Volume 60, Issue 3
THE PASTOR’S DESK
March 2016
- “Keeping the people informed”
The Spiral
PITTSBO RO BAPT IST CH URCH
Pittsboro Passion Play March 25 7:00 p.m. March 26 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Northwood High School Auditorium
“He is not here. He has risen!” Luke 24:6
Easter Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Northwood High School Auditorium
T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
Page 2
FROM THE YOUTH PASTOR
Caswell is just around the corner with deposits being due on the 29th of March. Caswell dates for 2016 are July 25th through the 30th with $100.00 deposit due by the 30th of March. The 2016 camp theme is “every...one, thing, day, where: living your life on mission,” based on 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” This camp is limited to 36 spots, so reserve today! Sign-ups for chaperones have been filled and the chaperones are Jeff and Debra Magee, Jimmy Davis and Christina Wight. This year’s speaker will be Wes Hamilton, lead pastor at Hulen Street Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Total cost for this year’s trip is $275.00 minus any fundraising money collected. Also we will be lodging in Ginko, which is the best rooms in Caswell. Our first fundraiser for Caswell will be on the 16th of April and will happen in the fellowship hall of the church. We will be having a Church-wide Yard Sale...so start looking around for stuff that you have outgrown or that you could part with and donate them to the church anytime during the week of April 11th. Tampa Mission Trip promises to be a life changing experience. July 11-17 or 18. Youth will be doing minor construction as well as a
daily backyard Bible club. Youth will be sharing the gospel and hopefully with our acts of service, be leading people to Christ! Cost for this event will be $279.00 trip + $99.00 Disney World + $40.00 hotel and roughly $100.00 for food and spending cash. Interested youth will need to send out letters asking for support as well as participating in our May fundraiser. A $50.00 deposit is due March 31. Also we need one more male and female chaperone. In Christ, Jon Pister
T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
Page 3
Life Group News
LIFE Group, a Blessing
In this season of my life, I am busy. Which sometimes equates to tired. And on occasion, grumpy. We host a LIFE group on Wednesday nights and Wednesday’s are busy. Which means I can be tired...and grumpy. And more than once I’ve thought to myself, “I really just want to put on my PJs and watch a movie tonight.” And then the doorbell rings. And for the next 15 minutes our house fills up with smiles, laughter, hugs, and love. Real love. Love from other brothers and sisters in Christ. And we eat together. We pray together. We laugh together. We cry together. We read God’s word. We challenge each other. We share perspectives and life experiences. We learn from each other. And two hours later our house is back to the four of us winding down for the day. Tired, but happy. In this season of my life, I am blessed. And I am reminded of it every Wednesday night. If you are not involved in a LIFE group, please don’t waste any more time. Start enjoying God’s blessings now. Sign up on the PBC website or visit the information table at the back of the sanctuary this Sunday. Blessings, Jennifer Cashion
T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
Page 4
No words could ever express our appreciation for the love and support you have shown to us during Dad’s stay in the assisted living facility, the skilled care facility and at his passing. Thank you so much for all the calls, cards, food, visits, hugs and prayers. We are so blessed to have such a caring and loving church family. Ken, Cindy and Haynes Family
Pittsboro Passion Play March 25, 2016 7:00 p.m. March 26, 2016 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Northwood High School Auditorium
FREE ADMISSION Call 910-231-1560 for more information
“He is not here. He has risen!” Luke 24:6
T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
I wrote this “letter” almost four years ago to the day. My prayers have continued that someone at PBC will feel the call to this most rewarding and fun ministry. This call to service is being reprinted in the hopes that God will speak to one of you. If you feel a “tugging on your heart,” please do not ignore it. Looking for a Ministry? A few weeks ago, I came across some old friends that I had not seen for three years. I admit that I felt a bit guilty, as the end of our relationships had seemingly been abrupt. But seeing them brought back a flood of memories that made me laugh and reminded me of the joy they had given me. They were quite a diverse group with names like Skip, Sallie, and Fuzzball. About fourteen years ago, God put a tugging on my heart to start a puppet team. I resisted because I knew absolutely nothing about puppetry, but excuses like that are meaningless in God’s eyes. After some procrastination on my part, The No Strings Attached puppet team came into being. The team existed over nine years, and with God’s grace there were always folks willing to take the leap to learn puppetry and give their time and talent to commit to God’s service. Through skits and songs, the puppets would entertain during the morning worship services. Our message was what Tripp refers to as a “sticky statement,” about God’s love or how to treat others, and other Biblical lessons. The target audience was the children, but invariably adults would tell the team members that the messages were meaningful to them as well. My heart would be over-flowing every time I saw the team perform. I was amazed how our talented puppeteers could give these inanimate objects expression and personalities. I was merely the director (telling others what to do) and am not gifted with the abilities of coordination and skill required of a puppeteer. After nine years of directing No Strings Attached, I knew it was time for me to stop. I was experiencing a few trials in my life and my enthusiasm was waning. In 2009, we gave our last performance. The stage was dismantled. The costumes, props, and puppets were placed
Page 5
in boxes. A few weeks ago, Brenna Fassinger, asked if I would talk with her American Heritage Girls troop about puppetry. I agreed. I dug around in the church storage closet, pulled the boxes out and opened the lids. There they were, looking up at me with faces in blue, orange, and green. I confess I had to choke back the tears. With the lure of gas money to travel the fifteen miles from Carolina’s campus, Kristin, my daughter and former No Stings Attached member, assisted me with the presentation by performing a couple of songs. As I watched, that familiar bubble of joy welled-up in me such sweet puppets that bring sweet smiles to children’s faces and adult faces, too. They are tools of ministry, needing to be utilized. The call has not come back to me, but maybe you are looking for a ministry. During the time we were a team, our church family generously gave so that we have a large collection of professional grade puppets along with CDs, scripts, and the basics to re-start the ministry. Most everything is in place - a few items apparently have been used elsewhere in the church, but can easily be restored. We were good stewards of our ministry tools and kept diligent care of our puppets. My fear is that like vacant houses, without use, they will deteriorate. I ask that all church members pray that our puppet ministry be re-vitalized. As evidenced by me, prior experience is not required. I am willing, however, to convey what I have learned to get the team started. There are a few requirements: commitment and joy at seeing children smile. If you are interested, please talk to me, Kathy Shaffer. God has a ministry waiting for you. You may also talk to Jennifer Cashion, our Children’s and Preschool Minister.
Page 6 T H E S PI R AL
4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 16 17
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
Jon Pister Caroline Fiel Rhonda Myers Bob Lawler Tripp and Amy Harmon ♥ Raymond & Renata Morgan ♥ Mel & Donna Harmon ♥ Barbara Lawler Jenna Smith Celia Parker Trevor Pister Mary Elizabeth Adams Laura Kriegh Billy Lewis Griffin Danielle Kriegh Owen Powers
19 20 21 22 23 25
26 27 29
31
Jimmy & Susie Griffin ♥ Madalene Adams Ethan Lambert Polly Flynt Mason Ridge Ron & Jen Gunter ♥ Kim Hubbard Sergey Pister Cameron Fowler Eric Runyan Lindsay Sanders Percy Crutchfield Jeff Christian Alex Christian T. J. Oldham
Page 7 T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
USHERS Percy Crutchfield, Chuck Devinney, Luke Fowler, Bill Griffin
GREETERS JoLynn Perry, Lynn McCarthy, Geraldine Howard
SUNDAY NURSERY March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27
Roderick and Katherine Parker, Karl Shaffer, Rebecca Ridge Amy Harmon, Karlie Wiggins, Todd and Jenice Walton Jennifer Davis, Nickie Runyan, Theresa Adams, Mary Adams Easter
SUNDAY CHILDREN’S CHURCH March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27
Bible Story Teller Barb Daniel Carole Sanders Jo Lynn Perry Easter
Small Group Leaders Jaime and Bert Magee Chad and Jill Lambert Devin and Rebecca Ridge
Page 8 T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
A Point in Time Historical Tidbits about PBC After the old church building was torn down in 1948, a new sanctuary and educational plant was built at a cost of approximately $80,000. The first service in the “new” sanctuary, which is the same one in use today, was held March 13, 1949.
VBS Butterfly Prayers - The Parents This is the ninth month that you Prayer Warriors have been praying for those sweet children who attended PBC’s Vacation Bible School last June. We are confident that God is raining down His blessings on them. May we implore you to also pray for their parents? Some of those children may come from Christian homes where the mom and dad are guiding them in the Lord’s way. Some of their parents however, may not be Christ followers. Lift all of these parents in prayer: for Christians, to give them wisdom and understanding; for the non-Christians, that their hearts will open to the beckoning of the Holy Spirit. It may very well be that they saw a difference in their child after attending VBS. This could be the spark that will change their lives. And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
Page 9 T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
God Works In Ways We Cannot See By Vickie Highlund This week I learned how God was answering my prayers...when I did not realize my prayers were being answered. My son, Chad, always calls me as he travels to work, and the other day he said he had an amazing story to tell me. Chad is an elevator mechanic, and each mechanic has an apprentice working with them. Chad’s apprentice’s name is Kevin. Kevin was recently married, and he and his wife live in her grandparents’ guest house, so they can save money to buy their own house. The guys were talking with him about it, and someone asked him how her grandparents made their money, since they could afford to own a home with a guest house. Kevin said his wife’s grandparents owned Amalia’s Restaurant in San Francisco. Chad immediately stopped what he was doing and said, “Are you saying you are Lou Amalia’s son-in-law?” Kevin replies “Yes. Do you know Lou?” Chad told him that he and Lou became friends when they were both at MPI (a rehab center) and later relapsed together, went to jail together, talked about wanting to see their kids together, etc. They eventually drifted apart. Chad said he didn’t make a conscious decision that he wouldn’t be friends with Lou but somehow he knew he needed to get away from him even though Lou was a great guy. It was just too easy to do drugs with Lou since he always had plenty of money. I believe God was guiding Chad’s mind and protecting him in answer to my prayers even though Chad was not aware at the time. Now Chad is living for the Lord, but Lou’s story had a very sad ending. As the conversation continued, Chad asked Kevin how Lou was doing since he had not talked with him for about 8 years. Kevin said, “Lou over dosed five years ago, and his mother found him dead in a condo they had bought for him in Palm Springs where they had sent him for rehab.” Chad said to me, “Mom, if it wasn’t for the Lord that could have been me.” Chad was also amazed to find out that Kevin had worked as an EMT on the 5th floor of MPI Rehab Center years before, at the same time that Chad and Lou (his future father-in-law) were at MPI. Kevin said he couldn’t wait to tell his wife and her grandparents that the “Chad” he had been telling them about from work was a friend of Lou’s. He had told them he was working for a guy who had been an addict but had turned his life around. Chad and I chatted about how amazing it was that God brought him and Kevin together at work and how God works in our lives in ways we cannot see at the moment. I thought about his story off and on all day that day, and kept thanking God over and over for protecting Chad, guarding his mind, guiding his way and working in his life so he didn’t end up in the condo with Lou. I thought of the years, with tears flooding my eyes, that I had pleaded with God to save my son and to keep him safe and alive, but saw no evidence of my prayers being answered. And now, all these years later I hear this story and realize how God honored my prayers and kept His promises to me.
Page 10 T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
When times are difficult and you are blinded by tears, I encourage you to read God’s promises in His Word, believe them, and hold on to them even when you don’t see any action from God. He is working out His plan for you and that person that you love so much. During my quiet time one morning when I was so burdened for Chad, the Lord gave me the words to the poem below. The amazing thing is that God gave me these words around the same time as the story above was unfolding! He is an awesome God! Wait and be still My Lord said to me Though storms rage around you One day you will see Wait and be still I’m watching from above I know and see all these things You’re covered with my love Wait and be still I see each tear that falls I catch them in my hands And hear you when you call. Wait and be still Though there’s nothing you can see Just trust and obey And keep your eyes on me Wait and be still When you’re blinded by tears I will calm the storm within you And take away your fears Wait and be still There is nothing I can’t do I know what’s best and know the time And I have a plan for you Wait and be still When the tunnel shows no light I am there in your darkness Take my hand and hold on tight Wait and be still My promises are true Though they tarry, wait for them And I will get you through
T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ”
Six Hours One News from the Pearle Johnson Memorial Library Friday - Living in the Power of Sunday Library Schedule the Cross 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Page 11
Check It Out
by Max Lucado Does life feel 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. futile? “Doesn’t Didn’t get up in time for Sunday School but too early for have to.” the worship service? Stop by the library. Do some of your There are still some failures seem CDs and DVDs of the fatal? “They aren’t.” 2014 Worship And your death. Services available. Does the grave One of those appear to be the sermons from two final stop? According to Christ, your death years ago may be is just the start of the something great. what you need to hear today. You will There is a truth greater than all the losses and sorrows of life. And it can be find them on the table outside the library door. Take one or two then step inside and discovered in the life, death, and check out a book. At the end of March, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Six Hours One Friday, Max Lucado delves discs will become recycling material. into the meaning of Jesus’ last hours on the For those of you cross. Through His death, your life has who have been purpose and meaning. You are forgiven and saying, “I loved by a Savior who died for you. And an wanted to check empty tomb proclaims that death does not out one of those have the final word. books I read Peace where there should be pain. about in the Confidence in the midst of crisis. Hope Spiral,” or “I defying despair. “Does death have the last have been meaning to come in to see what you have in word?” I can see Jesus wink as he gives the there.” Next Sunday is the Sunday you can answer, “Not on your life.” (copied from goodreads.com) make those words a reality. Your PBC Librarians await your visit. Easter is the most important day in Christianity. These Pittsboro Baptist Church Library books may give you more insight into what Easter means to your faith. A great time to leisurely look at our books
T H E S PI R AL
- “ K E E P I N G T H E PE O P LE I NF O R M E D ” The Radical Cross Living the Passion of Christ
by A.W. Tozer “The cross of Christ demands from each of us identification. It is of no use to us unless we make it our own and enter into his death and resurrection.” A.W. Tozer The Radical Cross is a powerful compilation of A.W. Tozer’s inspired impression on the cross of Christ. Arranged thematically, this thoughtprovoking book discusses The Radical Cross and its promises, its price, its purpose, its pain, its provisions and its paradox. It is a book that will challenge you to make the cross your own and to live the passion of Christ. (copied from
What Was God Doing on the Cross?
by Alistair McGrath A book that brings to life the story of the cross and the resurrection— and impresses upon us the almost unbelievable truth that God allowed himself to be executed for our sake. McGrath challenges us to think and speak about the cross with freshness, directness, and vitality. (copied from goodreads.com
Serving Him, Kathy Shaffer
goodreads.com)
March Library Schedule March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27
Page 12
9-9:30a.m. Judy Beaver Cindy Springle Kathy Shaffer Easter
10-10:30a.m. Judy Beaver Sheila Holland Kathy Shaffer Easter
