Lamplighter

Vol. 5 Issue 2 February 2012

The

Our Church Staff

Gary Burden
Senior Pastor 919-631-6789

Landon Orr
Minister to Students 919-229-9379

Bethesdas WinterFest/LoveFeast and Qtrly Business Mtg. Wednesday, February 15th 6:30 PM
Thats right! We will combine our WinterFest Quarterly Business Meeting with a Love Feast. We will have our regular covered dish dinner at 6:30 PM followed by our quarterly business conference, but with a Love theme honoring the just past Valentines Day. Yes, business meetings and love do go together at Bethesda!

Debbe Langdon
Music Director/Pianist 919-410-0271

Kathy Welch
Office Coordinator

Admin. Assistant - Finances

Pat Baucom
Admin. Assistant - Publications

Love: the Ultimate Fear Buster

We do live in a fearful age. The comments I have received during the course of our Sunday morning messages on fear have verified this truth more than I expected. Since we often associate February with The Love Month, maybe a quick reminder of a key Bible truth will be appropriate. In his first letter, John the apostle says, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love (1 John 4:18). Note something about fearit torments. Fear torments the soul. Unhealthy fear is indeed unhealthy! But there is no fear (and no torment) in love. Even more, perfect love defeats fear. What kind of fear? All kinds of unhealthy fearthere is no restriction stated here. But I dont have perfect love. How can I overcome my fears? This word for perfect means mature. Two important observations: it is imperative for me to grow in my love; it is especially important to know the source of that love. I cant produce this love. This is agape love God-produced love. And 1 John
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4:8 reminds us that God is love. Thats His nature. So, the more I mature in Him, the more His love grows in and through me. And this same love that can flow through me is His same love for me. The awareness of His love for me and through me is what continually casts fear out of my life. What is His love like. Charles Stanley, my former pastor, lists some characteritics of Gods love in the February edition of In Touch magazine: Perfect: needs no improvement or additions Eternal: has no beginning or end Immeasurable: knows no limits or boundaries Sacrificial: displayed in Christs death on our behalf Incomprehensible: cannot be explained or fully understood Unique: originate only from God Available: freely given to all Unconditional: not dependent upon our behavior Changeless: never wavers or fails You cant get any better than that! So, whatever fear is tormenting you today, why not call on the ultimate Fear Busterthe love of God!

Sara and I have been living in our new home for about a month now and I finally have some time to sit and reflect back on everything. I feel grown up now. I feel like a real adult. Its not home ownership that gives me this feeling, its the fact that we made the decision to buy the home without seeking approval or disapproval from either of our parents. I am now a big boy, fully capable of making adult decisions by myself and I have proven that I can handle it. That said, I have found that when you become a big boy you have all sorts of other big boy things to take care of. You have more and more bills (that seem to just appear from thin air), you have responsibilities, you always have something that needs to be addressed or taken care of. Being an adult is hard. Being a teenager is hard too. I think I would take being an adult over being a teenager any day. Yes, it would be nice to not have bills, to be able to always know where youre going to be the next day (either in school or not), and to be able to enjoy the weekends without thinking of the list of tasks that keep getting put off. I am slightly envious of that part of a teens life. Im not envious of the overwhelming desire to fit in, the confusing emotions caused by rushing hormones, the urge to figure out who you are, the empty feeling when others question your parents values, or the ever present eyes that are always watching, expecting you to mess up. Id really hate to be a teen again. Next time you see a teen at church try to encourage them. They most likely will look at you like you are crazy, and may act like they either ignored or blew off your comment, but they rarely forget encounters like that. Positive words from adults who have lived life will give them enough self worth to confidently tackle all the obstacles that are in their way. Lets be a congregation that builds up our teens. Whether we like it or not, they are our future.

Gary Burden East Coast Mens Bible Conference March 9-10, 2012
Englewood Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC Guest Speakers Tom Elliff, Vance Pittman, Tony Merida, Kevin Hamm Music by This Hope
Transportation from Bethesda will be provided. Total cost for conference including Saturday lunch: $30.00 (check payable to Bethesda Baptist Church) Submit Registration Form (in church foyer) with Payment to Bethesda Office by February 27th.

Landon

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Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for 2011

Bethesdas Church Goal: $5,000 Received as of 1/22/12: $4,447.55
SERVICE CANCELLATION NOTICES will be posted on our church website (www.bethesdaclayton.com) , on WRAL TV and on their website (WRAL.com).

Second, as bring-ers, see John 1:40-42. God has provided us with a wonderful ministry tool. Every week at Awana it is our goal that the Gospel be clearly presented. Will you commit to bring at least one family this semester? Invest time and build relationships with unchurched people around you. Surely there is a child on your mission field of friends, neighbors, co-workers or neighbors that needs to hear of Jesus love for them. Third, as tell-ers, 2 Timothy 4:5. Maybe you dont tell about Awana because you dont know what all the noise is about on Wednesday night. Join us! Come ask me questions, join a club for a night, attend a training session, or visit awana.org. The excitement that comes with knowing, loving and serving the Lord is contagious. You wont be able to help but tell all those divine appointments God provides. It has been amazing to see Gods hand at work in Awana this year already, and I cant wait for what is in store. So maybe, God didnt call you as a leader this year, but now can I ask you again..What is your role in Awana?

Bethesdas 2nd Annual Golf Tournament Friday, March 23, 1:00 PM Pine Hollow Golf Course
If you are interested in playing golf or helping with the golf tournament, please contact Lehman Godwin. You dont have to know how to play golf in order to help. We need people to solicit sponsors for the tournament and to line up the teams. We also need volunteers for work at the golf course that day and to serve a meal after the game. Donations of soft drinks, water and snacks for the goodie bags for each player are also needed. Sign up sheets are placed on the foyer table.

Brigitte
PRESCHOOL/CHILDRENS COUNCIL

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD 2011

Johnston Baptist Association reported an increase at both of the Collection Centers in Johnston County for 2011. The Church at Clayton Crossing received 22,157 shoe boxes (a 51% increase over 2010!) and Live Oak received 3,061 (8 % more then 2010). Bethesda contributed with 198 shoe boxes resulting in an increase of 17 % from 2010. Keep praying for the children that have received your shoe box, that souls will be saved and changed.

Thank you to Nicole Ritchie who has agreed to serve as VBS Director this year! There have been several volunteers who have shared their willingness to serve as co-directors and we appreciate them greatly as well. We hope all of them will serve with Nicole as we spread the Good News of Jesus to other children in our community. More information and dates will be shared later stay tuned! We have just celebrated the birth of Jesus and now we are already preparing for Easter! Its hard to believe how fast time flies Pastor Gary is right when he says time speeds up as you get older. The childrens Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt will be Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 10:00am at the church. We will enjoy crafts, games, stories, pizza and of course, an egg hunt! Invite your friends, neighbors, family all are welcome to attend! Be on the lookout for a fence in the near future! We are beginning to layout the playground and mark off the area for the fence. Many of you have volunteered to do this work yourselves how fortunate we are to have such knowledgeable and skilled members doing Gods work for our children and community! The children are excited about having a safe and fun place to play and share their knowledge of God and how he works in their lives. Thank you!

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN AWANA?

Yes, you read that right. You might not be an Awana leader this year, but I am certain God intends for you to be involved. While reading about intentional church evangelism in Comeback Churches (by Stetzer and Dodson, in case you want to check it out) recently, I got stuck in one seemingly simple section. They merely state that Everyone in the church should be involved [in evangelism] in three ways. First, as pray-ers, referencing 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Pray consistently for Awana to be effective at reaching into our community, pray specifically for each child and family who participates, pray for our leaders and our outreach events. Pray. Pray. Pray.
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Wendy

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday
1

Wednesday
2 Awana Weekly Wed. Schedule

Thursday
3

Friday
4

Saturday

5 \ Brkf. Fellowship Weekly Sunday Service

7 Deacons Meeting 7:00 PM

8 Awana Weekly Wed. Schedule

10

11

12

13

14

15 WinterFest & Quarterly Business Meeting 6:30 PM

16

17

18

Weekly Sunday Service

19 Mens Breakfast

20

21

22 Awana

23

24

25

Weekly Sunday Service

Weekly Wed. Schedule

Mens Cake Auction & Evening Meal

26 Weekly Sunday Service

27

28

29 Awana Weekly Wed. Schedule

Weekly Sunday Schedule

9:15 am ..............................................................................Bible Study Fellowship 10:30 am ................................................................... Morning Worship Celebration 6:00 pm................................................... LifeLine...Get Connected (Small Groups)

Weekly Wednesday Schedule

6:30pm .................................................................... Awana, Youth Bible Study 6:45 pm ..............................................................Adult Prayer and Bible Study Choir Rehearsal

Student LifeLine SPK CHOIR (Shout Praises Kids) - Grades 1-5

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FEBRUARY EXTENDED SESSION AND KIDS CHURCH

Wednesday, Feb. 1 Frances Burden & Louise Gilmore 19Sunday, Feb. 19- AM Babies: Sondra Gatewood & Jane Gatlin 2s: Diana Lee & Sis Godwin 3s/4 s: Leigh Smith & Jennifer Harrison K-3rd Kids Church Terry Gatewood & David Duncan Sunday, Feb. 19 - PM Larkin Creech Wednesday, Feb. 22 Bobby Lonas & Shannon Coomer Sunday, Feb. 26 - AM Babies: Faye Wells & Shalee Sams 2s: Laura & Shane Benson 3s/4s: Julie Brueggen & Sara Orr K-3rd Kids Church Wendy & Chris Gatewood Sunday, Feb. 26 - PM Bob & Brenda Jones Wednesday, Feb. 29 Kaye Peele & Sarah Jay

During the month of February, our thoughts often turn to love. Of course, there are many different types of love parent, child, romantic, friend..and the most important the love of God. As I thought about writing this article, this song came to mind: I love you Lord, and I lift my voice To worship you, Oh my soul rejoice. Take joy, my King, in what you hear. May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear. Try using this song in your daily prayers this month, and may we all be reminded of this challenge to use our voices to bring sweetness and joy to all those around us especially our King! God bless Debbe Langdon

Sunday, Feb. 5 - AM Babies: Kathleen McLamb & Cherilyn Murphy 2s: Heather Henry & Tori Smith 3s/4s:Wendy Beasley & Diane Duncan K-3rd Kids Church Frances Burden & Angel Duncan 5Sunday, Feb. 5- PM No Activities Wednesday, Feb. 8

Jessica Peedin & Shannon Coomer

12Sunday, Feb. 12- AM Babies: Brigitte Creech & April Lengel 2s: Brandi & Tobi Sauer 3s/4s: Kristol Flanigan & Kristen Duncan

Facts & Figures for January 2012

Date Dec. 25 Jan. 1 Jan. 8 Jan. 15 Jan. 22 Total Avg.
S.S. AM Worship Budget Offering His Vision Our Mission

K-3rd Kids Church Nicole & Michael Ritchie 12Sunday, Feb. 12- PM Jane & Johnnie Gatlin Wednesday, Feb. 15 Terry Gatewood & Shannon Coomer

0 102 121 117 114 454 114

120 137 174 159 173 763 153

4,400.00 7,469.36 5,051.25 5.315.46 3,811.80 26,047.87 5,209.57

2,885.00 2,650.00 1,135.00 415.00 530.00 7,715.00 1,523.00

Preschool Regis. Desk

Diane Duncan

Average Attendance & Offerings for January 2011 Avg. 98 144 4,617.38

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PORTRAIT OF A 21st CENTURY GODLY WOMAN

Even though the original portrait was painted two thousand years ago, it continues to be relevant for every woman in Clayton, NC 27520 every culture today. So what does a 21st century godly woman look like? Come Phone: 919-553-7678 and discover how God, the Master-Artist, desires to paint that portrait through Address Service Guaranteed you. Join the women of Bethesda for a luncheon/seminar on Saturday, March 10 from 9-2, as guest speaker Jacqui Harmeling, pastors wife of Southside Were on the web! Church, unveils this portrait from God's Word. This will be a practical seminar on how to apply God's truth in the daily grind of life. Bring a friend and enjoy www.bethesdaclayton.com this time of food and fellowship. A light lunch, a seminar workbook and door prizes will be provided at a cost of only $10. Sign up in the church foyer or conFebruary Birthdays Kendall Beasley 3rd tact anyone on the Women's Ministry team: Leigh Smith, Mandy Windham, Julia Stephens, Sharon Orchard or Frances Burden.
4967 Highway 70 West Business

Kathleen McLamb Lyde Ellis Johnnie Gatlin Charles Wilson Brandon Beasley Betty Jones Jane Gatlin Chris Gatewood Daniel Gordon Betty Lee Ayden Lee, Jr. Wendy Beasley Heather Henry Betty Jo Dalton Jane Rainey Angel Duncan

4th

6th 7th 7th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 18th 20th 20th 21st 23rd 24th 24th 26th 26th 28th

INTERESTED IN A TRIP TO THE HOLY LAND?

See interest survey in church foyer to help with future plans Approximate cost per person will be $2000 Included in tour price will be roundtrip airfare from New York, first class hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, deluxe motor coaches, visits to major biblical sites, comprehensive sightseeing, professional guides, boat ride on Sea of Galilee. Lets go to Israel! It will make all future Bible study really come alive.

Wayne & Linda Little Shelby & Carolyn Durham

8th 26th

BETHESDA BAPTIST MEN

There are several opportunities over the upcoming months for our men at Bethesda. First, on the nineteenth of February we will have our quarterly breakfast at 8:30am. All men are invited to this breakfast to enjoy food and fellowship. If you are interested in helping with the cooking, please let me know. Second, we are going to be having our annual covered dish and cake auction Saturday , February 25 at 6pm. We have not had this auction the past year or two so for those of you who are new to the congregation come hungry and bring your checkbook! If you forget your checkbook there will be someone who will share! Third, this year the East Coast Mens Conference is on the ninth and tenth of March in Rocky Mount and the cost will be thirty dollars per person. The cost also includes your lunch on Saturday the tenth. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for the conference you should make your check out to Bethesda and indicate on the check or the envelope that it is for the Mens Conference. There will be more information shared at our breakfast and in the upcoming months. Thank you.

Sharon (S) Johnson Diane Duncan Anna Lia Ritchie Faye Parrish

Happy Birthday

Chris Gatewood