Tremont Temple Baptist Church 88 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108

www.tremonttemple.com

Temple Tidings (617) 523 - 7320

JULY 2010

Pastor’s Letter Dates to Remember:

Sunday, 7/4/10
Temple Tidings: July 2010
11 am ~ Worship
“I pray that they might be one…. so that the world may Converse Hall
believe.” ALL CHURCH COFFEE ~
FOLLOWING MORNING
John 17:20f. WORSHIP SERVICE -
NARTHEX (LOBBY)
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those
who were being saved.” Acts 2:47
FOURTH OF
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Friends of Tremont JULY !
Temple Baptist Church!
We rejoice at the new unity and the added numbers that
we have been experiencing in TTBC! This is a sign that
God is blessing us and that the Spirit is moving amongst SUNDAY MORNINGS
Bible Study - 9:30 am
us! Throughout church history, it is a fact that where there
Adult - 7th floor
is unity in the church, there is growth. Where there is
Children/Youth - 5th flr.
disunity and disharmony there is stagnation, decline, and
ARISE - Quiet Rm, 5th fl.
alienation!
Men - Chapel
One year ago, this church was in serious disarray and
disharmony. There was discord and lack of unity, and lack Worship Service -
of love. There were rumors and bickering. We thank God 11 am Converse Hall
that today there is a new spirit of harmony and love. Let
us continue to work and pray that this unity and love will WEDNESDAYS
continue to blossom amongst us! To God be the glory! 7/7, 14, 21, & 28

Pre-Prayer Mtg. Fellowship

th
1. Business Meeting, Sunday, July 25 : The Church Chipman Hall
Council has called for a special business meeting to be 5 : 30 pm - 6 :15 pm
held Sunday, July 25th. The purpose, of course, for this
Bible Study & Prayer -
meeting is to pass the budget for 2010/2011.
6: 30 pm - 7:30pm Chapel
Unfortunately, on Sunday, June 27th there was not a
quorum of 75. We are pleased that 72 were present but our
present Bylaws mandate a quorum of 75. Therefore, we
need to work harder and ensure that all of us are present.
 TEMPLE TIDINGS Page 2
JULY 2010

The end of June saw many of our people on vacation, and away on various family
gatherings, and planned trips.
Therefore, the Council has set a new date for Sunday, July 25 th. Please put this date on
your calendar and plan to attend with your friends!
2. September 12th, “Reach Out to our Neighbors Day!” Mission is the heart of the
Church: As we have been studying in the books of Corinthians and Luke, mission is at the
heart of the church. One of the tragedies of the church throughout history is that there has
always been the temptation to move from mission to maintenance! That is what happened
in the 5th century. Constantine was emperor and made Christianity the religion of the
empire. The church moved into a maintenance mode and secured converts by force of
arms and the law. As Baptists, we know that freedom is at the heart of mission.
The Church in North America during the 1950s, following WWII, entered into a
maintenance phase. It did not work. The results of this are seen today. There has been a
dramatic decrease in church attendance in North America. Boston, which was once 51%
Catholic, is now 29%. There used to be 28% Protestants in Boston, but now there are only
19%. Obviously, Boston is a mission field. At our Church Council meeting on Sunday,
June 27th , the Council discussed numerous ways to reach out to our student community
and young urban professionals. Reaching these people will be a key to our growth.
September 12th is the date for our Fall Kick Off and reaching out in a new way to
students, urban professionals, Beacon Hill, and our surrounding area. Join us in prayer
and join the team led by Ernie Jimenez as we work to spread the Good News of Jesus
Christ.
3. Prayer Meeting on Wednesday: We are pleased that the Lord continues to bless our
Prayer Meetings on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. Last week we had 40. If we continue
to grow, we will have to move to Lorimer Hall. It is a wonderful time of sharing, prayer
and listening to God’s Word. Do not forget God’s promise to us: “If my people who are
called by my name humble themselves, and PRAY and SEEK my face, and turn from their
wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their
land.” (II Chr. 7:14)
I realize that many of you live too far to come on Wednesday evenings, or are
bedridden or sick. For those who can come, it is a blessing. There is a Fellowship
preceding the Prayer Meeting with a small snack. This is a time where we get to share
and know one another better.
I believe that the prayers of God’s people on Wednesday evening are instrumental in
changing the direction of this church. Prayer indeed does change things. Come and be
prepared to change your life, this church and the world!
4.All Church Coffee, Sunday, July 4th : This Sunday, July 4th , we will have an All
Church Coffee in the Narthex (Lobby) of the Church. This is an opportunity for us to
 TEMPLE TIDINGS Page 3
JULY 2010

meet with one another and to get to know one another. It is also a time for us to greet our
many new visitors and guests. Please be a welcoming people and greet newcomers. The
fellowship, the koinonia, of the New Testament was always a sharing of food and prayer
and love for one another. If you can, bring your favorite dessert or sweets to share on
Sunday, July 4th!
We are grateful to Lesette Wright and her leadership of the Worship Ministry and plan-
ning a series of All Church Coffees and Luncheons! We need more volunteers to help in
bringing food, serving, and helping with the clean up. Did you know that sharing of food
after worship was one of the early church’s ways of celebrating the Lord’s Supper?
5. Little Helpers of Jesus: There is a Catholic group of nuns called the “Little Helpers of
Jesus.” The call of Christ is to be a servant people. As the saying goes, “talk is cheap.” It
is easy to write or tell other people what to do, but it is another thing to volunteer to be a
servant and to do it! We need men and women to volunteer for a number of projects in the
church: cleaning up the kitchen, serving meals, preparing food, washing dishes, scraping
and painting the corridor walls, planting flowers, decorating, making the church building
attractive, volunteering to teach Sunday School, to work in the nursery, to help with
children and youth ministries. Have you discovered your gift yet? Every believer has a
gift for building up the church. Have you put your gift to use for Christ and His Kingdom?
The deacons, and ministry leaders are open to your suggestions and may call on you for
help! Pray about being a Little Helper of Jesus!!
6. Worship: Singing, the Reading of Scripture, and Preaching of the Word. These are
central aspects of Christian worship in the New Testament. We are reminded by scripture
that we should not forsake the assembling together of the saints! Being busy, doing a lot
of little things is not a substitute for attendance at worship. Other religions are personal
and not congregational. In some other traditions, you can go to the temple alone, bathe in
the river alone, etc. But, Christian worship has always been a collective function of
believers. It is in worship that the Holy Spirit is made present in our lives collectively and
individually. Therefore, it is important for you to attend worship and also to invite your
friends. Just think, if everyone brought a friend , we would double our number!
It is true that when a log is taken from a fire it will go out and die, but when a log is kept
near to other burning logs, it will be bright and give warmth and energy. So it is, that
Christian worship is an important part of our Christian life together. Do not neglect the
fellowship and worship of believers in Christ! Scripture says: “And let us consider one
another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much
more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24f.)
Of course, we know that those who are sick, bedridden, and unable to travel cannot join
us, but you can pray for us during our time of worship. We are united with you by the
power of the Holy Spirit. Your encouragement, prayers and gifts mean a lot to us!
 TEMPLE TIDINGS Page 4
JULY 2010

7. New Church Council, Deacons, and Trustees: How pleased the church should be that
our new leaders have taken the reins of leadership in a wonderful and Spirit-filled way.
There is a new enthusiasm and desire to continue the blessings of unity and love that God
has brought to us! We are grateful to our moderator, Dick Lynch, for his enthusiasm and
desire to move on with the people of God. Arme Gallanaro’s leadership of the Deacon’s
and our retreat have engendered new enthusiasm. Each Deacon has been given a “flock”.
The membership has been divided into flocks for every Deacon. Do not be surprised if
you suddenly receive a call from your Deacon. The Deacons want to pray with you and
for you.
Norman Crump and the Trustees have had numerous meetings with our lawyer, Mark
Holly, and the President of North American Management Co., Herb Hess. We are encour-
aged that all the Trustees are involved and are determined to be good stewards of the
Lord’s funding and support of this church through the various trust funds of the church!
We await the audit which is nearing completion. This will give relief to the minds of
many and a clearer guide as to where we are with our stewardship.
8. Congregational Assessment: Last January, Dr. George Bullard met with us and
completed a Congregational Assessment. I want to assure you that the Church Council is
taking this seriously. We have reviewed the 25 suggestions for moving forward and are
determined that we will move in the direction from a dying church to a new born church.
Any suggestions for change and new directions will of course be communicated to the
church in a special session, probably some time in October. Summer months are difficult
to meet, but the Church Council is planning a retreat for September when we will spend
much time in prayer and study of this document. If you do not have your copy of the
Congregational Assessment you may receive one from the church office.
9. Future Ministry Needs and a Word of Thanks to Our Staff: As you know, we have
been operating with a reduced Pastoral staff. Five staff members have not been replaced in
the past two years. This has resulted in great savings to the church, but it has also meant a
lot of extra work for your Pastor and staff. Of course, we cannot go on like this forever. I
am looking and praying for a Ministry Associate to assist with pastoral, missional, and
administrative responsibilities. We also need a Children’s worker. Lucrecia is overbur-
dened and we cannot continually rely on her volunteer work.
We are grateful for the continuing ministry of Pastor Effie in her visitation of the sick and
those in need and who cannot attend services. Kathy Hicks has a double share of work,
including all our rentals. Geoff Hicks continues to lead our music team with enthusiasm
and wonderful music. What a wonderful testimony when they sing on Saturdays on the
steps of TTBC and invite people to worship! Will Parks continues to be a blessing and
Godsend to us. His playing of the organ is greatly appreciated as is his volunteer work in
keeping up the Internet and web of TTBC. Lino and his staff continue to make the
 TEMPLE TIDINGS Page 5
JULY 2010

building look wonderful in spite of neglected items of repair which we hope will be
completed when the new budget is passed. Thank you, staff, for all your hard work and
commitment to Christ and His Kingdom!
Please pray for us and with us as we seek new and appropriate staff for the future
ministries of TTBC!
“Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus, Going on
before. Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See His
banners go!” May that be our prayer and theme song as we continue to work and pray
for Christ and His Kingdom at TTBC!

Yours in Christ,
Denton Lotz, Pastor
 TEMPLE TIDINGS JULY 2010 Page 6

TREMONT TEMPLE MINISTRY NEWS

CALLING ALL MEN !!!

The Men’s Bible study is continuing to grow as we look at the ministry of our
Lord Jesus in the gospel of John.

We invite all men to join us every Sunday morning at 9:30 am, on the first
floor, for an exciting time of learning, fellowship and prayer.

God bless you,

Geoff Hicks

CHOIR NEWS
THE GOSPEL CHOIR RECENTLY SANG AT THE MULTI-CULTURAL CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN
BAPTISTS IN GROTONWOOD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH, FOR A FEW HUNDRED BAPTISTS FROM VARIOUS
CHURCHES THROUGHOUT MASSACHUSETTS. IT WAS A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION OF OUR DIVERSITY
WITH CHURCHES REPRESENTED FROM HAITI, BURMA, BRAZIL, LIBERIA, NAUGALAND, THE HISPANIC
CHURCH THAT WORSHIPS AT TREMONT TEMPLE AND MANY OTHERS.
THE TTBC GOSPEL CHOIR ALSO SANG ON THE STEPS OF THE CHURCH RECENTLY TO HUNDREDS OF
PASSERS-BY AND WILL BE SINGING AGAIN ON THE STEPS OF TREMONT TEMPLE THIS COMING SATURDAY,
JULY 3RD AT 12:30 PM. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US IN SUPPORT OF OUR MINISTRY OF OUTREACH TO THE
DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY OF BOSTON.
INTERESTED IN SINGING WITH THE TTBC GOSPEL CHOIR? REHEARSALS ARE USUALLY THE FIRST
SATURDAY MORNING OF EACH MONTH AT 11 AM, IN THE CHOIR ROOM, 7TH FLOOR. WE ALSO REHEARSE
BRIEFLY FOLLOWING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES IN CONVERSE HALL (MAIN SANCTUARY).

BLESSINGS,
Geoff Hicks, MINISTER OF MUSIC
 TEMPLE TIDINGS

Page 7 JULY 2010

TREMONT TEMPLE MINISTRY NEWS (CONT)…..

PASTORAL CARE…….
There will be a Deacon’s Training session on July 11, 2010, beginning at 8:45 until 9:30 am, with subse-
quent sessions to follow monthly throughout the summer.

If anyone knows of any of our members in need of Pastoral care visits, please let me know.

Janice Lotz will give the Deacons the member’s names of each Deacon’s
“flock”. Every Deacon is encouraged to tend to the list given to him or her.
Sincerely,
Pastor Effie Sidiropoulou, Minister of Counseling

“ARISE” Bible Study Class ALL CHURCH GAME NIGHT !!

“Battle of the Sexes: ALL CHURCH GAME NIGHT !!

On Friday, July 23, 2010, starting at 6:30 pm, it will finally be decided— who
posseses more trivia knowledge - men or women? The gauntlet has been thrown
down and ARISE class invites all Tremont Temple men and women to join us for a night of fun,
fellowship and plenty of competition.

Join us for a little while or stay for the entire evening! Please bring a snack or soft drink to share.

Yovanny Pulcini, ARISE Class Leader

1 Beverly Rosario
2 Charles Rogers
5 Joann Burton
6 Dorothy Foote
8 Paul Burton
10 Jennifer Bun
11 Fred DeCosta, Jr.
14 Ernestino Jimenez
16 Lesette Wright
20 Dolores Salimbay
29 Mavis Hurge
30 Janice Lotz
 TEMPLE TIDINGS

Page 6 JULY 2010

July 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3
Gospel Choir
Rehearsal 10:30am*
Choir Rm,7th fl.
*Singing on TTBC
steps after rehearsal
4 5 6 7 *Fellowship 8 9 10
Worship Service Chipman Hall 5:30pm
11:00 am
Converse Hall Prayer & Bible Study
6:30p Chapel
JULY FOURTH !

ALL CHURCH
COFFEE

11 12 13 14 *Fellowship 15 16 17
Worship Service Chipman Hall 5:30pm Praise Band
11:00 am Rehearsal
Converse Hall Prayer & Bible Study 11am - 2pm
6:30p Chapel Friendship House
Deacon’s Training Meeting Gospel Choir
8:45 am Deacon’s Room Rehearsal 10:30am*
Choir Rm,7th fl.
*Singing on TTBC
steps after rehearsal
18 Worship Service 19 20 21 *Fellowship 22 23 24
11:00 am Chipman Hall 5:30pm ALL
Converse Hall CHURCH Praise Band
Prayer & Bible Study GAME Rehearsal
6:30p Chapel NIGHT! 11am - 2pm
6 pm Friendship House
Myers Hall

25 Worship Service 26 27 28 *Fellowship 29 30 31

11:00 am Converse Hall Chipman Hall 5:30pm

SPECIAL BUSINESS Prayer & Bible Study

MEETING ~ 12:30 pm 6:30p Chapel
CONVERSE HALL

TTBC COUNCIL MTG

(following Special
Business Meeting)

ARISE class Luncheon -

12:30 pm Quiet Room