Blog - First Baptist Church Danville, PA

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Posted on Dec 31, 2015 in Newsletter |

Today is Barnabas Sunday . If you would like to help out our area Food Bank, please bring Macaroni & Cheese dinners and place them in the basket in the foyer. Checks may be made out to Danville Area Food Bank.

This Wednesday, January 6 everyone is invited to attend a special Awana Evening with guest missionary Gary Goodrow. A meal will be served at 4:45-5:45 with the program to follow. The meal this week is Colorful Chicken Pot Pie, Candied Carrots, Colorful Jello & Captivating Desserts. Please sign up by Jan. 3 in SBS, on the ramp bulletin board or by calling the office. Suggested donation is $3 per person/$10 per family. If you would like to take a meal to a shut-in there is no charge. Desserts are provided on a volunteer basis – bring one to share anytime! All Awana kids and parents are encouraged to attend and all adults are invited.

Attention Bells of Joy & Choir Members: The Bells of Joy will start regular rehearsals tomorrow, January 4th. Regular Choir Rehearsals will begin next Sunday, January 10. The choir will sing on January 17th.

THRIVE Young Adult Christmas Party – Sunday, January 10, 5-9 PM in a local home. Please contact the church officel for more information.

The Nominating Committee has been meeting and has a list of nominees posted on the ramp bulletin board. Please direct any questions or concerns to a member of the committee.

Ministry Leaders please have your reports in the office by January 17 to be included in the annual report. Digital format is preferred.
Financial Officers – please submit your records to the office for review.

Question: What happens at FBC every year In

January & February that brings close to 1000 people to the BFLC every weekend?

Answer

: UPWARD Cheerleading & Basketball!

Please pray & listen for God’s direction for how you can help with this great ministry to our community.

Needs include: Practice devotion leaders (materials provided), Game day helpers – kitchen & clean up
Friendly people willing to join the game day spectators & be the face of First Baptist to our friends & neighbors.

Questions: contact the church office.

Exploring FBC , a class for those interested in finding out more about our church, baptism and/or membership, is being planned for Sunday mornings January 17, 24 & 31. Please contact the office or Pastor Dawes if you are interested in attending.

Ladies of all ages: Spring Bible studies will begin this month. Tuesday morning (9 AM) Bible Study starts January 19 & Wednesday eveningstudies begin next week. Both groups will be studying “Sermon on the Mount” by Jen Wilkin. Stop by the sign up table in the Foyer to pick up a book. (suggested donation is $15.)

Midweek Ministries beginning January 13: Jr. High Youth; Adult Bible Study, Adult Bible Study & Prayer; Fellas’ Fellowship – Continuing study on Authentic Manhood, Ladies Bible Study – ”Sermon on the Mount” (See announcements); “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” will be a new study taught by Pastor Dawes. Sign up at Information Desk so books can be ordered.

SURGE: CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS: May 13-15, Harvey Cedars Conference Center.

THEME: AUTHENTICITY – WHAT DOES AN AUTHENTIC LIFE LOOK LIKE? Open to all Young Adults, (Must be 18 yrs old).
Cost is $169 with EARLY BIRD registration of $30.00 by January 15th!!

Cost includes: Transportation, Housing, Meals and The Conference including Friday night concert by B-Luv. For registration, more details, questions Call the church office.

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES:

BLANKETS FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES: More blankets are needed for Syrian refugees. If you would like to help place new and gently used blankets (all sizes) in the white barrel in the chapel foyer.

Small Trips to GAiN Warehouse:We will be driving to the GAiN Warehouse on the following dates to pack used clothing for the
Syrian refuges: January 19, February 20, March 9 & 18. If you would like to go along to help, please contact the chuch office.

Luo Pad Supplies: Please place these items in the large gray barrel near the BFLC entrance:
A.) Used old towel (stains, holes and tears are fine!!),
B.) Used and new flannel which is used for the outside of the Luo pad (old flannel sheets are welcome.)

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Posted on Dec 25, 2015 in Newsletter |

The Ministry of The Word the NEXT Lord’s Day Sunday, January 3~ Communion Sunday9:00 & 10:30 AM ~ “The Best is Yet to Come!” Pastor Harry Wonderland6:00 PM ~ Bible Study

Even though there are not regularly scheduled ministries this week, there are important ministries happening.Please be praying for these opportunities:

Pray for our Haiti Mission Team that will leave at 1:00 AM on December 28 and return late January 5th.

Please use the enclosed prayer card to remind you to pray often for the ministry of this team.

A Family New Year’s Eve Celebration will be held December 31st.
A meal catered by Fu Star will start the evening off at 6 PM. The movie, “The War Room”, will be shown at 7 PM. Dessert, Devotions, and Prayer for the New Year will finish off the evening. Reservations for the catered meal are needed. Please sign up on the ramp bulletin board, in your SBS class, or call the church office. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 per person, or $15 per family.
All those attending are asked to bring desserts to share.

Please also pray for the ministry of UPWARD Basketball & Cheerleading that begins with the new year.

Practices are held Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday evenings, with games on Friday evenings (6:00-9:00) and Saturdays (9:00 AM– 3:00 PM). Plan on stopping by sometime this year to encourage the teams, coaches, and our friends from the community.

“Exploring FBC”, a class for those interested in finding out more about our church, baptism, and/or membership,

is being planned for the last three Sundays in January. Please contact Pastor Dawes if you are interested in attending.

Next Sunday is Barnabas Sunday. If you would like to help out our area Food Bank, please bring Macaroni & Cheese dinners and place them in the basket in the foyer. If you would like to make a monetary gift, please make checks out to Danville Area Food Bank.

Midweek Ministries:

There will be no mid-week meal or ministries on Wed. evening this week. A special Awana Evening is planned for Jan. 6 with guest missionary Gary Goodrow. A meal will be served at 4:45-5:45 with the program to follow. All parents are encouraged to attend and all adults are invited.

THRIVE Young Adult Christmas Party will be held Sunday, January 10th at Buddy & Katie Yargers from 5:00-9:00 PM. Please contact Lynn Wintersteen or Sheri Croll for more information.

Mid week Jr. High Youth and Adult Studies will begin on January 13.

Adult Bible Study & Prayer
Fellas’ Fellowship: Continuing study on Authentic Manhood
Ladies Bible Study:”Sermon on the Mount” by Jen Wilkin. Stop by the signup table in the foyer to pick up a book.
(Suggested donation is $15)
“What’s So Amazing About Grace?” will be a new study taught by Pastor Dawes. Sign up at Information Desk so books can be ordered.

Attention Choir Members and Bells of Joy Regular Choir Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, January 10. The choir will sing on January 17th. Bells of Joy will start regular rehearsals on Monday, January 4th.

The Nominating Committee has been meeting and has a list of nominees posted on the ramp bulletin board. Please direct any questions or concerns to a member of the committee.

It’s a Christmas takeover!

Posted on Dec 18, 2015 in Blog |

Christmas will be here in just a week. And I absolutely love it! I am a huge fan of Christmas. My heart echoes the sentiment: “it’s the most wonderful time of the year”. I’m the kind of person that starts listening to “Let it snow” and other Yuletide classics on the radio as early as possible. One who watches a different Christmas movie every day of December leading up to the advent Day. The kind that considers many of my Christmas ornaments among my most precious possessions. One who has honest moments of sadness in the first week of December when thinking about Christmas being over, even though it hasn’t even arrived yet. And, yes, the kind that would leave the Christmas lights and decorations up until Memorial Day.

Given the choice between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I’m sorry but I’d have to forego Thanksgiving. I’m sure many people would be on the same page. But I’m beginning to think that maybe I need to change my mentality.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Posted on Dec 18, 2015 in Newsletter |

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

You are invited…

5:30 PM: Family Service with children participating

7:30 PM: Candlelight & Carols

Please join us!

Please pray for our Haiti Team members as they pack luggage and make final plans this week. Continue to pray for health, safety, and their ministry from December 28 – January 5. Thank you to everyone who has helped purchase sports items and craft supplies for our ministry to children in Haiti.

The poinsettias in the sanctuary are in memory and honor of many loved ones. If you placed a flower you may pick it up after the
7:30 PM Christmas Eve service. Thanks to everyone who participated. Special thanks to those who supplied the beautiful Christmas Tree
and Advent wreath.

The Nominating Committee has been meeting and a list of nominees is posted on the ramp bulletin board. Please direct any questions or concerns to a member of the committee.

A Family New Year’s Eve Celebration will be held on December 31st. A meal catered by Fu Star will start the evening off at 6 PM. The movie, “The War Room,” will be shown at 7 PM. Dessert, Devotions & Prayer for the New Year will finish off the evening. Reservations for the catered meal are needed. Please sign up on the ramp bulletin board, in your SBS class, or call the church office. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 per person or $15 per family. Please bring a dessert to share.

New Year, new calendar: Ministry Leaders, please contact the office to confirm your dates for 2016 so we can be sure the bulletin is correct, facilities are not double booked, or NOT booked when they could be, etc.

A BIG THANKS to all of our musicians who have led us in worship the past two Sundays to help prepare us for our Christmas Celebration of Jesus’ birth!

Exploring FBC, a class for those interested in finding out more about our church, baptism, and/or membership, is being planned for the last three Sundays in January. Please contact Pastor Dawes if you are interested in attending.

Our Ministry of the Word next Lord’s Day

9:00 AM & 10:30 AM Missionaries ~ Tim & Jackie Faulkner will share in both service10:30 AM ~ Adult Fellowship II ~ Chapel

No Evening Bible Study or Sr. High Youth next Sunday, December 27

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

Posted on Dec 11, 2015 in Newsletter |

Today : 9:00 AM ~ Praise & Worship; Sunday Bible School for ALL Ages
10:30 AM ~ Praise & Worship
Practice for 4 year olds – 6th grade during Children’s Church.

So that Adult Fellowship II may attend the special Christmas programs, they will not be meeting at 10:30 (during second service) until Dec. 27.

5:00 – 7:00 ~ Caroling (Meet at church at 4:30 to help prepare cookie bags)

Cookies needed for caroling. If you have cookies that you would like to donate for distribution by our carolers, please have them to the church today by 4:30.

ATTENTION YOUTH PARENTS & GUARDIANS: We will be meeting in the BFLC/ Youth Room following the 10:30 service. Lunch provided; Discussion: Young Life Info & Millennials.

Midweek Meal ~ Please join us for our Midweek Family Meal on Wednesday, December 16. The menu for this week is Celestial Chicken, Merry Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Holly Green Beans, and Jingle Bell Desserts. Please sign up by Monday, December 14 on the ramp bulletin board, your SBS class, or by calling the office. Suggested donation for meals is $3 per person/$10 per family. If you would like to take a meal to a shut-in there is no charge. Desserts are provided on a volunteer basis. Please bring one to share anytime.

The Christmas Offering this year will go toward an audio visual system upgrade to improve our worship services and radio transmission. Offering envelopes for this gift are available in your bulletin this morning, and will be in the pew racks during the month of December.

Stop by the Tract Rack to find Christmas devotionals, and many Christmas tracts to use throughout the season.

More blankets needed for Syrian refugees: If you would like to help, please place new & gently used blankets (all sizes) in the white barrel near the Chapel.

New Prayer letters are available in the chapel hallway from our missionaries. Please stop by and pick up letters that will give you updates and current prayer requests.

HAITI CHILDREN GIFTS – You can help provide these gifts without shopping…27 gift envelopes are left on the display in the foyer. Please choose a gift that you would like to purchase – Take a gift envelope from that pocket – Put the money in the envelope – Drop it in the gift box on the table. PLEASE RETURN GIFT ENVELOPES BY NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2015

NEXT SUNDAY ~ DECEMBER 20
9:00 AM ~ Birthday Party for Jesus, Sanctuary, Refreshments following in the BFLC
10:30 PM ~ Christmas Drama, Pastor Harry WonderlandNo Evening Services

Christmas Eve Services:
5:30 PM ~ Early family service with children in mind.
Pre-school children will participate in the Nativity Story and
school age children will share some of their songs from the Birthday Party for Jesus.
7:30 PM ~ A second Christmas Eve Service with special music, candles and carols.

A New Year’s Eve Celebration is being planned. A catered dinner by Fu Star will be served at 6 PM, followed by the movie

‘war Room” shown at 7 PM. Devotions and Prayer for the New Year will finish the evening at 9 PM.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Posted on Dec 4, 2015 in Newsletter |

Today is Barnabas Sunday. Items will be donated to the Danville Community Christmas Tree Program. Please see suggested food and other items on the ramp bulletin board if you would like to participate.

Please join us tonight at 6 PM for a baptismal service. A reception will follow.

Community Events hosted at FBC this week: Monday, 1:00-6:00 ~ Red Cross Blood Drive/BFLC
Tuesday, 9:00-1:00 ~ Vaccine Clinic/Chapel ~ flyers at Information Desk. If you do not have insurance to cover flu shots and shingles shots, please check out this service. Appointments are required.

Midweek Meal ~ Please join us for our Midweek Family Meal on Wednesday, December 9. The menu for this week is meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, corn and desserts. Please sign up by Monday, December 7 on the ramp bulletin board, your SBS class, or by calling the office.

Stop by the Tract Rack to find Christmas devotionals, and many Christmas tracts to use throughout the season. New missionary letters are available in the chapel hallway downstairs.

Poinsettias may be ordered in honor or memory of a loved one. The suggested donation is $7.00. If interested, please contact the church office at 570-275-1511 by Wednesday, December 9th. The poinsettias may be picked up following the Christmas Eve Service.

Mini Trips to GAiN Warehouse ~ A van will going to the GAiN Warehouse on the following dates to help pack used clothing for Syrian refugees: Dec. 9, Jan. 19, Feb. 20, March 9, and March 18. If you would like to go along please contact the office.

Every year we collect gifts for a special project or ministry at our Birthday Party for Jesus. This year the gifts are designated for Haitian children and will be used in the Children’s Ministry on the upcoming Haiti Mission Trip. In addition to craft items, we need some items to play games with the children. These will be left with the church for their continued use. Please stop by the display board in the foyer. Choose envelopes for various gift items with amount needed to purchase that item. Place money in envelope.
Drop money in gift box by December 20th.

Thanks to all who have taken ornaments from our Tree of Love located in the kitchen foyer. If you would still like to help, please stop by and take a foam ornament. Bring back the upwrapped gift to the church office by December 13. Please keep the ornament with the gift so it goes to the right person.

The Ministry of The Word the NEXT Lord’s Day Sunday, December 13:

9:00 AM ~ “Celebrating the Season” with Music & Worship Message ~ Pastor Dawes

10:30 AM ~ “Sounds of Christmas” ~ Adult Choir & Praise Band Message ~ Pastor Dawes

11:45 AM ~ Youth Parent Lunch & Meeting 4:30 PM – meet at church to pack cookies for caroling

5:00-7:00 PM – Caroling for all ages

Sunday, December 20

9:00 AM – Birthday Party for Jesus for all ages. Please meet in the Sanctuary for program, followed by refreshments in the BFLC.

10:30 AM – Christmas Drama ~ Combined Worship Service

CHRISTMAS EVE

5:30 PM ~ Early Christmas Eve Service with children in mind.
Pre-school children will participate in the Nativity Story and school age children will share some of their songs
from our Birthday Party for Jesus.

7:30 PM ~ A second Christmas Eve Service with special music, candles, and carols.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

A New Year’s Eve Celebration is being planned. A catered dinner by Fu Star will be at 6 PM, followed by the movie “War Room” shown at 7 PM. Devotions and prayer for the New Year will finish the evening at 9 PM.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Posted on Nov 25, 2015 in Newsletter |

Next Sunday is Barnabas Sunday. This month we will be taking food items to the Danville Community Christmas Tree Program. Staple food items, winter clothing, infant supplies or monetary gifts are being accepted at the Danville Ballroom starting Tuesday, December 2. (Tuesdays through Fridays 3-7 Pm and Saurdays 9 Am – 4 Pm)

MIdweek Meal: Join us for our Midweek Family Meal on Wednesday, December 2. The menu for this week is spectacular spaghetti, super salad, bountiful bread and delicious desserts. Please sign up By Monday, November 30 on the ramp bulletin board, in your SBS class, or by calling the office. Suggested donation for meals is $3 per person.$10 per family. If you would like to take a meal to a shut-in there is no charge. Desserts are provided on a voluntary basis. Please bring one to share anytime.

THANK YOU! The Daughters of the Divine would like to thank the youth and their leaders for their help at the Jubilee Kitchen. Your servant hearts made a big difference.

Everyone is invited to go Caroling on Sunday evening, December 13, from 5:00-7:00 PM. Meet at the church by 4:30 if you want to help with the cookie plates that we will hand out throughout the evening.

Calling all youth parents & guardians: Lunch & discussion on December 13 after church.

Jr. & Sr. High Youth Christmas Party: December 6, 4:30-9:00 PM. Bring a white elephant gift. fruits cups as a donation and dress like an Elf!

Haiti Opportunity – Next Sunday there will be a display where you may choose a specific item to buy for the children in Haiti. The mission team that is going to Haiti after Christmas will deliver these gifts. You may bring these gifts to our Birthday Party for Jesus on December 20.

Poinsettias may be ordered in honor or memory of a loved one. The suggested donation is $7.00. If interested, please contact the church office
at 570-275-1511 by December 9. The poinsettias may be picked up following the Christmas Eve service.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Sunday, December 6

~ 9:00 AM, Celebrating the Season with Music & Worship
~ 10:30 AM, “Sounds of Christmas”, by Adult Choir and Bells of Joy

Sunday, December 13
~ 9:00 AM, Celebrating the Season
                            with Music & Worship
   ~ 10:30 AM, “Celebration of Christmas”
                by Adult Choir and Praise Band

Sunday, December 20
~ 9:00 AM, Birthday Party for Jesus for all ages.
Please meet in the Sanctuary for program,
followed by refreshments in the BFLC.
~ 10:30 AM, Christmas Drama ~ Combined Worship Service

Sunday, December 27
Regular Schedule with Guest Missionaries
~ Tim and Jackie Faulkner
~ 9:00 AM, Traditional Service & Sunday Bible Classes
~ 10:30 AM, Contemporary Service & Adult Fellowship II

As you prepare for Christmas, we want to let you know of several

opportunities for giving through our church and community so that you may participate in those you choose.

Christmas is a time of giving! In that spirit, the Sunday School is sponsoring a Tree of Love. You will find the tree in the kitchen foyer.
Each foam ornament represents a person and a Christmas gift. As God leads you, please take an ornament from the tree and return it
with the designated unwrapped gift to the church office by December 13. Please keep the ornament with the gift so it goes to the right person.
Thanks for caring!

The Christmas Offering this year will go toward an audio visual system upgrade to improve our worship
services and radio transmission. Offering envelopes for this gift will be available during the month of December.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Posted on Nov 13, 2015 in Newsletter |

Count Your Blessings…name them one by one. Please add what you are thankful for to the bulletin board outside the Sunday School Office (downstairs). Let’s fill up the board with notes of thanks!

Mission Report: We welcome missionary Stan Brown to our services today. He will be giving a mission report at 6 PM in the BFLC. Please plan on attending and bring a dessert to share.

A Baptism Service is planned for December 6 at 6 PM in the Sanctuary. If you are interested in being baptized, please talk to Pastor Dawes, or circle “B” on your connect card.

Good Samaritan Center is in desperate need of girls clothing, (sizes 4,5,6) Please drop off donations on Tues, Wed, or Thurs. Open
from 9:00 – 4:30.

Please continue to pray for the Persecuted Church. To stay informed of current prayer needs, go to www.icommittopray.com. Stay informed and pray for our missionaries by picking up letters in the chapel hallway. New ones are added weekly.

Flu/Shingles shots will be available at FBC on Nov. 19th & Dec. 8th when the PA Dept. of Health hosts clinics in the chapel. Please see the flyers posted on the ramp bulletin board or pick up a flyer at the Information Desk. Appointments are required.

Stop by the ramp bulletin board or the Information Desk to pick up a flyer on the need for foster families in our community.

CHRISTMAS GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

As you prepare for Christmas, we want to let you know of several opportunities for giving through our church and community
so that you may participate in those you choose.

Our Christmas Offering this year will go toward an audio visual system upgrade to improve our worship services and radio transmission. Offering envelopes for this gift will be available in December.

Soon you will see our Christmas Tree of Love in the kitchen foyer. There will be suggested gifts on ornaments for families in our own church and community. Please let one of the pastors know if you know someone who could use a gift.

Many gifts will be needed to take on the Haiti Mission Trip (Dec. 28-July 5). A list of items and drop off spots will be available soon.

Our November & December food donations are going to help with the community efforts to provide Christmas dinners for people in our community. We will also soon have information regarding the Danville Community Christmas Tree that will collect gifts for people in our community.

In December you will be given the opportunity to purchase poinsettias in memory or honor of a loved one.

~ MARK YOUR CALENDARS ~

November 25 ~ Thanksgiving Eve Service

November 29 ~ First Sunday of Advent & Communion Sunday

December 6 ~ 6 PM ~ Baptism Service & Reception