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The Messenger F ir s t Bap t i s t Church Volume , Issue
A Night with the Stars! Dinner, Live Auction, and
Entertainment
February 24, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. Cost: $20
Fellowship Hall First Baptist Church of Mt. Holly
Valet Parking Included!
This event is a fundraiser for the youth mission trip to
Washington DC, June 16-22, 2018. All proceeds go to this trip.
Tax deductible donations are also welcome.
The Season of Lent Begins Ash Wednesday
February 14, 2018
May we all take these 40 days to enter the life of our Savior.
Our worship services will follow the themes in Rev. Adam Hamilton's
book 24 Hours that Changed the World. A limited number of companion
devotional books by Rev. Hamilton with a devotion for each day in
Lent are available in the church office for $6.
Lunch and Building Update Sunday, February 18
Immediately following Worship Peru Mission Team will provide the
meal!
The Building Team invites the church to come to lunch and hear
an update on our progress. Our architect, Gray Hudson of WKWW
Architects, will be with us to share some of the latest drawings
from our design development phase, and the team will update us all.
This covered dish lunch will be in lieu of the February 4th date we
had announced in the fall.
The Peru Mission Team will provide the meal. Donations will
gladly be accepted as they look to return to Peru in 2019.
Come and see:
• More developed Floor Plans and Building Sections • Developed
Elevations
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Page 2 The Messenger
February 6 – Gene & Beulah McEntire
2 – Ashley Hager, Andy Noles 4 – Brenda Horton, Tom Nixon 6 –
Hunter Ealey, Jackson Gardner 7 – Riley Dean 9 – Alicia Robinson,
Sam Williams 10 – Todd Hilderbran 11 – Mike Huff 13 – Peggy Gray,
Lakena Marsh 14 – Don Jones, Sage Marsh 15 – Pat Collier, Bruce
Duckworth, Millie Hunsucker, Bill Piercy, Danny Snead
17 – Edward Pate, Charles Smith 18 – Johnna Bullard, Collier
Poole 20 – Vicki Cauthen, Henry Richardson 21 – Virginia Winecoff
22 – William Choren, Terry Lancaster 23 – Charlie Sawyer 24 – Mason
Robinson, Buddy Smith 25 – Jack Matz, Clarence Rick 26 – Kevin
Collier, Nancy McIntosh 27 – Barbara McQuarrie 28 – Glenn Burton,
Ashley Flowers
JUBILANT SENIOR
VALENTINE GALA
Friday, February 9 5:45 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
See page 7 for details!
Christmas Missions Offering In honor of Lottie Moon
$8,034!!!
For the first time in many years, we collected more than $8000!
Thanks to WMU leadership for promoting the offering with a special
thanks to Gina Hough and the Moonpies for Lottie! The offering will
be divided as you designated between global missions of the
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Southern Baptist
Convention.
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Homebound Ministry
Please remember in prayer our homebound members. List of
addresses are available in the church office if you feel led to
connect with them.
Gifts Given to the Building Fund
• In memory of Ed Ealey by WR Daniel & Associates, Allen
& Linda Seehorn, Verna Jo Ellis, Jay Knight, Anne K. Brinkley,
Carlton & Cecelia Broome, John & Alice Jones, Bill &
Elaine Lindsey, Ken & Elaine Crosby, Carl Baber, Aubrey Silvey
Enterprises, Inc., Scott & Suzanne Griffin, Mike & Ann
Huff, Jill Morton, Al & Jane Rhodes, Richard & Mary Ruth
Smith, Fred & Lynda Flowe, Chester & Glenda Melton, Mac
& Linda Richardson, Randy & Ginger McLean, and the Mt.
Holly Swim Team
• In memory of Jim & Ruth Reed by Gene & Dale Barrow
• In memory of Walter Baker by Jill Morton
• In honor of Maryvan Blair by Joe & Susan Jordan
• In honor of Paige Sisk by Michael & Dana Haley
• In memory of Alec Evans by Ken & Elaine Crosby
• In memory of Ben Griffin by Bunny Robbins
• In honor of Frank & Evelyn Rodden by Bill & Dianne
Abrams
Gifts Given to the Bible Fund
• In memory of Ed Ealey by Aubrey & Brenda Horton
Gifts Given to the Lottie Moon Fund
• In honor of Charles Sawyer and in memory of Bunnie Sawyer by
Charles & Penny McClure and family, Charles & Maryvan
Blair, Trip & Leigh Blair, and Joe & Susan Jordan
Thank you …
Thank you for all of your love and prayers over the last month
during John’s two emergency surgeries. It has been a rough
December, but God has worked things out and shown us He continues
to work, no matter what. Please continue to pray, as we know God
hears every one. Thanks again for showing us God’s love on this
journey!
John, Debbie, and Jessica Posa
Page 3 The Messenger
College Students of the Month for January and February
January Blake Moran - 700 Granite St. Unit 2-B #3, Greensboro,
NC 27403
Spencer Childers - 245 Memorial Dr. Suite #10320, Cullowhee, NC
28723
February Wade McLain - 111 Friendly Dr. Rm. 843, Raleigh, NC
27607
Hunter Ealey - 100 Cottonwood Dr., Mt. Holly, NC 28120
Extend our Sympathy to:
Family of Ed Ealey Family of Cathleen Small
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Page 5 The Messenger
What to do with the name Evangelical?
For my doctorate, I graduated from the George Fox Evangelical
Seminary of George Fox University. In 1996, Western Evangelical
Seminary merged with George Fox College, a historically Society of
Friends (Quaker) college, to form George Fox University. The
seminary then renamed itself using the George Fox name as
representative of its Friends’ background and Evangelical as part
of its history as a free -standing seminary as well as its
alignment within Christianity.
While I was there, I had several conversations with classmates
from that region about whether the seminary should drop the term
“evangelical.” In the post -Christian Northwest, the term had so
much baggage. For many, Evangelical has become identified as
political orientation rather than a faith orientation. We read this
all the time when a reporter describes someone as an “Evangelical.”
Certain political assumptions about what that means usually come to
mind. In another town, I
watched a local race between two evangelical Christians but only
one was described as an “Evangelical.”
As a Baptist Christian, I believe strongly that this is
detrimental to the witness of Evangelical Christianity. History
reminds us that, when we as a church align ourselves with political
entities, we often acquiesce to subjugate the Gospel to the needs
of Caesar for political or economic gain – whoever Caesar may be.
Think of Christians supporting the Theodosian decrees and
oppression, slavery in the South, exploitive colonialism at the
hands of “Christian” powers like Belgian King Leopold II, pogroms
against Russian Jews, the Nazi party in Germany, or segregation. By
the way, church history is also full of brave stories of Christians
standing for love and justice against the principalities and powers
of their day. Caesar’s siren call to acquiesce for the sake of
power is strong, but many have resisted it.
For me, I am not ready to abandon the term “Evangelical” to
those that would use it as a political statement. I want to redeem
it because at my core I am committed to be an Evangelical. In his
1989 work Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the
1730s to the 1980s, church historian David Bebbington wrote that
Evangelicals have 4 lasting commitments (this is now called the
Bebbington Quadrilateral and is the most often used parameters for
defining Evangelicalism):
• Conversionism: the belief that lives need to be transformed
through a “born -again” experience and a lifelong process of
following Jesus.
• Activism: the expression and demonstration of the Gospel in
missionary and social reform efforts. • Biblicism: a high regard
for and obedience to the Bible as the ultimate authority. •
Crucicentrism: a stress on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the
cross as making possible the redemption of
humanity.
I affirm these 4 commitments; I am an Evangelical. Just
recently, I read the following Tweet by well -known Evangelical
Bible study leader Beth Moore: You can do what you want but I’m not
giving up without a fight. We’ve let evil overtake the entire
reputation of Evangelicalism. The lust for power is nauseating.
Racism, appalling. The arrogance, terrifying. The misogyny so far
from Christlikeness, it can’t be Christianity. … It will become
increasingly vital that we learn to distinguish between what is
pro-Christian and what is actually Christlike.
I join her - not for a political party - for an Evangelical
faith that proclaims conversion, action, the Bible, and the
centrality of the cross. I am an Evangelical. Are you?
Grace and peace, Kendell Cameron
After my sermon on the Gospels, several of you asked for the
theme and key verses I noted in that sermon. Here they are in the
probable order of their writing: Mark—Mark 1:14-15—The Kingdom of
God, one greater than all earthly kingdoms, is to be found in
Jesus. Matthew—Matthew 25:31-33—Jesus is the Messiah— the anointed
one of God—who is greater than Joseph, Moses, Elijah, and even King
David. He is the Messiah, the Christ for who Israel has waited!
Luke—Luke 4:18-19—This verse is a quote from Isaiah and Luke
reminds us how Jesus has come for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike.
John—John 20:30-31 - John shows us the “signs” that Jesus is truly
the Christ, the Messiah.
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Page 6 The Messenger
Upcoming Youth Events …
Super Bowl Party! Youth are invited to Kendell’s house for the
Super Bowl on February 4 at 6 p.m. Youth only need $5 to pay for
pizza! Pancakes! Youth are invited to join Kendell at 6:30 p.m. on
Shrove Tuesday (February 13) as he goes to IHOP to eat pancakes to
remember the coming of Ash Wednesday and Lent. A Night with the
Stars! Fundraiser—February 24, 2018
Concert Opportunities — Winter & Spring 2018
The Music Ministry is pleased to announce several concert and
worship experiences that will be offered this Spring. See the
details following for information on each event. Mark your
calendars!!
Lenten Taizé — February 21, 6:30 p.m. Join the Sanctuary Choir
and instrumentalists for a service of contemplation and prayer in
the manner of the community of Taizé, France. We sing, listen to
scripture, and pray in silence as we embark on our Lenten
journey.
Shorter University Chorale — March 8, 7:00 p.m. An auditioned
ensemble of 40 students who are celebrating their 50th anniversary
on tour around the Southeast USA. Repertoire is based on a variety
of choral music, including classical works of all eras, world
music, spirituals, gospel pieces, and jazz standards.
Tenebrae — March 30, 8:00 p.m. A service of darkness led by our
Sanctuary Choir. This worship uses an ancient practice of candle
extinguishing coinciding with readings of the 7 last words of
Christ to illuminate the darkest day of remembrance on the
Christian calendar.
Matteo Fedeli in Concert — April 7, (time tba) *ticketed event;
benefit for CRO* A world renowned violinist who serves as the
Ambassador of Italian Culture to the US for the Italian Foreign
Affairs Ministry. Fedeli’s artistic mission is taking the voice of
famous luthiers from Cremona, Italy — Amati, Stradivari and
Guarneri — to the rest of the world. Joined by piano accompaniment,
Fedeli will present a concert of varied repertoire in a ticketed
event benefiting the Mount Holly CRO. Tickets are $15 for adults,
$10 for students (2yrs/under admitted free of charge). Childcare
available upon request.
Gospel Mass — May 27, 11:00 A.M. The Sanctuary Choir present
Robert Ray’s setting of the Catholic Mass in the style of African
American Gospel song. Guest instrumentalists include electric bass,
drum kit, and gospel piano. Join us for a truly unique worship
service on Trinity Sunday!
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Jubilant Seniors Valentine’s Gala
The Jubilant Senior Team and their leader, Frances Gurley have
been busy with plans for the Valentine’s Gala on Friday night,
February 9 in the Fellowship Hall at 5:45 p.m. Wrap up and crank up
those engines and head to 300 South Main Street and please don’t be
late!
The deadline to register for this event is Monday, January 29 at
3:00 p.m. and payment must be in Frances’ hand at that time. Due to
the catering cost, there will no refunds after that date. Also,
because we will be working so diligently to make the night a
reality, Jubilant Team members will not be able to arrange someone
to take your place if you cannot come. If anything comes up and you
cannot attend, it is up to you to give or sell your seat to someone
else. If you do, please let Frances know that person’s name for the
sake of seating arrangements.
Having given all instructions above, this is going to be an
evening that you will remember for a long time. You will have a
wonderful catered meal, lovely décor, piano dinner music and an
interesting after dinner program – All for the low cost of $20 per
person for church members 55 and older and $29 per person for
others.
Don’t let time run out! Call Frances at 704-900-5775, email her
[email protected] or see her in person to get your name on
the list. Also for all who have signed up and you have not paid,
please see Frances or mail a check to her ASAP.
See you on the 9th of February. The dress code is Sunday best to
semi formal – your choice!
– Frances and Jubilant Team
Koffee Klatch Saturday, February 3
Fellowship Hall
10:30 a.m.
Sponsored by WMU
for the whole church!
The WMU invites the whole church to come as we will be having
coffee, tea and hot chocolate, and probably a few pick ups. It’s a
time to fellowship and to share missions ideas and recent missions
events that have been successful or memorable. All are welcome;
please come!
Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday, February 4
Super Bowl Sunday
Tackle Hunger!!
Join Christians around the country for the “Souper Bowl of
Caring” on Super Bowl Sunday. We invite everyone to bring a can of
soup or a financial donation to fight world hunger. Canned foods
will be taken to the CRO and financial donations will be split
locally for the CRO and globally with the Baptist World Alliance
Hunger Fund. Help us to tackle hunger on Super Bowl Sunday!
Page 7 The Messenger
mailto:[email protected]
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Worship At A Glance Sermon Series: Journey through the New
Testament Feb. 4: Missions Sunday; Acts 1:8, The Acts of the
Apostles; Dr. Cameron preaching Feb. 11: Revelation; Revelation
1:4-8; Dr. Cameron preaching Lenten Sermon Series: 24 Hours that
Changed the World Feb. 18: The Supper; Mark 14:12-25; Dr. Cameron
preaching Feb. 25: The Oil Press; Mark 14:32-52; Dr. Cameron
preaching
December Record Totals Total Receipts $154,108 Bldg. Fund
$48,563 Bldg. Fund YTD $90,223 Other Designated $17,899 Other
Designated YTD $117,537 2017 Budget $430,851 Avg. Needs – 12/31
$430,851 Budget Receipts YTD $476,295 Lottie Moon $8,034
First Baptist Church PO Box 385 Mount Holly, NC 28120
704-827-2481 Staff: Kendell Cameron, Senior Pastor,
704-214-1022
[email protected] Cathy Pate, Organist Kim Payne,
Administrative Assistant,
[email protected] Taylor Vancil, Minister of Music,
336-549-0832
[email protected]
Church Office Hours 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday
Closed for Lunch from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Service Opportunities
February Nursery Volunteers Sunday Morning Worship (Infants)
Feb. 4 - Corey and Lakena Marsh Feb. 11 - TBD Feb. 18 - TBD Feb. 25
- Missi and Macee Fortsch Sunday Morning Worship (Toddlers) Feb. 4
– Carlos and Amanda Choren Feb. 11 – Jeff and Donna Dobbins Feb. 18
– Beverly Wrenn and Virginia Hoffman Feb. 25 – Ashley and Patrick
Hager Sunday School (Infants)
Feb. 4 – Gina Hough Feb. 11 – Julia Benfield Feb. 18 – Melissa
Green Feb. 25 - Missi Fortsch
Church Security Feb. 5-11: Jim Benfield Feb. 12-18: Corey Rhyne
Feb. 19-25: Mike Huff Feb. 26-Mar. 4: Corey Rhyne
February Adult Class Teaching Schedule Feb. 4: I Am a Minister;
2 Corinthians 3:4-12; Aubrey Horton
Feb. 11: I Am a Priest; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Devotion & Breakfast
Feb. 18: I Am Just Passing Through; 1 Peter 2:11-17; Bill Piercy
Feb. 25: I Am a Light; Ephesians 5:8-14; Bill Piercy
Wednesday Night Suppers Feb 7 – Beef tips over rice Feb 14 –
Lasagna Feb 21 – BBQ Feb 28 – Sandwiches
