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PASTOR’S PARAGRAPHS
Pastor Jim Herod
Georgia and I were blessed to attend the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention as messengers in Louisville, KY, and we had the added blessing of participating in the Pastor's Conference and the WMU Conference, both of which preceded the convention. We were blessed beyond measure, inspired, and challenged. I heard approximately 16 sermons, experienced exhilarating worship, and heard reports from our convention agencies and institutions, including the North American Mission Board, the International Mission Board, six seminaries, and various ministries.
The following are some observations:
1. The SBC is aging. This was obvious from observing the average age of the 8,900+ members. The demographics of the SBC is shifting and the median age of church members is increasing. This fact was addressed by numerous speakers who challenged churches to overcome the generation gap.
2. The church in America must move out of its "comfort zone." The charge was made repeatedly that Amercan Christians have become comfortable and complacent while Christians in many countries suffer persecution. Baptists were challenged to make evangelism a priority over comfortable buildings and self-indulgent programs.
3. Southern Baptists are at a crossroad. Church life as usual will lead to decline. We must embrace change without compromising the Gospel. For the second year in a row, SBC membership has declined. With the current political and financial crises in America, we have an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel with boldness, believing that God can bring revival to our land. But we were reminded more than once that revival must begin with the church and that God does not need Southern Baptists. He will accomplish His will with or without us, depending on whether or not we are repentant and obedient.
"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14
Annual Business Meeting
Sunday, September 13th
Election of officers and ministry positions, budget approval, and reports.
Mission Team Paints the Church
One of the biggest challenges for small Vermont congregations with large, older buildings is maintainance and upkeep. That is certainly true for the WBC congregation, considering our building was constructed in 1848 and requires periodic painting. A mission team from Idlewilde Baptist Church in NC answered our request for help and arrived July 18 to begin scraping and preparing the building. The team was led by a professional painter who enlisted some of his paint crew to oversee the project. In addition, a Sherwin-Williams store in NC donated the paint! One estimate of the actual value of the work was $11,000! The church building looks great and we are so grateful!
Devotion at Berlin Health and Rehab
Friday, August 28th, 11 am
Anyone can join us to visit with the residents at Berlin H & R. A mission team from NC will lead the singing and provide the devotion. Contact Pastor Herod to volunteer.
Youth News
By Cameron and Kelly Lewis
During the month of July we only had a few Vis-Recs (Visitation Recreation) but we were kept busy with other things. On July 13th we left for Wenham, MA, where the Crosswalk Camp, sponsored by the BCNE, brought our youth group closer together as we learned about "weathering the storms of life." The youth study during VBS has also been very helpful in challenging our group to serve others and depend fully on Christ for their direction and strength.
We have discovered a new tool to help us better stay in touch with our youth group - Facebook. Look up our youth and give an encouraging word or just to see what's going on.
In August, we hope to have a few more Vis-Recs, which will end with a final Back-to-School Bash! Also, the youth will be encouraged to hear Darcie Gill from Voice of the Martyrs who will be coming to WBC on August 16th to share about the persecuted church.
Please pray for us as we balance the youth group, prepare to visit and update churches in NC in September and October, and help the church with other ministries as well.
Wednesday Night Suppers Resume in September
Come and get it! Supper will be served on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm. It's "Potfaith" so bring a dish of food and join us, then stay for Prayer, Youth Group and Children in Action.
Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, August 8th
Men and boys are invited to breakfast at 8:30 am
Also featured is the video teaching by Steve Farrar, Men Leading the Charge
(only two sessions left)
Let Bert Gallison or Cameron Lewis know if you plan to attend so we can prepare the right amount of food.
Women's Event, August 27th
Ladies, you are invited to a salad and dessert dinner and to hear guest speaker Pam Farnham Grimard from Athens, GA speak about "Discerning the Voice of God." The event begins at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall of WBC. Please RSVP to Georgia (883-5509) or Sue (883-5554)
BodyLife Class for New Members
Jesus established the church to accomplish His plan for redeeming the world. So every church and every member of every church is important. The BodyLife class is an opportunity for new members and prospective members to learn about what we believe, what is expected of members, opportunities for service, spiritual gifts, spiritual transformation, and more. Anyone, including current members, may participate in the 3-hour class on Sunday, August 9th from 5 to 8 pm. Contact Pastor Herod or Ken Kennedy to sign up or for details.
August
Birthdays
1 Arther Butler
6 Dewey Aiken
Jim Black
7 Andra Wright
10 Blake Huntington
11 Caleb Huntington
Jaymeson Locarno
13 Betty Tilton
14 Eric Brigham
20 Charlene Farnham
22 Steve Howard
26 Ron Lyons
27 Joshua Moore
29 Destiny Miller
30 Kathryn Leith
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Have you ever thought
that perhaps God made
the world round so we would never be able to see
too far down the road?
SUNDAY
7:45 am Worship Team Practice
9:00 am Bible Study for all ages
10:00 am Worship
11:15 am Refreshments served
WEDNESDAY
6:30 pm Prayer, Youth Group, Children
7:30 pm Worship Team Practice
FRIDAY
12:00 noon Alcoholics Anonymous meeting
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I want to say “Thank You” to the men who have helped with mowing the church lawn this summer—Eric Brigham, Mike Ryan, Cameron Lewis, Bert Gallison, and David Moody.
Pastor Jim
Washington Baptist Church
2973 Vt. Rte. 110
P. O. Box 203
Washington, VT 05675-0203
802-883-5509
www.washingtonbaptistchurch.net
Church-wide Fellowship
Saturday, Aguust 22nd
As the summer comes to an end, you and your family are invited to a fun day and cookout at the home of Buck and Suzanne Kingsbury (call the church for directions). Games and activities begin at 2pm and the afternoon will end with a cookout.
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