Torrance First Baptist Church the Proclaimer the Proclaimer the Proclaimer the Proclaimer November 2010 Volume 23 Issue 11 Inside this issue: The Pastor’s Heart Reflections We Get Mail New Sunday School Loaves & Fishes Hiking Ministry Baby Shower Crux Ministries Take & Bake Men’s Breakfast Beacon Light Isaiah Scroll Display Daylight Savings Sonseeker’s Christmas Just for Kids Calendar Singles’ Ministry TFB Academy Seniors & Friends Global Outreach Shoebox Ministry Bereavement Attendance & Giving Fall Festival Reminder 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 Proclaimers also available for viewing and printing on-line: www.torrancefirstbaptist.org Don’t forget to keep your photo appointment for our new church directory. If you haven’t made your appointment, November 2-6 is your last chance. Call the church office to see if there are any slots left to set up a time for you to have your picture taken by Lifetouch. Family portraits will be sent out by the end of November. Each family will get an 8x10 portrait and a church directory FREE of charge. Our Church Family Directory won’t be complete without you. Only a short time left to sign up. and Give Thanks Thanksgiving Potluck & Thanksgiving Potluck & Thanksgiving Potluck & Thanksgiving Potluck & Dessert ~ November 21 Dessert ~ November 21 Dessert ~ November 21 Dessert ~ November 21 Everyone is invited to meet in the gym on Sunday, November 21, at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate and give thanks to the Lord for our many blessings. This is also a time when your church staff gives thanks not only to the Lord but also to you for our many blessings because of your presence and service here at Torrance First Baptist Church. To show our appreciation, the staff will be providing and serving dessert. Those with last names beginning with A-M, please bring a main dish; N-Z, please bring a salad. Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday November 6 November 6 November 6 November 6 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. We are counting on YOU to help with cleaning, repairs, painting, etc. here at Torrance First Baptist where we worship the Lord. We thank you for your past support in making this day such a great success and thank you in advance for your future support. Lunch will be provided!!
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Transcript
Torrance First Baptist Church
the Proclaimerthe Proclaimerthe Proclaimerthe Proclaimer
Don’t forget to keep your photo appointment for our new church directory. If you haven’t made your appointment, November 2-6 is your last chance. Call the church office to see if there are any slots left to set up a time for you to have your picture taken by Lifetouch. Family portraits will be sent out by the end of November. Each family will get an 8x10 portrait and a church directory FREE of charge.
Our Church Family Directory won’t be complete without you.
Only a short time left to sign up.
and
Give Thanks
Thanksgiving Potluck &Thanksgiving Potluck &Thanksgiving Potluck &Thanksgiving Potluck & Dessert ~ November 21Dessert ~ November 21Dessert ~ November 21Dessert ~ November 21
Everyone is invited to meet in the gym on Sunday, November 21, at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate and give thanks to the Lord for our many blessings. This is also a time when your church staff gives thanks not only to the Lord but also to you for our many blessings because of your presence and service here at Torrance First Baptist Church. To show our appreciation, the staff will be providing and serving dessert. Those with last names beginning with A-M, please bring a main dish; N-Z, please bring a salad.
SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday November 6November 6November 6November 6
9 a.m. until 4 p.m.9 a.m. until 4 p.m.9 a.m. until 4 p.m.9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
We are counting on YOU to help with cleaning, repairs, painting, etc. here at Torrance First Baptist where we worship the Lord. We
thank you for your past support in
making this day such a great success
and thank you in advance for your
future support.
Lunch will be provided!!
First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 2
by Pastor Rog
With that in mind, I would like to share with you three principles that are essential for our spiritual growth that I first read in an article by Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church.
Spiritual growth must be
intentional. Spiritual growth is not automatic with the passing of time. In Hebrews 5:12 we read, “…though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.” Many Christians have grown older without growing up. For anyone to grow they must want to grow, decide to grow, and make an effort to grow. Discipleship begins with a decision.
Becoming like Christ is
the result of the commitments
we make. Without a commitment to grow, any growth that occurs will be incidental rather than intentional. Spiritual growth that leads to maturity begins with the kind of commitment described in Romans 6:13: “…give yourselves
Dear Church Family, The Bible tells us that if we are wanting to hear from our Lord, He most definitely will speak to us. The concern here is “Are we listening?” As we study the Old Testament, it is alarming to see how closely God’s Church of today parallels the Nation of Israel
Pastor Charlie
Each Person Helping Others
Passionately Pursue Jesus Christ “If you keep doing what you
are doing, you will keep getting
what you are getting. Can you live
with that?” That is a great question. Over the last few years I have pondered this in regards to my spiritual life. The truth is if I am spiritually stagnant, then I must change something or I will continue to be stagnant. If I am complacent, if I have little passion for the Lord, if I am not reaching out to my co-worker or neighbor with the gospel, then something must change with what I am doing or not doing or nothing will change.
completely to God – every part of you – for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God to be used for His good purposes.”
Spiritual growth is not a
private matter. We do not grow in isolation from others. Over and over again in the New Testament, we find this basic truth: Believers need relationships with each other to grow! Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” God intends for us to grow up in a family. It is impossible for you and I to grow to spiritual maturity unless we get intentional and committed about our spiritual growth. And unless we openly and lovingly help each other grow. Our Mission printed in our bulletin says: “Helping people become fully devoted followers of Christ.” These three principles are key to us fulfilling that ideal. Serving Christ together,
Pastor Charlie
in years gone by. Like Israel, the Church is still abundantly blessed of God. He continues to make His will
known to His people through the Word. He answers our prayers by His grace. He continually watches out for us and ministers to our needs. On the other hand, like Israel, the Church (especially here in America) has not followed after the
Lord as closely as she should have. Through unbelief, laziness and just plain disobedience, we have created our own “idols” which rob us of our love and devotion to
We will be serving traditional holiday meals for our November and December hot meals (on the first Saturdays of those months) for the needy: ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, yams, peas, cranberry sauce, stovetop dressing, “angel” eggs, and desserts. We would like donations for the listed items. Also we need volunteers to cook the turkeys. For Christmas, we would like to give out hygiene items to the adults and toys to the children. We are in need of all of these items. If you would like to participate, please call Linda at 310/328-5371. Items needed by November 1 for Thanksgiving and November 29 for Christmas. Thank you!
Saturday,Saturday,Saturday,Saturday, November 20November 20November 20November 20
Look for more details in your bulletins.
Dear Congregation, Thank you for donating 305 backpacks! What a blessing you have been to many needy children in our community through our backpack ministry. Your participation truly touched our hearts and greatly affirmed the work we do here through Love INC. It was such a blessing to the children whose parents were unable to purchase the supplies they needed to go back to school. You’re amazing and a big part of the Love INC success story that helped over 1900 children this year. . . . Many of the children live in shelters or foster homes and others belong to the families who call our Clearinghouse. The need was great . . . and it was so rewarding to see each of you giving from your heart . . . . In His service, Cecilia Montijo Love INC South Bay
A New Sunday A New Sunday A New Sunday A New Sunday School ClassSchool ClassSchool ClassSchool Class
Elective:Elective:Elective:Elective: “Tactics in Defending
the Faith”
Begins November 7
at 10:45 a.m.
Are you tired of finding yourself flat-footed and intimidated in conversations about your faith and values? Do you want to increase your confidence and skill in discussions, no matter to whom you are talking? This new video and discussion course will teach you specific skills to help: initiate conversations effortlessly; expose faulty thinking graciously and effectively; and present the truth clearly and persuasively. These techniques are useful for all walks of life. If you talk to people, you’ll benefit from “Tactics.”
Sign up in the patio.
Baby ShowerBaby ShowerBaby ShowerBaby Shower for Candace (Laxa) MacInnes
Saturday, November 13
1:00 p.m.
All ladies are invited to join us in the annex. For more details and to RSVP,
call Edith at 310/830-1545 or 310/938-0553.
Baby Shower
To My Church Family, Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday party you gave to me. I was astounded...flabbergasted... thrilled to my toes!! Who says get-ting old is bad?! God bless you one
TO OUR SHUTTO OUR SHUTTO OUR SHUTTO OUR SHUT----INSINSINSINS
The holiday season, which is so joyful to many, is actually a time of sadness for those who are shut-in and alone. We are encouraging you to participate in our 2nd annual “Operation Bake and Take.” You may bake cookies (frozen cookie dough will be available at the church for your convenience) and take them to a shut-in. Can’t bake...no problem. The visit is the most important part of this gift. Please consider spreading holiday cheer by visiting one of our shut-ins during the month of November and/or December. If this is something that the Lord would have you do, please stop by the Outreach Table in the patio beginning November 7 to sign up, pick up cookie dough (if needed) and get helpful instructions.
Men’s BreakfastMen’s BreakfastMen’s BreakfastMen’s Breakfast November 20November 20November 20November 20
9 a.m. in the annex9 a.m. in the annex9 a.m. in the annex9 a.m. in the annex
���� For all men (Jr. High age and up) �Great food for donation of $5
Sign up in the patio
or call Bill Harenburg, 310/534-4439, for more info.
Friday, November 26 11:30 am to 7:30 pm
Once again we will be joining dozens of other volunteers to
prepare shoeboxes for children around the world. Eat ahead of time or bring a sack lunch. In addition, bring some money for a dinner stop after our service time. Space is limited to 25 people and you must be 13 years old to participate. Release forms are available in the Revive HS room at TFB.
Jr. High Ministries has set out on a Quest for Truth. We are in a series that challenges students to focus on finding Christ in everyday life (friends, family, popularity, knowledge, service, etc.) Our goal is to awaken Jr. Highers to the reality of Christ in our “walk.” Accepting His omnipresence and embracing His promises are all part of a journey of
faith leading to His truth. We, as a youth group, pray that we can reach beyond the stained-glass windows and out to our friends and peers in surrounding areas, to find the Lord and see His love. The Lord is putting the Gospel into these students’ lives and entrusting them to be the light to this world, in words and deed.
First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 5
Thanksgiving
Food Items Needed
For Beacon Light Mission
525 North Broad Avenue
Wilmington, CA 90744
310/830-7063
Turkeys (20 lbs. or larger) 10 each Large canned hams 3 each Mrs. Cubbison’s Dressing 12 boxes Instant Mashed Potatoes (largest box) 5 each Whole Milk (gallon jugs) 4 each Ranch Dressing (gallon jugs) 3 each Swanson’s Chicken broth (3-lb. Can) 8 each Poultry seasoning (large jar) 1 each Olives (black & green) 5 cans Cranberry Sauce 5 cans Corn Starch 2 boxes Celery 8 bunches Onions (brown or white) 15 lbs. Carrots 15 lbs. Salad Mix (large bags) 10 bags
Donations for Thanksgiving should be there
4 days prior to Thanksgiving.
Remember the Homeless
The Great The Great The Great The Great Isaiah Scroll onIsaiah Scroll onIsaiah Scroll onIsaiah Scroll on Display at BiolaDisplay at BiolaDisplay at BiolaDisplay at Biola
Biola University is hosting a fantastic replica of the “Great Isaiah Scroll” which is the most impressive and significant of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The original scrolls have deteriorated significantly since their removal from the dry climate of the Dead Sea region. This facsimile, however, is recreated from prized photographs taken in 1948 to preserve these ancient works. It is noted for its exquisite appearance, capturing the essence of the original document not only in look, but in feel, from the detailed hand-stitching and staining to the evident wear and tear. This is a free exhibit in Biola’s Calvary Chapel which will be held through December 15 (Thanksgiving Holiday excluded), Monday through Thursday only.
Great Isaiah Scroll, Thomas J. Finley, Ph.D., Professor of O.T. and Semitics (Talbot School of Theology, Biola University) December 14, 7-8:30 p.m. ~ The Suffering Servant
in the Great Isaiah Scroll, Scott Moffatt, Sr. Pastor, Legacy Church of Orange County; Adjunct Professor of History, Biola University & Fullerton College
All lectures will be held in Calvary Chapel Auditorium, Biola University
13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 562/903-6000
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour on Saturday night, November 6.
Mark Your Calendar forMark Your Calendar forMark Your Calendar forMark Your Calendar for
December 5December 5December 5December 5
KIDS Just for
yellow
First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 6
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
1
2
7p Lauran Bethell
Circle
3
4
10:30a Tracy
Asanuma Circle
5
Annex reserved
all day for Loaves
& Fishes
6
9a All-church W
ork
Day [until 4 p.m
.]
11a Loaves &
Fishes
7
Daylight Savings
Ends
10:45a New
S.S.
Elective
“T
act
ics”
begins
8
9
7p GO Comm.
7p Ad Ops Comm.
10
11
7p Beacon Light
7p C.E. Comm.
12
12 noon Srs. &
Friends Potluck
13
1p Baby Shower
For Candice (Laxa)
MacInnes
6:30p Singles’
Gam
e Night
14
5p Prayer
Gathering
15
16
6p Committees:
F, F, O, W
7p Deacon/
Deaconess Boards
17
18
9a Srs. & Friends
to Palm Springs
9:15a BSF
Sem
inar
19
20
9a Men’s Breakfast
21
5p Giving Thanks
Potluck
22
23
24
25
Office Closed
Happy
Thanksgiving
26
Office Closed
11a Crux to
Operation
Christmas Child
27
6:30p Singles’
Dinner Out
7p Open Volley-
ball; Share/Care
28
5p Prayer
Gathering
29
30
First Baptist P
rocl
aim
er —
Page 7
Worship Services:
9:15 &
11 a.m
.
Worship &
Witness: 6 p.m
. [except 11/21]
Adult Sunday School: 8:15
9:15, 10:45 &
11 a.m
. Children’s Church: 9:15 a.m
.
Patio Fellowship: 10:30 a.m
.
Children &
Youth S.S.: 11 a.m
. New
Covenant Children’s S.S.: 11 a.m
. New
Covenant (K
orean) Wrshp: 12:45 p.m
. New
Covenant (K
orean) Fellowship: 2 p.m
. NeX
us College Gathering: 6 p.m
.
Monday
Ladies’ Prayer: 11 a.m
.
Open Basketball: 6:30 p.m
.
Tuesday
BSF Leaders: 9:15 a.m
.
High School Revive: 7 p.m
.
Bible Study: 7:30 p.m
.
Wed
nesday
BSF: 9:15 a.m
.
BIG
: 6:30 p.m
.
Jr. High QUEST: 6:30 p.m
.
Small Group Bible Study: 6:45 p.m
.
Choir Practice: 7 p.m
. Life of Jesus Bible Study: 7 p.m
. New
Covenant (K
orean) Bible Study: 8 p.m
. Thursday
Ladies’ Bible Study: 2 pm. [except 11/25]
Worship Band Practice: 6:30 p.m
.
[except 11/25]
Chess Club, 6:30 p.m
[except 11/25]
Friday
Ladies meet @ Denny’s for Bkfst.: 9 a.m
. Saturd
ay
New
Covenant (K
orean) Prayer: 6 a.m
. MasterLife Bible Study: 8-10 a.m
.
Recurring W
eekly Events:
Sunday
First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 8
Enjoy Time with the Singles’ FellowshipEnjoy Time with the Singles’ FellowshipEnjoy Time with the Singles’ FellowshipEnjoy Time with the Singles’ Fellowship Please invite anyone of any age to join us.
Game Night ~ Saturday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. ~ Meet at Bob & Della Andrew’s, 17020 Daphne in Torrance. Call 310/901-0816 for directions.
Dinner Night ~ Saturday, November 27, 6:30 p.m. ~ Meet at Hometown Buffet, 3520 Carson Street (behind Del Amo Mall).
What is Behind What is Behind What is Behind What is Behind a Holistic Life a Holistic Life a Holistic Life a Holistic Life of Trust?of Trust?of Trust?of Trust? by Laura Springer, M.Div., Th.M. http://tfbacademy.blogspot.com/ Originally published Sept 3, 2009 on
http://lauraswritings.blogspot.com
For questions, suggestions, or more information, call Brenda-Jean Shephard, 310/901-0816.
Holistic: Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. [1]
Body and soul function together.
I am the immediate whole.
Yahweh, creator of the universe, is ultimate
and everything is understood in relation to him.
So,
the body is contingent,
needy,
yet living toward a glorious purpose,
though dust comes first,
but even then,
I am safe.
the soul,
realizing its relation to the Creator, the Holy One,
We will leave the church at 9:00 a.m. and drive to Palm Springs to once again enjoy the Palm Springs Follies. The Crystals, widely regarded as one of the defining "girl groups" of the 1960s, will be performing. We will get back to TFB at around 8:00 p.m. The cost for this trip is $55.00 per person.
Torrance Police Department and
Torrance Community Services
Department
Present:
Seniors, Don’t Be Seniors, Don’t Be Seniors, Don’t Be Seniors, Don’t Be Scammed!Scammed!Scammed!Scammed!
Street Scams & Pigeon Drops
Tuesday, November 16 ~ 10 a.m.
Seniors, caregivers, family & friends are
invited to learn about the latest scams at the
Katy Geissert Civic Center Library
Community Meeting Room
3301 Torrance Blvd., Torrance
Light refreshments will be served.
For more information contact T.P.D. Community Affairs at 310/618-5735
or visit our website at: www.police.torranceca.gov
December 4 (Saturday)December 4 (Saturday)December 4 (Saturday)December 4 (Saturday) Victorian Christmas at the Banning MuseumVictorian Christmas at the Banning MuseumVictorian Christmas at the Banning MuseumVictorian Christmas at the Banning Museum
We will leave the church at 10:30 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. In addition to tours of the Museum, you will enjoy free transport on a horse-drawn trolley between the Museum and Drum Barracks Civil War Museum as well as specially planned old-fashioned activities. Visit the Stage Coach Barn for Victorian-style crafts, enjoy strolling Victorian entertainment and complimentary cookies and hot cider. The cost is $5/person plus money for lunch that will be available for purchase in the sunken patio.
Friday, November 12Friday, November 12Friday, November 12Friday, November 12 12:00 noon12:00 noon12:00 noon12:00 noon
Join us at 12:00 noon for our final potluck of 2010. We will celebrate the upcoming holidays. Turkey, ham,
drinks and dessert will be provided. Sign up in the patio to bring a complementary side dish to share.
Worshippers! How glorious it is to be a worshipper! It is even more so to have a community of believers worshipping God in their language, lifting up songs of praise and love. It is so exciting to be among worshippers of another nation or people group who are singing familiar (and non-familiar) hymns. Pray that these believers will be grounded in the Word and receive wisdom and knowledge to understand God’s calling upon their hearts, that their family and friends will see the change in them as they become more like Christ. Please choose a particular day and time in which you will commit to praying for these groups (of which you are a part), that you may be a blessing to them. If you want more information about the ones we support, please contact Neville Hardy, Glen Dodd, Karla or Michael Gaines, or Dee Gonzales. We are praying for you.
First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 10
TFB Global OutreachTFB Global OutreachTFB Global OutreachTFB Global Outreach by Dee and the G. O. Committee
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’
Then I said, ‘Here am I, send me!’ He said,
‘Go and tell this people...’” (Isaiah 6:8).
Missionary Praying, Part 2
We continue in our encouragement of “Missionary Praying.” Each week in the bulletin you see the name or ministry of a few Global Outreach teams that we support. Do you wonder how or what you should pray for? In Romans 10:14-15, Paul talks about 5 groups of people we can pray for that are active in the global outreach process – senders, goers, hearers, believers and worshippers. Last month we focused on the senders and the goers. This month we will focus on the hearers, believers & worshippers. How do you gather hearers? Although the ministry teams are eager to share the gospel, one cannot always gather a crowd on a village street corner in a land that prohibits Christianity. Our goers must be selective in who they invite to meetings/events, and Satan will attempt to thwart the Word from being heard. Pray that he will be defeated, that every man, woman and child will have the chance to hear the Word, and that their ears and hearts will be open to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Sometimes believers face a difficult time after making a decision because of family/tribal tradition. They can be killed, disowned, divorced, or beaten. Please pray for fellow believers that they will be strengthened and the Word of God will fall on fertile ground not to be choked out by weeds or dried up by the heat. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5.
Shoe BoxesShoe BoxesShoe BoxesShoe Boxes This ministry sends shoeboxes filled with gifts to needy children around the world. You can help by filling a shoebox with small new toys, hard candy, hygiene items (toothpaste/brush, low-scent soap in separate zip-lock bag), school supplies, etc. You may pick up an empty, wrapped shoebox in the patio or you may wrap it yourself. You can also pick up a brochure giving details about what to put in your box and what not to put in. Samaritan’s Purse is asking for $7 per box to cover shipping costs.
Deadline is: November 7
First Baptist Proclaimer — Page 11
Him. (We must remember that if we place anything before God, it can easily become an “idol.”) It is amazing how the attitudes of self-sufficiency, prestige, and self-fulfillment can absorb our time and energy if we are not careful. The Nation of Israel had these same problems. She was always too busy with that which concerned self and took too little time for those things which would nurture her walk with the Lord. Now, what did the Lord do to help His people find their way back to Him? He sent prophets who were faithful to speak of His Word and will. Some listened but sadly, most did not. The Nation of Israel is still not listening today. Today, the Lord is again speaking to His people . . . the Church. The Holy Spirit is speaking to our hearts seeking to draw us back to the Lord . . . but again, too many are not listening. We know from the study of God’s Word that He often speaks quietly to our hearts. For example, consider how He spoke to Elijah in 1 Kings 19. When Elijah finally became quiet before the Lord, he heard God’s voice. Yes, it was as the sound of a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). Elijah knew the voice of the Lord for he had heard it before and now he realizes that he needs to hear it again. Dear people, so do we. As Elijah listened to the Lord, he discerned God’s will for his life . . . God’s protection for his life . . . and God’s encouragement for his life. Yes, as Elijah listened, he also obeyed. May we all do the same. Please know this . . . if you have invited the Lord Jesus into your life, He is speaking to you. Oh, may we all get alone with Him so that we, too, may hear His “still small” voice. Yes, it is in the quietness that we hear Him speak and are enabled to discern His will and way for our lives. Seeking to hear Him,
Pastor Rog
(Continued from page 2)
Please pray for those who have recently lost loved ones:
Former TFB member, Roberta Parvin, mother of Kym (Parvin) DuPont, is now with the Lord.
Janet Perdue lost her daughter-in-law, Sue.
Dina Gonzales, long-time TFB member, beloved wife of Ralph, mother of Dee and RaeLynn (Dan Rollino); grandmother of Joy (Joe Bailey), Christian (Jamie), P. J., and Nikki Rollino; and great-grandmother of Christy & Chad Bailey (all members or attendees of TFB)
and many other progeny, is now in the arms of Jesus.
The Proclaimer is a monthly publication of the First Baptist Church of Torrance, California, located at 2118 West Carson Street (6 blocks east of Crenshaw). Sunday services: 9:15 a.m. Worship Gathering (contemporary Service); 11:00 a.m. Blended Service (with Sunday School for all ages); and 6:00 p.m. Evening Service. Mid-week events for children and students: High School Revive;
Jr. High Quest; and Big for children.
For more information, contact the church office: 310.328.5030 or [email protected]. Or visit us on the web at www.torrancefirstbaptist.org