Friday, May 24, 2013

Excerpts from the May issue

PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE PROGRESS REPORT

The Pastor Search Committee needs your help!
In an effort to project our church in a way that would inform a prospective member or possible pastor candidate about our church, we will be freshening up our church web site. Besides the terms that we often hear such as "loving" or "friendly" to describe our church and our fellowship, please think of other adjectives and/or considerations that would depict our church in a unique way. Please send your ideas to Leesa Holloway, lfholloway@msn.com.

The committee has begun to receive resumes from prospective candidates. We will be reviewing them over the next few weeks. Please continue to keep us and our task in your prayers.
HEROES OF THE BIBLE SERMON SERIES CONTINUES

During the month of April, Interim Pastor Boyd Frank led us to look at Joseph’s life, specifically how he handled adversity, temptation and how he forgave. On May 5 we look at Abraham and later this month we consider Josiah (II Kings 23:1-7) and David (I Samuel 16:11-13.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY

Ladies, if you haven’t ordered the new study book, Experiencing God’s Peace, for use beginning in June, see Jeanne Mathieson today. The book focuses on Philippians and is part of the series A Woman After God’s Own Heart. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays for study, fellowship and support. All women of the congregation are invited.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY


“Happy Mother’s Day” means more
Than have a happy day.
Within those words lie lots of things
We never get to say.

It means I love you first of all,
Then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me,
And that I honor you.

But most of all, I guess it means
That I am thinking of
Your happiness on this, your day,
With pleasure and with love. Copied

AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY SURVEY
More than half of Americans think the Bible has too little influence on our morally declining culture, yet only one in five read the Bible on a regular basis. Fifty-seven percent of Americans read their Bibles four times or less per year. Those ages 18-28 read their Bibles less than three times per year, if at all. The study used telephone interviews and online surveys and was released in March to take advantage of the buzz created by “The Bible” TV miniseries. The study found the average household has 4.4 Bibles.


MEN’S BREAKFAST
Saturday, May 18, 8:00 A.M.
Dalton Kirk will be circulating a signup sheet.

LADIES LUNCH
Ladies Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, May 21, at Dustin's BBQ on Clyde Morris and Dunlawton. Note: I am moving it to 3rd Tues this month because of the Memorial Day holiday. Meet at the restaurant at 11:45 A.M.

ON THE BOOKSHELF

Especially for Mothers, Helen Steiner Rice
Building Bonds Between Adults and Their Aging Parents,
Gary Hauk. Dr. Hauk’s book provides practical guidance for both the adult child and their parent.
Just Because They’ve Left Doesn’t Mean They’re GONE,
Stephen A. Bly. This very readable book has intriguing chapters dealing with how to “worry” about your adult kids in a nice, healthy way; lending money; sharing your wisdom; sharing faith.

Thanks to Donna Walker who has donated two boxes of non-fiction Christian books from her personal library.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The arrival of summer is right around the corner! And what summer is complete without Vacation Bible School? Mark your calendars for June 24 - June 26. We're going to have HayDay fun! Kids will be up to their elbows in farmin’ fun as they explore one simple Bible truth: Jesus will always love us. We will be needing some volunteers, so keep your ears (not the corn kind!) tuned for details to follow. Leesa Holloway

FILM REVIEW
Life of Pi

The story of Pi is a tale of one boy's faith. He is so open minded he cannot believe in the God of only one religion. He believes in Hinduism which as an Indian was his mother's belief. He came to believe in Christ through a Catholic priest. He also believed he was a Muslim.

The film focuses on his survival tale. His family leaves India on a Cargo ship, bound for Canada with all the animals from his father's zoo. There is a terrible storm and only Pi and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker survive and must endure over 200 days at sea. The film has been called a "visual miracle" and is also spiritually moving.

Pi has many profound introspective observations including, "Vishnu sleeps in a cosmic ocean and we are the stuff of his dreams." "Thank you Vishnu for introducing me to Christ. I came to faith through Hinduism and found God's love through Christ." And at the end of the film he says to the writer of his tale, "In the end, I suppose the whole of life is letting go. What hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye." You see, he didn't have a chance to say goodbye to his family in the shipwreck.

As you can imagine, it is a rather sad story and the ending is ambiguous leaving you to wonder what really happened to Pi at sea. Ultimately it is Pi in the telling of two different versions of his survival that his vision of religion is revealed. He is still a devout believer in God. He just doesn't believe that one religion or story is better than another. He believes that each person must choose for their own self which story is best for them.
Sandra Kleinschmidt

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
With all the talk and the plans to go to the Buryl Red Tribute Service in New York City, I ended up staying at home and missing it because of illness. After taking two rounds of antibiotics and staying in bed, I had to cancel my trip. I missed the opportunity to be with the Century Men as they honored my dear friend, Buryl Red on Monday April 29, 2013 at the Central Presbyterian Church in New York City. I also missed performing with the Stetson Choral Union on Tuesday, April 23 at the First Baptist Church in DeLand. I had a chest x-ray and saw my doctor on Monday, April 29.

I am grateful to the Choir who continued to function in spite of my illness and my efforts to attend choir rehearsal even while I was not feeling well. A special thank you to Bill Walker, Mary Ellen Galloway and Carrie Sue Frank who always are so dependable and who carry on whenever it is necessary. And as always, I want to thank Leesa Holloway, Choir President, for helping me during these past four weeks of illness. Thanks guys. Each of you is very important to me.

Condolences
I wish to express my sympathy to Priscilla Towle in the loss of her mother and to Lois Cox and Mary Adams in the loss of their sons. These choir members have been very faithful to our Choir and we want to express our sympathy to them in this time of grief and sadness.

Music for Meditation
Music for Meditation at the All Saints Lutheran Church has not been held for the past few weeks because of repairs to the roof of that church. Starting again in May the concerts from 12:15 to 12:45 PM will again be held on Wednesdays.

Upcoming . . .
The next important thing to consider is finding a pastor for our church. Leesa Holloway and the Pulpit Committee are to be commended for their diligence in their search for the right person to lead our church. We need to give this effort our prayerful attention. We also need to hold Boyd Frank up in prayer as he continues serving as our Interim Pastor. He has been bringing us some wonderful messages on the heroes of the Old Testament.

The Church Council agreed to a shortened Vacation Bible School this summer. It will be held on June 24-26. I am delighted that we are continuing efforts to reach out to the children in our community.

Let us remember to pray for each other and pray for the continued growth of New Hope Baptist Church.
Dennis Bucher

MISSIONS
Halifax Urban Ministries


The need continues for canned meats, paper goods, baby food and diapers. We donate the first Sunday of the month to support the ministry of HUM.
SECRET SISTER REVEAL
We are not having a Mother’s Day Tea this year, but suggest you use Mother’s Day, May 12, to reveal your identity to your New Hope Secret Sister of the past year. Did you guess or is it still a mystery? If you have a story about this experience, please pass it on to our editor.

REPORT FROM CBF SPRING CELEBRATION

Ray Johnson, Coordinator of CBF Florida, highlighted the following.
• Suzii Paynter’s messages at the two main worship services were wonderful, uplifting, and joyful. Mrs. Paynter was named Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in January 2013.)
• The combined choirs in worship on Friday night were fabulous and made for a truly worshipful moment.
• The chaplains’ luncheon, a first, was well attended.
• The presentations on the church and the internet/ digital media were extraordinarily informative.
• There was standing room only for Karen Alford’s presentation on her mission work in the wake of the 2010 tsunami that struck the Mentawai Island chain off the west coast of Sumatra.
• We enjoyed lots of fellowship times and informal conversations around the hallways of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church.
• CBF received $2,800 to kick off CBF Florida’s 2013 Annual Mission Offering.

DEATHS IN THE CHURCH AT LARGE


George Beverly Shea
George Beverly Shea, the baritone who sang to millions at Billy Graham’s crusades for six decades, died April 16 in Asheville, North Carolina at the age of 104. He composed the music for “I’d Rather Have Jesus” at age 23, but may be best known for his rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”

Duke K. McCall
Dr. Duke McCall, retired president of two Southern Baptist seminaries, died April 2 at age 98. He set a high standard for personal and academic integrity and is remembered fondly by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates. Following retirement he served for five years as president of the Baptist World Alliance.

Composer Buryl Red
Buryl Red, renowned composer, conductor, arranger and musical director of The CenturyMen, died April 1 after a battle with cancer. He was 77. With Red as conductor, The CenturyMen performed on television, were finalists for Dove and Grammy Awards and traveled around the world.

Red wrote more than 1600 published compositions. The Washington Post described his works as “uncommonly creative.” The song “In Remembrance” is from the youth musical Celebrating Life for which he wrote the music.

Gordon Cosby
Gordon Cosby, founder of The Church of the Saviour in Washington, DC, died March 20 at age 95. His was a far-reaching vision of the church in the era of church renewal.







Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Farewell


AT PRESS TIME plans were complete for a Farewell Service honoring Dr. and Mrs. Mulkey on Sunday afternoon, February 24. Special music and memories will recall his 6 ½ years ministry at New Hope. Speakers include Bill Batchelor, Ruth Bradley, Vernon Buchanan, Erma Dreas, Boyd Frank, Elaine Hardy and Joan Wood. Leesa Holloway is to serve as MC. Additional tributes follow.

The pulpit at New Hope Baptist Church since its establishment in August 1996, had been filled, but for reasons unknown, had failed. In August 2007, you came to fill this pulpit. Since that day forward you have led us to the top of the mountain with your leadership, your faith in us, and your hard works. Thank you for instilling in us, again, that we are a people who will remain on this mountain top and continue to grow. Thank you for all your patience and understanding. May God’s blessings be with you and Fleda in your newest adventure. The two of you will be missed more than words can ever convey.
Lois Cox

Since moving to Florida from New Hampshire over 13 years ago, I had been searching for a small church and pastor much like what I grew up with. New Hope and Bob have shown me that unconditional love I knew, and I learn something about the history of the Bible from Bob every week. I certainly appreciate and will greatly miss Bob's gentle kindness and his absolute love for the Bible and life teachings we learn from him. Thanks Bob. Know that your shoes will be extremely difficult to fill.
Priscilla Towle

Bob, I could never express how much I have gained from all of your wonderful sermons and Bible teachings. You have really helped me to grow closer to God. Darrel and I are going to miss you and Fleda so very much. We have so enjoyed Fleda in our Sunday School class and all the good times and laughs with you both.

Now we just want to wish you both well as you follow God's call to start a new church in Deland. All I can say is that these people will be blessed and will have the best pastor ever. Sure going to miss all the wonderful desserts that Fleda has made for us!! Thank you, Fleda.
Love and Hugs,
Dorothy & Darrel Rollins

My family has been part of Dr. Mulkey's church family for over 20 years. Over those years he has helped us with his ministry of teaching, counseling and unconditional love. Bob has a keen sense of humor as well which I appreciate. He encouraged me to continue my education and has been supportive of all my endeavors. I certainly can say the same of Fleda. She has taught and loved my children at church and in school for many years. I love them both very much and will miss their presence here at New Hope.
Sandra Kleinschmidt

Dr. Mulkey, Thank you for loving our Heavenly Father with all your heart, mind and soul. Through Jesus Christ you reach others. Your counsel of Real Love to our daughter and future son-in-law before they married is one example of you extending God's Word to members and non-members of New Hope Baptist Church. You pastored many to cherish God’s Living Word. We also thank you, Fleda and your family for when they lead in worship, especially at Christmas. We are excited for your future.
Love,
Scott & Cheryl Heatherington

Bob, Once again I will thank you for making Hutch's journey easier. Your unwavering strength, compassion and love was such a blessing for both of us. You have given to all of us with a heart full of love.

Fleda, I think I will miss your smile, endless energy, and sense of humor the most. You are certainly a true partner to Bob.

Love you both.
Judy Hutchinson

Dear Fleda and Bob,

Your leaving us fills our hearts with sadness, but it also fills our hearts with gratefulness for all you have done for us, to making our church grow and to filling it with love and kindness for one another.
May our God bless you as you continue to serve Him.
Herm & Marge White

Pastor Bob has always made us feel valued and welcome as "Snowbirds". We all appreciate his thoughtfully prepared sermons which he delivers in a manner that shows he is well prepared. His sermons and his Bible study lessons can be understood by people of all ages and abilities.

When the choir was really in need of male singers, he stepped in to help out. He also performed as narrator for the cantatas. We were glad to see him in that role.

We forgive him for making fun of our pronunciation of cantata. We have been practicing saying "can tah tah". Now that you are leaving, Bob, we need to tell you that the word metaphor is pronounced "met a for" and not "met a fer". So there! Our northern ears have even adjusted to the "Cotton Patch Bible Stories". Pretty soon we will start sayin' "y'all" and "all y'all".

You and your whole family have been an asset to New Hope Baptist Church. We enjoyed the musical contributions your children have made. Fleda has really been a great help in many capacities. Her fantastic baked goods have added smiles to many faces.

You and Fleda will be missed. We wish you and yours the best in whatever your next ventures may be. God go with you.
Ron & Pat Dugan

Pastoral ministry will forever be defined for me by Dr. Mulkey. During my lengthy hospitalization last fall he visited daily, even when I was heavily medicated and not aware he was there. He stayed in touch with Elaine by phone between visits. His prayers touched me deeply. Bob continued to visit regularly for another three weeks while I was in rehab. I appreciate also his support for my family at the death of my daughter in January. He has been that wonderful combination of preacher and pastor. Thank you, Dr. Bob.
Richard Hardy

I feel like I have grown under the leadership of Pastor Bob. We all love him and will certainly miss him! However, I feel that God still has great things for our church to continue to grow both spiritually and in size. God Bless you Pastor Bob, and the best of everything to you & Fleda.
Linda Manners

And the perfect summation . . .
Bob. A great friend, a fine minister. A terrific listener. A very thoughtful, understanding and forgiving man who accepts everyone as they are and helps them all.

Fleda. I will miss her cookies the most ………..
Fred Griffith

“Blessed be the ties that bind
Our hearts in Christian love.”

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
Please keep all five Sundays in March on your calendar because our preparation for “It is Finished” to be presented on Palm Sunday evening, March 24 at 5:30 PM, is crucial. Also, with the leaving of Dr. Mulkey, I want to have a full choir at every service. Your participation is so very important to the continued growth of our church.

A Report on the CenturyMen Recording Project
Many of you have asked about my recent trip to Nashville, Tennessee to be with The CenturyMen in a recording project. I am happy to report that we recorded 18 selections in the nine days of my absence from you. We started on Thursday, January 31 at 2:00 PM by receiving the packet of music that had been prepared by our director, Buryl Red. In it were his beautiful arrangements of music that will be on a forthcoming CD. It was certainly a labor of love because Buryl has terminal cancer and yet, he finished these songs for us to record. The next step in this process is to record the solo tract and the orchestral tract. It is not known when all of this will be finished but at least the voices of The CenturyMen have been recorded.

We are indebted to Dr. Charles Fuller, the assistant director who filled in for Dr. Red who was unable to be with us. We are also indebted to Dr. Fuller’s wife Cindy who filled in for Joseph Joubert, our pianist.

In addition to the recording session, The CenturyMen also sang for the morning worship services at The Brentwood United Methodist Church on February 3 at 9:00 AM and the First Baptist Church of Nashville at 11:00 AM. On Thursday, February 7, The CenturyMen sang three selections for a luncheon of business men and women in our New Vests provided by Lifeway. Once again, I am so grateful to New Hope Baptist Church for the opportunity to be away and to participate with The CenturyMen, an organization of which I have been a member since its beginning in 1969.

Music for Meditation
All Saints Lutheran Church, Wednesdays 12:15 PM

March 6 Vita Fortin, piano
March 13 Judy Brown, piano
March 20 Casey Baker, piano
March 27 Rita Taylor, piano; Dennis Bucher, host

Dennis Bucher

GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR A SEARCH COMMITTEE
There have been inquiries about the process of New Hope Baptist Church securing a pastor to fill the position most recently vacated by Dr. Bob Mulkey. In an effort to keep our church family apprised of the process, this article will give a brief summary of the purpose and process of our Pastor Search Committee. The church recently approved the names of seven members who were nominated by the Church Council and Deacons. They are: Bill Batchelor, Erma Dreas, Boyd Frank, Leesa Holloway, John Shelver, Priscilla Towle, and Bill Walker. The Committee has been given the responsibility to pray and search out a minister on behalf of the congregation. The congregation will be kept informed of the committee’s work but the congregation at large should not become engaged in the process of seeking the minister to be recommended but only in responding to the committee’s recommendation. This is to avoid confusion among the people. (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)

The committee’s first task was to secure an interim pastor to lead and minister to our congregation during the search process. We are fortunate to have one of our own, Boyd Frank, who will serve in the position of interim pastor. Boyd knows us, cares about us and has a proven reputation as a teacher, leader, and successful pastor.

The committee will soon survey the congregation and use the feedback to develop a pastoral profile of our next pastor. After this is completed, we will seek resumes from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and various seminaries from around the country. The committee will then prioritize the prospective candidates list and begin the visitations to hear the candidates preach. After visiting and contacting references, the committee will meet and interview the candidate(s). Following the interview(s), the committee will present one candidate to the church. Once the church membership has had the opportunity to meet with the candidate and he/she preaches at our worship service, the church membership will vote to call the minister to serve as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. If affirmed, the pastor will then move to serve New Hope Baptist Church.

Leesa Holloway

LENTEN SEASON HAS BEGUN

We have begun the journey to the cross. Lent is a six-week time of preparation through prayer, repentance and self-denial for Easter. You will notice that the color of the drape on the cross in the sanctuary is purple to symbolize pain, suffering and penitence. Personal daily devotions for Lent may be found at www.d365.org

UPCOMING SERMONS
The Rev. Boyd Frank, Interim Minister

March 3 Remembering Jesus
March 10 What Do You Want?

MEN’S BREAKFAST
Saturday, March 16, 2013

LADIES LUNCH
Tuesday, March 26


BIBLE STUDY ATTENDANCE
The average attendance at the Sunday morning Bible study time during the fall was 50. This increases somewhat during the winter with Snowbirds. Participation in this study time is vital to your spiritual formation and growth. Come see what you are missing!

In case you missed the announcement earlier this month, the new modular building is paid in full.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY
First & Third Tuesdays
7:00 PM at the church

CBF FLORIDA 2013 SPRING CELEBRATION
April 26-27
Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church,
Jacksonville, FL

DR. DORAN McCARTY RETIRING (AGAIN)
Dr. Doran McCarty, retired seminary professor, author and former NHBC interim pastor, has retired as the Assistant to the Coordinator of CBF Florida as of December 2012. He will devote full time to Hammock Community Church which he pastors.

MISSIONS
Halifax Urban Ministries
Just a reminder that next Sunday, March 3, is our day to collect staple food items to be distributed by HUM to hungry families. Canned goods, baby formula and baby diapers are much needed items.

Country Side Lakes ALF
Snowbirds, we extend a special invitation to come visit birthday celebrants with us on Wednesday, March 20, at noon. You will be blessed.

SIMPLE EASTER CRAFTS
Egg-cellent Cards
Create pretty greetings from colored cardstock, patterned scrapbooking paper and embroidery floss. Cut and fold cardstock to desired size for card. Snip an egg shape out of the scrapbook paper. Place the egg on the card front and, using a thick needle, poke a hole through both the top of the egg and the card. Thread floss through the holes, then around the top of the card. Tie the ends in a bow. Enclose an Easter greeting in the card. Friends can hang the eggs as symbols of the season.

Eggs-travaganza
Enlist the grandkids for this one. Cut out egg shapes from pastel colored scrapbook paper or construction paper. (An egg shape pattern will help the little ones.) Decorate by gluing on paper dots, shapes and stripes. Glue raffia to the back of eggs to join them together to make an eggs-cellent garland for your mantel or doorway. Finish by tying a raffia bow between each egg.

WHAT’S COOKING?
Leftover ham after Easter? This Ham Salad can be served in sandwiches or by itself with good crackers.

3 c ground cooked ham
1 t Dijon mustard
¼ c mayonnaise
2 T chopped sweet pickle
2 T chopped dill pickle
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and grated
2 T chopped onion (optional)
Salt and pepper

Combine all of the ingredients gently but thoroughly. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.





Monday, February 4, 2013

FAREWELL TRIBUTE PLANNED
There will be Farewell Tribute for the Mulkeys on Sunday, February 24 at 5:30 pm. It will be a service of favorite music and memories.  Cookies and punch will be served following the service.  A basket will be available for members to place cards of appreciation and best wishes for Bob and Fleda. 

The March issue of Connections will be distributed early in order to serve as our Farewell issue. If you would like to include a special memory or public expression of appreciation for Bob and Fleda, give a brief written paragraph or two to Elaine Hardy by February 17.
 SERMONS IN FEBRUARY
Feb.  3  Life Gets Harder and Harder.  Life Gets Better and Better, John 14:15-27
Feb. 10  The Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Galatians 5:16-26
Feb. 17  The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy, Galatians 5:16-26
Feb. 24  The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace, Galatians 5:16-26

NEW CBF COORDINATOR NAMED
Suzii Paynter of Austin, Texas, was named Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship mid January. Paynter currently serves as the director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission and director of the Advocacy Care Center of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT). Paynter directs all public policy initiatives for state and federal issues and builds relationships with other religious bodies. In addition, she oversees church outreach, the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering, community care ministries of restorative justice, anti-human trafficking, hunger and poverty, healthcare ministries, the Texas Baptist chaplaincy program and Texas Baptist counseling services.
An ordained deacon at First Baptist Church, Austin Texas and Sunday School teacher of more than 40 years, Paynter, who grew up at Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas, has consistently held positions of leadership at the Fellowship churches in Texas, Kentucky and Mississippi where she has been a member. She has served congregations alongside her husband, Roger Paynter, who currently pastors First Baptist Austin and teaches at the Seminary of the Southwest.

According to Ray Johnson, Florida CBF, “She is the person for whom CBF has been praying since her predecessor, Daniel Vestal, announced his retirement.”

PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE FORMING
The Church Council and the Deacon group met on Saturday, February 2, to discuss the coming interim period
and the selection of a Pastor Search Committee.

FILM REVIEW
Les Miserables
If I had to describe this film in one word, I would choose forgiveness. As you may know, the character Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is a poor slave just before the French Revolution who has worked for years fulfilling his sentence for stealing bread. His enemy is the officer Javert (Russell Crowe) who hates him and promises to follow him forever to make him pay for his crime. He will never forgive him.

Valjean however, does learn to practice forgiveness. He is befriended by a priest who treats him as an equal for the first time in his life. Valjean repays him by stealing his silver out of desperation. After being dragged back to the priest by the officer Javert, the man of God tells the accuser that he gave the silver to Valjean, it was not stolen.

Valjean then leads a life dedicated to God and forgiveness, as it was offered to him, and helping those that are wretched. This includes a girl Fontine (Anne Hathaway) who as a desperate young woman ends up sacrificing first her body to provide for her daughter Cosette, then her life. Valjean then raises the child as his own. Fontine seemingly has her virtue robbed from her, but no matter what happens to her physically, her virtue is still intact. It resides in her spirit and her soul.

There is also a pickpocketing couple of innkeepers played by Sasha Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter. They are characteristically devilish as well a welcome comic relief. Their performances are witty and very funny.

The music is at times sweet and beautiful, at other times soaring anthems. The actors sing the music themselves (no stand ins) which makes the story more sincere and authentic. There are many prayers offered up to God for help, forgiveness and the regret that comes when life doesn’t turn out the way it was hoped for in youth.

Near the conclusion, one of the characters comments that when you love another person, you are looking into the eyes of God. However, I think that when someone loves you, that is when you are looking into the eyes of God.
Sandra Kleinschmidt

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
In the next few months we will be engaged in a Season of Lent and a preparation for Easter.  Please keep these dates in mind and know that I am depending on each of you to be with us.  This is a list of important times of service that you as a Choir Member need to put on your calendar.
 Every Sunday morning worship service
  Every Wednesday evening rehearsal
    Palm Sunday March 24 (both services)
      Presentation of “It is Finished” March 24, 5:30 PM
        Easter Sunday March 31 (both services)

Our Choir is preparing “It is Finished” an Easter musical to be presented on Palm Sunday evening.  It includes the following selections.
♫ Christ the Lord is Risen Today Opener
(It is Finished/ Beyond the Grave/ Christ the Lord is Risen Today)
♫ Welcome the King
♫ Behold How He Loves
♫ When He was on the Cross (I was on His Mind) and      Behold the Lamb
♫ It is Finished
♫ Just as I Am (I Come Broken)
♫ Christ is Risen Finale
(Lord I Lift Your Name on High/ Christ the Lord is Risen Today)
Music for Prayer and Meditation
Wednesdays, 12:15 PM
All Saints Lutheran Church, Dunlawton Avenue
Feb.  6  Kendra Cochenour, organist
Feb. 13  Gospel Strings
Feb. 20  Rusty Baker, pianist & Susan Acree, violinist
Feb. 27  Rita Taylor, pianist
Dennis Bucher
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Saturday, February 16, 8:00 AM
See Dalton Kirk for additional information.
LADIES LUNCH
Tuesday, February 26, 11:45 AM
Restaurant location to be announced.
Make reservations with Linda Manners on February 24.
YOUTH FUND RAISER
Fireside Pizza Youth Fundraiser will be Monday, February 4, 5-8 pm.  Please come out and support our youth. Invite your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. You can eat in or get it to go, just be sure to remember to say it is for the church and 20% of your order will be donated to the church youth!  Thanks!
Paula Seebold

MISSIONS
Halifax Urban Ministries
With cooler temps during February and March donations of soups, stews, Ramen noodles and mac & cheese would be welcomed. In addition to staple food items, baby formula and diapers are needed year round.  Thank you for your faithful giving to less fortunate families in Daytona Beach.
Countryside Lakes ALF
What better time than Valentine month to show some love to seniors at the assisted living facility.  Wednesday, February 20 is our day to visit.  Meet the group in the lobby at noon.
BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Scenes and Images for Lent
Chaplain Shane Gaster will present a series of lessons that explore the final days of Jesus prior to his arrest and crucifixion beginning mid-February. This is a short term study for Lent for which you may step out of your regular Sunday School class if you wish. This is a part of our new “cafeteria-style” Sunday morning study time.
Ladies Bible Study
Women of the congregation are invited to participate in a time of study and fellowship on the first and third Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM.  The group is currently using the book Listening for the Voice of God. 
Valentine Quiz
(Answers may be found on the back page.)
  1. Where does the word “love” first appear in the Bible?
  2. How many times is the word “love” used in the Bible?—Over 200, over 300, over 400?
  3. What Old Testament couple enjoyed “love at first sight?”  (She fell off her camel when they met!)
  4. Name three Greek words for love.
  5. What is known as the love chapter?
  6. Complete this verse from I John: “We love because________________________________________.”
  7. Dr. Mulkey often quotes 1 John 3:16.  Can you complete the verse?  “We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and _______________________________________.”
  8. What is your favorite love story in the Bible?
  9. Was Valentine a real person?
THE MERTON PRAYER
Printed in response to a request for a copy of  the prayer Dr. Mulkey quoted in his sermon on January 27.
MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Thoughts in Solitude
Answers to Valentine Quiz
  1. It depends on the translation.  Many sources say Genesis 22:2, but it is Genesis 4:1 in the NIV.
  2. Over 400
  3. Isaac and Rebekah
  4. Agape, phileo, eros
  5. I Corinthians 13
  6. . .  . he first loved us.”
  7. we ought to lay down our lives for one another.”
  8. Personal choice
  9. Yes.




























WHAT’S COOKING?
Chocolate Cherry Cake
Cake: 1 16 oz. can cherry pie filling
1 18.25 oz. pkg. fudge cake mix
1 tsp. almond extract
2 eggs, beaten
Frosting: 1 cup granulated sugar
5 T butter
½ c milk
1 tsp. almond extract
1 6 oz. pkg. semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350ยบ.  For the cake, drain the cherry pie filling into a large mixing bowl.  Set the cherries aside.  Add the cake mix, almond extract and eggs to the drained cherry juice.  Mix well.  Fold in the cherries.  Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13” baking pan or dish.  Bake for 30-35 minutes.

For the frosting, combine the sugar, butter and milk in a small saucepan on medium heat.  Bring this mixture to a boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and add the almond extract and chocolate chips.  Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.  Cool and spread over cake.
Yield: 24 servings                     Bible of Southern Cooking
The Blue Willow Inn, Social Circle, Georgia