The Baptist Bridge

April 2012

By the grace of God, the Philippi Baptist Church shall Embrace, Model, and Share the love of God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippi Baptist Church 107 Church St. Philippi, WV 26416 (304) 457-3206

Inside this Issue Pastors Message...2 Youth News...3 Birthdays4 Anniversaries...4 Prayer requests...4 Announcements...5,6 Poem...7 Photo info...8 Schedules9 Getting to know...10

Catch us on the radio live every Sunday morning at 10:30a.m. WQAB 91.3 FM
E-mail: office@pbcwv.net Website: www.pbcwv.net

107 Church Street Philippi, WV 26416(304)457-3206

Jon Villers, Pastor Lisa Dadisman, Secretary

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!

I'm a week early in this proclamation, but wanted to share in that centuries old greeting as Easter Morning Bursts forth again! I ran across an article from Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell. She is an ordained American Baptist minister married to an ordained Disciples of Christ minister and mother of a 3-year-old double-PK. Mindi grew up in Alaska, lived in Oregon and after having served churches in Massachusetts, it's her husband's turn in Southern Oklahoma.

What kept me (a young adult) in the church

There have been a number of discussions, tweets, chats, blogs and other articles on why young adults are leaving the church. The most recent was Christian Piatts blog post (http://bit.ly/Hbcprn} . He lists seven reasons to think about, but theres another that has been nagging me for a while: authenticity. I grew up in a small startup church in Alaska, a church that I still have my name on as a member. Its a church that from the beginning did not imagine itself as a large, growing church, drawing in several families and youth. Its a church that set out to meet needs, starting as four families meeting together. When my family joined a couple of years after it started, the church created its first Sunday School class for children. Over the years, if kids came, there was a class, if there were no kids, there was not a class. People didnt panic when families moved or stopped coming. The church simply molded into whoever we were at the time. When I was in high school, we had a youth group for about a year, but then we didnt for a while. There were plenty of other churches offering youth activities and some families drifted there, and sometimes I just went along with my friends to other churches. But the church recognized a need: there were few summer programs for kids in our area except for camps. There was a camp our congregation supported, and the church decided that any kid who wanted to go to camp would go for free. One year we sent 13 kids to campfrom a church of about 25 members! But part of the reason we didnt need a youth group, in my view, was that from an early age, we were part of the church. We were encouraged to remain in the church service (the church actually stopped offering childcare during worship after my first few years there). We were invited to participate in ways we were comfortablelighting candles or reading Scripture or even preaching on occasion as we got older. When I was baptized at the age of thirteen, a week later I was welcomed into the church and asked to serve on the Deacon board, the only board in the church. There was no such thing as Junior Deacon in our church. We were all part of the church together. What I have learned from my small startup church over the years is to be authentic. Too many churches try to be all things to all people. They start up programs and ministries hoping to attract the kind of people they want, such as young adults, rather than just being themselves and embracing the community that they are. As a young adult, I went off to college and attended a wonderful church where I felt the same kind of authenticity from the pastor and leaders. They were glad some college students were attending, but recognized that we werent going to come every Sunday and that they werent going to be a big draw as the campus population was more evangelical and conservative. But I do remember the finals week care packages they sent to each of us who came as we studied for exams. I remember being given the opportunity to preach, both there and in my home church, recognizing my gifts for ministry. I remember other friends preaching, leading music and book studies, working with children, or just attending worship and Easter brunch, because they were accepted as they were, and the church did not try to be anything but who they were. My home church never became a big church, but there were young adults, older adults, and ages in between that have come over the years and call it their church home because it was an authentic church, and they were welcomed and affirmed as who they were, their authentic selves. I have seen too many churches try new programsif we move Bible study to a different time, they will come. If we have a praise band play every 4th Sunday, they will come. Its like a Field of Dreams for mainline churchesand I distinctly remember the moderator of the first church I served saying, If we just open the doors, they will come. But it doesnt work that way. This is reality, not fantasy. And the best thing we can do in the church is to be authentic. Stop pretending to be something you are not. Stop trying to cling to a dream of the past when every pew was filled and you had multiple Bible studies occurring at the same time. And please, stop targeting young people in the hopes that young people mean young families which means more children who can grow up and carry on the legacy you remember from your own childhood. We can all see right through that. Instead, remember that church does not start at the doors, but that we as the church must go outside. We are the church in the pew or in the coffee shop, in Bible study or in the office, in the beauty salon and in the seat on the plane. We are the church wherever we are. If we start remembering that and start being ourselves, we can grow the body of Christ. And we can definitely reach out to young adults, and to all sorts of people, if we are authentic in the world and inside the walls. (http://wp.me/pKoo6-1jo) Shalom, Pastor Jon 2

Youth 30 hour Famine Event

Work continues in setting up the "30 Hour of Famine" lock-in for the youth of the Union Baptist Association. This event will be on April 27 and 28. If you have not yet signed up, there is still time. As noted in my last email on 2/27/12 you will need to sign up at the "30 Hour of Famine" web site and let us know how may kids you have that will be attending. To sign up click on this web site link: http://www.30hourfamine.org/about/sign-up-form In our last meeting at East Clarksburg Baptist church on 3/8/12 we identified the times and activities for the event. It will start at AB College gym at 6:00 PM Friday April 27 and end with a meal at 2:00 PM on April 28 at the Philippi Baptist Church. During the lock-in there will be all kinds of games (basketball, volleyball, Tribe games, etc.) for everyone to enjoy, some praise and worship along with a little down time to recoup. There is also an indoor pool for swimming. On Saturday we will have some sort of volunteer activity for everyone (car wash, some work at the Animal Friends of Barbour County and some clean up around AB Campus, etc.) Our next planning meeting is set at Middleville Baptist Church on Tuesday April 3, 2012 at 7:00 PM. Please try and send someone from your church to attend and help with this event. Adults are also needed to help during the lock-in. Your Prayers are appreciated. If you have any questions about the "30 Hour of Famine" lock-in please call Carrie Moats at 304-2666938 or Roger Delaney at 304-669-3895. Things to bring: - Rec. clothing / shorts / one piece swim suit if you plan to swim - Clean tennis shoes for the gym - Sleeping stuff / sleeping bag, blanket, etc. - Pajamas in sleep area only - Outdoor shoes for Saturday work activities - Rain gear - just in case - Don't forget the toothbrush Things you don't need: - Cell phones - i-pods etc. May God Bless! Roger Below is a copy of my last email providing some information about the "30 Hour of Famine program and how it benefits those in need: If your church would like to participate in this activity you will need to do the following: 1. Sign your church up to participate in the event at the "30 Hour of Famine" web site. 2. Get your kids involved in raising funds to feed the hungry 3. Send a return email indicating you plan to participate with the approximate number of kids and adults you expect will be attending

http://www.30hourfamine.org/about/sign-up-form If I have missed someone please let me know or pass this email along. Thanks to everyone for your help and prayers as we prepare for this event. 3

AB College faculty, staff and students, Robert Ball, Billy Coontz, Audrey Cross, Becky & Mike Elmore, Otilia Franke, Jim Friend, Carl Gant, Jane Gibbons, Joe & Beverly Gouer, Family of Joyce Kerr, Matt Lake, Christina Maddy, Gloria Miller, Billie Moore, Donna Moore, Dr. Jennifer Parks, Bryson Parker, Brenda & Gary Price, Margaret Salimi, Vangie Shaffer, Kaley Sinsel, Josh Spriggs, Tim Simmons, Mary Tamulitis, Russell Wiseman, Autumn Willingham, Dr. Richard Shearer, Blaire & Pearl Marks, Albert Carman, Germaine and Austin Whitman.

Please Pray for:

Unspoken requests for family members, unsaved people, community concerns, those with job and home loss and financial difficulties. Also, in need of prayer: Our national, state, and country leaders and officials. Please pray for victims, the families and friends of crime, war and violence throughout our country. Pray to protect military personnel and their families throughout the world. Relatives and friends of those serving our country: Tim Jenkins, Chris Mossburg, Major Kris Wood. Captain Aaron Cross who was deployed to Afghanistan.
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April
2-Allison Villers 2-Christian Stull 2-Jody Sperry 4-Brenda Price 6-Sarah Caprio 6-Shirley Thorne 12-Valerie Minor 12-Anna Caldwell 13-George Sommer 13-Tom Ketchem 15-Morgan Armstrong 18-Bryan DeLong 24-Lisa Dadisman 24-Mike Wells 25-Susan Markwood 27-George Davis 27-Tom Sites 28-Kim Klaus 28-Darlene Waddell

Anniversaries
10-Glenn and Jan Sweet 16-Ken and Darlene Waddell 17-Tim and Beth Miller 17-Randy and Michele Moore 20-Bill and Jeannie Mozley 25-Jim and Wanda Steele

Calendar Dates from Board of Christian Education

March 31stFamily Game Night 6-8pm

April 8th-Easter Egg Hunt

May 6th - Ice Cream Final Exam Cram at AB

July 14 - Vacation Bible School (One day event)

August 17- Move In at AB and Battler Fair Children Volunteer Schedule for April
April 1st April 22nd Nursery- Wanda Steele Wee Church- Cheryl and Abby Blankenship Nursery- Cheryl Wolfe and Allison Villers Wee Church- Heather and Hayden Cottrill Junior Church- Sarah and Pete Ferguson Junior Church- Kelly and Lindsay Bracey April 8th Nursery- Christie Allen Wee Church- Koreen and Bobby Villers Junior Church- Chuck and Carol Ervin April 15th NurseryWee ChurchJunior Church- Sara and Eddy Poling
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April 29th Nursery- Wanda Steele Wee Church Cheryl and Abby Blankenship Junior Church Kelly and Lindsay Bracey

Thrift Store Success

Thanks to eight hard-working members of the AldersonBroaddus staff and three or four other helpers, including one from PBC, the change-over at the Heart & Hand Thrift Store was accomplished on schedule. Next chance to join the fun--Monday, April 2, 6:30 to 8:00p.m.

Adopt-A-Highway
Our next Adopt-A-Highway cleanup day is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2012. As usual we will meet at the church at 9:00 AM. Those who have not helped before, please report at 8:30 to watch the safety video. We will plan to work until about 10:30 AM to complete the cleanup of our 2.2 mile section of Rt. 219 from the Covered Bridge to Rt. 57. All those 12 years old and up are eligible to participate, but all youth between 12 and 18 must work with an adult. Please plan to wear long pants and work boots or shoes, and jackets, hats and sun glasses as appropriate. Gloves and blaze orange vests will be provided. All volunteers will receive a free gift from the Adopt-A-Highway program. Please contact Craig Cobb with any questions, 457-3467.

ABWM News Bible Book of the month: Nehemiah April 3, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Hostesses: Elizabeth Withers and Carol Ervin Program: Jody Sperry Creating a Beautiful Piece May 1st at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall will be the Womens Spring Banquet.
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Prayer from Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Germany, 1906-1945) O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray; and to concentrate my thoughts on you ; I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, but with you there is light; I am lonely, but you do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help; I am restless, but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience; I do not understand your ways, but you know the way for me Restore me to liberty, and enable me to live now that I may answer before you and before men. Lord, whatever this day may bring, your name be praised. Amen.

Easter Sunday, April 8th

7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service Special Dramatic Presentation by: Eddy Poling Burbick Hall Patio Easter Breakfast to follow at PBC Fellowship Hall 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Easter Worship Easter egg hunt to follow

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Union Association Services
April 1st: First Baptist Church of Grafton Pastor Paul Byrd, Speaker 7:00 p.m. Communion Service All offerings will go to the Associations general funds. If you have any questions regarding these meetings, please contact Roger Delaney at (304) 842-5140

Good Friday Luncheon @ Crim UMC - Noon April 6th Crim United Methodist Church Rev. Bryan Headley, Speaker Noon Good Friday
All offerings will go to the Barbour County Ministerial Association.

Baptist Born and Baptist Bred Katie Yount Mullens speaks proudly of her Baptist connections. Her maternal grandfather was an American Baptist minister in Ohio, and her sister Mary Beth and Mary Beths husband are both ministers. Katies other sister, Sarah, is a mainstay at Philippi Baptist Church. Furthermore, Katies husband, Hunter, grew up in a Baptist church. When the eight members of the Mullens family and the three members of the Ferguson family all come to church, they fill and even overfill a pew. On July 2, Hunter and Katie will be celebrating first anniversary of the combining of their families, Katies four children and Hunters two, the six ranging in age from eleven to eighteen. Their oldest, a senior at Notre Dame High School, is in the process of choosing a college. Katie was born in Beckley, but the Yount family moved to Philippi in the mid-70s when Katie was a toddler. Philippi Baptist Church has been a part of her life ever since. She smiles as she recalls growing up in the congregation with all the other great kidsthe Redd boys and the Eylers and the Scheicks and the Withers boyswe had some great times together in the childrens and youth activities and at Camp Cowen. I remember ice cream socials at the Rich and Karen Hudson house, and I loved the Christmas craft bazaar with Elizabeth Withers and Jody Sperry and others teaching us to make wreaths and other decorations. And the candlelight Christmas Eve service was one of the highlights of my church experience. I also really liked the School of Missions where we learned about different countries and mission work. After graduating as the valedictorian at Philip Barbour High School in 1990, Katie went to AB for a year and a half and then transferred to WVU, graduating in 1993 with a degree in political science. She came back to Philippi to work in the Degree Completion program at A-B, then returned to WVU, completing her law degree in 1998. Hunter and Katie became partners in their law firm, which now includes five attorneys and four paralegals. Katie specializes in injury and real estate, Hunter in natural resources. They have remodeled their office building and are now working on a house in Clemtown. Although they are fans of hiking and traveling 8 outdoors, much of the time of this couple is the spent with their work and their sizeable family. They are a welcome sight at PBC!