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Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:47:34 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74&article_id=206 Outreach BrochureAdult Education Fall 2008Baptism Class 2008Building Use Form Committee Description SummaryCovenant of Behavior, How to Address A Concern & Covenant for Working TogetherDates for Lent, Easter & Pentecost Dates through 2033 Faith Statements of Baptism Class 2008 Favorite Hymns of Second Baptist Funeral Scriptures & ReadingsGiving Card for making a regular gift to Second BaptistHealthy Relationships Presentation from the PRC: For the printable PDF file click here & Animated PowerPoint Presentation click here. Infant Dedication Description & Liturgy Lay Leaders Tips Lending of Church Property FORM Medical Form - Dominican Republic Mentor Job Description for Teen BaptismMentor Training - Protecting the Sacred Presentation New Folks Information Form Nursery FlierPastoral Relations Committee Mission & Job Description Press Release Request Form Spiritual Gifts InventorySunday School Registration Form Ten Facts About American Baptists Twenty Great Questions to Ask Before You Get Married Visitation & Communion Training with Scriptures & Prayers Wedding Assistant Job Description Wedding PacketWorship Bulletin Sample Your Light Your Potential - Teen Sunday School CourseYouth Dance Release Form Vacation Bible School Forms and medical 20092009 SBC Annual Report Wed, 3 Mar 2010 08:47:19 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=60 To preview the MONTHLY CRIER, CLICK HERE. Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:51:26 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=92 March 7 Greeters: Laura Bub (ME), Lucille Miller (LL) Joe Ralston (LE) Communion: Christine Ahrens, Chair, Signe Wright, Scott Sylvia, & Julie Landry Ushers: TEAM D: Bob Davis, Jim Grant, Ed Prajzner, Jr. & Joe Harry. Candle lighter: Samantha Pryce Worship/Scripture Leader: Barry Sisk Children’s Story: Sue Begin Baby Nursery: N/A Toddler Room Teacher: Sarah Hubbard Coffee Hour: OPEN March 14 Greeters: Laura Bub (ME), Lucille Miller (LL) Joe Ralston (LE) Ushers: TEAM A: Howard Beal, Ethan Sheiber, Allison Craig, & David Bub Candlelighter: Heather Vormstein-Schneider Worship/Scripture Leader: Jerry Kingsbury Children’s Story: Pastor Dave Baby Nursery: Sue Sheiber Toddler Room Teacher: Sarah Hubbard Coffee Hour: OPEN March 21 Greeters:Laura Bub (ME), Lucille Miller (LL) Joe Ralston (LE) Ushers: TEAM B: Art Sikes, Peter Das, Derek Burnaford, Jason Jamrog, & Doug Vormstein- Schneider Candle lighter: Anna Tobiasz Worship/Scripture Leader: Howard Beal Children’s Story: Cindy Smith Baby Nursery: Amy or Jeff Arnold Toddler Room Teacher: Sarah Hubbard Coffee Hour: Malec Family March 28 Greeters: Laura Bub (ME), Lucille Miller (LL) Joe Ralston (LE) Ushers: TEAM C: Tom Killam, Walt Malec, Barry Sisk, Wally Malec, & Joe Ralston Candle lighter: Kate Killam Worship/Scripture Leader: Lin Remington Children’s Story: Sue Begin Baby Nursery: Jaqui, John Senez Toddler Room Teacher: Sarah Hubbard Coffee Hour: Nancy Drenzek Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:12:21 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83&article_id=259 We will follow up this email with pictures and video but we wanted to quickly let everyone know that today was a huge success. We started the morning off with a trip to Veron to pick up Joel (One of the pastor’s at the local church where sue has gone for years now) then we were off to La Romana to meet with Moises who is the head administrator of the Good Samariton Hospital. La Romana is southwest of Punta Cana but no roads go directly there so we went through Higuey about an hour and half trip. La Romana is a large city with much fo the same poverty we have seen at Higuey in the past. It seems that everywhere on the islands you go away from the resorts there are children in need. Upon arrival we found that the hospital was far from finished. It is being built in phases and hopes to someday be a 4 story teaching hospital. Already there was a team from Maine who were helping at the hospital as well as some doctors who had just returned from Haiti. At first it was difficult to explain why we were there but eventually they understood and were happy to see our supplies. When we asked them what was the greatest need they said food and antibiotics. They fully understood our desire to purchase the goods instead of just handing them money so they sent us to the local mega-store called “Jumbo.” (like walmart) At Jumbo we went directly to the store manager and the people from the hospital told them exactly what they needed, rice, beans, oil, tomato paste, sardines, etc. We gave them a spending limit of $600 and they provided around 600 lbs of food. The food will be individually packaged for families of 5 to go 5 days. That means that 75 families will eat for 5 days based on what we were able to buy. Next was the challenge of how to buy anti-biotics. We decided the most cost effective way was to buy them from the hospital (they get a deep discount) so after some credit card challenges and some calls to the bank we were able to provide them an additional $800 for medicine. It felt so good to deliver the provisions that were needed directly into the hands of the doctors who are going. Our food and medicine will arrive in Haiti on Thursday and be immediatly distributed at the clinics they have set-up in the “tent cities” (they don’t like to call them that since they arn’t really tents but actually sheets and open air). they have promised constant updates and pictures both through email and on their website laromana.org. we will describe more about the organization in a future email. Traveling to this island a person cannot help but be drawn in by the poverty and also the friendliness. We feel very blessed to be doing god's work and seeing first hand the good that can come from generous hearts. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:17:53 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83&article_id=261 A busy day First of all you will have to excuse our broken English at this point we have been trying to speak Spanish so much we have lost track of English. Our day was action packed. First was off to the Clinica to deliver the duffel bag of medicine from the day before. We happened to pass the doctor as she walked the mile to the clinic from the road. We happily opened our taxi to her as well as the woman and child walking with her. We all piled in the taxi and started the slow trip over rough terrain to the clinic. Upon our arrival we dumped our bag and were happy to see the surprise on the doctor’s face. Jen went through all the medicine and explained what each was and we manged to take some pictures. When we were leaving we happened to pass a house where a family lived that Wilson knew. He stopped and the woman expressed her concern about the clinic and how low they were on medicine. We were so happy to tell her that we had delivered new medicine so she could bring her daughter who had flu like symptoms. Right away, she was able to take home antibiotics and medication similar to Tylenol Cold and Flu from our donations. After giving a very nice 76 year old man a ride to the bus stop we were off to the preschool Sadly the preschool was closed until 2 so we were forced to go to a nearby beach and relax. It was so hard to put on our bathing suits and lay in the paradise but we managed. Some children came by and as usual the second we opened the taxi more children came out of the wood work. We passed out balls and t-shirts and one of the boys let us take pictures as we rode his donkey. After drying off and finding some bread at a local store we headed back to the preschool. The children were so glad to see us. We made bracelets and read them stories. Once the kids figured out that they could see themselves on our cameras, we became very popular as they made faces and posed for us. After an hour of visiting we were forced to leave in order to get back to the hotel in time to change for church. Juanito, a pastor at a church local, met us with our hermano (brother) Joel and we were off to a church very close to the hotel. We thought we were going to the church just to see it with Juanito and meet a few kids. What we found instead was at least 25 kids awaiting our arrival and many many more on their way. News had spread of our mission and all of the kids wanted to see us. We nervously set up the projector and movie for them to watch (a very special treat as many had never seen a movie before) The first show was veggitales which they didn’t seem to understand. After more children arrived Joel led all the kids in song until Ernie figured out the projector. We started “Los Milagros de Jesus” (The Miracles of Jesus) and everyone was enthralled. To our dismay the battery for the projector failed half way through and we had forgotten to bring the power cable. But as Joel has taught us there was “No Problema.” Juanito gave Ernie a ride back to the hotel and while he was gone Joel and Sue wrote down all the names of the children so that they could find the ones in the most need. The cord worked and we were able to watch the rest of the movie without incident. They were very happy and the pastors loved the message. As we left Joel explained that he had found a man there who was in great need. He wanted us to meet him. Manuel is 22 and 1 month ago he had a terrible accident. He was climbing a coconut tree, as is common here, and fell on his back. The doctor told him that there was severe spinal damage and that the surgury would have to be performed in Santo Domingo for $1200 US dollars. Manuel has no family and no one to care for him. For the past month he has simply dealt with the pain and tried to get by using crutches. We took down all of his information and the name of his Doctor. Joel explained that his survival was a miracle and that normally people who had that sort of accident just died. He also explained that with the disaster in Haiti it was difficult to have “non emergency” surgery at this time because most of the operating rooms are taken by the earthquake victims. We promised to help as much as we could and to find a way. Another day of ups and downs but as we explained to Wilson... we are starting to understand and all we can do is try. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:15:37 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83&article_id=263 Day 4 Today was an interesting and overwhelming day. It started out like the others with breakfast and catching the taxi at 9. Today our first stop was Higuey to go to la farmacia for the clinic in the mountains. The farmacias here have everything you could ever want and no prescriptions neccessary. After a lot of discussions between the woman working and Jen, we figured out the most cost effective and needed drugs. We had to play a lot of charades to explain what was needed since medicine does not have the same name as here. It was comical to the people around us as we explained diuretics and had to give a detailed explanation with hand motions. It amazed us how easy it was to get some drugs such as antibiotics or phenobarbitol(anti convulsant narcotic) and also how cheap they were. After a few more stops we were off Wilson’s house for lunch. We arrived to find his wife, daughter and son outside excited to see us. As soon as we opened the doors though the news spread through the small community that we were there and children seemed to be coming out of the woodwork. We were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of children requesting shoes or school supplies. Shoes were so hard because we only had so many sizes and there were more older children than we had thought. Eventually their mothers joined them and the scene became too hectic for us to control so we had to close the van and declare to the onlookers “No Mas.” The children that were left joined us in making bracelets and Rachel led an activity to make stars out of paper. Wilson’s wife served us a great lunch of rice and chicken which we ate gratefully. They even sent someone to the local store to buy coca-cola light for Sue. Wilson’s daughter, only 8, was so welcoming and very much wanted to go on the plane with us back to Estados Unidos. Next stop was supposed to be a quick trip to see Raimi who’s surgery we had helped pay for 2 years before. He was healthy, but again we found that as soon as we opened the taxi doors we were surrounded by people looking for much needed provisions. We handed out tooth brushes and what was left of the shoes but eventually had to just shut the doors and head back to the pharmacy. One of the women we had met had a daughter, 11, who was special needs and very much required phenobarbitol and adult diapers - we assured her we would pick some up at the next pharmacy we went to. They next pharmacy was not run as well as the first so it took us a long time to explain our needs and get the required medicine. They still did not have enough insulin so we were forced to go to one more pharmacy which turned out to be the worst of the stops yet. We asked the pharmacists what the dose was and suddenly she got into an argument with Wilson about how she wasn’t a doctor so she couldn’t say. Eventually we calmed the situation down and left with what we needed. We decided it was too late to go back to the clinic today so we went to Wilson’s grandmothers to deliver the insulin as well as visit the mother we had met with the now 6 day old baby. As we approached the woman’s house the children began following yelling “gringo’s! gringo’s!” to announce our arrival. The mother and her grandmother were excited to see Jen and her supplies. We found the newborn in bed with his mother sleeping. His mother was very grateful for the supplies as Jen painstaking explained every detail of doses and what we had brought. To celebrate our arrival Wilson had his friend invite us over for coco.... we thought this was hot cocoa....we were wrong. Instead, Wilson’s friend took a machete to a coconut and stuck a straw in it for each of us. We were grateful for the drink but were surprised by how filled they were. We stayed for a while and talked until it was time to head back to the hotel. The last memorable event happened at dinner when Mario our waiter announced our arrival all of the waitstaff appeared to show us pictures of their nino’s y nina’s. Apparently word had gotten around that we had school supplies and vitamins. We gave out what we could and promised more for tomorrow. It was a day filled with up’s and downs, the joy of giving to the grateful children and the sadness in having to close the doors to the van because we had no more to give and yet there were still so many mothers and children with needs. We really came to appreciate our amigo Wilson and how willing he was to jump right in and help. God works through everyone but it was particularly apparent with him. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:15:36 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83&article_id=262 Last Full Day First up was a school past Higuey where Wilson’s twin boys live. As we approached the town Wilson called and found out that the boys weren’t in school so we decided to go to their house. The boys were very serious but appreciative of the bookbags and school supplies. As usual, word got out that we had arrived and a mother came with her new born who had ring worm on his chest. We explained that it was contagious and decided we would get medicine at the pharmacy in Higuey for her. Next stop was Wilson’s daughter’s school in Higuey but due to the time of our arrival, a bit past 12, the kids were all streaming out. In all the chaos it was the most we could do to just find Wilson’s Daughter Michelle and get her home. We explained to Wilson that we wanted the school supplies to go to the children with the most need, so instead of going back to Michelle’s school at 2, we decided to instead go to a school in a worse part of the city. What we thought was a school for a few children we soon found out was a school for 1400. The kids were everywhere and due to a miscommunication with Wilson, so were the supplies we brought. But Sue used her teacher voice and soon all the supplies were in order and we entered the school. The administrators were very thankful and they went to the different classrooms and collected the children with the greatest need. They lined up outside the door and we handed them everything we had one by one. Sadly the supplies we bought were not enough, but we were able to put smiles on many faces. All of our supplies depleted we headed back to the hotel, making a few stops on the way to drop off some of the medicine we had bought earlier at the pharmacy. We got back to the hotel with one hour to spare before heading back to Joel and Elizabeth’s house. Juanito picked us up right on time (a rarity here) and we gave him the rest of our footballs and volleyballs as well as food for two families. It is hard to describe the comfort and familiarity that we felt at Joel and Elizabeth’s. It is like we have known them our whole lives. They showed us pictures of their wedding and we showed them pictures from Sue and Ray’s wedding. After that we just talked for hours about the culture and church and about how God was working through all of us. It was through this discussion that all of us came to understand that what we were doing was good but it wasn’t enough to come here once a year like some sort of Santa Clause. Joel and Elizabeth want to do so much more to help the many children and families in need. They already work tirelessly for the community but the just don’t have the resources to make a difference. Joel proposed the creation of a foundation called “Luz de Esparanza”, Light of Hope. It cemented in our hearts what we already knew and we resolved to do everything we could upon our arrival back to the states to support his mission. Tomorrow we will go to the bank and figure out a better way of transferring resources. Ernie’s friends have already agreed to create a website to support the transparency needed in such a mission. It won’t be easy but we knew in our hearts it was right. We capped the night off with a trip back to the church for a powerful sermon and moving music. The message was of transformation... not tomorrow.. now. Of change... not temporary... forever. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:15:35 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83&article_id=260 Up early and waiting to go, island time is something you need to get use to, for us it's pretty much "hurry up and wait". We spent the day driving around the region with our driver and friend Wilson. He brought us to his grandmother’s village where we visited with the children and helped them make bracelets, the older children were at school so this gave us a great opportunity to work with the younger kids who are usually pushed aside. We tried to explain the idea of "friendship bracelets" to them and we were all happy to be right there doing such a small thing with new friends. We gave out volleyballs and softballs for the kids who wanted them and all of the parents were genuinely happy we were there. Tomorrow we will return with some shoes, we noticed many little toes hanging over the edges of their well worn sandles. Many of their houses are made from corrugated metal and it touches your heart to see all the tiny pieces of clothing newly washed hanging from barbed wire along the front of the house. Wilson's Grandmother has diabetes and getting the insulin and keeping it cold is an ongoing problem. Towards the end of our first stop a grandmother approached with a 5 day old baby boy. We don’t think he even had a name yet. Jen's face was beaming as that Grandmother handed that baby over to her. We were able to give vitamins for the mother and will bring more supplies for the baby tomorrow. Our spanish is getting better, Wilson has been a huge help. Our next stop was a school well off the main road on a mountain side where we gave out the rest of our supplies. We thought we had more with us but apparently the school is growing so we will go back tomorrow. The last stop of this short day out was to a local clinic. The doctor was in and understood english so we asked her what was most needed. She showed us that almost her entire supply of medications was expired. Everything from Penicillin to Condoms. She made a list for us to buy tomorrow when we go to the city Higuey. On the way out the door I noticed a crumpled piece of paper in the bushes. I picked it up and was surprised to find that it was a prescription that someone had thrown away. I asked Wilson who explained that the nearest pharmacy for uncommon medications was in Higuey and the local people had no means of transportation so the prescription was useless to them. Tomorrow we are going to go to Higuey and to the pharmacy and a large school in a very poor area. Lots of balls to blow up and supplies to sort. More tomorrow. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:10:26 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83&article_id=258 We arrived Saturday on time. Customs was interesting and just the handling of all 12 duffels was a logistical nightmare. All the bags had been opened and checked. We managed to find help to bring the bags through customs again on the Dominican side, One of the bags had a large bags of beads that we were going to use in an activity with the children. Sue had thought that kids in a strange area would have nothing to do so we were going to make small kits that they could put together and we had also brought all kinds of balls for games. Well it was all fine until one of the porters lifted a duffle and one of the large bags of beads hit the tile floor of the airport and thousands of beads bounced all over the place. Everyone helped us pick them up and the whole incident became a kind of ice breaker. By the time we left the airport we had gathered many prayers for our trip and for the people of Haiti. The hotel is very nice and Roberto helped us with our duffels. We decided to leave them in a small room and then sort them tomorrow morning. We got in touch with Elizabeth from the church in Barone and she will meet us there tonight. We are going to go check out our rooms and then go to church. We loved church, during the dry season the Saturday night service is held outside, They have a band set up outside on the stage. The music is loud, the kids are running all over and the message, even though it's in Spanish, seems to go right to our hearts. They are all so kind. Tired and ready for bed. We are all very thankful to be in such a beautiful place doing God's work. Today we got up early and sorted through our bags. Customs had made a real mess of things so a lot of the liquid supplies opened. We sorted about 300lbs for Haiti releif and the same amount for the schools and church’s that this mission usually supports. We finally made contact with the local missionary, she was in haiti all last week and is going back on monday night. She works with “Good Samariton Hospital of La Romana” (laromana.org). I called the head administrator there and he told us to meet him tomorrow at 11am to deliver our supplies. He also mentioned that they were in desperate need of generators so I think that some of the donated funds will go towards that. I guess they need power to administer anesthesia and there is no grid to connect to. The weather is gorgeous so we are going to enjoy the rest of the day today because the rest of the week will be booked solid. After we meet with the team going to Haiti we are going to start visiting schools to deliver supplies for the rest of the week. Last night we went to Elizabeth & Joel’s house for dinner. We talked about a lot of things that are going on in the Dominican Republic & Haiti. Joel was preaching at church which made a great opportunity for us to show veggitales to the children. We were able to set up the projector in a small classroom. It was great to be able to sit next to the kids and watch the movie. For some of them it was the first time they had seen a projected movie. We just wish the volume could have been higher. The end of their service was filled with inspiring music that culminated in a congo line that wove through the church and out into the courtyard (maybe a thought for the future?). Everyone survived their first day in the hot sun without a burn except for Sue who doesn’t listen to herself. Tomorrow we are off to the Good Samaritan Hospital in La Romana to deliver our supplies and learn more about the greatest need. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:10:26 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83&article_id=256 We plan to leave on January 23... Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:10:26 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68&article_id=257 Spring Fling Lay Ministry Training Workshops (28 of them!) on Saturday, March 6, - Registration Form - We are hosting Spring Fling this year! ABCCONN Women's Retreat at Camp Wightman (March 19-21) - Registration Form Awaken Me -- a retreat for women This retreat, led by the Rev. Lisa Gustafson, will be held on March 19-21. The cost for the weekend, which includes lodging for 2 nights and 6 meals is $135. Register soon -- space is limited! ABCCONN Men's Retreat at Camp Wightman (April 16-18) - Registration FormI'm So Busy I Shouldn't Even Be Here! -- A Men's Retreat How can you live a Christian life in the midst of your busy working world? Led by the Rev. Michael Wu, this retreat will offer the opportunity to reflect on connecting your life with your faith. The retreat will be held on April 16-18 and the cost is $135, which includes 2 nights and 6 meals. Register soon -- space is limited! Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:05:17 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=31 PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A MAP. DESTINATION: 100 North Main St, Suffield, CT 06078 DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH (HARTFORD, CT) Take I-91 North to Exit 40 onto CT-20 west, Go 2.4 miles.Exit onto CT-75 and turn right (North). Go 5 miles.When you come into Suffield, CT-75 will dip down and bend right as you cross a bridge, railroad tracks & come to a light.Bear left at the light and continue on CT-75 (South Main St) for another 1/2 mile. You will see Second Baptist up on the right,a brick building with a white steeple and gold dome.Take the drive down the left side of the church. Parking is in back. DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH (SPRINGFIELD, MA) Take I-91 South to Exit 47W and merge right onto CT-190 west.Go 1.5 miles crossing the Connecticut River to a light.Turn left on CT-159 and go about 0.5 miles to a light at Thrall St.Turn right on Thrall and go 1.5 miles to a "T" intersection with Bridge St.Turn right on Bridge St. and to 0.5 miles to a light in the center of Suffield.Turn right on CT-75 (North Main). Second Baptist will be the 4th building on the right,a brick building with a white steeple and gold dome.Take the drive down the left side of the church. Parking is in back. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:57:40 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=255 Feliz Ano Nuevo! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are enjoying being back in your usual routines. I apologize that I haven't sent an update in a long time, but now that I'm back in Bogotá and more or less back in my routine, I'm excited to be back in touch with you all. It was wonderful seeing most of you over break, so keep writing me so I know what's happening in your life and how I can pray for you. First, I have to share with you the way that God took care of me during my travels home. Remember the blizzard in December on the east coast? The day I was traveling home, there was snow from North Carolina to New Jersey, so they cancelled my flight from Atlanta to Newark. My parents were planning on driving 3 hours there to pick me up. However, instead the Lord inspired the nice folks at Delta to let me take a flight to Bradley airport, which is a quick 10-minute drive from my house. I felt a little guilty but also very excited about how that worked out. Once I got home, I had a wonderful time seeing friends from high school, church, and college. I spent a relaxing Christmas with my family and New Year's with Messiah friends in Washington D.C. I did a lot of driving around the northeast United States to see a lot of people I love, and I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with everyone. With mixed emotions, Shannon and I left for Bogotá on January 8. Yes, my sister was able to visit me for a week and a half during her Christmas break from college! Here's another cool airplane story. When we booked our flights, it was cheapest for her to get a round trip from New York to Bogotá. But it was significantly cheaper for me, buying a one-way ticket, to start in Boston and meet Shannon in New York (who knows how airlines decide on prices). However, the night before, another snowstorm hit, and guess which flight got cancelled? Yup, Shannon and I got to start our journey together in New York. Again, I felt a little guilty that the snow had probably inconvenienced a lot of people, but I couldn't help but feel grateful that things worked in my favor. While Shannon was here, I played science teacher by day and tourist by night. It was so fun to have her here. We went to visit places I had been to and enjoyed in the city as well as beautiful parts of Colombia I had never seen. Shannon has promised to put pictures up on facebook of our adventures to art museums, Bogotá's historical district, a cathedral carved into a Salt Mine (it's enormous- we spent 2 ½ hours underground!), mountain vistas and a water park. It was fun to share my beautiful city and community with her and be with people I love from both of my "worlds;" I only wish she could have stayed longer! Furthermore, this past week at school God blessed me with renewed energy for teaching. At the end of last semester I was tired and a little discouraged by my students' performance. At home during the holidays it was great to rest and think about my classes, and it has been fun to be back in the classroom. My seniors are starting chemistry, and thanks to my grandparents' and parents' Salvation Army hunting, they now have "lab coats," or the best we could find. The kids feel very special wearing them, and after using them two days in a row to do an experiment, a few of the boys put them on at the start of class the next day even though it was just lecture. I enjoy chemistry, I hope I haven't used all my good material at the beginning- this week we've exploded sugar and are getting ready to tie-dye shirts. My physics class is learning about waves, so pray for a few of them that are struggling with this especially challenging unit. And my biology students- praise the Lord- have completely changed their behavior. I was very discouraged with the disruptive and disrespectful behavior of a few at the end of last semester, but since we've started up again they've turned around 180 degrees. I pray that this continues. I can't stop praying for my kids once it seems like God has "fixed" a problem. My kids, like all of us, need someone to intercede for them and bless them. So, as always, I appreciate your prayers that support and bless me here. I can sense your prayers supporting me. As you talk to God this month, could you keep in mind:1) Haiti. I think we're all praying for the situation there. Our school is raising money for a sister school there that is currently being used as a shelter in its community2) My self-discipline. My two new year's resolutions are: 1) to practice dancing again. I miss it, and I want to be ready for opportunities in the future when I might be able to bless others with dance. I bought an MP3 player so I can do exercises and stretching in my room. 2) My other project this year is to keep up with MCAT material. This summer I need to take the med school exam again, and my goal is to improve my score by two points. I love you all and would love to hear from you. Thanks for reading this long email. Hopefully future emails will be more frequent and shorter (nerdy observation- if emails were waves, multiplying their frequency by their length would give you their speed! High school physics, anyone?). God bless, Robyn Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:17 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=252 ¡Feliz Navidad! Hola hermanos en Cristo. I apologize that I have not written in so long, but I appreciate those that haven´t forgotten about me, praying for ECA and keeping my inbox full. I´ll be home Dec 19, so let me know when I´ll be able to see you when I´m home. Do you all have busy Christmas seasons? I´ve been busy, which is why I haven´t had time to write. Here´s a quick overview of some cool opportunities God has blessed me with in the past few weeks: 1) Chaperoning the high school retreat! The high school students and staff spent a weekend outside Bogota learning and playing together. It was fun; I got to race some of my students in slip-and-slide! A youth pastor from the states led us in 4 sessions with the theme "In His Majesty´s Secret Service." He reminded us of what God´s says in Revelation 3:15-16: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." It´s not enough to like Jesus, we have to give our lives passionately and wholeheartedly to Christ. I saw God moving in me and a lot of the kids that weekend, calling us to be "hot," so that is a great praise. 2) Chaperoning a mission trip over Thanksgiving break. I have been helping with the school´s "creative outreach team," and we spent 4 days cleaning and painting in a poorer church in south Bogota. They just bought a garage that we turned it into a cheerful Sunday school area, and in the evenings we lead worship services- see picture. It was my favorite thing I´ve done so far in Colombia, and at the risk of offending my family, I´ll say that it was probably the best Thanksgiving I´ve ever had. I love ministering WITH my students- God is really doing cool things through them. In Spanish, Thanksgiving is translated "Day of action of thanks." That´s really what it was for me this year- an action of thanks. The trip was spiritually and emotionally refreshing, and I felt like I deepened relationship with some students. And don´t worry, the Tuesday before the trip I did try make "Thanksgiving food" for the Colombian family I live with. I don´t think they especially liked the stuffing, but the apple pie was a hit. They had never had apple pie before, so I had to rectify that unfortunate situation J 3) Helping out with medical brigades. A friend from school introduced me to people at her church that organize "brigadas" in areas around the city. This weekend I went with doctors, dentists, an optometrist, psychologists, a lawyer, and some evangelists to minister to a poorer neighborhood outside Bogota. The ministry set-up and the economic environment of the neighborhood reminded me very much of the Dominican Republic. For most of the time I helped in the pharmacy, and yesterday afternoon when the doctor asked for a helper I eagerly volunteered. Bogota is a city with rich and poor, and it was cool to see Christian professionals from Bogota serving their Colombian brothers and sisters. This group goes out about once a month, so I´ll probably keep going with them when I can. God is so good- I feel so blessed that He is providing me with an opportunity to do medical ministry here. 4) School! Classes have, for the most part, been doing well. My seniors have been working really hard on physics problems that involve trigonometry because SohCahToa will be on their entrance exam for Colombian universities. Also, someone recently donated 2 flip-cameras (very basic video cameras) to the school, and I used one to make a "video test" for my physics class. They watched video word problems on a computer for part of their test, and their scores were the best they´ve had. I´m trying to make more video word problems for their final. Biology just finished a unit on genetics, and now we´re studying cellular respiration. Anyone remember ATP? Also, last Wednesday I was the high school chapel speaker. All of our students come from Christian families, so I talked to them about figuring out what they personally believe so that they can be more committed and fruitful Christians. Like I said, I´ve been busy! But you have been so faithful in your prayers, and I praise God for that. In the last few weeks, could you help me pray for: 1) My heart to stay in Bogota. Christmas makes me want to be home, but God still has work for me here for two more weeks. Also, I pray that Christmas can be a time for us to celebrate Christ, not just presents, lights and cookies. 2) My kids as they finish the semester. Exams are Dec 16-18, and some need to do well to pass. 3) Safe trip home! I´m flying home Dec 19. As I said, let me know if and when you want to get together. I´m thinking about having Colombian chocolate and arepas one day after church to get a chance to catch up with my Second Baptist family. I love you and miss you all. May you find tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas season as we celebrate the coming of Immanuel! Love, Robyn Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=250 Happy (late) Halloween! Last Friday, the elementary students celebrated "Christian Character Day," a holiday our school invented to replace Halloween. The second grader that I live with dressed as David, slingshot and all. In the afternoon we had a festival where each middle or high school class had booths to raise money for class trips and ministries. Then on Saturday night, Colombians trick-or-treat in stores, not households. Seeing all the kids dressed up brought back fun memories of trick-or-treating around Suffield and costume parties at Messiah. I hope everyone had a fun weekend. As always, write me to let me know how you are. This week I was a homesick, so I looked at pictures of some of you on my computer J I feel so much better now, though. God is good. Last weekend, the teaching staff from school had a retreat in a town outside Bogotá. I got to do all of my favorite things in one weekend: worship, playing cards, visiting a market, swimming, hiking, eating ice cream, jumping off rocks into a river, playing in the mud in the rain, and dancing. Yes, for the first time in months I got to dance in worship, and it was wonderful. Dancing is probably what I miss the most from home. These past two weeks had some ups and downs. In my last letter I asked for prayer about finding a small group at church, and I have started attending a connection group for people my age. After my first meeting I was very encouraged and met some godly people, but it made me think a lot about church and asking God if this is where He wants me to worship and learn about Him. I realized that I am going to be here for two years, so I need to think about what kind of people I want to form relationships with, where I can serve, and where my spiritual home should be. The church I´ve been going to is huge and has wonderful, but sometimes "performancy" worship. Yet on the other hand, this might be a great opportunity for me to humble myself and be challenged to grow. And the family I live with attends there and are excited to see me involved with their church. So I'm praying about whether I should find a more service-oriented, smaller congregation (like I'm used to), or whether I should stay where I am and seek relationships with Christians who have different ideas about church. Prayers and advice are always appreciated My students are doing well. Right now as a staff we're praying for the 10th graders because, as a group, they struggle to respect each other and teachers. I'm also praying for wisdom about how to balance my time between school, outside ministries I could take part in, and having a social life. It would be a blessing if you could pray for both of those things as well. I'm also thanking God for so much right now: I'm doing a Bible study with teacher friends about the book of Daniel, and I have been blessed with what I'm learning. I also had wonderful experiences on the teacher retreat and with people I met at church (see why I'm not sure what to do about church?) that have given me renewed energy for teaching. I am enjoying teaching dance to some of the elementary school girls, too, and that is this week´s picture. God is so good. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=248 Last week was our time off from school when I was in the Dominican Republic. It was a wonderful change of pace, and I got to spend a lot of time with the friends I met there two years ago. Praise God for smooth travel days and safety while I was there. The team from MMI worked in a small rural hospital doing surgeries: fixing hernias, removing lipomas and doing hysterectomies. I helped in pre and post-op. They were short on nurses, so they taught me to how to take vitals and take out IV´s. I loved being in the hospital and listening to doctors and nurses discussing patient care. This trip motivated me to continue studying for the MCATs again in the spring and made me excited for what God might have for my future. After last week, I understand better 1 Thess 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I enjoy the community I have in Colombia and thank God for the opportunity to teach. However, I am also excited to pursue a career in medicine in a couple years. In other words, I am happy where I am and where I am going. Back in Colombia we have started our second quarter. I have the biology kids growing plants at home, and the physics students are designing balloon rockets. My senior class is doing physics this quarter, so we´re beginning with a unit reviewing forces. This weekend we have parent-teacher conferences, so I´d appreciate prayers for wisdom in dealing with parents. I´d also appreciate prayer as I´m trying to find a small group to attend at my church so that I can meet Colombians my age. I also continue to praise God for the community and support He has given me, both here in Colombia and at home. I always enjoy emails and skype chats with family and friends at home :) Have a great week. God is good and answers our prayers. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=247 Happy Día de Amor y Amistad! Colombians celebrate this holiday of love and friendship during the month of September, so it often has me thinking of you, my friends back home. This holiday is similar to Valentines´ Day, but groups also play "amigo secreto," which is like secret Santa. I´m in two pools, with the teachers and with the senior class, and a couple times a week you "sweeten" your secret friend with candy or other small gifts. Every time I get an email or note from friends back home I feel "sweetened" because I always love hearing from you! (yes, that was cheesy, I know, but keep me posted with what´s new with you at home.) Here in Bogota, the first quarter is ending. That means tests and project to be turned in, grading to be done, and report cards to set up before next Saturday when I leave for the Dominican Republic. I can´t believe we´re already one quarter of the way through our school year! Some highlights at school have been: dropping books and water bottles off the roof in physics to determine if they reached terminal velocity, listening to a week of seniors´ presentations on genetic disorders, and making DNA models out of candy that the students are selling as a fundraiser. On the other hand, two difficult times were giving two detentions for plagiarism. Also, two weeks ago they cancelled school for two days because too many teachers and students were sick. Feeling healthy and blessed, I went with three others to spend a night outside Bogota. It was hot and unpolluted; we walked around a lake and went to a swimming pool. I attached a picture of me with the 4th grade teacher, Giselle, by the lake. Last weekend I chaperoned the 11th grade class when they volunteered in an orphanage. Each class at El Camino partners with a ministry on the 3rd Saturday of each month. It was wonderful to see my students thrive in an out-of-the-classroom, service setting. Since this is their second year going there, many of the orphans recognized them, and my students inspired me with their love for the kids. It was heartbreaking to leave because many kids tried to hide in our van or jump on the back bumper to come home with us. Even though I´m nowhere near ready to be a parent, part of me wanted to take one of these kids home to give him or her the love children deserve. Can you pray for these kids? Also, can you pray for next week? I´m really nervous about my last biology unit with the senior class: evolution. This can be a sensitive subject, especially at a Christian school. Also, next Saturday (October 3) I have a 2 pm direct flight from Bogota to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I have been praying a lot for the people that we will serve and my friends who work for the medical ministry. I have also been praying a lot for friends at home. A praise has been God is helping me with Spanish. Sunday during church I resolved to think and pray that day in Spanish. After church we went to lunch with my family´s aunts, uncles and cousins- a large, loud group that had intimidated me. This may seem silly, but I was happy on Sunday when for the first time I contributed to their conversation! Let me share with you something I journalled about this week: Psalm 124:1-5, 8 says, "If the LORD had not been on our side- let Israel say- /if the LORD had not been on our side/ when men attacked us, / when their anger flared against us, /they would have swallowed us alive; /the flood would have engulfed us,/the torrent would have swept over us,/ the raging waters /would have swept us away. ..Our help is in the name of the LORD, /the Maker of heaven and earth." Yes, if the LORD had not been on my side, when homesickness and speaking a new language have overwhelmed me, when unruly students were in front of me, when so many teachers and students were sick, they would have "swallowed me alive." Instead, God is so good, and I often wake up experiencing the deepest joy I have ever felt in my life. Thank you for your prayers- PLEASE keep them coming! PS I put pictures up: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2068872&id=55302022&l=2f659aee21 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=246 THANK YOU for praying for me. In my last post, I asked you to pray for my senior class, and yesterday God reminded me that he does hear and answer prayer; God is awesome. I had been feeling frustrated last week about how to get them to behave, telling God in my prayers that I didn't know what else to do and needed His help. Thursday was especially frustrating, and I even found a note dropped on the floor after class that one boy had passed to another asking him to put a stuffed ferret (which I had confiscated during class) on another girl's shoulder when I wasn't looking. Yesterday I came to class ready to give them a talking to and punishment. Yet, one sentence into what I had planned to say, one of the boys raised his hand and asked if he could say something. He said that in homeroom that morning they had talked together as a class and realized that their behavior in science was disrespectful. Individually and on behalf of his classmates he apologized and asked for forgiveness about the way they had been acting. I almost fell out of my chair! The best part was, each individual behaved perfectly for the rest of class. So keep praying, because prayer works. An eloquent confession from a 17 year old boy to his science teacher can only be an act of God. This made me think of Ephesians 3:20, that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." There was nothing I could do to make these students behave, but the Holy Spirit worked their hearts to change their behavior. This incident reminded me that I am not in charge of my classroom- God is. Praise the Lord for this confession, and I pray that the seniors and I can continue to respect and love each other. Also, I have other news to share with you about answered prayer. Most of you know I was not able to return to the Dominican Republic this summer as I had the past two years. The past few weeks as I have been praying, I have been thinking a lot about MMI (the ministry I worked with) and my friends there. I looked at their calendar of projects and my school breaks, and the only time this year when the two overlap is during the Colombian school holiday in October. Last Saturday I attended a small group meeting at the church I have been going to, and they talked about God's timing. Whenever I hear about "God's timing," I always equate this with asking for patience: God acts perfectly, but often later than we expect. However, I learned this week that God's timing might be faster than ours, because He's sending me to the Dominican Republic in October! Praise God! I am so excited to see friends and take a week off from educational ministry to do health care ministry. This is one of my prayer requests this week, that the details of this trip will fall into place. Other things you can pray for (since you all have proved to be excellent at this!) are for some of the teachers who aren't feeling well, the teacher retreat next weekend, and the family that I live with- their grandfather had pancreitis and is improving, but still has a long way to go. I miss you all and I'd love to hear from you. As soon as I figure out how to get pictures off my camera, I'll send a picture of my friend Suzette, the kindergarten teacher, on her birthday. We couldn't find frosting, so we decorated her cake with jelly and "whipped cream" (which looks like toothpaste and tastes like salty cheese). It was surprisingly delicious! Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=245 Hi friends! I hope you are all doing well. I heard that I’ve been missing some very warm temperature at home. If any of you need to escape the heat, you can come visit me in Bogota, where it’s usually 65 degrees year round :) Thank you all for your prayers. I think my Spanish is improving, and we sprayed the bed to get rid of bugs; just pray that they stay away. As of today (Saturday) I’ve been here a month. I’ve been so busy it feels like I’ve been here much longer, and I know this is exactly where God wants me to be. You are all a huge blessing; El Camino Academy would not have a science teacher without your prayers, love and support. I’ve been teaching for two weeks now, and most of the kids are great. My biology and physics students are very eager learners. After we did a lab with microscopes, some of the boys in my biology class asked if they could look at more slides during study hall- I was thrilled! My physics students ask lots of questions and keep me on my toes! I could use prayer for my senior class. There’s no curriculum; so I’ve been a little unorganized and disappointed with the work they’ve been doing. I’m going to talk to them on Monday about my expectations, and hopefully that will help. Living with my family has been great. They’ve been very welcoming and helpful. Since August is kite month in Bogotá, last Sunday we went to a park north of the city to fly kites and have a barbecue with their extended family. I enjoyed the grilled corn on the cob, plantains and potatoes with guacamole. I passed on the grilled cow intestines and blood sausage, though. The weekend before last some of the teachers and I went to Mont Serrat, a mountain surrounding Bogotá with a Catholic church at the top (see picture). It was a great view of the city. I enjoy hanging out with the other teachers because we’re all very similar. I praise God for the great community He has created and given me here. This morning Melody (the first grade teacher) and I took a bus to Bogotá’s central park to go running. It was beautiful. Last weekend I also got to see my friend Nancy, who is in Colombia on an educational tour. It was fun to see a good friend and hear about what she’s learning. One of the things I enjoy most here is going to church. If I feel homesick or lonely, church reminds me that God is everywhere and unchanging. I can close my eyes and worship the same God I worship in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, knowing my friends and family there are doing the same. A scripture that has meant a lot to me here is Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from?” Bogotá is surrounded by mountains, so every day I lift up my eyes and remember, “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (vs. 1-2,7-8) Praise God! Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=241 Today was our first day with the students. It was fairly easy because the high schoolers had an assembly, homeroom, and a picnic. Monday I´ll actually start teaching, but I feel prepared. We´ve had lots of work time during teacher orientation the past two weeks, and I´m excited to actually start meeting more students. The past few weeks were full of teachers´meetings, cross-cultural orientations and devotional/prayer times. I´ve also been cleaning out the science lab- see the "after" picture. It´s been fun to get to know the teachers and staff here during our training. Last Friday the McCollums (the family I stayed with when I first got here) invited a group of new teachers to their house for pizza and brownies. We sat around talking and laughing for hours; it was a great time. On Saturday I got to see a classmate from Messiah, Farrah Amin, who was visiting her family in Bogota. On Sunday I went to church with my host family and then hung out with their extended family at their grandparents´ house. The church was so popular that people wait in line for three blocks until the service before it let out. Then people filed in and filled every seat. They had us jumping up and down and shouting praises to God- it was really cool. My family has been really great. We eat dinner together every night, and the boys love to play games. I brought them the game ´Trouble,´ and we played one night for a few hours. Most of you know I like to stay active, and it´s safe for me to run around their neighborhood as long as I take their dog with me. He and I have become good friends.:) Thank you so much for praying for me! God has been so faithful in answering my prayers. I can tell that He has a plan for me here, and your encouragement has been wonderful. If you could pray this week for: -My first teaching day on Monday, that I make a good first impression with the kids -I have bed bugs! That we can find a way to deal with that -That I keep my focus on Christ and His purposes for me here. I miss you and appreciate you all! Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=240 I´ve heard this so many times in the past week! I arrived in Bogota on Wednesday night around 11 pm local time (they´re an hour behind the east coast), and for the first few days I stayed with the McCollum family. They are missionaries from the Chicago area; Bob is the high school principal, Vicki is a high school math teacher, and their girls are in 3rd and 6th grade. It was wonderful to spend time with them because, first of all, they are wonderful, loving people, and also, they showed me around the area. The first day I was here, my first task was to get my blood typed because I need that for my Colombian ID card. The McCollums also brought me to the mall to get money and other essentials (like shampoo!). For dinner we ate in a Colombian chain restaurant called Crepes and Waffles (which also serves great ice cream for dessert). The next day I came to school and started organizing my classroom. I have a big room with desks in the front and lab tables in back. Right now it's a mess because I´ve been sorting through supplies and books and praying it can be painted before school starts. Besides cleaning my room, I´ve also been coming up with lesson plans now that I have my curriculum. I´ll be teaching sophomore biology, junior physics, and a senior capstone science class. Yesterday and today have been new teacher orientation days, and starting tomorrow (Wed) most of the other teachers will be back. We start school Aug 7. So far, all of the teachers I have met seem wonderful, and I can tell it will be easy to make friends. This past weekend the school´s director and her husband took another rookie teacher and me out of town for Colombian breakfast at a panaderia (bakery). We had hot chocolate with cheese (yes, in the hot chocolate- it was actually tasty!), arepas and different types of rolls. Then in the afternoon the McCollums took a few new teachers to a well know mall in Bogota built on an old ranch property. After dinner we met up with the director for dessert. On Sunday I went to church with the McCollums, and they had a guest speaker and his band. It was wonderful and lively. Sunday night I moved in with the family that is hosting me, the Cardenas´. They had been on vacation when I got here. They are very sweet and welcoming. I can tell that they want me to feel at home and part of their family. Last night the boys (Juan Nico is 10 and Santiago is 7) tried to teach me to play their video games. I´ll try to post a picture with them soon on my church´s blog: http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/ under "Missions." Right now, could you pray for: -My Spanish to improve, so it is easier for me to talk to the Cardenas´ -Being ready for the first day of school -Praise for safe travels and excellent first week J God is so good, and I feel very at peace. God´s comforting and protecting Spirit is very present here. I feel so blessed that He provided this opportunity for me and provided all of you to help me get here. Many blessings! Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=239 Children's Day 2009 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=238 Dear friends, My name is Robyn Smith, and I recently graduated from Messiah College (near Harrisburg, PA) with a major in Biology and a minor in global Christian ministries. I grew up in Suffield at Second Baptist, and on July 22, I move to Bogotá, Colombia to begin ministry with El Camino Academy. I have accepted a two year volunteer position teaching high school science: physical science, biology and physics. I am also excited to teach a dance elective! My classroom will be 71% Colombian, 6% American and 23% other nationalities; I will teach in English. Since El Camino is a Christian school, I see my role as educating and mentoring the next generation of church leaders in Colombia. For more information about the school, please see their website: www.eca.edu.co Second Baptist Church is endorsing my ministry and will commission me as a volunteer in ministry on Children's Day on June 14 at 10 am. God is so good, and He has used friends' and family's love and encouragement to teach me that ministry is always a community effort. I praise God that so many friends and family have been very generous in their financial and prayer support. This is where I will post updates and prayer requests. Right now I taking care of details that come with moving to another country (getting a visa, figuring out cell phones, ect), working on ideas for lessons, and raising support. As I get ready for this new type of ministry, could you join me in praying for: - Preparing my heart for teaching and the situations I will encounter in Bogotá. I pray that I can reflect Christ's love in all situations. -My students, that we can grow closer to God through studying science! -My church family at Second Baptist as they partner with me in ministry -Safety and health as I travel If you have any questions or would like more information about my ministry, I'd love to talk to you. My email is rs1288@messiah.edu íHasta Bogotá! Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:56:13 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=35 What is Youth Group? Youth Group is a place where we can be ourselves, not what other people think we should be. There is no pressure, no disappointment. Youth Group is made up of us and God and we know he is so proud of us. We do lots of fun goofy things. We get together and plan activities. We try hard to do things for others and we take good care of each other. We know your life is very full, so if you can’t make a meeting, come to the next one. If we don’t see you for awhile, we will call just to let you know we care. Youth group is for kids grades 6 through 12 and you don’t have to be anything more than you are. Please join our group and invite a friend. Call me (Sue) anytime day or night at 402-7813. Prayers are FREE. And remember together we can do great things.God Bless, Sue & JoyceCLICK HERE FOR A DANCE PERMISSION FORM. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MEDICAL & PERMISSION FORMHelp for HaitiYouth CovenantYouth Information Form to be filled out by parent Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:53:36 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=67 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=67&article_id=193 "God has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8 If you would like to participate, please contact: Sue Barron at 860-254-5544 Amy Arnold at 860-749-8750. On the Second Saturday of the month, our church delivers and serves a meal for about 125 homeless and marginalized people at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen at South Congregational Church in Springfield, MA. A team meets at our church around 11:15 am and leaves by 11:30. They return to our church by 1:00 pm. Who can participate- Everyone is welcome, this is a great family activity or maybe you know of another group that might want to share this experience too (scouts, clubs, friends, even families in your neighborhood). This is what changes lives - both yours and theirs. Pizza, cupcakes and bananas- A Special thank you to Big Y for our discount on the 9 large pizzas. Bananas are bought at Costco about 16 bunches, and the cupcakes (6 dozen) are home-made and we are always looking for bakers. Please join, it can be a life changing experience. The meal is funded by our missions committee. Reimbursements with receipts for around $100 can be obtained through benevolence treasurer, Howard Beale. DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM THE SUFFIELD / ENFIELD AREA: Click here for a map.Take I-91 north about 7 miles to Exit 4 (in Massachusetts)Merge onto East Columbus Ave and go 0.5 miles.Turn right on Union Street and go 0.4 miles up a hill.Turn Left on Maple Street.South Congregational Church will be in about 0.1 mile on the right with a rainbow flag out front: 45 Maple Street, Springfield, MA (413) 732-0117Enter the driveway on the left side of the building and park in back. Please go in the back door to the kitchen. Loaves and Fishes staff will meet you there. Thu, 7 Jan 2010 09:00:56 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=124 Our pastor is available to everyone in the community on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 pm at Dunkin' Donuts on Mountain Rd right here in Suffield (CVS Plaza). Come chat about anything you like and bring a friend! Of course, if you want to talk about a more confidential matter, please call to make an appointment. Click here for a map. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:02:58 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=121 Worship Experience Sunday Worship at 10 am with a relaxed and joyous traditional style and beautiful music. An adult staffed nursery and Sunday School are available September to July. We have many musical, fellowship, outreach and educational groups to help you find a spiritual home. Please see our schedule to the right. In the event of inclement weather, all church event cancellations will be posted on WVIT-NBC 30, WFSB-Channel 3, and WTNH-Channel 8 in addition to this website. Education Sunday Adult Education, the High School Class & Kids for Christ are at 9 am. Sunday School for all other children begins mid-way through worship at 10 am. We have a single Sunday School class for children during the summer. Camp Wightman2009 summer schedule is available, please sign-up early and get your forms in. For more information pick up a flier from Sue Begin or call 402-7813. http://www.campwightman.orgChildren & Nursery Children are welcome to participate in worship and we have a special children's moment in the main service. Our newly refurbished baby nursery has trained adult staff and age-appropriate toys. There is a crib and stocked changing table. We have electronic pagers so parents can worship without worry. Accessible to People With Disabilities Our sanctuary is accessible by elevator and we have accessible restrooms. Several pews have discreetly recessed spaces on the outer end for wheelchairs. Hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers.Get a User Name & Password NEW! Login user names and passwords to our intranet are available to members of Second Baptist. Please request a user name and password by clicking the link below the login to the left. Online, print and video training materials are available. After you log in, just click HELP in the upper right hand corner.Vocal and Hand Bell Choirs Choirs rehearse on Thursday evenings. We have many opportunities for children and adults to sing and an intergenerational bell choir. For more information please call the church office as given above. Almost Angels children's choir rehearses Thursdays at 5:30 pm. Handbell Choir rehearses Thursdays at 6:15 pm. Sanctuary Choir rehearses Thursdays at 7:15 pm. Youth Group meets most every week. See the Youth page and call Sue at 402-7813 for information. See the youth page in the menu to the left. Prayer Circle meets Wednesdays 8:30 - 9:00 am in the Helen King Chapel.Pastor's Coffee at Dunkin Donuts Wednesdays from 4 to 5 pm. Soup Kitchen preparation is second Saturdays at 10 am. Food delivery and serving in Springfield is from 11 am to 1 pm, round trip. Mission Opportunities We take groups annually to the Dominican Republic and the area of Biloxi, Mississippi (Habitat For Humanity). We have occasional volunteer days with Habitat For Humanity in either Springfield, MA or Hartford, CT. We are also involved with a number of outreach programs and collect resources for people in need. Second Baptist Women Second Baptist Women meets on the first Saturdays of the month. Please call for dates of the Men's Fellowship. Both groups are intergenerational and offer a variety of fun, interactive and informative events.The Rev. David Reed-Brown, Pastor Is available by appointment Sunday to Thursday or any time in an emergency. He is usually available at the office Monday - Thursday mornings. See the staff page under "Who Are We" for more information.Mrs. Evelyne Battle, Office Manager Office Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from 9 am - 2 pm. See the staff page under "Who Are We" for more information. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:02:58 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=81 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=81&article_id=251 The health of Second Baptist Church depends on the vitality of its all-volunteer committees and officers. These leaders sustain the mission and ministries of our church. They serve from one to four years and generally meet once a month at the church. In January each year we elect new committee members and officers to replace those whose terms have ended. Currently there are several open positions. You can contact leaders by phone as given below or click on one of the underlined names to send an e-mail. We need willing servants to fill positions in the following committees: THE DIACONATE – Works with the pastor and is responsible for the spiritual oversight of the life of the church. Co-Chairs: Claudia Hepner [668-5735] and Joe Ralston [413-265-6280]. Meets on second Tuesday of each month. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – Supervises the business affairs of the church and the custody of the church property. Chair: Lena Blake (church president) [668-2926]. Meets on fourth Tuesday of each month. MISSIONS COMMITTEE – Responsible for the missionary and benevolence program of the church; locally, nationally and internationally. Chair: Gary Powell [668-4178]. Meets on third Tuesday of each month. MUSIC COMMITTEE – Works with the music director to oversee the musical program of the church. Chair: Debbi Preli [860-306-3645 (cell)]. Meets on third Sunday of each month after worship service. BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – Responsible for the youth and adult Christian Education program. Chair: Scott Schneider [668-1707]. Meets on Sundays of each month after worship service. HOUSE COMMITTEE – Responsible for improvements to and maintenance of the structure and grounds of the church and parsonage. Chair: Cliff Barron [254-5544]. Meets on fourth Monday of each month. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE -- Made up of representatives from the Board Of Christian Education, the Music committee, the House committee, the Diaconate and the chair of the Nominating committee. Responsible for church personnel policy and it’s implementation. Needs a chairperson. Meets as needed. USHERING COMMITTEE – Responsible for the seating and comfort of the congregation and for the collection of offerings. Ushers serve on one of four teams to cover all Sunday services. Chair: Art Sikes [668-0414]. Meet annually. AVAILABLE CHURCH OFFICER POSITIONS: Vice President and Church School Secretary/Collector The Nominating Committee [chaired by Joe Harry (668-5303)] is seeking to fill all open positions by December 31, 2009. For many of these positions, church membership is not required. If you are interested in serving on one of the above committees, or if you want more information, contact the chairperson of that committee. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:11:34 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=61 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=61&article_id=176 So, you are interested in helping out with coffee hour on Sundays after worship? Thank you! If you would like to get on the schedule, please sign-up on the Coffee Hour Schedule which can be found on the bulletin board near Fellowship Hall or call Lin Remington at 668-4353. For kitchen questions, read below then contact Food Ministries Coordinator, Ronnie Marquis. If you arrive at 9:00 -9:15 a.m. you should have plenty of time to get everything ready before worship begins. Over the past few years, the snacks for coffee hour have gotten more and more elaborate. We would like to get back to simpler and less costly coffee hours so more people will sign up to do one. There will be paper tablecloths on the counter in the kitchen for you to use. You will have plenty of time to get to the sanctuary for the service if you arrive at 9:00 am -Coffee: directions for making coffee are on the wall next to the Aramatic coffee maker. Make regular coffee and fill pump pots marked accordingly. Do the same with decaf. Start as soon as you arrive and place the pump pots on the tables in the Fellowship Hall. The coffee will remain hot for hours. The bowl for creamers, stirrers, sugar, napkins, and paper cups are in the cabinets in the fellowship hall. Creamers are in the refrigerator. Put ice in a bowl and put creamers on top of the ice and they can go on the table before you go upstairs. -Punch: The punch bowl and ladle are on the counter in the kitchen. I add one scoop of ice from the ice machine just inside the “In” door in the kitchen, to the punch bowl. Use one bottle of juice and one bottle of ginger ale, which you will find in the refrigerator. Use whatever flavor juice you like. We do not add sherbet anymore. If you would like to use a different recipe, please feel free to do so. -Goodies: plates for your snacks are on one of the shelves on the bottom of the stainless steel table in the kitchen. We usually have about 50 people attend. If you figure one or two snacks per person, that should be plenty. Please remember, the more you serve, the more folks will eat. -Please wash the dishes that you used and leave them to drain. The pump pots should be emptied and rinsed out. If there is any punch left over, you can put it back in the bottle from the juice you used and put it in the refrigerator. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Ronnie Marquis at home at 653-4480, or cell 604-6765. You can also email me at Tibby16@sbcglobal.net. Ronnie Tue, 3 Nov 2009 07:49:26 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=80 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=80&article_id=249 Anyone who wants to host a meal at Second Baptist must first contact our Food Ministries Coordinator (FMC), Ronnie Marquis (860-653-4480). She needs 6-8 weeks advance notice. Each event requires a Point Person to work with Ronnie. We repeat: Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Get a Point Person and go directly to Ronnie! [FUNERAL RECEPTIONS are a completely different ministry of care and compassion. Just have the Pastor or Church Office contact Ronnie.] EXPECTATIONS: The role of the Food Ministries Coordinator is to help your group put on a meal. The Coordinator does not necessarily cook the meal but prefers to teach others how to use the kitchen, create menus, draw up shopping lists, and help determine how many volunteers you will need to recruit for shopping, setting up, cooking, serving, dish washing, and cleaning up. Each event is different and requires different arrangements. PLEASE have your Point Person contact Ronnie as soon as possible. QUESTIONS: You will need to decide on the purpose of your meal. Will it be for fellowship, fund raising, supporting a ministry or just a meal? If it is supporting a particular ministry, please let everyone know that through church communications (see below). Next, who is going to pay for the meal? How many people do you expect to feed? What will it cost to prepare the meal? What will you charge? What do you hope the profit will be? CALENDAR: After you confirm details with the Food Ministries Coordinator, you must contact the church office as soon as possible to check the church calendar and arrange for promotion. You may need to fill out a building use form, so give yourself time. PROMOTION: Event promotion is also your responsibility, and we will help you with this. Our Office Manager, Evelyne Battle, expects the Point Person to provide timely submissions to the weekly Crier bulletin insert (deadline is Tuesday) and the Crier Newsletter (Deadline is the 15th of the month). She is in the office Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 2 pm and the phone number is 860-668-1661 or e-mail Office@SecondBaptistSuffield.org - Please remember that the average person needs to receive information 6 to 13 times in different ways before it really sinks in. SIGNS: If this is a public meal, the office can send out post cards to our special public supper list (needs to be done one month in advance). Do you need signs put up around the church? The large sign out in front of the church needs to be erected two weeks in advance. Contact Win Senter for this at 860-916-0278. NEWSPAPER: If you would like the local newspaper to cover your event, The Observer deadline is the 15th of each month. Press release forms are available in the rack outside the church office door. The office can assist you with this. If you would like a reporter to do a story on your event or ministry, please call the church office as soon as possible. Remember, "A picture is worth a thousand words." WORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS: If you would like the Pastor to push your event during worship announcements, please be in touch with details by the Wednesday before worship. HINT: It is twice as effective to have someone other than the Pastor make an announcement in worship. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:43:10 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 Welcome Friends! No matter how God made you or where you are in your walk with God, you are welcome here. We are a beloved community of faith immersed in the Grace of Jesus Christ. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us if there is any way we may be of service to you.In the Peace & Light of Christ,The Rev. David Reed-Brown Would you like to read our brochure? Click here.Meet our pastor at Dunkin Donuts Wednesdays at 4 pm. Scroll down for more. Wed, 9 Sep 2009 08:38:21 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44&article_id=244 Sept 20 Welcome Back Sunday Sept 27 Do you have questions about Jesus? Oct. 4 What does the name Jesus mean? Oct. 11 Where and when did Jesus live? Oct. 18 What was special about Jesus? Oct. 25 What was Jesus like when he was young? Nov. 1 How did Jesus know what God wanted him to do? Nov. 8 Special Project Nov. 15 Why was Jesus baptizes? Nov. 22 What happened to Jesus in the desert? Nov. 29 What did Jesus teach the people? Dec. 6 Why did Jesus tell us so many interesting stories? Dec. 13 What did Jesus say God is like? Dec. 20 What did Jesus say about how to enter his kingdom? Dec. 27 How can we become followers of Jesus? Jan 3 What did Jesus say would happen to him? Jan 10 Special Project Jan 17 How did Jesus show his power over nature? Jan 24 Why did Jesus heal sick people? Jan. 31 Is Jesus stronger than the devil? Feb 7 Can Jesus defeat death? Feb 14 How did Jesus show the disciples who he really is? Feb 21 Special Project Feb 28 How much did Jesus love his disciples? Mar 7 What did Jesus promise to give his followers? Mar 14 How could anyone betray Jesus? Mar 21 Did Jesus suffer a lot? Mar 28 Why did Jesus have to die? Apr 4 Is Jesus still dead? Apr 11 No KFC Apr 18 What is Jesus doing now? Apr 25 What will Jesus do I the future? May 2 Special Project May 9 How does Jesus teach us to be happy? May 16 What does Jesus say about being really good? May 23 No KFC June 30 How does Jesus teach me to pray? June 6 How can I give my life for Jesus? June 13 Children's Day Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:19:35 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=79 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=79&article_id=243 DATE NAME Sept 6 Annie Arnold Sept 13 Tatum Larouchelle Sept 20 Thomas Killam Sept 27 Matthew Craig Oct. 4 Robbie Tobiaz Oct. 11 John Killam Oct. 18 Anna Larouchelle Oct. 25 Megan Ralston Nov. 1 Katie Arnold Nov. 8 Samantha Pryce Nov. 15 Heather V-Schneider Nov. 22 Anna Tobiasz Nov. 29 Kate Killam Dec. 6 Lindsie Gero Dec. 13 Mickie Barrron Dec. 20 Wesley Oltsch Dec. 27 Annie Arnold Jan 3 Jan 10 Tatum Larouchelle Jan 17 Thomas Killam Jan 24 Matthew Craig Jan. 31 Robbie Tobiaz Feb 7 John Killam Feb 14 Anna Larouchelle Feb 21 Megan Ralston Feb 28 Katie Arnold Mar 7 Samantha Pryce Mar 14 Heather V-Schneider Mar 21 Anna Tobiasz Mar 28 Kate Killam Apr 4 Lindsie Gero Apr 11 Mickie Barrron Apr 18 Wesley Oltsch Apr 25 Annie Arnold May 2 May 9 Tatum Larouchelle May 16 Thomas Killam May 23 Matthew Craig June 30 Robbie Tobiaz June 6 John Killam June 13 Anna Larouchelle June 20 Megan Ralston June 27 Katie Arnold July 4 Samantha Pryce July 11 Heather V-Schneider July 18 Anna Tobiasz July 25 Kate Killam Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:26:30 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=242 Baby Nursery Schedule DATE NAME Sept 6 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Sept 13 Jackie , John Senez Sept 20 Amy or Jeff Arnold Sept 27 Sue Sheiber Oct. 4 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Oct. 11 Jackie , John Senez Oct. 18 Amy or Jeff Arnold Oct. 25 Sue Sheiber Nov. 1 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Nov. 8 Jackie , John Senez Nov. 15 Amy or Jeff Arnold Nov. 22 Sue Sheiber Nov. 29 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Dec. 6 Jackie , John Senez Dec. 13 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Dec. 20 Sue Sheiber Dec. 27 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Jan 3 Jackie , John Senez Jan 10 Amy or Jeff Arnold Jan 17 Sue Sheiber Jan 24 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Jan. 31 Jackie , John Senez Feb 7 Amy or Jeff Arnold Feb 14 Sue Sheiber Feb 21 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Feb 28 Jackie , John Senez Mar 7 Amy or Jeff Arnold Mar 14 Sue Sheiber Mar 21 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Mar 28 Jackie , John Senez Apr 4 Amy or Jeff Arnold Apr 11 Sue Sheiber Apr 18 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard Apr 25 Jackie , John Senez May 2 Amy or Jeff Arnold May 9 Sue Sheiber May 16 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard May 23 Jackie , John Senez June 30 Amy or Jeff Arnold June 6 Sue Sheiber June 13 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard June 20 Jackie , John Senez June 27 Amy or Jeff Arnold July 4 Sue Sheiber July 11 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard July 18 Jackie , John Senez July 25 Amy or Jeff Arnold * If you are unable to be at church on your assigned date please call and switch with someone else on the roster. If you can't find a replacment please call Sue Begin 860-402-7813. Jackie , John Senez 413- 569-1193 Amy or Jeff Arnold 860-749-8750 Sue Sheiber 860- 668-8709 Sarah ,Richard Hubbard 860-668-7221 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:20:10 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52&article_id=122 Our worship leaders lead the congregation at the beginning of the 10 am Sunday service by leading the Call to Worship, Offering an Opening Prayer, leading the Lord's Prayer and reading the first scripture. If you would like to volunteer as a worship leader, please contact our Chair of Deacons, Debbi Preli, Coordinator Anne Harry or Office Manager Evelyne Battle by clicking on their name. The Call to Worship and Lord's Prayer are both printed in the bulletin. Worship Leaders may write their own opening prayer or use one from a collection of worship resource books in our Church Library. PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to be present at the date assigned, it is your responsibility to find a replacement. Thank you for helping us in this way. 06-Sep-09 13-Sep-09 20-Sep-09 27-Sep-09 04-Oct-09 11-Oct-09 18-Oct-09 25-Oct-09 01-Nov-09 08-Nov-09 15-Nov-09 22-Nov-09 29-Nov-09 06-Dec-09 13-Dec-09 20-Dec-09 27-Dec-09 03-Jan-10 10-Jan-10 17-Jan-10 24-Jan-10 31-Jan-10 07-Feb-10 14-Feb-10 21-Feb-10 28-Feb-10 07-Mar-10 14-Mar-10 21-Mar-10 28-Mar-10 04-Apr-10 11-Apr-10 18-Apr-10 25-Apr-10 02-May-10 09-May-10 16-May-10 23-May-10 30-May-10 06-Jun-10 13-Jun-10 20-Jun-10 27-Jun-10 04-Jul-10 11-Jul-10 18-Jul-10 25-Jul-10 Joe Harry Debbie Preli David Burnaford Cindy Smith Steve Smith Connor Blake Anne Stanley Tina Berrien Barry Sisk Jerry Kinsgbury Howard Beal Lin Remington Natalie Das David Battle Peter Das Ruth Beal Mardi Newman Joe Harry Debbie Preli Linda Isham David Burnaford Cindy Smith Steve Smith Connor Blake Anne Stanley Tina Berrien Barry Sisk Jerry Kinsgbury Howard Beal Lin Remington Natalie Das David Battle Peter Das Ruth Beal Mardi Newman Joe Harry Debbie Preli David Burnaford Cindy Smith Steve Smith NONE Connor Blake Anne Stanley Tina Berrien Barry Sisk Jerry Kinsgbury Howard Beal Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:25:25 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=13 The American Baptist Churches of Connecticut (ABCCONN) The American Baptist Churches USA International Ministries Ministers & Missionaries Benefit Board National Ministries The Ministers Council Camp Wightman The Bapitst Peace Fellowship of North America The Christian Conference of Connecticut Center City Churches Hartford Seminary Yale Divinity School Andover Newton Theological School Habitat for Humanity Enfield Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen Springfield Open Pantry Community Services - Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen The Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs The National Council of Churches of Christ The World Council of Churches Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous Wed, 8 Jul 2009 10:13:10 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=230 On Youth Sunday we incorporated the music we listen to, the words we read and what comes out of our mouths into the service. Listed are the songs that we choose. Life Uncommon Jewel Molly YouTube - Jewel - Life Uncommon One Step Jordan Sparks Rachel YouTube - Jordan Sparks - One step a time [music video] HQ w/ lyrics If Everyone Cared Nickelback Doug YouTube - If Everyone Cared by Nickelback with Lyrics Open Arms by Journey....Jordan YouTube - Open Arms by Journey I'll Stand By You Carrie Underwood Katherine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xstLRWHgD2Q Someone watching over me Duff Caroline YouTube - Hilary Duff Someones watching over me - Lyrics Stairway to heaven Led Zep Ethan YouTube - Led Zepelin - Stairway to Heaven Who Knew Pink Allison C YouTube - Who knew - Pink w/ lyrics Don't stop Believing Journey Derek YouTube - Don't Stop Believing - Journey (lyrics) So rest assured the youth of Second Baptist Church are those far free from moral decay. As we search for our identity in the music of today. ... We found bumper stickers that represented our faith journey and shared them. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts. Dear God: I have a problem. Sometimes, it's me. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted. Do the math. Count your blessings. If we worry, we probably didn't pray. If we pray, we probably don't worry. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. The most important things in our homes are the people. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knots for us. He who dies with the most toys is still dead. And who knows where he has gone? I may not be beautiful but Jesus thought I was to die for. Just because you can’t see Him doesn’t mean he’s not there. Let Jesus be your GPS Tue, 7 Jul 2009 10:17:40 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=56 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=56&article_id=169 Go Slowly, Listen For the Holy (Passed on to Linda Isham by Maria Harris) Sister, brother, take your time. Go slowly. Listen deep inside you. Every hour is holy. NOTE: The first line can be adapted to “Sister, sister” or “Brother, brother” Meditative Breathing Prayers PLEASE NOTE: The following prayers can help connect you to God and bring about a state of relaxation and spiritual peace. The Relaxation Response™ has been proven medically by Dr. Herbert Benson at Harvard Medical School. The response achieved through prayer is stronger than the response through meditation alone. It lowers the heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure. It calms the mind. It releases positive endorphins into the body and assists in creating white blood cells that fight infection. With practice, you can attain the strong, prayerful state of the Relaxation Response™ in 60 seconds. Start by doing practicing these prayers for 5 minutes. Increase the length each time until you reach 15 minutes. Once you are at this level, you will be able to get back to it in a minute’s time. While not required, these prayers work best when you sit in a comfortable chair, with both feet flat on the floor shoulders width apart and your hands in your lap. They are done with your eyes closed. If your mind wanders, that is normal. Simply refocus your breathing. Simple Breathing Prayer Breathe in and out slowly. Now take a deep breath. As you breath in, let the Holy Spirit come into you. As you exhale, the Holy Spirit remains with you, but allow God to take away your pain, worry, trouble, sin, sickness, etc. If your mind wanders, that’s normal. Just refocus on your breathing. Repeat for 5-15 minutes. Mantra Prayer Choose a mantra. This is simply a word that connects you to God. It does not matter too much what the word is. What’s important is that the word does connect you to God. You may also wish to think of a location where you feel especially close to God. This works like the breathing prayer, but you silently repeat your mantra with each inhale and exhale. If your mind wanders, that’s normal. Just refocus on your breathing and mantra. Repeat for 5-15 minutes. The Jesus Prayer – VERY POWERFUL (From Dr. Marcus Borg) Inhale: Lord Jesus Christ Exhale: You are the light of the world. Inhale: Fill my mind with your peace. Exhale: And my heart with your love. Short version for working out with faster breathing: Inhale: Lord Christ Exhale: Light World Inhale: Mind Peace Exhale: Heart Love Or Inhale: God is calming. Exhale: God is smiling. Inhale: God dwells in this present moment. Exhale: It is a wonderful moment. Short Version Inhale: Calming Exhale: Smiling Inhale: Present Moment Exhale: Wonderful Moment Cute Cheeky “Zen” Version Inhale: Calming Exhale: Smiling Inhale: Now Exhale: Nice now. Tue, 7 Jul 2009 10:02:52 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49&article_id=123 At Second Baptist Church, we believe in the Priesthood of All Believers. God calls each of us to some kind of ministry either at church or somewhere out in the world. Would you like to explore the spiritual gifts God has given you? If so, please download and print the file by clicking on the link below. Be sure to read the instructions carefully, complete the survey and score your "Giftabilities." When you are done, rank your gifts and note which gifts are your strongest and which are your weakest. Do not read the descriptions of the gifts towards the end of the questionnaire until you have completed it. Scriptural references about each spiritual gift-ability are provided in that section. If you would like to use or gently explore one of your gifts through our ministries at Second Baptist Church, please share your results with us. Our pastor would be happy to talk with you or you may e-mail him. It is an honor for us to explore ways to make serving God a rich and meaningful experience for you. P.S. We owe many thanks to our sisters and brothers in Christ at Quaker Hill Baptist Church for sharing this helpful tool with us. PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE "GIFT-ABILITIES" INVENTORY BY CLICKING HERE. You will need the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader program to view and print the inventory. Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:43:14 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=57 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=57&article_id=170 From time to time our church provides meals for people who are recovering from surgery, illness, bereavement or an extreme crisis. This ministry is offered by our Deacons and Missions Committee. If you would like to provide a meal for someone, please e-mail David & Laura Burnaford by clicking on their names. Sometimes when the Burnafords are away, our Food Ministry Coordinator, Ronnie Marquis will organize meal delivery. HOW DOES IT WORK? Tell the Burnaford's you would like to make a meal for someone. They will put you on a list of cooks. When the need arises, the Burnafords will call the people in crisis and ask them what they like to eat and what kind of diet they need to follow (low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sugar, etc). We advise that you avoid nuts because of allergies.They will also set up a schedule and let you know what day to deliver food and to what address. Please cook enough food for two days (i.e. two dinners).You can then call the person or family to set up a delivery time.IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS AND NEED MEALS, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID & LAURA BURNAFORD OR OUR PASTOR. Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:39:55 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=48 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=48&article_id=99 In this section of the web site you will find resources to help you volunteer in the life of our church. You will often find an underlined name of a leader organizing that ministry. Click on their underlined name to e-mail them. You may also discover files that you can open with Acrobat Reader. In the Volunteer menu to the left you will find opportunities to volunteer for: Coffee HourCommunion Teams - Serve in worship Cook & Deliver a Meal to Someone in Crisis Explore Your Spiritual Gifts - Take the survey. Knit a Prayer Shawl for Someone in Need Special Needs FellowshipVisiting & Communion - in people's homesWorship Leaders - Schedule of who is reading the responsive covenant, opening prayer and a scriptureWorship Volunteers - Greet at the door, serve as a usher, volunteer in the nursery, be a child candle-lighter. If you have other ideas, instructions or resources that would be helpful to include, please let us know. Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:36:40 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=174 The Lord's Prayer (debts)Our Father who art in heaven Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. The Lord\'s Prayer A Modern Interpretation Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:32:47 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58&article_id=172 Psalm 22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd. Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? Psalm 46 God is our fortress & our strength a present help in time of trouble. Psalm 51 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me. Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul... The Lord vindicates all who are oppressed. Psalm 139 O God you have searched me and known me. Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 150 Praise God in the sanctuary. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Isaiah 2:1-4 They shall beat their swords into ploughshares Isaiah 40:27-31 Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. Isaiah 50 He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. Isaiah 53 Surely he has born our griefs and carried our sorrows. Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for your light has come. Matt 5:1-10 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt 7:7-11 Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened. Matt 11:28-29 Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden. John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that God gave his only begotten son. Romans 3:21-26 All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 7:5-25 I do not do what I know what is right Romans 8:28 All things work together for good for those who love God. Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Romans 12:3 Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought. Romans 12 Marks of a true Christian & Church - Different Gifts - Humility - One Body in Christ Galatians 3:28-29 There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female for we are all one in Christ Galatians 5:22-23 The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness & self control. Philippians 2:1-10 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. 1 John 4:7-8 Beloved let us love one another. Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:24:22 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=45 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=45&article_id=190 Sun, Mar 2, 10 am Dedication in Worship Sun, Mar 2, 4-6 pm Mentors Train With Pastor Dave Mon, Mar 3, 7-8:30 pm First CLASS Mon, Mar 17, 7-8:30 pm CLASS: Who Are American Baptists? Fri, Mar 28, 5-9 pm TRIP: Who are Jewish People? Supper & Synagogue Service with Dr. Chafetz, Meet at Church Mon, Apr 7, 7-8:30 pm TRIP: What Happens When We Die? With Jason Jamrog at Carmon Funeral Home 443 East St North (At the bridge traffic light) Sun, Apr 20, 9 am Join Adult CLASS About Hybrid Cars Mon, Apr 21, 7-8 pm CLASS: Four Ways of Loving Christ Sunday, April 27, 4-6 pm MOVIE: Godspell in the Activity Room Mon, May 5, 7-8 pm CLASS: Baptism in a Nutshell Sat, May 10, 9 am - 3 pm Mini-Retreat for Candidates & Mentors · Meet with mentors · TRIP: Soup Kitchen in Springfield · Climbing up to the church bell Mon - Thurs, May 19-22, Individual Meetings With Pastor Dave After School & Before Supper · Evaluate what the class experience has been like. · Decide if you are ready for baptism. · Receive training about Baptism itself. · Learn the “Secret Handshake.” Tues, May 27, 7 pm Candidates Read Faith Statements To Deacons Sun, June 1 Baptism! · Arrive at church at 9 am · Take group photo · Adult Deacons will assist with Changing Rooms Sun, June 1 Celebrate With Your Family! * More than a pizza, less than and iPod. Sun, June 8 Receive Right Hand of Fellowship of Church Membership, Shake hands at the door with Pastor Dave after church Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:00:16 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=81 We at Second Baptist are delighted to assist people as they prepare for marriage. To have a wedding at Second Baptist, the engaged couple must contact The Rev. David Reed-Brown directly at 860-668-1661 ext. 13. Our church's wedding policy is provided below. Please read it thoroughly and discuss the questions it raisees before the first meeting. Today, only one in seven couples goes through extensive pre-marital counseling. Therefore, please leave plenty of time for four sessions with the pastor, a licensed Prepare Enrich Counselor (tm), to evaluate your relationship before invitations are sent out and the service is planned. The wedding date and time cannot be confirmed until the couple meets with the pastor. Also, please note that the pastor is usually not available on holidays. It is wise to begin the pre-marital process at least nine months to a year in advance to work on laying down a sound foundation for Christian marriage.To view the files below you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Wedding Policy, Application & Preparation Materials Wedding fees for non-church-membersWedding fees for church membersTwenty Great Questions To Ask Before You Get Married - by Susan PiverDave Ramsey's Financial Peace UniversityWedding Assistant Job Description Wedding Policy of Second Baptist Church Congratulations on your engagement! We at Second Baptist Church are delighted to be of service to people who have found God creating the love of marriage between them. There is no relationship, no experience in all of life, which holds so much meaning and promise as marriage. This is especially true when two people who love one another come to unite and pledge their vows before God. It is one of life’s most sacred moments and should be celebrated with reverence and joy. We hope the relationships we forge together and this booklet will be helpful as you plan your wedding. It is offered as a guide in your preparations so that your wedding day may be a wonderful and memorable event and that God’s richest blessing may attend your marriage. Grace & peace, The Rev. David Reed-Brown VERY IMPORTANT - No wedding date is firm until you meet with the minister. 1. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION: Please begin by asking each other, “Do we really want a religious wedding service in a church?” Churches and weddings have always been closely related in our society because people of faith recognize that marriage is a religious covenant between two individuals in love—a covenant ordained, blessed, and sustained by the love and grace of God. Church weddings have sacred meaning and assume that God is part of the marriage and the wedding service itself. Customarily, weddings are not held in a church just because the sanctuary is beautiful or because “that’s the way it’s always been done.” Before meeting with the minister, please decide if you are able to have a worship service with integrity, since it is based on at least one of you being a person of faith as you ask for the presence and blessing of God upon your marriage. 2. DO YOU HAVE A CHURCH HOME?: Also ask each other, “Do we want to be married in this church?” Generally speaking, we encourage you to sanctify your marriage in the place where one or both of you worship. Far more important than questions of convenience, size, space and attractiveness, is the question of your own church “home,” it’s meaning to you, and the relationships you have in Christ with your minister and the people there. Church is meant to be a familiar place for this and many other rites of passage in life. Please understand that church is a way of living life in a beloved community and not merely a facility to be rented. 3. INITIAL CONTACT: Please clear a tentative date with the church office by giving your name, address, contact numbers and e-mail addresses so we can forward marriage preparation materials to you. Also, please arrange an initial interview with the pastor at that time. 4. GUEST OFFICIANTS: If you would like to invite someone other than the pastor of the church to officiate at your wedding, you need to arrange an appointment with the pastor to talk over the invitation. The request should have some reason (e.g., the guest minister is an old friend, a relative or married the couple’s parents, etc.). The church’s pastor will then extend an invitation. This is the way professional ministers work together. 5. PREMARITAL COUNSELING: Please plan on having a few premarital counseling sessions with the pastor. In them you will get acquainted, examine how you are preparing your relationship for marriage, and learn about the wedding ceremony itself. For this reason, extensive lead time is required to help you prepare for marriage. The pastor will arrange appointments with you well in advance of your wedding day. If she or he believes you are not adequately prepared for the responsibilities of marriage, the pastor may, with due notice, decline to officiate your wedding. 6. MUSIC: Our church organist oversees all musical matters for weddings at Second Baptist. Please call her as soon as your date has been confirmed. She supervises the use of all our instruments, including the organ and grand piano. We expect her to play for your wedding. If you prefer someone else to play, you need to clear your request with the minister and the organist. Please consult with her regarding your music selections. She is very experienced in many musical styles and enjoys planning with engaged couples. The pastor also has a CD you may find helpful, Music for a Joyous and Classical Wedding. If you have a soloist who will require organ or piano accompaniment, please arrange rehearsal time well in advance. You may consider other types of music too in consultation with the pastor. 7. WEDDING REHEARSAL: Wedding rehearsals are normally scheduled a day or a week before the wedding. All members of the wedding party, family to be specially seated, readers and musicians should be present and prompt at the rehearsal. Plan on the rehearsal lasting ninety minutes. This will eliminate unnecessary confusion and uncertainty during the actual wedding service. All fees and the marriage license should be brought to the rehearsal. 8. GENERAL INFORMATION a. FLOWERS: Flowers may be placed on the stands in the front of the sanctuary. Upon request, you may use a brass vase belonging to the church. Flowers should be in place no later than one hour before the wedding service begins. b. CANDLES: If you would like candelabra for your wedding, you will need to provide your own as the church has none. You may rent them from Taylor Rental, 150 Enfield Street, Enfield (860) 741-5999. If you would like to use Unity Candles, you will need to purchase these in advance and bring them to the rehearsal. c. PHOTOGRAPHERS: Because of the sacredness of the setting, flash photography should not be taken on the main floor during the wedding ceremony itself. Obviously, flashbulbs, noisy cameras, and photographers moving around mar the dignity of the ceremony. However, pictures of all types may be taken without limitation before and after the service. During the service, flash photography may be taken from the balcony only. Also, when on the main floor, photographers may shoot in natural light by standing just inside a pew in the back of the sanctuary. They must not interrupt the flow of the service. Videographers and photographers must meet with the pastor prior to the ceremony to cover arrangements. d. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: It is understood that no alcoholic beverages will be used in the church buildings or on the grounds. Smoking is also prohibited in church buildings. e. CARE OF THE BUILDING: It is expected that all the facilities of the church will be given careful use and respect. No rice or confetti shall be thrown inside or outside the church building. f. WEDDING LICENSE: You must attain a wedding license issued by any Town Clerk in the State of Connecticut. The Suffield Clerk’s office is located at Town Hall, 83 Mountain Road or you may call (860) 668-3880. The minister will certify your marriage and return the completed form for you. Official copies of your marriage license may be obtained from the clerk for five dollars. The license and all fees should be presented at least by the time of the rehearsal. If there is no scheduled rehearsal, please bring these items to the church office at least the day before your wedding. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:08:32 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62&article_id=178 Please e-mail Signe Wright to become involved or request a shawl. It is amazing how meaningful the gift of a prayer shawl is for someone who is ill, grief-stricken or in crisis. People in our church knit shawls with a simple, prayerful and spiritually meaningful process. Each recipient receives a special written prayer along with the shawl. Because these gifts convey God's unconditional love, there is no charge. Our prayer shawl ministry generally meets on the third Sunday of the month at 2 pm here at Second Baptist. If you would like to make a shawl for someone in need, please e-mail Signe Wright by clicking on her name. You may also simply drop by the church on third Sundays at 2 pm. While knitters appreciate the fellowship of gathering together, if you are not able to come, Signe can give you instructions and materials to knit a shawl at home. "Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles..."Written in 1998 by: Janet Bristow © 2008 The Prayer Shawl ministry began in the arts and ministry work of Janet Barstow at Hartford Seminary in 1998. For more information, please click here. Shawl Ministry Prayers * Shawl Knitting Instructions Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:31:23 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=93 T O D A Y ' S Devotional from Our Daily BreadT O D A Y ' S Devotional from GuidepostsT O D A Y ' S Lectionary Scripture ReadingChristian VIDEO Devotions of Preachers & TeachersThe New Revised Standard Version of the Bible The Revised Common Lectionary - A Three Year Calendar of ScriptureBeliefnet.com - Most every faith in many varieties, inspiration, prayer, discussion & articles. There is a place for you here.Explore your faith. Try the Belief-O-Matic. Religion and Ethics Weekly (PBS)The Christian CenturyChristianity TodaySojourners Magazine Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:24:38 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=8 Dear Friends, Please check this section regularly for reflections to enrich your spiritual journey and discipleship as we follow Christ together. You may find my reflections, poetry, prose, music or perhaps even an image to enlighten your path. Shalom, The Rev. David Reed-Brown Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:23:36 MST http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.secondbaptistsuffield.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=187 We offer a great variety of learning opportunities for people of all ages September - May. E-Mail our Coordinator, Sue Begin, for more information by clicking on her name or call her at 402-7813. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MANY OPTIONS. Our pride and joy is our Rotation Model Christian Education Program for children from preschool through sixth grade. Following the children's moment in at 10 o'clock worship, students and teachers leave for class. Our Pryor Wing is decorated like the walled city streets of Jerusalem for an immersion type experience. There's a fountain, a tent and a lighted palm tree! Here, young people study the same topic story for a month or so. Your child will be in a class with friends their age. Based upon a "multiple intelligences approach," each week they rotate to a new workshop to experience story from a different perspective: video or book form, theater, computer story game, cooking, crafts, dance, science or music. Another benefit is that our adult teachers volunteer for a one-month unit with teen assistants. Adults, teenagers and children learn together.Our Baby Nursery is staffed by adults in a soft-carpeted room that is stocked with changing table, crib, rockers, sanitized age appropriate toys, and state of the art remote pagers! It is available for the 10 o'clock worship hour. E-Mail Sue Begin to volunteer in the nursery. (PLEASE NOTE: A screening and or background check may be required in the near future.) The Adult Class in the parlor Sundays at 9 am. This open-minded class includes Bible study, ethics, theology, history, current events and world religions - just to name a few general topics. We also offer 4-6 week Bible and book studies from time to time. These are often provided both in the evening and daytime. Occasionally we will have a movie series. Sundays at 9 am we offer Kids for Christ (They currently name themselves "The Cheese Puffs." This is for children from kindergarten to 6th grade. They focus on fun projects, mission, crafts and giving back. Our Teen Class meets in the church library Sundays at 9 am as well. It is quite active with 10-15 students meeting regularly to engage a variety of topics in discussion. Every summer our Ecumenical Vacation Bible School brings children together from town churches and the community for five days of exciting activities. Click here for more information and registration. Adult Church Membership Classes and a mentor-based Youth Baptism Class are offered at least every year. Youth Group meets regularly year-round. See their web page for more information or contact Sue Begin by clicking on her name. They attend an annual summer contemporary music conference in New Hampshire called SoulFest - this is adult-youth trip is a lot of fun and deeply meaningful. We also encourage children, youth, adults, grandparents and women to consider the many programs available at Camp Wightman throughout the year. It is very FUN and people return year after year. One week of camp can contain as much as two years of Christian Education. We offer a "campership" program that pays for half the cost of the camp. Please let us know what week and which program your child will attend. The camp also gives a 50% tuition discount to children whose parents serve as counselors, camp coordinators or volunteer staff. In June and July we offer a single summer class for children during worship - the baby nursery is available too. PLEASE NOTE: We are working on a new safe-church, safe-child policy. We hope to have it in full effect by 2009. Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:17:03 MST