Welcome to First Baptist Church of Manchester Center, VT "The Community Church"

Spirit spark june 2014

June 2014
SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR
"Our Red Letter Day"

And suddenly from heaven there came a sound 'like the rush of a violent wind, and it
filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared
among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. Acts 2:2-3
The days since Easter have been glorious! Spring finally decided to show up and,
better yet, we baptized four young gentlemen into the faith and family of Jesus Christ! I
. like the image of the power of Christ's resurrection going out like ripples of power from
that centerpiece event we call Easter. Like Christmas, Easter Sunday marks the
beginning of a season in the Christian calendar. The Sundays of Easter will end on June
1, our Children's Sunday this year.
The Sunday after Children's Sunday will be Pentecost Sunday. On June 8,
Christians around the world will remember the explosive entrance of the Holy Spirit into
a band of timid believers in Jerusalem. Acts 2 describes both the event and Peter's
powerful explanation about what it all means. Some say Pentecost is "the birthday of
the Church."
The color of the day is red; symbolizing the tongues of fire that rested on the
believers. It's a great day to wear red to church for Pentecost is certainly a pivotal day-
a red letter day. People have been telling other people about Jesus' impact on their
lives ever since that day.
Just as those first witnesses were from every walk of life, we will talk about our "God
sightings" during our service. You don't need a theological degree to talk about Jesus'
impact on your life. Simply tell your story. It might just get a ball of spiritual fire rolling;
a fire that gives light and warmth to everyone.
So let Sunday, June 8 be our red letter day! Come and see! Listen to the stories
of God's love working today - and share your story too.
Blessings and love,
Pastor Steve




COME CELEBRATE CHILDREN'S DAY ON JUNE 1!

"Coming closer to one another: coming closer to Christ." This could be the
theme for this year's Children's Sunday on Sunday, June 1. As most of you know, our
young people have become an important part of the life and worship on Sunday
morning. Over the past year our Sunday School kids have become the ones who lead us
all in the Lord's Prayer. They light the candles, peal the bell, and read our opening
meditation. As they have shared the lesson from class that morning it's fair to say that
everyone has learned and been blessed.
Our special service will be highlighted by a special video presentation. The
"junior youth group" has been interviewing church members and friends. This video is
sure to draw us closer as people in Christ. And it will premiere on June 1!
We will share communion to draw us closer to Jesus, our one Lord and Savior to
end our worship. Truly we will be brought closer to God and to each other.
Following worship we will have our annual picnic at the parsonage! Bring along
some food to share and join in the celebration!
PUT FEET TO YOUR FAITH DURING OUR MINI-MISSION TRIP JUNE 29!

The Missions Committee has found a great opportunity for First Baptist to serve
our community and the environment on Sunday, June 29. We encourage everyone to
devote the afternoon to helping restore the natural vegetation of Emerald Lake State
Park. We will be helping out the Vermont Department of Forests Parks & Recreation
with this labor of love. Participants will be provided training, tools, food and the chance
to do something meaningful.
The worship service that morning will focus on honoring God's creation and
restoring fields left to invasive weeds (Yes, Jesus has a parable for that!).
This will be an intergenerational project! People of all ages are welcome! We'd
like to have at least 10 people take part. Can you join in? Do you know friends or family
who might want to help? Please contact the office or Lisa Towslee by June 19!

FAITH AND NATURE CAMP SCHEDULED FOR JULY 21-25:
APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

First Baptist is joining the other congregations of the Interfaith Council to offer
the Faith and Nature Camp for children entering 2nd through 7th grade. The cost for four
days of activities, adventure, and learning will be $75. People who need financial
assistance may contact the pastor so arrangements can be made. Forms and
information can be found in the vestry at church.

HAM AND STRAWBERRY SUPPER SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 28

The late spring makes for a later date. Watch for details in the bulletin or contact
Martha Thompson for information on details and ways you can help out.