Lamplighter

Vol. 4 Issue 9 September 2011

The

Our Church Staff

Gary Burden
Senior Pastor 919-631-6789

Fund Raiser September 23rd Bethesda Baptist Church

Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM $ 7.00 per plate (eat in or take out) Proceeds will go toward His Vision - Our Mission (Building Fund)

Landon Orr
Minister to Students 919-229-9379

Debbe Langdon
Music Director/Pianist 919-410-0271

Exciting Fall Events

New time for Wednesday activities: Awana - 6:30 PM All other Wednesday activities will begin at 6:45 PM New Sunday Evening Format - 6:00 PM Tuesday Ladies Bible Study - 10:00 AM Bethesda Homecoming - September 25th Guest Speaker: Allan Blume, Editor: The Biblical Recorder

Kathy Welch
Office Coordinator

Michele McLaughlin
Admin. Assistant - Finances

Pat Baucom
Admin. Assistant - Publications

See You in September

The title of the 1959 song by the TemposSee You in September echoes in my mind as we make a mad dash from summer into our new church year and, in some ways, a new fall schedule. Summers always seem to fly by. Its been a good summer, and many have taken well-deserved vacations. But I confess-- Im looking forward to seeing more of our church family back together now. As we move into September, there is no shortage of events on the horizon. For one thing, beginning this month most of our folks are receiving the Lamplighter by email or onlinea costsaving measure for the church. (I do hope you are reading it!) Those who wish to receive a paper copy, however, may do so by notifying the church office. But a big moment for our entire country comes on the tenth anniversary of 9/11a Sunday. May this be not only a time of solemn reflection, but especially a day of prayer for our struggling nation. We will certainly acknowledge this on that Sunday morning, even as we complete our current sermon series of Idol Mania: Countering Counterfeit Gods with a very appropriate message: When Towering Idols Fall: Gods 9/11Call To Us All. Our annual Homecoming will be Sunday, September 25. I have invited Allan Blume to be our guest preacher. Allan and I where in seminary together in the 70s in Texas. He is a North Carolina native, having pastored in Statesville, served on staff of Hickory Grove Baptist of Charlotte, and pastored Mount Vernon Baptist of Boone, before recently being elected Editor/President of The Biblical RecorderNorth Carolinas Baptist state paper. You will appreciate meeting and hearing Allan Blume. Continued on page 2

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FROM THE PASTORS HEART (CONTD) A really big See You in September happening will be new schedules for Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Awana moves to Wednesday on September 7 and begins at 6:30 pm. Regular youth and adult activities begin at 6:45 pm. And Sunday evenings for adults will now provide various small group study opportunities were calling LifeLineGet Connected. The beginning offering of studies are again listed in this newsletter. These adult classes along with children and youth activities all begin on Sunday, September 11, at our current time of 6:00 pm. This is not to mention the Clayton Harvest Festival (Sept. 16-17), our SUPER BIG BBQ chicken sale (Sept. 23), opening day for the movie COURAGEOUS (Sept. 30), etc.all highlighted in the Lamplighter and in our Sunday bulletins. Any questions, feel free to call the office or see me or other staff. So, sing alongSee You in September.

ACTIVITIES FOR OUR CHILDREN

September brings the start of many new programs for the children: Awana on Wednesdays, Shout Praise Kids (SPK) on Sunday evenings, new curriculum on Sunday mornings. Its exciting times! If you want to help with any of the childrens programs or activities please let us know we will get you busy! VBS: We are still searching for a VBS Director for next year. If you are interested contact Wendy Gatewood or let Pastor Gary know soon. We would also like to have a director lined up soon so we can move forward with plans for the next awesome VBS! The next Preschool/Childrens Council meeting is Sunday, September 11 at 4:30 PM. We invite anyone who participated in VBS this past year to come to discuss how we can improve. CLAYTON HARVEST FESTIVAL: There will be a Bethesda Baptist Childrens/Awana booth at the Harvest Festival in Clayton on September 17th see Jennifer Harrison if you are willing to work at the booth. YARD SALE: In an effort to raise money for new playground equipment the childrens council will sponsor a yard sale on Saturday, October 1st. All proceeds will go toward new equipment and a fence for the playground. We will gladly pick up any items you would like to donate to the sale. CHRISTMAS PARADE FLOAT: We will also have a float in the Clayton Christmas Parade again this year. Let anyone on the preschool/childrens council know if you have ideas for decorating the float or if you are willing to work on it.

Gary Burden

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

We will be participating in OCC again this year. Our church goal is to fill 200 shoe boxes. Collection dates are Nov. 13-20. Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. Eight million children around the world received a shoe box last year. Over 300 countries have received shoe boxes since 1993. ONE MISSION: To demonstrate Gods love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Please pray about how many shoe boxes God would like for you to fill. This is a priceless opportunity. Gift ideas are:
TOYS: Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc. SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. HYGIENE ITEMS: Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. OTHER: Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries) A PERSONAL NOTE: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.) DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow-globes , glass containers or aerosol cans .

Wendy Gatewood

September is the beginning of a new Choir Year --- and there's no better time to join! We have several exciting events coming up: singing in the Choir Festival at the Clayton Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 18th; Bethesda Homecoming on September 25th; holiday music for Thanksgiving and a special Christmas musical! As our new fall schedule begins, please give prayerful consideration to becoming a part of the choir family. Weekly choir rehearsal will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 - 7:45 PM. On Wednesday, August 31st, at 7pm, we are having a Choir KickOff Celebration --- come check us out! Whether you enjoy singing along with the group, or are blessed with a solo voice - we welcome one and all! If you have any questions, please give me a call at 553-4578. Come join us as we "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" - what a wonderful opportunity to witness and worship together!! God Bless!

Debbe Langdon

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Courageous
(Honor Begins At Home) In Theaters September 30th
A Must-See Movie for Men, Fathers, Couples, the Entire Family!

Lifeline
Get Connected
Sunday Night Adult Small Groups at Bethesda Baptist Church Beginning Sunday, September 11, 6:00 pm
For Men
Courageous Living Bible Study Based on the movie Courageous (opening in theaters September 30), this four-week study by Michael Catt, Stephen and Alex Kendrick, is designed to challenge men to live courageously for the sake of their families. Its a call to fight for our faith and our families. Its a call to follow Christ and live a life that is Courageous. (Other short-term mens studies will be available after this one is completed.) Study leader: Chris Gatewood Cost for study book: $7.00 payable to Bethesda Baptist Church Contact Chris Gatewood for more information or to register before September 4th (359-0141 or 464-3584) - Class size will be limited, so register soon!

For Women
EstherIts Tough Being a Woman If youve ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this Beth Moore study is for you. In this nine-session (18-week) study, Beth peels back the layers of history and shows how very contemporary and applicable the biblical story of Esther is to us. This portion of Gods Word contains treasures to aid us in our hurried, harried, and pressured lives. Study leader: Frances Burden Cost for study book: $15.00 payable to Bethesda Baptist Church Contact Frances Burden for more information or to register before September 4th (553-5530 or 631-6588).

For All
A Present and a Future Hope: Studies in 1 Peter This study in 1 Peter is a continuous walk through Peters letter, section-by-section, led by the pastor. Anyone can drop in for this discussion-oriented study any week, and there are no study materials to purchase.

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday
1

Thursday
2

Friday
3

Saturday

4 Bfk. Fellowship

6 Deacons

7 Awana - 6:30 PM Weekly Wed. Schedule-6:45 PM

10

Weekly Sunday Service Church Office Closed 12 Mens Ministry Breakfast Weekly Sunday Service 18 Weekly Sunday Service 19 20 13

Meeting 7:00 PM

11

14 Awana - 6:30 PM

15

16

17

Ladies Bible Study 10:00 AM

Weekly Wed. Schedule-6:45 PM 21 Awana - 6:30 PM . Weekly Wed. Schedule-6:45 PM Chicken BBQ Dinner 22 23 24

Ladies Bible Study 10:00 AM

Mens Prayer Focus 25 26 27 Ladies Bible Study 10:00 AM

28 Awana - 6:30 PM Weekly Wed. Schedule-6:45 PM

29

30 Opening Day for Courageous

Homecoming Sunday

Weekly Sunday Schedule

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

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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The most frustrating discussion I can remember having in college concerned the idea of Truth. Thrown amidst a secular philosophy, many of my classmates (and friends I might add) were convinced that truth is relative. They would say that while life was filled with truths, there was not one dominate Truth that ruled over it all. How wrong they are. This fall, with the introduction of LifeLine groups, the youth are going to have short-term classes of their own. For the first 10 weeks we are going to be doing Focus on the Familys TrueU a video series similar to The Truth Project. Im really excited about this opportunity and I hope that it will be an opportunity to build a solid foundation for our youth to live upon. In a recent Wednesday night Bible Study the youth and I were looking at Matthew 7. In this chapter we find the story about the man who built his house upon a sure foundation. When storms came, his house stood up to the test, while the man who built his house on sand lost everything. This story shows how important it is for us to learn Truth and build our life upon it. Once we do so there is no obstacle that we will not be able to face.

SEPTEMBER EXTENDED SESSION AND KIDS CHURCH

Sunday, Sept. 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, Sept. 4 - PM Sharon Johnson & Linda Wilson Wednesday, Sept. 7 Frances Burden & Louise Gilmore Sunday, Sept. 11 - AM Babies: Brigitte Creech & April Lengel 2s: Tara & Stephen Lee 3s/4s: Kristol Flanigan & Kristen Duncan K-3rd Kids Church Nicole & Michael Ritchie Sunday, Sept. 11 - PM Jane & Johnnie Gatlin Wednesday, Sept. 14 Diane & David Duncan Sept. Preschool Regis. Desk 1st Sunday: Brigitte Creech 2nd Sunday: Diane Duncan Sunday, Sept. 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, Sept. 18 - PM Larkin Creech & Debbie Henry Wednesday, Sept. 21 Terry Gatewood & Bobbie Lonas Sunday, Sept. 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, Sept. 25 - PM Bob & Brenda Jones Wednesday, Sept. 28 Mandy Windham & Betty Jones

Landon Orr

LifeLine LifeLine Student LifeLine beginning Sunday Evening September 11 at 6:00 PM

Facts & Figures for July/August 2011

Date July 31 Aug. 7 Aug. 14 Aug. 21 Total Avg.
S.S. AM Worship Budget Offering His Vision Our Mission

Sept. Preschool Regis. Desk 3rd Sunday: Diane Duncan 4th Sunday: Wendy Gatewood

89 117 101 109 416 104

119 131 138 179 567 142

7,024.58 6,976.87 7,204.72 3,789.28 24,995.45 6,248.86

250.00 2,445.00 870.00 478.00 4,043.00 1,010.75

OCTOBER 14th 6:30 PM

Mark your calendar for this important date. It will be a time of fun, food and fellowship. Ladies of all ages are invited to attend and stay overnight. Bring your favorite food to share, your pillows and blankets. Dont be left out of this fun and fellowship. No child care will be provided, so ladies only please. For more information contact Frances Burden, Julia Stephens, Sharon Orchard or me.. Leigh Smith

Average Attendance & Offerings for August 2010 Avg. 96 152 4,604.61

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Ayden, Jr. & Betty Lee

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

8th 13th 20th

Ron & Carole McNeece Brian & Kathleen McLamb

Were on the web!

www.bethesdaclayton.com

Monthly Mens Prayer Focus September 21, 2011 - 5:30 PM

Our men are engaged in a monthly time to meet for prayer - only brief discussion, mainly prayer. Even if you arent comfortable praying out loud come anyway and just pray silently. This will help bind and focus our hearts and lives for the Lords service on behalf of our beloved church. We will meet in the Lighthouse Classroom just prior to the evening activities. Lets indeed be men of prayer!

September Birthdays Ava Creech Linda Lee Jerry Gilmore Carness Underwood Lynne Raker Marianne Kennedy Scott Johnson Neta Jones Lehman Godwin David Creech* Frank Avery Rosa Johnson Michael Tart Amy Dale Dolly Bryant Wayne Little Chris Johnson Sis Godwin Audrey Langdon* Michael Hall Diana Lee Sandy Austin Adam Johnson *Non Members 1st 4th 5th 5th 8th 9th 9th 9th 11th 12th 15th 15th 15th 16th 18th 18th 19th 25th 25th 26th 26th 28th 30th

LADIES TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Ladies, do you ever feel overwhelmed with the difficult circumstances of life that come upon you? Like, when it rains, it pours! Welcome to my club! In these troublesome times the Lord reminds me frequently of a quote I have written inside the front cover of my Bible from John Newton, the author of that well known Gospel song "Amazing Grace" : Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring, For His grace and power are such, None can ever ask too much. And through the prophet Isaiah, God reminds us: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." (ch. 40:28--31). This, also, affirms the exhortation of Jesus our Lord when He told His disciples a parable about that "bothersome, pesky" widow who kept "bugging" the judge to give her legal protection from an adversary: "Now He was telling them a parable to show that AT ALL TIMES THEY OUGHT TO PRAY AND NOT LOSE HEART" (Luke 18:1). In these days, ladies, we need to be obedient to His Word! We will continue our Bible study and prayer time here at my home on Tuesdays, beginning September 13th. We will begin with one of the New Inductive Study Series, "Living With Discernment in the End Times" by Kay Arthur, David Lawson, Bob Vereen--1 and 2 Peter and Jude. Please let me know if you plan to join us, so books can be ordered ASAP. Looking forward to our fellowship together. Your sister in Christ, Sharon Levin