December 2011

Volume 6 #12 Volume 6 #12

Wading River Baptist Church

P.O. Box 438, 1635 Wading River-Manor Road, Wading River, NY 11792 (631) 929-3512; 929-6022 www.wrbc.us office@wrbc.us

Sing a Song of Christmas

The Christian church has a rich tradition of Christmas music. Theres just something about the season in which we commemorate our Lords birth that lends itself to musical celebration, and indeed, composers and lyricists of all genres have found the story of Christs birth a fruitful outlet for their creativity. Many Christians look forward to singing the traditional carols every year, not the least because of the precious memories they evoke. Even in spite of the radical change in church music over the last couple of decades, thats a practice I trust will continue until the Lord calls His church to glory. Much of our beloved sacred Christmas music consists of settings of the biblical text itself. From the almost wordfor-word settings of Bach in his cantatas and Handel in his Messiah, to the hymns of Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts (and others of their style), to the twentiethcentury cantatas of John Peterson and the many composers who were influenced by him, the words of Scripture provided the texts for inspiring compositions both for choir, for soloists, and for congregations. The liturgical tradition of the Roman Catholic Church has been especially influential and reaches well back into the Middle Ages. Lukes narrative recording the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ includes several eloquent poetical sections, and these have been especially attractive to composers in the Christian tradition. Because they were first set to music so long ago, they have generally been known by their Latin titles. Were they originally sung? Probably not. But throughout history, they have inspired a rich musical heritage. In this Christmas article, I want to highlight the four of them along with the spiritual lessons they teach. The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). The first song is that sung by the teen-aged Mary after she had become pregnant by the Holy Spirit with the Son of God, and upon her arrival in Judea to visit her relative, Elizabeth. This is her hymn of praise to her Heavenly Father, and it is characterized by a remarkable humility and understanding on her part of the Old Testament prophetic Scriptures (Magnificat means magnifies). Mary clearly grasped the biblical significance of what was happening to her, and quotes one biblical text after another. The hymn is in three stanzas progressing from personal to more general. Overwhelmed with Gods choice of her to be the mother of the Lord Jesus, she begins by praising God for His grace toward sinners (vv. 46-49). Even though she is a slave-girl, she nonetheless rejoices that God has done great things for her. Above all, she sees herself as a sinner in need of Gods grace: my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior (v. 47). She then offers her praise to God for His mercy toward the humble (vv. 50-53). Throughout, she reflects her very ordinary, if not poor, background and is overwhelmed that God would favor an insignificant Jewish teenager, rejoicing that the Lord shows His mercy to those who fear Him by alluding to Psalm 103. On the other hand, the Lord imposes justice on those who forsake Him (vv. 5153), by which Mary undoubtedly reflects the frustration of her fellow countrymen with their proud rulersespecially the arrogant religious authorities who would be so often denounced by her Son throughout His ministry. God had been silent for 400 years during which time the Jews had undergone oppression at the hand of the Persians, the Greeks, and then the Romans. Mary understands history, however. Human empires come and go, but God never fails to care for the poor and humble among His people. We realize with Mary that apart from Gods mercy, no one would be saved (Titus 3:5). Finally, Mary praises God for His faithfulness toward His elect (verses 5455), specifically targeting the Jewish people. She has no doubt but that her Son will restore Israel and will occupy the throne of David forever, all according to Gods promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David (Genesis 12:2-3; 2 Samuel 7:14-16). Benedictus (Luke 1:67-79). This is the song of Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist. Benedictus is Latin for blessed (v. 68). During the three months Mary stayed with Zacharias and Elizabeth (who was pregnant beyond normal child-bearing age), they must have had extensive discussions (long Bible studies?) about the meaning of what was happening. Zachariass song is very Jewish with a prominent theme of salvation for Israel and the Messiah as Israels Savior and Redeemer. In a way, he is speaking for the entire nation. Thus, the Benedictus is a less personal hymn than Marys, but equally inspired since he was filled with the Holy Spirit (v. 67). Zacharias rejoices that the promised Redeemer had at last been given (vv. 68-75). The Old Testament promises of His coming have been fulfilled at last (the Lord has visited us), and in so doing has accomplished redemption for us based on the covenant He had established with the nation (v. 72).

The significance of this is even more profound, however, for Zacharias recognizes that the Lord has raised up a Savior for Israel (vv. 69-71), a horn of salvation from the family of David. This salvation is both national and spiritual (see Psalm 89:19-24), and is an expression of faithfulness to Israels patriarchs (vv. 7273) and a guarantee that He will save Israel from their enemies (vv. 74-75). In addition, Zacharias is ecstatic that his own son will be Messiahs forerunner. This baby will grow to become the last and greatest of the prophets, something the Lord Jesus would eventually say himself (Matthew 11:9-11). As such, he would prepare Messiahs way (Malachi 3:1), a privilege no other prophet in Israels history ever had. He would do this by preaching salvation and the forgiveness of sins (vv. 76b-77), which is significant because it points out that Israels future salvation would not be merely political or military deliverance, but would strike at the very heart of the problemthe need for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:2-14). In addition to preaching repentance, however, John would also introduce the Son of God to Israel (vv. 78-79; see Luke 3:15-18; John 1:29-30). He would be their Light (v. 79a; Isaiah 9:2), and He would be their Guide (v. 79b; see Isaiah 59:8; Micah 4:3-4). The tone of this entire hymn can be summed up in the words, Joy to the world, and blessed be the Lord God of Israel! Gloria! (Luke 2:13-14). We now move from two solos to a brief, but magnificent, choral anthem. This is the song of the angels as they announce the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ to the shepherds tending their flocks in the Judean fields near Bethlehem. Their hymn of praise has inspired many hymns such as Wesleys wonderful Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. The birth announcement of the Lord Jesus begins with a consolation, encouraging the shepherds that they have no reason to fear (v. 10), followed by a communication that the Baby had been born in the city of David (v. 11), and concluding with a confirmation that the baby could be found lying in a feeding trough in a stable in the village (v. 12). At that, the angelic choir erupts in an anthem of praise (Gloria, glory [to God]). We often overlook the impact of this joyful song. It does not mean that men on earth should praise God in heaven,

but that the angelic beings in heaven should praise God for what is happening on earth. Heaven is not a place of inactivity and silence. God is constantly worshipped by the angels, not only for who He is, but also for what He is doing on earth. Thus, the writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 97:7, declaring that when He [God the Father] again brings the first-born into the world, He says, And let all the angels of God worship Him (Hebrews 1:6). So the angels are just repeating Gods words in heaven for the benefit of men on earth. What they say is of immense importance for mankind. The birth of Jesus was to mean peace on earth (v. 14). We cant help but think of Isaiahs prophecy that the Son who would be given to Israel would be called (among other names), the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). But then we remember what the Lord Jesus himself said (Matthew 10:34): Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Is this a contradiction? No, because the latter passage speaks of His first coming. When He comes a second time to reign on the earth He will indeed enforce peace (Isaiah 54:10; 66:10-12). So why the delay? Because peace between the nations requires peace with God as its foundation. Unregenerate men generally dont live harmoniously with each other; by nature, they do not peacefully co-exist! Thats because there is no peace for the wicked (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21), and the peace the world craves could only be provided through the saving work the Lord Jesus did on the cross of Calvary when He made peace with God the Father as our Substitute and Savior. Therefore, having been justified [declared righteous] by faith, we have peace with God though our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). And this peace with God provides the believer with the peace of God (John 14:27; 16:33). Do you have that peace in your heart today? Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29-32). The final song is a burst of praise from the (apparently) elderly Simeon, a righteous and devout Jew (the Holy Spirit was upon him) who met Joseph and Mary as they presented the Lord Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem according to the requirements of the Law (Leviticus 12:68). Simeon had been anticipating Messiahs arrival, and he was going about Gods business in Gods house when

Christ suddenly appeared. He was the right man with the right outlook in the right place at the right time. The Lord had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. His first words, therefore, are, Now let [your servant] go. Thus the Latin, nunc dimittis (now dismiss), which signifies set free or release (v. 29). Here was a man who was so Godfocused and so heavenly-centered that His aspiration was to be in heaven with the God he loved. Yet that would not happen until he laid eyes upon the baby Jesus. So to see the Messiah was his one remaining passion in life. We are reminded of the Apostle Pauls similar passion (Philippians 3:13-15; 2 Timothy 4:78). It should be ours as well (1 John 3:23). Godliness means heavenlymindedness (Colossians 3:1-2). In addition, Simeon was focused on Gods Word: You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word (v. 29). Gods Word was the secret of His hope, as it is ours. Through it, he understood Gods plan for the future and Gods will for His own life. How could he depart in peace? Because He was content in the knowledge of Gods revealed truth, and especially in knowing that God, through the baby he held in his arms, had provided His salvation for a desperately needy nation and world (v. 30). In fact, through his devout eyes of faith, Simeon understood that Gods saving grace accomplished through Marys little son would have a global impact. Messiahs arrival was good news for all peoples, a Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and yet also the glory of Your people Israel (vv. 3132). We cant help but be impressed with the profoundly eloquent, intensely devout, and sublimely exalted character of all four of these songs. No wonder composers have so often enlisted them as the basis for their musical creations. This Christmas season, as you join with your brothers and sisters in worshipping the Lord and remembering your Saviors birth through music, unite your spirit with those of Mary, Zacharias, the angels, and Simeon and repeat the sounding joy. Glory to God in the highest, and a merry Christmas to each of you! Pastor Ron Glass

Missionaries of the Month Rev. Marlin and Donna Fuller

an assistant Sunday School Superintendent and the director of their teen program. The more involved Rev. Fuller became, the more he knew he had a real burden to reach others for the Lord. In December of 1970 he became engaged to Donna Weiss and as they began to make wedding plans, they also began to make plans to serve the Lord in some type of ministry. Unlike Rev. Marlin, Donna was born into an unsaved family with the mother finding her salvation when Donna was a young girl. After moving to Harpursville, NY, Donnas mother began taking her to church where she attended VBS resulting in Donna accepting Christ as her Savior. She met Rev. Fuller in her senior year and was married September 25, 1971. Rev. Marlin & Donna Fuller now live in Meadville, PA, and have 3 grown married children with children of their own. It has been said they travel over 40,000 miles a year throughout their area in PA & NY. As Awana Missionaries, they become partners with local churches to help start, equip, maintain and coordinate the Awana program. They will train Awana leaders; host a ministry conference to share with Awana leaders the newest techniques; and coordinate outreach events such as Awana games, Bible quizzing, Summit, Sparks-a-Rama and Awana Grand Prix. In addition to his involvement with the Western PA & Western NY Awana program, Rev. Fuller is the lead missionary for the entire PA & NY area. Personally he loves to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He loves to travel, read, golf, bike and watch NASCAR and football. As for Donna, she loves being a grandma, plays the piano and can sing, also loves to read and to watch NASCAR.

Each week, more than 1.5 million kids throughout the United States, ages 2 to 18, participate in Awana, an organization with fully integrated evangelism and discipleship programs for ages 2 to 18 that actively involve parents, church leaders and mentors. It is an organization that provided WRBC with a local Awana club for many years until this year. The name Awana stands for Approved workmen are not ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15). For this reason, we need to focus on the Awana program and Rev. Marlin & Donna Fuller, leaders of the Western PA/Western NY areaincluding Long Island, that the ministry will find opportunities to rebuild at WRBC. Rev. Fuller was born into a Christian family with an upbringing that afforded him many opportunities to hear the Gospel. He attended Harpursville Baptist Church in Harpursville, NY, and as a junior in High School began teaching the third grade Sunday School class and took on leadership positions in the Awana program at his church. By the time he was a senior in High School, he became

Support for the Awana program does not come from Awana headquarters but from donations from the local churches such as ours. Surprisingly enough, many of the Awana churches do not support them. As with most missionaries, support is not running at 100% so we need to continue to support them not only financially but with our prayers. As we continue to have concern for our young people it is comforting to know that there is Awana and people like Rev. Marlin & Donna Fuller devoting their lives to the children and youth of the world that will come to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Joan Tyska

Getting Acquainted with William Kirchberger

causing a serious drought in the Midwest which in turn made food more expensive and turned some areas into dust bowls. (Source: "What Happened in 1931 Inc. Pop Culture, Prices and Events." The People History. 18 June 2006.) Also in 1931, William Kirchberger was born in New York City on July 6th to German immigrants, John and Margaret Kirchberger. John was a butcher/meat curer and Margaret was a homemaker and mother, raising their only son, William, or Bill as we know him. As you can see, it was a time of hardship and concern. The Kirchbergers lived in cold water flats (apartments without central heat or hot running water) or railroad apartments (an apartment with a long hallway or connecting rooms in a long narrow fashion) most of Bills early years until in 1941 when they moved into a house in Jamaica. He attended school at PS 54 and 170, and subsequently at Stuyvesant High School. Following graduation, he enrolled at CCNY (City College of New York)where he took business coursesand at NYC Community College; through his studies, he earned an AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degree in Structural Science. When Bill was age 5 or 6, he was enrolled in a German-speaking Sunday School at St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richmond Hill, Queens. He walked to of a mile every

1931 saw the doubling of unemployment to 16.3%, and everybody realized that the stock market crash of 1929 was having far reaching effects. Many car manufacturers also went out of business as people did not have money to buy new cars. Nature even conspired to make things worse by

Sundayrain or shineuntil he got his bike at the age of nine and then rode the distance to Sunday School every Sunday. Through his faithfulness to Sunday School, Bill became acquainted with Jesus, followed by Baptism and Confirmation. At age 18, Bill became an apprentice as a real estate salesman working for his aunt, a licensed broker. By 1951, Bill was called into the service with the Marines, serving until 1953. Once out of the Marines he became employed at Republic Aircraft in Farmingdale as an aircraft final assembly mechanic, later working as a draftsman and steel designer at Combustion Engineering in NYC, only to take employment with Grumman in 1958 working in many areas of engineering such as drafting, manpower/budgets, estimating, presentations and dealing with other departments. Bill remained with Grumman for 32 years before retiring in 1990. A bit of family history is addressed here to understanding how Bill met his wife, Elfriede. During World War I, a 12year-old girl by the name of Emma (Elfriedes mother) was sent to live in the country (rural district of Germany). The farmers had a need for workers and food was available in the country and scarce in the cities. Emma wound up in the town of Burgbernheim, Bavaria, where a God-fearing family named Henninger took her in as if she were family. Bills mothers family also lived in the town and an acquaintanceship developed. Years later, Ludwig Henninger married the sister of Bills mother in New York City. They began sponsoring many others to come to the USA, which would include Bills mother and Emma. Emma

married Albert Schmidt and had four daughters, one of them Elfriede; Bills mother, Margaret, married and had a son, their only son, Bill. The Henninger, Schmidt, Kirchberger friendships continued to their dying days. Although the families were close, the Bill/Elfriede spark developed years later. Now, Bill and Elfriede have been married 52 years; they were married on June 6, 1959, with a friendship that has lasted truly a lifetime. Their marriage has provided them with four children: Linda Margaret (died June 8, 2010), William John, Paul Albert, and Edward Karl. Offering another window of family history: in the early 1950s, Bills aunt and uncle purchased a bungalow just west of Camp DeWolfe in Wading River. There was always an open invitation to Bills family to visit with them and to enjoy the beach that was close by. Bills family visits continued after he was married and as Bill and Elfriede visited with their children, they watched the bungalow grow larger. Eventually, Bills aunt died, leaving Bill and Elfriede the option to buy it and move from Dix Hills to Wading River. Camping was something the Kirchbergers liked to do because it was an inexpensive way to travel and to see the sights. A 1930s vintage tent was used before purchasing a pop-up trailer. As time went on, Bills involvements included Cub Scout leader, scoutmaster for handicapped scouts (Pack/troop 366, Huntington Station), and various duties at the St. Luke Lutheran Church in Dix Hills and Faith Evangelical Free Church in Dix Hills. There were many carry-overs from Bills father including work ethics and the enjoyment to hunt and fish. Bill at

80 years young, has put aside many of his early hobbies and interests including working on and repairing autos, rebuilding houses, and collecting standard-gauge model trains. Stamp collecting and coin collecting were other hobbies he had and still dabbles in them nowadays. Now his interest and time are diverted to his children and 10 grandchildren ranging from 6 years old to 23 years old. Not only do they keep Bill on his toes and active in their lives, but Bill makes himself available to keep the grandchildren (and others) on the straight and narrow; with whatever other time he has left, Bill spends in nudging politicians to do the right thing. Now to go back to another history lesson to the beginning of Wading River Baptist Church, the beginning began at Camp DeWolfe, a neighbor to Bill and Elfriedes home. On occasion, Bill and Elfriede would attend services at Camp DeWolfes meeting place of the newly formed church. They slowly gravitated to the WRBC at its present location and began attending more regularly when Pastor Glass began preaching. Bill is a well rounded out guy filled with so many childhood memories of a time when it was not easy for a family of German immigrants. But those days built a man with character, a man with an enormous love for his children and grandchildren, and a man with a wonderful sense of humor. Joan Tyska

A Month in Review
A memorable month it was with a senior luncheon, a bridal shower, and a 90th birthday celebration. Memorable also were the record-setting high temperatures, allowing the cold winds to hold off a bit longer as we savored the last of the fading flowers, the misplaced butterflies, and the exiting robins. It was a month also of thanksgiving. November 5, 2011 was first on the list to be enjoyed by a small turn out of seniors for the Cornucopia Senior Saints Luncheon. The WRBC Fellowship Hall was decorated with thanksgiving in mind as cornucopias dominated the decorations. Five new guests attended, promising to return when their schedules would allow it. Goodness, Grace, Truth, Strength and Redemptionwhich when viewed as a whole help to define the love of God. The luncheon itself was a menu of pork loin, sauerkraut w/apples, pierogies, and assorted vegetables. A special Italian Wedding soup was made by Mina Piraino which received rave reviews. And, of course, an assortment of pies were served for dessert while the seniors selected items from the ever-favorite Trash to Treasure table. It is always a special treat for those attending the luncheon to anticipate the arrival of Diane Pandolfini and to see her attire

Keeping with the theme of the luncheon, Doug Heuzey led the devotions with a message entitled Gods Abundant Attributes. As the group soon learned through his humorous skill and tasteful sharing of the Word, there were seven attributes discussedLovingkindness, Righteousness,

for the occasion. She loves to make the seniors smilesomething that comes quite easily for her.

Another Senior Luncheon is in the making, scheduled for the second Saturday in January. The theme will be A Friendship Luncheon encouraging everyone to come and to bring a friend. Hope to see you there as we will be decorating the fellowship hall in blue and white with friendly little snowmen. November 12, 2011 was a special day for Silvia Hofmann as the WRBC sponsored a bridal shower that will remain most memorable to anyone that attended the shower held in Fellowship Hall. To quote Helen Bryan, it was the best bridal shower that she ever attended. The dcor was most elegant, with the hall decorated in white with a touch of burgundy; bud vases of red roses and some very fine tableware loaned to the church for the occasion by members of the church. The collective efforts of the Deaconess Committee plus two (Sarah Chapman, Judy Ehmann, Jackie Hallstrom, Bonnie Heuzey, Mina Piraino, Marcelle Ritzmann, Vicki Valentine, and Martie Best) put together the The Perfect Bridal Shower. Among the 32 attending the bridal shower were the mother of the groom, Mrs. Elaine Albrecht, an aunt of the groom, Mrs. Beth Albrecht, and the sisterin-law of the groom, Mrs. Myra Albrecht, that had traveled from upstate NY or Manhattan (Myra) for this occasion. What a blessing that was to meet some of Peter Albrechts family. Silvias mother, Rosie Hofmann, touched not only Silvias heart but everyones heart with devotions only a loving mother could share. In quoting Scriptures of a virtuous woman and what it is to be a good wife, Rosie shared those special words of advice that a mother shares with her daughter anticipating marriage. On the lighter side of celebrating Silvias impending marriage, Martie Best led

the group in a variety of games, bringing some most special moments of laughter and enjoyment for all agesfrom teens to 89. One game that will be remembered always and forever and then some, is the designing of wedding gowns out of simple plain toilet paper and a few paper clips. The group was divided into five teams, with each team choosing someone in their group to model the gown. This is where the fun began as each group went off to a private area to bring together their designing talents to create the most fashionable wedding gown for Silvia to judge. Judge she did, awarding Kaitlyn Hallstroms team the honor of top designer.

day service to share a time of spiritual enlightenment. They came from upstate New York, New Hampshire, Maryland, Florida, Missouri, Colorado, Texas, and as far away as California. Many stayed with Marge in her home, while others stayed in a 40 RV that was parked on the street in front of Marges home. There was no doubt in anyones mind the love that Marges family had for her. Of course many pictures were taken to preserve this special memory, but only a few are included to share with you. The first picture is Marge and three of her children. The second is the 17 family members that came to celebrate. The third picture is Marge with another of our seniors, Helen Bryan (who will be celebrating her 90th birthday next year), and Janet Perry and Janice Manges, not only sisters but twins.

The focal point of a bridal shower of course is the gifts, and for this shower most of them were from Silvia & Peters chosen registry at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Each gift was exquisitely wrapped with a full selection of ribbons and bows to fulfill a shower tradition to design a shower bonnet for the bride to model. The teens attending the shower took on the task to design a special hatand special it was. With such grace and dignity, Silvia modeled the hat for a photo shoot and to give the perfect ending to the perfect shower.

As always the fellowship was great and slow to disassemble as Marges family lingered on with grateful appreciation of the work done by the deaconesses and other volunteers.

November 13, 2011 was Marge Kurthys special day at the request of her son, David Kurthy. Just a few days prior, Marge had turned 90 years old, and what better place for her family to gather together to celebrate but at the WRBC, Marges church for a third of her life. Daves call put the deaconesses in motion to provide a coffee hour after the Sunday worship service. A beautiful buffet was provided which included a special punch, a birthday cake, and food brought in by the members of the church. How wonderful it was to see her family from all parts of the United States file into the first three pews of the church for Sun-

WRBC did not have an agenda for Thanksgiving besides remembering each other in prayer as some traveled to be with family; some shared Thanksgiving with loved ones in need of witnessing; with some just reflecting on the many, many blessings we share at the WRBC. To be able to freely worship in a church that pro-

fesses the truth of Gods Word is truly something to be thankful for. We thanked God for the leadership of the church; for those providing worship in music; for the servants that give freely of their time and skill; for the sweet, sweet fellowship; and for all those that offer prayer and support for each other as obstacles arise in ones

life. On this Thanksgiving, we gave thanks to our Father, in the name of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. One final note on Thanksgiving: Our dear friend and sister in Christ, Marge Kurthy, not only traveled to be with her family in Colorado, but went home to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving morning.

What a blessing it was to be with her family and how loving it was of our heavenly Father to have such sweet fellowshipping in celebration of her life just 12 days prior to her passing. Gods perfect timing in His most loving care is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving once more. Joan Tyska

Elects Consider Gambling Expansion

Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks ten years ago, Governor Pataki and the New York State Legislature pushed through a major gambling bill. The bill authorized six Indian casinos and permitted horse tracks to open and operate casinos with Video Lottery Terminals (otherwise known as VLTs). The legislation did not authorize traditional casino table games or any full-blown casinos operated by non-Indians. At the time New Yorkers were told that it would help the state recover from the terrorist attacks, but ten years later some are looking for more. Race tracks are asking permission to offer more forms of gambling including poker, roulette, craps and other table games. Now Governor Andrew Cuomo is privately indicating support for a constitutional amendment permitting nonIndian casino gambling in New York State. Currently only a limited number of Indian gaming casinos are permitted in the state. In an August 10 article entitled, Will New York get more casinos under Cuomo administration? the Albany Times Union reported that it isnt just the Governor interested in gambling, even The Republican-led Senate has signaled support for the constitutional amendment. Initially, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) seemed to signal opposition to a New York City casino, but the Speaker seems to be softening his stance in recent days. Other gambling advocates contend that simply expanding the existing Indian casinos would be more palatable to the general public. Some Indian tribes would like to open new casinos. The Seneca Nation is proposing a casino in Rochester, NY. Pro-family advocates contend that New York already has too many gambling opportunities. They point out the irony of the State Senate denying a peoples vote on marriage, but its eagerness to allow a vote on gambling expansion. In an August 11 editorial, the New York Daily News urged the Governor to reject casinomania. The News argues, Cuomo should also put the brakes on the Lottery Divisions drive to offer computerized versions of games such as roulette that violate the spirit, if not the letter, of the constitutional ban. New Yorkers Family Research Foundation (NYFRF) doesnt agree with many of the Daily News editorials, but they nailed it on this one. Increasingly, state leaders are opting to circumvent the intent of the State Constitution by simply connecting new gambling opportunities to the states lottery computer. Once it is connected to the lottery, leaders allege the gambling is now legal because it is only part of the lottery, not a casino. The Aqueduct Race track in Queens in scheduled to open in October. Its operator, Resorts World Casino, is billing Aqueduct as a casino, not a limited video lottery parlor. Aqueduct will offer the digital slot machines, but also computerized versions of roulette, craps and other traditional casino games. Senate hearings were recently held on gambling expansion, but the deck was stacked against pro-family anti-gambling advocates. The only way to participate in the hearings was by invitation, and antigambling groups were not asked to participate. A September 2011 Quinnipiac poll found that 56 percent of New York State voters support the creation of casinos similar to those found in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. It also found that 63 percent believed that casinos would lead to a rise in gambling addiction. A March 2011 University of Buffalo study found that problem gambling is more common than alcoholism in those over age 21. These facts should not be ignored, but carefully considered. Some other questions should be answered before New York becomes the eastern Las Vegas, such as: How will these new gambling addicts support their habit? Who will pay for the increased cost of treating gambling addictions? Will the costs associated with gambling addiction outweigh the revenue raised? And what about the societal cost of increased crime, divorce, domestic violence and suicide associated with problem gambling? Rev. Duane Motley, senior lobbyist with New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, a group opposed to any form of gambling expansion, said, When it comes to gambling, the house always wins, but taxpayers always lose their shirt. Motley expects a major push for a casino gambling constitutional amendment during next years legislative session. Historically New York State has a habit of rejecting these types of referendums, but this issue could be different with millions expected to be poured into pre-election advertising from various gambling interests. Many elected officials, casino developers and voters will roll the dice on gambling expansion. Rev. Jason J. McGuire, President of the New Yorkers Family Research Foundation [Reprinted with authors permission from the October 2011 edition (Vol. 29, Issue 4) of Freedoms Alert, a publication of the New Yorkers Family Research Foundation.]

December Bible Quiz Questions

1) The Ammonites, a nomadic race, descended from _______, Lots son. 2) God changed Jacobs name to ______. 3) Who was the father of the Edomites? 4) How many sons did Jacob have? 5) Who suggested casting Joseph into a pit in lieu of killing him? Bonus: What price was Judas paid to betray Jesus? Felix Acerra Submit the answers and Bible references to: office@wrbc.us Congratulations to Dennis Tyska and Virginia Sylvester for submitting all five correct answers plus the bonus for the November Bible Quiz!

November Bible Quiz Answers

1) Pergamos (KJV) or Pergamum (NASB) (Revelation 2:12-13). 2) Israel (Isaiah 44:1-2; Deuteronomy 32:15-18). 3) Cyrus, king of Persiaprophesied by name (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-3; Isaiah 44:28; 45:4). 4) Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-29; Luke 12:10). 5) Lydia (Acts 16:14). Bonus: Isaiah 40:15.

The Birthday Corner

December 2nd Pastor Noel Faustinorio December 5th Bob Drummond December 8th Martie Best December 9th George Ehmann December 10th Ruth Kerr December 13th Kristen Hallstrom December 13th Denise Tolf December 16th Pastor Ron Glass December 22nd Katie Glass

The Anniversary Corner

December 18th Pastor Noel & Nora Faustinorio th Dennis & Joan Tyska December 25

December 2011
Sunday
Monday Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday Friday 1 2
7:30 PM Funeral Service for Marge Kurthy

Saturday 3

9:45 AM Sunday School (Evangelism) Peter Albrecht, Teacher 11:00 AM Morning Worship Service

8:00 AM Ladies Prayer Joan Tyska (727-5998) 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting and Exposition of Psalms

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11 9:45 AM Sunday School The Training of the Twelve (Discipleship) Doug Heuzey, Teacher
11:00 AM Morning Worship Service Christmas Tapestry WRBC Choir Ensemble

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13 7:00 PM Board of Deacons Meeting

14 8:00 AM Ladies Prayer

7:00 PM Prayer Meeting and Exposition of Psalms

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1:00 PM Wedding of Peter Albrecht and Silvia Hofmann

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9:45 AM Sunday School (Discipleship) 11:00 AM Morning Worship Service

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21 8:00 AM Ladies Prayer

7:00 PM Prayer Meeting and Exposition of Psalms

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24

25

10:00 AM Christmas Day Worship Service (No Sunday School)

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28

8:00 AM Ladies Prayer

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PO Box 438 Wading River, NY 11792

Wading River Baptist Church

Our Purpose
1. To glorify God through sharing the good news of salvation by Gods sovereign grace through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To nurture believers through a strong program of Christian education, youth ministries, and expository Biblical preaching. 3. To provide an opportunity for Biblical worship, service, and fellowship. 4. To extend our ministry throughout America and around the world through participation in home and foreign missions. WRBC is affiliated with the Conservative Baptist Association of America and the Conservative Baptist Mission to the Northeast.

For the Exaltation of God in All Things For the Proclamation of Faith in Christ For the Transformation of Gods People