‘Great is thy faithfulness’

Lamentations 3:23

From The Pastor

Dear Gunpowder Family,

Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:14-21).

Time has a way of slipping away from us. Soon it will be Easter and it seems that we just put up the Christmas decorations. We are already making plans for summer vacations, mission trips and VBS. I know that life can rush past us and we hardly notice. What is the cure? How do we slow down the clock? Well I am not sure that we can. Time is relentless. We can however take a tip from God’s Word. I think a lot of the worry we have about time passing so quickly is based on the fact that we never seem to take the time to do the important things. Even when we do those important things (family, worship and spiritual growth) we are often so hurried and harried by the other things on our schedule that we are unable to enjoy and benefit from these aspects of our lives. We often have good intentions about using our time and effort more wisely and fruitfully but those intentions seldom seem to come to life. We must start NOW. Today, write down those things that are important to you and make time to do them. Live each day to its fullest and each moment as though it were a gift from God. Will you be able to accomplish everything that you want? Probably not, but God’s grace is sufficient for you. Live each minute of each hour of each day for Him. Then you will look forward to the passing of time rather than dreading it. Let’s do it together.

Your servant in Christ ,

Pastor Jack

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From the Associate Pastor

To Our Students and Parents,

Our Pastor shared with us on Sunday a challenging text, Luke 6:45, which states, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the devil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” As I reflected upon this passage during my quiet time with the Lord, I came across a wonderful Proverb! Proverbs 14:33 says, “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding. But what is in the heart of fools is made known.” In other words, those whose hearts are seeking after God find an outpouring of practical wisdom in their daily relationships and are seen as “mature”, “disciplined” or “discerning”, and those whose hearts are not seeking after God (hence the term foolish) find their lives expressing conduct or behavior that states “simple”, “untrained” or “foolish”!

Please mark off the Wednesday of April 4, 2007 as a Parent Forum in which I am requesting all parents to attend, during our regular “T-N-T” Bible Study! I need all parents to understand the value of this time and make it a priority. We will be studying the book of Ruth in April and our theme will be “The Power of Purity”! Please team with me and help our students to glorify God with the whole of their being.

Your A P,

Pastor Rob

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MISSION TRIP

GBC’s TNT 2007 Mission Trip

Plans are underway to prepare to change the world at Asheville, NC from July 7-14 with 32 participants. A list of those participants will be posted in the church so our congregation can start praying for those attending. This year we have 12 new first-timers going.

As always we appreciate the spiritual and financial support of our church family. One of the fund raisers we have in place is the paper recycle dumpster behind the church. All proceeds received will be used for the mission trip. You can continue to support this fund raiser by giving us your paper recycling items. If your household is like mine, you receive a lot of junk mail and what a better way to turn that junk into money for a worthy cause. We would like to thank Doug Walker for this idea. We also appreciate those who deposit coins and bills into the blue jar in the foyer of the church as this does add up.

In preparation for the mission trip, there are service projects we do for our own church families or community. Last year we helped Albert and Betty Cummings paint their garage roof and Martin Covington’s dad rebuild a back porch. If you know of someone in our church that needs help on a project, please let Pastor Rob, Jeff or me know. We will most likely tackle three projects.

Working for Him,

Sue Tracey

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Dear Church Family,

The Lord has truly blessed us with so many very special friends and we are most grateful for your support during these past few months. Your many prayers, cards, loving messages, telephone calls and food offers have been most uplifting and appreciated. We have felt the healing power of the Lord daily and know that in His time complete healing and strength will return to us. We especially want to thank Pastor Jack, Dana and Earl for their hospital visits and words of encouragement. The reassurance that God is indeed in control helped us get through some very dark moments. We are in prayerful gratitude to the Lord for all His mercy and love toward us.

In Christian Love,

Gordon & Arlene Keeney

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Dear Church Family,

Thank you!

What does this mean? To me it says love. I’ve never been at a loss for words, until now. I believe I received 79 get well cards during my recent surgery. Each one I felt was crafted by God. Ask my Mary, I cherished every one. I know this with all my heart, every card was bathed in prayer. This is what my heart says (not my words), what a man is – is what he (she) is on his knees before God. I would be remiss if I did not mention this. There were over 90 cards counting birthday cards. And there is no doubt, no one would send a card without prayer. Now, if all these people prayed, why can’t we get a few people to call to see what slots are open on the prayer wall? Many thanks and God bless each of you.

Bob, Mary, Bill and Cory Scheuerman

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SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Looking for a few good men and women with helping hands to assist in our social activities for the year of 2007.

Friend Day – June 3

Fall Festival – October 21

Christmas Dinner – December 2

Please contact Sue Norman or Joann Abbey if you are willing to serve in this ministry.

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KNIT WITS KNITTING CLASS UPDATE

Snow, sleet, freezing rain! Mother Nature has been busy handing us all three and has caused us to cancel several of our classes. That didn’t stop us though, we just busily knitted and pearled in the warm dry comfort of our own home. When we were able to meet together again, the knitted baby caps just poured in. As this goes to print, our count is very near 75 knitted baby caps.

These are headed for the premie and baby nurseries at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore. Several of our knitters are branching out and are now knitting baby blankets and sweaters. Aside from the fun and snacks, we have received numerous blessings.

First is meeting and getting to know Judy Baseman, a very talented teacher. She is so patient and kind to donate her time and knowledge of knitting to us.

Second, due to invitations from our church family, we have several members of the community who have joined us. In addition there are several more who come up here from Baltimore to knit with us.

Third, a special thank you to Mr. Donald Foster who generously donated a large bag of knitting yarn to our cause. For all of these blessings we are so thankful.

If you have any knitting yarn or knitting needles that you would like to donate, please place them in the basket under the counter in the main lobby. For any information please call “Knit Wit” Pat Elligson. Remember, it’s never too late to be a “Knit Wit”.

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Blood Drive

Loving Thy Neighbor

Some folks I know define “The Perfect Gift” as “Doing an Act of Kindness Without Getting Caught”. Suppose we could save our neighbor’s life and not get caught. Would that qualify? Absolutely!

The Red Cross has asked GBC to provide 30 units of life on Saturday, April 21 between 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Our gift will be distributed to area hospitals shortly thereafter. Depending on how the units are broken up, up to 90 lives will be touched by GBC. Be certain, the Red Cross and our area hospitals will do their part. Obviously, we have to do our part. Jesus never said loving our neighbor would happen without costing us something. Be prepared to spend up to 90 minutes with us as we love you through the process of saving a life.

There are numerous other way to contribute to the success of the mission. Join our Gunpowder team. Our primary objective is to show Jesus to our neighbors and the Red Cross. (1) If you can come to the prayer room and pray for our donors, the Red Cross and our volunteers, you are qualified to be on the team. (2) This is to be an “open drive”. Can’t give blood? Bring a neighbor – love them through the process of saving a life. You are qualified. (3) If you can smile, hand out refreshments and say, “thanks for helping save a life today”, you are qualified. (4) If you can dial a telephone and ask the person answering, “Would you like to save a life?” you are qualified. (5) More important than you can imagine, if you can sit with, care for and entertain children while their mom is donating, you are truly blessed and we need you. Moms that donate outnumber men that donate 2 to 1. (Ahem, brothers, it is a fact that really annoyed me to discover through experience and document) when child care is provided.

What say you? Love thy neighbor? I believe you want to. Here is one big opportunity. To sign up to donate or join the team; call us, email us or pull up Carol or me on Sunday morning. Please we need you and we really need to know now. I need to show love to the Red Cross by keeping them informed so they can size their team accordingly. Thank you and may God bless each of you.

Loving our neighbors with GBC,

Brian Hughes

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Keenagers

We had a wonderful time on Tuesday, March 14th with our “Gay Nineties” luncheon. Carol Haaversen did a great job of playing the piano and leading us in songs that were popular during that time. Thank you, Carol, for the wonderful music. Also, my grandson, Travis Bull, gave me a CD of old songs which we played while eating our delicious lunch. As usual we always have plenty of good food. Our group has been growing over the past few months and we are so glad to have them join us. Everyone is welcome to come and join us at our luncheons and also on our trips. Sometimes we do not know where we are going until the day of the trip but we always have a great time. On Thursday, March 22 nd, 13 of us went to Ryan’s in Hanover, PA for a delicious lunch and great fellowship.

Next month will be our Mystery Trip which only Pastor Jack knows where we will be going. We hope you will join us for a great time.

Your Keenager in Christ,

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – 2007

Vacation Bible School will be here before we know it. We will soon begin to ask you to help us out this year again. Please be in prayer and ask God where He wants you to serve. If you already know where God wants you to be, please call Barbara Bobbitt or Iris Singleton. The dates will be in June but the days have not been determined yet.

June will be here before we know it and we are in need of help. We need Directors for the following grades: Post K, and Grades 3 and 4. Please be in prayer about this and ask God where He would have you serve. Please call Barbara Bobbitt or Iris Singleton and volunteer t o help out. If you feel you can not be a director we also need help with teaching, recreation and helping out in each class. If you have not already called to volunteer you can be sure that Barbara or Iris will be calling you.

It’s going to be a great VBS again this year. The theme is “Game Day Central, Where Heroes are Made”. You will not want to miss out on this wonderful blessing.

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Children's Sunday School Department

Another month has come and gone. The weather has become beautiful. I hope everyday you take notice of god’s beautiful creation. The green grass, the blue skies, the warm sun and the flowers that are popping through the ground. God is so good. Remember to thank Him for all he has done.

This month we will learn about “The Savior”. The first week, “Jesus entered Jerusalem”. The second week, “Jesus was Resurrected”. The third week, “Jesus is Alive”, followed by “Jesus is Lord” and finally, “Jesus Served Others”. What an exciting month. Not only does the earth come alive, but we learn about how our Savior is alive! F Please join us for fun and learning. What a way to start spring. Jesus as your friend and helper. He is only a prayer away. Give Him a chance now. Remember Jesus is like Tide. He gets the stains out and makes you white as snow!

Make plans now to join us on May 12 th as we will travel to Hanover for a game of miniature golf. The high scorer and low scorer will win a prize. We will have lunch to end the day. Any questions, call Joan Krebs. Please RSVP if you are coming along. Thank you for allowing me to serve our awesome God.

God’s servant,

Joan Krebs

Director

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Our Ladies Sunday School Class

On March 4 th, we completed our study of the entire book of Isaiah which we began October 20 th, 2005. There were so many beloved scriptures in this book. It was like meeting up with an old cherished friend at every burn. We would like to share some of them.

Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 40:30-31, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Isaiah 44:6, “Thus says the Lord, I am the First and I am the Last: besides Me there is no other God.”

Isaiah 49:16, “I will not forget you, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.”

Isaiah 53:3-7, “He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief … but He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by HIS STRIPSE WE ARE HEALED … He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth.”

Isaiah 55:8, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:10-11, “For as the rain comes down and the snow from the heaven and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seek do the sower and bread to theater, so shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth, it shall not return to Me voice, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You are the Potter, and all we are the work of your Hand.”

Luke 4:16-17, “Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He opened to book, He found the place where it was written (Isaiah 61:1-2), The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Luke 4, 20, 21, 28, 30, “Then He closed the book and gave it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” So all those in the synagogue when they heard these things were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city … then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

We hope that this visit to these precious passages from the Word of God blesses you.

Bev Jensen

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CHILDREN’s SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPT - MINIATURE GOLFING

May 12 th, 2007 (Rain Date May 19)

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center

Hanover, PA

Leave church at 10:00 a.m., return at 2:00 p.m.

Prize for high and low score

Lunch provided – pizza, French fries, soda and ice cream

I need 7 adults to attend and 21 children

Cost will be:

Adults: $9.75

Children: $8.00

Please RSVP to Joan Krebs by April 28th

God’s Blessings,

Joan Krebs

Children’s Department Director

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Children's Church Schedule

Nursery Worker Schedule

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Adult_Sunday_School_Department

Saying goodbye is not easy, sometimes it’s even emotional. But I must say goodbye! Goodbye Winter! Just as we look forward to new flowers, baby animals and green healthy grass growing tall (ok, that’s really just for Jeff who wishes that), this is a great time of year to get out of your shell too, and invite a neighbor or friend to visit Sunday School with you. Maybe they aren’t sold on the whole formula church worship thing, or maybe they are new to the neighborhood, maybe they are in a church that isn’t Christ-centered. Whatever! Let the Spirit of God lead you. Pray about it and then take that step of FAITH and get out of your comfort zone, and share with someone you care about how Sunday School makes a difference in your life. Learning about God is something they will love.

NINE INNINGS-SUNDAY SCHOOL and YOUTH MISSION

Beginning April 1 st through May 27 th, nine Sundays, each Sunday school class will be competing to collect the most money for the Summer Youth Mission Trip. Rules will be distributed to each Sunday School Director and Teacher. All classes will have the opportunity to participate. Each Sunday will be considered an inning, and we will see which class wins the prize. The prize will be delivered to that Sunday School class on June 10, 2007. All monies will be used to offset the cost for the GBC Youth mission trip this summer. The bulletin board will be used to track the progress.

I’m still in the market for helpers to work on Louise Copenhaver’s team in the nursery and other classes for small children. If you can donate one month of Sunday’s a year, please let me know.

Again, a reminder about the partitions. Please bear with us as we get dusty while the trustees work toward getting soundproof in some of the Sunday School classes. Your gift toward these Partitions are other building repairs can be placed in your offering envelope and marked “building fund”.

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul.” Proverbs 2:10

Ginny Thompson

Sunday School Superintendent

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Prayer Ministry

Watchman Prayer Ministry - “Intercessors”

Dear Church Family,

The number of emergency prayers is 5. I am not sure of this number. One thing is for sure, people are praying for those who have a need. This has been a very special verse of mine. Isaiah 62:6-7, “On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; all day and all night they will not be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest for yourselves; and give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” I’ve repeated this request untold times over the years. Hopefully this will be the fulfilling year. Just a reminder, the last intercessory prayer before ending your half hour on the wall should be for the watchman who follows you. Amen. His or her name is not important. The Lord knows.

Duties of the Watchman: One duty, the presence of the watchman stationed around the walls constantly reminded all in the city that they belonged to God. By shouting scripture and repairing the broken places, they daily confronted the people with the promise of God’s protection and love.

This is why we are commanded to pray around the clock; the Bible indicates the watchman were present “all day and all night” (Isaiah 62:6). The watchmen made continuous intercession on behalf of all the people. The fact that their voices were constantly heard assured the people in the city that they had to “set a watch” to mark the time an to show that they were constantly attentive to their duties. Constant intercession in our midst will encourage those who are going through difficult times, because they know thee watchman is being faithful to make petitions on behalf of the people.

Do you know why this is important? (To those who are blessed with prayer being answered, for a loved one, a broken heart, a need of comfort, compassion, healing, grief, for whatever reason, they can say thank you Lord, for those who made sure there were no cracks in the wall. How do you spell love? Intercessor!

Satan to his saints: Don’t worry, they never get watchman for their gates. We only need one crack.

Watchman: Our people and our families

Are they protected?

Can you or will you close an open gate?

Watchman, your last prayer before ending your half hour on the wall should be for the watchman who is following you.

Prayerfully,

Bob Scheuerman

Prayer Coordinator

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Women's Ministry

Community-Wide Ladies’ Event

Gunpowder Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

Mission Project – Learn to Knit and hear about an organization called “Stitches of Love” which will give you more motivation to learn how to knit

WOMEN’S MISSION KNITTING NOTES

“Knit one, pearl one, knit one, pearl one; am I doing this right?” This has been the conversation heard from our class room the past few knitting lesson nights. However, we are doing well.

Just take a look at the hallway bulletin board and check out the Preamie caps we have completed so far.

We have chosen a name for our knitters. We are the “GBC Knit Wits”. We invite you to join us. It is never too late to be a “knit wit”. For more information, please call Pat Elligson or Iris Singleton

Please sign up on the sheet provided in the church lobby, or by calling Mary Hamrick at 410.357.0658 or Conchita Whitaker at 410-218-4131.

Stitches of Love is a community outreach program that provides for infants, and young children where babies are born into difficult circumstance or born prematurely, including those families where tragic, early termination takes place. Stitches of Love also strives to meet the needs where other means are not accessible by providing:

Afghans, quilts and blankets for newborns, Matching caps, Toddler or sibling blankets, Burial clothing for preemies too weak to sustain life or stillborn babies, Fetal bereavement clothing, Layettes, Isolette Covers,

Sweaters, Dolls, Chemo caps

All items are provided at no cost to the recipients. Stitches of Love presently support 45 hospitals, pregnancy centers and safe houses located in several states.

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Next Ladies Events:

A Ladies Tea – Fit for a King

Saturday, April 14, 2007

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Gunpowder Baptist Church

Please join us for tea, tasty treats, testimony and inspiration song.

You will be blessed by the ladies who will be sharing from their heart.

Semi formal – bring a friend!

RSVP Ginny Thompson

Gunpowder Baptist Church will have a Ladies Tea. PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. We will begin at 3:00 p.m. sharp. Hopefully this does not change your ability to attend. There will be many ways that I need your help. Some ladies can set a table; some prefer to provide tea sandwiches or desserts. Maybe there are CDs, decorations, candle holders, silk flower arrangements, or tea pots that you can lend. If you can help set up, serve tables, or park cards, I NEED you.

Thanks to a generous soul, there are some upscale invitations that you can give to a friend or neighbor. If you would like some of those, please let me know how many you need and I will see that you get them.

Our special guests include some familiar names, and some new friends. The current program includes Vicki Hash, Cindy Hutson, Amanda Matthews and children’s book author, Patty Zemanick. Patty will have books with her that guests can purchase for $14.95 each, and she will be glad to sign your book. If you’ve already purchased A Walk With Papa, bring your book to the tea and Patty will sign it then. If you would like to purchase an advance copy of the book, please contact me or Mary Hamrick.

Call me if you have questions. Please return the slip below with your name, how you would like to help, let me know if you need additional invitations or details. If there is an area I’ve totally missed, please bring that to my attention. This is my first TEA as hostess so I definitely need coaching!

You are encouraged to invite all the “sisters” you’ve met along the way. Invite your neighbors, classmates, relatives, even your hair dresser. Everyone will be encouraged to dress-up. If you have a dress hanging in your closet, that only gets worn when you are invited to a ball or to the White House, then now is the time to dust if off, and get it out of your closet. Wear a cool hat, get gussied up, have fun with it!

Table sponsors still open for tables of 4 or 6. And, what you ask, would that mean? Ladies who “sponsor” a tea table would have the pleasure of:

Setting the table with table cloth, linens, centerpiece, china, flatware, glasses, or whatever else you like. The color and “theme” would be whatever you like. You can collaborate with a friend if you like. Each table will be a unique experience.

You will set at your table on the 14 th, and you can invite friends to join you, or you can open you table up to other ladies who will be guests of the church.

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Women’s Fall Retreat

Friday and Saturday

November 9-10, 2007

Spinners of Hershey

Hershey, PA

Cost: $60 to share a bed

$80 for your own bed

Theme: Soaring Like Eagles

Details are being finalized for the Women’s Fall Retreat. Special music, speaker, testimony, meals will be uplifted to God in prayer for His will to be fulfilled. Please make plans to attend. God would love for you to join us! Let’s celebrate God’s blessings, love, comfit and even strength with each other, especially with Him. Let us all “Soar Like Eagles”.

More information in August. Sign up sheet in September. I pray you will join us for a time of fun, fellowship and spiritual uplifting.

Prayerfully yours,

Joan Krebs

Retreat Coordinator

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April Birthdays & Anniversaries

Anniversaries 2 Bill & Dottie Hughes 2 Rick & Diane Ivey 10 Paul & Marie Hallameyer 12 Joe and Pam Kernan 18 Mark and Karen Danmyer 27 Ron & Dori Morrell 30 Joe & Cindy Riley

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Our New Members

Wendy and Lee Wallick joined our church family by baptism on February 25, 2007. Wendy is employed by AAI Corporation and enjoys following her children’s high school sports, watching sports and movies, swimming and gardening. She is married to Barry and has two children – Christine and Lee.

Lee is in the 11th grade and enjoys soccer, softball and music.

If you have not met the Wallick’s, please introduce yourself and make them feel welcome to our church family.

TAYLOR SINGLETON was baptized into our church family on March 4th. She now has moved to Ruffin, NC with her family. She is the daughter of Jeff and Michelle Singleton.

Taylor enjoys horseback riding, taking care of her dogs and rabbits and being outside riding her bicycle with her sister, Gabi.

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CONGRATULATIONS ON NEW BABY

Congratulations to Randy and Michelle Swope on the birth of their fourth daughter, Emily Faye Swope, born on March 6 th, weighing 7 lbs 12 ounces and 20 inches long. Emily was given her middle name, Faye, after her Grandma Brenda. She has three older sisters, Jessica, Katie and Lauren. She also has a very proud Grandpa Richard.

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