The Spire

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Newsletter of the First Baptist Church in America June 01, 2015, Volume 18, Issue 10

Rev. Jamie Washam has been called by the church to be its settled minister. She was introduced at a pot-luck dinner on Saturday, May 16 where she was able to meet and mingle with many members. Then on Sunday, May 17, she preached her "trial sermon" so that the congregation could see her in action and get a sense of what she believed and felt. After the worship service, the congregation gathered for a deli luncheon that was followed by a formal meeting to vote on the recommendation by the Pastoral Search Committee. The nomination was put to a secret ballot which brought a unani-mous decision to call Washam to be our new minister.

Rev. Jamie Washam

Linda’s Lines

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Fr�� ��� Past��...

As those of you who were at our last church meeting know, I have decided to retire when our new pastor comes. As you recall, I was originally hired to fill in for Dan during his trips to Tennes-see. My assumption was that, when he left, my position would end also. However, it made sense for me to stay on during the four months we were without a senior pastor. Then when Tom McKib-bens arrived, he asked me to continue for as long as he is here because I am local. I was happy to continue. However, I think when Jamie comes the time will be right for me to leave, right for both me and the church. I informed the search commit-tee of my plans early in their process before they even started looking at candidates, because I knew it would have implications for the person they selected as well as the budget available to them. I plan to continue with the small groups as I was doing them before I came on the staff. I have also assured Jamie that I will be available to help her in any way she needs. It has been a wonderful five years. I am so grate-ful to have had this opportunity to serve you. I have come to know many of you better and ap-preciate your gifts. I have learned what a caring congregation we are. I have been so impressed with the many ways people help each other out that the rest of us don’t even know about. It has been an enormous privilege for me and I greatly appreciate your trust and support.

As they would say in my hometown, you have “hauled off and called a pastor!” And more power to you! I could not be more thrilled with your call, for I have known Jamie Washam for many years, and I believe that she is a perfect match for this church. And to be clear, I think you are also a perfect match for Jamie Washam! In other words, I congratulate both you and Jamie, for both of you have done a good thing. Calling a new pastor, of course, means that I will begin to wind down my ministry with you. I am glad to stay with you until Jamie comes, presumably sometime in August. I will stay as long as you need me. I also want to add that I have been privileged to work with Linda Bausserman, and I congratulate her on her years of work as Associate Pastor, wishing her well in her retirement, and thanking her for the year we have worked together. Additionally, I express our deep appreciation for the many ways you have communicated your love, concern, and prayers after my wife’s stroke on May 11. It has been an amazing, terrifying, and exhausting turn of events for us, but your prayerful love and support have encour-aged us and sustained us. As I said from the pulpit on June 1, it is comforting to know that others are putting words to prayers at a time when all we could pray were emotions too deep for words. Thank you from my whole family!

June 7- Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness, Gentleness,

Goodness

God’s People are gentle and kind

Abigail Shares with David;

I Samuel 25:2-42; Gala%ans 5:22-23

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June 14 - Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

God wants us to be though�ul and wise

Job Trust God

Job 1-42, Gala%ans 5:22-23

Children’s Lessons

At the Saturday night potluck, Jamie Washam discussed school choices with Elsa Greider and Pam Manninen.

Jamie Washam, Ken Clauser, and Eva Adodoadji engaged in an animated conversation.

Church News

I had a wonderful 80th and am touched by all of

your cards and birthday gree%ngs..... a special "thank

you" to those who were able to a1end my party.

It is truly a blessing to be part of such a caring

church family!

With a heart full of gra%tude,

Mickey Hall

"Jamie Washam enjoyed one of Sam Beachen's treasure-trove of jokes”.

ANNOUNCEMENT There will be a special meeting of the Church and Society on June 14 after the morning worship service to consider some issues regarding the housing and moving of our new pastor. Stanley Lemons, Clerk of the Church and Society

On Sunday, May 31st I gave a short presentation about my two month experience volunteering in Quito, Ecuador. I would like to invite you to learn more about my trip by reading my blog, which can be accessed at eclepore.org. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers while I was away! Love and Light, Emma Lepore

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On Sunday, May 17th we honored our college graduates, Nichole Provenza, Brown University and Emma Lepore, DeSayles University both women will be pursuing graduate degrees this fall.

Washam delivered her "trial sermon" from the high pulpit on Sunday morning. Speaking about freedom of religion, she said that she knew that she was "preaching to the choir" in this church.

After a unanimous vote by the church, Washam was called back to the Fellowship Hall where she received a standing ovation as she

entered the hall.

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“S�����L�S” �r�� F�id"# S$%&�r' Friday, May 15’s FRIDAY SEEKERS’ COFFEE HOUSE (our 4

th), was another evening of fun, fellowship, food and

the most wonderful blend of music (contemporary and classical), drama, and poetry that we have ever had.

Here’s a run down – Jason Shealy and Sarah Dunn – performed Act 1 and 2 of Mozart’s “Figaro” –

Lee McDaniel – two drama%c readings

Peter Schoonmaker – our musical background and soloist

Adeline Bee – her own prose and poetry – moving and thought provoking

Steve Martorella – the Texas Sow-Boy – surprised us with his “comedy” music and country western medley

Thank you to everyone for sharing your talents with us last night. Thanks to Holly Edwards for decora%ng; all

those who contributed to the pot luck supper and the dessert table (that was superb) and to someone whom

I seldom thank – Linda Bausserman for making the coffee. Everyone had a great %me and the ambience and

in%macy of the seGng made for a truly enjoyable evening.

We will see you again in SEPTEMBER – below are the details for the next season.

(AT�S +OR 2015-2016

Friday, September 25, 2015 – Sue Lepore

Friday, October 23, 2015 – Tom Wiles

Friday, November 20, 2015 – Jason Shealy – Medley of show tunes

Friday, February 26, 2016—WHERE DID WE MEET AND OUR FIRST DATE. etc

Several couples par%cipa%ng (celebra%ng Valen%ne’s Day)

Friday, March 18, 2016 (Easter on March 27) – Musical trio – Steve – Peter and

Steve

Friday, April 22, 2016 - TBA

Friday, May 20, 2016 (COFFEE HOUSE)

Dianne Thyret, CoordinatorDianne Thyret, CoordinatorDianne Thyret, CoordinatorDianne Thyret, Coordinator

NO MEETINGS IN DECEMBER 2015 OR JANUARY 2016

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Church News

The fourth annual Coffee House on May 15 completed this season's Friday Seekers. Everyone was treated to a delightful variety show. The music ranged from opera to country-and-western to folk songs and to Debussy's "Golliwogg's Cakewalk." We enjoyed presentations about family and creative writing, how to address cats, and Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show.

Jason Shealy and Sarah Dunn sang portions of Act I of "The Marriage of Figero."

The Texas Sow-boy (a.k.a, Steve Martorella) entertained the audience with country-and-western music as well as with "Golliwogg's Cakewalk."

Peter Schoonmaker played his new banjo as well as his guitar as he sang as well as providing musical interludes between presentations.

The Spire June 01, 2015 Page 7

Adeline Bee presented readings on "Family Matters," "Legacy," and "The Essential Food."

Dianne Thryet, accompanied by her cat, read some selections from T.S. Eiot's book on cats, including how to address a cat (which might conde-scend to pay attention to you.)

Lee McDaniel regaled the crowd with "Jesus and Mama Loves Me" and "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show."

The First Baptist Church in America Thomas R. McKibbens, Interim Pastor 75 North Main Street Linda Bausserman, Associate Pastor Providence, RI 02903 Stephen T. Martorella, Minister of Music Phone: 401-454-3418 Holly B. Edwards, Administrative Assistant Fax: 401-421-4095 Anne Gagan, Bookkeeper E-Mail: fbc.inamerica@verizon.net David Michel, Sexton Web: www.fbcia.org Ivy Bermudez, Child Care Worker

June Calendar

Sun. June 7 - 10:00 AM Worship: Rev. Thomas R. McKibbens Sermon: The Way of Waiting Scripture: Psalm 130 Greeters: Emily and Zach Martin Ushers: Richard Aubin and David Paul 11:15 PM Tour Guide: Stan Lemons

Sun. June 14— 10:00 AM Worship: Rev. Dr. Thomas McKibbens Sermon: Give the Kid the Ball! Scripture: I Samuel 15:34-16: 13 Greeters: Jeanne Kolb and Barry Bainton Ushers: 11:15 AM Tour Guide: Joanne Schneider

Sun. June 21— 10:00 AM Worship: Rev. Dr. Thomas McKibbens Sermon: The Boy and the Bully Scripture: II Samuel 17:32-39 Greeters: Ushers: 11:15 AM Tour Guide: Elda Grieder Sun. June 28— 10:00 AM Worship: Rev. Dr. Thomas McKibbens Sermon: How the Mighty Have Fallen! Scripture: II Samuel 1:1,17-27 Greeters: Ushers: 11:15 AM Tour Guide: Richard Aubin

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Mission Calendar

►Monthly Prayer Meeting in Fellowship Hall 2nd Saturday of the Month 9:30 AM. ►PICA Sunday is the 4th Sunday of the Month, Please bring non-perishable food for the food pantry.

The Spire June 1, 2015