Light Line

March 2012

A Monthly Publication of

www.fbcwlfd.org Audio Sermons Available Online

Pastor Doug Valentine of First Baptist Church in Wallingford—Reverend Douglas R. Valentine, the new Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Wallingford, Wednesday, February 22, 2012. (Dave Zajac/Record-Journal)

WALLINGFORD - While taking a walk down the side-walk in front of the First Baptist Church, Doug Valentine makes sure to stop to say hello to a young couple walking by with their dog. The couple doesn't belong to the church and Valentine never met them before, but it's those small acts of cour-tesy, as simple as a wave of greeting, that Valentine preaches. In November, Valentine moved from Kansas City to begin work as the senior pastor at the First Baptist Church, at 114 N. Main St. One of his first initiatives was a message board, propped up in front of the church, with simple, warm, and inviting messages - in case he isn't around to wave hello. "I want

people to know that God is here for them and that this is a welcoming and warm place," Valentine said. "I like short, simple messages that people can read as they drive by and maybe brighten their day." Valentine felt like he came full circle when he got word he had the position in Wallingford. He grew up in New Jersey and has always felt like the East Coast was his home. Growing up with a father who was a pastor, Valentine always thought that's what he was destined to do. He said he even asked God at a young age if that was his calling. Not getting what he says was a "call from God," Valen-tine decided it wasn't meant to be and embarked on a ca-reer in engineering, always keeping faith a large part of his life. "I was actually on the search committee at my church to find the new pastor," he said. "It all happened really fast. I was talking with my wife, who was then my girlfriend, and told her I was thinking of going to seminary school. The very next day I checked out a school." Valentine met his wife, Jackie after the end of his first marriage. He was left with two young children to raise on his own and looked deeper into his faith to help him through the trying times. "I was hesitant at first to share my story, but telling the truth really does set you free," he said. "I don't live wor-ried. No one needs to live that way. I am always focusing on the next thing and not the past." Continued on page 2

Record Journal Interviews Pastor Doug

See Below Article

More News Inside!

• Baptism/New Members Class - page 4 • Men’s Ministry Opportunities - page 4 • Men’s Softball Team News - page 5 • Rummage Sale News - page 6 • Fellowship Opportunities - page 6 • Women’s Ministry Opportunities - page 8 • Mission News/Opportunities - page 9-10

First Baptist Church pastor practices warmth and welcome

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Valentine and his wife were in Kansas City for the past five years with Doug's two children, Jackie's daughter from her first marriage, and their adopted daughter.

After the retirement of the senior pastor, the First Baptist Church spent years scouring through pastor profiles looking for just the right candidate.

"It was a very interesting and long process," said John Powers, who was on the search committee. "We must have gone through dozens of pastor profiles and interviewed a whole bunch of people, and it was very clear to us that God was tell-ing us that none of those folks were right."

After two and a half years of searching, Powers said that through prayer they were connected to Valentine, and the com-mittee unanimously felt he was perfect for the job.

"He has jumped right in with everything," said Powers. "He has an amazing ability to connect with all types of people. He goes and hangs out with the high school kids then he can go sit with the elderly. He is working very hard at connect-ing with all the different types of people in our community."

Valentine has already met with Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. to talk about being more proactive in the community and has plans to extend a helping hand to the fire and police departments. "I really have a desire to get out there with the people of this town and help in any way we can," said Valentine.

soconnell@record-journal.com (203) 317-2235

Continued from Page 1

From Jay Jordan, Head Coach

As you have probably already read that Stephanie Sanders has decided to step down as Coach of Administration, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank her for all her hard work over the last year. She did a tremendous job with a very difficult and complex volunteer position. Some of the major accomplishments over the last year include the com-pletion of the elevator project and an update of our book- keeping software and processes. Myself and the rest of the Coaches will miss her. The Leadership Team has begun the process of identifying a successor, and Stephanie has agreed to help during the transi-tion. We are also evaluating how this Coaching position will be filled now and in the future. Don't worry, while we search for a new coach, Pastor Doug, myself, and the other Coaches will make sure everything continues to get done. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any member of the Leadership Team. In His service, Jay Jordan, Head Coach

From Stephanie Sanders

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 After much prayer and reflection, I have decided to step down as Coach of Administration. It has been a privilege to serve God and FBC in this capacity for the past year, but I feel that the Lord is calling me in another direction at this time. Please pray that God will reveal to our leaders who He has selected to be the next Coach of this ministry area. Thank you all for your prayers and support while I served in this ministry. In His love, Stephanie Sanders

Welcome To Our Special Visitors in March

Jackie and Grace Valentine will be visiting CT from March 9 through March 19. Please take the time to get to know them and welcome them as they spend some much needed time with Pastor Doug. Thank you.

Church Office News

The following are some changes to Church Office hours and bulletin information deadlines for March: • Please note some changes to Michele Smith’s (Church

Administrator) office hours for March on the church calendar on page 11. In case of a pastoral emergency, please contact Pastor Doug at 913-991-5953.

• All bulletin information for March 11 and March 18 is due by Monday, March 5 by noon. Thank you.

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March 1 Christina Andrulat March 3 David Bolles March 5 Jean Taylor March 6 Julius Toth March 7 Pastor Doug Valentine March 7 Lara Sause March 9 Ben Valentine March 9 Bart Tomascak March 11 Virginia Henderson March 12 Rachel Fekete March 14 Linda Pader March 15 Noah Barnhart March 16 Leah Sause March 17 Patricia Stearns March 17 Nate Palmer March 17 Luke Willette

From Our New Pastor - Rev. Doug Valentine

Lent? Are we supposed to be doing something? thinking? giving up? taking on? Do we have to? Remind me why.

Lent: 40 days leading up to Easter (as in February 22 to April 8, 2012). 40 in scripture meaning a length of time necessary for spiritual growth.

The Good News is that God wants resurrection joy to be yours! God plans for you to be as bursting forth with resurrection joy as our Easter flowers will soon be! Are you in? These 40 days can be big. Ready?

Some of us are reading this and thinking: "impossible … my life’s too messed up to reach resurrection joy in 40 days." OR “What's resur-rection joy? Is it worth the jour-ney?” (YYYYYEESS ! )

You are invited to see these Lenten days as a journey, a journey THROUGH ... the “land between”, the land between where you are now and where you want to be, the land between what is and what can be, the land between what is and what God wants for you, the land between you and Jesus, you and the cross, you and the tomb, you and the resurrection joy that's only possible if we travel the land between!

EASTER is what God intends for you every day of your life. EASTER is yet possible - and within reach! EASTER is the prom-ised land awaiting you beyond the “land between”.

For some of us, the “land between” includes our unemployment, money miseries, finding where our passion is and our career should be, anxiety, etc. For others of us, it’s about loss of a loved one, loss of health, youth, purpose, our home, business, inde-pendence, the loss of the future we thought was to be. We’re “stuck” short of the promised land. We’re stuck in the land between. Stuck with unwanted transitions. Stuck with uncertain futures. Stuck suffer-ing. Stuck short of the promised land.

Lent is for focusing ourselves on the willing suffering and the willing death of Jesus, but we want to focus on THAT about as much as we’d ever ask for struggles, pain, loss, dis-comfort, or being stuck. Lent is the land between. Easter is the prom-ised land.

Really experiencing Easter resurrec-tion joy and Easter’s new life, DE-MANDS we experience lent, DE-MANDS we make our way

THROUGH the land between, DEMANDS we journey. A journey you're invited on - to resurrection joy - a journey worth taking.

Scripture’s most prominent "land between" is the desert, where the Israelites find themselves on a diet of just manna, quail, and water for 40 years! 40 in scripture meaning a length of time necessary for spiritual growth.

How would you like to do, in these days leading up to Easter, what the Israelites journeyed 40 YEARS for? How would you like to get to Easter and realize you have actually grown spiritually?

Lent 2012 will find us considering this “land between” in a series of sermons through March. Week by week, will be opportunities for spiri-tual growth, as in getting beyond the hot, parched, lost, wandering, suffer-ing "land between".

It's our individual response to our own individual “land between” that determines whether our journey through the desert results in deep, lasting growth or proves destructive to our soul. Pastor Doug

March 19 Hayden French March 20 Todd Powers March 20 Melanie Blain March 24 Phyllis Varney March 25 Bill Conant March 25 Thomas Oppelt, Jr. March 25 Sarah Conant March 27 Isabella Palmieri March 28 Douglas Townsend March 28 Stephanie Sanders March 29 William Huegel March 29 Michael Toftness March 30 Dave Maclary March 31 David Palmer March 31 Lea Cioffi

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“Without me, you can do nothing” ~ John 15:5

We continue to meet every other Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Will you clear out your schedule and gather with us in prayer on March 14 and 28.

A Time of Prayer

Summary of February 7, 2012 Coaches’ Meeting

• Master's Manna Potluck 2/26/12. • Prayer Meeting for Valentine Family 2/9/12. • Leadership Team to attend final Membership Class. • Outside audit will be scheduled for June 2012. • Considering FBC Logo ideas. • Sidewalk sign will be installed on front lawn inviting

the community to join us for worship. • Volunteers being recruited for audio/visual training. • Looking for youth to participate in worship services. • Future events: Rummage Sale, DR Mission Fund-

raiser, and US Mission Team Dinner. Jean Taylor, Clerk

The Bold Believers continues to meet regularly and is going strong; we have a solid group of attendees each week. We continue to be presented with challenges based on our weekly lessons or Pastor Doug's sermons. At our most recent meeting, we had fun going up to Mr. D's and playing a game. We are all looking forward to our retreat in March where most of us will be bring-ing a friend along - excellent news! Again, big, big thanks go to Jim and Toni because I know that it is not always easy to put up with us all the time, but we LOVE having them for our leaders!

Jillian Jordan

Men’s Ministry

An Informal Men’s Bible Study

The March gathering is on Monday, March 26, 7-8:30 p.m., at Wes Feshler’s: Silver Pond Apartments, 656 East Center Street - Apt. A-204, Building A - Second Floor, Telephone #203-793-7013. The topic is testimonies and Prayer.

Men’s Breakfast

Calling all men! Once or twice a month, we meet on Sat-urdays at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast at I-Hop in Wallingford. Please call Thirl Gravell (203-265-9943) or Fred Blakeslee (203) 265-6952 for more information.

Not Too Late! Baptism And New Members Class Sundays during Lent at 8:50 a.m.

Lent - the 40 days leading up to Christ's Resurrection Easter Sunday - began February 22. Historically, Lent is the time for preparation of believers - those wrestling with faith and following Jesus Christ, those new to faith and following Jesus, as well as all those who have long been following Jesus. And so it shall be in 2012 here at First Baptist. This is your time if you are: - interested in possibly being baptized - interested in possibly joining First Baptist Church - have questions about faith. We will begin at 8:50 a.m. in Fellowship Hall with some praise and then meet for about 45 minutes February 26, March 4, 11, 18, and 25. We will consider first and fore-most your questions of faith - however simple or tough they may be - stuff you don't understand/like, etc. We will also consider what it is to accept Jesus as your Savior and allow Jesus to be Lord of your life, what it is to be called by God as a Christian, to be part of the Baptist tradition, to be part of the local body of Christ known as First Baptist, and ways you can be integral to what God is doing in and through First Baptist to bring about His Kingdom on earth as it already is in heaven - and oh yes - baptism and mem-bership too! Come. Join us. Bring your Bible, or tell me you want one. Pastor Doug

The Coaches’ Corner

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From Susanne Jordan, Director of Discipleship

I want to know you, even more, because I love you and thank you for taking my sin upon you………..

Remember to visit our Library, we have many great Lenten resources. If you are looking for a specific book, please let me know. There is no time limit to how long you can keep books out, but please try to be timely and be aware of what books and DVD’s you have at home just so nothing gets lost!

We do have the movie Courageous, but we are planning a special Fellowship Evening around the screening of this film; stay tuned for more details. Congratulations to our 2nd and 3rd graders: They received their Bibles on Sunday, February 12 as part of Winter Rally Day: Erin Cioffi Hailey Fowler Matthew Jacobs Kaleigh McCann Jack Sova

Thank you to all who participated in and to all those who helped with our Annual Winter Rally Day Celebration and Annual Chili Cook-Off - also our Chocolate Chip Cookie Bake-Off. Lots of excitement on that Sunday and lots of great questions for Pastor Doug; the young ones were so cute up there on the stage asking their questions.

US Mission Trip: The US Mission Trip to Joplin, Missouri will take place April 16 – 23, 2012. If you would like to pray for a mem-ber of this Mission Team, please let me know.

Note: As is our tradition, Hour of Power and all disciple-ship classes will not meet on Easter morning, Sunday, April 8, nor will there be formal nursery care or Chil-dren’s Worship. We want all of our church family to be able to enjoy this special service of worship together. All activities will resume on Sunday, April 17.

Spend time with your children and youth this Lenten season; share with them the importance of this time of

year. Explain why we will never be alone.

Scholarship Fund Applications Needed

All scholarship applications for this year are due by May 6 to Debbie Kern. Copies of the application are available on the website under Ministry Link then Scholarship page at http://www.fbcwlfd.org/scholarships-fbc and the Narthex of the church. Call Debbie Kern at 203-269-9998 or email her at dokern@snet.net with questions.

Men’s Softball News  

We’re pleased  to have  two softball  teams  for men this year! We had many players  that shared playing time patiently, so we have added a new team managed by Cam Taylor.  The new team will be in a lower division and will likely play on Monday nights.  The “old” team will continue in C Division and will play Thursday evenings.  Because of the combi‐nation of players from FBC and Liberty Community Church, we will have new jerseys that highlight the common mission we share (more on that next month)!  

The rosters are nearly complete, but if you’d like to play, please contact me soon.  There is significant cost to field a team, and while the players do contribute, financial assistance from sponsors is much appreciated.  Please contact me (information below) if you’d like to play and/or help as a sponsor.  

The men’s softball teams play in the Wallingford Men’s Recreational Softball League.  Games are typically played on the same night each week, and the season runs from mid‐April to mid‐August.  We are supported by many fam‐ily and friends that come to the games, and both the players and fans.  

Joe Sanders 203 927‐3501 

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  THE FIRST BATPIST CHURCH SPRING RUMMAGE SALE Friday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ways you can help. . . VOLUNTEER to work the week leading up to the Rummage Sale as well as the night/day of the event. There will be a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall right after Easter, so those of you who wish to work at a particular area of the sale may put your name by that category. We need the help of our wonderful youth, especially on the day/night of the sale, to wrap up fragile items and help people carry their purchases to their cars. DONATE gently used shoes, pocketbooks, clothes in good condition, household items, knick-knacks, col-lectibles, small appliances in working condition, small furniture, linens, antiques, tools, sporting goods, books, games that have no parts missing, DVDs, CDs, toys, plants, jewelry, holiday décor, etc. **Please Note** We have been advised that because of safety regulations, equipment for infants such as car seats, high chairs, cribs, and strollers are not to be sold. For more information/questions, call Alice Fekete - 203-265-1361.

fellowship:

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. ~Anne Bradstreet

Bring on the spring! Even though this winter has been fairly mild, especially in contrast to last year, who isn’t ready for spring? This month is traditionally the transition from the grayness of winter to the colors of spring, and as we anticipate that, there are a couple of great events to anticipate, too.

“LETTUCE SERVE” TIP-A-MISSIONARY FUNDRAISER DINNER Saturday, March 3 with seatings from 5-7 p.m. A multi-course dinner featuring Southern Fried Chicken will be served by members of our U.S. Mission Team in a fine dining setting. Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children, with a family maximum of $40. Reservations are re-quired. Contact Lisa Fekete or Joshua Powers to make a reservation.

Mark your calendar… RUMMAGE SALE – Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28. As you start your spring cleaning, please set aside anything that could have use elsewhere. Donations will be accepted beginning April 9 (we don’t want to clutter the church before Easter). Also, volunteers will be needed every evening of the week leading up to the Rummage Sale. If you have any questions, please speak with Cindy Oppelt or Mary Vance. Lisa Fekete, Fellowship Coach Phone: (203) 269-9201 · E-mail: fellowship@fbcwlfd.org

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If you would like a prayer request in next Sunday’s bulletin, please email: office@fbcwlfd.org or call the Office at 203-269-4796 by Thursday at noon. If you have spiritual needs or need prayer, please seek one of our Elders: Cindy Rusate, Alice Fe-kete, Ken Rowe, or Cindy Oppelt. Sympathies Family of Judie Veitch - we offer our deep sorrow for the loss of Judie Veitch’s son, Jeffrey, on February 19. Our prayers are with Judie and family.

Giving Thanks From Judie Veitch - Judie thanks all of you who have shared in the journey of prayers offered and love shown both to her and her son, Jeffrey, as he struggled with ad-dictions for many years. Some of you were closer than others to the situation, and to each of you she sends spe-cial thanks for the gift of His love through you that our Lord gave to her during this difficult time. From Beverly Walton - Beverly thanks you all for your cards, prayers, and the women’s ministry group that came to sing to her a few weeks ago. Mark Stearns, Pat/Dave’s son, has returned home from Libya. From Ruth Palmer: I wish to thank Lisa Fekete, Robin Spinaci, Jean Taylor, Billie Smith, and Cathy Copas for their help in cleaning the kitchen last Saturday. Also, thanks to Kline Loomis for repairing a broken drawer and to David Palmer for cleaning the stove. Many hands made the job easier. The kitchen is now more user-friendly--please help to keep it clean. Ruth Palmer Prayer Requests - Updates Dick Owen, at Cocomo for rehab, 33 Cone Ave., Meri-den, Room 101—he welcomes your visit; Walter DeAn-drade, mass in his lung is not cancer; Grace Kerr, Ginny’s

mom, test results showed aggressive form of cancer of the liver/gallbladder, and she is hoping to begin chemo soon; Pat Maclary, surgery is not possible for stage-four mela-noma—she is awaiting chemo treatments; Marcia Treat, awaiting second endoscopy on March 6; Bryan Carlson, Hep C - no viral cells in blood in just week 4 of 12-week treatment! Prayer Requests - Current Concerns Arne Yaghsizian, suffered a stroke due to heart valve infection and in ICU at Yale; George Files, Susi Griffin’s brother, tumor on breast bone/sternum and awaiting test results; Matthew Jacobs, having nose bleeding due to Von Willebrands disease acting up again; Eleanor Nelson, friend of DeAndrade’s, had surgery (abdomen cancer); Ray Corazzini, undergoing cancer treatment; Marie Bell, friend of Jerri Krauss, pray she will find a room to rent (preferably with a couple or elderly person); Al Kratt, Kathy Messier's dad, under the care of hospice; Evelyn, Judie Veitch’s sister-in-law, fighting cancer; Tom Brown, Meriden Principal hospitalized; Joe, neighbor of Carlson’s, heart surgery, March 8. Prayer Requests - Ongoing Concerns Lynne Tomascak, recovering from cancer surgery; Pas-tor Bruce Sandy/Bettylou, God’s direction for additional employment; Russell, Fred Blakeslee’s brother, health issues due to leukemia; Jerry Hester, still at Silver Springs Care Center in Meriden; Pastor Doug Valentine and Family, for the sale of their home in Kansas City; Henry Mitchell, Debbie Gravell’s father, has terminal cancer; Anthony, Mary Vance’s brother, has terminal cancer; David Stearns, health issues and strength for Pat; Beverly Walton, still struggling with her breathing; Emmy, friend of Cindy Oppelt, colon/liver cancer; Our Military and their families, especially in Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq.

Email Addresses

If you have an email address that has not been given to the Church Office or your email address has changed, please no-tify Michele Smith so she can make sure to add you to the church email list or so she can update your email address. Thank you.

Telephone Directory Updates Please make the following changes to your directory dated November 2011: Add Cassandra Carolan and kids to directory, page 1: Cassandra Carolan's kids names are: Zachary age 15 and Samantha age 13. Her address is: 553 Pil-grim's Harbor, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone # 203-265-7865.

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A Few Notes from Cathy Copas A Few Notes from Cathy Copas A Few Notes from Cathy Copas --- Women’s Ministry Leader Women’s Ministry Leader Women’s Ministry Leader This year’s Women of Faith event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday November 2-3 in Hartford. The times are Friday 7-10 p.m. and Saturday 9-5 p.m.—ticket cost is $89. Please don’t let the cost prevent you from going. Pray about it, and God will make a way. Please contact Robyn Spinaci to reserve a ticket.

In addition to the Women of Faith Conference, here are some other retreat/conferences you may be interested in: • American Baptist Women’s Ministries Retreat for women between the ages of 18 to 40. Date is September 28-30. For

more information, go to: www.abwministries.org/events. • Fall Iron Sharpens Iron Women’s Day Conference - go to IronSharpensIronWomen.org.

Women’s Guild Women’s Guild Women’s Guild

The March 8, 2012 Luncheon meeting of the FBC Women's Guild will be held in the Gold Room at 1 p.m. The pro-gram will be Ukranian Eggs. Our luncheon hostesses are Jean Lincoln and Ruth Brown. Mary Atkinson will be the de-votional leader. We hope to see all Guild members there as well as any other interested ladies. All are welcome!

Women's Fellowship Book Discussion Group Women's Fellowship Book Discussion Group Women's Fellowship Book Discussion Group

General Information about the Group:

We meet on Saturday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. We rotate hostesses and houses. Hostesses are on a volunteer basis and not everyone in the group is expected to open their home or lead. It is open to everyone in the church and friends.

March Meeting

Date of the Meeting: Saturday, March 24, 2012 Time of the Meeting: 10-11:30 a.m. Hostess: Allyson Almeida Address and Phone: 64 Summerwood Drive, Wallingford, 203-697-9165 Book: "One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp

The book is available at Barnes and Noble in North Haven under the self-help section. It could not be found in the library system but maybe someone will have better luck. A quote from the back of the book to stimulate your thinking and desire to read: "One Thousand Gifts beckons you to leave the parched ground of pride, fear, and white-knuckle control and aban-don yourself to the God who overflows your cup".

If this sounds intriguing and your spiritual cup needs filling, join us in reading the book and in the discussion. All are wel-come, and you can bring a friend if you like.

Save the Date for the Women’s L:uncheonSave the Date for the Women’s L:uncheonSave the Date for the Women’s L:uncheon

There will be a Women’s Luncheon on June 9 at the church. More information will follow.

Women’s Ministry Women’s Ministry Women’s Ministry --- Shower of Blessings! Shower of Blessings! Shower of Blessings!

March 10 from 4-6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Please gather with the women of FBC for a shower for new items to compliment our Kitchen. Refreshments will be served.

Our Wish List is as Follows: Dish Towels, Kitchen Aid Mixer, Hand Mixer, Cookie Sheets, Electric Knife, Cleaning Supplies, Gallon and Half Gal-

lon Size Containers. We will also have a money tree for donations toward items.

Any questions, please call Ruth Palmer at 203-269-6563.

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Dominican Republic Mission Trip

June 22-July 1, 2012 (Week One) June 29-July 7, 2012 (Second Week)

2012 DR Mission Team Dinner, Show, and Auction  The Annual DR Mission Team Fundraising Concert, Dinner, and Silent Auction is set for Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Shee-han High School in Wallingford. Over the last several years, this event has attracted 900–1,000 people, and we again expect a full house! Come out and enjoy a tasty dinner, an exciting show, and a wonderful silent auction.

Here is the schedule for the night:

5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: A Fabulous Pasta Dinner

7 p.m.: an inspiring show featuring The Second Annual Sammy Awards, named in honor of the Good Samaritan Hospital. Live music, video, and drama will all celebrate the work being done to help the very poor in La Romana.

We again will be honoring many local DR Mission Team Members and supporters with the Sammy Awards!

Throughout the evening: A Great Silent Auction

Tickets: $10 - Adults, $7 - Students, Free - for all kids 5 and under All proceeds benefit The 2011 Dominican Republic Mission Team

For tickets, see any DR Mission Team member, email tickets@drmissionteam.org, call the DR Mission Team at 203-626-2239, or purchase at the door.

Over the last 10 years, this event has raised over $200,000 to support hundreds of local volunteer missionaries and

many of the projects to help the very poor such as Fifty for 50, Fulfilling Smiles, Biosand Water Filters, and Mandes Cocina.

Dominican Republic Mission Team

A Ministry of the First Baptist Church of Wallingford 146 Church Street

Wallingford, CT 06492 203-626-2239

203-265-7206 (fax)

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For several years now, Comfort Dolls have been distrib-uted by mission team members to Haitian children living in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic Made not only by people in our church but also by folks from all over the country, the small dolls, which can be either knit or crocheted, have brought comfort to sick and sad children. There is also a new opportunity for those who neither knit nor crochet: A dozen or so Comfort Dolls have been knit but need to be stitched, stuffed, and shaped. Alice Fekete can provide the dolls, yarn, and stuffing. If you are willing to participate in the project in either of these two ways, contact Alice Fekete at 203-265-1361. If you are willing to participate in the project, see Alice Fekete.

Dominican Republic Mission Trip 2012 - Needed Medications The 2012 DR Mission Trip will be here before we know it. Once again, we are collecting medications to be distributed to the patients that are seen in the medical clinics. Last year, every patient going through the medical clinics received one month's supply of vitamins! Thank you to those of you who donated last year. We want to continue this tradition, and we could really use your help. We are in need of vitamins and the following over-the-counter medications: Women's Multi Vitamins Children's Chewable Vitamins (NO Gummies please, they melt!) Prenatal Vitamins Adult Acetaminophen (Generic for Tylenol) Children's Acetaminophen - 80 Mg. and 160 Mg. Chewable (Generic for Tylenol) Infant Liquid Acetaminophen Ibuprofen 200 Mg. Tablets (Generic for Motrin and Advil) TUMS Aspirin 81 Mg. (please note dosage) Cough Drops Pepto-Bismol Tablets (no liquid please) Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride (Generic for Sudafed) Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (Generic for Benadryl) Tooth Brushes/Tooth Paste Remember! Use generic brands - they are the same medication, just cheaper! No expired medications. Please note, we are no longer collecting unused prescription medications. The medications listed above are the only medications needed at this time. If you do not have time to purchase the medications, financial donations are also welcome. We can buy over-the-counter medications in bulk or use the monies to purchase certain needed prescription medications. Please make checks payable to "DR Mission Team". Please feel free to see Cory Kroon or Sandy Drozd if you have any questions. We are so blessed to have access to medical care and medications when we need it. Let's share our blessings with those that truly need our help. Thank you in advance for your generosity! God bless, Sandy Drozd and Cory Kroon

World Vision

World Vision: Please join us in sponsoring two children from World Vision. We have “adopted” two boys. One, Makonko Nzuzi Lukoki, is from the Congo and the other, Banele Hlanze, is from Swaziland. Both boys live in single-family homes. For $35 a month each, we are providing these young boys with physical, emotional, and spiritual support. With any additional money, we could also provide their families with animals and other sup-plies which will enable them to become more self-sufficient. There are a number of ways you can help this effort started by the women of First Baptist who attended Women of Faith. You can help us with the $35 a month contribution, you can donate additional funds for other supplies, or you can simply write to these children and start a relationship with them. Please consider helping out these young boys. For further information or if you wish to be a part of this great outreach, please contact Robyn Spinaci at 203-284-8436.

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First Baptist Church of Wallingford - March 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Al Anon in Gold Room

2 World Day of Prayer

3 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM The Childen's Home Private Meeting - first floor of MPH 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Re-hearsal for DR Fundraiser with Mimi Janus in Sanctu-ary 5:00 PM "Lettuce Serve" US Mission Team Fund-raiser - Kitchen/Fellowship reserved all day

4 Communion Sunday 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Baptism/New Members Class in Fellowship Hall 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Hour of Power - meet in Fellowship Hall, then classes 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Rehearsal in Choir Room 10:00 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM "Raise The Praise" Kids Choir Rehearsal in the Choir Room (ages 4-7th grade) 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Following Worship Service - Coffee Hour 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM The Truth Pro-ject in the Gold Room 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Radical Youth (Sr. High/College Age) Investigates - Crazy Love 8, Fellowship Hall

5 All bulletin infor-mation from congregation for Sunday 3/11 and 3/18 due today by noon

Michele Smith working today in place of this Friday, March 9

6 7:00 PM Coaches' Meet-ing CE Wing Meeting Room

7 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal in Choir Room

8 Michele Smith Off Today

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Al Anon in Gold Room 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Women's Guild Luncheon Meeting in the Gold Room

9 Jackie and Grace Valen-tine arrive today

Michele Smith Off Today

10 Jackie and Grace Valen-tine visiting CT

Local Outreach Planning Meeting in CE Wing Meet-ing Room - time to be an-nounced 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM The Childen's Home Private Meeting - first floor of MPH 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM FBC Women of Faith Event (Church Kitchen Shower) in Fellowship Hall

11 Daylight-Saving Time Begins Girl Scout Sunday Jackie and Grace Valentine visiting 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Baptism/New Members Class in Fellowship Hall 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Hour of Power - meet in Fellowship Hall, then classes 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Rehearsal in Choir Room 10:00 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Children's Worship in Gold Room 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Following Worship Service - Coffee Hour 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Jr. High/Bold Believers - Easter Craft for Shut-Ins - in Gold Room 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Dr Mission Trip Meeting in Fellowship Hall 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM The Truth Pro-ject in the Gold Room

12 Church Office Closed Today

Jackie and Grace Valentine visiting CT

13 Jackie and Grace Valentine visiting CT

Michele Smith Off Today

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Elders' Meeting

14 Jackie and Grace Valen-tine visiting CT

Michele Smith Off Today

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM All-Church Prayer Meeting in Gold Room 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal in Choir Room

15 Deadline for Light Line Information

Jackie and Grace Val-entine visit-ing CT

Michele Smith Off Today

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Al Anon in Gold Room

16 Jackie and Grace Valen-tine visiting CT

Michele Smith Off Today

5:00 PM Jr. High/Bold Believers - Meet at FBC for Retreat

17 Jackie and Grace Valen-tine visiting CT

St. Patrick's Day

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM The Childen's Home Private Meeting - first floor of MPH 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Re-hearsal for DR Fundraiser with Mimi Janus in Fellow-ship Hall 3:00 PM Jr. High/Bold Believers - Return to FBC from Retreat

12

(Cont.) Calendar for First Baptist Church of Wallingford – March 2012

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

25 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Baptism/New Members Class - in Fellowship Hall 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Hour of Power - meet in Fellowship Hall and then to classes 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Re-hearsal in Choir Room 10:00 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM "Mission Mania" - Chil-dren, Age 3-4 through grade 7 - (age 12-13) dismissed for mission project in the Gold Room 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Following Worship Service - Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM The Truth Project in the Gold Room 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Radical Youth (Sr. High and College Age) Investigates - Crazy Love 9 - Fellowship Hall

26 Church Office Closed Today 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Men's Bible Study at At the home of Wes Feshler, Silver Pond Apart-ments, 656 East Center Street - Apt. A-204

27

28 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM All-Church Prayer Meeting in Gold Room 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal in Choir Room

29 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Al Anon in Gold Room

30 31 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM The Childen's Home Private Meeting - first floor of MPH 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM DR Mission Team Fundraiser Dinner at Sheehan High School in Wallingford 7:00 PM DR Mission Team Fundraising Show/Silent Auction at Sheehan H.S., Walling-ford

18 Jackie and Grace Valentine here 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Baptism/New Members Class - in Fellowship Hall 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Hour of Power - meet in Fellowship Hall and then to classes 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Re-hearsal in Choir Room 10:00 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Children's Worship in Gold Room 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Following Worship Service - Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM The Truth Project in the Gold Room 4:00 PM Radical Youth (Sr. High and College Age) Community Service

19 Jackie and Grace Valentine leave for Kansas City today

12:00 PM - 4:30 PM Mich-ele Smith Works Today

20 First Day of Spring 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM Michele Smith Works To-day

21 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal in Choir Room 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Wallingford His-torial Society Meeting in Fellow-ship Hall

22 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Al Anon in Gold Room

23 24 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM The Childen's Home Private Meeting - first floor of MPH