Acts of Faith
AUG 2020
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH We are a family of faith, sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope.
BACKYARD WORSHIP Our outdoor, in-person worship service has gotten off to a great start! Seeing each other in person, even under masks, has been a blessing after being apart for so long. We appreciate your support of this effort and cooperation with the safety regulations. We are also thankful to our deacons, staff, and members who have stepped up to make this happen by preparing and leading the service, as well as implementing safety requirements. On the first week of Backyard Worship, deacon chair Laryssa McConnaughhay presented William and Cecelia with a gift basket containing a Local Feed gift card, coffee from Elizabeth's Village, a plaque of William's favorite hymn, and a sunflower on behalf of the deacons, as well as a photo book from the Pastor Search Committee, in celebration of William's first year of ministry at Faith. We are extra thankful for William’s leadership right now as we navigate these uncertain times. Just as we were getting in a rhythm with the outdoor worship coronavirus cases in our area rose to a new high. In light of that, the deacons and ministers re-evaluated our plans. The decision was made to continue with the in-person service for the time being because the risk is very low given the outdoor setting and our strict
adherence to all guidelines. Thank you for your faithful observance of the safety requirements and please continue to do your part! We look forward to continuing this time together each Sunday night. Remember that the outdoor service does not change our virtual service on Sunday mornings. All the information for Backyard Worship can be found on our website here.
SUMMER FUN REST DAYS The Bible regularly speaks to the importance of letting the fields fallow, finding a quiet place, and resting just as God did on the seventh day. At Faith, we try to model the discipline of rest during the month of August. We do not host big events or plan lots of activities, striving to keep our August calendar open as we rest from the summer and plan for the fall. This time of rest feels all the more important during a most unusual 2020. Our world has been upended and chaos is all around us. Now more than ever we must find spaces of rest. As our church rests during August, we encourage you and your family to do so as well. We will be sharing resources throughout the month that we encourage you to utilize as you take some time to just be. Enjoy the beauty of Kentucky, find time to breathe, and make some space for quiet. Then after all that resting we will end the month with a party to kick off our fall activities! In our effort to rest, we will not have the two Summer Fun Days scheduled for August. Music on the Lawn will be moved until September, unless the 10 person rule for social gatherings is still in place.
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CHILDREN’S CORNER
YOUTH NEWS
VBS 2020: Be The Light!
Our summer of Passport has come to an end. It was strange and great and challenging, and I am thankful to the Passport staff for pivoting to a virtual format so that we could experience some sort of camp. I am grateful for Jeff and Laura Stone, Jodi and Brad Hadaway, Dakota Felton, and Eleri Hadaway, who led us in Bible studies and worship devotions. Our theme was BE Together and through Zoom and videos and webinars, we were together! Our students had opportunities to do art webinars, soccer and basketball webinars, along with participate in the Variety Show and watch other students from across the country perform as well! There were weekly challenges from the camp pastors and mission videos to challenge us to serve in our own communities. Our students made sandwiches for the Gathering Place, took brownies and flowers to neighbors and senior adults, left sidewalk chalk messages, and made cards for seniors. So even though we weren’t together physically, we could still BE Together and be the body of Christ!
It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of our five-week virtual adventure! Here is some of the fun at a glance:
31 children 17 families
130 mission activities
The children completed many different mission activities from helping neighbors water flowers to sending notes of encouragement. Each child received five points for every activity. The boys competed against the girls to see who could get the most points. The final result is... Boys: 65 points
Girls: 65 points
It ended in a tie! Way to go to each and every one of them for shining their lights in the world! They are making a difference. A BIG thank you to those who helped out: Carrie Rashleigh, Bryan Langlands, Tina Rose, Regan Lookadoo, Jared Wilcox, Melissa Ward, Kathy Fraley, Cynthia Insko, William Reilly, Randy Napier Finally, as part of VBS the children were asked to create light sculptures. The children will be presenting their “Be the Light Art Gallery” on Sunday, August 2. There will be a drive-through viewing in the big parking lot from 9 to10 p.m. We hope you come check it out!
Marley and Wyatt Jackson with their adventure box from week 2!
As the children’s team begins to make plans for the fall, we will be sending out a survey to our families to determine needs and ideas about our activities. Be on the lookout!
This was an unusual and unexpected year for Passport. Typically, they make their revenue for the next year from the in-person camp. The funds go to pay for locations, staff, supplies and so much more! Obviously, this year they have lost that revenue. Passport has been a staple for Faith Baptist for decades. For generations, our youth have gone to camp and even worked camp! It has made a tremendous impact on the lives of our students and our church. A group of former campers and staffers have gotten together to try to raise a portion of the funds needed to continue to do camp for future students. I have personally contributed and I hope you will consider giving as
3 well, so that we can continue the great tradition of life-changing camp for our students! If you would like to give to this effort,there is a Facebook page, BE (cause): Passport Family Gives Back, or you may go to passportcamps.org/donate-form.
August is here! We are hoping to do some sociallydistant, in-person events like our National Ice Cream day gathering in July! Our hope is to have a drive-by scavenger hunt, picnic, Bible studies and games. However, we will be listening to and following guidelines as to whether or not we can do these events in person on Sunday nights in August and September. Stay tuned for details.
REFLECTIONS FROM DALE As a young boy I attended a two-week revival at Trion First Baptist Church in north Georgia. My dad, the pastor of Trion Baptist, invited a well-known local preacher to lead the revival. At the end of the service on the first night, I stood by my dad and the guest preacher. People came up exclaiming over the wonderful service. Earl Gray, a young man with an intellectual disability, walked up. He had recently become a Christian and was excited about being involved. He had been given the job of ringing our church bell before each service. I could tell people around us were nervous about what Earl might blurt out. Earl said, “We had a great service tonight, and I helped!” The preacher asked “Oh? How did you help, Earl?” Earl responded, “I rang the church bell and rang it extra loud so that everyone would hear.”
The guest preacher said, “Thank you, Earl, you did help out!” But Earl said, “That’s not all I did. Before the service I dusted all of the seats and made sure the song books were in their right place.” Then Earl said, “That’s not all I did. I went around town and invited everyone I knew to come to the services tonight!” Then Earl said, “That’s not all I did. While you were preaching I was praying for those who are troubled and need Jesus in their lives!” I realized this young man had done more than anyone else for the successful service that night. It’s the little things he did that made the difference. I see the same small acts of love done by folks at Faith. I marvel at Pat and John Blackburn who are always eager to help, visit, and care for so many. This summer Rose Lewis has opened her garden to share with the people at Faith. I like seeing the twinkle in Paul Redditt’s eyes as he shares his love for teaching and his love for the Lord. The purest, most sincere prayer I’ve heard was given by Mary Elizabeth Hamm when Rose Lewis was preparing to have cancer surgery. Mike Collins thoughtfully taking a meal to Anne Rose’s house. Collin Tilford sitting in my yard, encouraging me and sharing his faith in the Lord. Jawanna Herd and Carol Williams tirelessly caring and loving the ladies in Martha Simpson’s Sunday school class. Mariann and Ken Harlan giving Jarred Hutchison a monogrammed Bible, the first Bible ever given to him. Despite challenges with his eyesight, it is one of his most treasured possessions. He keeps it close, on the table next to his chair. Jesus works through the lives of people. Fifty years have passed and I still remember Earl Gray and the lesson he taught me. Jesus still saves and lives in the hearts of people doing the small things, but it’s the small things that matter most. —Dale
Rose Lewis, Pat Blackburn, and Mariann Harlan (not pictured) sewed masks for Dover Manor in April.
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This might be surprising given my impeccable physique, but I’m not very athletic. One of my most consistent athletic endeavors is that I used to run a few miles several times a week. Even then, every run felt like a fight. Every time, about a mile and a half in I would begin to feel as though I was treading water. I could feel myself slowing down. I knew the “finish line” wasn’t in sight. It’d feel almost like I was just running in place as I plodded along the path, too far away to turn back but also too far away to get excited about the end. Several times during this COVID pandemic I have felt as though I was in the middle of one of those long runs. It is as though I am running in place, wearing myself out as the world spins around me. Like I’m doing everything I can just to keep going. However, every time I begin to feel this way, you have reminded that this isn’t a time to just tread water waiting to get rescued. Faith Baptist isn’t just biding our time, doing enough to survive while we wait for this to be over. We have never stopped in our pursuit to love God and love our neighbors. That has looked different this summer, but the work has continued. We continue to participate in meaningful worship, find ways to love those around us, support our partners and friends who are struggling, and generally grow closer to God. This has not been a wasted few months, but time in which we have grown in our connection and witness to God. As we plan for the fall we know that things will look different. Missions, discipleship, worship, and fellowship events will have to adapt given the realities of the pandemic. However, that doesn’t mean that we are going to slow down in our mission to be a family of faith, sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope. We continue our work pursuing God’s dream for Scott County! The staff are working hard to plan opportunities for us to grow as a church in our understanding of God, service to our community, and connection to each other. Looking back on those runs, I know that the mile and a half mark that felt so slow was the most important. That period of what felt like running in place is what taught me endurance. Pushing through those moments is what made my workouts successful. Those middle stretches that felt so stationary are actually what got me to where I needed to go. I pray that our time during COVID is the same. That we can continue to propel ourselves in being disciples of Christ.
VIRTUAL FALL KICKOFF PARTY
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
It might not feel like it, but fall is just around the corner! As we prepare to go back to school, (maybe) cheer on our favorite football teams, and enjoy some cooler weather, we are also preparing for fall activities at church! This year will look different as we adapt to the pandemic, but we still hope to offer the same quality of classes and programs that Faith is accustomed to. In that spirit, we are going to have an awesome Fall Kick-off Party, but it will look different this year. Join us Sunday, August 30, at 5 p.m. for a virtual party! During this time, not only will we be telling you all about the fall, we will also have several competitions with prizes! Competitions will include: best Zoom background, best costume, a talent show, a short trivia contest, and best potluck spread. Details about these contests and a Zoom link will be made available in the coming weeks!
We celebrated Christmas in July on Sunday, July 26, and blessed the shoe boxes you prepared for our CBF missionary partner Scarlette Jasper to distribute in McCreary County at Christmas. Thank you for your generous donations and continued support of our missionary partner. If you still want to prepare a box, there's still time! Click here for a list of supplies and instructions and let us know when it's ready so we can arrange pick-up.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE ON FAITH COMMITTEES & TEAMS Faith committees and teams help the church carry out our mission of being a family of faith, sharing God’s love with a spirit of hope. Each year, the Nominating Committee evaluates the needs of our committees and recruits volunteers to serve. They would like everyone to complete a Committee Interest Survey, even if you have already requested to be on or off of a committee. Thank you for your prayerful responses. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Stone, Nominating Committee chair. By-Laws Committee: term committee; updates and maintains the bylaws of Faith Baptist Church
Nominating Committee: evaluates church committee needs and recruits volunteers to serve
Care Team: organizes a meal or reception for a family (upon request) following a funeral
Outreach Team: responsible for creating and maintaining structures that produce a welcoming experience for guests; ensures adequate follow-up and contact with guests to facilitate connection and encourage participation in church activities
Children’s Team: plans, directs, and evaluates, in conjunction with the Personnel Committee, the programs and employee(s) for children through grade 5 Finance Team: oversees and manages church finances and prepares financial reports Flower Committee: provides floral arrangements for the sanctuary each Sunday and décor for holidays Kitchen Committee: assists in church-wide events by organizing food, preparing drinks, replenishes food as needed, and cleaning up Media/Sound Committee: responsible for the inventory and upkeep of the media equipment; manages sound booth during worship and other events as needed Missions Committee: engages the church in missions activities and education, implementing various service and giving opportunities Music Committee: plans, directs, and evaluates, in conjunction with the Personnel Committee, the programs and employee(s) for music ministry
FAITH BRANDING COMMITTEE The Admin Committee recently approved the establishment of an ad-hoc Branding Committee that will explore how best to represent what is special and unique about Faith with those in our community. Members of the Faith Branding Committee include Carrie Abner (chair), Jason Baird, Roger Ward, Dean Meeks, Hollis Dugdeon, Ami Wilcox, and William Reilly. They will work in partnership with branding experts Jordan Stewart and Jenny Cobb. Since its formation, the committee has met twice with the consultants— first for an orientation to the project and the project timelines, and a second meeting as a discovery session to share with Jordan and Jenny more about
Personnel Committee: three-year term committee; oversees the hiring, evaluation, and recognition of all church employees Senior Adult Committee: plans, directs, and evaluates, in conjunction with the Personnel Committee, the programs and employee(s) for senior adults Student Team: plans, directs, and evaluates, in conjunction with the Personnel Committee, the programs and employee(s) for youth (grades 6-12) and college students Trustees Committee: term committee; oversees and carries out maintenance and capital improvements of the church facilities and grounds
Click here to complete the Committee Interest Survey. Faith, our congregation, and the values and elements of Faith that are special and distinct. Jordan and Jenny have also reviewed a number of Faith's resources and materials, both digital and print, as part of their initial research. In late July, the committee reached out to a sample of our congregation inviting them to speak directly with Jordan and Jenny as part of the next phase of work. These interviews, to be followed by a churchwide survey, will help ensure the outcomes of this project reflect our entire Faith Family. We look forward to the exciting work ahead and appreciate your support!
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Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
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11 AM—Virtual Worship Service 7 PM— Backyard Worship Service 9-10 PM— Be the Light Art Gallery
12 PM— Be the Light Art Gallery Virtual Tour
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Tate McConn. Aidan Stone
Colby Abner Jeff Stone
Eric Shaffer Kathy Wood
Pallie Gullett
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Alyssa KarsnerMcFarland
Wallace Williams
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Thurs 6
Fri 7
Sat 1 Charlotte McFarland LeeAnn Napier
CBFKY Extreme Build Patsy Davila Paul Redditt
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11 AM—Virtual 12 PM— Worship Service Devotional 7 PM— Backyard Worship Service
Charlie Perkins Lisa Pollock
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Whitey Johnston
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Will Rose
Lauren Taylor
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Jimmy Wilson
Ann Leigh Mark Long
Roberta Dodd Rick Leigh Jawanna Herd
11 AM—Virtual 12 PM— Worship Service Devotional 7 PM— Backyard Worship Service
Darla Botkin
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Ruth Bryant
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Shirley Snodgrass
Mary Craycraft Jodi Hadaway Taylor Thompson
11 AM—Virtual 12 PM— Worship Service Devotional 7 PM— Backyard Worship Service
Suada Derakovic
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11 AM—Virtual 12 PM— Worship Service Devotional 5 PM—Fall Kickoff Party 7 PM— Backyard Worship Service J.W. Humphrey
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Rosalie Calloway
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EXTREME BUILD: AUGUST 2-8 Extreme Build 2020 is on! Even Covid can’t stop CBFKY from coming together to build a house in McCreary County for Chester and Emma Hicks and their children! However, things will look a little different this year. We will not be staying for the week as we usually do. There are hotels available if that’s something you would like to do, though. We are gathering a group to caravan there on Monday, August 3, to install siding. To participate, register online at cbfky.org/extreme-build and let the church office know. You can also sign up to help any day that week in addition to or instead of Monday. We look forward to joining together with churches from across the Commonwealth to serve Christ!
NEW MEMBERS Four people joined our congregation in July! Welcome to our family of faith!
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH STAFF Senior Pastor William Reilly william@familyoffaith.net Minister of Students Sharon Felton sharon@familyoffaith.net Minister of Children & Education Amanda Langlands amanda@familyoffaith.net Minister to Seniors Dale Stowe dale@familyoffaith.net Choir Director Natalie Tilford-Kopp natalie@familyoffaith.net Office Manager Angela Earwood angela@familyoffaith.net Custodian Linda Johnston
H.M. and Eloise Lewis
Organist Charlotte McFarland Pianist Judith Williams Nursery Workers Suada Derakovic Melisa Custard Church Office M-F, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (502) 863-1537
Bill and Elizabeth Robinson
Faith Baptist Church 116 Pocahontas Trail Georgetown, KY 40324 502.863.1537 familyoffaith@familyoffaith.net www.familyoffaith.net
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