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Special Thanks

Dear Church Family,

We would like to thank everyone for your deep concern, phone calls, food and transportation to and from the store, church and the doctors. We do not know what we would do without you. What a wonderful church family we have at Gunpowder Baptist.

We love you,

Wilbur & Mae Fry

Katrina Relief Donations

Thank you, church family, for your donations of gently used clothing, bedding, and toiletry items for the Katrina refugees. We shipped 4,331 pounds of donations to our friend, David, in Houston. Below is a note he sent letting us know how our donations were distributed and are being used:

“By the time we received the first shipment, they were asking that no more clothes be delivered to the Astrodome. The Houston chapter of the Red Cross has set up temporary shelters, so we were able to deliver 1 pallet of donations to a shelter on the east side of Houston and 2 pallets to the main Red Cross distribution center near downtown.  The Red Cross will distribute items where needed – Houston, San Antonio, etc. The folks in Baltimore did an outstanding job of organizing, packing and shipping everything.  The boxes I saw opened by volunteers and disaster relief workers at donation center looked like they were in great shape – nice and neat, clean and folded.  The folks that accepted our donations were very pleased and very thankful.  We made a big difference in the lives of those who have been displaced from New Orleans because of Katrina.  Please tell everyone thank you for their help.  It really did help. David Fisher”

Our hearts were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and donations that our church family sent to Houston!

Thank you!

Andy and Mary Hamrick

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Helping Up Mission

The Helping Up Mission Ministry is alive and well at Gunpowder Baptist Church. We are thrilled that each week we have had a full van of men, and in some cases some cars following the van from the Mission, to attend Sunday School and church service. The men from the Mission bring blessings to us as they share their experiences and what God has done in their lives. We want to continue to unite with these men each Sunday. In order for this to occur, we are in need of male drivers to transport the men. I will be sending around a calendar and ask that you prayerfully consider being part of this ministry. If you want to call me to be put on the schedule, that is fine also.

An opportunity exists to join the men at their annual graduation banquet at Martin’s West on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. This is a wonderful experience to join the men in celebrating their completion of the one-year recovery program. The cost of the ticket is $50.00 per person and includes a sit down dinner and the program. The Helping Up Mission Choir performs praise and worship songs along with testimonies of graduates. This is an event you won’t want to miss. If interested, please let me know ASAP.

We will resume going to the Mission to serve the meal and fellowship with the men on a monthly basis. Because of the fact that we have not received enough desserts to serve the men in the recent visits, we will no longer be providing desserts at this time. If there is an interest in continuing to serve desserts and you ware willing to provide desserts, please let me know.

The Bible clearly tells us that it is God’s will that we help those in need. In Psalms 28:27, it states, “He who helps the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” Please become involved in this ministry.

Missy Walker

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FOOD PANTRY AND CLOTHES CLOSET

I want to thank Brenda Copenhaver, Gloria Elligson and Cindy Riley for helping with the Clothes Closet. We packed 5 boxes of clothing to go to New Life for Children and 10 boxes went to the Katrina flood victims. We also helped 5 families in the community last month.

The closet is now empty and we need your help with clothing. You may bring them to the church or the chapel.

Also, we have helped some families in the community with food and now need to restock our food pantry. Please bring any donations to the church or chapel.

A big thank you to everyone that helps keep the food pantry and clothes closet stocked.

Judy Dausinger and Louise Copenhaver

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A Flurry of Activity in the Music Department at GBC

Wow! In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a lot happening with the music at GBC. Here’s the short-list!

ADULT CHOIR: Our ‘new look’ choir, under the direction of Carol Haaverson, has started work on “One Incredible Moment”, a Christmas Cantata by Max Lucado. They will be performing this and other works in the upcoming months in their beautiful new choir robes, custom-created by fashion expert and Assistant Director, Barbara Covington.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR: Practice has already begun on this years Christmas program. If you thought last years’ Christmas Cantata was good, wait til you see “Christmas in Reverse” under the direction of Mary Scheuerman. We’ve also started planning for the new Childrens’ Handbell Choir forming early next year!

NEW SONG AND WORSHIP LEADERS: We have four men who have created the “Song and Worship Leader Team” who will be leading us each week at both services. All these men have excellent musical abilities, great voices, and leadership talents. They are Steve McCarty, Doug Walker, George Rebstad, and Bruce Wisnom. We even have our own apprentice-song leader, Sam Newton, in the rotation when needed.

SPECIAL MUSIC: Under the direction of Katy Holcomb, look for your favorite performers as well as some new faces. Some great new solo performers such as Mary Hamrick and some collaborative efforts between many of our vocalists with Southern Cross, anchored by Paul Botzler, are on tap for the upcoming months.

TECHNICAL DEPT: Boy genius Andy Hamrick has successful completed work on getting our Sunday morning worship services on the internet. Thanks to Andy, you can now hear our music and get the message each week on our church website, www.gunpowderbaptist.org. In addition, our resident wizard, Karl DeVos, will be completing work on our new bi-lateral computerized video projection system. Imagine being able to see the Call to Worship music and Power Point presentations on both sides of the sanctuary. “21 st century, here we come!”

NEW CALL-TO-WORSHIP ENSEMBLE: Come and sing Praises to the Lord at each Sunday morning service with the C-T-W band featuring Doug Walker on drums, Sam Newton on guitar and Gordon Covington on keyboards. It REALLY IS FUN singing His praises. Then join the Praise Band at each Sunday night service for more. WHEW!

SPECIAL EVENTS: Bill and Karen Itzel minister to us Sunday, September 25 th at 7 p.m. service. Then, musician, educator and pastor, Phil Bena from Washington Bible College comes to minister to us in music and deliver the message on October 16 th at both Sunday morning services. Two “Don’t Miss” events!

Solo Deus Gloria

In HIS Service, Representing the GBC Music Department,

Rick Sands

Choir Notes

Our choir is glad to be back after a summer away, and I’m happy to report that we have two new altos, Mary Hamrick and Anita Sands, that have recently joined us. Seats are still available for new members, so come sing with us. We’re singing some wonderful anthems this fall and are preparing our Christmas cantata, a wonderful collection by Max Lucado and Tom Fetke.

It’s not too late to be measured for a robe, so come join us; our robe order is nearly ready, we’re just waiting for you.

Serving our Lord though music,

Carol Haaversen

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Teen News

No news---

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The Keenagers

We have changed our covered dish luncheon date to Tuesday so some of the others will be able to attend.

We have an exciting year already planned and you will be getting the schedule in your mailbox.

September 22 we will be going to the Family Heirloom Weavers in Red Lion, PA and have lunch afterwards. We invite anyone that wants to go to come along for a fun trip. We hope you will join us for our luncheons on the 2 nd Tuesday of each month. We always have a good time of fellowship and plenty of good food.

Your Keenager in Christ,

Myrtle Gettle

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Adult_Sunday_School_Department

There was good attendance at the monthly business meeting which was held on Sunday, September 11. The date for the October meeting will be announced. Most of the meeting was devoted to the October Prayer Vigil which will begin October 1 st. There are 168 one-hour prayer slots and 24 six-hour security slots each week that must be filled. Each class was given a day of the week upon which they would concentrate. However, members could sign up for any day of the week, which would be more convenient for them. Please pray that this Vigil will be successful and God will be pleased. Presently there are six adult Sunday School classes. College and Careers has been cancelled due to attendees leaving for college or employment. However, when the need arises, the class will be reopened. Debbie Copenhaver was entertained at a fellowship by the Ladies Class before she left for Word of Life Bible College. Debbie has been a faithful teacher in this class and will be greatly missed.

Adult I members and their families enjoyed their monthly fellowship and the continuation of their Communication Bible Study while Adult IV had a great time at their fellowship hosted by Fran Rebstad.

Please think upon this comment: “Prayer is work of such sublime order that it lies beyond the imagination of men. For when the Christian prays, his capacity to achieve and his power to do good are multiplied a thousand, yea a hundred thousand fold. This is no exaggeration, the reason being that when a man prays, God works.” (F.J. Huegel)

When the atomic bomb was dropped in Japan, some 92,000 people were killed. When Jerusalem was besieged by Assyria and caused King Hezekiah to cry out to God on behalf of His people, God sent an angel that slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night. Hezekiah’s prayer was twice as explosive as the atomic bomb!

If prayer is strong enough to destroy armies, think what all the prayers rendered in the Prayer Vigil will do!

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster, Director

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Children's Sunday School Department

GOPHER BUDDIES

We have changed the Wednesday night Cubbies program to the World of Life Gopher Buddies.

This program has a daily devotional for all the children to be on the same passage, Christian services, and prayer time as well as quiet time. I look forward to teaching the children God’s Word through this wonderful program.

We will be starting the new year on Wednesday evening, September 7 th at 7:00 p.m. If you know any children, ages 3-6 years old, please bring them on Wednesday evening to enjoy this great program.

Serving Jesus,

Michelle Singleton

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CHILDREN'S CHURCH SCHEDULE

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Social Committee

FALL FESTIVAL

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2005

4:00 p.m.

PICNIC AREA

Bring your family and friends to have fellowship with your church family. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. Enjoy a beautiful crisp, fall day outdoors. Everything will be held at the Pavilion again this year.

FOOD Homemade hot soups and chili, cooked hot dogs and marshmallows over a bonfire, hot chocolate, coffee and cider

FOOTBALL Boys and Men Grades 6 and up

BASKETBALL Everyone

VOLLEYBALL Everyone

HAYRIDES Everyone

PUMPKIN CONTEST

For children through grade 5 only – judging for 3 groups:

Youngest through kindergarten, grades 1-2 and grades 3-5

There will be no cutting pumpkins. All decorations will be drawn on or attached to the pumpkin. Please bring your own plain pumpkin and anything you may want to se for decorating. Any pumpkin arriving with decorations already done will be disqualified. There will be a prize for all who enter and a special prize awarded to a child in each group for the most creative pumpkin. (If your pumpkin is being painted all over before decorations are added, you may do so before bringing it so the paint will dry). Look for the pumpkin patch table at the pavilion. This is where you will decorate your pumpkin this year.

DESSERT CONTEST

For everyone – Please only 1 dessert entry per person

3 Groups: Grades 1-5

Youth Grades 6-12

Adults

There will not be 3 different categories this year. All desserts will be judged as desserts only. Please bring your yummy creations to the pavilion no later than 4:30 p.m. All the people who come will be doing the judging. There will be a score sheet to vote for your favorite dessert. (NEW RULE: If your dessert recipe won grand champion or first place within the last 2 years, that recipe will not be eligible to compete this year, so that others may have a chance.)

CHILI & SOUP CONTEST

For everyone – Please only 1 chili and 1 soup entry per person

Bring your homemade soups and chili’s to the pavilion no later than 4:30 p.m. – Please bring your soup ladle if possible. All people who come will be doing the judging. There will be a score sheet for you to vote for your favorite soup and chili. There will be a 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd prize and a Grand Champion for this event. (NEW RULE is the same as the dessert rule).

6:15 p.m. AWARD PRESENTATION

Devotion and sing-along will conclude this evening’s activities.

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FAITH Ministry

One of the foremost reasons for praying for the lost is our love for them. Along with that reason is the fact that Christ commanded us to go forth and plant the seeds of salvation. In Matthew 28:19-20, Christ said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the ends of the world.” And so we go forth!

On September 11 th, our FAITH Banquet was held after the 11 o’clock church service and was attended by 63 people. It was a wonderful time for all who attended! The music was great and the solo and poem rendered by two of our Helping-Up Mission friends were outstanding. The message was presented by Rev. Lyn O’Berry of Linthicum Baptist Church with several of our FAITH members taking part in the program. Pastor Jack issued a challenge and closed in prayer. The word that sums up the complete day was “outstanding”.

A skit written and produced by Nicole Whitaker entitled “The Ticket” was fantastic. As a matter of fact, it was so sensational that Pastor O’Berry has asked if Nicole and her “Terrific Teens” would present this skit to his church. The other teens participating were Leah Newton, Katie Kernan, Brittany Radcliffe, Chelsea Whitaker, K aralias and Rachel Grant, and Tyler and Patrick Hamrick.

The ministry deeply appreciated all your lists of people needing visits. Our first visits were made on September 18 and were very successful. If every Christian could experience the wonderful feelings the FAITH members have, encounter, realize and enjoy, they would be signing up immediately. There is absolutely no “high” like the ones you receive from being a Great Commission Christian!

FAITH meets every Sunday after the 11 o’clock church service. At that time, we eat lunch together. At 1 o’clock, we have training and then at 2 o’clock, the FAITH Teams go out on visits while the on-site Prayer Team prays. Sometimes the visits are for witnessing to the lost while others are ministry visits. Regardless of the type of visit the members return refreshed and full of joy – and God is truly pleased.

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster - Director

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Prayer Ministry

Watchman Prayer Ministry - “Intercessors”

Dear Prayer Partners and Church Family,

We have had 9 emergency prayers during the month of September.

The prayer sheet for September 19 th had 4 requests for praise to our Lord as a result of our Lord answering prayers. For several months, I have asked someone to fill the 4:00 a.m. slot. The Lord sent someone to fill it. Because of me not being in the loop, so to speak, our prayer wall is not in as good a shape as I had hoped. We will address this later. Right now the most urgent need is to bring people out to pray during our October Prayer Vigil.

We all know the impact of sin on the body and on spiritual growth; but what about the impact on prayer? In Hab. 1:13, we are taught that God is too pure to look on evil. Isaiah 59:1-2 points out the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so He will not hear. Sin in my life – even the “small” stuff – is offensive to God and hinders our communication with Him. God our Father does not change. He’s still omniscient. He knows our hearts before we speak. He loves us and will never abandon us. I strain my relationship by allowing my sin to pile up like last night’s dirty dishes. God promises never to forsake or leave us. When we ignore the convicting work of the Spirit, we offend God.

God promises if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive and purify us (I John 1:9), so allow the Holy Spirit to bring to mind any failings.

Pastor Jack has repeated many times the importance of this upcoming prayer vigil. It’s no secret a lot of us could just as well pray at home. That would really make it easy for everyone. Not in God’s eyes. I believe praying corporately and coming together, will show our Father that we will go the extra mile to show Him how sincere we are in demonstrating our love for Him.

I might not be wording this in the correct manner, but I know this – if we don’t get right with our brothers and sisters in Christ, each of us seeking to rid ourselves of all unrighteousness, removing any pride we might have, the prayer vigil won’t be as powerful as it would otherwise.

Think of the impact this challenge is going to have as we set examples for our children and the importance of praying corporately. May the Holy Spirit burden the hearts of those who are indifferent. God bless our church.

Praying for hearts to be united as one,

Bob Scheuerman, Prayer Coordinator

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PRAYER VIGIL

What is the greatest priority in your life? Is prayer at the tope of the list? If not, it should be! Look around you! America is in trouble. Everywhere you look or go, you see crimes and abuse of all kinds. Immorality, chaos, violence and injustice seem to reign. When the great empires of the past reached such proportions, they crumbled but not from without but from within.

Is this the country you want for your family? Of course now – then what are you going to do about it?

In His Word, God said, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14.

Our church too is experiencing various kinds of difficulties. Gunpowder is rapidly approaching its 200th anniversary and is considering an addition to the present building in the near future. We are also in the process of selecting an associate pastor. These are very large and important issues the church will face. The answer is prayer – fervent prayer – on our knees. We must pray. We must turn God’s heart back to His people through prayer so He can hear our cries and heal our land, our church, and us as a people.

Gunpowder has heard the call! Beginning October 1 st, a 31-day prayer vigil will be launched. It will begin on Saturday, October 1 at 6:00 a.m. and end on Tuesday, October 31 at 6:00 a.m. There will be 24 one-hour prayer slots and 4 six-hour security slots for each of the 31 days. Gunpowder does not have enough members to maintain all the required slots so there will be a need for people to sign up for more than one slot. This will be a sacrifice on the part of some. However, if this Prayer Vigil required nothing on our part, would it mean as much to God? Would it mean as much to us? I think not.

Gunpowder has always responded well to all needs. We know Gunpowder will once again rise to the occasion and then give all the praise and honor and glory to the Lord.

Please be in constant prayer about this great endeavor.

In His Service,

Carolyn C. Foster

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Women's Ministry

STARS for CHRIST  

Click to see "Untalent Show" pictures

Click to see "Crazy Hat Party" pictures

UPCOMING LADIES’ EVENT

Friday, October 14 th

7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Gunpowder Baptist Church

“WOMEN REACHING OUT”

At our October meeting, we will be putting together baskets to deliver to New Life Ministry. New Life is a home that houses women and children who are “in-between” life circumstances. New Life has given us a list of the ongoing items they need, which consists of laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, fabric softener, bleach, paper towels, Kleenex, toilet paper, cough syrup, soap, shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste.

In addition, New Life currently has five children housed there, who are in need of play clothes and dress clothes for church. If you would like to purchase clothing for one of these children, please let me know and I can give you their specific needs and sizes.

Join us on Friday night, October 14 th at 7:30 p.m. as we take a look into how God has called us to love one another, to mentor one another, to be family to one another – to be women who reach out to others. Invite your friends, neighbors and family members.

Please call me with questions … or to get sizes.

Mary Hamrick

Ladies Bible Study

Tuesday Mornings

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Now through October 18 th, 2005

Our Tuesday morning Bible study is underway! If you haven’t joined us, there’s still time. We are using the “Words of Life” devotional from Word of Life ministries. The “Words of Life” is a one-year devotional that covers several verses of scripture each day and asks the reader two questions: “What is the writer saying?” and “How can I apply this to my life?”

Our goal through this study is to:

1) Learn to sit still, in God’s presence, for 15-20 minutes a day and focus on His word.

2) From our reading, determine what the writer of the scripture is relaying to the reader.

3) Search for the answer of how the verses are applicable to real-life situations and see how God wants to use the daily scripture to mold us more and more into His character.

Whether you can make it to one study or all six, you are invited. Books are available, and no signup is required – Just drop in when you can.

If you have questions, give me a call.

Mary Hamrick

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CALLING ALL COOKS

We are getting ready for our 200th anniversary next year in June. A cookbook will be available on Friend Day, June 4, 2006. So get out those favorite recipes as soon as possible and put them in my mailbox or email them to Iris Singleton so we can get started on getting this done by our Friend Day. 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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WOMEN’S FALL RETREAT

November 18-19, 2005

SPINNERS INN

HERSHEY, PA

THEME: Courageous Christian Contender

Please mark your calendar now and plan to join us for a refreshing, renewing, fulfilling, spiritual relationship with our awesome Savior, Jesus Christ.

Share a bed: $60.00

Your own bed: $80.00

For more information, contact Joan Krebs.

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October Birthdays & Anniversaries

ANNIVERSARIES 2 Ed & Terry Hoelle 3 Bert & Judy Dausinger 4 Larry & Gloria Elligson 4 Lee & Julie Pruitt 4 Chip & Sherry Weisenborn 11 Jeff & Sue Tracey 21 Larry & Barbara Bobbitt 21 Bob & Mary Scheuerman

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Belfry Archive

February, 2005

March, 2005

April, 2005

May, 2005

June, 2005

July & August, 2005

September, 2005