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200th Anniversary Committee

Our 200 th Anniversary Committee would like to have any old photographs, newspaper clippings or anything pertaining to olden times 200 years ago. Please see Ken Gettle with these items.

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The 200 th Anniversary Committee presented an outline of the events to be held May 31 - June 4, 2006 at the Business Meeting. Tent revival preaching, music, food, history, fellowship and games for attendees of all ages are the components of the celebration.

Jennifer Devos has developed the logo as her Public Relations committee prepares to engage in the promotion associated with the 200 th Anniversary. The logo ideas incorporate the Belfry as a point of emphasis, as a fitting symbol of Gunpowder Baptist Church.

If you have any historical documents or photographs which we might scan and return to you, we would appreciate that opportunity. We are interested in putting together an exhibit incorporating articles of Church history.

200th Anniversary Committee:

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Search Committee for Associate Pastor

The committee has now met on multiple occasions. With God’s guidance, we have developed a job description that we pray will attract the man that God wants for this position. Letters of notification and the job description have been sent to Bible colleges and programs in Maryland and Pennsylvania. We have also developed a questionnaire, which will be completed by applicants and will assist the committee in our selection of the candidate.

As we begin to receive applications, please pray for our discernment that we will be lead to select God’s choice for our church.

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Calling All Cooks

We still need recipes for the church cookbook as soon as possible. We want to ha ve this ready on Friend Day, June 4, 2006, so please put your favorite recipe in my mail slot as soon as possible so we can get the books completed. Please put your name on your recipe so we can add your name in the recipe book.

Thank you,

Michelle Singleton

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New Members

Caleb Bryant joined our church family by baptism on December 18, 2005. He is in the 3 rd grade at Southern Elementary School and enjoys soccer, baseball, football, lacrosse and playing Civil War. He is the son of Darrell and Judy Bryant.

Mike & Ginny Thompson joined our church family by letter on January 1, 2006. Mike works for Verizon Telephone Company and enjoys playing golf and traveling with his wife. Ginny also works for the Verizon Telephone Company and enjoys golfing and traveling.

If you have not met these new members, please introduce yourself and welcome them into our church family.

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Snow Emergency Plan

We do not plan to cancel any of our Worship Services, but in the event of an ice storm or heavy snow, we may be forced to miss a service.

Since it is not practical for us to call you, you may call any one of our Deacons after 8:00 a.m. The decision should be made by then.

In other year, we have had ice storms leaving the driveway and parking lot hazardous. Therefore, we had to cancel all services. On some occasions after a snowstorm, we get the driveway opened only in time for worship services. On the decision concerning Sunday School, you may call Pastor Jack.

The website will also have an announcement if there is any cancellation.

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Social Committee

The Social Committee was busy in the month of December. On December 4 th, we had our Family Christmas Dinner. We were entertained by the Hereford High School Chamber Choir, which was beautiful and very inspiring. The food, fellowship and entertainment were all great. Thanks to all of you who brought extra food so there would be plenty for our guests. There definitely was plenty.

On December 18 th we hosted a reception after the Children’s choir Cantata. The children did such a good job and deserved to be recognized.

In January, we will be busy also. We are having an appreciation reception for Jeff and Sue Tracy for all their hard work with the youth. Jeff is stepping down. We are also having one for William Harn who is stepping down as our treasurer after many many years. And we are helping Missy Walker with the fundraiser for Kevin Sheehan.

I would like to thank everyone who brought food for these affairs and especially my committee, without whom these events would not be possible.

Working for Him,

Ruth Taylor

Social Chairman

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Keenagers

Another year has come and gone and it is time to start the New Year with expectations of a great year. I would like to invite anyone who might have some free time to join our group. We have lots of fun and fellowship each month.

On December 13, 10 of us went to the Christmas Museum in Lancaster. It was very interesting seeing how Christmases from the past were celebrated. It helped us get excited and in the mood for Christmas.

Afterwards, of course, we ate our lunch at Good and Plenty. The food was delicious and we ha d a great time.

January 10 th, we will have a soup, salad, sandwiches and homemade ice cream luncheon. We will be blessed with songs from June Naylor. If you have not heard June singe you are invited to come out and hear her and have lunch with us.

Best wishes to everyone for a very blessed New Year.

Your Keenager in Christ,

Myrtle Gettle

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Children's Sunday School Department

The Children's Sunday School Department is planning for a Spaghetti Dinner and Puppet Show on Friday, January 27 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

We are all looking forwards to it!

His servant,

Joan Krebs

Children’s Director

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Children's Church Schedule

Nursery Worker Schedule

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Adult_Sunday_School_Department

Happy New Year! May this year bring much joy and countless blessings to one and all! May your New Year’s Resolution include praying to God and thanking Him for all He has done in your life and the lives of those you love. May you also include studying the Bible much more this year than in 2005. The Sunday School classes are growing in their knowledge of God’s Word. There are two reasons for this. First the members are studying their lessons more and secondly, every class has absolutely the greatest teachers! I would like to list the teachers and ask that you take time to t hank them for all their hard work. They are:

Ladies Class: Barbara Covington and Beverly Jensen

Adult I: Steve McCarty and Tim McLaughlin

Adult II: Martin Covington and Kathy Harrison

Adult III: Don Couch and Paul Jensen

Adult IV: Bill Abbey and Mary Scheuerman

Adult V: Betty Cummings and Mary Scheuerman

As the enrollment grows, we are hoping to start at least one new class. There is a classroom available, and a couple of members are praying about teaching. Please pray that God’s Will be done.

During the month, meditate upon this quotation: “Looking through the wrong end of a telescope is an injustice to the astronomer, to the telescope, and to the stars; likewise, looking at our neighbor’s faults instead of their attributes gives us an incorrect conception of ourselves, our neighbor, and our God.” (William A. Ward)

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster, Director

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FAITH Ministry

You have all heard “The Night Before Christmas”, but have you heard “The Night Jesus Came”? Please read the following poem slowly from the heart:

‘Twas the night when Jesus came and all through the house
There wasn’t a person – not one – praying in that big ole house;
The Bible, God’s Word, lay on a shelf dusty without care
Not a thought had been given that Jesus might come there.
The children in their pajamas had crawled into bed;
Without a single one kneeling or bowing their head.
The mother sat in her rocker with her baby in lap,
She was watching the late show while daddy took a short nap.

All of a sudden there came a thunderous clatter
Daddy sprinted to the window to see what was the matter.
From his chair to the window was one big dash,
He pushed open the shutters and lifted the curtain sash.
When wonder of wonders to his eyes did appear
Angels – yes, angels – proclaiming that Jesus was there.
The light of His face made the daddy cover his head –
It truly was Jesus – returning – just as He had said.
This daddy who possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
He cried, he cried when he saw Jesus in spite of himself.
The Book of Life Jesus held high in His hand
For it contained the name of every saved man.
Jesus spoke not a word as He searched for the daddy’s name;
The He softly said, “It’s not here.” The daddy hung his head in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
Jesus gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While the rest were left – just standing around.
The daddy quickly fell to his knees, but it was too late,
He had waited too long and thus sealed his fate.
He stood and wept as Jesus and the saved ones rose out of sight –
“Oh”, he wailed, If only I’d known that this was the night.”

In the words of this poem, the meaning is clear,
The coming of Jesus is now drawing near.
There is only one life and when comes that last call
We will all find out that the Bible was true after all.

When Jesus returns, it will be too late. Now is the time to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life. FAITH has recently completed its fall session but will begin again in February. However, if you have a relative or friend whom you know is not saved or you are not sure about their salvation, or even unsure about your own salvation, please contact me or any member of FAITH. Although we are not going on regular FAITH visits, we would welcome the opportunity to visit anyone needing to hear the Plan of Salvation or just in need of a ministry visit. DON’T WAIT. Tomorrow may be too late! As Christians we are those people in church who should be willing to take the risk to help get others to where all need to be.

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster - Director

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Prayer Ministry

Watchman Prayer Ministry - “Intercessors”

Dear Church Family,

The number of “emergency prayers” has reached 70. As I mentioned last month, the prayer wall has some serious problems. After being a part of the prayer vigil, I am more optimistic about our church’s prayer needs begin fulfilled than ever. As with any need, as it pertains to the Lord, we must be of one accord. Sadly, we have sme openings in our prayer wall. This is totally unacceptable. I know the Lord is going to burden the hearts of individuals to fill these open prayer slots. Please pray. Is the Lord prompting you to be part of this prayer ministry? The open slots will be announced in future worship services and Belfry articles.

In February, the Presidential Prayer Team will be conducting its 3 rd annual PPT President Day Virtual Prayer Rally. Churches across the country are being encouraged to participate. There will be a Presidential Prayer Sunday on February 19 th. Be in prayer for this very important day.

Once again, in reference to our Prayer Wall, not much has been said about the scope and the goals of the Prayer Wall. When the Prayer Wall was set up, it was with anticipation of being tied to other churches in our Southern Baptist Convention. This would enable our prayers to be tied with churches simultaneously. Glory be to God, would not this be wonderful? How about our churches having a 24 hour prayer web sight? Never underestimate the power and scope of our Lord. Look what He accomplished in our Prayer Vigil. Some doubted its success. But Praise God, it was accomplished.

Iris has the time slots that are open. If you are interested, please call her at the church office.

Bob Scheuerman

Prayer Coordinator

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Women's Ministry

On Saturday evening, December 10th, about 30 women gathered at the church to embark on a mystery dinner. We had “designated drivers” for each hostess home – only the driver was given directions to the hostess home, so the women didn’t know where they were going until their driver arrived at the home. In some cases, the guests didn’t know where they were until they walked inside the homes and saw the hostesses.

After a fun and relaxing dinner, we came back to the church to hear a musical performance by recording artists, Jennifer Young, who came up from the Atlanta, Georgia area to spend the evening with us. Mary Hamrick brought a message on “The Gift of Forgiveness”. The evening ended with a medley led by Jennifer Young and Kelly Willie, followed by dessert in the fellowship hall and an ornament exchange. Special thanks to the hostesses who opened their hearts and homes to entertain 6-8 women in each of their homes. Our hostesses were Joann Abbey, Beverly Jensen, Diane McCarty, Ginny Thompson and Christy Dodson.

STARS for CHRIST  

Click to see "Untalent Show" pictures

Click to see "Crazy Hat Party" pictures

UPCOMING LADIES’ EVENT

The Bible Shower and the Baby Study ..
The Bible Study and the Baby Shower …
Either way you put it, it has to be good!

Bible Study: Led by Lauren Bobbitt
How many uses are there for duct tape?
How is your life contrasted with duct tape?
Come and find out!

A light topic for a light evening …
Baby Shower: Honoring Noelle Breann Holcomb
Daughter of Ken and Katy
Born December 7, 2005

Join us to celebrate and study God’s word
Friday, January 13th 7:30 p.m.
Gunpowder Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
All ladies are invited.

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Ladies’ Tuesday Morning Bible Study

A Six Week Study

Beginning February 7th

Ending March 14th, 2006

9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.

Study

We will continue with the daily devotional, “Words of Life”. The study will start with week 24 and go through week 29 of the book. If you would like to attend this study and don’t have a book, please contact Mary Hamrick to make arrangements for purchasing a devotional book.

Purpose

The “Words of Life” devotional is used as a Bible Study tool to help us learn how to apply Bible teachings to our lives. We meet together once a week to discuss what we are learning, how we are applying the scripture to our lives, and we meet to encourage each other in our spiritual journey.

Join us and be a part.

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January Birthdays & Anniversaries

Anniversaries 15 David & Mary Dodson 23 Matt & Julie Scott 26 Ken & Myrtle Gettle 28 Raymond & Joan Krebs

Births

Congratulations to Ken & Katy Holcomb on the birth of their third child and second daughter, Noelle Breann Holcomb. Noelle arrived on December 7, 2005 and weighed 8 lbs and 11 ozs and she was 21-1/4 inches long. Her proud older sister is Shelbee and proud big brother is A.J.

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Belfry Archive

February, 2005

March, 2005

April, 2005

May, 2005

June, 2005

July & August, 2005

September, 2005

October, 2005

November, 2005

December, 2005