October 2011

    I’ve always like John the Baptist’s response to his disgruntled disciples.  They were concerned about Jesus’ coming into their territory – and attracting large crowds!  They loved their mentor and took offense that someone was overshadowing John.  Ah, they were so very human; and John was so very inspired!  The Lord’s servant serves at the Master’s pleasure and exults in the increase of the glory of God.

    Jesus was the important one.  John was a mere herald of the rule of God.  Jesus would embody it perfectly.  Of course John was right in what he said.  “He must increase; I must become less.” 

    That’s the same message I’m giving to you in this penultimate column of my pastorate.  Christ must increase!  And – praise God! – he is!  A marked increase in giving is very encouraging.  There are all sorts of new kids in our nursery and Sunday school.  The leaders of the church are pulling together well.  Through all this time of transition – and beyond – focus on Christ increasing!

    I have been here 22 years and, for some of you, I’m the only pastor you’ve known.  Whoever God brings to replace me will do things differently.  Some will find that refreshing and others may feel like John the Baptist’s disciples did.  Remember that the one who serves as pastor needs your encouragement, prayer, and support.  Celebrate every Christ-like quality you see and praise God for the new things God will do.

 I must become less.  Christ must become greater.  And the pastor who preaches the word, prays for you, and orients you to Jesus will help that happen.  Receive him or her with the same love and support you’ve shown me.

Church News

In preparation for an interim minister, the Deacons are exploring housing options that may be available from January 2012 for approximately a year.  It is likely that the housing required may be for an interim minister and his wife.   Do you have any ideas that we can look into further?  If you do, please speak with Jane Kimble (388-6493).  Many thanks!

A SEASON OF CHANGE – LET’S PRAY!
Monthly Prayer Meeting: 2nd Thursday of the month, 7:00-7:45
Jeff & Meredith Rehbach’s House

We are moving into a season of searching for our church family. Seeking God’s leading and opening up to new ways of living out our faith at Memorial Baptist – what an exciting time!

Exciting - but uncertain, too.  This is an especially important time in the life of our church to pray. Jeff and Meredith invite the church family to join in prayer once each month at their home in Middlebury (9 Gorham Lane, 989-7355) on the 2nd Thursday of every month, starting on September 8 and continuing until the new pastor arrives.  Prayer time will begin at 7:00 and end at 7:45. All are welcome, whether just once or every month!

After an initial time of praise, we’ll lift up prayers for the Search Committee, our new pastor, the various ministries of MBC and the church body as a whole, Pastor Steve and Kathy, and anything else the Holy Spirit brings to our hearts.  Who knows how the Lord might move among us?

Community Lunches, Fall 2011
 
Memorial Baptist will be serving community lunches every three weeks at the Charter House on the following Thursdays. 
       Oct. 20, Nov. 10, Dec. 1, Dec. 22

Look for additional e-mails and announcements before church services for opportunities to help -- either on-site preparing and serving casseroles, soups, sandwiches, salads, etc., or helping to provide fruit, bread, soups/stews, cookies/brownies.  Please consider signing up for a particular date to supply desserts or fruit, or to help out; we'd love to have everyone help as you're able. Let Jeff Rehbach when you can help out. Thank you to everyone who has helped with contributions or serving in the past, and to all in our fellowship for your continued support as we serve the community in this way!

Women’s Prayer Breakfasts! 
There are two more prayer breakfasts this fall: October 15 and November 12. As we have in the past, we’ll meet 8:30 – 10:00 at different people’s houses for fellowship, delicious food, and prayer. The October 15 prayer breakfast will be at Deb Dickerson’s house in Middlebury (453-5583, deborahd@middlebury.edu).

These prayer breakfasts have been a delightful way for the women of the church to get to know one another better in an informal setting. Even with the busy lives that we all lead, this hour and a half is worth it. Sharing our joys and concerns with one another and opening our hearts to God – is there anything we need more? Not to mention a goodly amount of laughter, teasing, and scrumptious food thrown into the bargain!

As the dates get closer, an e-mail will go out to the women of the church giving more details. Save the dates, and keep your eyes open for more info!

SAVE THE DATE – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 – CHRISTMAS DINNER

We will have our Christmas Dinner on Saturday, December 10, at 5:30. Look for more details in the November Bell.


Pastor Steve Farewell Party – 12:30 on Sunday, November 13
It’s time to get out the cake and the Kleenex as we honor Pastor Steve’s service to Memorial Baptist Church. After 22 years of his leadership, we have a lot of memories to share and a lot of gratitude to give.

First, we’ll have our usual monthly Church Family Lunch directly after the service, but with a few changes – no desserts (that will come later in the day), and the Celebrations Committee is requesting that people bring food that is a bit fancier than usual. Mike Picard is the Head Honcho for the Church Family Lunch, if you have any questions.

Second, at 12:30 we’ll hold a program upstairs in the sanctuary. Before the program begins, a slide show of photographs will be running; if you have photos to contribute, give them to Jeff Rehbach for scanning.  The program will be a bit like a variety show, with people or groups sharing memories, songs, and who knows what else! Knowing the creativity of Memorial Baptist Church, we’re sure that the acts will run the gamut from the silly to the profound.  Deb Mazza is coordinating the program, so let her know if you have something that you’d like to share.

We want to make sure that things keep moving along in the program, so plan on timing your “act” to let Deb M. know its length. We’re thinking that 2-3 minutes is a good length for most acts. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated; the goal is simply to enjoy looking back together at 22 years of faith and friendship.

After the program, we’ll gather downstairs for dessert and coffee. This will be a chance for us to mingle, share more memories, and greet the special guests invited for the occasion.

If you have ideas and/or would like to lend a hand, here are the key contact people:
    Mike Picard – Head Honcho for the Church Family Lunch
    Deb Mazza – coordinator of the program at 12:30
    Susan Vigne – dessert and decorations
    Jeff Rehbach – slide show with photographs

Mark your calendars for our final piano fundraiser - we only have a little left to go!  Come over to the church at 4 pm Nov. 6 for music featuring Dr. Kevin Parizo and a few of our own musicians. Hope to see you there!

The Pastoral Search Committee has been meeting over the last several weeks. Our task, at this point, is to develop an accurate profile of our church to present to possible candidates. We have been looking at various aspects of our membership and regular attendees to develop a good picture of who we are and what is important to us. We have also been assessing our activities; both within the church and beyond the church to show what our mission priorities are. The Search Committee is very aware that we need the input from the larger church body in order to develop these profiles accurately, so if you have ideas or suggestions regarding how to describe WHO we are and WHAT we do, please let someone on the committee know. In the mean time, we appreciate your prayers for our discussions and decisions as we try to serve the church in our search for a new Pastor.

Young Life is an international Christian organization that seeks to bring the good news of Jesus Christ into the lives of adolescents with an approach that is respectful of who kids are and hopeful about who they can be. Young Life has been active in the Bristol/Mt. Abe area for over 5 years and we are eager to start a Young Life ministry in the Middlebury area. Young Life of Addison County will be holding an informational meeting for all interested adults on Thursday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Martin and Fawnda Buttolph, 18 Forest Ridge Road ( off Schoolhouse Hill Road) in East Middlebury. For more information please contact Tim Franklin (pastor@bridportchurch.com or 349-4137). We hope to see you on the 20th!

ASSOCIATION MEETING COMING TO BURLINGTON
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

    On Sunday October 23 at 4:00 p.m. the annual meeting of the Northwest Association of ABC/VNH will be held at First Baptist Church in Burlington.  The host church will be St. Andrews Christian Church and we’ll start by worshiping with our newest sister congregation.  After some refreshments we will consider some important matters.   Why do we have an association?  What does the Lord want us to do together?  Everyone agrees there’s no point in meeting for the sake of meeting; but many believe Christ has a vision for us to fulfill together.  Pray that this meeting would be the start of a renewed sense of mission and unity amongst our Baptist churches in Northwest Vermont.

Care Net of Addison County is having its Fall Fundraising Banquet on Monday October 24th, 2011 at the American Legion in Middlebury. Our theme is “A Mother’s Sacrifice.” Our speaker, Rebekah Bibbens, is passionately committed to sharing the message of Life while maintaining Christ-like compassion toward women and families who have made irrevocable choices. Rebekah is honored to spread the message of her mother’s sacrifice, and is blessed to share her own testimony of God’s faithful support and pursuit of His children.

If Care Net is new to you and you would like to learn about the exciting work being done there, then please plan to attend. Registrations will begin at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. The program will end promptly at 9:00 p.m. Call 388-7272 for reservations or Deb Mazza at 349-7073.

Senior Rock’rs

Senior Rock'rs will meet Wednesday, November 2nd at the home of Marcia and Winston Rose, 12 Hilltop Terrace, Rutland, VT. We invite you to join us if you are retired or of retirement age. We enjoy an uplifting time together as we share a meal, visit and enjoy many laughs. Call / email Marcia for information: 802-775-7479/winmar96@myfairpoint.net or Beth Wilkinson: 388-2252 / rbwilkie@yahoo.com

Family News

Please update your contact information
DUTTON & KATHLEEN SMITH
P.O. Box 388
Middlebury, VT 05753

Phone:  802-989-4639 (Dutton cell); 802-989-2808 (Kathleen cell) No land line.
Email: kws.tapsmith@gmail.com; jn15.5.6@gmail.com


John Jewett was recognized as “Featured Researcher” by the American Cancer Society of California for August.  That same month John, Laura, and Joseph moved to Tucson, Arizona where John began work as Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Bio-chemistry at the University of Arizona.  The focus of his research now will be dengue fever, a tropical mosquito-carried illness that is moving into the far southern U.S.

Jeanne Wood, the mother of Kathy Jewett has moved in with Pastor Steve and Kathy.  Her cottage at East View in Middlebury won’t be done until March.  She is moving from Pagosa Springs, Colorado.  Please welcome our newest neighbor!

Pastor Steve and Kathy will be going to South Africa for three weeks after he retires on November 20.  They will spend Christmas with Sara, Tielman, and Tielman’s family.

                                                                                                           
MOTHERING MY MOM, part II

 

My time with Mom ended on July 10 with a large and festive gathering of the Wiedmeyer family. There were over 200 relatives there and it required 7 picnic tables, end to end, to hold all our food. The sweltering temperature of 90 ̊ accompanied with the occasional liquid sunshine could not dampen the spirits of those in attendance. Laughter, children, and animated conversation resonated throughout the park.

My siblings and I were all concerned about Mom in terms of the oppressive heat and stimulation potential of the day. We worried for nothing. Mom’s yellow sweater was only matched in brightness by her smile, seen nearly every moment of the two+ hours she was present. Surrounded by family of all ages, Flossie thrived. She was not wilted by the heat; instead she blossomed. Mom did not remember our names but easily recognized she was enveloped in love.

When my sister Pat and I visited Mom at the nursing home on July 5th, she was snuggled under a ‘cardinal’ comforter and snuggled with her favorite plush bear. Our timing was a bit off as we didn’t get there until 2pm, seemingly a ‘nap time’ for many of the residents. We chatted about her “travels”, held her hand, and smiled with her often. Skylar kept her amused with her laser-like intensity toward the biscuits Mom fed her. We took a few photos and then, as Mom drifted off, we quietly took our leave.

Skylar and I visited Mom several more times that week, playing ‘fetch’ in the shade of the courtyard and wheeling around the nursing home, visiting residents excited about petting and feeding the dog!! She was certainly a hit wherever we went and Mom had this opportunity to brag just a bit about her Vermont daughter and her dog.

My last moments with Mom involved helping her get conveyed into the van. She was quite tired by that point, although not really ready to leave the gathering. Fortunately, many others were beginning the exodus as well, so the party was winding down. The van driver was very competent and caring. He assured me he would take Mom to her room and settle her comfortably. I kissed and hugged her, knowing I might not see her again. Frank and I were heading home on Tuesday and had lots of packing to do Monday. Every call from a family member in Wisconsin might be The Call. Mom has survived 5 major strokes, and countless small ones, called TIA’s. We lovingly refer to her as the Eveready Bunny!!

What did I learn? Neither strokes, nor Alzheimer’s, nor frailty can diminish the value of loving visits. Conversation is not the most important part of spending time together. When a loved one loses their memory of me, it is not about me and has no reflection on my importance to that person. If facts are recalled inaccurately, it’s not a big deal. Holding someone’s hand might just be the most important part of a visit. Smiles that come from our soul have the power to light up someone’s world.

Mom turned 90 last January; was pregnant 15 times and gave birth 12. She has 38 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren with more on the way. She has given herself for 72 years as a mother, a farmer’s wife, and a selfless accordion player at numerous nursing homes. She was challenged by undiagnosed depression since the loss of her last infant in 1967. Flossie fought hard for and with her children, providing us with a model for our lives. We may not have agreed with her style but we love her. We can now appreciate the strong qualities she demonstrated and passed on. My family agrees: “The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree”.

- Deb Mazza

Missions Moments

August, 2011

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What does Evangelism mean to you?

During the past year, we’ve asked a variety of people in the U.S. and abroad this very question. Evangelism is central to our faith and the way we reach out to a world in need. Yet, the answer to that simple question varied widely, from “it’s about serving others” to “preaching the gospel” to a whispered confession, “well, I’d have to think about that.”
Our conversations took us to North East India where, just 175 years ago, American Baptist missionaries came alongside people who lived in fear of spirits and ancestors in order to introduce them to Jesus. The Holy Spirit used the efforts of these missionaries and their Indian evangelist co-workers to produce one of the greatest mass movements to Christ ever seen in India.

Today, over 90% of N.E. Indian people identify as followers of Jesus. And 70% profess to be Baptist Christians. Baptists in N.E. India are, in fact, now sending their own missionaries into other parts of Asia and beyond. I urge you to share the enclosed video entitled, From Headhunters to Evangelists: American Baptists Bring Christianity to North East India, with your congregation. They will be moved. They will be challenged to evaluate their own sharing of the gospel. And their Baptist heritage will take on a new meaning.

The 2011 World Mission Offering theme, Live the Word > Proclaim the Word > Be Transformed celebrates global evangelism, exemplified by the inspiring efforts of our committed global Christian partners. The movement toward Jesus is strong throughout the world, especially in Asia, Latin America and Africa. The story of the rise of Christianity in N.E. India is but one example of many that include American Baptist missionaries, volunteers and churches. We thank you for supporting these efforts through your gifts to the World Mission Offering.

October 2 is World Communion Sunday. I urge you to make global evangelism your theme as your church joins with millions of other believers in N.E. India and around the world in a spirit of unity and shared belief. The enclosed video: A True Story of Evangelism: Campinas Brazil, complements this theme. It is a surprising story of how a young girl first learned of Jesus from a quiet and unlikely source. And how God changed her life forever.

As you know, your church can receive the World Mission Offering during September and October, or at any time during the year. Thank you for your commitment to evangelism and to global mission through your prayer and financial support of the World Mission Offering.

Yours together in mission,
Rev. Dr. Reid. S. Trulson
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 • 1-800-222-3872, ext. 2347 • www.internationalministries.org