Newsletters - Cuba First Baptist Church (Cuba, NY)

The Trough

by Judy Brown

There is a trough in waves,

a low spot

where horizon disappears

and only sky

and water

are our company.

And there we lose our way

unless

we rest, knowing the wave will bring us

to its crest again.

There we may drown

if we let fear

hold us in its grip and shake us

side to side,

and leave us flailing, torn, disoriented.

But if we rest there

in the trough,

in silence,

being in the low part of the wave,

keeping our energy and

noticing the shape of things,

the flow,

then time alone

will bring us to another

place

where we can see

horizon, see land again,

regain our sense

of where

we are,

and where we need to swim.

Summer is waning, and soon much earlier sunsets and crisp morning air will signal a readiness for change: a new school year, fall house cleaning, storing away outdoor furniture, changing out seasonal wardrobes . . .I used to look forward to change – of having a sense of renewed energy, a fresh start, plans and preparations for ongoing ministry and mission coming into focus, small groups starting up again, and chatter in our Fellowship Hall.

All these changes could be prepared for in advance. They were concrete and certain. Life of the Church, as we call it, had a rhythm, a trusted cycle of ebb and flow as we moved through the seasons of the Christian year.

Our church life’s journey through COVID has abruptly and uninvitedly changed all that. We are halfway through this second year of guarding against its threat – and one would think we would be used to it by now. But new uncertainties have surfaced with COVID variants that pose a greater threat and questions about the use and availability of booster shots.

We began our journey in March of 2020 by shutting down in-person worship and activities, staying at home as much as possible and practicing good hygiene and social distancing when we needed to venture out. Finally, a little over a year later, we could put aside the COVID check-in and vaccinated persons were not required to wear masks.

Now that COVID cases have increased and more variants are identified, Allegany County is on the Substantial list. We are back to requiring all persons to wear masks and social distance in public places. I can’t help but feel deeply discouraged and depressed.

As if to add to this constant undertow of COVID produced stress, we are overwhelmed by waves of tragic news near and far. It can feel like we are stuck in a trough of apathy and fear, having lost our way to the future God has promised.

Pondering this, I recalled a poem, “The Trough” by Judy Brown. Her words buoyed my spirit and gave me a new perspective on the critical challenges we are presently living into and dealing with. I hope that it will lift your spirit too.

Whenever you are feeling fearful, overwhelmed, or lost, my prayer for you is that you will rest in the certainty of God’s love and care for you, and that you will be strengthened day by day for the journey ahead to God’s bright and promised future.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Lynn

Well, I didn’t think this day would ever come, but FINALLY I have some things to tell you about. The church seems to be a little more full of activity. The Rummage rooms are busy on both Friday and Saturday. I don’t go down there when they’re open, but I do sneak in occasionally during the week. There’s one lady (I think her name is Mel) that seems to LOVE working there. She comes in, sometimes alone, several times during the week. She goes through tons of bags and boxes, sort things, fold them and puts them out for people to look at on the weekend. I’m not sure if you know, but sometimes things go to Buffalo to be shared and some things that are stained, ripped or really in bad shape – go to the “puppy man”. I was pretty excited to hear that there might be puppies, but I learned that he takes things to make bedding for an animal rescue. I think that’s really great! Usually on Tuesdays, Mel has friends with her. There are several ladies who come in and help. Then on Friday – even more people come to work. – even a teenager! She’s great because she can scoot around pretty fast! Mel comes again on Saturday with other friend to sell to the Saturday shoppers. They are always looking for people to help – I bet if you ask Mel, she’d be sooo happy.

In addition to the rummage rooms, there has been lots of activity getting ready for the “Pencils and Crayons from Heaven” mission. Over 80 backpacks were filled for local families to pick up, to help get their kids off to a great school year. This is at no cost to the families and is supported by our church, the community and by a grant received from the Renodin fund. I live in the BEST place! Even more good news – VBS is happening this year. I have seen lots of fun things being planned. I’ll let you know next month how it all went – but I know it was great!

So, even though my life still isn’t like it was a couple of years ago, I am still very thankful for my church and my community. I am a lucky mouse. Oh – I almost forgot! One day, I heard the strangest sounds. Kind of like -Ping Ping, Ding Ding, Thump thump . It took me the longest time to figure out what was happening! Finally, I snuck into the sanctuary and found a lady tuning the piano – (Who knew they had to be tuned?) It was great to watch her, and hear how music is made. I’d love to run around on those keys but guessing it wouldn’t be a popular move. Sigh…. A mouse can dream. I am forever hopeful that I will get to see more of you in the coming days and weeks. Until then, thank you for being such a great family.

The dust has settled from camping retreats and VBS 🚂both programs were ready to go after a year off and saw great success. Numbers in both ministries were strong, staffing was a challenge but our wonderful volunteers made everything memorable and God provided just the right people.

Looking to the fall as of now there will be the opportunity for both adult classes to resume and a decision on how to approach youth classes is being made. Adult classes will resume on Sunday, September 12th meeting in the lounge and in the fellowship hall. If you have Sunday School age children and have not been contacted by a board member please call the church office, we really want to hear from you. Just as a reminder as we look ahead, plans are underway for a fall fest, the ABY convention in Syracuse is planning to be in-person, and of course advent will be here before you know it!

Camp JYC Youth Retreat:

After a year off in 2020 we were all eager to get back to a weekend of camping, songs, and adventures. With so much of our lives coming off "pause" it was a great time to take a look at some of the fresh start or second chance stories in our Bibles going along with our theme of "Reboot: Jesus is my fresh start". There is not too much to report on the camp itself everything was pretty much the same but the Franklinville Baptist Church is doing a great job taking care of all the grounds. For the 2021 season the retreat welcomed 25 campers with an unusually high number of first time campers. We sure hope that we now have more life-long camp kids. After all, half of our counselors went to this retreat when they were kids and now they are bringing their own kids to enjoy the weekend. Not only did 2021 see a high number of new campers but we also welcomed many new volunteers of the 15 adults on site this year 5 were completely new to volunteering at camp. A big thank you goes to all of them for saying yes and trying something new, thank you Glenn Smith, Heidi Howe, Laurel Comstock, Carl Brace, and Lydia Lochman. This year Carrie Brace traded in her sleeping bag for a spatula and she organized the kitchen with her husband Carl, feeding 45 hungry campers is not an easy feat. They did an amazing job not only with the food but they brought a joy that resonated from the kitchen which made everyone feel welcome and loved. We welcomed back plenty of adult leaders who helped the new folks learn the ropes and provided the stability that makes programs like this a success. Thank you to Jessica Searle, Deb Stavish, Pastor Alex, Maghen Beck, Larry Wise, Ed Piwko, Eric Grover, and Janet Hadden. This ministry is fast approaching 40 years of success and it has truly been a team effort all those years. It is an immeasurable blessing to organize and plan this event and none of us could do this without the support and prayers of our church family.

Thank you everyone - Bill Beck

The ABWM is still on “pause” for meetings, but the plans for the Holiday Market are still in place. We pray that the COVID-19 climate will allow for this great event. The rummage rooms are booming again. We continue to observe the COVID-19 guidelines, but at this time are able to open on both Friday and Saturday from 9-12. This mission allows so many in our area to get the things they need for their homes and their children. A week never goes by that a customer doesn’t thank us profusely for being there. We will soon be offering personal care items. If you would like to donate any shampoos, deodorant, body lotion, tooth paste, tooth brushes etc…you can leave those items in the box in the court. Just a reminder that we need full size (not travel size) unopened bottles, tubes or packages.

The plan is for the “Christmas Room” to open in November. If you have holiday décor or items that you would like to donate, please contact Claudia Little at 585-307-8821 or Melody Hayward at 585-968-3606 to set up a drop off appointment.

On the subject of donations, there is a large need for women’s and children’s clothing (all- but especially boys – sizes 8-18), also men’s clothing and of course we’re about to enter the cold weather season – so coats, sweaters and jackets are needed. The ABWM will continue to schedule drop offs. Some have asked why – the explanation is – to control inventory quantities and quality. We no longer have piles of bags, sitting in the rain – waiting to be sorted. We also ask our contributors to remember that we need GENTLY used clean items. Household items are also an never ending need. We have many in our community that depend on the rummage rooms for kitchen wares, utensils, small appliances and linens. If you have any of these items, please consider donating. Costume jewelry is also very popular with our shoppers.

The Table Ministry lies in wait for an opportunity to serve. We continue to monitor the guidelines set by the NYS Department of Health. At this time, we cannot bring foods into the church that have been prepared at home, but we faithfully wait until the day that they can!

Thank you to all who have continued to support the ABWM, the rummage rooms and the Table Ministry during these uncertain times. Thanks to you, the women can continue to support the church financially, prayerfully and emotionally. Please contact any member or Claudia Little (585-968-3061) if you are aware of a need in our church or community.

Conference Cost

(Saturday Lunch and Dinner meals included)

Laymen Packages

$45.00

Youth Package *(12 to 18 years)

$ 35.00

Clergy Packages*

$ 40.00

Virtual

$20.00

*Clergy & Youth pricing is at a special reducedrate — YOU MUST register before Sep. 15th tomaintain this price. After Sep 15th, you payLaymen rates.

A limited amount of scholarship funding is available. Pastor endorsement is required.

A deposit of $20 is required to secure your reservation.

Sorry, no refunds for “No-Shows.

Air Conditioned meeting room

Note: The Conference Package includes, lunch, and dinner meals

Please register by Sep. 15, 2021

We welcome men from other denominations to gather with us again this year.

AB Men NYS Conference 2021 theme is “ TRUST” based on Romans 15:13

MEETING PURPOSE

To help men establish and nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

To share personal feelings and experiences with other men in an atmosphere of trust and confidence

To create an atmosphere in which men will freely acknowledge their dependence on God in life’s successes and failures

To encourage men to construct a more intimate relationship with family and friends

All growth occurs in relationship.

To encourage men to grow and experience the joy of living fully to become all they were meant to be by the Creator.

September 25, 2021

Conference start time 10:00 AM

AB Men: bringing men and boys into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

www.baptistmennys.weebly.com

SPEAKERS:

Key Note Speaker: Reverend Charles E. Walton: Reverend Charles E. Walton born July 18, 1948, is the eldest of the five children of the late Rev. Dr. Clyde B. Walton and the late Creather J. Walton of Garner, North Carolina.

Graduating from Garner Consolidated High School in 1966, he went on to attend Shaw University in Raleigh North Carolina. In 1969, at the end of his junior year at Shaw, Rev. Walton was called into active military duty and served in the United States Air Force for four years. Two years of which were in Upper Hayford, England. After discharge from the military, Reverend Walton returned to Shaw University to complete his Bachelors of Arts Degree.

1973 to 1980 Served as a Sunday School Teacher and choir member at the Oak City Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC.

Served as Youth Director, Youth Choir Director, Sunday School Teacher and Deacon at New Bethel Baptist Church, Macon, NC

1988 Preached his initial Sermon at New Bethel Baptist Church in November, and was elected to serve as Assistant Pastor.

1990 While serving at Second Baptist of Macon on the 4th Sunday of each month, he was called to Pastor, Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church in December2000 Received his Master of Divinity Degree, Shaw University, Raleigh, NC., after completion of the basic courses through Shaw University’s Extension at Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church, Henderson, NC

Olive Grove has grown from service once a month – to three Sundays a month with Bible Study, Sunday School, a Masters Class and other ministries. But, the greatest challenge came in 1996, when Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church burned. With unyielding prayer and help from the American Baptist Churches, USA, the Olive Grove was rebuilt and dedicated in May 1997.

Affiliations:

Other ministry involvements include: Chairman, Finance Committee, GBSC of NC; Chairman, Warren Co. JCPC; Moderator, United Shiloh Baptist Association, Vice-Moderator, United Shiloh Baptist Association; Chairman, Election Committee General Baptist State Convention of N.C.; General Board Member, GBSC-NC; North Carolina Social Services Association; Vice Moderator, Reedy Creek Association.

A retiree, Rev. Walton was employed as a Social Worker Supervisor with Warren County Department of Social Services for 22 year and Wake County for 12 years as a social worker before that.

He is married to Mary Ann Alston Walton, they have 3 adult children Charles Jr. (Markeeyah) Justin (Renita), and Kelley Anne and 6 grand children.

For more information visit

https://olivegrovembc.org/

Rev. Tom Bell: Rev. Bell serves as Pastor of Elbridge Community Church and has previously served at Coopers Plains Community Church.. He is the Pastor Consultant for the AB Men NYS Executive Board and was also a featured speaker for our conference in 2009. He has served on the ABC NYS Board of Missions. He is involved in many organizations as a board member serving the local churches and community in the Elbridge-Jordan community as well as the greater Syracuse area.

2021 AB MEN NYS New Beginnings UMC/United Baptist

Conference Registration Form 300 East Miller St. Elmira, NY

September 25, 2021 10am-7pm

Name and Mailing Information (use a separate form for each person) (please print clearly)

Name:_____________________________________________________

Mailing Address ___________________________________________

City:________________ State ____________Zip Code __________

E-mail ___________________________________________

Home Church/Association ________________________________________Age____________

2021 Prices - A deposit of $20 is required to secure your reservation

Laymen Cost

$ 45.00 ________

Clergy Cost(Clergy pricing is at a special reduced rate - - YOU MUST register before Sep 15th to maintain this price. After Sep 15th you pay Laymen rates. Online registration price is $45.00)

$40.00 ___________

Youth Cost (12 to 18 years)

$35.00 ________ (On Line registration price is $45.00)

Virtual Attendance

$20.00 ________ (we will provide you with a link and code to join us virtually)

I would like to add $________ to my registration for:

Booster Club Project __________ Conference Scholarship Fund __________

General Fund __________ Disaster Relief __________

Boys Scholarship Fund ____________

Total Enclosed $ ________________

Online registration available at baptistmennys.weebly.com

A limited amount of scholarship funding is available when there is a financial need. Pastor endorsement is required. Please submit endorsements below. You will be notified once approved.

Scholarship requested in the amount of $_______________. I recommend a Scholarship for the above name individual so he can attend the 2021 Christian Men’s conference sponsored by American Baptist Men NYS..

____________________________ __________________________________

Pastor’s Signature Church Name

Make checks payable to: ABMen NYS Mail to: ABMen NYS, c/o Rich Russell

43 Orchard Park Rd.

Pine City, NY 14871

Online registration available at baptistmennys.weebly.com

September 2021

Pastor's Ponderings

Musings of a Church Mouse

Pencils and Crayons from Heaven

From the Board of Christian Education

COMING SOON

Attention Men and Youth

Financial Information