Lamplighter

Vol. 5 Issue 3 March 2012

The

Our Church Staff

Gary Burden
Senior Pastor 919-631-6789

A PORTRAIT OF A 21st CENTURY GODLY WOMAN

March 10th - 9 AM - 2 PM See details about this seminar on page 6 of this Lamplighter.

Landon Orr
Minister to Students 919-229-9379

ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING

Theme for 2012: Whatever It Takes See details about this mission offering on page 3 of this Lamplighter.

Debbe Langdon
Music Director/Pianist 919-410-0271

Kathy Welch
Office Coordinator

Chastity Comeau
Admin. Assistant - Finances

BETHESDAS 2nd ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT March 23, 1:00 PM

See details about this tournament on page 3 of this Lamplighter.

Pat Baucom
Admin. Assistant - Publications

OCCUPY WORLD The Churchs Occupy Movement

Did you know the occupy movement has biblical precedence? Now that I have your attention, let me explain. The Occupy Wall Street movement spawned various spin-offs nationally and globally- Occupy Washington, Occupy Oakland, Occupy Raleigh, and the like. Philosophically rooted in the riot mentality seen in Greece and other socialistic countries, many of these protesters are protesting the very thing they need to dogo to work and quit begging for hand-outs. And they are protesting against those who are doing the very work that is feeding their entitlement mentalitythe so-called One Percenters who have all the wealth (another misnomer). (And I dont mean to minimize or be uncompassionate toward those who are truly in need and cant find work.) But the irony in all this to me is the use of their identifying termOccupy. They are using the word in its meaning of just to take up space as they protest. But in Jesus Parable of the Ten Minas, as it is often called, He begins: A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of
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his servants, delivered to them ten minas [amount of money], and said to them, Occupy till I come. (Luke 19:12-13) There it isstraight from the lips of Jesus. Of course, a little explanation is needed. The word translated occupy in the King James Version surely doesnt simply mean to take up space. It isnow get this so-called Wall Street Occupiersa business word, meaning to do business, to make transactions, to trade, to work, to invest. Get it? Who really are the true occupiers? Now Jesus tells His story to promote the high value of investing whatever He has given us in His Kingdom work while He is away, as opposed to simply sitting on that which He has entrusted to us and just occupying space until He returns. In 586 BC, when God had many of His people from Jerusalem carried into Babylonian captivity for 70 years, He had to tell them through His prophet Jeremiah (Chapter 29) to occupy while youre there. Dont isolate yourselves (just take up space), and dont simply whine about all the pagan practices around you. Settle down, youre going to be there for a good while. You need to be in Babylon, but not of Babylon. Strongly maintain your biblical distinctives, convictions, and lifestyle. But do not isolate yourselves from the very people I want you to reach for Me. Occupyinvest your lives with My Word in your world, engage your culture, invest in your community. Is there a message in all this for us today? What will you do until Jesus returns? Whine (just complain about everything), recline (just take up space in your church and in your community), or shine for Jesus with everything youve got? Our Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions is a tremendous way to invest in His Kingdom. Lets all do so and more. Let us be the true occupiers! Let us be the ones on mission to and in ministry to both kinds of occupiers in our citiesthose occupying Main Street in protest and those occupying the businesses on Main Street. In short, our occupy movement is to take the Gospel to the streets! Gary Burden

Im a people watcher and a contemplater. If you ever greet me in a public place dont be offended if I stare at you hazy eyed for a moment before I realize what is going on. Im usually deep in thought about something and often times Im analyzing the actions of total strangers around me. I just like to know things about people. By knowing people I have a better idea of how to interact with them, or better yet, how they would want me to interact with them. I recently had the pleasure of attending a lunch with several ladies from the Fidelis Sunday school class. I really enjoyed myself and was privileged to get to know some of them better. In addition to this, my people watching habit was running in full throttle as I also took the opportunity to be observant and to glean as much practical information as I could in the short amount of time we were together. My endeavors were greatly rewarded. I came away from that lunch with a piece of valuable knowledge, nothing particularly new, but something that reinforced and reminded me of something that we all are in the habit of forgetting. This is what I learned: regardless of how different we think we are, we are all the same. I might as well have been sitting at the table with a bunch of teenage girls. Granted there are some basic differences between the two groups but generally they were the same. Everyone has a unique personality. Some are artistic, some are talkers, some are quiet and reserved, some like to make others laugh, and most like to talk about their relationships. Sometimes we let the perceived differences between generations affect the relationships between generations. Whenever you can, take a moment to get to know some of our students. How much practical advice could you give? How much discipleship could you do? Were all the same: weve lived life, are living life, and are going to struggle with the same things. Lets focus on our students so we can raise up a strong, vibrant, disciplemaking church.

Landon

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Bethesdas 2nd Annual Golf Tournament Friday, March 23, 1:00 PM Pine Hollow Golf Course
If you are interested in playing golf or helping with the golf tournament, please contact Lehman Godwin. You dont have to know how to play golf in order to help. We need people to solicit sponsors for the tournament and to line up the teams. We also need volunteers for work at the golf course that day and to serve a meal after the game. Donations of soft drinks, water and snacks for the goodie bags for each player are also needed. Sign up sheets are placed on the foyer table. Proceeds will go to His Vision our Mission

Theme for 2012: Whatever It Takes National Goal: $70 Million Bethesdas Goal: $3 Thousand
Week of Prayer for North American Missions February 26 - March 4, 2012
Pray: That Southern Baptist churches will mobilize to plant churches to reach all people. For more individuals to answer the call to be a church planter.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR GOLF TOURNAMENT

If you offered to donate any of the following items, sodas, water, snacks, etc., please begin to collect them now and leave them in the workroom. Thank you Spring Training!!!
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play. Okay, so I had to consult wikipedia on that, but its a perfect fit! This month Awana will be having a spring training of its own. So if you are considering joining our team next year, or you are a parent wanting to learn more of the ins and outs of Awana, or maybe you are a church member who just wants to know what this minstry is all about, I hope you will join us. Awana Spring Training March 18th and 25th 6:00pm 7:45pm. Current Awana leaders are encouraged to come as well. Lets get revitalized so we can finish the year strong. There will also be opportunity for assessment and planning for the 2012-2013 Awana year. See you there!

PRESCHOOL/CHILDRENS COUNCIL
Our childrens playground project is progressing. We plan to begin erecting a fence in the near future. The plan is to install a chain link fence and mulch, restore the old playground equipment and purchase a new set so there will be something for children of all ages. Eventually, we hope to have some seating in the area and maybe a tree or two for shading. We are still in need of approximately $2000 but we have enough to get started! If you want to help with this project or would like to contribute time or materials, please contact Sondra Gatewood.

Easter Eggstravaganza
Easter is right around the corner and we are planning a Spectacular Easter Eggstravaganza! The celebration is March 24, 2012 beginning at 10:00am and end by 12:00. We will have games, crafts, story time and of course an egg hunt and food! Fun for all ages!!

Wendy DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME CHANGES AT 2:00 AM ON SUNDAY, MARCH 11

.so remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday, March 10 for you to arrive at church on time on Sunday, March 11th.

Brigitte

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday
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Thursday
2

Friday
3

Saturday

4 Brfk. Fellowship Weekly Sunday Service

6 Deacons Meeting 7:00 PM

7 Awana and Weekly Wed. Schedule

10
East Coast Mens Bible Conference Ladies Luncheon 9 - 2 PM
Set your clocks ahead

11

12

13

14 Awana

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16

17

Weekly Sunday Service

and Weekly Wed. Schedule

18 Weekly Sunday Service

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20

21 Awana and Weekly Wed. Schedule

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23 Bethesdas Second Annual Golf Tournament

24 Childrens Easter Eggstravaganza 10 - 12 N

25 Weekly Sunday Service

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27

28 Awana and Weekly Wed. Schedule

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30

31

Weekly Sunday Schedule

9:15 am .............................................................................. Bible Study Fellowship 10:30 am ................................................................... Morning Worship Celebration 6:00 pm .................................................. LifeLine...Get Connected (Small Groups)

Weekly Wednesday Schedule

6:30pm.....................................................................Awana, Youth Bible Study 6:45 pm.............................................................. Adult Prayer and Bible Study Choir Rehearsal

Student LifeLine SPK CHOIR (Shout Praises Kids) - Grades 1-5

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O God, our help in ages past;; why do you love a sinners heart? We wander off but still You patiently pursue us. O God, how great Thou art! Your amazing love divine; Your salvation became mine. Lord of love, we glorify Your holy name. And together we will sing, glory to the King of kings, And your amazing, your amazing love divine.

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MARCH EXTENDED SESSION AND KIDS CHURCH

Sunday, March 4 - AM Babies: Kathleen McLamb & Cherilyn Murphy 2s: Heather Henry & Robin Hotakey 3s/4s:Wendy Beasley & Diane Duncan K-3rd Kids Church Frances Burden & Angel Duncan Sunday, March 4 - PM Sharon Johnson & Linda Wilson Wednesday, Feb. 7 Frances Burden & Louise Gilmore Sunday, March 11 - AM Babies: Brigitte Creech & April Lengel 2s: Missy Urban & Mandy Windham 3s/4s: Kristol Flanigan & Kristen Duncan K-3rd Kids Church Nicole & Michael Ritchie Sunday, March 11 PM Jane & Johnnie Gatlin Wednesday, March 14 Jessica Peedin & Shannon Coomer Sunday, March 18 - AM Babies: Sondra Gatewood & Jane Gatlin 2s: Diana Lee & Sis Godwin 3s/4 s: Leigh Smith & Jennifer Harrison K-3rd Kids Church Terry Gatewood & David Duncan Sunday, March 18 - PM Larkin Creech Wednesday, March 21 Terry Gatewood & Shannon Coomer Sunday, March 25 - AM Babies: Faye Wells & Shalee Sams 2s: Laura & Shane Benson 3s/4s: Julie Brueggen & Sara Orr K-3rd Kids Church Wendy & Chris Gatewood Sunday, March 25 PM Bob & Brenda Jones Wednesday, March 28 Bobby Lonas & Shannon Coomer Preschool Regis. Desk Diane Duncan

Lent is the season of preparation before Easter, and offers us the opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to following Christ. In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our habits and patterns, to pray deeply, experience sorrow for what we've done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need. All this preparation leads up to Easter week, where we remember Jesus sacrifice for us, and celebration of his Easter victory! Bethesdas choirs are preparing for a musical celebration of the Easter message. Please invite your friends and family to join you in worship on Sunday evening, April 1, at 6pm. The Shout Praise Kids Choir will open our worship service, followed by the Adult Choir musical He Arose.
The King of all the universe, King of heaven, King of earth has died because of me. He the giver of all life, He the final sacrifice has died to set us free. He is God, and He forevermore will reign; Sing the voices of the free. He is God, and He forevermore will reign, let us sing eternally. Up from the grave He arose; Jesus is alive, Hes alive and well, My Redeemer conquered death and hell. Up from the grave He arose, Up from the dead He arose, Jesus is alive, Hes alive and well and an empty grave is there to prove that He arose.

What a wonderful way to worship and celebrate together be sure to mark your calendars and bring all your favorite people to worship with us! God bless. Debbe

Facts & Figures for February 2012

Date Jan. 29 Feb. 5 Feb. 12 Feb. 19 Total Avg.
S.S. AM Worship Budget Offering His Vision Our Mission

118 121 118 108 465 116

173 164 169 170 676 169

3,811.80 4,272.26 8,050.96 4,912.62 21,047.64 5,261.91

650.00 1,910.00 1,110.00 715.00 4,385.00 1096.00

Average Attendance & Offerings for February 2011 Avg. 102 149 5,696.58

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4967 Highway 70 West Business Clayton, NC 27520 Phone: 919-553-7678 Address Service Guaranteed

PORTRAIT OF A 21st CENTURY GODLY WOMAN

Even though the original portrait was painted two thousand years ago, it continues to be relevant for every woman in every culture today. So what does a 21st century godly woman look like? Come and discover how God, the Master-Artist, desires to paint that portrait through you. Join the women of Bethesda for a luncheon/seminar on Saturday, March 10 from 9-2, as guest speaker Jacqui Harmeling, pastors wife of Southside Church, unveils this portrait from God's Word. This will be a practical seminar on how to apply God's truth in the daily grind of life. Bring a friend and enjoy this time of food and fellowship. A light lunch, a seminar workbook and door prizes will be provided at a cost of only $10. Sign up in the church foyer or contact anyone on the Women's Ministry team: Leigh Smith, Mandy Windham, Julia Stephens, Sharon Orchard or Frances Burden.

Were on the web!

www.bethesdaclayton.com

March Birthdays Tara Lee 4th Tobi Sauer Jeff McNeece Lola Mae Lee Sarah Jay Seth Langdon Marie Hargis Conner Sams Kathy Welch Zachary McLamb Karl Peedin Husel Lee 4th 5th 6th 9th 13th 18th 19th 20th 24th 24th 25th

J. B. & Ann Earp Jim & Jane Rainey Mark & Michelle Jacobs Adam & Tracy Hudson Frank & Faye Avery Stephen & Tara Lee

8th 17th 20th 21st 26th 28th

Becoming A Titus 2 Woman

The study of Esther will end on Sunday evening March 11th, and on the same evening we will introduce this study from Titus by Martha Peace, Becoming A Titus 2 Woman. This study will be taught by Sharon Orchard. This study is about becoming a guide, a teacher, a counselor, an advisor; all words that apply to the Titus 2 woman. Becoming a Titus 2 Woman is a tool to train women to successfully mentor women younger than themselves. It is practical in its approach as it teaches how, by God's grace, you can develop the character that God wants every woman to have.

Happy Birthday