THE KING’S HERALD May, 2017 A monthly publication of First Baptist Church 1041 Liberty Street Franklin, PA 16323 Office (814) 432-8061 Fax (814) 437-2962 [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.1stbaptistfranklin.org (this newsletter available there) Sunday School at 9:30 am Welcome Time: 10:30 am Worship Service at 10:45 am Nursery Available

In this issue: Our Road to Emmaus ........... 1 Becoming/Being a Christian . 2 Just a Thought ....................... 3 Awana News ........................... 4 Sunday School Hiatus ........... 4 ABW Conference ................... 4 FCA Women’s Retreat.......... 4 Awana News ........................... 4 Sad News-Camp Judson ....... 5 National Day of Prayer ......... 5 Free Movie Event .................. 5 World Vision Sponsorship .... 5 Franklin’s Choirs Sing .......... 6 Mother’s Day/Spring Concert.6 Fairy Enchanted Evening. .... 6 Happy Mother’s Day............. 7 Letter from God to Women .. 7 ABC Life Center Collection . 8 HFPA Quilt Show/Concert ... 8 Vacation Bible School ........... 8 May Birthdays ....................... 8 Humor Page ........................... 9 Kids’ Page For Any Age ..... 10 May Calendar ...................... 11

Our Road to Emmaus Many believers assume because another tells them they are a believer or Christian that they have already accepted Christ as their Savior. I used to say I was a Christian, but I never truly had a relationship with Jesus. I knew there was a trinity, but never fully understood the Holy Spirit. If that is you, I invite you now to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Romans 10 says confess with your mouth you are a sinner, that’s all of us—we will always be (only one is perfect), to repent of our sinful ways, ask for forgiveness, believe in your heart that God rose Jesus Christ from the dead and we will be saved. There is still more in the life of a believer, but confession and belief starts us on our “Road to Emmaus” – our walk with the Lord. Find a Bible-believing/preaching church—one that doesn’t sugar coat the words of God to fit into the world’s view. Talk to a minister, join a Bible study. There are many in every city and on the internet. Read your Bible, learn passages. Hear the Good News! Come to Jesus! —Cheryl Rila Picture: French Creek at 13th Street bridge in Franklin, PA, taken last year. King’s Herald, p.

Editor’s Note: 3 weeks after I wrote my cover page, Pastor Randy wrote this on his blog. I felt they complimented each other so well, it should be used for our Pastor’s message in this month’s newsletter. Becoming a Christian vs. Being a Christian Ignorance and confusion are not helpful ingredients when talking about religion. With that in mind, there seems to be a significant amount of both regarding the differences between what it takes to become a Christian, and what it subsequently takes to be a Christian. Hopefully, this comparison will help.

Ignorance and confusion are not helpful ingredients when talking about religion

Anyone, anytime, anywhere can become a Christian if he/she takes one fateful step: "if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10) Race, nationality, age, gender, none of them make any difference. What a person has done in the past doesn't make him/her more or less capable of being saved if that person comes to God in faith. The most innocent child among us (though still a sinner as are we all) can be saved, as can the most hardened and vile criminal, for all alike need to be forgiven, and the blood of Jesus Christ is capable of cleansing anyone. Work is not necessary to become a Christian, in fact, trying to work to earn salvation is a sure-fire way to fail to find it. Salvation is an act of God's grace, given to mankind through faith in Jesus. No specific words must be spoken, no setting or place is necessary, genuine faith will be sufficient. When one of the thieves being crucified alongside Jesus showed that he believed in him by saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus responded to this man, a criminal hours away from death, by saying, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." The thief had no chance to earn God's favor, he had no chance to make up for his past, he simply called out to God for mercy, through Jesus, and he found it.

Trying to work to earn salvation is a sure-fire way to fail to find it

To be a Christian requires several things, again, these things do not help anyone become a Christian, they merely confirm what God has already done for that person through grace. If a person lacks these character traits/qualities, the Scriptures tell us that such a person may not have yet become a Christian, which would take us back to square one, the need for an act of faith. There are people who believe themselves to be Christians erroneously (and thus extremely dangerously) but who are in actuality not Christians at all, having evidently never believed in Jesus Christ. The Bible calls the character traits/qualities of a Christian his/her "fruit". Jesus was quite clear in the Gospels that someone claiming to be a Christian without any evidence of "fruit" cannot be one. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (John 15:1-2) Jesus' brother James reiterated this point when he wrote, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him?...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:14,17) —(continued on next page) King’s Herald, p. 2

The "fruit" required of each and every person who would be a Christian is explained in a variety of ways. Paul utilized a list, calling it the "fruit of the Spirit": "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol." (Galatians 5:22) Not that any Christian has each and every one of these perfectly, but this is the character that demonstrates the fruit that Jesus warned us we must have once we have become Christians. We haven't mastered this list, but we sure better be working on it.

We haven't mastered this list, but we sure better be working on it

The Apostle John answered the question, "Who is a Christian?" in his first epistle by emphasizing three primary qualities and repeating them each over and over. John explained that all Christians must: (1) believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, (2) obey the commandments of God found in Scripture, and (3) show love for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. John explained that anyone who could demonstrate these three should have no fear concerning their relationship with God for they are impossible to achieve for anyone who is not empowered by the Holy Spirit as someone who has already become a Christian. {This should be obvious. Nobody can be a Christian who did not previously become a Christian. Faith must come first.} The converse is also true: anyone who lacks one of these three should be rightly concerned that he/she must be truly be a Christian. If you're interested in learning much more about what John has to say about the question, "Who is a Christian?" I wrote a 155-page book on the subject which you are more than welcome to read, it is entitled Christianity's Big Tent: The Ecumenism of I John (can be found via the link on Pastor Randy’s blog). Let me summarize the distinction between becoming and being a Christian: Become: anyone, by grace, through faith, in Jesus. Be: Obey the Scriptures, believe in Jesus, love fellow Christians (i.e. "bear fruit").

Nobody can be a Christian who did not previously become a Christian

To be a Christian is no easy task, Jesus likened it to each of us taking up a cross of our own and following him. In light of the difficulty of the road ahead, anyone who desires to be a Christian ought to be doing so as part of the fellowship of a local church where the Word of God is respected and followed and people build each other up through service and prayer. It is beyond the ability of virtually all of us to be a Christian who bears much fruit on our own. We need to be a part of a church. We need to be corrected when we err, we need to be supported when we stumble, we need the opportunity to grow by serving others, and lastly, but very importantly, we need to worship God with the people of God. You don't need to be perfect to become a Christian, which is a relief since nobody is anything close to perfect. You don't need to be perfect to be a Christian either, which is a relief since none of us are perfect either, but you do need to be making progress. A "Christian" who bears no fruit, is no Christian at all, that's not my idea, but a very serious warning from Jesus himself. —Pastor Powell (www.pastorpowellsponderings.blogspot.com) Just a Thought When you want to cast a big shadow—stand in God’s light. King’s Herald, p. 3

News Our schedule for May is: 5/7/17 Awards Night

Red Team Wins Penny Project!

We completed our Penny Project and congratulate the Red Team, who collected just over $25 more than the Blue Team. A total of $247.94 was received which will assist our Awana missionaries, Marlin and Donna Fuller, when they travel to the Returning Hearts Celebration at Angola State Prison in Louisiana, an event which unites children and their incarcerated parent for a day. We thank everyone who contributed to this effort. Another club year is coming to its end. We will celebrate the end of our club year at our Awards Night on Sunday, May 7th. Please join us in Miller Auditorium and cheer on our clubbers and thank our leaders and helpers. Please continue to pray for our Awana program to be able to add more leaders and helpers in the fall so we may minister to more children. —Pastor Randy, Awana Commander Sunday School Hiatus First Baptist Church will take a Sunday School hiatus for the rest of the spring and for the summer months. Sunday School will resume in September.

American Baptist Women’s Conference

It’s time to register for a weekend that you will be blessed through by God

The American Baptist Women’s Conference, “Thriving through Restoration”, will be held on July 14-July 16, 2017 at Shippensburg University. It’s time to register for a weekend that you will be blessed through by God. This year’s conference speaker is Micca Campbell, Proverbs 31 speaker and book author. In addition, Worship Leader is Sue Fitzgerald, Mission Speaker is Joyce Reed, and Devotional Leader is Rev. Dr. Kevin Walden, ABCOPAD Regional Pastor with Pastor Leaders. Registration for the full time conference includes 5 meals and 2 nights lodging. Many activities are planned. Prices will increase after June 15th, so get registered soon! More information is available online at www.abcopad.org on the Ministries/AB Women’s Ministries links. There you can download registration forms and much more. French Creek Association Women’s Retreat Attention ladies! French Creek Association is graciously sponsoring a women’s retreat on October 6th and 7th to be held at Camp Judson. Allison Allen will be the guest speaker. Allison is from Nashville, TN and spoke at Women of Faith conferences in 20072009. For more information call Brenda Loucks at (814) 683-5321. You may obtain more information about Allison Allen at her website: www.allisonallen.net/about. King’s Herald, p. 4

Sad News from Camp Judson Last month, the office manager at Camp Judson, Jeri Harrington, died as a result of a car accident. Jeri served Camp Judson as our office manager for the last 12 years. She was the first voice heard when people called camp, and her caring, faithful presence and abiding friendship made the job of both Managing Directors (Ken Thompson and Kevin Saxton) under who she served with much easier and enjoyable. Our deepest sympathy

Even though she enjoyed the quiet of the office in the fall, she loved the hundreds of summer staff and campers who came to Judson over her years here. While she joined our camp family later in life than most, she quickly became a passionate advocate for Judson. She will be sorely missed, but we look forward to the great reunion that is to come in the presence of Jesus. If you would care to send a memorial, gifts may be given to either Camp Judson, 398 Holiday Road, North Springfield, PA or Albion Area Fair, in care of Jim Baxter, 9673 Route 215, Albion, PA, 16401. Your prayers are appreciated for Jeri's family and friends, both already and in the days and weeks ahead. —Kevin Saxton Managing Director National Day of Prayer

Come and lift prayers to our LORD on this National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 4 th, 7:00 pm at Cranberry Mall, Center Court Area (near Kreative Kuts). All are welcome to come and lift prayers to our LORD on this National Day of Prayer. Prayer will focus on churches, businesses, media, families, military, education, and government. Prayer stations will be available from noon until 6:30 pm for personal prayer time for those wishing to participate in the National Day of Prayer during the daytime hours. Free Movie Event Galloway UMC will be hosting a free viewing of the movie War Room on Saturday, May 6th, at 6:00 pm. There will be childcare for infants to 3-year-olds. Galloway UMC is located at 196 Seysler Road in Franklin. World Vision Sponsorship Since the middle of 2013, First Baptist has sponsored this sweet girl, Agatha. At the time of her progress report, she is reported to be 5 years old and still in preschool. Currently, her favorite game to play is jumping in a bounce house, her favorite color is red, and her favorite healthy food is fruit. She is learning many things and at this young age, she would like to be a veterinarian when she grows up. Our support help provide Agatha, her family and community with access to nutritious food, improved health care and hygiene, educational needs, and spiritual development. Please pray with us for Agatha, her family, and community in Brazil for their continued needs to be met. King’s Herald, p. 5

Franklin’s Choirs Sing

Choirs and Concert

The Franklin Christian Ministerium presents Franklin’s Choirs Sing on Saturday, May 6th, 7:00 pm at First United Methodist Church located at 1102 Liberty Street. This evening of worship will feature the choirs, both large and small, of Christ United Methodist Church, Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Grace United Methodist Church, and Saint John’s Episcopal/Grace Lutheran Church. Be a part of this opportunity to bring glory to God through vocal music. The event is free. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit The Salvation Army Grace Learning Center. Mother’s Day/Spring Concert Our 6th Mother’s Day/Spring concert is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Saturday, May 13th at First Baptist Church. There will be several favorite entertainers featured including Kevin Downey, Brianna StevesErdman, Dennis Geib, and Nicholas Nasibyan, along with some local favorites Ashleigh Bennett, Tyler Carson, and Kaylene Dunkle. Look for posters and fliers posted in downtown Franklin and our local area. The concert is free and an offering will be collected to benefit Mustard Seed Missions of Venango County. All mothers will receive a free carnation, courtesy of Anderson’s Greenhouse. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Fairy Enchanted Evening

A fairyprincess themed evening to benefit

On Saturday, May 13th at 5:00 pm, The Franklin and the First Baptist Church of Franklin are proud to present a gala fundraising event, A Fairy Enchanted Evening at the ballroom of The Franklin. Girls ages three and older are invited with their mothers or guardians to participate in a fairy-princess themed evening to benefit The Magic Yarm Project, makers of homespun wigs for children battling cancer. The evening includes dinner and arts and craft activities. A $25 ticket includes admission for one adult and one child. Tickets for up to two additional children per family are available at $5 per child. There are still a few tickets available and are on sale at First Baptist Church or at the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce. All ticket sales are final. Registration begins at 4:30 pm on the evening of the event, to give attendees a chance to check in and be seated in time for Queen Belladonna’s Royal Supper at 5:00 pm. Princesses are encouraged to arrive in costume, but it’s not required. Wands, wings, and fairy crowns will be provided. You can also get your photograph taken with our Fairy Queen, Her Royal Highness Belladonna and her Ladies-inWaiting, or take a few silly snapshots of you and your friends in the photo booth. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the entire evening. This is a special opportunity for princesses to enjoy a magical evening and create memories that will last a lifetime! For more information, please visit www.fairyenchanted.wix.com/fairies. (Our thanks to Northwest Savings Bank for the beautiful window display) King’s Herald, p. 6

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day

We’d like to wish a happy Mother’s Day to all the special women who are moms or like a mom to someone and thank you for your love, compassion, teaching, and all you have given to your children and to those who are your children at heart. God bless you. Letter From God To Women When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.

Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile

Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects his heart and his lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone, I shaped you. I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support the man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side. You are My perfect angel. You are My beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and My eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes—don’t change them. Your lips—how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle in touch. I’ve caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I’ve held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like Me. Adam walked with Me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see Me or touch Me. He could only feel Me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with Me, I fashioned in you: My holiness, My strength, My purity, My love, My protection and support. You are special because you are the extension of Me. Man represents My image, woman My emotions. Together you represent the totality of God. So man—treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt Me. What you do to her, you do to Me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father. Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self. —Author Unknown

King’s Herald, p. 7

ABC Life Center Collection Month

Collection for ABC Life Center

Each May, the congregation of First Baptist Church collects for ABC Life Center through their Baby Bottle Boomerang or in purchasing items for our annual “Shower of Blessings”. Items needed include preemie and newborn outfits (0-3), summer clothes (for any small child), formula (Good Start brand), diapers (preemie, newborn, and sizes 1-5), and baby wipes. A table will be set up in the back of the church sanctuary for baby items. Baby bottles for the Boomerang will be available starting Mother’s Day, May 14th (collection through Father’s Day, June 18th). Thank you for your participation and donations! Historic Franklin Preservation Association-Quilt Show and Concert First Baptist Church will be the main hub for this years’ Quilt Show presented by Historic Franklin Preservation Association. This City Wide event will include: Historical Homes Quilt & Fiber Arts Tour, Downtown Quilt Walk, Lectures, Workshops, Demonstrations, Friday Evening Concert, Raffles, Quilt Appraisals, Vendors, and People Choice Awards. Visit the website http//bit.ly/ FranklinShow for online ticket details, lecture, workshop, and demo descriptions and schedules, along with registration information. You can download the registration form via the online ticket website and mail it in with a check if you prefer not to purchase tickets online. For more information email [email protected] or call (814) 437-7921. Registration and a reception will be held at First Baptist beginning at 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 18th. The event starts on Friday, May 19th at 9:00 am. A free concert will be held at First Baptist on Friday evening, May 19th, starting at 7:00 pm. Donations will be accepted to benefit the restoration of the Old Lutheran Church. The event continues on Saturday at First Baptist at 9:00 am. Vacation Bible School

VBS starts in June!

First Baptist Church is joining with Christ United Methodist Church again this summer for VBS. Kids from the age of 3 through kids who have completed grade 5 are invited to ”Maker Fun Factory; Created by God, Built for a Purpose”. Invite your friends! VBS will start on Sunday, June 25th through Thursday, June 29th; 6:00 pm to 8:10 pm. You can download forms or register online at www.christchurchfranklin.com or pick up a registration form at First Baptist. Call (814) 432-3019 for more information or see the flier on the Youth bulletin board at FBC. MAY BIRTHDAYS 5/1 LeRoy Foster

5/10 Lee Klingensmith

5/19 Kirk Morrison, Sr.

5/6 Dan Williams

5/19 Erik Stachelrodt

5/28 Bill Consla

5/6 Jon Paden

5/19 Rachel Stachelrodt

King’s Herald, p. 8

Humor Page Two hens were pecking in the yard when suddenly a softball came sailing over the fence, landing a few feet away from them. One hen said to the other, Will you just look at the ones they’re turning out next door!” One morning a little boy proudly surprised his grandmother with a cup of coffee he had made himself. He anxiously waited to hear the verdict on the quality of the coffee. The grandmother had never in her life had such a bad cup of coffee, and as she forced down the last sip, she noticed three of those little green army guys in the bottom of the cup. She asked, “Honey, why would three little green army guys be in the bottom of my cup?” Her grandson replied, “You know, Grammy, it’s just like on television. ‘The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup.’” A lady went to an auto-parts store and asked for a seven-ten cap. All the clerks looked at each other, and one said, “What’s a seven-ten cap?” She said, “You know, it’s right on the engine. Mine got lost somehow and I need a new one.” “What kind of a car is it on?” the clerk asked. “My 2000 Toyota,” she replied. “Well, how big is it?” She made a circle with her hands about three-and-a half inches in diameter. The clerk asked, “What does it do?” “I don’t know, but it’s always been there.” At this point, the manager came over. He handed her a notepad and asked her if she could draw a picture of it. The customer carefully drew a circle about three-and-a half inches in diameter. In the center she writes, “710.” The manager, looking at the drawing upside down, walked to a shelf and grabbed an OIL cap. Top Seven Church Oxymorons: 7. Brief Meeting 6. Pastor’s day off 5. Early sign up 4. Clear calendar 3. Volunteer waiting list 2. Realistic budget 1. Concluding remarks

King’s Herald, p. 9

The Kids’ Page For Any Age

King’s Herald, p. 10

7

10:30 am Welcome Time 10:45 am Worship Serv. 12:00 pm Lunch Bunch

28

21 10:30 am Welcome Time 10:45 am Worship Serv. 12:00 pm Lunch Bunch

10:30 am Welcome Time 10:45 am Worship Serv.

14

10:30 am Welcome Time 10:45 am Worship Serv. 12:00 pm Lunch Bunch 5:45 pm Awana-Award Night

Collection Month for ABC Life Center

Sun

8

1

29

Office Closed

5:30 pm Girl Scout Leaders

22

Newsletter Info Due

15

1:30 pm Franklin Women’s Club

Mon

First Baptist Church: Building a Highway for Our God

King’s Herald, p. 11

2

10 10:30 am Prayer Grp 11:00 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Bible Study

3 10:30 am Prayer Grp 11:00 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Bible Study

Wed

7:00 pm AA Support Group

30

7:00 pm AA Support Group

23

31 10:30 am Prayer Grp 11:00 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Bible Study

24 10:30 am Prayer Grp 11:00 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Bible Study

16 17 Primary Election 10:30 am Prayer Grp Day 11:00 am Bible Study 5:15 pm Diac Mtg 5:30 pm Gov Bd. Mtg 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Bible Study AA Support Group

7:00 pm FEE Volunteer Mtg. 7:00 pm AA Support Group

9

7:00 pm AA Support Group

Tue 4

25

5:00 pm HFPA Welcome

18

8:00 am Ven Co Staff Mtg

11

7:00 pm National Day of Prayer (Cranberry Mall)

Thu

5

7:30 pm Celebrate Rec

26

9:00 am HFPA Quilt Show 7:30 HFPA Benefit Concert 7:30 pm Celebrate Rec

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8:30 am MSM 7:30 pm Celebrate Rec

12

7:30 pm Celebrate Rec

Fri

Sat

9:00 am HFPA Quilt Show 27

20

4:30 pm Fairy Enchanted Evening 7:00 pm Mother’s Day Spring Concert

13

6 7:00 pm Franklin’s Choirs FUMC

2017

King’s Herald, p. 12 First Baptist Church 1041 Liberty Street Franklin, PA 16323

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Franklin, PA 16323 Permit No 263

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2017

The King’s Herald