April Lamplighter 2012

8/2/2019 April Lamplighter 2012

1/6

LamplighterLamplighterLamplighterLamplighterTheTheTheThe

A p r i l 2 0 1 2Vol. 5 Issue 4

Resurrection RealitiesResurrection RealitiesResurrection RealitiesResurrection Realities

The evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is overwhelming .

But what about His resurrection power in our daily liveshow evident is

that to a watching, cynical, and skeptical world? That, to me, is an equally

valid issue. In our attempts to convince non-believers of the fact of the

resurrection, maybe the convincing needs to start in the force of the res-

urrection as seen in our daily conduct and conversation. The reality of

the resurrection in our changing lives may be the resurrection reality people are looking

for first; and then it may be the factor that convinces them to truly consider the reality of

Jesus death for our sins and resurrection for our new life.

As we approach this Easter season, I really am looking forward to the exciting musicals

and celebrations. Joyfully proclaiming the heart of the Gospelthe Cross and the empty

tombis paramount. But consider the upcoming big-ticket issues we as a state and a

nation are facing. How would the Lord want us to bring Him and His life-changing Gospel

to bear in His resurrection power? Not in our cunning wisdom or clever strategies, but as

being His salt and light, infused with the same sacrificial compassion that led Him to the

Cross, and with the same supernatural power that raised Him from the grave? And re-

member, the resources for this task are available because of this very One who dwells in

us. However, a very critical factor will be that we maintain the attitude throughout that He

and He alone receive the glory.

Continued on page 2

Our Church Staff

Gary BurdenSenior Pastor

919-631-6789

Landon OrrMinister to Students

919-229-9379

Debbe LangdonMusic Director/Pianist

919-410-0271

KathyWelchOffice Coordinator

Chastity ComeauAdmin. Assistant - Finances

Pat Baucom Admin. Assistant - Publications

Celebrate Easter at Bethesda Palm Sunday (Lords Supper), April 1st - 10:30 AM

SPK Choir Musical Alive Forever

And Adult Choir Musical He Arose 6 : 00 PM

E as te r Sunday - Ap r i l 8 th S un r i se Se rv ice - 7 : 30 AM

Breakfast Fellowship Following

Bible Study Fellowship - 9:15 AM

Easter Worship Celebration - 10:30 AM

N o E ven i ng Ga t he r i ng

ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERINGTheme for 2012: Whatever It Takes

Bethesdas Goal: $3000

See details about this mission offering on page 3 of this Lamplighter.


2/6

The first big issue that demands our attention and our

witness is our states stand on the biblical view of marriage.

At least we now have a legislative body that was willing and

determined to get this proposed amendment out of commit-

tee and on to the people of North Carolina for a vote. Now itis up to us to act. We can argue all day long why it shouldnt

be necessary to have such an amendment, but that will not

change the unfortunate landscape we now find ourselves in.

Its time for actionbold, unapologetic, compassionate, but

uncompromising action. Its time for discernment, because

those who oppose the biblical view of marriage (one man

and one woman), though the minority, are loud, strident, and

they are cunning. They have bigger agendas than wanting to

legitimize their unions and broaden the definition of mar-

riage. They will try to argue at best that such an amendment

is not necessary, or at worst that we are hateful and un-

enlightened if we dont support alternative unions. May 8 isthe big day to vote. For the sake of future generationsyes,

even in this fallen worldit is imperative that Bible-believing

folks make a loud statement. If you are not registered to vote,

be aware that April 13 is the last day you can register for

voting May 8. I strongly encourage you to check out the vari-

ous websites listed in this edition of The Lamplighter for

more information.

Our statewide primaries and elections along with our up-

coming national election are of signal importance. Again, our

ultimate hope and trust is in God, not government. (Not with-

standing the opposite view ,sadly, of many in our nation.) Butthe God of our salvation and of all eternity is the same God

Who ordained the institution of government in this sinful,

fallen world. And like the other institutions founded by God

(the family and the church), He didnt institute them and then

tell His people to stay out of them. True, we serve a bigger

purpose in bringing the Gospel to peoplethat which alone

can save and transform a life. And this is our first priority.

But this same God who saves the soul sent us into our world

to be salt and light, impacting our society with and holding

high the banner of Truth, that maybe the nation can be

saved. We know the ultimate solution for our nations ills

isnt going to be won at the ballot box, but in the prayercloset. But that truth does not exempt us from studying the

issues and the candidates, and supporting that which more

closely reflects biblical truth. As stewards of this gift of God

called America, we owe it to the blood shed by our forefa-

thers and by those on the battlefields, we owe it to our chil-

dren, and we owe it as a debt of gratitude to the God of our

fathers Who divinely led in the establishing of this unique

nation. We can do no less.

Page 2T h e L a m p l i g h t e r

F R O M T H E P A S T O R ( C O N T D )

It is so important that we make a point

to consistently read Scripture. The

more we read the more we get to

know our Lord, and the more we grow

in our walk with Him.

Because I think Scripture is so impor-

tant, I have chosen to spend the nextyear with the youth going through the whole Bible. Its

going to take some dedication, but I hope that the stu-

dents will hang in there and make it through with me. For

the next year, we will spend our Wednesday night Bible

Study time recapping the weekly readings, and hopefully

getting a good grasp of the main story line of scripture.

I encourage you to join us! All it takes is about 5 chap-

ters a day, 5 days a week and you will be through the en-

tire Bible in under a year. I think you can do it. Why not

try? If you are willing to take up the challenge, and would

like to be reading what the youth are reading let me know. I have set up a specific plan, reading through four differ-

ent sections of Scripture daily, and I fully expect the

whole process to be quite rewarding.

On another note, dont forget the Youths Basket Auction

coming up at the end of this month. Bethesda has been

graciously kind to our Student Ministry over the past few

years and I expect just as much this year. If nothing else,

plan to stick around for our hamburger and hot dog cook-

out. Its going to be a great time!

LandonLandonLandonLandon

PARENT/CHILD DEDICATION DAYMothers Day, May 13, 2012

If you plan to participate in the

Parent/Child Dedication day please call

the church office at #553-7678 before

April 30th and give them your name and

the name(s) of your children.

I encourage us all to strongly reflect on these resurrection

realities during this Easter season. By Gods grace, give oth-

ers we encounter every day more of a reason to consider the

reality of The Resurrection!

Gary BurdenGary BurdenGary BurdenGary Burden

Continued on second column


3/6

Page 3The Lamplighter

YouthYouthYouthYouth

Basket AuctionBasket AuctionBasket AuctionBasket Auction

To help raise money to send

our students to summer

camp, the youth are hosting

Bethesda's third annualbasket auction. We would like for each Sunday

School class, or other group, to prepare a special

basket and place it in the foyer. Next, we ask you

to shop around and find the basket on which you

want to bid. When you find that special basket

you want, place a bid by writing your name and

the amount you want to bid on the list attached

to the basket. (Baskets are due in the church. (Baskets are due in the church. (Baskets are due in the church. (Baskets are due in the church

foyer by April 18th.)foyer by April 18th.)foyer by April 18th.)foyer by April 18th.) The auction will end April 29

with a good, old-fashioned, hamburger and hot

dog cook-out. So join in the fun and help sendour youth to camp.

Love for Life Gala

You are invited to Love For Life Gala. This is a benefit

for iChoose Pregnancy Support Services and will be held

at the Hilton North Raleigh on May 15th at 6:30 PM. You

are encouraged to attend. Please register at

www.ichoosepartners.org or call 919-585-4353.

Theme for 2012: Whatever It Takes

National Goal: $70 MillionBethesdas Goal: $3000

When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them,

because they were weary and worn out, like sheep with-

out a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, The har-

vest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray

to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His

harvest (Matthew 9:36-38)

What happens after children receive their

gift-filled shoe boxes? Receiving their shoe box is just the

first step in helping to enrich these childrens lives with

the hope and love of Jesus Christ.

Samaritans Purse offers a 12-lesson series discipleship

program called The Greatest Journey which is written

in the local language and contains interactive activities

with a solid Biblical foundation. Through this series, chil-dren learn about Jesus Christ, have the opportunity to

receive Him as Savior, and are equipped to pray for and

share their faith with others. Below are a few testimonies

from children participating in this program.

I learned that God is a shepherd, the Greatest Shep-

herd. Child in Mongolia.

I read the lesson and received Jesus as my personal

Savior. Now I pray with Jesus every day. Jacinta-

Lithuania.

A young boy in Ecuador helps lead his grandmother tofaith in Christ through The Greatest Journey.

Know, Love, Serve!

I am so proud of all the clubbers,

parents, and leaders who are participating In Awana this

year. Many of you know I was hesitant myself at taking

on the responsibility of this ministry, but God has amazed

me nearly every week. I have been blessed to see our

attendance grow from around thirty to almost fifty (my

secret target) a few times. The kids have completed tons

of service hours showing appreciation to first responders,caring for sick and elderly, reaching out to meet other

needs in the community, and actively participating in out-

reach to evangelize the community.

Parents have consistently worked with their children at

home, helping them complete their verse memorization so

they can complete their handbooks for the year. Leaders

have been committed, energetic and prepared with en-

gaging lessons each week. Every week I come a little

nervous and scattered, and every week I leave in awe of

how God continues to make it happen in spite of me.

The Awana prayer is that children and youth throughoutthe world will come to know, love, and serve the Lord Je-

sus Christ. One thing I love most though is that I think

children, parents and leaders are knowing, loving, and

serving Him more as a result of this ministry. Thank you

to each of you are living out this mission!

April 4 Easter Break NO AWANA

April 11 Farm Fun

April 18 Bring A Friend

April 25 Twin Night

BBBBrrrriiiiggggiiiitttttttteeee


4/6

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Lords Supper &

Weekly

Sunday Service

Easter Musicals

6:00 PM

2 3

Ladies Bible Study

10:00 AM

Deacons Mtg/

7 : 0 0 PM

4

No Activities

5 6 7

8

Sunrise Service

Brkfst. Fellowship

Easter Worship

ServiceNo Evening

Gathering

9

Church Office

Closed Today

10

Ladies Bible Study

10:00 AM

11

Awa n a

and

Weekly Wed. Schedule

12 913 14

15

W e e k l y

Sunday Service

16 17

Ladies Bible Study

10:00 AM

Board o f

DirectorsMtg.

7:00 PM

18

BASKETS DUE FORYOUTH AUCTION

Aw a n a

a n d

Weekly Wed.

Schedule

19 20 21

22

Week l y

Sunday Service

Church Council

Mee t i ng

4:30 PM

23 24

Ladies Bible Study

10:00 AM

25

Awana

and

Weekly Wed.

Schedule

226 27 28

29

Week l y

Sunday Service

Basket AuctionLuncheon

30 31

Ladies Bible Study

10:00 AM

The Lamplighter Page 4

6:30pm....................................................................Awana, Youth Bible Study

6:45 pm..............................................................Adult Prayer and Bible Study

Choir Rehearsal

9:15 am ..............................................................................Bible Study Fellowship

10:30 am ...................................................................MorningWorship Celebration

6:00 pm ..................................................LifeLine...Get Connected (Small Groups)

Student LifeLine

SPK CHOIR (Shout Praises Kids) - Grades 1-5

Weekly Sunday Schedule WeeklyWednesday Schedule


5/6

The Lam pli gh ter Page 5

Date S.S.AM

Worship

Budget

Offering

His Vision

Our Mission

Feb..26 116 175 4,585.61 875.00

Mar. 4 109 170 10,392.45 1,785.00

Mar. 11 111 176 5,767.50 645.00

Mar. 18 108 152 5,918.20 610.00

Total 544 822 51,528.72 4,510.00

Avg. 109 164 10,305.74 902.00

Average Attendance & Offerings for March 2011

Avg. 99 165 6,869.35

Mar. 25 100 149 4,864.96 595.00

Facts & Figures for March 2012

APRIL EXTENDED SESSION

AND KIDS CHURCH

Sunday, April 1Sunday, April 1Sunday, April 1Sunday, April 1 ---- AMAMAMAM

Babies: Kathleen McLamb

& Cherilyn Murphy

2s: Heather Henry &

Tori Smith

3s/4s:Wendy Beasley &

Diane Duncan

KKKK----3rd Kids Church3rd Kids Church3rd Kids Church3rd Kids Church

Frances Burden &

Angel Duncan

Sunday, April 1Sunday, April 1Sunday, April 1Sunday, April 1 ---- PMPMPMPM

Sharon Johnson &Sharon Levin

Wednesday, April 4Wednesday, April 4Wednesday, April 4Wednesday, April 4

No Activities


Babies: Brigitte Creech &

April Lengel

2s: Brandi & Tobi Sauer

3s/4s: Kristol Flanigan& Kristen Duncan


Nicole & Michael Ritchie

Sunday, April 8 PMSunday, April 8 PMSunday, April 8 PMSunday, April 8 PM

No Evening Activities


Jessica Peedin &

Shannon Coomer


Babies: Sondra Gatewood

& Jane Gatlin

2s: Diana Lee &

Sis Godwin

3s/4 s: Leigh Smith &

Jennifer Harrison


Terry Gatewood &

David Duncan

Sunday, April 15Sunday, April 15Sunday, April 15Sunday, April 15 ---- PMPMPMPM

Larkin Creech

Wednesday, April 18Wednesday, April 18Wednesday, April 18Wednesday, April 18Terry Gatewood &

Shannon Coomer


Babies: Faye Wells &

Shalee Sams

2s: Laura & Shane

Benson

3s/4s: Julie Brueggen &

Sara Orr


Wendy & Chris Gatewood


Bob & Brenda Jones


Bobby Lonas &

Shannon Coomer


Babies: Faye Parrish &

Elvis Farr

2s: Sondra Gatewood &

Louise Gilmore

3s/4s: Sharon Orchard &

Stephanie Johnson


Sabrina & Trenton

Seagroves


Bill & Julia Stephens

Preschool Regis. DeskPreschool Regis. DeskPreschool Regis. DeskPreschool Regis. Desk

Diane DuncanDiane DuncanDiane DuncanDiane Duncan

To You, to You, to You we lift our praise!

To You our voices raise;We praise you both for now and always.

To You, to You, to You we lift our voice!To You we make our choice;

In everything we do, we lift our praise to You!

April 1 is often known as April Fools Day, and I wouldguess that some of you enjoy playing harmless pranks

on your friends and family members.all in the name of

just fooling around. Well. this announcement is forreal no fooling!!!

Bethesdas choirs are preparing for

a musical celebration of the Easter

message. Please invite your friends

and family to join you in worship on

Sunday evening, April 1, at 6pm. TheShout Praise Kids Choir will open our

worship service with Alive Forever! a short musicalthat tells the amazing story of Gods plan for our lives

through Jesus Christthe best story ever! We will

continue our worship with the Adult Choir as they pre-

sent the musical He Arose. Through passionatepraise, this musical aims to bring our congregation to

the throne in a mighty way! With both new praise &

worship songs as well as arrangements of some classic

hymns of the faith, along with scripture passages of nar-

ration.the message is this: Christ bought our freedom

with his death, and gave us life when HE AROSE!

What a wonderful way to worship and celebrate to-gether be sure to mark your calendars and bring all

your favorite people to worship with us. No fooling!!

we look forward to a special evening of praise and wor-

ship!! God bless!

DebbeDebbeDebbeDebbe


6/6

4967 Highway 70 West Business

Clayton, NC 27520

Phone: 919-553-7678

Address Service Guaranteed

April BirthdaysApril BirthdaysApril BirthdaysApril Birthdays

Della Edwards (103!) 7th

Brian Harrison 8th

Jimmy Peele 8th

Emily Dean 10th

Reagan Creech 13th

Benny Langdon 14th

Lilly Belle Johnson 16th

Sue Wilson 16th

Hunter Johnson 18th

Ellen Batten 20th

Ed Daley 20th

Mary Puckett 20th

Jean Wall 23rd

Ellie Harrison 30th

Were on the web!

www.bethesdaclayton.com

Ed & Glenda Daley 11th

Dennis & Linda Kennedy 13th

Daniel & Sandy Gordon 16th

Brandon & Hannah Beasley 18th

L. D. & Ellen Batten 20th

Harvey & Jean Wall 21st

Michael & Vickie Hall 26th

Shelton & Sharon Johnson 30th

Ladies, as you know, "Spring has sprung!", and now we aregoing to spring back into meeting at my home on Tuesday

mornings for our fellowship in the Word of God and prayer,

which is desperately needed in these days! The war in the

heavenly places is really on; so, as the Apostle Paul says in

Ephesians 6:18: "With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, being on the alert with all perseveranceand petition for all the saints" Let's do it! We will begin again on Tuesday,April 3rd, 10:00 a.m., at my home at The Garden Spot, 209 Will Court, Clayton. Any

and all ladies are welcome! Your sister in Christ Sharon LevinSharon LevinSharon LevinSharon Levin

The Lamplighter Page 6

Happy Birthday

Marriage AmendmentUpdates and Resources

The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina has a collection

of articles and information on the marriage amendment. It is

available in hard copy or electronically by contacting Brian

Davis, BSC executive leader for administration and convention relations, at (800)395-5102, ext. 5506 or [email protected]

Websites

Christian Action League - christianactionleague.org

Christian Life and Public Affairs - blog.ncbaptist.org/dpa

Vote for Marriage NC - voteformarriagenc.com

North Carolina Family Policy Council - ncfamily.org

The Ethics & Religion Liberty Commission - erlc.com

Family Research Council - frc.org

The Art of MarriageA six session video event by Family Life

Date: June 1st and 2nd

Where: Bethesda Baptist Church

More Info: www.theartofmarriage.com

April Lamplighter 2012

Documents

Transcript of April Lamplighter 2012