Teen News

Wednesday Night Teen Time

The new year has begun and some very exciting things have already taken place with the teens. Last year we averaged around 38 teens on a Wednesday night. but as I have mentioned before, not all were coming to seek God’s face. This year we are averaging about 26; to say that all of them are coming to seek God’s face would be a little presumptuous on my part, but the mood is different. Ask any leader and they will tell you that it just feels right. What is it that feels right? We have asked the Holy Spirit to have free reign to move freely on Wednesday nights and He is doing just that (Hallelujah).

In the last month we have one new brother and one new sister who have claimed Christ as their Savior and Lord. Now that is a big praise-be to God. Sister Dori Morrell lead Andrew Weaver to the Lord over the telephone after this young man was so full of questions to her. When Andrew first started coming to Teen Time in September, he had questions like – how do you know if there is a God? Now he has been bought by the same blood as the rest of us. Thank you so much, Dori, for being faithful to God’s command.

On January 5 th, Tom Meredith asked me if I had time to talk to his new friend who had been coming to Teen Tiem for a few weeks about making a decision for the Lord. I had the privilege of leading Melinda Marrero to the Lord (Hallelujah again!)

There is no greater feeling than to lead someone to Christ. I praise God that I ha ve been so blessed to do just that on quite a few occasions over the past few years. Remember saints, we all have that same responsibility to spread the word (Matthew 28:129). Folks, I will tell you that the leaders at Teen Time take the time to really explain the commitment of the decision to the teens before leading them into a prayer of decision. Dori spent hours on the phone with Andrew, and I spent 45 minutes with Melinda explaining the decision. Please keep these new saints in your prayers as they grow in the Lord.

I want to thank Chip and Sherry Weisenborn for joining our leaders on Wednesday nights. Sherry is teaching the middle school girls and Chip is teaching the middle school boys. You guys were an answer to prayer when you filled these vacancies.

Keep our teens in your prayers. Sometimes I believe we have a tendency to forget that they are across the street and we really don’t know what they are doing over there. We are having a lot of fun, no doubt, but we are in God’s Word every week, so keep our leaders in prayer as they study and prepare the lessons to our future church, week after week. I encourage you to come over one Wednesday night and hang out with us.

In Him,

Jeff Tracey, Youth Pastor

Youth Mission Trip - “World Changers”

We still have a couple of spots available for the 2005 mission trip to Smithfield, NC from July 16 th through 23 rd. We have agreed to take at least 30 people on this project; and I want to remind you that adults_are encouraged to go. Do you want to make an impact on someone’s life? This is your opportunity to do just that. Be a “World Changer” ! If you know you can’t go, you can still do your part by financially supporting us. It costs $250 per person to go on this trip. Last year, by your support, it only cost $50 per person. Our goal this year is for our church to fully support these “World Changers”. We are well on our way of doing that by our fundraisers thus far, and by your donations to this mission. Thank all who have donated already. There is a donation jar in the church lobby or you can designate money on your offering envelope to the mission trip fund.

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Choir Notes

From the Choir Director

It has been a joy to serve as your choir director these past few months. Putting the lovely music of Christmas together thrilled my heart.

Our soloists: Debbie Copenhaver, Doug Walker, Dana Newton, Barbara Covington and Bruce Wisnom-- sang beautifully and Gordon Covington's harmonica playing added a lovely background to Mary Hamrick's scripture reading.

Our carolers, Kristen, Erin, Kim, and Katie Kernan sang beautifully! It would be nice if they could be together more throughout the year to share their lovely voices.

The choir never sounded more magnificent! Truly, they show their love for Christ through song. We are now preparing for the Easter season and want to invite others to join the choir- you are welcome. We meet each Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. in the Church sanctuary.

Serving our Lord through music,

Carol Haaversen

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Adult_Sunday_School_Department

Excitement has gripped our Sunday School Department, as changes will be implemented the first Sunday in March. One change will occur in our Adult_III class; it will be split into two classes and renamed Adult_III and Adult_IV. Don Couch and Paul Jensen will teach Adult_III while Earl Copenhaver and Kathy Harrison will teach Adult_IV. Adult_III will meet in the Masonic building across Middletown Road. The current Adult_IV and Adult_V classes will become Adult_5 and Adult_VI respectively.

The church van will be at the front door of Gunpowder at 9:30 a.m. for transporting Adult_III class members across Middletown Road for Sunday School. Immediately after class, the van will again transfer all the members back to Gunpowder Church.

Another change will occur in curriculum for Adult_II and Adult_III. These two classes will introduce a different method of teaching and studying God’s Word, which involves twelve studies on a particular book in the Bible by some leading author such as Max Lucado, Don Baker or Jon MacArthur. The teachers have samples to show their classes. If someone from another class desires to take one of these classes, they will be welcomed. Other Sunday School classes may desire to use one of these studies in the future.

Lauren Bobbitt has resigned from College and Careers and will be sorely missed. She is responsible for building up that class and initiating many fellowships. Lauren was an excellent teacher who used many creative ideas for motivating the members of her class. We shall miss her.

Jeanne Botzler has been substituting in College and Careers and has agreed to teach this class. Jeanne has been doing a great job even though she has been very busy with her mother’s medical condition.

The January business meeting was held on Sunday, January 9 th. Attendance has been good in all classes despite vacations, celebrations, etc. Fellowships were at a minimum because of the holiday season.

As Christians we ask ourselves, ‘How do we become more like Christ in our daily lives?” The answer is not complex. We become more and more Christlike when we learn more about Christ and His teachings and incorporate them into our lives. We learn more about Christ and His teachings and incorporate them into our lives. We learn more about Christ and His teachings and how to incorporate them into our lives by coming to Sunday School and church. Please plan to be in attendance every Sunday.

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster, Director

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Children's Sunday School Department

CHILDREN’S CHURCH SCHEDULE

Dear Church Family,

Thank you to all volunteers! We are grateful for your willingness to serve. New schedules for Children’s Church and Nursery for both church services are complete.

We are looking for a few more people to fill in as substitutes when needed. If you would like to help in either of these areas, please call us.

Thank you,

Cathy Anderson

Heather Rebstad

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Crisis Closet

Last month, eight bags of clothing was taken to the Salvation Army and from there they will be sent to Indonesia. Also, there were three families in our community that needed help and clothing was distributed to them.

Louise Copenhaver

Crisis Closet Director

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FAITH Ministry

We would like to invite everyone who goes to Gunpowder Baptist Church to be in fervent prayer for the Faith Ministry. Our spring session will begin in March.

Maybe you will recall last session there was a shortage of men in this program. Please pray about this concern.

We have not been receiving many slips for visitation. Please pray also about this concern.

Our goal is to increase the number of teams each session so we may witness to more and more people about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please add this to your prayer list.

As you know, we are trespassing on Satan’s territory when we go out to witness to the lost. Needless to say, Satan is not pleased. Therefore, we need your prayers for God’s protection. We thank you in advance.

And, maybe God will convict you to join FAITH. We would love to have you join us in one of the most exciting and rewarding ministries in our church.

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster

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Prayer Ministry

Watchman Prayer Ministry - “Intercessors”

Dear Prayer Partners and Church Family,

The number of “Emergency Prayers” so far this year has already reached 5. Already there are many appreciative people. How great is it to be on the receiving end of an answered prayer.

Sadly, we still have an opening at 4:00 a.m. Please pray about filling this last crack in our prayer wall.

In his meaage of January 16, 2005, Pastor Jack brought an urgent message using Philippians 4:6-7 as his reference. This is a serious challenge for our church. We must pray that what we are doing is in the will of God.

A prayer schedule has been passed out to e veryone. There are 7 sign-up sheets in the foyer. All different times ar elisted. If you are a member and were not present and would like to hear the message, call Iris and we will get a copy for you. By signing your name to a time, it will be every day at the same time until Easter. Pray that we will be as one in our church.

Listed below is a copy of the “Weekly Prayer Schedule”:

Please choose one of the following opportunities each week. All are welcome at any of the allotted times:

Sunday .................................................... 7:00 a.m.

Monday .................................................... 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday ................................................... 5:00 a.m.

Wednesday ............................................... 7:00 p.m.

Thursday .................................................. 9:00 p.m.

Friday ..................................................... 11:00 a.m.

Saturday .................................................. 6:30 a.m.

Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Phillippians 4:6-7

Place: Gunpowder Baptist Church Sanctuary

For more information, contact Pastor Jack or the church office

FASTING AND PRAYER

WHAT IS IT? It’s one of the great privileges of the Christian’s life. It is an act of self denial that enhances our prayer life. There are many examples in the Bible. Many great men are known for their relationship with the Lord because of their fasting.

A typical fast is one day; dinner tonight through dinner tomorrow. There are many variations-- once a week is very popular.

Whatever your decision to fast, you must contact your doctor before starting any fast-- if you are on medication or other situations. Fasting is exclusively spiritual.

I bring this up now because this is the perfect time (if you are able) to fast on the day you are signing up to pray. Fasting is not merely giving up something (food, TV, games, etc.). It involves prayer, repentance and soul searching. It is an act of self-denial by which we focus our entire attention on God. It’s done in private; no boasting! If you use the one day fast or any other, drink plenty of liquids. Ask God to search your heart and reveal areas of sin, then repent and seek His forgiveness and cleansing.

Whatever you decide, prayer is serious and it is a major fact in our Christian lives. God does not allow sin in heaven. He told us He would hide His face from us. ***Ref: Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 59:2, John 15:7, James 4:3, John 14:14, and I Thess. 5:16-18 ***

You are approaching and talking with our Holy God. When you fast and pray, all you will hear or feel in your heart is a beating against your chest. If we all tried this, there is a good chance the Lord would swend revival because it starts with you and me.

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Social Committee

Since time flew by so fast during the holidays, I didn’t get a chance to write an article in last month’s Belfry.

On December 5 th, we had our family Christmas dinner. We were very blessed in that the Mason’s allowed us to use their hall. It was large enough that we didn’t’ have to squeeze in and out of our tables. There were about 145 people in attendance. If you missed it, you missed a great time of fun, food, fellowship and entertainment. Jody Manry and her puppets entertained us. Everyone was laughing so hard. She also had a Christmas message in the program.

On December 19 th, the Children’s Choir presented, “Three Wise Men and a Baby” after which we had a reception. I would like to thank all the committee members who took over for me so I could have time to spend with my family.

We will have a break for a while as our next scheduled event is “Friend Day”, scheduled for the first Sunday in June.

Working for Him,

Ruth Taylor, Social Chairman

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Women's Ministry

In Luke 6:45, Jesus taught that the overflow of our heart is what our mouth speaks. Have you ever been astounded of words that came out of your mouth? When we consider that our words reveal the character of our livesk, we should become greater gatekeepers of our mouths.

Beginning Tuesday, February 8th, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. (at the church), we will begin a seven-week study, "Conversation Peace - The Power of Transformed Speech" by Mary Kassian. The Bible sets a high standard for our speech, thoughts and attitudes and this study presents seven powerful speech-transforming elements that are based on scripture. The heart of this study is about God changing our hearts. He has given us His word to transform and revolutionize our words and lead us into conversation peace.

Sign up sheet is in the church lobby, or call Mary Hamrick to register. Books will be available at the first study. Cost per book is $12.00.

"We are to be made new in the attitude of our minds to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteouesness and holiness." Ephesians 4:23

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"Stars for Christ" Presents :

A Ladies' Tea

GBC Women's Ministry will host a Ladies' Tea on Friday, February 11th from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the church. All ladies are welcome!

This event is designed for fun, fellowship and outreach. Here's the scoop: Anyone can register to host a table of four.

Hosting a table consists of:

1) Providing teapot, dishes, silverware, tablecloth, napkins and card table.

2) Each host will be in charge of transporting their settings to/from the church.

3) Decorating table with your theme of choice (centerpiece will be provided by the church)

4) Each host should register her guests on the sign-in sheet in the lobby.

If you would like to host a table or for additional information, contact Joann Abbey. If you need items for hosting a table, contact Joann!

If you do not want to host a table, but would like to attend the Ladies Tea, please sign up in the church lobby or contact Mary Hamrick to register. There will be plenty of room for all who want to participate! All ladies are welcome. Please come and bring a guest or two ... or three.

If childcare is needed, please contact Mary before the event so that arrangements can be made.

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February Birthdays & Anniversaries

1 Terence Anderson 1 Margaret Bosley 1 Betty Trussell 2 Curtis Alban, Sr. 3 Paul Hallamyer 3 Katie Secret 4 Karen Couch 4 Anita Sands 6 Brian Elligson 6 Ken Holcomb 9 Alex Herzberg 9 Tom Whitaker, Sr. 10 Conchita Whitaker 12 John Johnson 14 Christina Morrell		15 Katie Kernan 15 Otis Thompson 16 Debbie Copenhaver 16 Myrtle Gettle 18 Alf Haaversen 20 Paul Botzler 20 Tim McLaughlin 20 Shannon Tracey 21 Cindy Fleming 21 Shelbee Holcomb 21 Gabby Ivey 28 Louise Copenhaver 28 Shirley Deel
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February 1 - Otis & Billie Thompson

New Members

Kristin Kernan joined our church by Baptism on January 2, 2005.

Welcome to the Gunpowder Baptist Church family!

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