FEBRUARY 2016 - Garden City Baptist Churchgardencitybaptistchurch.com/hp_wordpress/wp-content/... · 2019-05-10 · Kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little

FEBRUARY 2016

Monthly Publication of Garden City Baptist Church

Volume 29 Number 2

Pastorgraph . . . “Love” is the theme for February. Valentine’s Day and all that surrounds it are intended to express love.

Through the years I have spoken on the thoughts: love for God, love for the family, church, world and country. Love comes from God, for “God is Love”. Love isn’t God, it is a by-product of knowing God. (I John 4:7f)

I John 4 tells us that “we love Him because He first loved us”.

A good illustration of love is how Jesus related to children, Matthew 18:2-5 shares a wonderful experience. “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted, and become as little children, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in my name receives me.”

A child is trusting, simple, open and loving.

Sunday’s (24th) Homecoming fellowship demonstrated Christian love. Thanks to all of you who made that Good Day possible.

Love is attitude and action, emotion and involvement. Constant forgiveness makes love work.

May we pray: “Father, help us to forgive everything from the mundane to the inhumane that we might love and act as God does.”

Have a great Love Month!

Church-wide Breakfast the first Sunday of each month Come at 8:30 & be ready for

Sunday School by 9:30 Donations go to the Deacon Relief Fund to help church

members.

Fellowship Hall

February 20 9am – 2pm In memory of Lisa Buff

Paula Koscelnick’s daughter

Joy Fellowship is meeting on February 8th in the Fellowship Hall at noon for a covered dish luncheon. Our presenter will be Jacque Wagner from the Baptist Foundation of South Carolina. If you are 55+ plan to join us for fun, food and fellowship.

DECISION AMERICA TOUR: Franklin Graham will be in Columbia for the Decision America Tour Prayer Rally Tuesday, February 9, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. He says, “Our nation's moral foundation is crumbling and as our culture tries to remove God from public view and silence His Word, we must continue to share the Good News and take a stand for religious freedom and God's truth. That's why I will be in Columbia--and every other state capital in 2016. Our nation needs to turn to God, and it begins with His people, the Church. We must confess our sins as individuals--and as a nation-- and call on our God to heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). I hope you join us and invite others to come with you--bring your children or fill a bus from your church. Even if you have to drive across the state, it will be worth it to stand together and pray for our nation at this critical time. For everyone joining Franklin Graham to pray for our nation, the bus will leave our church parking lot at 7:00 AM on February 9. Cost $30 Contact Barbara Rocke to sign up at 540-548-8641.

February Birthdays 1 – Sara Alexander Kama 2 – Nathan Rutherford 3 – Richard Sapp 5 – Mark Schlueter 6 – Judson Hendrick 6 – Joshua Pierce 6 – Judy McCormick 7 – Roy Ruff 7 – Donna Dame 8 – Jim Anthony 8 – Jordan Reese 8 – Deena Langston 9 – Joanna Pastomerlo 11 – Betty Mercer 11 – James Walker 12 – Bennie Harmon 13 – Brenda Richardson 14 – Joanne Adams 16 – Kayla Thompson 16 – Ray Adams 17 – Stan Jackson 17 – Melisa Reese 17 – Billy Broome 18 – Crawford Walters 18 – Jodi Bridschge 19 – Jana Thompson 19 – Richard Grice 20 – Lorraine Sergeant 20 – Tim Hutto 21 – Ken Whiteaker 21 – Shirley Campbell 22 – Joyce Eblen 22 – David MacDonald 24 – Alan Cooper 26 – Patty Taverno 28 – Linda Wells 28 – Elaine MacFarlane 28 – Connie Lockaby

In today’s day and age, it is becoming increasingly important to stay connected. The pursuit of connection has resulted in innovations that have changed our daily lives in a big way, through internet, email, text messaging, smart phones, etc. It has also changed how we communicate and share information within the church body, as well as from the church to the outside world. This month we are very excited to announce two new ways that will help you to get connected with what is going on at Garden City Baptist Church: 1. Garden City Baptist Church App, & 2. Resources

1. Garden City Baptist Church App Our church App, provided through our website hosting service, ShareFaith, is available for download on the App Store (for Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch) and on the Google Play Store (for Android and Samsung Galaxy smartphones & tablets). The App can be found simply by searching “Garden City Baptist Church” and it is available for free.

What is on the App? The App will have a sermon playlist, events, blog posts, as well as basic information for those who may be visiting our church for the first time,

Why an App? A church app will enable you to keep up-to-date on the latest news, events, and sermons at Garden City Baptist Church. You may be thinking, “Isn’t the same thing on our church website?” And the answer to that question would be yes. However, an app enables us to send you alerts, also called push-button notifications which will help remind you of upcoming, as well as inform you about new events, sermons, and updates on what is happening at Garden City Baptist Church.

What else will be available on the App? The goal of the church app, is not just to keep you informed, but to keep you engaged. In the near future, we plan to have devotional and testimony blog posts, in addition to the sermon playlist. This will help keep you engaged in the word of God and encourage you to hear how God is working in the lives of others. Speaking of getting engaged, the next big announcement will also help to get you engaged within the church body.

2. Resources - A New Website for Members of Garden City Baptist Church What is “Resources”? Resources is a separate website for our church body that contains information such as the directory, prayer requests, praises, & updates, announcements, and photos & videos.

How can I use this site? Resources has mobile site integration, making it perfect for looking up information such as a number in the directory when you are on the go. Prayer requests, praise reports, updates, & needs within the church body will also be posted frequently to keep you up-to-date as to how you can pray and serve. Photo galleries and videos from recent events will also be available for you to view and see how God is working at Garden City Baptist Church.

How do I access “Resources”? At www.resources.gardencitybaptist church.com.

As much of this information cannot be made public on the web, the pages on this site are password protected. The password to the site will change monthly and can be found in printed copies of The Link. The password entry will be required when you try to access a password protected section on the site (such as the directory). Once you enter the password one time on your device (computer, tablet, smart-phone) you will not be required to reenter it on that device for 30 days when visiting any page on the Resources website. After 30 days, you will need to re-enter the password, which will be a new password for next month.

We hope that this website and the church app will help you to connect and get engaged with what is going on at Garden City Baptist Church. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Elizabeth Turner at 843-798-0384 or at [email protected]

This month’s password is: connect

Church Conference Summary: 1.17.16 Nominating Committee presented the following names for position listed. Financial Secretary: Ollie Paul Ushers: Cliff Marcum Greeters: Joyce Anderson, Jean Beelendorf, Jodi Bridschge, Clara Davis, Karen Gray, Betty Jordan, Jeff and Cathy Still. Building & Grounds: Church Work Day - March 12th, 8am. All hands needed. Cleaning inside/outside.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Women's Ministry Singles Game Day Saturday, February 27 at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall we will meet to play games of your choice. Bring a game to play or just show up. Bring your drink and snacks will be provided. Sign-up sheet will be in the back foyer. For more info contact Barbara Rocke at 540-548-8641

AMMONS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND is accepting applications until April 17. “The purpose and objectives of the Endowment are to provide scholarships to individuals undertaking post-secondary or graduate education at an educational institution whose expressed purpose is to provide academic training in a Christian environment.” All applications are evaluated. Applications are available from the church office. Due to low interest rates, the amount available from the endowment for scholarships is also low. Please consider donating for scholarships to be used this year.

Caring Hearts . . . Caring for those who care for others. I am looking for volunteers to give care-givers a break from their duties. Just an hour or two so the caregiver can get a breath of fresh air, go to the grocery store or their own doctor appointment and not have to worry about their loved one. Also needed are people to deliver meals on Wednesday night to those in need or prepare a meal as needed to help the caregiver. This is an as-needed ministry. Also, if you know of anyone who has a need, please let us know. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve and let others know how much we care. Anyone interested can see Shirley Oesterle after church to discuss the details or call her at 843-748-0465.

Ladies Circle of Friends A relaxing time was had by all who attended the last meeting and made Sugar Scrubs to take home. But better than that they now have the recipe! There were 17 who came out in the cold weather, but we stayed warm and cozy in the Fellowship Hall. Our next Circle will be on Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30 p.m. Notice the time change, because we will be having soup and some desserts that night. There is time to sign up for more soup or dessert. There is no charge to come to Circle and we welcome all ladies of the church. We want to get to know you better. Gospel Body is still going good and we continue to meet, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 a.m. We enjoy exercising to a walking DVD with music and some awesome friends. So if you haven't given us a try come and see what friendships can be made while getting healthy. Heart to Heart Attention all ladies: The first group of heart to heart friends ended with a pot luck supper in the Fellowship hall in December. Twelve ladies now have a new friend that they know better than before they joined the program.

It is now time for the second group of heart to Heart. We will begin at the February Circle of Friends meeting. If you were in the first group, please come and meet another friend. If you did not participate the first time I encourage you to join this time and see what a blessing you get.

Sign-up forms are in the front foyer and side hall. Please complete a form and place it in the heart to Heart box next to the forms. For more information, contact Sandy Shell at 843-516-9998

Widow's Ministry We had a wonderful time of fellowship and delicious food at Red Lobster and we were delighted to have four new ladies to join us and we look forward to getting to know each other better in the coming months. On Saturday, February 20 we will celebrate Lorraine Sergeant's birthday at Damon’s Grill. We will meet at 12:30 p.m. to carpool. If you have any questions or suggestions please contact Pat Hample 843-748-0163 or 704-460-4056. And as always we give God all the glory and praise for all he is doing through this ministry.

WMU Happenings Attn: all ladies, please join us for our meeting on February 13 at noon at the home of Jewel Weaver, 1427 Bay Tree Lane, Surfside Beach. Jewel and Deena Langston are hosting the meeting and will provide the food. They request we bring a $1.00 instead of food. Please let me know if you plan to attend, so they will know how much food to prepare. Also, on Sunday, February 7 from 3-4:30 p.m. the WMU Associational meeting is being held at Maple Baptist Church in Conway. Pam Plunkett, president of the South Carolina WMU will speak on the focus of WMU. There is no charge, but donations will be taken for missions. Please let me know by February 1 so I can reserve seats for us. Call Pat Hamble at 843-748-0163 or 704-460-4056.

Priscilla Shirer Simulcast - God has a plan and a purpose for your life. With Priscilla's unique approach to teaching, encouraging, and prayer, you will be spiritually revived. This is a full day event on Saturday, April 23 we will depart the church parking lot at 7:00 a.m. Cost is $15 per person, paid at time of sign up, includes simulcast, transportation, and lunch. Contact Barbara Rocke to sign up.

Upscale Yard Sale planned for April 2. Start deciding now which of your belongings you can part with for a good cause. NO CLOTHING PLEASE! Due to lack of storage space, it is too early to bring items to the church. We will let you know when. If you have questions, call Joan Brewer at 803-467-4464.

New Members SHIRLEY, Doug & Donna Nathlar-Shirley, Cadence,

Skylar & Makinzie Stoll Rayne Stoll

ARCHER, Robert & Bonnie COPE, Doris BLACK, Mary

CLAMP, Jim & Martha COLLINS, Charlotte

HILL, Charlie & Donna LOCKABY, Connie

PRICE, Evans & Rose

We have a HUGE event coming up at our church in March! Do not miss out on our BLOCK PARTY. This is a great opportunity to invite people from your neighborhood for food, fun and fellowship. Our ultimate goal: point people to Jesus! For food we are having cook-out themed food. Alan and his team are going to grill some hot dogs and hamburgers. We will also have chips, drinks, and desserts. Bring your appetite! By way of fun, we are going to have two inflatables and a rock wall. I cannot wait to see you climb the big wall. And, of course, the good Baptists that we are, there will be plenty of fellowship to go around. Again, please invite your neighbors who are not connected with the church. We would love for them to come to this laid back event where they might feel a little more comfortable. Mark your calendars and see you March 19th.

Serving Him,

Jordan

Varina’s ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫ The past 6 ½ years were finally coming to a head. My eye pressure had sky rocketed, a thick cataract, a result of Shingle damage and medications, was covering my eye, and I had been declared legally blind. My eye surgery was scheduled and then had to be re-scheduled, due to an insurance issue, for Monday, January 18. After surgery the doctor said whatever vision was left wouldn’t occur for 7 to 8 weeks after surgery and hopefully the pressure would go down and stabilize.

During my follow-up visit, on Tuesday, January 19, my eye pressure was 17 and I had 20/20 vision. The doctor said what he was seeing was phenomenal. My response to that was “yes, it is phenomenal, but we know why. Lots and lots of prayer with the Lord answering with grace and mercy.”

My second follow-up visit my eye pressure was 12 and again I had 20/20 vision. “Amazing!” proclaimed my doctor. Yes, God is amazing and I am so very thankful for answered prayer! I thank each one of you who have prayed, cried with me, taken me to appointments when Tim had to work, sent cards, called, and visited with me. I ask for your continued prayers as I heal and then as I continue on this journey. Giving all the glory to God today and every day!

LADIES LUNCHEON—Friday, February 12 at 12:00 pm at the Original Valentino’s in Surfside Beach. It is directly across Highway 17 Business from the Surfside Post Office. Sign-up sheets are in the front foyer and side hall; indicate on the sheet whether you plan to meet at the church and carpool. Parking is limited. Please sign-up by February 7.

SOUTH STRAND HELPING HAND

Things are busy at Helping Hand as usual, and they are always looking for volunteers in three areas.

1. Interview clients as they come in and complete the application form. 2. Work in the pantry area, filling bags and putting donated food on the shelves. 3. Pick-up food from local stores.

To volunteer, call the director at 843-238-4594.

Last fall United Way built new shelves for the pantry area and added a door to the director’s office so she can have privacy when she talks to clients.

MOVIE NIGHT “The War Room” Saturday, February 6. Spaghetti Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 7 p.m. “The War Room “is a compelling drama with humor and heart that explores the power that prayer can have on marriages, parenting, careers, friendships, and every other area of our lives. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

SUNDAY SCHOOL This month I want to cite some reasons why Sunday Schools grow. Steve Parr is the author of “Sunday School That Really Works.” He gives 10 common practices of fast growing Sunday Schools; I will list a few.

• 98% of the fastest growing SS’s train their leaders• 96% viewed the importance of pastor support• 91% were assertive in sharing “The Great Commission”• 85% provided personal evangelism training for members• 83% were assertive in creating and launching new classes• 80% conducted organized weekly outreach --- DON’T LET THE MISSING SHEEP BECOME LOST SHEEP!!

I hope these are some things you will be thinking about when you attend Sunday School this Sunday.

SOLID GROUND STUDENT MINISTRY Winter is the dullest time of the year. Or so they say! As for our winter, we have a very busy schedule these next few months! Here are some exciting things going on this month:

“A Night in Paris”- February 13th- Fundraiser for Solid Ground Student Ministry sponsored by the Recreation Committee Come join us for a fun night for the whole family that will help support our student ministry. The money raised will go towards the updating of our audio/visual systems in the youth building so that we can be able to show media during youth group on Wednesday Nights. Spend the evening enjoying a French-style menu and ambiance, have your portrait drawn by a caricature, enjoy the fun of a photo booth, and bid on some great items in our silent auction. You will be able to enjoy a relaxing evening with table service from students in Solid Ground Student Ministry.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner served at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets 12 and under- $8.50 Seniors and Parents $10.00 Standard $12.00

To make a reservation, please call the office at 843-651-3663, or email [email protected]. AND tickets will be available to purchase in the front foyer before and after the worship service. We hope that you join us for this exciting event!

Also, this month our student ministry will be having a Lock-in/Lock-out. The girls will be having a lock-in, while the guys will be “locked out” and will be going camping. If you are the parent/grandparent/ guardian of a student, we encourage you to invite them to be a part of our student ministry. We might seem like a ministry that just does a lot of events, but more than that, we spend time teaching students the Word of God, in order to help them become followers of Jesus Christ and to grow in their relationship with Him. That is our purpose as a ministry.

Hunger hits close to home (Over 800,000 people go hunger each day in South Carolina)

YOU CAN HIT BACK!

On Sunday, February 7 make your donation as you leave worship service. The members of Solid Ground Student Ministry will be

available with soup pots to accept you donation. Everything goes to South Strand Helping Hand.