Newsletter - 10/11/06

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 28:19

 

“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:11

 

Baptism is a struggle for many believers.  This is true from this author’s own experience, and in this writing an argument shall be made for the biblical validity of baptism, why it should be done, first through the command of Jesus Christ himself, and secondly through the example that Jesus set to be followed by His disciples.

Christ’s command comes in Matt. 28:19, note the specific command for the disciples of Christ to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit.  Peter also commands us in Acts 2:38 to “repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”  What then is the proper response to this command?  Jesus Himself answers for us three times in John chapter 14:  “if you love me you will keep my commandments” (v. 15, also 21,23).  So then, for a believer, a disciple of Christ, the act of baptism is done out of obedience to His command; the obedience itself an act of love for the person of Jesus Christ Himself.

Jesus gave himself as an example to be followed in His own baptism. He “was baptized by John in the Jordan” Mark 1:9 (see also Matt. 3:15 and Luke 3:21).  Now observe:  “Be imitators of God” (Eph. 5:1); “You are to be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48); “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”(1 Peter 1:16).  So we see that God gives Himself as an example to be followed.  The second most notable of human examples, the apostle Paul, “got up and was baptized” in Acts 9:18 out of conformity to Christ. And Paul says to Christians in 1 Cor. 11:1 “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” Of all of the nature of Christ which Paul imitated (and which all believers should strive to conform), selfless love, unshakeable faith, humility, diligence, and perseverance being only a short list, is it unfair to place baptism into this same list?  That shall be left to the reader’s discretion.

Now it must be noted that baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it can be an evidence of it.  This is most clearly seen in Luke 23 with the thief on the cross.  He was not baptized, yet Jesus said to him, “today you shall be with me in paradise.”  Therefore anyone wishing to do only the minimum in this life so that they will make it into heaven need not be baptized.  However, it is this author’s strong conviction, and strong encouragement to all fellow soldiers of Christ Jesus to flee the mentality of doing “just enough” to inherit the kingdom.

 This is where this writing must turn from the absolute truth of God’s Word, to the relative truth of my own experience.  I was baptized three weeks ago at Bethel.  I struggled for nearly two months as to whether or not I should, despite the obvious reasons in scripture that I should.  I think my doubt and fear came from a lack of faith.  As a new Christian, I was unsure as to whether this baptism would be a real, genuine experience with Jesus Christ or just simply another heart-less middle school alter-call or legalistic “sinner’s prayer.”  But it is yet another testimony to the faithfulness of God, even when I am faithless, that He removed the doubt, and through His word replaced it with hope, joy and love in Him and for Him.  The whole week preceding my baptism, I felt a peace and a deep, deep satisfaction that I assure you I have never felt before, and I think that that is a direct result of a person who is walking in the way of the Lord, who loves the person of Jesus Christ and is obedient to Him.  I must now, again, address those who hear these words of positive encouragement and think that this is what the Christian life is all about, feelings of joy and hope as God richly blesses us for obeying Him.  I assure you that that is not what the Christian life is all about.  We read in Acts 14:22 that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God,” and in Phil. 1:29 that it has been granted to us “to suffer for His sake.”  With that context let me share the last three weeks, since my baptism. 

It is no surprise that a person would come under spiritual attack, especially after such a spiritual high as baptism.  Yet I was, in my own ignorance, not expectant.  So I am now nearly overwhelmed by physical exhaustion due to lack of sleep, emotional exhaustion from trying to be a loving brother (both by blood and in Christ), and spiritual exhaustion from a lack of time spent with God.  Let alone the fact that my mind is seemingly incapable of resisting temptation at this point and I lack confidence in myself to accomplish anything.  But even brokenness is a sweet, sweet gift from God, and we know that God disciplines those He loves, to keep us humble.  In the end I know, as well as all of you who join with me in proclaiming “Jesus is Lord,” that our names are written in heaven.

And that life with trials hard may press me, but heaven will bring me sweeter rest.

-- David Mondt

 

What’s Happening?

 

Our sympathy

to Glen Stewart and the whole Stewart family. 

Opal Stewart entered the presence of the Lord

on October 3.  Born on a farm just outside Greeley in 1918,

Opal had a longer history with Bethel than any other living

 member.  Her son David led the memorial service, and grand-

daughter Jenny wrote and sent a beautiful reflection from

Lithuania, where she is teaching.

 

This Sunday

Jesus lifts up people for the sake of His name.

On October 15, David Shelley will teach on

Luke 13:10-21.

 

Pray . . .

Thank the Lord for financial provision.

We are operating week-to-week, but the

Lord has provided these past two weeks.

Many in the church family are struggling

with tremendous challenges and stress.

Remember to uphold each other in prayer.

 

Vote

The National Association of Evangelicals

Encourages you to register and vote.  Among

important things on the ballot next month: 

Initiative #43 is a simple amendment that

would secure in the Colorado Constitution

that marriage is a union between one man

and one woman.

 

Board Meeting

Bethel's board is scheduled to meet at noon

on Sunday, October 15.  The Board meetings

 are open to all members.

 

 

Week-end worship attendance……………...217

 Special funds…..…………..…….…..…….$45

 Weekly budget needed………………….$7,553

Giving towards budget…………..………$8,701

YTD giving toward budget……….…..$255,839

YTD expenses…………………….…..$262,050

YTD budgeted amount…………….…$309,673

Next level giving…………..…..………......$305

Next Level TD….....…...……………..$180,041

 

 

Coming Events . . .

Oct. 22       2:30 p.m. Baby Shower for Jessica Lyle at Hospitality House

Oct. 24        Jr. High trip to Corn Maze

Oct. 25        Sr. High trip to Corn Maze

Oct. 27       6 p.m. Berean Class Potluck at the Asmus’.

Nov. 29      11:45 a.m. Volunteer Meeting for Heroes Unmasked in Fellowship Hall

Nov. 1        Heroes Unmasked Fall Festival

 

 

Children’s Ministry News:

 

Nursery News

* We are in need of one teacher’s helper for the Preschool Sunday School Class at 10:30 every other week.

→ Please contact Christy Aldridge, 356-5858 if you are interested. 

* We are in need of the following items for our nurseries: boppy billow covers, a clothes dresser, shelves for the wall, cabinet with shelves for the wall, play food items, play shopping cart, batteries, latex gloves, tissues, paper towels, snacks, baby wipes, and sippy cups.

If you have any of these items to donate, Christy Aldridge at 356-5858. 

 

 

 

HEROES UNMASKED our fall festival will be Wednesday, November 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  This will again be coupled with our MEN'S CHILI COOK-OFF AND WOMEN'S CINAMMON ROLL BAKE-OFF.  Needed immediately!  Outreach Director –person responsible for publicity, registration and leading the after event follow-up.  We are also looking for someone to coordinate the Chili Cookoff and Cinnamon Roll Bakeoff. Questions, contact Kristi Weimer at 304-1749. 

 

***There will be a brief meeting (11:45-12:15)in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, October 29 for all volunteers who are helping with the Heroes Unmasked Fall Festival.

 

 

Weekly Praise Factory Highlight:

The Big Idea #64:  God’s People Know Heaven is Their Home.

Week 3 story: “Bound for the Promised Land” – (An Old Testament Big Idea Story)

Memory Verse for Big Idea #64—Hebrews 10:35-36

 

BIBLE BLITZ REMINDER:  our memory verse for the week is John 1:1.   Luke and Richelle Lanphear will be our leaders this week. 

 

 

 

For the Super Paint job in our Fellowship Hall…..

A BIG THANK YOU to Barb Atwood, Kelli Harry, Melissa Harry, Linda Erickson, Julie Forster, Christie Roberts, Katie White, Amy Lee, Carissa Reyes, Denise Blevins and Lori Montgomery. …And a special “Thank You” to Peggy Cunliffe for the “vision” and the many hours you put in!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies—You are invited to a “Baby Shower” for Jessica Lyle on Sunday, October 22 at 2:30p.m.

Contact Kelli Harry with questions. Jessica is registered at Target.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISSIONS CORNER

 

Dear Praying friends,

                Do you believe asking God to work in prayer really works?  Well if you do pray for us.  There are so many things that will not get done unless God works. 

 

1. We are both recovering from flu like illnesses.  (Maybe new Machida germs). 

2. Next week we have a CPI church planting network seminar, Oct 11-13.  We ain't ready (excuse the grammar).  Pray that God would work miracles in the next week. 

3.  Elaine is planning to begin a cooking class and also a needlecraft class as outreaches in our home.

4. Next month there is a one day CPI seminar in Karuizawa, Nagano on vision and values, Nov 11th.  We ain't ready for that one either.  Pray God would surprise us.

5. We are trying hard and trying to make friends in this neighborhood.  Pray that would happen. 

 

 Our arrival in Japan went well, all the preparations and moving went smoother than expected.  We are not yet settled but we can enjoy our new place and also use it for ministry. 

 The kids are doing pretty well in our absence.  We are looking to their coming for the Christmas season.

 

********************************************

 

The audio sermons are will be available online at the Bethel website.  On Oct.15 copies will again be available in the foyer.

 

********************************************

 

Ladies –we need help!  We still about 12 more people to help make chili for the Pregnancy Resource Center’s Annual Pumpkin Patch Boogie Fundraiser.  A recipe is furnished for you. 

 Please contact Christie Roberts at 339-5348 and sign up in the foyer this week.  

Also. . .Shelley Britton is looking for 2 more ladies who would be willing to help serve the chili at the fundraiser!  If you can do this, call Shelley at 330-5713 immediately!   Thanks…….

********************************************

 

 

---

Express yourself - download free Windows Live Messenger themes! Get it now!

10/04/06

Now and then it is good to hear about resources that can encourage our walk with God. The following is an excerpt from “Holy Habits” by Mimi Wilson and Shelly Cook Volkhardt. It is a book about intentional Christian living. It is full of great insights on making God a daily choice that will allow God to work His changes in our lives. It was written as a woman’s study but the insights are applicable to anyone.

“When you and I focus on God, He fills us with Himself and He also makes us holy. Holy habits are daily spiritual habits that help us transcend our circumstances and keep our focus on God. Our part is to make it a habit to know Him. His part is to make us holy.
For years I thought it was the habit that would make me holy, but nothing could be further from the truth. Holiness is the result of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. The habit is simply a vehicle that allows God to change us.
Our prayer cannot be “Make me like Hudson Taylor, or Jim Elliot, or Amy Charmichael.” We have to begin our own journey toward knowing God firsthand. Those who have helped us in our walk with God have only been role models, not the actual means by which we come to know Him. They are simply examples of what God does in a life that is focused on Him. We can be thrilled by the reflection of God we see in our mentors, but we must not forget that these individuals also did their part to allow God to make them into His image. Like me, many Christians seem to think that merely wanting to know God is enough - that the desire itself will ensure the result. Yet we would never assume this in other areas of our life. For example, would we ever think that simply wanting to cook like Martha Stewart or play the piano like Linda McKechnie would enable us to do so? Of course not. We would recognize the need to put forth much effort to accomplish such skill. Similarly, we must take personal action to free God to work in our lives.
For an action to become a habit, it must be done regularly and repeatedly. Personal action is demonstrated through holy habits that help us focus on who God is in a practical way on a daily basis. What our great God does in our hearts with our choice to get to know Him is what makes these habits holy.”

I hope this causes you to think about what daily habits you already have that may have lagged behind a little or habits you would like to begin. The goal is becoming more intimate with God and having Him change your life from the inside out.

Submitted by Tricia Willcutts

What’s Happening?

Our sympathy
goes to the Glenn Stewart family on the home-going of his wife Opal on Tuesday. The service will be at Stoddards on Friday morning.

Congratulations
to Robert & Brooke Warkentin
on the birth of son Ronan Xavier (8 lb. 6 oz.)
last Sunday at 10:01 a.m.

This Sunday
What is a disciple’s assurance? At the
culmination of Jesus’ “You don’t have to
worry” passage He says, “Do not be afraid,
little flock, for your Father has been pleased
to give you the Kingdom.” On October 8.
David Shelley will teach on Luke 12:32, and
we’ll celebrate the Shepherd, Father and King.

College Retreat
Many of our college students will be away
on a retreat this weekend.

Lunch together
Thanks to all who made last Sunday’s lunch
such a great time. We are still looking for
someone to coordinate the next one. If you’re
interested, call Tricia Willcutts at 686-5245

Pray . . .
For the budget reformation process. We need
to bring our budget more in line with actual
income, we need the Lord’s provision for our
ministries, and we need wisdom in the process.
Bethel’s building project is waiting for city
permit paperwork to come through. Pray for
progress and provision.

Ladies. . .The Pregnancy Resource Center is holding their Annual Pumpkin Patch Boogie on Oct. 21. This is a chance for us to be a part of this wonderful ministry and we can do this by making chili for this event. A recipe will be included. Info this week in the foyer!

It’s a surprise! You are invited to join Bob Staley at an open house Sunday, October 8 to celebrate his 80th birthday! It will be held at the Hospitality House from
3-5 p.m. Sh-h-h-h!


Week-end worship attendance……………...217
Special funds…..…………..…….……….$850
Weekly budget needed………………….$7,553
Giving towards budget…………..….…$11,479
YTD giving toward budget……….…..$247,138
YTD expenses…………………….…..$252,396
YTD budgeted amount…………….…$302,120
Next level giving…………..…..………......$260
Next Level TD….....…...……………..$179,736
Coming Events . . .
Oct. 7 Women’s Service Project—“Paint Fellowship Hall!”
Oct. 8 3-5 p.m. Surprise Birthday Party for Bob Staley! Sh – h-h-h!
4 p.m. Baby Shower for Christy Aldridge at the church
Oct. 22 2:30 p.m. Baby Shower for Jessica Lyle at Hospitality House
Oct. 24 Jr. High trip to Corn Maze
Oct. 25 Sr. High trip to Corn Maze
Oct. 27 6 p.m. Berean Class Potluck at the Asmus’.

Children’s Ministry News:
Nursery News
* We are in need of one teacher’s helper for the Preschool Sunday School Class at 10:30 every other week.
→ Please contact Christy Aldridge, 356-5858 if you are interested.
* We are in need of the following items for our nurseries: boppy billow covers, a clothes dresser, shelves for the wall, cabinet with shelves for the wall, play food items, play shopping cart, batteries, latex gloves, tissues, paper towels, snacks, baby wipes, and sippy cups.
If you have any of these items to donate, Christy Aldridge at 356-5858.


HEROES UNMASKED our fall festival will be Wednesday, November 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will again be coupled with our MEN'S CHILI COOK-OFF AND WOMEN'S CINAMMON ROLL BAKE-OFF. Needed immediately! Outreach Director –person responsible for publicity, registration and leading the after event followup. We are also looking for someone to coordinate the Chili Cookoff and Cinnamon Roll Bakeoff. Questions, please contact Kristi Weimer at 304-1749.

*************************************************
Weekly Praise Factory Highlight:
The Big Idea #64: God’s People Know Heaven is Their Home.
Week 2 story: “Hope and Home for Ishii” – (Story of the Saint Big Idea Story)
Memory Verse for Big Idea #64—Hebrews 10:35-36

BIBLE BLITZ REMINDER: our memory verse for the week is 1 John 3:4a. Dave and Christie Roberts will be our leaders this week.
*************************************************
You are invited to a “Baby Shower” for Christy Aldridge
on Sunday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m. at the church. They are expecting a baby girl and are registered at Walmart and Target. Contact Brenna Bryant for more information.
*************************************************
**Reminder** Ladies – we are painting the fellowship hall from 8-4 p.m. this Saturday, October 7. Come anytime and join us!
*************************************************
Dear Bethel family,
A quick note to thank you for the cards, letters, and gifts. Helen and I have certainly had an adventure. All the mail from home has made our time here bearable. Helen has done so well with the therapies and the eating program. Eating is such a complicated process. We all take it for granted.
We will be home in 11 days and we can hardly wait. God is good, even here in inner city Baltimore at Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Shawna and Helen



B C News (USPS 015027)
Published weekly (except wk. of New Years, Spring break, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas) by Bethel Community Ministries, 2307 17th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 352-7373 Fax 352-8583
Periodicals Postage Rates paid at Greeley, CO 80631
POSTMASTER: send address changes to BC News %
Bethel Community Ministries, 2307 17th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631
MISSIONS CORNER

From John and Gayla Dallman at BGC headquarters:
John is back from Lebanon! Thank you for praying for his safety and for a fruitful trip. God answered both. He spent most of the time traveling from one end of the country to the other, looking at the water needs of this war torn country. He discovered several ways he can be Christ's hands and feet to the hurting people of Lebanon and involve the local Christians in the ministry as well. Many of the Christians there have already been showing Christ's love to their Muslim neighbors by housing them when they were homeless and feeding them when they were hungry. What a testimony of the love of Jesus. And His love is what can win the hearts of these hurting people. It is easy to take sides in a conflict like this and yet when you look into the eyes of hurting people - you see what Jesus sees - people who need His love. Many times when those people receive that cup of cold water in Jesus' name their hearts are open to receive His love as well.
Continue to pray for John as he plans the next phase of ministry in Lebanon. Pray also for safety as he continues to travel. He is visiting with many here in the US who are excited about being Christ's hands and feet all over the world.

From Lynn and Barb Conner in Mexico:
Two weeks ago Lynn clearly explained to our friends that salvation is by faith, not by works. Eternal life is a gift by the grace of God. I wish you could have seen the look on their faces. Just previously the gentleman had spoken of the heavy burden of trying to make sure that your good works outweigh the "bad" you have done. When he heard the Good News he relaxed back onto the couch and exclaimed: "Que alivio!" What a relief!

********************************************
The audio sermons for last week and this week will be available online at the Bethel website. On Oct.15 copies will again be available in the foyer.

Have you upgraded your digital camera lately? The church is looking for a 3 mega pixel or higher digital camera for use with our ministries. If you no longer use your old one and have one to donate, call the office or see Ben Klopp on Sunday.
********************************************
Wanted: Men & Women of Prayer
It's time to update and expand our Day and Evening Prayer Chain. If you want to be contacted by phone and/or e-mail to earnestly pray for prayer requests please call Mary Lynne Cochrane for more information 351-7858

It’s a surprise! You are invited to join Bob Staley at an open house Sunday, October 8 to celebrate his 80th birthday! It will be held at the Hospitality House from
3-5 p.m. Sh-h-h-h!
PERIODICAL
POSTAGE
PAID