Children’s Ministry Council€¦ · God leading you to service in teaching our precious children, please contact Sarah Mears, Jo Ann Stancil, or Martha Harmening. Following the

[WAKE FOREST BAPTIST THIRD QUARTER 2015 COUNCIL REPORTS] 1

Council reports are arranged alphabetically: Administration, Children, Education, Missions, Music, Outreach, Worship, and Youth

Administration

Finance Committee 10/4/15 YTD Actual $29,595 $ 792,246 Budget $18,541 $ 810,363 Beyond the Walls $ 5,597 $1,371,312 (Project to Date)

Children’s Ministry Council

There were several special events for children and families during the past quarter. In July, the children’s

ministry council hosted “Meet at the Creek” at the home of Gene and Kim Cross. This is an annual event

that brings families with children of all ages together for a cookout and fun at the creek. In August, the

children’s ministry council hosted a sign-up night at the Stephenson Center to kick off a new year of

children’s ministry and give parents an opportunity to sign up to volunteer for the various events and

programs we offer throughout the year. Families were invited to come enjoy a meal together, and there

were games and activities for the children during the parent meeting. Parents were also invited to dream

and share about “going deeper” in children’s ministry at WFBC.

One of the most exciting ministries that we celebrated during the third quarter was Vacation Bible

School. We had a fantastic Vacation Bible School August 5-8. This year’s theme was Mt. Everest:

Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power. Through Bible Study, crafts, games, and music, children

learned that God has the power to provide, comfort, heal, forgive, and love us forever. This year we had

over 130 children at VBS and over 75 volunteers who served in various roles throughout the week.

Another exciting opportunity for children during the third quarter was our annual children’s

retreat for third through sixth graders at Camp Willow Run in Littleton, NC. The theme of this year’s


retreat was “Follow Me.” Children learned about what it means to be a follower of Jesus and the

importance of listening for God’s call. They were able to participate in worship, Bible study, and mission

projects, as well as regular camp activities like swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Our kids had a great time,

and we are especially grateful for the adult chaperones that made the weekend possible.

September has been a busy month in the children’s ministry as regular programs for children have

started again. Children “promoted” to their new Sunday School classes on September 6 and are enjoying

getting to know their new rooms and teachers. Bibles were given to first graders during worship on

September 13 as a way to recognize their transition from the preschool ministry to the grade school

ministry. We have also launched Kairos—a program that combines music, missions, and Bible Study—on

Wednesday evenings to grade school children. Our preschoolers are also participating in preschool choir

and missions every Wednesday night.

Education Council

SUNDAY SCHOOL

A new Sunday School year began on Sunday, September 6. Preschoolers, children, and seventh

graders moved up to their new classes on this date. We began the new year with several new teachers

in our preschool and children's divisions. As of this report, we still have need for two kindergarten

teachers in our preschool division and one lead teacher (fourth grade) in our children's division.

Openings are in the even months (October, December, February, April, June, and August). If you feel

God leading you to service in teaching our precious children, please contact Sarah Mears, Jo Ann

Stancil, or Martha Harmening.

Following the dedication of our new adult education building on August 30, adult Sunday School

classes, along with the crib room and first grade class, met in the new building for the first time on

September 13. This day was marked by great enthusiasm and excitement by all members, along with

wonderful attendance. Sunday School attendance on this date was 397! As we settle into this

wonderful new space and attendance shows signs of increasing, we continue to evaluate needs and

adjust classes to ensure that we are getting the best use of the space.

On September 27, a Sunday School Appreciation Banquet was held in honor of all 2014-2015 Sunday

School teachers and officers. Immediately following the 11 a.m. worship service, WFBC staff

members cooked and served a delicious meal to those attending. After lunch, the WFBC staff then

showed off their talents with an entertaining show!


SENIOR ADULTS

Fellowship Events

Pot-luck dinner and movie nights are generally held on the fourth Friday of each

month at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. After taking the summer off, Pot-luck and

Movie night resumed on September 25.

Trip to Bath, NC: On July 15, a group of senior adults traveled to Bath for a walking

tour of the oldest town in North Carolina. Bath, which was also a favorite haunt of

Edward Teach, better known as "Blackbeard," is located along the Pamlico River.

Trip to Temple Theater in Sanford: On September 24, ten senior adults traveled to

Sanford to see a production of "My Fair Lady" at the Temple Theater. The production

inspired everyone to join in singing their own rendition of “Take Me to the Church on

Time" during the bus ride home!

Senior Adult Choir

The Senior Adult Choir is meeting each of the first three Tuesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m.

under the direction of Bryant Moxley. Their first performance of the year was during the

Joseph Martin Concert on October 4.

Communion Ministry

Senior Adults served Communion at Hillside Nursing Home on July 28, August 25, and

September 22 at 10:00 a.m. They offered Communion at Brookdale (formerly Carolina

House) on July 23, August 27, and September 24 at 9:45 a.m.

DISCIPLESHIP

Support Groups

Alzheimer's Support Group: This group continues to meet monthly and is led by Bob

Rhoden and Marty Edwards.

Divorce Care: This 13-week support group ministry resumed in August. It is led by

Mike Dishman and Erica Luers. The group meets Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and

childcare is provided. During this session, 13 people have attended at least once, with

an average weekly attendance of 7-8 participants. In November, a special session on

"Facing the Holidays" will be offered to current and past Divorce Care participants, as

well as anyone else in the community.

Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K): In August, Divorce Care for Kids launched for the first

time. This group provides support for children dealing with the divorce of their


parents. Through games, music, stories, videos, and discussion, children can process

their feelings and learn skills that will help them heal. Four children are currently

participating. The leaders for DC4K have reported some very touching stories from

the children.

Of particular praise for this new ministry, which provides a special need to families

in our community, is the number of leaders for this group. As WFBC planned to launch

this group under Mike Dishman's leadership, prayers were offered that 2-3 people

would feel God's calling to work with this group. Instead, SIX members volunteered!

Leaders for this group are Carol Day (Team Leader), Bob Beadle, Katie Hill, Brenda

Joyner, Shannon McNeill, and Lenae Sizemore.

Grief Recovery Group: This group is currently not meeting due to lack of attendance.

It may resume in the future.

Grief Recovery for Parents: This group, which is another new ministry, aims to

provide grief recovery and support to parents who have lost a child. This group

acknowledges the unique feelings of pain and loss that a parent feels following the

death of a child. It is led by Bob Rhoden and currently has 8 enrollees. Participants

are reading the book Missing the Child You Love by H. Norman Wright and using it as

a guide and reference as they work through the grief during this difficult period of

their lives. The group began on September 13 and will meet for five consecutive

Sunday nights.

Bible Study Groups

Young Mother's Bible Study: This group, which is led by Joy Price, meets at the church

every other Friday morning from 9:00a.m. - 10:45 a.m. and every other Thursday

evening from 8:00 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. This schedule enables both working moms and

moms who can only meet during the day to come to the meetings. Currently, there

are 22 young mothers on the roster, with each meeting averaging around 12

participants.

Young Men's Bible Study: The Young Men's Bible Study meets every other Tuesday

from 8:30 - 10:00 p.m. There are currently 8-10 men participating in the study, with

an average weekly attendance of 4-5 men.

The King’s Daughters Bible Study: This group is open to women of all ages and meets

on Wednesday mornings from 9:30a.m. – 11:00a.m. There are currently 39 women

enrolled with an average attendance of 31-32. This group is currently studying “Fight

Back with Joy” by Margaret Feinberg. This study will conclude in mid-November.

Following a break for the holiday season, a new study will begin in January.


Discipleship Classes

Wednesday night discipleship classes resumed on September 16, 2015. During the first 5-

week session, the following classes are being offered:

1. "The 29:59 Plan for Prayer:" This class, led by Jo Ann Stancil, is studying the plan for prayer

written by Dr. Peter Lord. This plan provides a method for structuring your prayer life using

scripture as guidance in how to begin a daily prayer time and who to pray for each day of the

week. This group is averaging 26 in attendance.

2. "The Life You've Always Wanted:" This class, led by Dr. Slater, is averaging 30 in

attendance. Participants are learning that the heart of Christianity is about transformation

and that God wants to impact every aspect of our living. This class is teaching that God meets us on Main Street and that all of ordinary, daily life has the potential to be lived as if Jesus

Himself were the One living it.

3. "The Dude's Guide to Manhood:" This class is led by Mike Tedder and has an average

attendance of 8.

4. Marriage Enrichment: This class, led by Mitch and Anne Packett, facilitates conversations

around the essence of marriage using the book Soul Mate Marriage: The Spiritual Journey of

Becoming One by David and Lisa Frisbee. Themes include tapping into the unifying power of

prayer, creating a safe haven by removing masks, admitting mistakes and extending

forgiveness, facing sorrow and disappointment as a team, and growing together through

many seasons and years. The class has an average attendance of 14.

5. Crisis and Trauma: This class, led by Bob Rhoden, is designed to provide participants with

the understanding of the phenomenon of crisis, trauma, and grief and provide a basic

foundation for ministering to those in crisis. The study is further designed to assist and equip

participants to develop greater sensitivity toward those who are struggling with crises and

traumatic events, with an emphasis on ministry to children and teenagers. The class is

averaging 12 in attendance. (Note: this class is meeting for 8 weeks.)

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Following the very successful women's retreat to Caswell back in March, during which forty-

two women enjoyed a "Garden Getaway" at Camp Caswell, the Women's Ministry sponsored

its second event of the year. Continuing the garden theme, women were invited to attend a

Garden Tea Party at the home of Mike and Leeann Tedder on July 18. At that event, ladies

dressed in fun hats, ate delicious sandwiches, drank hot tea, and listened to Angela Foss as

she reviewed her book (Here I Am: Conversations with God through Hurt and Healing) and

gave her testimony on God's faithfulness.

We have also begun a Mentoring Ministry for women. This program is designed for women

who need someone to talk to, care for them, guide them, and pray for them for a six-month


period. This caring program kicked off with a training meeting for mentors on July 26 and

began in August.

Missions Council

During the 3rd Quarter of 2015, the Missions Program at Wake Forest Baptist Church has been very

busy. We have multiple ongoing programs:

Alzheimer Support Group – The Support Group meets each month.

Good Neighbor Ministry – Serving over 125 hot dogs every Saturday in the Northwest part of

Wake Forest. Building relationships with the local community at Taylor Street Park. We are

completing our 10th year serving the community.

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle – Ongoing Monthly Ministry providing fresh food to local

community family members.

Mobile Food Trailer

The Missions Council takes the Mobile Food trailer to the Taylor Street Area on the 2nd and

4th Wednesdays each month. We are averaging over 85 people each Wednesday and making an

impact in the community. We have a great partnership with the Community Center and the Town of

Wake Forest.

Community Garden

The Community Garden Team has been active this year. We have harvested over 1,300

pounds so far. The food is provided to the Good Neighbor Ministry, Bunn Soup Kitchen and Inter-

Faith Food Shuttle. Since we started the Garden in August 2013, we have produced over 5,500

pounds of food. The Garden is located behind the church house. The team meets every Saturday

from 9am - 12pm. We have had several community members join the Garden Team which is very

exciting. A local community member donated a bee hive to the garden which will greatly help the

growth of the Garden. We also added an irrigation system to help keep the garden watered. In 2015,

we added additional beds (Doubled the Size of the Garden) to the garden.


Quilting

The Quilting ministry is meeting weekly. They have completed the Uganda Quilts and are

working on Quilts to go to other ministries. We passed out quilts on the Summer Mission Trip in

Florida.

Stop Hunger Now

What a wonderful way to use our Fellowship Hall in September to kick off Wednesday Night

Programs. This is a wonderful ministry to start our programs while helping eliminate hunger one

person at a time. We packaged 10,000 meals that have been sent around the world to feed those in

need. This was a wonderful project for everyone and is one of few mission projects where everyone

can work effectively together regardless of age.

Sunday School Class Mission Projects

This year our missions ministry has responded to the call to ‘go deeper’ by encouraging and

equipping adult Sunday school classes to serve as a class in mission projects throughout our

community. We have already seen the first fruits of this idea as the Branches class has collected food

for the Bunn Soup Kitchen and sponsored and staffed an end of the school year party for children

who benefit from the Bunn Soup Kitchen. It will be exciting to see how other Sunday school classes

answer God’s call to serve in the future.

Benevolence Fund

One of the greatest gifts that Wake Forest Baptist Church provides for this community is its

benevolence fund. As we all know, sometimes life happens quickly and we can end up with a need

that we are unprepared for. If someone comes to the church office with an emergency need, such as


food, gas, or medicine (thought the benevolence fund has been used for much more than these) our

benevolence fund makes it possible for the immediate needs of our neighbors to be met. At the end

of the year, whatever is left in the benevolence fund is used to add families to our adopt-a-family

list. Our benevolence fund is a blessing to so many.

The Mission Trip and Mission Trip Worship Service

See ‘Youth Ministry’ Quarterly Report

Backpack Buddies

The church has entered into a partnership with the Backpack Buddies program in Wake

County. Our initial involvement is a food drive during September and October. We are looking at

options to grow this important program to continue the fight against hunger in our community.

Music and Arts Council

Significant emphases of the third quarter included the following:

1. Summer Music EXPLO 2. Preparation for fall ministry programming. 3. The resuming of the regular schedule for ensembles. 4. New hymnal recommendation and Organ Rebuilding Project

Summer Music EXPLO

Summer Music EXPLO activities included the Summer Choir, Music with Toddlers, Orff and

Drumming Class and Choir Chimes/Handbell Class for children grades 1-6. Enrollment for each of

these classes was approximately 10-12 children. Additionally, worship services featured a Men’s

Choir Sunday and Celebrate Life Reunion Choir Sunday. The Men’s Chorus performed a concert of

sacred music for residents at The Cypress and were very well received.

Preparation for Fall Ministry Programming

Preparation for Fall Ministry programming included a redevelopment of the Wednesday Evening

Children’s and Preschool Ministry Program in cooperation with Sarah Mears. Two children’s choir

leaders attended a workshop on early childhood music instruction. Children’s and Preschool Leaders

were recruited and have begun their ministry with the children. Youth Choir Mentors were enlisted

and a planning meeting was held to discuss calendar, ministry plans and literature selections.

Christmas music was selected for all ensembles. Final plans and preparations were made for the

Composer Weekend with Joseph Martin held Oct 3-4.

Resuming of Regular Schedule for All Ensembles

Chancel Choir resumed regular rehearsals in mid-August. Several new members have joined the

choir as permanent members and several others have joined as “Christmas Only” singers. Youth

Choir, Adult Ensemble, Men’s Chorus, Youth Instrumental Ensemble and Advanced Handbells have

resumed regular Sunday afternoon/evening rehearsals with additional members. New leaders have


been enlisted to provide an intermediate/beginning Handbell experience and participants are still

being enrolled. The Youth Choir performed in September for the Blessing Service for the New Youth

Center and the Chancel Choir sang in both services for the Education Building Dedication Service.

New Hymnal Dedication and Organ Rebuilding Project Update

The Music Ministry Council approved the selection of CELEBRATING GRACE HYMNAL for purchase

by the church to replace the current hymnals (The Baptist Hymnal-1991). This recommendation was

approved by the Leadership Council and will be presented to the church in the October Church

Conference.

The organ console was removed by Lincoln Pipe Organs to be rebuilt. The project is behind schedule.

It is expected that the console will be returned in late October to be used with the existing pipes. The

new pipes and digital sounds are scheduled to be installed in January, 2016.

Outreach Council

The Outreach team hosted its largest guest luncheon ever with around 50 participants on

Oct. 4th. It was also extra special as it was held in the new fellowship space. A special

thanks to Mike Dishman, Judy Killebrew, Tracy Baker, Wendy Berkhead, Rachel Leonard,

Wayne Hill, Angie Pearce, and Doug Leary for their time and contribution to the event.

Bryant Moxley and Rob James participated in the SEBTS church fair with the Outreach table.

Sports Outreach activities are in full swing with a Flag football and Kickball teams. We are

looking for additional players for kickball, so if you are interested please contact Mike

Williams ([email protected]) or sign up at https://wakeforestbaptistchurch.teamsnap.com

mailto:[email protected]

https://wakeforestbaptistchurch.teamsnap.com/

[WAKE FOREST BAPTIST THIRD QUARTER 2015 COUNCIL REPORTS]

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Paula and David Goodson are faithfully leading the new member orientation sessions that

are held for new church members. The purpose of the class is to make connections with

new members and provide them an overview of WFBC to help them get acclimated to their

new church family.

Welcome Center continues to be staffed faithfully at both worship services.

Worship Council

The Worship Council is made up of the following teams: Lord’s Supper, Baptism, Flower &

Altar, Weddings, Funerals, Special Worship Events, Worship Media, and Hospitality. These

teams faithfully ensure that our church has been made ready for all of the events that occur

there each week.

Youth Council

Mission Trip to DeFuniak Springs, Florida

(July24-August 2)—55 Youth and adults from our church traveled to DeFuniak Springs,

Florida to aid with home repair after an historic flash flood in April of 2014. When our youth arrived,

we were the only group aiding in this effort the whole summer. I am pleased that all three of the

homeowners whose homes we repaired are back in their homes. On August 16th, our mission team

shared their experiences with our church family during a special service of worship.

Summer SonDown and SonDown—We continued to have SonDown meetings each

week during the summer at the Stephenson Pavilion.

Parent and Volunteer Sign-Up Night—On August 23rd, we held our parent and

volunteer sign-up night at the Stephenson Pavilion. Parents and Volunteers signed up on posters

explaining each ministry, retreat and missions event. I always feel so pleased and lucky to see so

many willing to give of their time to help our youth grow in their faith.

Youth Luau (August 26)—This year’s youth luau at the Heritage View pool was a great

opportunity for our new members of the youth group to connect and share with our returning youth

group members. It was also a great opportunity for the Senior class to welcome new members into

our group.

SonUp Sunday School—During the summer, our Youth Sunday School classes (SonUp)

met together. Now that the school year is back in full swing, our Youth Sunday School continues to

be a great tool for Bible Study. Youth consistently bring ideas and lessons taught to them in Sunday

School to SonDown, Ignite, and other ministries. This is a testament to our teachers and shows me

that they are actually retaining what they are learning.

[WAKE FOREST BAPTIST THIRD QUARTER 2015 COUNCIL REPORTS]

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Youth Center Blessing Service (September 20)—This is an historic time for

the youth ministry program at WFBC. This year we received and blessed our new youth center! The

blessing service was a beautiful way to invite God to be a part of all that we hope to learn and share

in our new space. The youth choir sang and our youth participated in all areas of the service including

placing capstones above the doorways.

Ignite—Our Wednesday night small groups have started this year. We are again divided into High

School Girls, High School Guys and Middle School. Once a month these groups will combine to take

part in mission projects.

9th and 10th Grade Christian Rafting Retreat—We could not have asked for

better weather for our 9th and 10th Grade Christian Rafting Retreat in Tennessee. It was a great

retreat with a large number of adults giving of their time to lead our youth in discussions of faith and

share with them in fellowship activities. Our theme this year was ‘If?’ and we focused on all of the ‘if’

questions in our lives: ‘what if,’ ‘God if,’ ‘if you’ and others. The highlight of this year’s rafting retreat

was taking time for each youth to pair with an adult for their devotions on Saturday.

Documents

Children’s Ministry Council€¦ · God leading you to service in teaching our precious children, please contact Sarah Mears, Jo Ann Stancil, or Martha Harmening. Following the