201112 Baptist Bridge

By the grace of God, the Philippi Baptist Churchshall Embrace, Model, and Share the love of Godthrough Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Philippi Baptist Church ♦ 107 Church St. ♦Philippi, WV 26416 ♦ (304) 457-3206 

Catch us on the radio live every Sunday morning 10:30a.m. WQAB 91.3 FM 

107 Church Street Philippi, WV 26416(304)[email protected] 

Jon Villers, Pastor Eddy Poling, Praise and Worship Leader Jud Bracey, Choir Director  Lisa Dadisman, Secretary Zvezdana Vlasic, Custodian 

The Baptist BridgeThe Baptist Bridge 

 Inside this Issue 

 From the Pastor…2,3 

 Prayer list…4 

 Birthdays...4 

 Anniversaries..4 

 Announcements...5,6  

Officers, Boards, and  

Committees for 2012 ..7   RMMO News...8 

 Letter from Pastor 

Cheeseman...8 

Getting to Know..9 

December 2011 Edition 

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Advent Season is upon us! 

It is a time when we remember the first Advent (coming) of Jesus as we anticipate the secondAdvent in His time and in His way!

Isaiah Chapter 9 says it best: 6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the increase of his government and peacethere will be no end.

He will reign on David's throneand over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding itwith justice and righteousnessfrom that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almightywill accomplish this. 

Emmanuel has come! God with Us! I find every day is an opportunity to live in His peace whilethe world spins out of control around us. We are privileged to have several reminders during thisseason to pause and give thanks. Here is a devotional thought on the matter: 

"He is the Prince of Peace. Think of individual life today. Was it ever more restless than it is now?What are the causes of unrest in individual life?… The Bible teaches that it is lack of God. I takeany individual life you please, and where there is no recognition of God, no practical, everyday,actual, positive traffic with God or commerce with eternity, then you have a life hot, restless, fever-ish. And by way of contrast, find me the man, or the woman, or the little child, who knows God;and I will find you a life of quietness and peace, in spite of all the circumstances of stress andstrain and conflict. Oh, do we not know them! How they help us, the quiet saints of the most highGod, many of them devoid of all the things that minister to man’s supposed well- being, but whosehearts are firm and steady.… 

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What is the way of peace?… It is the heart undivided in allegiance to God. So the Prince of peacecomes.… He comes to say, I have brought a sword, and I have come to war against the things inyour life that shut God out.… There are men and women who will yield to Him, and hand over toHim their sword of rebellion,… and to such men and to such women He will bring the peace of God which passeth all understanding." 

G. Campbell Morgan, The Westminster Pulpit. And I'll let a pastor from Pensacola, FL have our last word this month. Peace to you All!! "Of all the names in the Bible that refer to the promised messiah, during the past two or threeyears the title Prince of Peace has taken on new meaning for our family. Through our years of marriage, we have been blessed with good health, supportive congregations, and encouragingfriends. However, during the past few years, we have been smitten with barrage of health issueson both sides of our family. 

When a family member is being treated for a catastrophic illness, you learn to be extremely flexi- ble. You learn to pray in deeper ways than you have prayed before. You learn not to panic whenthe phone rings in the middle of the night. You strive to keep all of your family members on thesame page regarding care and treatment. You take time to treasure your phone calls and visits withthem because you are more aware of the uncertainty of the future. Such circumstances tend to in-tensify your stress level and keep your emotions on edge. 

God has promised never to leave us but to give us strength in times of adversity. The prophet Isai-ah told of a coming messiah who would be an insightful counselor, a proactive God, an ever -

 present father, and an ambassador of peace. As Christians, we believe that these attributes describethe life and ministry of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul encouraged believers to look to the Prince of Peace in every season and everycircumstance: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with

thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all under-

 standing, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus . (Philippians 4:6-7) 

When unexpected difficulties and challenges come your way, invite the Prince of Peace to guardyour emotions and guide your decisions. 

Prayer: God of peace, thank you for promising to be with us in all of the seasons of life.Whether we are on the highest mountain or in the lowest valley, grant us inner peace through

our companionship with Christ. Amen."http://bayhillrev.blogspot.com/2007/12/advent -devotional -discovering - prince-of.html  

 Shalom, 

 Pastor Jon 

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PRAYER CONCERNS Unspoken requests for family members, unsaved people,community concerns, those with job and home loss, fi-nancial difficulties. Also, in need of prayer: our national,state, and country leaders and officials. Please pray for victims, the families and friends of crime, war and vio-lence throughout our country. Pray to protect military personnel and their families throughout the world. Rela-tives and friends of those serving our country: Tim Jen-kins, Chris Mossburg, Taylor Smith, Major Kris Wood,and Captain Aaron Cross

A-B faculty, staff and students, Susan Ball, 

Ronald Ball, Billy Coontz, Blaine Corder, Audrey Cross 

Susan Cross, Regina Edens, 

Becky & Mike Elmore, Otilia Franke, 

Jim Friend, Carl Gant,

Mike Gillian, Joe and Beverly Gouer  

Jane Gibbons, 

Raymond Hayes, Joyce Kerr, 

Linda Kines, Matt Lake, 

Chrissy Maddy, Bernard McBee, 

Billie Moore, Donna Moore, Don Murray, 

Bryson Parker, Brenda & Gary Price, 

Sonny Qualls, Melvin Richter, Kaley Sinsel, John Scott, 

Vangie Shaffer, Dr. Richard Shearer, 

Darlene Waddell, 

1-Caroline Jett 2-Martha Rose Roy 

2-Beth Longo 

2-Emily Wilkins 

4-Eric Davidson 

5-Melissa Franke 

5-Jean Ellen Irvine 

5-Glenn Sweet 6-Jonathan Franke 

7-Eric Hebb 

8-Dean Davidson 

11-Mary Withers 

13-Jon Griffin 

13-Ken Yount 15-Carla Springer  17-Marsha Smith 

18-Dianna Wright 19-Kelly Runion 

21-Danny Franke 

21-Herb Smith 

24-Chris Mulneix 

27-Koreen Villers 

29-Carolyn Davis 

30- Richard Shearer  31-Ken Waddell 

 Anniversaries 5-William and Shirley Thorne 

14-Paul and Sharon Hebb 

15-David and Carol Kidd 

21-Olin and Marj Campbell 26-Steve and Susan Markwood 

27-Clarence and Dianna Wright 28-Don and Barbara Smith 

31-Fred and Amy Funk  

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ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Please remember that Heart & Hand volunteer night is on the first Monday of every month. Next volunteer work night is December 5 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

HELP NEEDED! Want to spend a few hours giving and receiving a blessing?  Heart & Hand needs help with their annual toy sale, people just to BE THERE to assist buyers. The dates are December 7,8, and 9 and December 12, 13, 14, each day from 1 to 5 p.m. at theH&H building in Junior.  Any time you can give will be GREATLY appreciated. FREE COFFEEAND COOKIES! Call Sandy McLean at 457-3816 or, if you'd like further information, callBarbara Smith at 457-3038. 

Also, Don’t miss the opportunity to support our young people by contributing to the third floor renovation. We currently need $9,000. to complete the project.As contributions come in we could change the $9,000 to reflect the progress of the project.  ____________________________________________________________________________________________  

You are cordially invited to participate in the Alderson-Broaddus College Music DepartmentCommunity Chorus for our performance of Handel's Messiah.  The music department and thecommunity will be joining to perform several movements of this major work to be performedduring the Christmas season.  Scores will be provided for those who do not own one.  All re-hearsals and the performance will be held in Wilcox Chapel on the A-Bcampus.  Please call Lauren Lindsey (304-457-6304) for more information. 

Rehearsals: December 1 at 7pm (Thursday) December 3 at 3pm (Saturday) 

Performance: December 4 at 7pm (Sunday)  ____________________________________________________________________________________________  

ABWM NEWS 

Book of the month: Job 

On December 4 at 2p.m.at the church ABWM will be making decorations for Shut-Ins.  _________________________________________________________________________________________  

Collecting RMMO during the month of December. 

Goal : RMMO $1200.00 

remember with LOVE   give with GRATITUDE  

The Retired Ministers and Missionaries offering (RMMO) The Mission and Outreach Board

is sponsoring Project: Advent Gift. We are requesting to bring a gift box filled withnon- perishable food items that we will be giving to Heart & Hand to replenish their food pantry. We will have the gift boxes available under the Christmas tree. SeeKoreen Villers for further details. 

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 Announcements 

December 11, 2011: The Congregational Christmas dinner  (catered and funded by donations) 

December 18th, 2011: 

Chancel Choir Concert at 10:30 am.

Come out and hear Philippi’s finest sings songs of Praise!  

December 18th, 2011 

Children and Youth Program will be at 6:00p.m.  

Come out and see the children and youth of God perform

for the Lord.

December 24th, 2011 

Communion Candlelight Service.

Stop by anytime between the hours of 6-8p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Take time to remember whose blood was shed for you. 

December 25th, 2011

Lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas day service at 10:30a.m.

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PHILIPPI BAPTIST CHURCH 

OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES – 2012 

MODERATOR  George Davis (2014) 

VICE MODERATOR  Olin Campbell (2012) 

FINANCIAL SECRETARY  Clarence Wright (2013) 

ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY  Sco Springer (2013) 

TREASURER  Craig Cobb (2013) 

ASSISTANT TREASURER  Je Allen (2013) 

CLERK  Barbara Smith (2012) 

TERM EXPIRING 2012  TERM EXPIRING 2013  TERM EXPIRING 2014 

DIACONATE 

(NINE TOTAL MEMBERS) 

Bob Boyer (unexpired term) 

Cheryl Wolfe (unexpired term) Dian-

na Wright 

Kelly Bracey 

Glenn Sweet 

JD Long 

Chuck Scheick 

Carolyn Davis 

Petar Vlasic 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

(SIX TOTAL MEMBERS) 

Caton Hill 

Bruce Blankenship 

Skip Ervin 

Mary Boyer 

Hayden Corill 

Randy Moore 

BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 

(SIX TOTAL MEMBERS) 

Cheryl Blankenship 

Gary Price – SS Superintendant 

Sara Poling 

Sarah Ferguson 

Crystal Gray 

Koreen Villers 

BOARD OF OUTREACH & MISSIONS 

(SIX TOTAL MEMBERS) 

Brenda Price 

Chrise Allen 

Margaret Salimi 

Linda Howell 

Martha Rose Roy 

Zvesdana Vlasic 

BOARD OF WORSHIP 

(SIX TOTAL MEMBERS) 

Jane Digman 

Dawn Scheick 

Eddy Poling 

Carol Ervin 

Jovan Vlasic 

Lauren Lindsey 

PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE 

(FIVE TOTAL: THREE ELECTED AND TWO APPOINTED BY THE PASTOR)  

Sarah Cobb 

Pastoral Appointments (2): 

Gerald Fogg (unexpired term)

1.Darlene Waddell 

Linda Long 

2.Michele Moore 

FINANCE COMMITTEE 

(FIVE MEMBERS NOT COUNTING THE TWO EX -OFFICIO MEMBERS) 

1.Clarence Wright (Financial Secretary) 2.Craig Cobb (Treasurer) 3.Bob Digman 4.Gary Price 5.Bruce Blankenship 

Ex-ofcio – 1.Sco Springer (Assistant Financial Secretary) 2.Je Allen (Assistant Treasurer) 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE 

(FIVE MEMBERS) 

1.Chuck Scheick 2. Rebekah Hicks 3.Jovan Vlasic 4.Chrise Allen 5.Marj Campbell 

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Collecting RMMO during the month of December  Goal: RMMO $1200.00 

The Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO ) The RMMO is an annual ABCUSA offering that provides (1) “Thank you” checks to more

than 3,000 retired American Baptist ministers and missionaries or their widowed spouses,based on 20 or more years of ABC service, and (2) emergency and other financial assistance

based on need.  Please help us remember them with love and give with gratitude 

For the LORD is good; his steadfast loveendures forever, and his faithfulness to all 

 generations.  –Psalm 100:5 

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Plank Owner x 2 

How many people do you know who are two-time Plank Owners? That’s an honor bestowed of very few people,and one of them is a member of Philippi Baptist Church. 

Right! It’s Rob Boyer, who earned the peculiar distinction by being present for both the decommissioning of theU.S.S. Wasp and the commissioning of the U.S.S. Nimitz. He also served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Saratoga, but it was the other two ships that made him a Plank Owner. 

A native of Covington and having grown up in the schools of Mentor and Highland Heights, Kentucky, it was atthe Highland Heights church that he met his wife, Mary. The congregation started meeting in a tent, then becamea mission of the Fort Thomas Baptist Church, and then the congregation built its own building and became inde- pendent. 

Mary and Rob were married in 1979 after Rob had already been in the Navy for twelve years. Throughout a totalof twenty years, he was stationed at bases in Great Lakes, Illinois; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Jacksonville, Flor-ida; Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and Norfolk, Virginia. where he retired. He had had a number of assignmentsin the service. With the title of Operations Specialist, he served as a radar operator and then as an Air InterceptController on aircraft carriers. It was his job to guide fighter planes by radio or computer, sometimes actuallyflying the planes himself via autopilot. 

After retirement, he joined Mary in working for a wholesale floral business in Norfolk, an operation so big thatthe company ordered ten thousand roses three times a week. After a stint in that business, Rob became a civiliancontractor for the Navy, later selling computers for CompUSA. In 1993 the Boyers came to Philippi, and Robwent back to school, earning a degree from Computer Tech in Fairmont. Since then he has worked for DNAmerican at the FBI site in Bridgeport, running their library for five years and since then carrying the title of Procurement and Inventory Management Specialist. 

Rob and Mary enjoy traveling, and when he can find the time, Rob is a skeet shooter. 

As for Philippi Baptist Church, Rob says, “This is a wonderfully mixed group of people who have become a fam-ily for me. We all have the same basic values, and though our opinions may vary, there is always a strong flowof love and concern. This church is a place of friendship and caring. It’s a family.” 

Philippi Baptist Church107 Church StreetPhilippi, West Virginia 26416Do not return, leave with currentaddressee

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGEPermit NO. 36

Philippi, WV 26416

A Thank you card and donation was given by the Wednesday women’s precept class. They want you to know that they appreciate you letting

them use your church.