Teen News

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.

In Him,

Jeff Tracey, Youth Pastor

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The Keenagers

Keeping Up With The Keenagers

On December 7 th, we went to Sight and Sound in Lancaster to see “The Miracle of Christmas”. It was a wonderful show and was enjoyed by all of us. Afterwards we went to Good & Plenty for a delicious lunch.

At our January 7 th luncheon we were blessed with a mini concert by June Naylor. She has been blessed with a beautiful voice and loves to sing praises to our Lord. If you missed coming you sure missed a great time and our delicious luncheon of soup, salad and home made ice cream.

We were supposed to go to the Family Heirloom Weavers for a tour but had to cancel because of bad weather. We will have to reschedule this at another time.

We would like to invite anyone that has a free day to join us on any of our luncheons or trips. You are always welcome. Our luncheons are always on the second Monday of the month and our trips are always scheduled for the fourth Thursday of the month. Please join us when you can.

Your Keenager in Christ,

Myrtle Gettle

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Adult_Sunday_School_Department

The Sunday School Business Meeting was held on February 6 th with eleven teachers present. The next meeting will be on M arch 6 th. Welcome is extended to the men from Helping-Up Mission who will be participating in Sunday School. Most of our classes have two or three men enrolled as members. Adult_II and adult_III will use different curriculum for the spring quarter. They will begin to study in Jeremiah/Lamentations through Explore the Bible series. In the Ladies class, attendance is good. They are continuing their study in I Peter. On the first Sunday of each month, Beverly Jensen teaches a study entitled Improving Communication in your Beloved Unbeliever.

Adult_I beings a 6-session Home Marriage study, which will held the first Saturday of each month at one of the member’s homes. They continue their regular curriculum on Sunday mornings. Adult_II reports their attendance is down a little due to members’ teaching, illness and adverse weather. In Adult_III, the class is hoping to have a fellowship soon while Adult_IV held a Valentine’s fellowship on Saturday, February 2 nd, and our faithful seniors continue to be present each Sunday.

Some changes are planned for the first Sunday in March and will be reported next month. Gunpowder is so blessed to have eight Sunday School classes with two teachers per class. God is so good!

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster, Director

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Children's Sunday School Department

We had our Snowflake Dinner and show on January 28 th. There were 60 people in attendance. The children did a great job with their songs, play and puppets. Pastor Jack shared with us that our parents are always there for us, our church is always there for us and most importantly, our God is always there for us. Thank you, Pastor Jack, for those words of wisdom. Our waiters and waitresses did a fantastic job. I would like to thank Allen & Kitty Matthews, Ken & Myrtle Gettle, Judy Bryant, Iris Singleton and Karisa Singleton for a job well done. Thank you also to Chelsey Bryant for helping to make the salad. A huge thank you to all the teachers who supplied the food.

Our next event will be snow tubing on March 5 th and the Easter egg hunt on March 13 th. Please bring your children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. We would love to share the love of Jesus with them. The Bible stories are so exciting in Sunday School and we want to tell the children all about Jesus. It only takes a minute to call someone and invite them to Sunday School. Let’s do that this week. What better way to start the week than being in the house of God!

The Children’s Department is collecting items for a sunshine box for Asa Kiemig who is to receive a kidney transplant soon. Please purchase something for a 14-year old boy. Place the things in a box located in the 3 rd and 4 th grade classroom. Donations will be delivered in April sometime.

Help share God’s love with a young man who needs some joy in his life.

Heavenly Sunlight,

Joan Krebs

Children’s Department Director

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AWANA Cubbies

We would like to welcome Julie Pruitt who is now assisting me with Cubbies. A big thank you to Joan Krebs for all your help while I was getting started. Joan, we hope you will feel free to stop in and join us anytime.

Our Cubbies have been busy learning stories from the Bible and memorizing verses. We will be collecting things for Missionaries for the next couple of months.

We collected toiletries for the men at the Helping-Up Mission and were able to make 10 bags with wash cloths, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, combs, soaps and mints.

During December we also provided gifts for an Angel Tree child from our offerings, and collected little toys for the New Life children.

We have been learning how to help others in the community. I am very proud of each and everyone of our Cubbies. They work very hard.

Our Cubbies are: Chris Franco, Luke Pruitt and Gabrielle Singleton.

Serving Jesus,

Michelle Singleton

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Thin Within

A WEIGHT PROGRAM IS BEGINNING!

A weight release program is starting up on Thursday, March 3 rd called “THIN WITHIN”.

This is a grace oriented program that teaches you to get to the size God wants you to be. It teaches you to know your own body as well as grow spiritually.

This is a six week program so please come on out and join us at 7:00 p.m. each Thursday.

Serving Jesus,

Michelle Singleton

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FAITH Ministry

The Faith Ministry has commenced for the spring session!

FAITH has rejuvenated our outreach, expanded our ministry opportunities, and grown our adult_Sunday School.

In the past the Faith Teams have witnessed to many people and have seen all ages come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior as well as to bring comfort and encouragement during ministry visits. Once again they are looking forward to following the command Christ gave to become Great Commission Christians.

The Kick-off banquet was held on Friday, February 18 th with much excitement and anticipation. In attendance were the deacons and their wives except for two who were attending conventions in Florida.

Powerful was the adjective of the evening. There were some powerful performances. Pastor Jack’s message was truly powerful and impressed all the members of FAITH as he went through the Faith outline without missing a word of scripture as he used it in his talk.

The music led by Barbara Covington and the skit by Steve and Diane McCarty and Beverly Jensen were powerful. Most importantly, two new people have joined the Ministry and there is a possibility of two more joining. Yes, “God is good, good, good – good, so good” as Jason sings in one of his songs.

The first class of the Spring Session began February 20 th and looks forward to better learning how to win and disciple the world in their lifetime and to help people maximize their lives for God’s glory.

You’re probably asking how can you as a member of Gunpowder help FAITH? Well, we once again need men to complete teams and prayer warriors to lift us before the Lord daily.

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster

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Prayer Ministry

Watchman Prayer Ministry - “Intercessors”

Dear Prayer Partners and Church Family,

Thankfully we only had 6 emergency prayers to report. We must be in prayer to thank our most merciful Father.

As I address this to our church family and friends, I must admit I am very saddened that over these past 7 months we have not had anyone come forward to take the prayer slot at 4:00 a.m. Please remember this: “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.” John 4:23. Do you know what the Father is saying here? He’s telling us He does not want our money, our glory or our strength. He is looking for our heart. C.S.Lewis said, “It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men. If the Holy Spirit is burdening your heart about this prayer slot at 4:00 a.m. and you knowingly ignore Him, that is disobedience. Please, just allow the Lord to show you the direction He wants you to take.

Since Pastor Jack started the prayer vigil everyday until Easter, I believe the first two weeks there have been 40 and 35 people praying. I did not get an update this past week. People, I stress the importance of this prayer as it directly affects our church. Also, as I mentioned last month, there could be no better time to fast than this one day you are going to pray.

Please be in prayer for the Faith Ministry teams as they start their new semester. Look for more information in Carolyn Foster’s article.

I want to encourage everyone, pick up a copy of Open Windows. It is our Southern Baptist Guide for daily devotions, and you can also find a list of missionaries both IMB and NAMB. In case you are not aware, your Sunday School lesson is part of the current week's devotions.

Open slot on the Prayer Wall – Monday 4:00 a.m. Should you want this time slot, call the church office. This time slot is only for one day a week – on Monday.

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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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THE HEALING POWER OF PRAYER

Have a little faith – and lower your risk of depression, heart disease and more.

After undergoing a bone marrow transplant for lymphatic cancer last year, a man credits his healing to his doctors and his faith. Prayer provided him with reassurance that everything would be okay. “It gave him strength and peace.” That may be why so many of us turn to faith for healing. According to a National Institutes of Health survey of 31,000 people, prayer is the most commonly used form of alternative medicine.

“Spiritual people tend to be optimistic and have more self-esteem and social support, factors that improve health”, says Yale researcher Holly Prigerson. She found that bereaved people who used religion to cope needed fewer doctors to visit than those who didn’t. Other research has shown that prayer improves heart disease, hypertension and cancer. The idea that faith can heal is controversial, but recent studies report positive findings.

DEPRESSION DETERRENT – In a 2004 Duke Univ. Medical Center study of 838 hospitalized older adults, those who were more religious had fewer symptoms of depression and better cognitive function than patients who were not spiritual. And in a Yale University School of Medicine study, doctors reported that poor people in urban areas who believed in a higher power were less likely than their non-spiritual peers to be depressed during hard times.

HEART HELPER – Doctors at Italy’s University of Pavia found that adults who recited the rosary had improved lung and heart function. In a study of 999 cardiac patients from Mid-America Heart Institute, those who unknowingly had others praying for them fared better than heart patients who didn’t receive intercessory prayers.

MOOD ENHANCES – In a 2004 study at the University of Washington, people who had strong faith were more optimistic before undergoing heart surgery; other studies have shown the prayer promotes healing postsurgery.

Taken from Readers Digest – Jennifer Matlack

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Women's Ministry

STARS for CHRIST  

Women’s Bible Study

T = TOTALLY COMMIT

March 11, 2005 7:30 p.m.

Our Women’s study this month will be held on Friday evening, March 11th at 7:30 p.m. Our theme is “Total Commitment”. During this session, we will see what the Bible teaches us about living a life of commitment, and we will also take a Spiritual Gifts Assessment Test and discuss our results. Coffee and desserts along with some soul-filling manna from God’s word will be served. Come see what God has in store for us as we feed on His Word. Please come and bring someone with you. All women are welcome.

Let’s grow together to become a Sisterhood Taking A Righteous Stand, to become STARS for our Lord Jesus.

“Those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

Untalent Show / Movie Night

FRIDAY NIGHT

APRIL 8, 2005

Theme: Introduction Outreach Event for "A = Abide in Him"

Event: Untalent Show / Movie Night (Pajamas Optional)

Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. for Untalent Show

9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. for Movie, “The Notebook (edited version)

Food: Movie-Style Popcorn

It’s time for some fun!

What is an Untalent Show?

Well, picture the GONG SHOW when the Gong is sounded! We want raw untalent. Anything from synchronized swimming to nose singing to a pajama fashion show. Be creative. Those who would like to share an untalent can sign up in the Church Lobby, beginning in March. Those who would like to come and enjoy the untalents of your fellow churchfolks, well, just sign up as a spectator! Keep your untalent a secret so that everyone is surprised!

After the untalent show, if you'd like to stay until about 10:30 p.m., we will settle back in our pajamas, on our blankets and pillows, and watch a chick-flick, "The Notebook", edited for appropriateness.

And remember, this is an outreach event, so start now to invite your friends. And as is common with all women's events, pajamas are optional. All women are welcome.

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GBC Ladies’ Tea

Our GBC Ladies Tea was held on Friday night, February 11 th in the “GBC Tea Room”. This was an outreach / inreach event for the women’s ministry. We had about 35 ladies in attendance (members and guests) and enjoyed a relaxing atmosphere with soft lighting, soothing music, hot tea and delicious sandwiches, pastries and desserts. There were 12 tables decorated with fine china, teapots, tablecloths and napkins, candles, and several of the hostesses brought in their own unique centerpieces.

Our topic for the evening was “Making a Renewed Commitment to Christ”, and a prayer was given asking the Lord to show us how to walk closer with Him.

As part of the evening, each guest at the “GBC Tea Room” was asked to vote for her favorite table …

First place was presented to Chelsea Whitaker for her “Rooster” design. Chelsea borrowed her colorful rooster dishes from her Memaw, and also brought in gummy eggs for the guests at her table. Her neighbor, Ms. Pida, provided some of the rooster table accessories. Chelsea brought in hay bales for seats, topped with rooster pillows for comfort, and bandanas were used as her place mats and napkins. A centerpiece of a barn completed the decoration. Chelsea’s table guests were Nicole Whitaker and Katie Kernan.

A close vote getter was Betty Cummings, who came in second place with her Japanese theme. Ms. Betty’s dishes had belonged to Albert’s mother and had been in the family for more than 60 years. When asked about the origination of the dishes, Ms. Betty explained that these dishes had been in Albert’s family since before World War II. When the war began and Americans began destroying or putting away anything made in Japan, Albert’s cousin gave these dishes to his mother, and she stored them safely, until giving them to Albert and Betty years later. Ms. Betty brought her daughter-in-law, Debbie, with her to the tea … and Debbie brought chopsticks!

Third place went to Christy Dodson for a very elegant table setting. Christy bought her four place setting from Christmas Tree on a Hill and chose the pattern, “Andrea”. Her centerpiece was a floating candle surrounded by fresh flower buds and petals. Christy also brought in a fresh bouquet of flowers and placed fresh flower buds and petals at each place setting and around the table for a fresh and elegant look. Her guests were her mother, Mary, and grandmother, Marie.

A special thank you to Joanne Abbey for decorating 4 tables and for orchestrating the tables, refreshments and hostesses and for coming early and helping decorate. Great work, again, Joanne. And a thank you to all the ladies for staying afterward and helping convert the GBC Tea Room back into Sunday School classes.

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WOMEN’S FALL RETREAT

November 18-19, 2005

SPINNERS INN

HERSHEY, PA

THEME: Courageous Christian Contender

Plans are in the making for the Women’s Fall Retreat. Mark your calendar now. Make plans for a refreshing, renewing, fulfilling spiritual relationship with our Awesome Savior, Jesus Chrsit.

Sorry the price has increased to $60.00 to share a bed, $80.00 for your own bed. Don’t let the price stop you from a time to spend with God. Just think about how much He loves and gives to you everyday. Can you give just one special time to Him? For more information, contact Joan Krebs.

Retreat Coordinator,
Joan Krebs

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March Birthdays & Anniversaries

4 Kristin Newman 7 Bob Scheuerman 9 Bill Abbey 9 Josh Piermatteo 9 Adam McLaughlin 11 Christopher Franco 12 Gabrielle Singleton 12 Chelsea Whitaker 12 Tom Whitaker, Jr. 15 Pat Elligson		17 Joanne Abbey 18 Cindy Riley 19 Pat Biggs 19 Karna Couch 19 Judy Dausinger 21 Marvie Robertson 22 Chip Weisenborn 25 Travis Bull 27 Josh Danmyer 29 Daniel Shemonski
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MARCH ANNIVERSARIES 4 David & Kathy Harrison 9 Bill & Betty Trussell 15 Glen & Cindy Fleming 21 Frank & Harriet Hoffman

New Members

FRANCES JOSEPHINE REBSTAD joined our church family on February 19, 2005. She has come to us from Sarasota Baptist Church in Sarasota, Florida and we welcome her to our church family.

She formerly worked for UPS in Florida, but is currently unemployed and looking for work. She enjoys singing, quilting, sewing, needlepoint, working on her computer and visiting with her grandson, Noah.

Frances is the mother of George Rebstad. If you have not met Frances yet, please introduce yourself to her and make her feel welcome to our family.

Welcome to the Gunpowder Baptist Church family!

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Belfry Archive

February, 2005