Selma First Baptist Church Non Profit Org. PERMIT # 68...
Transcript of Selma First Baptist Church Non Profit Org. PERMIT # 68...
From The Vine: A Congregational Blog
December 2017 | Monthly Newsletter of Selma First Baptist Church
Senior Pastor:
Student Ministry:
Children’s Ministry:
Office Ministry:
Pastor Fred Delano
Matt Adams
Isaiah Escobedo
Marianela Borbon
Tiffanie Harrell
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
PERMIT # 68
SELMA CA 93662
Selma First Baptist Church 2025 Grant Street
Selma, CA 93662
559-896-5842 www.selmafirstbaptist.org
facebook.com/SelmaFBC SELMA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
The Lost
Have you ever lost something valuable? The other day I realized that I had lost an earring. I didn’t know when or where I’d lost it but when I stared into the bathroom mirror, there it wasn’t. This was no ordinary earring; it was one of the diamond studs that my husband gave me for our 15th anniversary! I searched in our bed, in case I’d lost it during the night, but it wasn’t there. I searched the closet and under the bed on my hands and knees with a miner’s lamp strapped to my forehead. I prayed and swept and searched. My husband even sifted through the vacuum bag, but it was still nowhere to be found. I was just sick. The search for the lost earring went on for about three or four weeks. Then one day, as I swept the hallway, I heard something rattle across the hardwood floor. I had swept the hallway several times since I’d lost the earring, but this time was different. I bent down and there was the lost diamond earring, the one I had searched so hard to find! I began to sob and showed it to my husband. We had both assumed it was lost and would remain lost. And what did I do after that? I shared my joy with my friends.
Continued on page 2…
Mission of Selma First Baptist Church:
“To help make disciples of Jesus Christ, who love God and love others in our community, region, and
world.”
SELMA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Church Office Hours:
T-TH 9:00am-3:00pm
M A RK Y OU R C AL ENDAR
12 .2 H AN GIN G OF TH E G R E EN S
12 . 10 S PE CIAL B US INE SS M EET IN G
R E ALIT Y YM P A RTN ER M EET IN G
12 . 13 J R . H IGH C H RI STMAS P A RT Y
12 . 15 S ER VA NT BOA R D / STA FF
C HR IST MAS P A RT Y
12 . 16 S ELMA C A RE S F OOD BOX & T O Y
P A CKA GIN G
12 . 16 H I GH SC HOOL L O CK- IN
12 . 1 7 S ELM A C A RE S F OOD BOX & T O Y
G I V EA WA Y
12 . 1 7 C H RIST MA S PA GEANT
12 .2 4 C H RI STM AS E V E W O RS HI P @ 10 A M
12 .2 5 C HR IST MA S
December 2017 Page 2
Jesus told a similar parable about a woman who had lost something valuable. She had lost one of her ten silver coins. Each coin was worth about a day’s wages; not a small sum of money. It was worth enough to her that she wanted to find it. If the coin had been worth very little, would she have searched tirelessly? When it was found, would she have been compelled to tell a friend? In the book of Luke, there are three parables about lost items: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. It is curious that the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin have someone actively searching for lost items. The truth is that God cares about the lost. What does it mean to be lost? Lost people are not in relationship with God or a community of believers. The shepherd searches for the lost sheep and I believe that the lost sheep is a metaphor for those that are lost out in the world and do not know God. The sheep could be anywhere and the shepherd is willing to search for it and bring it to safety rather than let even one perish. Do we look for the one lost sheep or do we stay in the comfort of the flock?
The woman scours her house for the lost coin. The coin was last seen in her home; it’s got to be there somewhere. I see the lost coin as a metaphor for those within the walls of the church that are unseen and completely overwhelmed with pain, grief, illness, loneliness, or circumstances where they feel lost. Do we see the needs of the hurting and broken within our own church?
My earring wasn’t found easily, it took time and effort. Lost
people are like this too. I think in order to find the lost, we
must learn to be more intentional and look for those that
could be blessed with a kind word. Some are deep in the
pit of despair hoping and praying that their lives will
change and are completely unaware of their need for
Jesus. Others are struggling with pain and brokenness by
themselves and could use the encouragement, care, and
prayers of their church family. How can we reach out to
them and encourage them? Let me ask you a question.
Do you search for our wounded, care for their
wounds, and protect them as they heal? It’s a
question worth considering.-Tiffanie Harrell
From The Vine:
Continued from page 2..
Dec. 10th to vote on the prescriptions given by Growing Healthy Churches.
December 2017 Page 3
Hey Church Family!
Thanksgiving has officially passed, and as I’ve been able to reflect on this past year, it’s made me realize how much support and encouragement Student Ministries has received through this new transition in our church. I am so incredibly thankful for the prayers and love that has come our way. It is extremely appreciated! God is doing amazing work in our church, He has heard your prayers, and has seen your faithfulness. Our fall semester started off great. God has been so good and so faithful through this crazy season. Since the beginning of the school year, we have had a handful of new students join us on Wednesday nights. They have been attending youth group on a consistent basis, which has been awesome to see. Because of their consistency, we are able to build solid relationships with them and continually point them towards Christ. This relationship building goes beyond a Wednesday night or a Sunday morning.
It’s been a lot of fun working with these kids on the regular; especially during our different events throughout the semester such as: See You at the Pole, Clue Night, and Turkey Bowl.
Our sermon topics for Wednesdays have also been a joy to teach because we are able to challenge our students and help them apply what they learn at youth group to their own lives. We studied the story of Joseph and how he handled trials through difficult circumstances. Students were able to ask questions anonymously for a Q&A panel. The Q & A answered a variety of questions students had about the Bible, theology, political issues, and cultural viewpoints. Our Reality Check Series tied in with our Q&A panel and allowed us to go more in-depth with the questions students had asked previously.
Regardless of how crazy this season has been, it has been a complete joy and privilege to serve our church and the community. Discipleship has been a common theme in our church and it’s been so cool to be able to teach kids how to be disciples of Christ. However, with this idea, I’ve also had to remember that discipleship is not a program; it is a lifelong process that helps us grow and prosper until we meet God face-to-face. When Jesus asked his disciples to follow Him, it was not for a specific amount of days, months, or years, but an eternity.
So, as we continue to make disciples and minister to these students and to our community, I would ask you to partner with us. Help us make disciples and push Selma to know Jesus. Continue to pray for us.
If you would like to be more aware of what God is doing in Student Ministries, please join us at our Reality YM Partner Meeting on December 10th following the worship service in the Fireside Room.
Thank you and God Bless. Isaiah Escobedo, Student Ministry Co-director
Prayer List
Our congregation believes in the power of prayer. If you would like to pray specifically for people in our church, call the church office and let us know and we will add you to our prayer chain list. Anyone may submit a prayer request via our website. Requests are sent through email. Please contact the church office if your email address is in need of updating.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall
be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called
Wonderful,
Counsellor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 King James Version
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Reduced Holiday Hours
The church office will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day so that the staff can spend some time
with their families. Should you have any need for prayer, visitation, or there be an emergency, you may contact the
appropriate staff member.
Pastor Fred Delano 559-284-3614
Isaiah Escobedo, Student Ministry 559-393-4411
Marianela Borbon, Children’s Ministry 559-930-6021
Bob Allen, Servant Board 559-709-3515
Blessed are those who are generous… Proverbs 22:9
Year End Gift
An end of year gift to your church is a gift to God. Imagine what He can do with your generosity!
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Reality YM Partner Meeting
Dec. 10th in the Fireside Room after the
worship service.
Everyone is invited to come! We will be discussing
next semester’s plans.
Secret Santa
Would you like to be involved in a fun Secret Santa gift exchange? This is a special way to get to know a little bit about someone here at church and share some holiday
cheer. Each person will buy a gift for someone with a $20 value. Gift exchange will be on December 17th. If you would like to participate, please contact Marianela at (559) 930-6021 by Dec. 10. Please pick up a sheet to fill out a couple of your favorite things and return to Marianela, they are available on her office door.
Children’s Christmas Choir & Party
Children’s Choir is learning songs for the Christmas Program
during Children’s Church. Children will perform on December 17th
during the worship Service. Children are invited to the Children’s
Christmas Party in the Fellowship Hall on December 17th, 2017.
after the Christmas Program. Parents, please see Marianela to sign
up for snacks.
HIGH SCHOOL LOCK-IN You made it through finals! Time to blow off some steam and
hang out with your friends, ALL NIGHT LONG!
Drop-off: Friday, December 15th @ 7pm Pick-up: Saturday, December 16th @ 7am
Cost: $20 per student
SERVING THIS MONTH
Worship Service 10:00 am
Serving December 3
Nursery - Esther Silva & Brianna Dellamaggiore
Toddler/Preschool - Lisa & Josiah Riojas
K-6th Grade - Jo Murray & Marianela Borbon
Computer Check In - Dan Sparks
Greeters - Paul & Libby Green
Serving December 10
Nursery - Russ & Janet Mitchell
Toddler/Preschool - Judy Fusi & Tom Chandler
K-6th Grade - Kim Langstraat & Tom Christensen
Computer Check In - Dan Sparks
Greeters - Rick & Michelle Alonzo
Serving December 17
Nursery - Venessa & Audrey Golding
Toddler/Preschool - Judy Fusi & Sonny Bianchi
K-6th Grade - Chris Smith & Dawn Dellamaggiore
Computer Check In - Dan Sparks
Greeters - John & Sally Griffin
Serving December 24
Nursery - Dimple Rasmussen & Darlene Wilbanks
Toddler/Preschool - Judy Fusi & Clarissa Cole
Computer Check In - Dan Sparks
Greeters - Mel & Chris Manley
Serving December 31
Nursery - Esther Silva & Brianna Dellamaggiore
Toddler/Preschool - Judy Fusi & Aubrey Tuttrup
K-6th Grade - Alison Rogers & Heather Ornelas
Computer Check In - Dan Sparks
Greeters - Frances Harrington & Shirley Hughes
December 2017 Page 6
FAITHFUL GIVING
10-29-17 11-5-17 11-12-17 11-19-17 11-26-17
Offering/Tithing/Missions $5,532.00 $10,095.75 $6,082.00 $12,122.00 $2,700.32
Benevolence Fund $0.00 $83.00 $8.00 $0.00 $0.00
Designated Funds $395.00 $7,158.60 $1,842.00 $375.00 $289.65
Building Expansion fund $540.00 $330.00 $200.00 $660.00 $70.00
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Reality Center Rent Income $0.00 $1,600.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Birthdays in December
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Anniversaries in December
CHURCH FAMILY
CELEBRATIONS
11- Joe & Tiffanie Harrell
20- Shannon & Lisa Riojas
29- Ralph & Heather Ornelas
1- Owen Langstraat
2- Ethan Golding, Sierra Shoemaker
6- Michelle Alonzo, Lee Cason
8- Joyce Cason, Mike Pallesi
9- Janet Collier, Elijah Langstraat
10- Aaron Ornelas
11- Dena Yarbrough
13- Janice Grumbles, Adam Risenhoover,
14- Mary Jane Rogers
15- Judy Clary, Oceania Cousins
16- David Helm, Wyatt O’Brien
19- Chris Manley
26- Evelyn Clews
29- Sonny Bianchi, Cecil Eslick, Matt Moore
30- Keri Viau
Letters
Dear Selma First Baptist Church,
The American Baptist Home Mission Society, on
behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, early in
October, released a $5,000 One Great Hour of
Sharing Emergency Disaster Relief Grant to the
Growing Healthy Churches Region. The Growing
Healthy Churches office will distribute funds to three
California churches: CrossWalk Community in Napa;
New Vintage Church in Santa Rosa; and First Baptist
Church in Ukiah. Two of these churches are
housing evacuees, while the third is partnering with a
community evacuation center.
We thank you for your giving and support of the
One Great Hour Sharing Offering which supports the
timely giving of much needed funding in emergency
situations.
God's blessings on your congregation.
American Baptist Home Mission Society.
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for coming out and making our
Harvest Celebration so special. It was wonderful to
see so many people gather together to praise God for
His goodness and His blessings. I want to especially
thank Paul and Libby Green for the use of their barn! It
was fantastic! Thank you to all who donated their time
and talent to the event, from the food to the
decorations to our very own Bluegrass band, as well
as those who donated items for our auctions. At last
count, we had raised over $5300 for the Youth and
Children's Camp Fund! Praise God for this awesome
blessing! We are looking forward to seeing the
Kingdom grow because of the investment that you
have made in the lives of these young people.
Love in Christ,
Laurie O'Brien, Coordinator
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