Dr. Richard A. Farmer Senior Pastor September 2016 [email protected] Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 8 AM Men’s Bible Study 4 Communion Sunday COMMUNION Traditional TraditionalWorship Service 8:30A 8Sunday :30AM School 9:45 AM Sunday School 9:45AM Contemporary Service 11A Contemporary Worship 6 PM Youth Group 11 AMPraise Team Practice 6 pm 6 PM Youth Group 11 Grandparents Day 8:30 AM Traditional Service 9:45 AM Sunday School 11 AM Worship Service 6 PM Youth Group 18 5 Labor Day 12 6 PM Operations Team 19 25 6:50PM Recovery Group 8 PM SALT 13 6:50PM Recovery 8 PM SALT 20 6:50PM Recovery 8 PM SALT Traditional Worship 8:30 AM Sunday School 9:45AM Worship Service 11 AM Youth Group 6 PM Traditional Worship 8:30 AM Sunday School 9:45AM Worship Service 11 AM 1 PM Quarterly Business Meeting 6 PM Youth Group 6 26 6 PM Programming Tem meeting 7:30 PM Education Team Meeting 7 8 9 10:30 AM Coffee & Crumbs 7:15 PM Bible Study 10 8 AM Men’s Bible Study Popcorn Festival 14 15 10:30 AM Coffee & Crumbs 7:15 PM Bible Study 8:00 PM Eldership Meeting 1:00 PM Noren Circle 6:30 PM Ministry Team Meeting 7:30 PM Council 21 10:30 AM Coffee & Crumbs 7:15 PM Bible Study 27 28 10 AM Martha Circle 6:50 PM Recovery Group 8 PM SALT 10:30 AM Coffee & Crumbs 7:15 PM Bible Study October Tidings articles are due on September 27th 16 22 11AM—1 PM Soup Kitchen 29 16 17 8 AM Men’s Bible Study 23 Senior Adult Lunch & Movie 11 AM 30 24 8 AM Men’s Bible Study Trinity Baptist Church 244 S. Main St. Marion, OH 43302 Transform or Conform? One of the most profound lessons I have learned in almost 30 years of ministry is that people usually pass labels back and forth with a particular agenda in mind. We like to see ourselves as part of the “in” crowd, our theology and morality gaining us the most acceptance within the communities we desire to be part of. We call this agenda all kinds of things: “faith of our fathers,” “old time religion,” “conservative values,” “my parents taught me, ” “new age movement,” “conservative,” or the like. The truth is, we want to be seen as one who fits into the crowd we have chosen to 2 Cor. 3:12 Therefore, since we participate in. We choose our churches for largely the have such a hope, we are very same reasons we choose the books we read or the bold. 13 We are not like Moses, neighborhoods we live in. We shop around, find a who would put a veil over his community, store, or church that will help and enface to prevent the Israelites courage me to hold on to my values, live out my life from seeing the end of what agenda, and smoothly flow through life with the least was passing away. 14 But their amount of friction and as few road blocks as possible. minds were made dull, for to We do not intentionally seek out and read books we this day the same veil remains disagree with, or shop in shopping centers based on when the old covenant is read. the need of the store owners, or migrate to churches precisely because they are in need of the very gifts It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken God has graciously placed within us. We are conaway. 15 Even to this day when formists through and through, and if there is any passage of Scripture that is at the core of the postMoses is read, a veil covers 16 modern church critique I offer it is the first two verses their hearts. But whenever of Romans 12. You see, there are many ways to conanyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the form to the patterns of this world, and such conformity is often more powerful within the church than outLord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there side the church, simply because we do not understand is freedom. 18 And we all, who the subtle power of conformity that operates within our church walls. The Labels we use are quite simply with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are be- conformity in unison, a symptom of our desire to coning transformed into his image form and cause others to do the same. with ever-increasing glory, We feel that our labels are harmless enough, that which comes from the Lord, somehow they enable us to distinguish “us” from who is the Spirit. “them” But Labels are a symptom of something much 740-387-6527 www.tbcmarion.org [email protected] Facebook: Trinity Baptist Church In the September Issue Trinity News 3 Pastor Rick’s Report 4 Rooted 5 Cathys Corner 6 Andrew’s CCO Newletter 7 Council Minutes 8-9 Financial Report 10 Farewell 11 Meet & Greet 12 In Memory 13 Matt’s CCO Newsletter 14 Education Team Minutes 15 September Calendar 16 Continued on the next page... “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:27-29 Continued from page 1 deeper than this. Labels help us build walls. Labels empower us to walk away from one while holding fast to another. In Jesus’ day they often served the same purpose. Tax Collector, Prostitute, Leper, Gentile; these were all labels that religious Jews used to avoid people and build walls. Jesus dropped the Labels. When he met a prostitute, she became a woman. When he met the woman caught in adultery, he saw a forgiven daughter of God. When he encountered a Roman soldier with a sick child, he called him an incredible illustration of faith. And when he met a tax collector hated by the Jews, he called him a disciple. It was not so much Jesus changing labels as it was his refusal to use them. Do we really believe that a gay person is wholly defined by the labels we use to describe him? Do we really believe that “drug addict” gets to the essence or history of a person? Are we really trusting in the power of God’s grace when we say “divorced person” in fact disqualifies a person from church leadership? Our labels are sure signs of our conformist tendencies to build walls among people groups, dis-fellowship from our brothers and sisters for a variety of (personal) reasons, and excuse our deeply human tendency to migrate toward people who make our theology and our lives easier to embrace and defend. I have always been fascinated by the story of the time Peter steps in to stop Jesus from going to Jerusalem toward certain harm or death. (See Matthew 16:13) In the first place, Peter is profoundly praised when he identifies Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus seems genuinely excited as He announces He will turn over The Keys to The Kingdom to the Disciples. But the story gets better. Jesus then tries to help them understand that the only way this can happen is through his personal suffering at the hands of the Jews and Romans. Peter will have none of this. I am tempted to believe that the praise of Jesus a few verses earlier prompted him to think that it was his personal responsibility to protect The Messiah, the way some people believe it their personal responsibility to “safe guard the truth”. Praise often leads people to embrace a very high view of themselves, and Peter had just such a high view. The thing is, he is dead wrong, without any idea he is dead wrong. He is so certain of this place among the disciples that he announces to Jesus – “There is no way I will let anything happen to you!!!” Jesus’ response is pointed and surprising. “Get behind me, Satan!!” The man who had just identified the Messiah now becomes the instrument of the Devil. The lesson here is applicable to us all. There is never a time when we are not potentially a servant of CONFORM to give the same shape, outline, or contour to : bring into harmony or accord <conformfurrows to the slope of the land> to be similar or Identical; also : to be in agreement or harmony — used with to or with<changes that conform with our plans> to be obedient or compliant —usually used with to <conform to another's wishes>b : to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs <the pressure to conform> God as well as the enemy. One moment we can be in the center of God’s will, proclaiming for all the truth God reveals to us. The next moment we can be as far from God’s will as humanly possible, taking our stand for agendas that are as far from God’s desire and purpose as we can possibly be taken. Only the humble can admit this truth. The key to the Christian life is being able to discern the difference between the two. And the only answer we are given is a 2 constant and continual willingness to be transformed by the renewing of our minds according to Truth. Now the simple question: How can our minds be in a constant state of renewal if we present ourselves as having already arrived? Labels are the enemy of transformation. Once I categorize myself and others, often based on categories I have adopted in order to fit into (another word for conform) particular communities, I have imposed a limitation upon myself, my theology, and my growth, which will work to restrict rather than to liberate. Transformation is an ongoing process in the New Testament. The Kingdom is continually moving and growing, sanctification is a process, and the call of God upon our lives is in no sense a done deal or a finished project. Peter, blessed of God, recognizes the Messiah before others do in one breath, then becomes an instrument of the Devil as He misunderstands the Messiah’s mission in the next breath. “You (yaw or you-ins, for its plural) shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free.” Labels create bondage, Truth liberates. It is one thing to understand that God’s Truth is eternal, believable, understandable, and teachable. It is quite another thing to believe I’m the one who has it, therefore listen only to me. And one will cease searching for Truth if they have convinced themselves they already have all the truth they need to make a judgment about you and me, prompting them to label those who stand outside their particular version of truth. Transformation implies change and growth. Labels create roadblocks and conformity. I challenge you to join me in growing beyond the closed door our labels often create, becoming with me a “Work in Progress”, one label I can live with. The Education Ministry Team Minutes The Education Ministry Team met Monday August 22, 2016. Members present were: Nancy Betker, Cathy Hughes, Amy Washburn, and Wendy Petrie. Cathy opened the meeting in prayer. Sunday School - Nancy Budget projections were discussed. Fifth Sunday curriculum was discussed for the next combined Sunday School. Jr. Church/Cathy’s Report More volunteers will be needed since there are some changes in the availability of current volunteers. Budget projections were discussed. Youth Report – Amy Washburn Amy presented her report. VBS dates were discussed with the tentative mission trip for next year and camp dates being discussed. Budget projections were discussed. Nursery Discussion –In Becky’s absence, no report was given. Amy closed the meeting in prayer. The next meeting will be Monday September 26th at 7:30. Respectfully submitted by Cathy Hughes 15 Trinity IN TOUCH*SOULED OUT*SET LOOSE Sunday, S eptember 25th 1 PM ber 5th Monday Septem Septe 2 mber We would like to thank everyone for the prayers, condolences, and cards at the loss of our father, father -in-law and grand father, Charles “Chuck” Blankenship. We deeply appreciated your kindness and caring in our time of loss and sadness. Chuck, Betsy & Wes Blankenship Friday, September 23rd Lunch & a movie 11 AM 2nd 2nd Sunday, October Cof We fee & Cr dn 10 A esdays umbs 10 M Eph :30 A Coffe e esia M ns s tud y October 30th September is WWGH 107.1 FM Sundays 7:10— S 14 Wednesdays 6:10 r 11th unday, Septembe 3 8 PM —7 PM PASTOR Rick’s REPORT Recently I received a note from a former member of Trinity who had moved to another town. They had been home for a recent visit and had talked with some people from Trinity by way of reconnecting. One of the things that struck this person was the overwhelming consensus that Trinity is becoming a down town church. They mentioned that this had been a goal and a prayer of the people of Trinity for decades, and that it seemed God was answering these prayers. The interesting thing is, God has been turning us into a true down town church, and some of the very people who desired this prayerfully in the past have now moved on to other suburban churches. I guess the lesson from this is rather simple……be careful what you ask for. God might just want to answer that prayer. The Truth is, prayer is very powerful, and God is always listening. When we pray for things that fall within the will of God, God will always answer. Sometimes the end result will not look exactly like what we envision, and often we do not fully understand exactly what it is we are praying for, but God delights in answering prayers which reflect His desires for us. It certainly makes sense for us to minister to down town people, given our location. Combine this with the myriad of issues that down town Marion is struggling through at present it would seem there is so much more for us to do. Part of this ministry includes reaching out to children, youth and college students. I encourage you to faithfully pray for the work we are doing in these areas, for it just could be that years from now we can look back on the role Trinity played in the revamping and revival that has taken place in Marion, Ohio, for God’s Glory!! 4 September 2016 My month was as follows: I spent my month as follows: · Spent time visiting and talking with 11 new people in our church · Spending time with 6 families during crisis times · Teaching a Sunday School Class on The Church and Prayer with Dennis · Visiting shut-ins (7) · Book writing · Participation in Dr. Marks Tuesday night Recovery Class · Benevolence meetings (12) · 2 Campus Ministry Meetings · Three marriage mentoring meetings · One on one times with 10-20 members · Weekly mentoring times (3) · Shopping 5 times with some in need of groceries · Reading these books – The Transformational Church, Jesus on Every Page, More Than a Theory, God the Evidence, Several Commentaries on The Church, The Divine Conspiracy, Foolishness to the Greeks, Love Within Limits, Various Articles on the topic of the Church, More Hard Sayings of the New Testament, Apologetic Preaching, The Power of Praying, The Untold Story of the New Testament Church, The Passion of the Western Mind, The Case for Biblical Christianity, Jesus The King, What Christ Thinks of the Church, Various Beverly Lama Beverly J. Lama, a vibrant artistic woman, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Kindred Nursing Home at the age of 77. Beverly was born one of six children in Marion, OH on December 10, 1938 to the late Forrest Cornelius and Opal Marie (Wilson) White. Beverly married Dale G. Lama on November 16, 1957 in Richmond, Indiana, Dale passed away February 11, 2003 in Lake Placid, FL. Beverly will be missed by all that knew her. She was a loving mother and very caring person. She was a skilled painter, poet and had a wonderful sense of humor. She often had her works on display at the Mid-Ohio Fine Arts Society. Beverly was a member of the Marion Area Writers Association and was a former charter member of The National Museum of the Women in the Arts. Beverly will be missed by her children, James Dale (Bonita) Lama of Springfield, OH, Daniel Brian (Inda) Lama of Marion, and Sheryl Ann (Doug) White of Columbia, South Carolina, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; siblings, Gary White and Ellen Adams, and numerous special nieces and nephews. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Michael Anthony Lama, and siblings, Paul and Betty White and Valeska Harbolt. A funeral service was held on Saturday August 27 with Elder Phil Harbolt officiating. Cynthia Imbody Cynthia R. Imbody, 40 of Marion passed away on Friday at Marion General Hospital. Cynthia was born November 30, 1975 in Marion to the late James W. Imbody and Ellen Jeaneen Johnston of Marion. In addition to her mother, she is survived by daughter Abigail R. Imbody, Marion; special friend Jeff Schulz, Marion; sister Nikki Blevins, Marion,; brother Jim (Krissy) Imbody, Bucyrus; and 1/2 brother Eric Imbody of Marion; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and 1 great nephew. Cynthia attended Marion Harding H.S. and was a homemaker. She lived her entire life in Marion and enjoyed shopping, especially for purses. A funeral series was held on Friday August 26 with Dr. Richard Farmer officiating. 13 WELCOME The Ryckmans Rooted 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) Meet and Greet Sunday, October 4 12:00 pm Andrew, Katie, and Abbe Join us in welcoming the Ryckmans to Marion. September means back to school! This is always a busy time of year for students and parents. We have students from TBC who are active in cross country, tennis, marching band, dance, musicals at The Palace, and probably many more activities that I have forgotten. All of this activity, however, has not impacted their commitment to the Lord or TBC. We had a pretty busy summer, and our fall is looking to be much of the same. We will be heading to PointFest at Cedar Point on September 17 to see Hollyn, For King and Country, Chris Tomlin, and Toby Mac. We are pretty excited…especially the parents who are going! The following week we are double-booked. The See You at the Pole (SYATP) Rally is at River Valley High School at 6:00 p.m. and the Marion Association Youth Fall Rally is at Springdale at 4:00 p.m. We will be attending the Fall Rally because I have been asked to be the youth ministry representative for the Association. We will really miss the SYATP Rally, but we will still be able to participate at SYATP on Wednesday, September 28 at the flagpoles of our schools before school starts. Even though we are busy with activities, we still take the time to worship and learn. In youth group, we are still studying the Doctrine series with Frances Chan. So far, we have discussed the core Christian beliefs related to the Bible, the Trinity, Creation, and Sin. When we were studying Creation, we watched the movie “A Matter of Faith,” which is an excellent movie about a young lady in college whose faith is challenged when she takes a college biology class. (For all of you Netflix subscribers, it is on Netflix!) In Sunday School, we have started studying the book of James, and we are using the study that Frances Chan has on Right Now Media. One lesson we learned from the first 12 verses is that the word used for “test” is the same word used to describe the purification methods that silversmiths used. They would heat the silver up so all of the impurities would float to the top and they could scrape them off and discard them. They would repeat this process until nothing floated to the top and the silversmith could see his reflection in the silver. God does the same thing to us. All of the tests and trials we go through are part of our purification process so we become more like Him, and He can see His reflection in us. Pretty stinking amazing. We are Rooted. Trinity Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Following the 2nd Service 12 5 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thess 2:7-8 (ESV) As I come to my last day here at Trinity as a member of the staff, I find myself thinking of ministries I have been blessed to be part of throughout time. The verses I have chosen may seem strange at first glance, but they have been what I consider to be my life-verses since my first journeys to China decades ago. The key for me in ministry has been to share the love of God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ as part of the blessing of spending time with you all in each day of life. It has been a joy and privilege to do this with the families here at Trinity while serving as the Children’s Director of Christian Education. My prayers are still very much for the ministries here at Trinity, and I hope to be still active even in the midst of my new schedule as a chaplain resident in Columbus. hy t a C ks n a h to T e c i v er s r u nity for yo i r T nd a d o G It is a joy to know that the work will continue with Wendy Petrie at the helm. Thank you all in advance for all of the help and prayers you will give to her as you have so wonderfully done for me. Wendy has been very active in all of the children’s ministries here at Trinity for a number of years. Each Sunday she is working behind the scenes, teaching Sunday School, volunteering in the nursery, or teaching Jr. Church. She has a depth of experience as a public school teacher here in our community which adds greatly to her expertise. Her greatest asset to our ministry to families and children is her heart for the Lord and love for children. I feel that I am leaving my treasures in the best possible hands as I pass the baton to her. I trust I will not be absent from Trinity; however, my hours will include weekends in my new role. I will be ministering either at Grant Medical Center or Riverside Methodist Hospital. It is my prayer that you are all well enough not to see me while I am in my new post during this year! I certainly welcome prayers for my new ministry. It is a learning experience and will entail a great deal of work along with the ministry aspect of seeing patients. It will also be a bit of a stretch for my energy with the commute to Columbus each day. Thank you all in advance for your prayers! May the Lord continue to bless the work here at Trinity with the children’s ministry. As usual, we could always use more volunteers in the nursery, Jr. church, and for Awana (October through April). If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please see Wendy Petrie or Becky Cooper. Thank you again for allowing me the blessing of ministering alongside of you and the precious treasure of loving your children as my own and sharing the Gospel with them. In Christ, Cathy Hughes 6 11 Trinity Baptist Church Statement of Income & Expenses July 2016 10 7 August 11, 2016 Moderator, Dave McCartney, called the meeting to order and read scripture from Galatians 3:26-29, followed by prayer. Minutes from the June 9, 2016 meeting were amended to note that Cathy Hughes's last day as Director of Children's Christian Education is August 31, 2016. Motion by Mark Poling to accept the Minutes as amended; seconded by Todd Petrie and approved by voice vote. Operations - Chuck Blankenship Reviewed the financial report. The piano has been tuned as best it can be; however, the hammers are worn and cannot be repaired and J&J Piano recommends replacement, Permission to use memorial funds for Dora Mendoza and John Johnston has been granted. Estimated cost is $800-1000. Will apply for the Rinehart Funds through Marion Community Foundation. Operations recommends that the church transition to direct deposit for payroll, which will result in cost savings. Motion by Chuck to approve recommendation; seconded by Todd and approved by voice vote. Dave suggested that all transactions be reviewed before submitting, perhaps by the Administration Coordinator. Overseers are asked to submit their 2017 Budgets, including projection of monthly spending, to Herb Klingel. Phil Harbolt asked for a status report of the Dasher Fund projects. Chuck stated that he is in the process of getting updated estimates for parking lot maintenance. Programming - Colleen McCartney (absent due to illness) Next movie night is August 30th, preceded by a light supper. Complete report is in the Tidings. Education Richard Caldwell has resigned as Overseer, and hopes that it is only temporary. Cathy Hughes reported that response from the last 5th Sunday has been very favorable and that use of a video series may continue in the future. Director of Children's Ministry - Cathy Hughes Promotion Sunday activities are August 28th. Complete report is in the Tidings. Ministry - Todd Petrie No report at this time. Pastor Rick Farmer Distributed a draft of the new Constitution document. Council is asked to review and study it in order to discuss it at the September meeting. He stated that this document is much simpler and that interchangeable items in the current Constitution will be included in the Policies and Procedures Manual so that any needed changes can be easily made in the future. He also asked that members of Council especially consider the part of Section 6.1, Church Council, that deals with decision making and voting at congregational meetings. It is hoped that the new Constitution document will be ready to present to the congregation at the Quarterly Business Meeting, September 25th. We are using the existing Policies and Procedures until the new one is completed and approved. Leadership Training on August 13th has been cancelled; next training in September TBA. The Praise Team will be away August 14th and Ron Turner and Kathy Hill will be asked to play for second service. 8 Eldership - Pastor Rick for Fritz Winegarner Prayers for Fritz who has been recently hospitalized with pneumonia. Approved the draft of the Constitution document. Working on a format to assist Ed Vaflor in completion of the Policies and Procedures Manual. Addressing the Benevolence Fund deficit. Three future fundraisers are being planned. Mark Piacentini raised the issue of the great need for benevolence in Marion County. He challenged Trinity to become a local mission in benevolence and suggested that Council consider and pray about developing a plan to become a leader of Christ's benevolence in Marion County. The Ryckman's are moved into the Indiana Ave. house. Phil thanked everyone who was involved in getting the house ready for their arrival. Visits are encouraged; please see Kim Farmer for phone numbers. Dave announced calendar dates: Next Council meeting: September 15, 2016 Quarterly Business Meeting: September 25, 2016, 1:00 p.m. Fifth Sunday: October 30, 2016; January 29, 2017; April 30, 2017 November Council meeting: November 10, 2016. Annual Business Meeting: either November 6th or November 13, 2016. The meeting was closed by singing the Doxology. The next meeting of the Church Council is September 15, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Christian Center. Respectfully Submitted, Jane Bender Clerk Present: Dave McCartney, Jane Bender, Chuck Blankenship, Mark Poling, Cathy Hughes, Phil Harbolt, Todd Petrie, Mark Piacentini, Pastor Rick Farmer, Leah Lawrence, John Freshour, Jean Freshour, Carolyn Green, Walt Caldwell, Sharon Davis, Kim Farmer, Jerry Gorby. Absent: Colleen McCartney, Fritz Winegarner, Ed Vaflor. Dr. Fritz Winegarner 4474 Powell Rd. Marion OH 43302 DC2 WES BLANKENSHIP USS FRANK CABLE AS40 FIT UNIT 100105 BOX 701 FPO, AP 96657 Encouragement Corner But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 9 Craig & Linda Reynolds 969 Somerlot Hoffman Rd. W Marion, OH 43302 Janet Kempton 511 Edgefield Dr. Marion OH 43302
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