The Star February 2015 Page 1

2015 Mission Summit

Guest Speakers

February 2015

Volume 53, Issue 2

February 2015

Volume 53, Issue 2 First Baptist Church

3033 SW MacVicar Ave.

Topeka, Kansas 66611-1811

www.firstbaptisttopeka.org

785.267.0380 | email@firstbaptisttopeka.org

Staff & Volunteers

Cheryl Henson, Senior Pastor

Corey Fields, Associate Pastor

Blake Bledsoe, Student Intern

Robyn Aeschliman, Dir. of Faith Forest

Joe Barnes, Building Superintendent

Will Kubie, Organist/Pianist

Rick Kready, Director of Chancel Choir

Pam DeFries, Chancel Choir Pianist

Boopesh Kumar, CCLC Director

Steve Martin, Custodian

Kay Renyer, Day Care Director

Verlee Sanneman, Office Manager

First Baptist is challenged to bring 1,000 cans of soup with you to worship. To

date, we have received 199 cans of soup. You may also bring crackers. Soup

and crackers will be donated to Doorstep. Let’s can the hunger in Topeka!

American Baptists from around the globe will be returning to Overland

Park for the 2015 Mission Summit from June 26-28. First Baptist has paid a

sponsoring church registration fee, which lowers the individual registration

fee from $165 to $40. This does not include your meals, transportation, and

lodging. Registration forms will soon be available outside of the worship

areas. The Summit will have multiple highlights, including: the Mission

Summit Conversations, dynamic speakers, luncheon events held by

American Baptist International Ministries, American Baptist Home Mission

Societies, and the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, and more!

Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, senior minister of the historic Riverside Church

in New York City, will preach during the Friday evening service. Rev. Dr.

A. Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, will

bring the message on Saturday evening during a celebration of his fourteen

years as General Secretary. Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III,

executive director of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, will

speak during the Sunday morning time of worship. The Sunday evening

service will be highlighted by speaker Rev. Dr. Don Ng, president of the

American Baptist Churches USA and the first Asian-American to serve in

this role.

More information can be found on the web: americanbaptists2015.com

Clockwise: Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, Rev.

Dr. A. Roy Medley, Rev. Dr. Don Ng,

and Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-

Riggins III.

The Star

Page 2 February 2015 The Star

January 31-Feb. 1 — Corey Fields, 379-3852

February 7-8 — Cheryl Henson, 338-2161

February 14-15 — Corey Fields, 379-3852

February 21-22 — Cheryl Henson, 338-2161

February 28-29 — Corey Fields, 379-3852

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE February 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Lattimore Chapel

Our Number One Fear by Cheryl R. Henson, Senior Pastor

Jerry Seinfeld is quoted as saying, “According to most

studies, people's number one fear is public speaking.

Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that

sound right? This means to the average person, if you go

to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the

eulogy.”

W ell, I have officiated at numerous funerals and

done many a eulogy in my 40 years of

ministry, but never really had the desire to be

in the casket instead of the one up front talking. I do

however, have some practical suggestions for you. Write

out your obituary! Yes, write it out. Do not let it depend

on your families

whose memories may

not serve them well in

times of grief. Write it

down now while your

memory still serves

you well. Write down

your desires for the

type of funeral service

you want. Recently, I

had a service in which

I was simply told,

“You choose the

songs and the

scriptures; we don’t

know what she liked.” It is difficult to plan an

appropriate service if there is no information about the

deceased provided. Come into the church office and get a

Funeral File form which provides us with information

such as the songs you would prefer or where you would

like your memorial to be used. Since I have been here,

we have had more than one member whose family didn’t

even know the person attended church at First Baptist,

and yet she was a long time member. Make sure your

family knows where you go to church! Any pre-

arrangements you have made with a funeral home may

also be put on file here. Adult children who live in

faraway places may not be aware of what your current

wishes are.

Finally, whatever your age, make out a will! My

father said verbally all his life he wanted his money to go

to the church, but since he died without a will that didn’t

happen. Seniors, please consider, how will your tithe to

the church be replaced after you are gone? One way to

be sure is to place the church in your will. A minimum of

10%, representing your tithe on your estate, is the least

of what we all should give. If you have no family or

family that needs no funding, then it is appropriate to

consider leaving your estate to the church. The assets

will certainly be put to work for the kingdom of God. It

will have eternal consequences.

In case you think this article is only for seniors, I

have a word for our young adults. It is especially

important for young parents to have a will designating

guardianship of dependent children. Have you discussed

with your spouse who would raise your children if you

both died? Do you have it in a legal document?

Somehow we think that there is always plenty of

time to make out our will. We even fear making out a

will because it will

somehow make our death

more probable. Please be

responsible. Don’t let the

state decide how your

assets are distributed or the

custody of your children.

In the extreme case of no

living relatives, the state

receives your assets. Why

not make 2015 the year to

get your affairs in order?

The Star February 2015 Page 3

Please remember in your prayers. . . Teresa Brotherton

(Pastor Cheryl Henson’s sister); Marilyn

Bradley; Bill Campbell and Joey

Campbell (Rev. Art & Karen Campbell’s

sons); Lucile Edson; Pam Ensley’s

brother Skip; Donna Hinshaw; Grayson

Irwin (Allan & Joyce Robinson’s great

nephew); Joan Kerchner’s great-great niece; Greg Knox

(Jim & Letha Zahourek’s nephew); Jeanne Kopp; Calvin &

Jeanne Kopp’s son-in-law Jeff; Bethany Krusor; Evelyn

Leesman; Terri Mallouex (Gary & Sandy Shofner’s

daughter); Sandy Milligan; Dick Mossman; Ray Robinson;

Kim Ross; Sandy Shofner, family of Faith Spencer; Rick

Willoughby; Mardine Wilson; Crystal Wolgast; Nelson

Young; and our homebound members.

— 2014 Finance Report —

Receipts (Offerings/Tithes) .................. $ 524,421.44

Expenses ............................................. ( 531,380.20)

Deficit ................................................. ($ 6,958.76)

Retired Ministers & Mission Offering .... $ 2,749.50

Christmas Offering ................................. $ 1,289.00

You are Invited . . . Faith Forest will host cookies and hot cocoa on Sat.,

March 7th in Fellowship Hall from 1 to 2 p.m.

This is a cross

generational event with

Faith Forest families and

anyone in the church who

would like to attend. If

you are a member of

Faithbuilders, Bereans,

Seekers, New Horizons, Maranatha SS class or a member

of another group we would love for you to join us and

share your favorite winter memories with the children

and families of Faith Forest.

Robyn Aeschliman, Director of Faith Forest

Welcome, Naomi Naomi Brooks joined

First Baptist by transfer

of letter. Naomi is a

member of the Berean

Sunday School class,

and attends Fellowship

Lunch on Thursdays.

Please extend a warm

welcome and introduce

yourself to Naomi when

you see her.

Music Concerts

Topeka Big Band will be performing on Saturday Feb. 7 at the

Foundation's Gala Dinner & Silent Auction. See back page for more

information.

Ottawa University’s Concert Choir will be in our sanctuary on

Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. This is a free event.

Page 4 February 2015 The Star

Thanks so much for the lovely poinsettia plant delivered by Mary Muilenburg, The plant brightened our day as did Mary’s visit, and Pastor Corey’s call.

— God Bless, Bob & Jeanne Edwards Our many thanks to the church for the beautiful poinsettia and a thank you to Stan and Shirley for delivering it. It adds color and the feel of Christmas to our home.

— Jim & Joyce Gray

We thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity for remembering us at Christmas with a staff love gift. We are blessed to be working with you and for God at First Baptist.

— Pastor Cheryl, Pastor Corey, Joe Barnes, Steve Martin, Will Kubie, and Verlee Sanneman

I want to thank the church for the beautiful poinsettia and the Christmas card. I also want to thank Joan Kerchner for bringing them to me and also for her visit.

— Blanche Meggison Thank you for the beautiful poinsettia that Winnie Davis brought to us. It is still a bright spot in our home. Thank you for your prayers.

— Floyd & Mary Johnson

We want to thank Joan Kerchner for delivering the bouquet of the altar flowers for Dick. We appreciate all of your prayers.

— Dick & Carolyn Mossman

We want to thank Pastors Cheryl and Corey for their visits and prayers. And, many thanks to Joan Kerchner for her visit and bringing a bouquet of altar flowers during Nelson’s 2-week stay in the hospital.

— Nelson & Nadine Young

Thanks for all the cards, phone calls and especially the prayers of the Berean Sunday School class, as well as our first worship service friends. Special thanks to Joan Kerchner for delivering altar flowers. Much thanks to both ministers for all the hospital visits and prayers. Thanks all!

— Ken & Rita Nichols

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

Upward Basketball games are on Saturdays at

8 a.m. in our gym and will be ending February

14.

The Upward Award Ceremony will be February

26 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Congregation

is welcome to come.

Search Committee Update By Robyn Aeschliman

Since July, the search

committee for the

Associate Pastor position

narrowed down the list of

candidates to three. The

three candidates all

seemed promising and

have since found other jobs or have removed their name

from consideration. The committee is now starting over

with a new posting and the date for applicants to apply is

March 15. Please keep the search committee in your

prayers as we continue to search for the person to whom

God is leading us.

Search Committee members are: Robyn Aeschliman,

James Beutler, Karen Campbell, Julie Cook, Matt

Harader, Dennis Slimmer , and Pastor Cheryl Henson.

FBC 101

For those who recently joined or

who would like to know more

about First Baptist are invited to

FBC 101 on Saturday, Feb. 28 at

10 a.m. in the cafè. If you plan to

come, please let the church office

know.

SAVE THE DATE We will recognize the 5th anniversary of

Rev. Dr. Cheryl R. Henson as Senior Pastor of FBC-Topeka

and 40 years of ministry on Sunday, February 22.

Watch for more details.

The Star February 2015 Page 5

Congratulations, Dr. Paul Dr. Paul Eppinger was inducted

last year into the Martin Luther

King, Jr. International College of

Ministers and Laity Board of

Preachers of Morehouse College

in Atlanta, Ga. This recognition

has special meaning for Dr.

Eppinger. Not only did he march

with Dr. King in the 1963 March

on Washington, but as Arizona’s

Executive Director of the Victory

Together campaign, he also played a pivotal role in

raising support for the legislation necessary to institute

the Martin Luther King, Jr. state holiday in 1992. He

currently serves on the Board of Directors of A

Parliament of the World’s Religions. Dr. Eppinger

served as senior pastor at FBC-Topeka from 1974-1985.

Members in the News —— LUCKY & PAM DEFRIES In recognition of Dr. Stanley and Alice Jo DeFries

of Lawrence, Kan., the Ottawa

University has announced the

establishment of the DeFries

Society for the Performing Arts at

Ottawa University through a

generous family gift from alumni Dr. Stanley and

Alice Jo DeFries of Lawrence, Kan., as well as their

children, Lucky and Pam DeFries, Topeka; and

Robert and Paula Nauman, Louisburg. This fund

will serve as a financial resource to enhance the

University's performing arts programs.

Lucky De Fries was recently named Vice Chair of

the Ottawa University Board of Trustees following a

three-year term as Treasurer.

WALTER SCHOEMAKER Walter, a licensed attorney,

has opened his own practice

which specializes in Elder

law, Medicaid issues and

Estate Planning. He also

can provide services to

surviving spouses or other

surviving family members

that assists and enables them

in wrapping up the affairs of

a recently deceased loved

one and allows them to have

a successful transition of financial and other estate

issues. This includes: wills, trusts, powers of attorney,

Medicaid eligibility, division of assets, Medicaid spend

down, and all other Elder law related issues. Walter is

also very knowledgeable about other healthcare

reimbursement practices and methods.

The population he serves is not always mobile and

may not be able to leave their homes or facilities.

Walter can arrange for meetings in their home, a family

member’s home, or in his handicap accessible office

located near 29th and Gage. He is available to speak

with individuals one on one or to groups about

Medicaid planning, estate planning, health care power

of attorneys, financial power of attorneys, and other

general legal and Elder law issues. Seminars, discussion

groups, and initial consultations are free. After that, his

fees are reasonable and in the form of a flat fee, where

the fee is fixed and the work to be done is clearly

identified. Walter may be reached at 409-1642.

Pack Your Bags, Senior Adults! Now is the time to start planning to

go to Cross Wind Camp for the

Senior Adult Retreat. It will be held

April 15 and 16, and the cost is $95

per person. Contact the church

office to save your seat on the

church van. A registration form may be found in this

newsletter.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Jerry Cain who was

chaplain at William Jewell College for 20 years before

becoming president at Judson University in 1998. While

president at Judson he led the school through several

building programs including the construction of the

Harm A. Weber Academic Center to house the Library

and the School of Art, Design and Architecture; created

the first four graduate programs; led the transition from

college to university; and raised over $42 million for

campus budgets and projects.

Krystal Harry invites you to

her Senior Recital on

Saturday, March 7

at 7:30 p.m. in

White Concert Hall

on the campus of

Washburn University.

This is a free event.

Page 6 February 2015 The Star

Wednesday Family Night Returns Spend Wednesday evenings at First Baptist beginning

on March 4. Home cooked dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.

in the Fellowship Hall, with programming at 6:15 p.m.

Dinner is freewill offering and no reservations are

required.

On March 4 following

dinner the choir from

Ottawa University will

perform in the sanctuary.

Regan Aeschliman is a

member of the choir, as well as their student president.

Programming for adults and children will begin on

March 11. Adults will have three options: GriefShare

led by Ginny Peters, a couples enrichment class led by

Pastor Corey, and a Bible study led by Rev. Janet

Crowl. Children’s choir will resume and it will be led

with Will Kubie. Beth Hanes and Tracy Gallaway have

agreed to provide childcare during the programming

hour. We have several open dates for a small group or

family to prepare one of the weekly meals. Please

contact the church office to sign up.

Making It Happen by Gary Smith, chairman of FBC Foundation

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily

food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed

and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is

necessary for their body, what use is that? James 2:15-16

The book of James reminds us of the important

difference between words and actions. We can’t just talk

about helping our neighbors in need, we must also take

action and make it happen.

One way we can make sure our church continues to

“make it happen” is by adding to our FBC Foundation

endowment funds. As these funds grow, we’ll be able to

buy more “coats” for everyone in need. One of the easy

ways to support the church, at a level far greater than you

may realize, is by using appreciated securities, like

stocks and bonds. When you transfer appreciated

securities to the First Baptist Foundation, you avoid

capital gains taxes and the full amount can be used by the

church for mission. So, instead of cashing out

appreciated securities and paying capital gains taxes and

income taxes, you make a larger donation and receive the

full tax deduction as allowed by law. Please contact your

financial advisor before making this type of gift.

By supporting the endowed, restricted, and non-

restricted funds through the Foundation you have the

opportunity to create a legacy of faith that will positively

impact our congregation’s ministry long after your

lifetime. Gifts you can give later include bequests and

memorials. These can be designated for where the

current need is greatest or for a specific favorite program

or mission activity. These funds open new horizons for

our congregation to reach even more people with Christ’s

love, allowing new programs to emerge as needs are

made known to future generations.

To learn more about how to include the church in

your estate plans and how your legacy can support its

ministry, please contact a Foundation Trustee: Jillinda

Ansell, Whitney Casement, Jack Eakins, Fred Loseke,

Bill Ogle, Gary Smith, Karen Stryker, and Harold

Wolgast.

The children of

Mike & Pastor Cheryl Henson

invite you to join them

as they celebrate their parents’

40th Wedding Anniversary

Saturday, March 28

2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Church Parlor

High School/Adult Work Camp Cross Wind Camp & Conference March 16-20 Come for one day or stay for the entire week! Registration form enclosed.

POSTMASTER: Send address

changes to The First Baptist Star,

3033 SW MacVicar Ave.,

Topeka, KS 66611-1811

The sunrise photo on the cover was taken

by Whitney Casement.

3033 SW MacVicar Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66611-1811 785.267.0380 785.267.9148 (fax) www.firstbaptisttopeka.org email@firstbaptisttopeka.org

First Baptist Church The FIRST BAPTIST STAR (USPS: 194-960) is published monthly for

$25.00 per year by the First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave.,

Topeka, KS 66611-1811. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, Kansas.

Periodicals Postage

Paid

at

Topeka, Kansas

Note: Dated Mater ia l Enclosed

February 7 — FBC Foundation’s Gala Dinner & Silent

Auction

Feb. 8 —- Pastor Cheryl’s 5th Anniversary Luncheon

February 14 — Upward season ends

February 18 — Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30 p.m.

February 28 — FBC 101, 10 a.m., Cafè

March 4 — Wednesday Family Night begins

March 4 — Ottawa University Concert Choir, 6:30 p.m. Up

co

min

g D

ate

s Sunday Morning Schedule

8:30 a.m.—Traditional Worship, Prince Prayer Chapel

9:30 a.m.—ConneXion Gathering, Lattimore Chapel

9:30 a.m.—Sunday School for all ages

10:45 a.m.—Common Ground Worship,

sanctuary

Foundation’s

Gala Dinner &

Silent Auction

Saturday, February 7, 2015 5:30 p.m. Gym

Musical Entertainment: Topeka Big Band, directed by Cliff Manning

We still need more new or homemade items for the auction, contact Karen Stryker, 272-4140.

Where to buy tickets? Sunday mornings in the Parlor at 10:30-10:45 a.m.

During the week in the Church office, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost is $12.50 per adult, $6.00 per child (age 6-11).

Deadline to purchase tickets or to reserve childcare is February 1, 2015.

FEBRUARY 2015Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

8:30 am Worship 5 pm Badminton, gym 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 12Noon Fellowship Lunch 8 am ROMEOS 8 am Upward games,9:15 am Faith Forest 5 pm Upward Practice 1 pm Prayer Group 9-12Noon Shepherd's Ctr Gym9:30 am Adult Sun. School 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 5:15 pm Brass Choir 5 pm Badminton 5:30 p.m. Foundation's9:30 am ConneXion 6 pm Upward Practice Gala Dinner &10:45 am Traditional 7 pm Chancel Choir Prac. Silent Auction, gym

8:30 am Worship 5 pm Badminton, gym 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 12Noon Fellowship Lunch 8 am ROMEOS 8 am Upward games,9:15 am Faith Forest 7 pm Roseberry Circle 5 pm Upward Practice 4:30 pm Care mtg. 1 pm Prayer Group 9-12Noon Shepherd's Ctr Gym9:30 am Adult Sun. School 1:30 pm Adult Ed 5:15 pm Brass Choir 5 pm Badminton

9:30 am ConneXion 5:30 pm Day Care mtg. 6 pm Upward Practice10:45 am Traditional 6-8:15 pm *Ministry Team mtgs. 7 pm Chancel Choir Prac.4 pm Youth Bible Study 6:30 pm Cub Scouts5:15 pm Living & Active5:45 pm Youth Handbells

8:30 am Worship 2 pm Jane Circle 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 9:30 am Esther Shaffer 12Noon Fellowship Lunch 8 am ROMEOS Upward Volunteer9:15 am Faith Forest 5 pm Badminton, gym 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 1 pm Prayer Group 9-12Noon Shepherd's Ctr Appreciation,9:30 am ConneXion 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday 5:15 pm Brass Choir 5 pm Badminton (Tentative date, TBA)9:30 am Adult Sun. School Service 7 pm Chancel Choir Prac.10:45 am Traditional 7:30 pm Board of Ministries4 pm Youth Bible Study5:15 pm Living & Active5:45 pm Youth Handbells7 pm Foundation

8:30 am Worship 5 pm Badminton, gym 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 9 am White Cross 12Noon Fellowship Lunch 8 am ROMEOS 10 am FBC 101, Cafè9:15 am Faith Forest 6 pm Children & Youth Ed 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 1 pm Prayer Group 9-12Noon Shepherd's Ctr 12Noon-9 pm Boy Scouts9:30 am ConneXion 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 5:15 pm Brass Choir 5 pm Badminton Blue & Gold Banquet,gym9:30 am Adult Sun. School 7 pm Chancel Choir Prac.10:45 am Traditional4 pm Youth Bible Study5:15 pm Living & Active5:45 pm Youth Handbells

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