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The S
pira
l -
“Kee
pin
g th
e p
eop
le in
form
ed”
PIT
TS
BO
RO
B
AP
TIS
T C
HU
RC
H
Volume 60, Issue 3
March 2016 THE PASTOR’S DESK
Pittsboro Passion Play March 25 7:00 p.m.
March 26 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Northwood
High School Auditorium
“He is not here. He has risen!”
Luke 24:6
Easter Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Northwood High School Auditorium
Page 2 THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED”
FROM THE YOUTH PASTOR
Caswell is just around the corner with deposits
being due on the 29th of March. Caswell dates
for 2016 are July 25th through the 30th with
$100.00 deposit due by the 30th of March. The
2016 camp theme is “every...one, thing, day,
where: living your life on mission,” based on 1
Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special
possession, that you may declare the praises of
Him who called you out of darkness into His
wonderful light.” This camp is limited to 36
spots, so reserve today! Sign-ups for
chaperones have been filled and the chaperones
are Jeff and Debra Magee, Jimmy Davis and
Christina Wight. This year’s speaker will be
Wes Hamilton, lead pastor at Hulen Street
Church in Fort
Worth, Texas.
Total cost for
this year’s trip
is $275.00
minus any
fundraising
money
collected. Also we will be lodging in Ginko,
which is the best rooms in Caswell.
Our first fundraiser for Caswell will be on the
16th of April and will happen in the fellowship
hall of the
church. We
will be
having a
Church-wide
Yard Sale...so
start looking
around for
stuff that you have outgrown or that you could
part with and donate them to the church
anytime during the week of April 11th.
Tampa Mission Trip promises to be a life
changing experience. July 11-17 or 18. Youth
will be doing minor construction as well as a
daily
backyard
Bible club.
Youth will
be sharing
the gospel
and
hopefully
with our
acts of service, be leading people to Christ!
Cost for this event will be $279.00 trip +
$99.00 Disney World + $40.00 hotel and
roughly $100.00 for food and spending cash.
Interested youth will need to send out letters
asking for support as well as participating in
our May fundraiser. A $50.00 deposit is due
March 31. Also we need one more male and
female chaperone.
In Christ,
Jon Pister
Page 3 THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED”
Life Group News
LIFE Group, a Blessing
In this season of my life, I am busy. Which sometimes equates to tired. And on occasion, grumpy. We host a LIFE group on Wednesday nights and Wednesday’s are busy. Which means I can be tired...and grumpy. And more than once I’ve thought to myself, “I really
just want to put on my PJs and watch a movie tonight.” And then the doorbell rings. And for the next 15 minutes our house fills up with smiles, laughter, hugs, and love. Real love. Love from other brothers and sisters in Christ. And we eat together. We pray together. We laugh together. We cry together. We read God’s word. We challenge each other. We share perspectives and life experiences. We learn from each other. And two hours later our house is back to the four of us winding down for the day. Tired, but happy. In this season of my life, I am blessed. And I am reminded of it every Wednesday night. If you are not involved in a LIFE group, please don’t waste any more time. Start enjoying God’s blessings now. Sign up on the PBC website or visit the information table at the back of the sanctuary this Sunday. Blessings, Jennifer Cashion
Page 4 THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED”
March 25, 2016 7:00 p.m.
March 26, 2016
3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Northwood High School
Auditorium
“He is not here. He has risen!”
Luke 24:6
No words could ever express our appreciation
for the love and support you have shown to us
during Dad’s stay in the assisted living facility,
the skilled care facility and at his passing.
Thank you so much for all the calls, cards, food,
visits, hugs and prayers. We are so blessed to
have such a caring and loving church family.
Ken, Cindy and Haynes Family
Pittsboro Passion Play
FREE ADMISSION Call 910-231-1560 for more information
Page 5 THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED”
I wrote this “letter” almost four years ago to the
day. My prayers have continued that someone at PBC will feel the call to this most rewarding and fun ministry. This call to service is being reprinted in the hopes that God will speak to one of you. If you feel a “tugging on your heart,” please do not ignore it. Looking for a Ministry?
A few weeks ago, I came across some old friends that I had not seen for three years. I
admit that I felt a bit guilty, as the end of our
relationships had seemingly been abrupt. But
seeing them brought back a flood of memories
that made me laugh and reminded me of the joy they had given me. They were quite a
diverse group with names like Skip, Sallie, and
Fuzzball.
About fourteen years ago, God put a tugging
on my heart to start a puppet team. I resisted
because I knew absolutely nothing about puppetry, but excuses like that are
meaningless in God’s eyes. After some
procrastination on my part, The No Strings Attached puppet team came into being. The
team existed over nine years, and with God’s
grace there were always folks
willing to take the
leap to learn
puppetry and give
their time and
talent to commit to God’s service.
Through skits
and songs, the
puppets would
entertain during the morning worship services. Our message was what Tripp refers to as a
“sticky statement,” about God’s love or how to
treat others, and other Biblical lessons. The
target audience was the children, but
invariably adults would tell the team members
that the messages were meaningful to them as well.
My heart would be over-flowing every time I
saw the team perform. I was amazed how our
talented puppeteers could give these inanimate
objects expression and personalities. I was merely the director (telling others what to do)
and am not gifted with the abilities of
coordination and skill required of a puppeteer.
After nine years of directing No Strings Attached, I knew it was time for me to stop. I
was experiencing a few trials in my life and my
enthusiasm was waning. In 2009, we gave our last performance. The stage was dismantled.
The costumes, props, and puppets were placed
in boxes.
A few weeks
ago, Brenna Fassinger,
asked if I
would talk
with her
American
Heritage Girls troop about
puppetry. I
agreed. I dug around in the church storage
closet, pulled the boxes out and opened the
lids. There they were, looking up at me with faces in blue, orange, and green. I confess I
had to choke back the tears.
With the lure of gas money to travel the fifteen
miles from Carolina’s campus, Kristin, my
daughter and former No Stings Attached
member, assisted me with the presentation by performing a couple of songs. As I watched,
that familiar bubble of joy welled-up in me -
such sweet puppets that bring sweet smiles to
children’s faces and adult faces, too. They are
tools of ministry, needing to be utilized. The
call has not come back to me, but maybe you are looking for a ministry.
During the time we were a team, our church
family generously gave so that we have a large
collection of professional grade puppets along
with CDs, scripts, and the basics to re-start the ministry. Most everything is in place - a
few items apparently have been used
elsewhere in the church, but can easily be
restored. We were good stewards of our
ministry tools and kept diligent care of our
puppets. My fear is that like vacant houses, without use, they will deteriorate.
I ask that all church members pray that our
puppet ministry be re-vitalized. As evidenced
by me, prior experience is not required. I am
willing, however, to convey what I have learned to get the team started. There are a few
requirements: commitment and joy at seeing
children smile. If you are interested, please
talk to me, Kathy Shaffer. God has a ministry
waiting for you. You may also talk
to Jennifer Cashion,
our Children’s
and Preschool Minister.
4 Jon Pister
5 Caroline Fiel
Rhonda Myers
6 Bob Lawler
Tripp and Amy Harmon ♥
7 Raymond & Renata Morgan ♥
8 Mel & Donna Harmon ♥
10 Barbara Lawler
Jenna Smith
11 Celia Parker
12 Trevor Pister
14 Mary Elizabeth Adams
16 Laura Kriegh
17 Billy Lewis Griffin
Danielle Kriegh
Owen Powers
19 Jimmy & Susie Griffin ♥
20 Madalene Adams
21 Ethan Lambert
22 Polly Flynt
23 Mason Ridge
Ron & Jen Gunter ♥
25 Kim Hubbard
Sergey Pister
Cameron Fowler
26 Eric Runyan
27 Lindsay Sanders
29 Percy Crutchfield
Jeff Christian
Alex Christian
31 T. J. Oldham
THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED”
Page 6
THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED”
Page 7
USHERS
Percy Crutchfield, Chuck Devinney,
Luke Fowler, Bill Griffin
GREETERS
JoLynn Perry, Lynn McCarthy, Geraldine Howard
SUNDAY NURSERY
March 6 Roderick and Katherine Parker, Karl Shaffer, Rebecca Ridge
March 13 Amy Harmon, Karlie Wiggins, Todd and Jenice Walton
March 20 Jennifer Davis, Nickie Runyan, Theresa Adams, Mary Adams
March 27 Easter
SUNDAY CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Bible Story Teller Small Group Leaders
March 6 Barb Daniel Jaime and Bert Magee
March 13 Carole Sanders Chad and Jill Lambert
March 20 Jo Lynn Perry Devin and Rebecca Ridge
March 27 Easter
THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED”
Page 8
VBS Butterfly Prayers - The Parents
This is the ninth month that you Prayer Warriors have been praying for those sweet children who attended PBC’s Vacation Bible School last June. We are confident that God is raining down His blessings on them. May we implore you to also pray for their parents? Some of those children may come from Christian homes where the mom and dad are guiding them in the Lord’s way. Some of
their parents however, may not be Christ followers. Lift all of these parents in prayer: for Christians, to give them wisdom and understanding; for the non-Christians, that their hearts will open to the beckoning of the Holy Spirit. It may very well be that they saw a difference in their child after attending VBS. This could be the spark that will change their lives. And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
A Point in Time - Historical Tidbits about PBC
After the old church building was torn down in 1948, a n e w s a n c t u a r y a n d educational plant was built at a cost of approximately $80,000. The first service in the “new” sanctuary, which is the same one in use today, was held March 13, 1949.
THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED”
Page 9
God Works In Ways We Cannot See
By Vickie Highlund
This week I learned how God was answering my prayers...when I did not
realize my prayers were being answered.
My son, Chad, always calls me as he travels to work, and the other day he
said he had an amazing story to tell me. Chad is an elevator mechanic, and
each mechanic has an apprentice working with them. Chad’s apprentice’s
name is Kevin. Kevin was recently married, and he and his wife live in
her grandparents’ guest house, so they can save money to buy their own
house. The guys were talking with him about it, and someone asked him
how her grandparents made their money, since they could afford to own a
home with a guest house. Kevin said his wife’s grandparents owned
Amalia’s Restaurant in San Francisco.
Chad immediately stopped what he was doing and said, “Are you saying you are Lou Amalia’s
son-in-law?” Kevin replies “Yes. Do you know Lou?” Chad told him that he and Lou became
friends when they were both at MPI (a rehab
center) and later relapsed together, went to jail
together, talked about wanting to see their kids
together, etc. They eventually drifted apart.
Chad said he didn’t make a conscious decision
that he wouldn’t be friends with Lou but
somehow he knew he needed to get away from
him even though Lou was a great guy. It was
just too easy to do drugs with Lou since he
always had plenty of money. I believe God was guiding Chad’s mind and protecting him in
answer to my prayers even though Chad was not aware at the time.
Now Chad is living for the Lord, but Lou’s story had a very sad ending. As the conversation
continued, Chad asked Kevin how Lou was doing since he had not talked with him for about 8
years. Kevin said, “Lou over dosed five years ago, and his
mother found him dead in a condo they had bought for him in
Palm Springs where they had sent him for rehab.” Chad said
to me, “Mom, if it wasn’t for the Lord that could have been
me.” Chad was also amazed to find out that Kevin had
worked as an EMT on the 5th floor of MPI Rehab Center years
before, at the same time that Chad and Lou (his future father-in-law) were at MPI.
Kevin said he couldn’t wait to tell his wife and her grandparents that the “Chad” he had been
telling them about from work was a friend of Lou’s. He had told them he was working for a
guy who had been an addict but had turned his life around. Chad and I chatted about how
amazing it was that God brought him and Kevin together at work and how God works in our
lives in ways we cannot see at the moment.
I thought about his story off and on all day that day, and kept thanking God over and over for
protecting Chad, guarding his mind, guiding his way and working in his life so he didn’t end up
in the condo with Lou. I thought of the years, with tears flooding my eyes, that I had pleaded
with God to save my son and to keep him safe and alive, but saw
no evidence of my prayers being answered. And now, all these
years later I hear this story and realize how God honored my
prayers and kept His promises to me.
THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED”
Page 10
When times are difficult and you are blinded by tears, I encourage
you to read God’s promises in His Word, believe them, and hold on
to them even when you don’t see any action from God. He is
working out His plan for you and that person that you love so much.
During my quiet time one morning when I was so burdened for
Chad, the Lord gave me the words to the poem below. The amazing
thing is that God gave me these words around the same time as the
story above was unfolding! He is an awesome God!
Wait and be still
My Lord said to me
Though storms rage around you
One day you will see
Wait and be still
I’m watching from above
I know and see all these things
You’re covered with my love
Wait and be still
I see each tear that falls
I catch them in my hands
And hear you when you call.
Wait and be still
Though there’s nothing you can see
Just trust and obey
And keep your eyes on me
Wait and be still
When you’re blinded by tears
I will calm the storm within you
And take away your fears
Wait and be still
There is nothing I can’t do
I know what’s best and know the time
And I have a plan for you
Wait and be still
When the tunnel shows no light
I am there in your darkness
Take my hand and hold on tight
Wait and be still
My promises are true
Though they tarry, wait for them
And I will get you through
Check It Out News from the Pearle Johnson Memorial Library
Sunday Library Schedule 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
A great time to leisurely look at our books
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Didn’t get up in time for Sunday School but too early for
the worship service? Stop by the library.
There are still some CDs and DVDs of the 2014 Worship Services available. One of those sermons from two years ago may be what you need to hear today. You will
find them on the table outside the library door. Take one or two then step inside and check out a book. At the end of March, the discs will become recycling material. For those of you who have been saying, “I wanted to check out one of those books I read about in the Spiral,” or “I have been meaning to come in to see what you have in there.” Next Sunday is the Sunday you can make those words a reality. Your PBC
Librarians await your visit. Easter is the most important day in Christianity. These Pittsboro Baptist Church Library books may give you more insight into what Easter means to your faith.
Six Hours One Friday - Living in the Power of the Cross by Max Lucado Does life feel futile? “Doesn’t have to.” Do some of your failures seem fatal? “They aren’t.” And your death. Does the grave appear to be the final stop? According to Christ, your death is just the start of the something great. There is a truth greater than all the losses and sorrows of life. And it can be discovered in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Six Hours One Friday, Max Lucado delves into the meaning of Jesus’ last hours on the cross. Through His death, your life has purpose and meaning. You are forgiven and loved by a Savior who died for you. And an empty tomb proclaims that death does not have the final word. Peace where there should be pain. Confidence in the midst of crisis. Hope defying despair. “Does death have the last word?” I can see Jesus wink as he gives the answer, “Not on your life.” (copied from
goodreads.com)
THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED” Page 11
9-9:30a.m. 10-10:30a.m.
March 6 Judy Beaver Judy Beaver
March 13 Cindy Springle Sheila Holland
March 20 Kathy Shaffer Kathy Shaffer
March 27 Easter Easter
March Library Schedule
The Radical Cross - Living the Passion of Christ by A.W. Tozer “The cross of Christ demands from each of us identification. It is of no use to us unless we make it our own and enter
into his death and resurrection.” A.W. Tozer The Radical Cross is a powerful compilation of A.W. Tozer’s inspired impression on the cross of Christ. Arranged thematically, this thought-provoking book discusses The Radical Cross and its promises, its price, its purpose, its pain, its provisions and its paradox. It is a book that will challenge you to make the cross your own and to live the passion of Christ. (copied from
goodreads.com)
What Was God Doing on the Cross? by Alistair McGrath A book that brings to life the story of the cross and the resurrection—and impresses upon us the almost unbelievable truth that God allowed himself to be executed for our sake. McGrath challenges us to think and speak about the cross with freshness, directness, and vitality. (copied from
goodreads.com Serving Him, Kathy Shaffer
THE SPIRAL - “KEEPING THE PEOPLE INFORMED” Page 12