American Baptist Women’s Ministry

Fall is going to be a busy season for the American Baptist Women of the First Baptist Church starting with the 49th Annual Spiritual Growth Retreat September 22 to 24, 2017 at the Parchment Valley Conference Center.  The theme is “Fragrance of Beauty”.  The scripture is Ephesians 5:2. The keynote speaker is Rev.  David Bush of the Rainelle First Baptist Church.  The weekend will feature Bible study, workshops, praise music, crafts, and the Women’s Leadership Academy.

The second event is the Raleigh Association Fall Rally here at Beckley First Baptist Church on Saturday September 30th.  Plans are being made now so mark your calendar.

The third event is the 134th Annual Women’s Day Thursday October 19, 2017 at the West Virginia Baptist Convention in Huntington, WV.  The theme is JUST DO IT…FOR JESUS.  The keynote address is by Olivia Goodwin, the missionary speaker is Debbie Myers, and the worship leader is Ginny Prunty.

During September and October we will be receiving the WORLD MISSION OFFERING.  The goal for this offering is $2,000. Of the four annual offerings we receive each year I feel the World Mission Offering is the most important for it goes 100% to our missionaries.

Our new state Mission and Service Coordinator, Dr. Sandra Lutz, is encouraging us, Association Mission and Service Coordinators, to emphasize our MOP (Mission Outreach Project).  She wrote, “we are not up to speed” with our MOP offering for 2017, a 4-WD vehicle for Juan and Denise Aragon for their ministry in Chiapas, Mexico.  The Aragon family will be leaving for Mexico this month.  The state goal for this offering is $6,000.

Also we need to emphasize our 2017 Special Project which is furnishing the meeting rooms in the Sunny Day Leadership and Activities Center at Camp Cowen.  The state goal for this project is $12,000.

Dr. David Carrico said in the Guest Column of the SEASONS magazine, August, 2017, “Remember to communicate!  Talk to one another, make sure you share the news of your church and the women’s ministries.  The ABWM has solid Biblical resources and inspiring program events but you must access them for yourselves”.  So ladies let’s go the Spiritual Growth Retreat, the Fall Rally here at FBC, Women’s Day at the State Convention,  emphasize the MOP and Special Project and give to the WMO.

We can JUST DO IT….FOR JESUS.

ABW UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept. 22-24^th – Spiritual Growth Retreat at Parchment Valley. Registration forms in church office.  Theme “Fragrance of Beauty.”

Sept. 30^th – RALEIGH/GREENBRIER FALL RALLY –  will be at our church in Fellowship Hall.  Registration will begin at 9:30 with the rally to begin at 10AM.  We will be the hostesses.

Oct. 19^th – WOMEN’S DAY AT CONVENTION – New Baptist Church in Huntington.  Theme “Just Do It For Jesus”   Registration and Refreshments at 9:00 AM.  Program begins at 9:30.  Lunch is $6.00 payable at registration.  Guest speaker – Debbie Myers.  Keynote address – Olivia Goodwin. Worship Leader – Ginny Prunty.

December 8^th & 15^th – ADVENT LUNCHEONS

by Norma Gunter

Another Lizzie Lewis Circle lady has moved on to her new home in heaven.  Mildred, “Midge” Turner left this world on May 28, 2017.  She had moved back to Pennsylvania but attended morning worship here at First Baptist Church when visiting her family.  Pastor Doc recognized her Sunday May 23rd.  When she was visiting we would get together for lunch and catch up on the news.  When I called, to invite her to the spaghetti dinner at the Beaver Baptist Church, she was at the mall with her son David.  She was going to visit her grandson, whom she adored, and would not be able to go.  I felt bad about not getting to visit with her so I wrote her a note on May 8th not knowing how sick she was.  We will all miss her.

On June 3, 2017, three of us FBC American Baptist Women, made the trip to Parchment Valley for the American Baptist Women’s Ministry 83rd Women’s Conference.  It would be hard to find a more beautiful place to welcome ABW from around West Virginia to meet. The “Getting to know you” theme was designed, “for all of us to better know each other and more importantly to grow deeper in our relationship with God.”  This was a weekend conference but we only attended the Saturday session.  We arrived for the morning session where pastor Jeff Davenport spoke on, “Getting to know the God who conquers our Doubts.”  The morning was filled with prayer, music, offerings and information.         Special guests were our International missionaries to Mexico Keith and Debbie Myers and their children Boyden and Baillie, home on leave.  Debbie Mulneix, our Special Missionary to Asia, explained her new assignment.  She will be working from home, making 4 trips a year to Hong Kong, Nepal, Philippines. etc.  She will still need support from her West Virginia family.

In the afternoon I attended the Mission and Service/Love Gift workshop.  There we were brought up-to-date on Mission and Service and White Cross.  We also received the new quotas for our associations.

On June 15, 2017,  the FBC ABWM women took the new church van to Rainelle to the Fruits of Labor Cafe & Bakery for lunch.  There we enjoyed the farm fresh vegetables and the wonderful bread and pies, worth every mile we drove,  Since my sister, Gail, is visiting from Pennsylvania we decided, after lunch, to make a big circle and follow Rt. 60 East from Rainelle to Summers County to visit my daughter Kelley on her farm.  My other sister, Carrie, my niece, Carla, and my great granddaughter, Kira Belle,  left Rainelle  to see the baby chickens, turkeys, kittens and rabbits.  A long but blessed day.  Ladies if you get a chance to go to Rainelle to the Fruits of Labor Cafe & Bakery, GO.

Don’t forget the ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING offering this month.

by Norma Gunter

The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for June, 2017 is See… .  “This is the last official month of the two-year program theme See… .  “before AB Women’s Ministries launches the new theme on Women’s Day at the end of the month.  It’s time to wrap things up!  How have these two years helped you better understand how you see God, how God calls you to see others, and how God sees you?”

Ladies since January 2016 I’ve shared with you from the American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus Resource book for 2016-2017.  Each month focused on a different aspect of what it means to see or be seen.  We learned about See… The Risen Christ, Angels Among US, Healthy Families, My Neighbor, Poverty In America, Spiritual Growth, How God Sees You and ten other subjects.  These and all the others can be found on beckleyfirstbaptist.org web site where the BEAM is published each month.

Next month the AB Women’s Ministry will introduce a new two-year, 2017-2019, focus.  I pray the 2016-2017 focus themes have been helpful and the new one will be too.

The American Baptist Women’s Conference is at the Parchment Valley Conference Center June 2-4, 2017.  The theme is “Getting to Know You”  The scripture Is Ephesians 1:17, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”  The Keynote Speaker is Pastor Jeff Davenport and his wife Beth Davenport is the Music Director.  The Guest Speaker is IM Missionary Debbie Muliniex. Several from Beckley First Baptist American Baptist Women will be attending.

A trip to the Fruits of Labor Cafe in Rainelle is planned for June 15, 2017.  PTL, the new church van is available.  A sign-up sheet, at the church office, for anyone that wants to go.

by Norma Gunter

American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for May 2017 is See…How God Sees You. On the sixth day, after creating humankind in God’s own image, God looked at all creation and saw that it was very good.  Does God still see it as very good?  God sees the widening gap between the rich and the poor.  God sees our wars.  God sees us helping and hurting, blessing and cursing.  God sees us loving some neighbors yet pretending we don’t see others.  God sees the love in our hearts but also our prejudices.  How does God see you?  How does God see your church?”

Did God see you Sunday night April 23 at the service where our newest West Virginia Missionary Juan Aragon shared about his families new assignment to Chiapas, Mexico?  Juan is from San Marcos, Nicaragua.  San Marcos is the town where my first mission work tour began and where I still keep in contact with a family there by Facebook.  Juan has served West Virginia Baptist well, working with the Spanish speaking people as our West Virginia Baptist Hispanic Ministries Strategist.  He and his wife Denise will be working with Keith and Debbie Meyers, another missionary family, we support here at First Baptist Church.  Please pray for Juan, Denise and their two children, Juancito and Ziba.  They hope to raise their support and be on the mission field this fall.

Ladies did God see you Saturday, April 22 at the Spring Rally at Breckenridge Baptist Church?  The theme for the meeting was “FEATHERING THE NEST” and the speaker was Donita Brush from Sparrow’s Nest, a place where women who are battling addiction can recover.  Another place that needs your prayers.

Lizzie Lewis Mission Circle ladies, God saw you as you tore the worn sheets into strips, sewed them together and rolled them into bandages for the hospitals in Africa.  He sees us as we collect quarters for good behavior for Weirton Christian Centers children and the many other projects the American Baptist Women of the First Baptist church does.

I could go on and on with the ministry of the women here at First Baptist Church.  As you can see God sees the work being done here but there is a lot more we could be doing.  We need every woman to help.  You can do something.  If you can’t join a circle you can give to the projects and pray.  Prayer is our biggest need.

by Martha Bennett

This year’s spring rally will be held at Breckenridge Baptist Church on Sat., April 22, 2017.  Registration begins at 9:30 and the program starts at 10:00.  We will have our guests “The Sparrow’s Nest”.  It is a rehabilitation house for women who want to leave addiction problems behind and start anew.  They have been open for about a year.

Non-aerosol cleaning products are always needed. However, there is a need for outdoor toys and perhaps small indoor toys as well.   Learning parenting skills with their children once a week is part of the program.  Please come and join us to learn about what’s being done and what else we can do to address this situation prevalent in our country.  A luncheon hosted by the Breckenridge ladies, Angels of Hospitality, will conclude the meeting.

by Norma Gunter

The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for April, 2017 is See…the Poetry of God. The scripture is Luke 24:1-.35, John 20:19-29.  April is designated National Poetry Month, which seems fitting for Easter.  The word poetry comes from an ancient Greek word that means. “I create.”  Through the story of resurrection, God creates God’s people in new ways!  The writer of Hebrews tells us that “faith is the assurances of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” But the Easter story is all about seeing.  The resurrection became real for Mary when she saw Jesus in the garden.  Thomas could not believe until he saw the nail prints in Jesus’ hands.  Jesus was recognized by Cleopas and another when they saw him break bread.  This month we’ll try to see with new eyes!”

We, Beckley First Baptist American Baptist Women, can see a new thing in our 2017 SPECIAL PROJECT.  We are joining the American Baptist Women of West Virginia in a state wide effort to make the Sunny Day Leadership and Activities Center a reality.  The new facility, being built at Camp Cowen, is scheduled to be open for the 2018 camp season.  The building will house three class rooms and a gymnasium.  Our goal is $12,000 for furnishings of the meeting spaces.

Another new thing we can see in 2017 is our MOP (Mission Outreach Project) to help our new missionary family to Mexico with a 4-WD VEHICLE. Juan and Denise Aragon are raising money now for their support and will be working in an area of Mexico that requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Lizzie Lewis Mission Circle members rolled over 80 bandages along with 4” x 4” cotton squares for hospitals in Africa.  Watch for the dedication of these gifts made with our hands for God.

While going through old mission papers I found a thank you letter written July l, 1974 from a missionary in Nigeria that proves that Beckley First Baptist Church American Baptist Women have been making the roller bandages for over 43 years.  In the letter the missionary wrote, “We surely thank God for your help and share in the work here.  Thanks to all who spent so many hours making them and packing them so beautifully, and also for the expense and effort it was to get them sent.  It’s not an easy job, but we know it was a work of love.  Please pray with us that the hospital may be a true light for Jesus Christ in this part of Africa.”  After the dedication the supplies will be shipped to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Maryland where they will be joined with roller bandages from all across the USA and shipped to Africa.  Thanks to everyone who supplied old sheets, tore the strips, sewed them together, measured the length and rolled each bandage, using our hands for God.

by Norma Gunter

The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for March, 2017 is See…Spiritual Growth.  The scripture is Psalm 34.  “As we enter the season of Lent, what spiritual disciplines might enable us to see with new eyes, to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s love, and to discover God’s will for us?  Spiritual growth occurs when we deepen our relationship with God and allow the Holy Spirit to open our eyes so that we see God everywhere we turn and in every person we encounter.”

One way, we as women, can grow and deepen our relationship with God is to watch the videos of the American Baptist Women’s Ministry of WV LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SESSIONS on YouTube.

We are so proud of our own Joyce Mills who was the speaker February 4, 2017 at the fourth session at Parchment Valley.  It’s too late to attend but we can all watch all four sessions.  They are available by going to the American Baptist Women’s Ministries of WV web site.  Click on Leadership Academy, on the left side of the site, which will direct you to YouTube.

In the past three months I’ve listed the three mission families we support here at First Baptist Church; the Aragon Family, the Myers Family and the Reed family.  We also support Debbie Mulneix, Lauren Bethel and Deborah House (where I visited several years ago).  Information on all of the missionaries we support can be found on www.internationalministries.org

The new year, 2017, brings with it a new M.O.P. (Mission Outreach Project).  The goal for 2017 is $6,000.  The ABW is, “helping the Aragon’s hit the road in southern Mexico with a 4-WD vehicle.” In December. 2016 I shared with you in the BEAM about our new mission family from WV.  They will be going to the mission field when they raise their support.  The new vehicle along with the other “Start Up” costs is $65,000.  West Virginia’s share is $6,000.  Our ABW will give to this offering.  Anyone else who would like to help, make the check to FBC and designate it to the Aragon’s.  Juan and Denise will be working with another of our supported missionaries, Keith and Debbie Myers. Their work is in the mountains which will  requires a 4-WD vehicle.

Our 2017 SPECIAL PROJECT is the Sunny Day Leadership and Activities Center furnishings of the meeting spaces.  The goal for this project is $12.000.

Another opportunity for spiritual growth and deepen our relationship with God is the second Women’s Camp March 31 to April 1, 2017 at Camp Cowen.  The first camp last year was a huge success.  The goal, “To unite generations of women to experience a weekend focused on living life as a Christian woman.”  The camp is for all ages 18 and older and costs $45.00.

by Norma Gunter

The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for February, 2017 is See…the Heart of God.  The scripture is Amos 5:24; Micah 6:8.  “February, as we all know, is the month of love.  Love is in the air, emotions run high, and we express them.  We show our love to others through flowers and chocolate and other gifts.  Yet when we show our love to God, we usually do so without putting as much time and thought into our actions.  We should manifest our love for God in thoughtful ways and especially by doing justice and sharing God’s Word with everyone.”  We can share God’s love with our missionaries and with the work they are doing.  One of the missionary couples Beckley First Baptist Church supports is J..D. and Rhonda Reed .  “They were commissioned for service in Bolivia at their home church in July of 2011. They are serving in partnership with the Unión Bautista Boliviana and live in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Their primary focus will be to aid in development of leadership in the areas of theology, planting new churches and beginning to develop new ministries in the southern part of Bolivia. Last year, the Reeds expanded their ministry to include overseeing the House of Hope (Proyectos Esperanza) in Cochabamba, which focuses on urban ministries to families, at-risk women and children in the department of Cochabamba.”  (from the ABCUSA web site) House of Hope ministries is now a full partner of International Ministries and Rhonda is the first official missionary.  The Seminary in Cochabamba, who partner with Unión Bautista Boliviana, celebrated 75 years Oct, 2016.  At the celebration J.D. Reed presented them a plaque of appreciation in behalf of International Ministries.

The Reeds have three children, Grace, Abie and Nathan.  You can communicate with them through [email protected].

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

by Norma Gunter

The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for January, 2017 is See…Poverty in America.  The scripture is Luke 16:19-31.  “When we walk down the street, we see poverty everywhere: homeless men and women asking for food or money, anything that can help; families have no home, the parents wondering how they will provide for their children.  But many of us glance over them as if they are part of the scenery.  January is Poverty in America Awareness month, and hopefully we all see it.”

Here at First Baptist Church we are helping through Helping Hand Ministry.  Many from FBC volunteer there handing out food & clothing.  Others of us give food, clothing, house hold goods, etc. to Helping Hands. We can’t help everyone but if everyone would help someone it would go a long way.  Maybe we could help more this month since it is Poverty in America Awareness month.

One group of people helping people in poverty around the world are our American Baptist USA International Missionaries.  Beckley First Baptist Church supports seven missionaries each month and some of them have children.  They need to know that we love and support them.  In this new year, 2017, let us do a better job supporting these missionaries and their children with birthday greetings. letters and gifts.

This year we will be supporting a first time missionary family, Juan and Denise Aragon.  Juan has been a part of the West Virginia Baptist Convention as Hispanic Ministries Strategist for several years.  They will be serving in Chiapas, Mexico.  “They will both work in training, prevention and education as they learn the community needs and look for ways to emotionally and economically empower leaders in their communities. Juan will focus on theological education and leadership training as he accompanies, coaches and disciples new church leaders. Denise’s ministry will seek to empower women, especially those who are victims of domestic abuse.” (from the ABCUSA web site) They have two small children, son Juancito and daughter Ziba. both born since they came to WV in 2008.  They are now USA citizens and Juan has graduated from college.  They are from Nicaragua and grew up with my friends there.  He and his family will be missed but we are gaining new missionaries.  They need help for they are only 37.6% supported.  Individuals can help support them as well as churches.

Another missionary family with children that we support each month is Keith and Debbie Myers our missionaries in Central Mexico.  They partner with the Council of Rural Indigenous Evangelical Churches to provide pastoral accompaniment to the indigenous churches.  They train pastors, church leaders, youth leaders and teachers of children.  They have two children:  Boyden who is 18 and Baillie who is l7.

Next month I’ll tell you about our other families with children and the other missionaries we support.  I’ll share ways we can let them know we love them.  I’ll give you their address and birthdays so you can communicate with them.

May all of the First Baptist families have a blessed and happy NEW YEAR.

by Norma Gunter

The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for December is See…God All Around You.  The scripture is Isaiah 53:1-3. “We see many things every day: a flower growing out of the ground, children playing at a park, criminals being put away in prison, and the media telling us about the most recent tragedy.  But what about God?  Do we see God at the park or on the news?  Do we see God’s love and beauty in the smallest of things, such as the only remaining dewdrop from last night’s mist?  Many of us don’t, or if we do see God’s love, we see it only in the things that bring us joy:  But God is everywhere, in both the good and the bad.”

One thing you can see God in is American Baptist Women’s Ministries.  The year 2016 is our 65th anniversary.  “ In 1953, the National Council of American Baptist Women was formed to create a national organization to which each American Baptist woman could belong, and to expand the ministry to include the total mission of the church, including missions with women in the United States, Puerto Rico and all over the world.  Women wanted to be able to elect their own officers and chairperson who could focus their energy on the needs of American Baptist women and all that these women could accomplish by working together.  They also wanted a focus on leadership development of women to develop a greater capacity for ministry and mission.” (Seasons Magazine, August 2016).

Some of the things our West Virginia AB women accomplished this year for White Cross was: 1,114 roller bandages, 16 adult quilts, 8 health kits, 1,750 cloth squares, 40 baby quilts, and 10 school kits.  We also did community service projects such as:  Helping Hands, cancer care centers, hospice, school backpacks, Christmas shoe boxes, food pantries and many more projects. We also support:  Love Gift, Personal Development Ministries. Mission Outreach Projects, Special Projects, Church and Community Ministries, Spiritual Growth Retreat and Weirton Christian Center.

As you can see there is a place to serve for every woman at First Baptist Church.   We are involved with many projects here at the church as well as supporting our International Missionaries around the world.

Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.