“SpiritSpark” The First Baptist

Church of Manchester Center, VT

P.O. Box 1049, 4895 Main St. 802-362-1555 www.fbcmanvt.org fbcmanvt@gmail.com

Pastor: Rev. Rebecca Sommons ____________________________NOVEMBER 2017_________________________

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR RECECCA

Dear Church Family,

As I think ahead to November, my heart is drawn to give thanks for all that God is doing among us. I’ll share some of God’s gracious gifts that I notice, with the hope that you will give thanks with me and be inspired to see even more.~ God has given us a whole year together to get to know each other~ We have a rich history of traditions and a new flow of creative energy,

which are blending well in our lives and worship together~ God has brought new people here to worship with us and be part of our church family~ The Holy Spirit is inspiring people to share their gifts and talents to bring glory to God~ We have children coming and bringing their liveliness to God’s house

(continued)

~ Church spaces are being used year-round and are welcoming,due to some vision and dedicated effort by people willing to serve

~ We have the chance to welcome anyone in our church family and communitywho is ready to bring their brokenness to Jesus for healing through Celebrate Recovery meetings

~ God is providing the resources for all that we are called to do in ministry~ Our new sound system, and people willing and able to facilitate its use,

have made it possible for more people to hear and participate in worshiping God~ I’m looking forward to our new church directory (arriving soon)

that will help us to connect with each other for support, friendship, and fellowship~ God’s Word is a deep and rich resource for our lives,

and I am enjoying our journey through the Story of God together~ I’m thankful for God’s great mercy and love,

as God forgives our mistakes and helps us learn to forgive each other ~ Even as the days grow shorter and darker, we know our Reason for hope is there

waiting to meet us in the stillness of approaching winter I know that my list will grow through the coming days, and I hope that you find many reasons to thank God too. Giving thanks fills our hearts with joy!

Love in Christ, Pastor Rebecca

INTERFAITH COUNCIL NEWS (Submitted by Martha Thompson)

The Interfaith Council of the Northshire (IFC) invites the First Baptist Church folks to their Annual Meeting, Pot Luck and Auction to be held on November 5, 2017 at Christ Our Saviour, St. Paul’s RC Church. The Annual Meeting begins at 5:00, the pot luck at 5:30 and the auction follows the dinner.Attendees should bring a dish to share, hot, cold or a dessert. All are welcome to sit in on the Meeting or wait till Pot Luck begins at 5:30 P.M.The auction benefits the Emergency Needs Fund which is administered by IFC and is the first line of defense for folks in our community who need a hand. The Fund also pays for the food for the Holiday Community Project baskets.Bill Drunsic is the auctioneer and makes it a real fun event. Last year the fund handled 70 requests as well as the Holiday project at a total cost of $26,889.20.Please plan on attending this community event.

**********************************************************************The Interfaith Council of the Northshire is sponsoring the Annual Thanksgiving Service which will be held at our church on November 21, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. The new cantor, Scott Buckner from the Israel Congregation will be the speaker. A choir composed of singers from different congregations will perform under the direction of Jeff Linebeck, musical director at the First Baptist Church.

ORGAN CONCERT AT FIRST BAPTIST

On Sunday afternoon, 10/22, about 40 people attended an organ concert at First Baptist sponsored by the Vermont Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. It was part of an organ tour that additionally included concerts at First Congregational Church and Zion Episcopal Church. Our Music Director, Jeff Linebeck, opened the concert accompanying the audience in singing "O God, Our Help in Ages Past." Then Organist John Riddle presented a brief concert consisting of pieces by Bach, Brahms, Buxtehude, Pachelbel, Robert J. Powell and Seth Bingham. The concert demonstrated the full range of variety possible using the various stops of our organ. Mr. Riddle had previously played a recital on our Johnson & Son organ in 1974.

On organ bench L to R: Jeff Linebeck, John Riddle, Vaughn Watson (recitalist at First Congregational)Photos courtesy of Gerald Carpenter.

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COMMUNITY FOOD CUPBOARD THANKSGIVNG PLEA

This is the busiest time of the year at the Community Food Cupboard as they prepare to provide traditional Thanksgiving dinners to about 300 local families. Your donation of $25 will allow them to provide a turkey and all the fixings, including fresh vegetables, to each family in need. Monetary donations of any amount and gift cards to local grocery stores can be mailed to CFC at PO Box 864, Manchester Center, VT 05255 or online at communityfoodcupboard.org. Thank you for considering contributing to this very worthy cause.Jim West, CFC board member from FBC

The CHICKEN PIE SUPPER was a great success! The seating was sold out and there were 37 take-outs! Here are a few of the comments heard from the appreciative patrons!

“I can’t believe all that food came out of that little kitchen!” “The squash was amazing!”“I’ve never had one of your dinners before! I decided to get take-outs and everything was run so efficiently and the food was delicious!” “The biscuits were perfect!”“That’s a lot of food!” (As they watched each item of food going into the take-out bags.)

CONGRATULATIONS to Martha Thompson and the many people who helped!

Some of the kitchen workers! A few of the servers! Jeremy Crumb, From left to right: John Hess, Annie Vickery, Julia VickeryJudy Koch, Holly O’Brien, Rebecca (Thank you to Dottie and Russ for photos!)Sommons, Martha Thompson

On Nov. 9, 2017 at 1 pm, we will be learning to use a new video camera from GNAT TV. If anyone is interested in

learning how to video record our services and help out with the recording, please let me know.

Russ Taxter 362-2667

FAIR TRADE HOLIDAY FAIR at the UNITED CHURCH of DORSET & EAST RUPERT

The annual Fair Trade Holiday Fair featuring SERRV products will be Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the United Church of Dorset & East Rupert from 9-2. This features hand crafted objects from many countries, including jewelry, scarves, baskets, boxes, trivets and pottery. We will also feature the Church Craft table and the opportunity to honor someone by giving to Habitat, Heifer Project or Asian Rural Institute. Coffee and snacks are available. Also, open Sunday, November 26 from 11-9. Please join us!~submitted by Derry Dickinson

LOOKING AHEAD!

The CHRISTMAS COFFEE HOUSE will be returning on Saturday, December 16th at 6:00 PM! Last year, there was the sharing of stories, memories, poems, songs and traditions! This was followed by hot chocolate and our favorite Christmas cookies! Watch for further information!

On Sunday, December 24th, our young people will present a Christmas play during the morning service! Come and enjoy!

REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCK BACK ONE HOUR NOVEMBER 5th!

The First Baptist Church will be hosting the monthly meeting of the Interfaith Council on Dec. 5, 2017 at 11:45 A.M.

OUR CHURCH IS PRIVILEGED TO BE ABLE TO OFFER OUR FACILITY TO THE FOLLOWING AA GROUPS EACH WEEK. Equinox Group: Mon-Fri from Noon to 1:00 pm Thursday Morning Men’s Group: Thursday 7:30-8:30- am Primary Purpose Group: Sunday 7:30-8:30 pm

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION Church Office Hours 9:30-12:30 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays Pastor Rebecca’s e-mail address: rebeccasommons@gmail.com Pastor Rebecca’s cell phone: (802) 688-3024 Church office Phone: (802) 362-1555 Parsonage Phone: (802) 362-5335 Please call to request a meeting or visit outside of regular church office hours.

CALENDAR OF CHURCH EVENTSWednesday, Nov. 1: Celebrate Recovery 6-8:00 PMThursday, Nov. 2: Interfaith Meeting at Zion Episcopal 11:45 AMThursday, Nov. 2: Christian Education 5:15 PM Sunday, Nov. 5: Daylight Savings EndsTuesday, Nov. 7: Prayer Group 7 PM at Lois Squires’ Home Wednesday, Nov. 8: Celebrate Recovery 6-8:00 PMThursday, Nov. 9: PRC Meeting 4:00 PMSunday, Nov. 12: Mary & Martha Fellowship 8:30 AMTuesday, Nov 14: Prudential 5:00 PMWednesday, Nov. 15: Celebrate Recovery 5:45-8:00 PM (pot luck night)Thursday, Nov. 16 Missions 5:45 PMTuesday, Nov. 21 Thanksgiving Service 7:00 PMTuesday, Nov. 28: Prayer Group 7 PM at Lois Squires’ Home Wednesday, Nov. 29: Celebrate Recovery 6-8:00 PMThursday, Nov. 30: Diaconate 4:00 PM

MEN’S FOCUS GROUP IS CANCELLED FOR NOVEMBER. THE NEXT DATE IS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND. SEE YOU THEN!

FLOWERS CHILD CARE PROVIDERS Nov. 5: Anna Ennis Nov. 5: Barb & Linell Nov. 12: Lindy Mylott Nov. 12: Lisa & Annabelle Nov. 19 Linda Hulett Nov. 19: Jenny & Cheryl Nov. 26: Glenna Taxter Nov. 26: Dottie & Bryan