, your knowledge of Christ and his teachings may make a difference to some people.

Story Telling Style - The testimonial style is the most personal style because it is your own story. It presents fewer threats in sharing your faith in Christ. People may not receive it, but they cannot refute it because you have lived it. An example might be a workday lunch with someone and how you integrated it into your daily life in and away from work. We all have a story and need to tell it.

Friendship Style - Lifestyle evangelism allows people to experience a sense of belonging before they experience a commitment to believing. Repeated studies show that over 70% of people who make a commitment to Christ claim they found him through the intentional efforts of a friend or family member. Also we are told that it did not occur overnight but over time. Opportunities arise normally and are not forced because the people know each other. You demonstrate the significance of a spiritual relationship through common, everyday meaningful relationships.

Invitational Style - In this style, you find high quality happenings in your congregation and invite unchurched people to join you. Our church tries hard to produce dramatic art programs to which folks can be invited. The events can stimulate religious curiosity. In many cases, spiritual conversations begin which would have never occurred otherwise.

Incarnational Style - In other words, service outreach to others according to the teachings of Christ. It is ministry done in the name of Jesus to introduce people to Christ-activities that should take place whether or not a person ever makes a faith commitment. Through these intentional acts of kindness, love, compassion and unconditional acceptance, people ask "why" and that gives you the open door to share your faith. Whether you participate in Habitat for Humanity, soup kitchens, food pantries or whatever, you simply help someone needing help with getting their groceries to their car, sharing an umbrella or some other simple act of kindness doesn't matter. You are projecting a positive image of Christianity and that may encourage someone receiving the kindness to be open to what Christ has to offer.

This article is based on an article by Dr. Jeffrey Johnson of National Ministries

Who Is It?

Each month we will be featuring a photo of a child or children who are somehow connected with FBC. All you have to do is to figure out who they are.

You can either: Email your answer to newsletter@fbcbangor.org or leave it on a piece of paper in the church office with your guess and the time and date submitted. The first person to correctly guess the person/people will have their name in next month's newsletter.

We will need more photos, so if you have one you would like to share, please either email it to me or leave it in an envelope with Newsletter written on the front.

Music Committee

Help Wanted

The Music Committee is looking for a full-time organist and Choir Director. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please contact Jim Dearing or Mary Hamilton.

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 November Messenger is Sun., Oct. 24.