Dialogue free to think, bound to serveFirst Baptist Church of Lewisburg Church Office: (570) 524-743851 South Third Street Pastor: The Rev. MacKenzie ScottLewisburg, PA 17837 e- mail: fbclbg@lewisburgbaptist.orgVolume XLV, Number 8 web page: www.lewisburgbaptist.orgSeptember 2009 denomination's web page: www.abc-usa.org

From the Pastor:Fuller efforts to care for people on behalf of

Christ resume at First Baptist in the month of September. After Labor Day weekend we go back to having church school at 9:30 and worship at 10:30 on Sunday mornings. The choir will rehearse regularly, boards and committees will meet more routinely, and events for the young, discussion groups, and the Tuesday morning women's Bible study will be back in place.

This will require energy and wisdom. Pray for your church and its work. Pray for everyone who will take part and pitch in. We want to do something not only worthwhile, but worthy. We have not only obligations but opportunities, and the church is not only our church, but God's. God has additional things to accomplish through us, and God has additional people in mind who will find this church a place to experience good and do good.

Belief that God may be served through the work of a church changes the character of our life together. In this era of doubt about the merit of institutions, we might defend the church by citing instances of its being useful--housing a program for the needy, or sheltering the meetings of those resisting addiction, or providing a home to a heritage of beautiful music, or merely making the corner a reminder to the passing world that there's more to life than meets the eye. God would, perhaps, gauge it that way, since love of others and love of Christ should be entwined. "What's in it for my children?" God might ask, appraising the place which claims to speak for heaven, and to work for Christ's cause.

There is good reason to think about the church in terms of its practical benefits. There is also the fact that it is unanswerable that our doors are open to the AA meeting, or that we make room for the Sierra Club to meet. It requires no faith to recognize that the church does good if we measure it by the bills it pays or the human resources it makes available to those in need. It does require faith to assert that the most significant way the church works is as an instrument of God.

To conceive the church as God's, and to try to perceive God's guidance and encouragement in the practical efforts we make, is a different way to think about church. If we are collectively acting out a "calling", Who is asking it of us? If people do find comfort and courage and purpose through our

proclamation or by taking part in a program we host, Who is giving that to them? What distinguishes our relationships within the congregation from our social connections formed other places, on other grounds? What is the source of our ability to try to do something good, and what is the source of our getting good done?

People who hardly ever come to church sometimes make light of their rare appearance by saying that they're afraid the sanctuary might collapse on top of them. They're crediting the place with more power and potential than those of us familiar with it often do. If there is holiness here, if there is solace here, if there is occasion for inspiration, conversion, renewal in the space we occupy and its life--its worship, its sharing resources, its work parties and friendships and openness to others--isn't that because of God?

God can make you a good person anywhere. God can find good work for you to do anywhere. It's true that you don't have to come to church to be religious, but it's possible that you could come to church in a way which would make the church more religious. We share a project here of public acknowledgment of faith, and common devotion to its teaching. Many people find the custom of worship useful in anchoring life in their deepest commitments. When you are here as God's person, you add to the people gathered on that basis, and you increase the witness to our world of a way which holds true promise, and

Peace. Mac

Board of Deacons' MeetingThe regular meeting of the Board of

Deacons was held on Wednesday evening, August 19, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the Library of the Church. Present were Anne Murcek, Bob Murcek, Jack Pyper, Mike Wilson, Joyce Wilson, Judy Mickanis, Mac Scott, Kathy Morris, Todd Stanford, and Joel Turrell.

The Moderator opened the meeting with recitation from the second burial service in the Book of Common Prayer, and then asked that the Board discuss the events of the past few days, in which one of our children,Assunda Rotolo, was found drowned in the Susquehanna River, after a search of more than 20 hours. Mac opened the discussion by speaking about the state of mind and heart of the parents and of the arrangements for the coming funeral on Saturday. The discussion proceeded

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through questions of the financial arrangements for the costs the family might incur, and the memorial fund for Assunda which would be created at the Lewisburg School District. The many contributions of food and comfort, of prayers and emotional support, of time and energy by various members of First Baptist and from untold community members were also recited and blessed. The Board asked the Moderator to prepare a letter to the community, on behalf of the church and the family, to be sent to the Sunbury Daily Item newspaper. The discussion was marked by grief; by gratitude to God for the service of all who helped, especially those from First Baptist; by a remembrance of the blessing which Assunda had been to all of us. It consumed the bulk of the meeting time.

Two items of other business were handled. The Board endorsed a project to landscape the newly-constructed home for the Lopez family which is being underwritten by Habitat for Humanity. It will take the form of a congregational work party and picnic celebration on October 3, with a rain date of October 10. Donations will be sought for the plants and materials to be used in the project. An announcement to the congregation will appear in the coming monthly newsletter. Also, the nursery staffing and coverage will be reviewed by the Watchcare committee and an ad hoc group of volunteers with a goal of assuring sufficient staffing and the maintenance of this as a ministry of the congregation.

In informational reports, the Financial Secretary notes that subscriptions to date were running $60,565.41, and that plate offerings were $44,181.70. The Treasurer reported that the finances of the church were acceptable and unremarkable, and needed no further report at this time.

The meeting was adjourned with a benediction by Mac at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,Joel Turrell, Secretary pro tem

Quarterly Congregational Meeting The quarterly congregational meeting of First

Baptist Church was held following public worship on Sunday, July 12, 2009, with about 13 members in attendance. The meeting was opened by the Moderator with the call to order, followed by prayer. The minutes of the April, 2009, congregational meeting were approved as published.

Those in attendance were provided with copies of the Treasurer's quarterly financial report. The Financial Secretary and the Treasurer augmented that data with oral reports as to the condition of the church's finances. Subscriptions

stand at more than 50% of budgeted amounts, which the Secretary regards as adequate in view of past history. Expenditures and non-subscription receipts stand at about 50% of budgeted amounts, which the Treasurer felt were in line with past years and gave no cause for concern, despite the status of the national economy. Mike also indicated that he was relatively pleased with the performance of the church's endowment in this difficult economy.

The property committee reported as well. Chairman Bob Murcek indicated the supply of tables and chairs for the Founders' Room had been increased to an adequate amount. Property had no other matters to mention.

There followed a written report from the Discipleship committee by its chair, Curt Smith. The moderator noted that the committee has done a significant amount of work this year, and that further mailings are anticipated in the next month or two.

There being no other business to come before the meeting, it was adjourned with a benediction at 12:00 Noon. Respectfully submitted,

John Pyper, Secretary Pro Tempore

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Assunda Rotolo, who died August 16. We also have in our thoughts and prayers the family of Leslie Davis Jr., who also died August 16th.

Assunda's funeral was held at First Baptist Church, Saturday, August 22nd officiated by Rev. MacKenzie Scott. Leslie's service was held at First Baptist Church, Sunday, August 23rd officiated by Jack DeVett pastor of West End Bible Fellowship in Millmont, assisted by Rev. MacKenzie Scott. Both burials was at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Winfield.

Dr. Ed Tuller, former ABC General Secretary from 1959-1971, died August 25, 2009, at Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa. A Memorial Service was held at the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh; at 10 a.m., on August 29, 2009.

Lopez Housewarming Gift

Throughout the building of the Habitat for Humanity home for the Lopez family, various ideas have been expressed regarding what the First

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Baptist fellowship might do to celebrate the occasion. While Habitat for Humanity does not provide landscaping, residents are expected to be good neighbors and to maintain their property.

With that in mind, the Board of Deacons has endorsed the idea of our fellowship giving landscaping as our housewarming gift to the Lopez family. Our gift will include both providing the plants and planting the shrubs and flowers around the new home.

Accordingly, a Lopez landscaping day will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, with work beginning at 9 am. Wear your gloves, and bring your favorite shovel or garden tool to join in the festivities! (in case of rain, the occasion will be deferred until Saturday, October 10th.)

A picnic celebration will follow, at noon. Even if you are unable to work, please come and enjoy the fellowship. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share, as well as their own paper goods and utensils. Meat will be provided.

We are also asking for your financial support, as it will be necessary to purchase some plantings, as well as mulch and mushroom soil. Donations may be made to FBC -- by mail or in the offering plate -- designated as "Habitat landscaping".

If you have any questions, please contact Sallie Pyper (524-0470 or pyper@bucknell.edu).

Monday, September 7th has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s.

Choir Night Choir Night will start again Wednesday,

September 9th, at 7:15 p.m.

Regular Hours begin September 13th, see below

Sunday School Begins Rally DayHelp get the regular church year ministries

and activities off on the right foot by joining us for Rally Day, Sunday, September 13th. Classes for preschool to adult will begin at 9:30 a.m. Morning worship at 10:30 will be followed by a picnic at the church. Everything will be provided and everyone is invited, so please plan on joining us to start the year.

September 13th is Grandparents Day.

Discussion GroupThe Journal Article Discussion Group will

start up again Sunday, September 13th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library. The group will meet the 2nd and 4th Sunday evening.

Worship Committee MeetingThe Worship Committee will meet

Monday, September 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the library.

Board of Deacons' MeetingThe Board of Deacons will meet

Wednesday, September 16th at 7:30 p.m. in the library.

Discipleship Committee MeetingThe Discipleship Committee will meet

Thursday, September 17th, at 7:00 p.m.

Blood Drive Friday, September 18th, from 12:00 pm

to 5:00 pm there will be a blood drive at RiverWoods, 3201 River Road, Lewisburg. Call 534-0400 for an appointment

Women's Bible StudyAny one who is interested in joining a

Women's Bible Study Group this year, please contact Jan Rolecki at 523-6074 or Gayle Pepper at 523-0182. The group has been meeting on Tuesday mornings at 10:00, but we can be flexible about the time if another time would suit more people.

CROP Walk October 4thWhat is a CROP Hunger Walk?

Neighbors walking together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Together we raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting.

The Lewisburg Area CROP Walk will begin at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 4th. Its 10 K (or 1 mile) circuits will begin and end at the New Hope Lutheran Brethren Church on South 14 Street.

CROP Walks are the chief fundraiser for the relief and development work of Church World Service, an international cooperative Christian

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agency.CROP Hunger Walks help children and

families worldwide -- and right here in the U.S. -- to have food for today, while building for a better tomorrow. Each year some two million CROP Walkers, volunteers, and sponsors put their hearts and soles in motion, raising over $16 million per year to help end hunger and poverty around the world -- and in their own communities

NEWS FROM THE

CHILDREN and YOUTH Remember our college freshmen Leah

Bettner and Alex Orobia going to Bucknell University; Tom Donato, Penn State, Altoona; Laura Rapp, Susquehanna University, and Heather Shoemaker, Kutztown University. Our other college students and schoolchildren are returning to this year's classes. Pray for them and for their teachers.

www.lewisburgbaptist.orgThe revised web site is up and running.

Have you checked it out? Take a look!

EMPOWERING YOUR GIFTS TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD.

Be Surprised by Walking in Different Shoes

American Baptist International Ministries, organized in 1814, is the first Baptist mission agency formed in North America. They serve more than 1,800+ short-term and long-term missionaries annually, bring U.S. and Puerto Rico churches together with partners in over 70 countries in cutting-edge ministries that tell the good news of Jesus Christ while meeting human needs.

The mission is to glorify God in all the earth by crossing cultural boundaries to help people come to Christ, grow in Christ and change their worlds with Christ.

The World Mission Offering gives local churches a powerful and focused way to make your gifts count in critical areas of need in over 70 countries around the world. Your gifts make ministry possible among many of the forgotten people, those overlooked by others, those

ignored by the mainstream news, but who, nevertheless, NEED and WANT to hear about the love of Jesus Christ. Gifts to WMO make God's love known to the farthest corners of the earth.

The offering will be received in September.

Message from Baptist World Alliance concerning aid to typhoon victims in Taiwan  Baptists in Taiwan and around the world are assisting victims of Typhoon Morakot, which made landfall in the southern part of the island just before midnight on Friday, August 7.  By Tuesday, August 18, 126 people have been confirmed dead, but government officials expect the death toll to rise to more than 500.  Joseph Tseng Ching-En, General Secretary of the Chinese Baptist Convention (CBC) in Taiwan, reported to the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) that "most of [the victims] were swallowed and buried by landslides." Many of them, he said, were overwhelmed by a river that had flooded and overflowed its banks.

At least six Baptists have died or are feared dead. Five members from one Baptist family confirmed dead, while another Baptist member, a police officer, went missing after trying to rescue persons affected by the typhoon. His body is yet to be recovered, though the police patrol car he was driving has been located.  Tseng told the BWA that 15 Baptist churches are in the disaster zone, most of which cannot be contacted by the convention due to blocked roads, bridges that were destroyed, and the loss of electricity and telephone services. Churches that could be reached were badly damaged or destroyed.

The Chinese Baptist Convention has 209 churches and more than 14,000 members.  Baptist World Aid (BWAid), the relief and development arm of the BWA, is coordinating the global Baptist response and is making an initial donation of US$10,000 to CBC as support for the relief work currently being undertaken by the Taiwan convention.   "We have been watching with concern the traumatic impact that this typhoon has wrought on your country," Paul Montacute, director of BWAid, wrote to Tseng.  "On behalf of David Coffey, the BWA President, and Neville Callam, the BWA General Secretary, I send to you, your convention and your country, our deepest condolences at this time." Japan, the Philippines and China were also affected by the typhoon

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New AddressSabrina Ash has a new address: 1137 4th

Avenue, Berwick, PA 18603-1707

"Domes and Spires""Domes & Spires" is a coffee-table

hardback book that was created by The Daily Item. Inside you'll find the area's most beautiful and awe inspiring houses of worship. (First Baptist of Lewisburg is in the book) Advanced discounted price of $19.95 + 1.20 tax is good only for orders postmarked by September 4, 2009. Order forms are on the back bulletin board or contact the office.

October Newsletter Please have information for the October

Newsletter in the office by September 23. School has started and the acorns are falling on the St. Louis entrance ramps,j so I guess fall will arrive on time Tuesday, Sept. 22nd.

A very emotional time was experienced this past month. I think these bumps in the road (for lack of other words) are how God gets our attention and we draw nearer to him. Help each one of us to remember just how precious each day really is.

Mary Ellen

ThanksMany people in the church community did

what they could to care for the Rotolo family through the recent tragedy. Acts of generosity and practical sympathy are too numerous to mention. Most of them have been anonymous, and we respect that; but they may be noted at least in this general expression of grateful regard.

Lisa and I found ourselves the recipients of all kinds of help, as well, with the several responsibilities we had through that difficult week. It made a great difference in our ability to do what we needed to do, and to us as fellow mourners and members of the wider church family. We are very thankful for that.

Mac

REMEMBER

Starts September 13 at 9:30 a.m.

Classes for everyoneYou are never too old to learn something

new studying God's word

"The Father of the AmericanSunday School System"

Samuel Slater (June 9, 1768 – April 21, 1835) was an early American industrialist popularly known as the "Father of the American Industrial Revolution" because he brought British textile technology to America. A native of England, he was apprenticed as an engineer and in 1789 violated a British emigration law that prohibited the spread of British manufacturing technology to other nations. When he left for New York, he had memorized the plans for the mill and offered to sell his knowledge to American industrialists. He then gave it to Moses Brown, who used the plan, and made major profit. He soon found work in Massachusetts and Rhode Island replicating British factory equipment for a textile mill, and earned the owner's backing to design and build the first horse-powered and water-powered mill in the United States.

Samuel Slater is also known as the "Father of the American Sunday School System" establishing youth bible classes in his textile mills in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in the 1790's.. Slater established tenant farms and towns around his textile mills such as Slatersville, Rhode Island. Due to his technical knowledge from Britain, he became a full partner and eventually went into business for himself and grew wealthy. By the end of Slater's life he owned thirteen spinning mills.

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