September 2020 Acts of Faith Newsletter by Faith Baptist Church

Acts of Faith

SEPT 2020

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH We are a family of faith, sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope.

We had our Fall Kick-off Party (and had a great time!), which means fall programs have started! We have weekly virtual programs on Wednesday nights that will vary, as well as two classes on other nights that will last the entire semester. The children and youth will be studying parables with Pastors Amanda and Sharon. See pages 2 and 3 for more information about children and youth programming.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT 6 P.M. ON FACEBOOK LIVE September 2 Reflections on The Cross and the Lynching Tree William will lead a discussion of this book with several of the participants from the July book study. Hear what they learned and offer your own thoughts and questions in the comments.

Randy has actual experience climbing mountains (and pictures!) while Greg has expertise on mountain scenes in the Bible. Join them for this five-week spiritual journey. Actual mountain climbing experience and expertise in Greek and Hebrew are not required to participate.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

September 9 Cooking with LeeAnn We can't have our regular Wednesday night fellowship meals, but cooking the same dish in our own homes at the same time is similar, right? Maybe not, but it will still be fun! LeeAnn Napier will instruct and cook with us in real time. Be on the lookout for a recipe and ingredient list in your email!

Tuesdays at 5 p.m. (Zoom) Parables Chuck Bugg will lead a study of the parables of Jesus. He will cover the same parables as the children and youth, giving families an opportunity for discussion at home. Each week the Zoom link will be in the Faith File and the lesson portion of the class will be posted on YouTube the next day for anyone who missed it.

September 16-October 14 Mountains & Matthew You are invited to join a mountain climbing expedition through the Gospel of Matthew. Your guides will be Randy Napier and Greg Earwood.

Thursday nights (Church Backyard) Sign Language Jawanna Herd will be teaching a sign language class on Thursday nights. This class has reached its maximum capacity of participants.

At our Fall Kick-off Virtual Party, not only did we showcase some incredible talents, but some of you had lots of fun creating a Zoom scene. Check out what Jimmy & Eric Shaffer and Amanda Langlands did with their Zoom windows!

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23

CHILDREN’S CORNER I have enjoyed seeing friends’ social media posts of the first day of school pictures over the past couple of weeks. Some are similar to years past and some are funnier. But I have also been seeing many that are lamenting the difficulties these unprecedented times are causing: spotty internet, kids feeling shy on Zoom calls, etc. What I remind myself is that it feels hard because it is hard. Now, more than ever, community is essential to our wellbeing. I have also realized how vital my time with God is in my daily living. The days I spend time with God are still hard, but I am able to find a peace that permeates it. So with that in mind, the focus with children this fall will be to learn how to create that daily space for God. To teach them how important it is to allow and prioritize that space we spend with God and knowing God. POPSICLES WITH PASTOR AMANDA

MY DAILY TIME WITH GOD

We will meet in person twice a month (socially distanced, outside with masks) and spend time having popsicles with Pastor Amanda. It will be a time to catch up, connect with our faith community, and talk about where we’ve seen God. The first meeting will be September 6 after our outdoor, evening worship. During this time, parents will have an opportunity to connect with one another and check in as well.

At the beginning of the fall, each child will receive a packet inviting them to spend time every day with God.

ZOOM GODLY PLAY

WEDNESDAY: The children are invited to join Pastor Amanda for a bedtime story exploring a beautiful children’s book connected to the theme of the weekly parable.

Every Sunday we will continue our virtual Godly Play circle on Zoom at 12:30 p.m. following the morning worship service. Children will hear a Bible story told in a creative way, and be encouraged to wonder out loud and reflectively about how they see themselves and our world in the story.

MONDAY: The children will receive a QR code linking them to our weekly parable that has been filmed in a fun way by a church family. They will be invited to reflect on the parable through wondering questions that are provided. TUESDAY: The children will be led by Pastor Amanda in a short meditative activity. This will teach them different ways to experience and know God.

THURSDAY: Children can watch a fun, and sometimes silly, short video that will inspire them to be God’s light in the world.

For more information on any of the above activities, please email or text me. I am excited about the new and different ways that God will be teaching us this fall!

We sent two loads of school supplies to Southern Elementary School in August! Southern will update this online list as needs change once school starts so we will continue to collect items for a while. You can have items shipped directly to the church or let us know when you have some so we can arrange pick-up. Thank you so much for contributing to this important effort!

Our regular Blessing of the Backpacks was not possible this year so we had to get creative! Pastors Amanda, William, and Sharon prayed with those who came to our Drive-Through Blessings event in the church parking lot. In place of the backpack tags we usually give out, we gave hand sanitizer keychains as a tangible reminder of our prayers and God’s love. Then during worship on Sunday, August 30, we displayed pictures of Faith members who are students, teachers, and administrators, and Pastor Amanda offered a back-to-school blessing, reminding everyone that God is with us. This time of year is always a bit stressful, but it's usually full of excitement as well. This year there is more anxiety and stress than usual so we are beginning September with a Back to School Week of Prayer. Join us and set aside time each day to pray for those going back to school.

YOUTH NEWS I can’t believe it is September and fall is quickly approaching! School is starting up and the pandemic is still going strong. These are definitely crazy and unprecedented times for all of us. However, we are still the church and still doing our best to grow and reach out and love God, ourselves, and our neighbors! After compiling the results of our survey, we are excited about the offerings we have put in place for our families! Each week there will be resources given to our students: videos to watch, activities to do, times to be together (masked and socially distant), devotions to read and meditate on, and Bible studies. Twice a month we will meet in person on Sunday nights, beginning in September, after worship. When weather prevents us from meeting and when it gets too dark, we will adjust the schedule. During these times we will catch up, talk about the parables, and play some games. Parents will have the opportunity to meet together for a parent check-in, where you

all can discuss life, the parables, catch up, and just see how everyone is handling current events. Our prayer is that Sunday nights become a source of fellowship, community, and growth during these strange times. Parables, or stories, have special meaning in our lives. We also each have our own stories that guide our lives and celebrate our histories. This fall we will be focused on Jesus’ parables as well as our own stories. Our first in-person Sunday night meeting will be September 6 after evening worship. Bring a chair or blanket and wear your mask. We will plan to meet every other week in person. Start thinking about your story! How does Jesus factor into your story? What has shaped you from your past and present? What can people learn from your story? I can’t wait to find out! Coming up in October: Messy Games Night with all kinds of wacky, socially-distanced games! So look for more information on that as the month goes on!

WORDS F ROM W ILLIAM It’s official – pumpkin spice is back so it must be fall. I love fall. The weather is great, the Cowboys are still playoff favorites, and chicken pot pie goes back on the menu. The energy of a new school year also seems to infuse itself into every part of life. I especially love fall at church. Wednesday nights might be my favorite church activity. However, this fall is different. Church does not look the same as we continue to battle the COVID pandemic. Even so, I’m excited about the months to come. The weather is great, the Lakers are going to win a championship, and a renewed energy is befalling Faith. Even in 2020, there is a lot to be excited about going into this season. The most notable difference this fall is that we are not having a Wednesday night meal and classes, but discipleship classes will resume in September. On Tuesdays, Chuck Bugg is hosting a Zoom Bible study on parables in Luke. On Thursdays, Jawanna Herd is hosting an in-person sign language class. On Wednesdays via Facebook Live, we will have several short classes throughout the fall including a fiveweek look at mountain climbing and the mountains of Matthew with Greg Earwood and Randy Napier and a three-week conversation about human trafficking with Regan Lookadoo. Although I will miss our Wednesday night meals, I am nonetheless excited to gather with you as we learn. Another big change is in our fellowship activities. We cannot gather as we would like, but we still hope to keep our community strong through a few safe events. Pending state regulations, we are hoping to host a concert in the grass by the playground one evening. Also, our deacons are brainstorming how we might celebrate deacon family communion in a safe way. Through activities both virtual and inperson, we hope to stay connected and grow as a family of Faith. It was a summer addition, but we will continue our engaging worship opportunities virtually in the morning and in person in the evening. I’ve loved worshipping with you and look forward to the evening service being a little less hot in a few weeks. I am thankful we worship a God not confined to a building, but one that we can encounter in our homes, in the car, or in the church backyard. We are also energized by our strong community engagement through partnerships and mission work. We are working closely with Southern Elementary to ensure their students are supported during distance learning and the challenges of this school year. In October we will host Elizabeth’s Village’s Domestic Violence Awareness Week’s virtual prayer vigil. We continue to support the work of partners such as Amen House, Gathering Place, and Transform Scott County as they seek to help those impacted most by COVID and the economic problems it has caused. Our relationship with Scarlette Jasper is strong as we support her in her endeavors to share the love of Christ with McCreary County and the world. These partnerships invite us into a deeper level of loving our neighbor and I am excited to see the fruit that continues to come from them. While we mourn the loss of traditions, comfort, and normalcy, I am so thankful that we continue to be a family of faith, sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope. Although it looks different, we continue to be the church. We continue to love God and love others. We continue to have fun together. We continue to be Faith Baptist Church. Despite the challenges, I still love fall, mostly because I get to do it with you. —William

5 Rose & Dwight Lewis hung teal ribbons in downtown Georgetown to raise awareness about ovarian cancer for National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. What a great example of loving your neighbor through advocacy and support!

CARE BEAR VOLUNTEER AWARD Bearnabus has emerged from COVID hibernation to once again prowl the town and honor worthy recipients of the Care Bear Volunteer of the Month of the Year Award. Last month, Bearnabus had wonderful movie nights and helped with back-toschool preparation as he stayed with Jeff Stone. Jeff was recognized for his incredible work making virtual worship happen! Jeff has worked tirelessly behind the scenes finding programs, upgrading internet, running the stream, and being a master troubleshooter.

REFLECTIONS FROM DALE For years I walked by the Men’s Sunday School Class on my way to teach my youth class. I witnessed those great men meeting every Sunday morning for their time together, discussing that week’s lesson. David Davila, Jerald Rose, Ernest Fields, Gordon Moss, Fred Meek, E.W. Burton, and Frank Ellers met week after week, decade after decade, praying and sharing God’s word. Their faithfulness inspired me because when I looked into that room, I knew Jesus was there. Growing up I would pass by my parents’ room on my way to bed and see Dad on his knees in prayer. Words can’t describe my sense of peace knowing Dad was praying for our family and for others to feel the grace of God in their lives. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is Luke 18:35-43. Jesus was passing through Jericho when he came upon a blind man, whom he healed on his way through the city. God often puts people in our lives to teach the most profound spiritual truths. Seeing the commitment of those men every week and my dad praying for us every night strengthened my own faith.

This month, Bearnabus is cruising in the convertible with David Baird. David is being recognized for his nine (yes, nine!) years of service as chair of the Trustee Committee. His tenure included two RA remodels, beautifying the playground area, redoing the children's hall, installing the electronic door system, and keeping the church building standing.

Our JOY ministry is here for you — we support you, love you, and care for you. We are out every day ready to help you! Please call the church for any needs you have during this time of Covid. A quick word on some folks we love:  J.W. Humphrey is feeling better and is in his garage whittling.  Mariann Harlan is home recovering from a recent fall.  Paul Redditt is home and always eager to share God’s word.  Dorothy Butler is back in Georgetown and has more fight and courage than anyone I know. What a joy to be a part of our JOY group! —Dale

Bearnabus picked some great honorees! We are so thankful for Jeff and David and all that they do for our family of faith!

SEP T EM BER Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

5 PM—Parables

6 PM— Reflections on The Cross and the Lynching Tree

Wilson Insko Lori Taylor

7 Labor Day 8 Church Office 11 AM—Virtual 5 PM—Parables Worship Service closed 7 PM— Backyard Worship Service Popsicles with Pastor Amanda Youth

Garvel Kindrick

James Cook

Ellie Mook

5 PM—Parables

6 PM— Mountains & Matthew

MegAnn Leigh

Darrell Cruse Pat Webb

5 PM—Parables

6 PM— Mountains & Matthew

Linda Arehart Collin Baird Carrie Cook

Dean Meek

Betty Parrish

27 11 AM—Virtual Worship Service 7 PM— Backyard Worship Service

Glen Taul

6 PM—Cooking with LeeAnn

Lindsey Apple

11 AM—Virtual Worship Service 7 PM— Backyard Worship Service

David Baird

Sat

Eloise Lewis

Sam Pollock

Fri

Flash Williams

Mary Daniel Abner Elaine Ward

11 AM—Virtual Worship Service 7 PM— Backyard Worship Service

Thurs

5 PM—Parables

6 PM— Mountains & Matthew

Kevin Hall

Ruth Snyder

Brayden Cain Sharon Perkins

2020

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH STAFF Senior Pastor William Reilly william@familyoffaith.net Faith members Sharon Felton, Cecelia Reilly, William Reilly, Pat Blackburn, and Bob Fox participated in CBFKY Extreme Build last month. This special project builds a home for a family in need every year with the help of churches from all over Kentucky.

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 Organist Charlotte McFarland Nursery Workers Suada Derakovic Melisa Custard Church Office M-F, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (502) 863-1537 *The church building is currently closed, but staff can be reached by phone or email throughout the week.

Faith Baptist Church 116 Pocahontas Trail Georgetown, KY 40324 502.863.1537 familyoffaith@familyoffaith.net www.familyoffaith.net

S T AY C O N N E C T E D SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST {sign up on our website} FOLLOW @FAITHBAPTISTKY