Musings from the Pastor:

Where is the time going?! It is already March, soon we will begin the reflecting season of Lent. As much as I love Advent, I find Lent to be even more important to me personally as I envision Jesus walking the roads, meeting the people, healing the sick, caring for the lost and alone. My soul cries out for a deeper understanding of who I am supposed to be as a citizen of the family of God. God’s son gave up his life for me. How do I know that I am worthy of such a gift?

Then I remember the woman with the bottle of perfume, the story told in Matt. 26. She brought her alabaster jar filled with a very expensive perfume. This would have been a prized possession. The alabaster jar would have had to be broken open to get to the perfume, so all the perfume had to be poured out. The jar could not be re-sealed. The disciples were upset. Why didn’t she sell the jar of perfume and give the money to the poor? But Jesus stopped them as he pointed out she had done a good thing for him, anointing him before his up-coming death. We are worthy of Jesus’ gift to us when we are willing to share a gift with him. So if I give a gift to Jesus, a complete gift, a total gift, I might be worthy of receiving his gift for me. I can preach a sermon, but is that enough? I can lead a Bible study, but is that enough? I can encourage one who is discouraged, but is that enough? No, it isn’t.

You see, Jesus gave up all he had, all he was, his total earthly life for me, and for you. And we tend to try to find just a piece of our lives for him. Until we are willing to turn the wholeness of our life over to him, we fall short of being worthy.

But the great news is that Jesus doesn’t count worthiness the way we all count worthiness. For Jesus, if I – if you – seek to try our very best to live our lives in ways that will lead others to follow him, we will be seen as those worthy of his incredible sacrifice. If we are ready to allow Jesus to open a new path for us, we will be worthy of his gift for us.

I invite you to start during the month of March to take a good long look at yourself. Are you giving a good gift to Jesus? In the words of the song, “I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian, I’m not ashamed his name to bear,” are you sharing or might you at times be hiding? This sharing is our worthy gift.

Will you be supporting the Lenten Lunches starting on March 7? Will you be seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus as we explore just a few of the many names of Jesus? Will you seek for, and identify, a richer understanding of who you are in this marvelous family of God? I pray that you will. God has plans for you. They won’t be old plans, and they will stretch you and lift you out of your current ruts. Find newness in serving Jesus this Lenten Season. Be the children of God!

Pastor Kathy

America for Christ Offering 2019Dear Friends at First Baptist Church, The Lord Jesus Christ intends every member of the church to do the work of the ministry. The intention of ministry is to build up each other’s faith and love. God’s design is to use human support and encouragement to sustain the faith of God’s children and to lighten the burdens they bear in the service of love for their community.

We are motivated and inspired by American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) America for Christ (AFC) 2019 “Healing Communities” theme, based on Galatians 6:9-10: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (NIV).

The “Healing Communities” theme is a passionate reminder to join with diverse communities in engaging existing resources, expanding our understanding, and nurturing community healing that encourages mutual transformation. Your generous AFC gifts supported the following ministries last year:

“Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing Puerto Rico” — rebuilding the island one church and one building at a time.

Scholarships and Emerging Leaders — providing scholarships to students to help ease the debilitating effects of excessive student-loan debt.

Immigration and Refugee Resettlement — partnering with organizations that have resettled more than 100,000 displaced persons from across the world.

Rizpah’s Children — partnering with agencies that provide support to children living in poverty.

Additional supported ministries include Disaster Response, Volunteer Mobilization, Prisoner Re-Entry, Community Outreach Ministries, and several mission outreach ministries right here in New York State through our ABCNYS Region.

AFC 2019 encourages us to engage in service to the church and the community. For many, that may be the way they experience the love of Christ in us. We are asking you to join us in giving generously to this year’s AFC offering and help us to reach our goal as we partner with ABHMS in healing communities.

Board of Missions, First Baptist Church of Penn Yan, NY OFFERING GOAL: $ 600 AMERICA FOR CHRIST OFFERING SUNDAY: March 10

CULTIVATING LEADERS AMERICA FOR CHRISTEQUIPPING DISCIPLES OFFERING

2019 HEALING COMMUNITIES Galatians 6:9-10A PRAYER FOR LENT

Heavenly Father, we come together in your sacred name to prepare ourselves for Lent. In our worship, open our hands to you, the guide of our lives. Open our eyes to you, the light for our paths. Open our ears to you, the teacher of divine wisdom. Open our hearts to you, the guardian of the temple within. Open our lives to you, the object of our love. Thus may we walk and not stumble. May we see and not forsake the true way. May we hear and not turn from your holy word. May we love you and welcome your presence in our inner being. May we demonstrate to others your truth and not restrain your kingdom’s work. We thank you Father for Jesus who makes us new and reveals our sin but never leaves us where he finds us. Rather, in love he forgives us and restores us through faith. For his undying interest in us, for the depth of his understanding, for the power of his love and the vastness of his mercy, we give you thanks. Open our hearts and minds to you. Accept the sacrifice of our service and lead us always in triumph through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

In the Month of March…

Birthdays2 - Lisa Wood6 - Hannah Scharping6 - George Jensen8 - Nancy Marion

8 - Barb Stewart 19 - Brooke Bicksler

Coffee Hour Hosts: Board of Christian Education

Adult SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY Plans for March

“The Gates of Jerusalem” - Session 3 (Probably on Sunday, March 3, after Worship)“The Gates of Jerusalem” - Session 4

“The Book of Revelation” (From: “Opening The Bible” Study Book) (Watch the Bulletin for exact dates)

Penn an Area Council of Churches

I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one--as you are in me, Father, and I am in you.

And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. (John 17:21)

2019 Lenten Luncheons "Names of Jesus"

Thursday, March 7 “Friend” Paul Malles, First Presbyterian

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham, California Blend Veggies, Roll & Fruit CupFirst Presbyterian Church serving

Thursday, March 14 “Bread of Life” Kathy Brown, First Baptist Chicken and Biscuits, Mixed Vegetables, Tossed Salad & Applesauce

Milo Center UMC, Dresden UMC and Second Milo Baptist Church serving

Thursday, March 21 “Light of the World” Leo Reinhardt, Our Lady of the Lakes

Ziti, Tossed Salad, Italian Bread, Fruited Jell-OSt. Mark’s and St. Luke’s Episcopal Churches serving

Thursday, March 28 “Cornerstone” Sandi Perl, Bluff Point UMC

Sloppy Joes, Corn, Tossed Salad & Fruit CupSt. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Bluff Point UMC serving

Thursday, April 4 “Immanuel” Lori Nickoloff, St. Paul’s Lutheran

Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Roll & Fruit CupOur Lady of the Lakes (St. Michael’s) Catholic Church serving

Thursday, April 11 “Rabbi” Jeff Childs, Penn Yan UMC

Beef Stew, Tossed Salad, Roll & Fruit CupPenn Yan UMC and Benton UMC serving

Lunches begin at 12:00pm + First Baptist Church, 224 Main Street + $7.00 per person

Meals are being prepared by the Wagner Restaurant with area churches providing the desserts and serving

Trustee’s Monthly Report We will continue to meet the 2nd Sunday of each month at noon. Bill Decker will continue as Chair and Sheryl Robbins will continue as Secretary.Hopefully by the time you reading this, the furnace has been replaced and we have heat in the new part of the building. Hallelujah!

Christian Education Monthly Report

Card Making Party with the Youth Group on Saturday, March 16th at the home of Cindy Oven’s at 11:00 am. Come make cards alongside the adults of our church. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to Cindy at 536-2485.

Chicken BBQ Saturday, April 20 (NOTE: change of date) @ Lyon’s National Bank on Liberty Street, Penn YanServing 11:00 am until it’s gone. Full chicken dinner includes dessert too! $10.

Volunteers are Needed In the afternoons at Half-Day Happenings at the PYUMC on Monday and Tuesday, March 18-19. Anyone who would like to help with the children as they sing along with videos etc. Contact PYUMC at 536-6711 if you can lend a hand.

Vacation Bible School - this summer help will be needed. Watch for dates and more information.

THE APP THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR TIME WITH GOD

We say we put God first…So wouldn’t it make sensethat we give Him the first 5 minutes of each day?

First5.orgFirst5 is a free app developed by @Proverbs31Ministries to help you give God the #First5 minutes each day.

Download on the App store or Android on Google Play.

Church Board Meetings

Diaconate: Tuesday, March 5th @ 7:00 pm

Missions: Thursday, March 7, @ 1:00 pm

Trustees: Sunday, March 10, @ 12 Noon

Search Committee: Tuesday, March 12, @ 6:30 pm

Christian Education: Thursday, March 21, @ 9:00 am

White Cross RequestShop now thru the end of March

We have enough shirts and sweatshirts. We still need the items listed below. Good job so far! Let’s try to finish this project in early March. The following clothing items are for boys - any sizes:

2 pairs of jeans 8 sweatpants8 pairs of socks 6 underwear

If you want to help but are unable to shop, your $$ contributions are also welcome. All items collected will be delivered to Cameron Community Ministries in Rochester.Thank you for your help and support, it is greatly appreciated.

AB Women’s Ministries ConventionApril 26-28Doubletree by Hilton in Syracuse, NY“Upheld by God”Rev. Dr. Suzanne KershawWe need to know who is planning to go by March 15 so we can get our reservations in on time. More information and pricing is available. See Diane DeLooza or Peggy in the church office.

Backpack Needs for March - fruit cups

Diaconate Monthly Report

2019 elected officers are: Shelley Bicksler - Chair, Rita Castillo - Vice Chair, Erma Mullins - Secretary and Treasurer. Meetings will be held the 1st Tuesday of the month upstairs in the Alcove.

Until God opens the next door, Let’s praise Him in the hallway

Missions Board Monthly Report

SUPER SUB SALE – 2019The 2019 Super Sub Sale is now history. We earned a profit of $777.92 for the Yates County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. We want to thank the following churches for their support: Second Milo Baptist, St. Paul’s Lutheran (Penn Yan), Bluff Point United Methodist, United Methodist (Penn Yan), St. Mark’s Episcopal (Penn Yan), First Presbyterian (Penn Yan), St. Michael’s Roman Catholic (Penn Yan), and of course our own First Baptist Church of Penn Yan! We would also like to thank the group of Habitat Volunteers who ordered an additional 13 subs through our friends at Bluff Point UMC.

We could not have made all 156 subs without the help of the following people: Cheryl Stewart, Sheryl Robbins, Janice Knecht, Pastor Kathy Brown, Kyle Miller, Erik Miller, Tammy Miller, Rich Stewart, Stan Ovens, Diane DeLooza, Don Lawrence and Kathie Lawrence.

PENNIES FOR THE BACKPACK PROGRAM AT MILLY’S PANTRYJust a reminder – we still receive pennies for the Weekend Backpacks throughout the year. We thank Scott Robbins for counting and rolling them and Diane DeLooza for depositing them in the bank. You might like to know that since 2010 we have collected 388,011 pennies or $3,880.11. Thank you.

NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY

40 Days of Lent This is an initiative from the Living Well to collect certain items of personal hygiene nature that will be distributed to those who need help through the Living Well. Most of the items can be purchased at any of the dollar stores in town and taken to the Living Well on Elm Street. Thank you for your generosity. See the full page insert in this newsletter. Post it on your frig or keep in your car for your shopping trips. Extra copies are available on the Reader’s Table.

Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes A Yates County site will be opening that will serve children and non-offending family members by coordinating child abuse investigations in a collaborative and child-friendly environment to minimize further trauma on the child. They have provided an extensive list of items needed to create a professional and friendly atmosphere. Copies of the list can be found on the bulletin board.

First Presbyterian Church, the Living Well, St. Paul’s Lutheran, PYUMC and other organizations held a February Breakfast Club during the mid-month school break. It was held from 8-11 am and they invited any school children to come in during that week to eat breakfast. Many children receive free hot breakfast at school and this was a way for them to still get a hot breakfast that they might not otherwise have. And, for those who fed the kids, they say that they were more than blessed as well in hearing the kids say thank you.

Grandma’s Kitchen Area church members band together to provide after school meals/snacks for those students who stay late for sports, drama, academic help and other programs. They bring in apples, macaroni and cheese, cheese sticks and other foods as the kids sometimes won’t get home til after 6 pm. This provides them with some extra energy to get them through the afternoon time. Keeping the kids fueled body and mind. Churches that have been taking turns are: St. Michaels Catholic, St. Mark’s Episcopal, St. Paul’s Lutheran, First Presbyterian, PYUMC, Bluff Point UMC, Milo Center UMC, Branchport UMC and the Living Well. There are plans to begin this outreach in the Middle School. Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ CSB

First Baptist Church of Penn Yan224 Main StreetPenn Yan, NY 14527

RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED

Our Mission is to Create a Caring Community to Honor and Serve God.

First Baptist Church * Founded in 1830 Church StaffPhone: 315-536-9821 Interim Pastor: Kathy BrownOffice Hours: Tues–Fri 9 am to Noon Organist: Tyler HayfordE-Mail: pyfbc224@gmail.com Choir Director: Barbara StewartWebsite: pyfbc.org Secretary: Peggy S. Smart

Accountant: Jan Hafner

Our Schedule Church OfficersSunday Worship – 10 am Moderator: Cheryl StewartSunday School for All Ages - 11 am Vice-Moderator: Sheryl Robbins

Church Clerk: Mary WatkinsTreasurer: Stan Ovens/Mary WatkinsFinancial Officer: Diane DeLoozaChristian Education: Suzanne Willson

Missions: Co-Chairs - Barb Stewart/Janice Knecht Diaconate: Shelley Bicksler

Trustees: Bill Decker