BLOOD DRIVE

6 th Annual American Red Cross

Blood Drive Update

Many thanks to those who participated in the 6th Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive for Gunpowder Baptist Church held on Thursday, May 12, 2005. I'd like to thank Pastor Jack, Dan Elligson and Ginny Thompson for manning the registration table and Jennifer DeVos, Pat Elligson and Ruth Taylor for working in the refreshment area. We had 23 folks from our church sign up as donors. WE had 26 donors present from our church and the community, we had 3 deferrals, 1 incomplete donation and ended the night with 22 productive units collected and 1 first-time donor. As an added bonus, folks present for the Blood Drive were able to submit their names for a chance to win four 2005 season passes to the theme park of their choice (Hershey Park, Kings Dominion or Six Flags America). Plus, all donors came away with their own tee-shirt proudly stating "All-Star Blood Donor." (By the way, there was one shirt left behind in the church kitchen. If it belongs to you, please see Lorraine.) Please know the efforts for this drive have made a difference.

For 2006 and years following we will switch the schedule of the blood drive to the third Saturday of April. We are hoping to gain better support of our church members and neighboring friends in the community as you won't have to rush home from work in order to make your appointment. Even if you are in the routine of donating blood at Pine Grove United Methodist Church on President's Day in February each year, you will still be able to give when GBC takes a turn in the rotation when we host our drive in April. We have chosen the third Saturday of April before Springtime planting, mowing, opening day for rec-council sporting events, and other outside activities have us on the go. We'll pray for a lzy Saturday that brings April showers wherein we can still be productive in another way - that of donating blood so as to shower the blessings of life to someone in desparate need!

Sharing His Love,

Lorraine Herzberg

Blood Drive Coordinator

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A Word of Thanks

Dear Gunpowder Church Family,

I woulld like to thank everyone for the sunshine box and anyone who put something in that box that I received on May 1st. A smile was put on my face when I received it and a smile is just what I needed. Weeks of doctors appointments that took all day, giving blood on Monday, Wednesday and Friday is all that I have been going through and this sunshine box is just what I needed.

I would also like to thank everyone who went to the spaghetti dinner and I am very sorry that I was unable to attend it after just coming out of the hospital. I ended up spending that night at home with my Dad, a box of pizza and a bunch of movies. It wasn't such a disappointment, my friend that had attended the National Kidney Camp with me came over and visited with me after the dinner.

I would like to thank everyone, again, for keeping me in your prayers and to ask you to continue to keep me in your prayers because I could have a kidney rejection at any time. Thank you all so much for everything that you have done.

Blessings,

Ana Keimig

Dear Church Family,

I would like to thank you for your prayers, cards, meals, visits and phone calls during my illness. God gave me a peace and strength I never experienced before. I praise God for His healing power. Thank you, Pastor Jack and Dana for being at the hospital before me. I was so surprised. You truly touched my heart. You are all a #1 church family. Thaks, again!

Your friend in Christ,

Raymond Krebs

Dear Gunpowder Church Family,

On behalf of the entire McCarty family, we would like to praise and thank God for His love, grace, strength, comfort and peace as expressed through the words and acts during the recent passing of our GrandMom, Ethel McCarty. We are blessed to be part of a church family that has such a "ministry of presence". Thank you so much for the phone calls, cards, and presence at the viewing and funeral. We are saddened to think about her not being here with us, but we have joy and peace knowing that she is with the God who made her. We look forward to the day when many from our earthly family and our church family will become one in the family of God in Heaven. Ethel McCarty has indeed gone home, and we look forward to joining her in praising God at His appointed time. Until then, there's much ministry for us to do and a mission for us to accomplish together.

Yours in Christ,

The McCarty Family

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Deepest Sympathy To...

Our Christian sympathy goes out to the McCarty family on the loss of their grandmother, Ethel McCarty. She will be missed by all who knew her.

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Church Directory Update

A new church directory is in the process of being updated. If you have changed your address, phone number or e-mail address please call the church office and leave your change. If your e-mail address has not been in the directory and you would like to have it added, please call the church office.

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Vacation Bible School - 2005

Ages 4 through Grade Six

June 20th - 24th

8:45 a.m. – 12:15 pm

Gunpowder Baptist Church

20074 Middletown road; Freeland, MD 21053

THEME: Ramblin’ Road Trip

Which Way Do I Go?

Psalm 25:4, “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths”

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Teen News

Attention Parents of High School Girls:

Sue will be holding a special Friday evening get-together once a month for our High School girls starting April 15. The book is titled, “Girls” published by Youth Specialties. The book has 10 lessons and the girls could meet for 8 months or longer depending on how the sessions go. Sue’s plan is to have the girls come over, cook dinner, and then discuss the lesson and get real about the God-centered sessions on what matters to girls. The High School girls will get more information soon.

Upcoming Events:

May and June

Mission Trip Projects

We will be scheduling projects to prepare the teens for the mission trip. If you know of anyone that needs minor repairs or painting, please let Jeff or Sue know.

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July 16-23

Missions Trip to Smithfield, NC

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September 17

Hershey Park Christian Day

Cost: $22.00

Tickets need to be purchased by the end of April for the discounted price.

In Him,

Jeff Tracey, Youth Pastor

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The Keenagers

Just as I promised last month, I'm going to tell you where we went on our Mystery Trip. We went down to Baltimore and took a trolley ride around Baltimore City. We had a very informative guide who knew many interesting things about Baltimore. We were impressed with the informative tour. After the tour we went to Phillips for lunch. The fellowship was great and the food was delicious.

The first Sunday in May was Senior Adult Day. After the service fifteen seniors went to Friendly Farms for lunch. We were happy to have Mrs Rema Grey join us. Rema, we hope you will come to our luncheons at church too. Our next covered luncheon at church will be Monday, June 13th --at which time we will be helping with VBS cutouts. After lunch we are to be treated with homemade ice cream.

As this goes to print we are going to Lancaster, PA to Sight and Sound to see the new play, "Ruth". I'm sure we will be blessed by the performance. We will have lunch at Good and Plenty.

We invite anyone to join us at any time. As you can see, we are always on the move, we have great fellowship and always find delicious food.

Your Keenager in Christ,

Myrtle Gettle

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Adult_Sunday_School_Department

The business meeting was held on May 15 with ten people present. Next month's meeting will be held on June 12th at 8:30 am in the Adult_II classroom. Several testimonies written by members from the FAITH Ministry who recognize the importance of Sunday School in the life of a Christian was read by Carolyn Foster. A handout was shared which highlighted the significance of Biblical meditation. This article is included in the minutes of the meeting to each teacher. One of the statements in the article said, "We can't experience true holiness and godly purity apart from meditating on God's Word". Another article entitled "Make Sunday School Hum, Not Ho Hum" was summarized by Steve McCarty for the group. The entire article and timely tips from the article were also included in the minutes which are sent to all class teachers/leaders. Bill Abbey was thanked for doing an outstanding job teaching "Seven Laws of the Learner", which will be offered again in the Spring of 2006.

"Experiencing God" will continue to be offered each Fall. Hopefully, a course will be developed on Joel Osteen's book, "Your Best Life Now". Max Lucado wrote about this book, "Our Lord uses Joel Osteen to lift my eyes, lighten my step, and brighten my heart. May God use this book to do the same for you." We think this would be a great book to offer as a Bible Study.

Some points made in Class Updates were:

Attendance was good in every class.

Adult_I continues to try to target people who would be in their Sunday School class for FAITH visits. They are now 1/3 through with their six-session "Improving Communication in Marriage", which the class is studying each month at a member's home.

Mary Scheuerman is teaching Adult_VI this month and is thoroughly enjoying being with this group.

Adult_V had a combined fellowship with Adult_VI and continues to take needed items to New Life for Children and Mothers.

All the classes enjoy having the men from Helping-Up Mission attend their class and find they make great contributions with all their bible knowledge. As a matter of fact, the teachers requested the director to work out a method of assuring fair distribution of the men among the classes and check and see how to get the van to church by 9:45 a.m. at the start of the classes.

On June 6, Friend Day will be held during the Sunday School hour from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. There will be a breakfast insteadd of a luncheon this year.

On June 19th, the Vacation Bible School teachers will need to prepare all Sunday Scholl rooms for the opening of VBS on June 20th. Therefore, Adult_II will join Adult_III and Adult_IV across the street in the Masonic building. Bill Abbey will teach the other classes (Ladies, Adult_I, Adult_V and Adult_VI) together in the sanctuary at 9:45 a.m.

Please meditate upon this quotation by Warren W. Wiersbe: "Persons of true godly character are neither optimists or pessimists, but realists who have their confidence in God."

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster, Director

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Children's Sunday School Department

CHILDREN'S CHURCH SCHEDULE

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Social Committee

This is a correction from last month's Belfrey.

Friend Day will be held on Sunday, June 5th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., during the Sunday School hour. It will be a breakfast, NOT a lunch. Come and invite your family and friends to celebrate our 199th anniversary of serving the Lord in this community.

We will need breakfast items:

Breakfast casseroles

Donuts

Sweet Rolls and Coffee Cakes

Sausage gravy and Biscuits

Scrambled Eggs

Fresh Fruit (cut up)

There will be a sign-up sheet in the foyer as to what you will be bringing and how many will be attending. There will be foil pans in the kitchen to use for hot foods, so they will fit the chafing dishes. There will also be some recipes for casseroles in the event you do not have one and would like to make one. Please do not forget to sign up. Thank you in advance.

Coffee, tea, milk and juice will be provided.

Working for Him,

Ruth Taylor

Social Chairman

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FAITH Ministry

The world around us is in chaos. It is bathed in confusion, immorality, injustice, deceit, violence, conflicts, etc.

Yet in the midst of all of this we as believers are able to come into God's presence and know we shall receive warmth, love and security. We can lean upon Him for guidance, wisdom, and understanding for we know our God is in control. We may not be sure of what tomorrow brings, but we know who holds our hand.

However, should we not look upon these times as vast opportunities to tell the world about Jesus? Are not the fields ripe for the harvest? Is it not an ideal time to visit the sick, comfort the lonely, sit with the bereaved, encourage the downhearted?

We all know the answer to each of these questions. It is a great big Yes, Yes, Yes! Now is the time. Not tomorrow or next week. Now - this moment - is the right time!

Recently, there were two days of intensive evangelism training at the Linthicum Baptist Church in Linthicum Heights, MD, which would prepare you for the marvelous opportunity of taking the good news of Jesus Christ into your community and into a world that desperately needs Him. Several years ago, Pastor Jack, Carolyn Foster, Steve McCarty and Missy Walker attended that clinic as the basis for beginning FAITH at Gunpowder.

Since that time, FAITH has been actively involved in seeking out the lost to tell them about Jesus Christ and what He has done for them. They have also been highly involved in ministry visits.

Have good things been happening in FAITH? For the answer, just ask any person who is involved in FAITH. Ask them if there is any other place they would rather be than at Gunpowder on Sunday afternoon first studying the FAITH manual and then actively participating in visiting the lost or going on ministry visits?

Some of the good things they will tell you will be experiences they have had that can only be paralleled by other Chritians relating miraculous occdurences as they witness life changes in the lives of people they encounter. Many will share blessings they personally have received. Some will relate how someone they never dreamed would change accepted Christ as their Savior after hearing the FAITH outline.

Others will tell you about strange circumstances which set up a perfect opportunity to tell the person of Christ and what He had done for them. Many will relate divine appointments God had prepared for them.

Members have learned you can not underestimate God. You must learn to expect the unexpected. God is 100% in control; there is no need to worry about tomorrow. What joy it is to serve a living God and to tell "the world" that Jesus saves! Won't you join us?

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster - Director

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Prayer Ministry

Watchman Prayer Ministry - “Intercessors”

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

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Women's Ministry

STARS for CHRIST  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, June 10th

Crazy Hat Party / Dinner

At the home of Andy and Mary Hamrick

7 Andrews Court in Parkton

Theme: Introduction Outreach Event for "R = Reach Out to Others"

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Food: We'll have some burgers and hotdogs on the grill. Bring a raw meat to be cooked, a side item or dessert. Sign up sheet will be in the church foyer.

It's time for some more fun!

Get those creative juices flowing - take any hat you have and decorate it. You can decorate it with anything that will stay on with glue, staples, sewing or bubble gum. Decorate your hat and come show off your design.

We'll have some beautiful hats, some really bad hats and some amazingly decorated hats. What category will your hat be in? If you don't want to decorate a hat, just show up without one. Crazy hats are not required for this event.

All women are welcome - whether members of the church of guests! The Women's Ministry events are designed to guild unity among our ladies and to encourage participation and spiritual growth from anyone wishing to attend. So, go ahead and invite someone!

If you need help with ideas for your crazy hat, call Mary Hamrick or Joanne Abbey.

Click to see Untalent Show pictures

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WOMEN’S FALL RETREAT

November 18-19, 2005

SPINNERS INN

HERSHEY, PA

THEME: Courageous Christian Contender

Speaker: Melody Knox, Consultant Specialist for Women’s Ministries for the Baptist Convention

Special Music: Sandy Glass (Friday)

Testimony: Ulonda Thompson, Associate Director of New Life Home for Women and Children- Glen Rock, PA

Cost: $60 to share a bed; $80 for your own bed

Friday’s dinner, Saturday’s breakfast and lunch is included in the cost of your room. (The food has been tested by our committee and all agree that it is delicious). Each room has 2 queen size beds. Travel time from church is about 1 hour, 15 minutes. (A map will be supplied to each driver). The meeting room is comfortable, cozy and has lots of space. We have tables this year to supply our needs. Please fill a room with friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. Share God’s love and fun with others. Learn how to become or be a courageous Christian contender!

Any questions, call Joan or Iris at the church office. A sign-up sheet will be on the counter in the church lobby in August. Watch for church announcements.

Retreat Coordinator,
Joan Krebs

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Our High School Graduates

Jonathon Newton graduates from Hereford High School on Friday, May 27th. He has been accepted at Word of Life Bible Institute in Florida, and will be going there in the Fall.

Kyle Tracey graduates from Hereford High School on Friday, May 27th. He will be working for Deer-Ridge, Inc after graduation.

Congratulations to our graduates! Your church family is proud of you and we wish you God's blessings as you go out into the working world or as you go on to college to further your education.

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June Birthdays & Anniversaries

1 James Scheuerman 2 Jeff Singleton 5 Walt Gettle 5 Pam Mummert 5 Marvin Robertson 9 Mary Keyes 13 gordon Keeney 13 Iris Singleton 14 Courtney Johnson 15 Tony Piermateo		15 Jeff Radcliffe 18 Charlotte Radcliffe 19 Brandon Newman 20 Steven Bull 25 Christy Ivey 25 Pam Kernan 29 Donna Schenning 30 Matt Botzler 30 Kathy Harrison
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JUNE ANNIVERSARIES 4 Jim & Dolores Hammond 5 Edgar & Judy Bull 5 Gordon & Arlene Keeney 5 Allen & Kitty Matthews 6 Jeff & Charlotte Radcliffe 10 Ken & Sue Norman 12 Darrell & Judy Bryant 14 Aaron & Becky Copenhaver 15 Earl & Debbie Copenhaver 16 Dale & Pam Mummert 18 Ken & Katy Holcomb 21 Bill & Joanne Abbey 22 John & Janice Johnson 23 Tim & Katheryn McLaughlin 30 Terance & Cathy Anderson

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Belfry Archive

February, 2005

March, 2005

April, 2005

May, 2005