~November~
2010
Words from our
pastor
According to the
Bible, God enjoys human festivities.
Festivals are mandated in the Bible. Such festivals were observed in the
time of Moses and a thousand years later in the time of Jesus. These sacred festivals had music, dancing,
and plenty of food. We also shouldn’t forget about the wedding described in
John’s Gospel, where Jesus provides enough wine for a small army. Faith and celebration in ancient days make
most contemporary churches look sleepy.
Our festival making
is at the heart of our human-ness. Humans try arduously to understand and
explain the world. Such inquiry is a burden that requires periodic respite. The
burden to make sense of our existence is both blessing and curse, and perhaps
the very reason the Bible portrays God as being keenly aware that humans need
festivals and celebrations.
“To everything there
is a season,” says the writer of Ecclesiastes – according to this biblical
text, there is a time to be born, to plant, to heal, to love, to embrace, and
even dance. However, conversely, it says that there is a time to hate, lose,
mourn, refrain from embracing, make war, and a time to die. To everything there
is a season. Life is by nature heavy. It has those unavoidable seasons of
distress natural to its experience.
As we approach the
end of autumn and early winter, we are surrounded by holiday celebrations. Some
might dismiss holiday celebrations as nothing more than a “secular” event, or having
little to do with God or spirituality.
But this overlooks the Bible’s urge to celebrate festively, pointing to
a human need and inclination. When the
time comes, the biblical command says celebrate. Life has its share of bad
days, pitfalls, and disappointments. This fact of the human experience,
together with the human need to untangle the meaning of it, suggests that human
celebration is truly a necessary “food for the soul.” When it’s time to enjoy
festivities, and when we’re ready, the Bible says, “Celebrate!”
As the writer of
Ecclesiastes continues...the best thing humans can do given the trials and
circumstances of life, is to do good to others, eat, drink, enjoy life, and
enjoy one’s work. These are some of the essentials for living well according to
the scriptures. They are part of our spirituality.
As we prepare for
the festive time of year, let us be reminded that the celebration is not the
only gift to enjoy. Let us also recognize and enjoy that God has created us
with the need to celebrate life, in the first place - with each other.
May you enjoy God’s
gift! Happy Thanksgiving to you, and all those with whom you celebrate life,
God, and the gift of celebration itself!
~IMPORTANT DATES~ PLEASE ATTEND~
SPECIAL CHURCH MEETING
November 28, 2010
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
PROPOSAL
For the financial stability of Lime Rock Baptist Church, the Pastoral Search Committee recommends the pastoral service of a part-time minister in lieu of a full-time minister. The Pastoral Search Committee also recommends a Special Meeting of the Lime Rock Baptist Church in November to vote on this very important proposal.
In addition, we recommend representation from the Finance Committee for a full discussion of this proposal.
Pastoral Search Committee
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Sunday December 5, 2010 Morning Worship & Luncheon
Rev, Marie Carpenter, Minister of Eldercare Ministries for the American Baptist Churches of RI, will be our guest preacher on Sunday, December 5th and our guest speaker afterwards at a luncheon in the fellowship hall. Marie has dedicated many years to eldercare in the State of RI. She will talk to us about resources, services, activities, healthcare, and any other issues that attendees would like to raise at the luncheon. All are welcome. Please come and feel free to invite a friend.
Marie Carpenter was a special education teacher in South Kingstown until 2001. She received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from RI College and her M.Div. from Andover Newton in 2005. Marie was ordained at First Baptist Church in East Greenwich as their Associate Pastor for Elder Care and Women. Rev. Carpenter has been the minister of North Foster Baptist Church since 2007.
SUNDAY
SCHOOL NEWS
On
Sunday, November 14th, the Sunday school will visit First Baptist
Church in Providence. We will leave right after church for a tour at
12:15
by a church historian. Weather permitting we will also visit the
Roger Williams National Park Site. Those attending should pack a lunch
and
dress should be weather appropriate as part of the trip will be
outdoors.
This trip will enhance our Baptist history study.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
We need a used but sturdy bookshelf with
dimensions roughly 24 x 36 for the evolving LRBC Library.
~Get Well Wishes~
Esther Wilbur
was released from Woonsocket Rehabilitation. She is improving everyday and
continuing physical therapy at home.
Doris Tattersall is improving following leg surgery. She has been moved from RI Hospital
to Hopkins Manor in North Providence.
She is improving and beginning physical therapy.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Dear Church Members,
We want to thank you for the card and a
prayer from all at the time of our Dad’s passing. It means so much to know how powerful “Gods”
love and caring is in our lives, and the lives of his children.
In
Christian Love,
Bill
& Sharon Verdon
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Thank you Chris for cleaning our windows
(and the rest of the church)... we can now see the beautiful leaves outside
clearly!!!
~Harvest
Pot Luck Supper~
Saturday,
November 13, 2010
At
6:00 pm
Price of admission: Your favorite dish!
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Church
Fundraiser
This year’s concert will be held on Sunday Afternoon at
.
~Adopt-A-Family~
Our church family will be participating in the
Adopt-A-Family Christmas program again this year. We have not yet received details about our
family but announcements will be made during November. We hope this year’s program will be as
successful as previous years thanks to your generosity and caring hearts!
Audrey and Paula
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Pastor Michael Burch, Interim Minister
Pastor: 401-595-7594
Church: 401
334-2999
Pianist: Eric Beauregard
Choir Director: Jerilyn Turner
Moderator: Ron
Rivet
Secretary: Eunice Potts
Ministers: All
of the Baptized
E-mail: lrbcoffice@yahoo.com
www.lrbaptist.blogspot.com
(blog.