APRIL 2011
Faith in Practice
In His Presence: Ecclesiastes 11:1-4
The question of faith as it relates to stewardship is, do we believe that if we invest in that which is eternal that God will honor and bless us in the way He sees fit? We must believe that kingdom investments are not lost.
In order for faith to work, it must be practiced. “Faith, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17). Faith is not just believing that God can do what He says; faith is entrusting yourself to Him so He can do His work through you! Proverbs 11:24 says: “There is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.”
We must persevere in faith. Scripture sets forth the principles we are to live by, and God can impress things on our hearts about how He wants us to serve Him as stewards. Don’t let circumstances detour you from faith. Just because it looks like things might not work out, don’t stop trusting God. Don’t let doubt detour you. When doubt is holding you back, take it to Jesus, just like the man who told Jesus: “I do believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). And Jesus healed his son.
Don’t let people detour you from faith in God. Others may try to discourage you and tell you that you need to give up on Him, but if you trust, God will keep walking with you. Don’t let fear detour you from your faith. Don’t be afraid to trust God’s Word and obey.
Adapted from Alternative View with Dr. Tony Evans
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
For March 2011
For Coffee Hour: Jackie Nowak, Irene Norcross, Evelyn Ahn, Virginia Parrish, Ben & Gerry Barber and John & Joycelyn Carter.
For Greeters: Steve Croft, Ruth Wilson, Gene, Jean & Rosalie Longenecker, Jane Coatney and Mary Smith.
For Worship Leader: Chuck DeMola, Jon Poling, Dick Spong and Sheila Cann-Poling
For Sunday School: Julene Wright Blaber
For Flowers: Dorothy & Howard Frick, Larry & Rosalie Longenecker, and Rick & Dottie Willis
For Opening & Closing: Larry & Gene Longenecker.
A THANK YOU
FROM
CAROLYN MUNCY
I would like to thank members of Emmanuel Community Church for Glenn’s birthday cards, notes of encouragement and for expressions of condolence after Glenn went home to be with the Lord. I would also like to say “Thank You” to the clergy that participated in Glenn’s memorial service. Your reading of the Word of God, reflections and words of comfort brought much solace to me and my family. A very special “Thank You” is extended to Nola Wilson and the ABWM of Emmanuel for so wonderfully hosting the reception that took place after the memorial service for Glenn Muncy. You were a marvelous blessing to me, my family and our friends. We truly appreciate you greatly. Again, thank you and may the Lord bless you one and all.
Carolyn Muncy & family
A THANK YOU
FROM
JON & SHIELA CANN-POLING
Dear Emmanuel Friends,
Thank you to each and every one of you who celebrated Mom’s (Sue Cann) birthday with her on March 1 at Bay Tree. For some reason, we were surprised and very pleased to have so many of you visit on her special day.
I don’t know why we were surprised because we should know after all these years that we are a part of an exceptionally wonderful, kind, considerate and supportive congregation. She received many cards, gifts, and birthday wishes the entire week.
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.
Blessings to all,
Sue Cann, Sheila, Jon, Shawna
LET’S CELEBRATE!!!
APRIL BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
1. Paul & Barbara Norcross
12. Vicky Cyphers
15. Michelle Conwell
19. Rosalie & Larry Longenecker
20. William & Jean Cook
26. Ruth Marstaller
27. Norm & Irene Norcross
MUSIC MINISTRY
CHOIR NOTES
Hi Church, By the time your read this, the service by the March 27 song service by the choir will be in the past. We most sincerely hope that you experienced praise & worship. The choir members presented a message about our life’s journey. They each gave their best to the Lord. Please continue to support them. My leadership role has been a time full of rich blessings for me. Thank you. After April, I know you all will welcome Amy Vogel as choir leader.
Rejoicing always,
Betty
A WORD OF THANKS TO REV. BETTY HOUGHTON
The choir and congregation of Emmanuel thanks Rev. Betty Houghton for two years of excellence as our “fearless leader” in song. We wish Rev. Betty and Murray God’s very best as Betty steps down from the position of choir director on 17 April. Rev. Betty brought new energy and joy to our worship experience and we are richer Christians for her contribution. The choir also welcomes Amy Vogel who will assume the duties of choir director and song leader. We look forward to working with you and promise to give you the best we’ve got.
The Choir and Congregation of Emmanuel Community Church, American Baptist.
ABWM
The April meeting of our women’s group will be Wed. April 20,2011 10:30 AM in the Ministries Center. We will be reviewing the training for the Reach Out and Touch program and discussing ways to implement this program further in our church. This will be our last meeting for the year except for our annual church women’s dinner out in early May.
Robbie
BOOK CLUB
The Book Club meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10:30 am. If you like to read, join us for lively discussion and a light lunch. RSVP to the hostess listed below.
April 13 – Host Nola Wilson. The book is “Paradise Valley” by Robyn Carr.
May 11- Host Robbie McIntosh. The book is “Between Sisters” by Christine Hannah.
June 8 – Host Linda DeMola. The book is “Wish You Well” by David Baldacci.
September 14 – Host TBD. The book is “Safe Haven” by Nicholas Sparks.
Linda
CHURCH GROWTH
LETS FACE IT! If we don’t do something about it now, we may well find ourselves closing the doors of this church in the next 15 to 20 years. We are on the verge of becoming a dead church! The membership of Emmanuel is getting older and older and the church is not experiencing the kind of growth in membership needed to see it survive beyond another 15 or so years into the future. This is the time to do something about that! We need members of Emmanuel to come to the church for a brain-storming session to generate ideas for church growth. The session will take place on Monday 18 April at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in the church sanctuary. If you are unable to attend, you may submit your ideas for church growth in writing to Pastor John or to Sheila Cann-Poling at myattitude1@msn.com. We also need members to join the Church Growth Task Force. This is your opportunity to make a difference in the survival of this wonderful American Baptist church presence in Florida. Please do not sit this one out!! You can do something!
Pastor John
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Since our report at the January annual meeting, the ABCOTS regional office on our behalf made a job search of the American Baptist Personnel Services. Letters of inquiry were sent out to potential candidates and resumes were received by the deadline of March 10th. So our Pastoral Search has begun in earnest. Our first-look at candidates’ resumes will be our primary agenda at our next meeting. During the next couple of months we will go through a sorting process via exchanges of information, various interview tools, and evaluations. We hope to discern one that we can bring to the church. A candidate weekend will provide ample opportunity to get acquainted. The following week at a special church business meeting, the Committee and the Board of Deacons will make their recommendation to the church and a vote will be taken. While waiting for candidate resumes, we’ve been busy preparing information to share with the candidates as part of the interview process. My thanks go to Jim Nelson for working on a Pastoral Job Description and to Mary Smith for updating the Church History. We thank each one of you for your patience and prayers as we carefully seek God’s guidance in finding our next pastor. Keep on praying.
Ruth M. W. Warren, Chairperson
Pastoral Search Committee
MISSION & OUTREACH
First, we want to thank the members and friends of Emmanuel for being so generous in your giving during the last two mission efforts. In February $556.00 was collected for the American Baptist Women’s Love Gift. In March, as of this writing $571.00 has been collected for the America for Christ Offering. In April, the missions and outreach team will provide information on the annual “One Great Hour of Sharing” mission project. As most of you know, One Great Hour of Sharing is our effort to join with others of faith to participate in World Relief. The “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering makes the love of Christ real for individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, or severe economic hardship. Offering envelopes will be in pews and in this newsletter. Lets continue to let our purses do the work that our hands and feet are unable to do through giving.
PROGRAMS & MINISTRY
Thanks to all who joined us for the Game Night and Dessert. What a great time we had. A very special thanks to all who worked behind the scenes to make it happen and a very special thanks to Jane Couture for providing the bingo games, decorations and prizes. During the season of Lent which begins 9 Mar and ends 21 April, we are asking all to commit to a special time of personal prayer that focuses on the growth of ECC/ABC.
Remembrance Service and Plaque dedication. On Sunday 17 April; after the regularly scheduled 10:30 worship service, all are invited to assemble at the church Memorial Garden for a service of remembrance in honor of the late Charles & Kitty Wills, Ed & Ethel Rapp, Harry Puthoff and Patricia Palmer.
A Maundy Thursday service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday 21 April. The service location will be announced in the next week but will take place in either the ministries center or sanctuary. Join us for this spiritually meaningful journey toward Resurrection Sunday (Easter).
On (Easter Sunday) 24 April, fellowship time will take place before the regularly scheduled 10:30 a.m. worship service. The fellowship time will commence at 9:45 a.m. and will be held on the East Side of the sanctuary. Members and friends are invited to bring a dish they wish to share. Sunday School will be postponed until Sunday, 1 May.
PROPERTY & FINANCE
A Spring church grounds clean-up day is scheduled for 8 a.m. 9 April. All able bodied members and friends of the church are asked to come out and join us as we work to get the grounds ready for Palm Sunday and Easter. Bring your rakes and any yard equipment you think will help. We’ll enjoy pizza and soft drinks for lunch and you can bet, we’ll have a good time while getting the job done.
MEETING SCHEDULE For April
Mon., Apr 11th, 10:30 a.m. – Mission/Outreach Team in the pastor’s office.
Mon., Apr 11th 6:30 p.m. – Programs & Ministry Team in the church nursery.
Mon., Apr 11th 6:30 p.m. – Property and Finance Team meeting in the pastor’s office.
Mon., Apr 18th 5:30 p.m. – Church Growth Task Force meeting in the sanctuary
Mon., Apr 18st, 6:30 p.m. – Board of Deacons meeting in the church sanctuary.
Weds., Apr 20th 10:30 a.m. – ABWM in the ministry center
MUSIC ON THE BEACH
The new season of free concerts has started at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs. Come enjoy the fun on Thursday evenings from 7-9 on the dates below.
The park overlooks the gulf and is well known as a place to view beautiful sunsets. Hotdogs and soft drinks will be available to purchase, or you can bring your own food and drinks. There are picnic tables and some shelters, but you should plan to bring lawn chairs – and maybe some insect repellant. Also note that the concerts are cancelled if there is bad weather.
April 21: Tarpon Springs High School Jazz Ensemble
May 19: De Lei’d Parrots (Parrothead Music)
June 16: The Little Big Show (Acoustic Rock)
July 14: Blackwater Blues (Blues/Rock)
For more information, check on line at www.tarponspringsmusic.com. If you need directions, please see Mary Smith.
SILVER SHARKS AT BRIGHT HOUSE FIELD 2011
For $20 you get: a ticket to every (9) Wednesday home game
Free parking
Silver Sharks T- shirt
20% discount at Diamond Outfitters
Silver Sharks member throws out 1st pitch
Monthly prize drawings
Dates: April 20 – 1PM & 27 – 1PM
May 11 – 10:30 AM & 18 – 7PM
June 1 – 7PM & 29 – 12N
July 27 – 12N
August 17 -7PM & 24- 7PM
See Linda DeMola for registration form
Tickets for single games are $5 and $3 parking
JUST FOR LAUGHS
(Recently found in a church bulletin)
The men’s prayer breakfast will be held Wednesday at 8:00 A.M. No charge, but your damnation will be gratefully accepted.