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Cornerstone Manor
July 24, 2009
“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
Our Cornerstone Ministries is where we do just this. As an outreach of Bible Presbyterian Church we go forth to the hurting and needy and bring them before Him, whom they need the most. For those that know Him, we are feeding them the meat of His Word. For those who do not, we are allowing them the opportunity to hear the living Word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We are blessed to lift Him up in songs and in praise, to be able to present His Word to these women and children in their time of need. The need is great, but we are often short-handed, in need of help. This reminds me when Jesus said in Matthew 9:38, “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
If this outreach interests you, won’t you consider joining us on the second Friday of every month at the Cornerstone Manor Women’s shelter to host the Cornerstone services? It is such a joy and a blessing to help these women and children in need as we lift up our Savior in service and ministry to them.
Lives are changing in these ministries and we welcome you to join us to do your part.
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Pastoral Internship Part-Deux
July 24, 2009
The old adage “Time sure flies when you’re having fun” is yet applicable once again. It is unbelievable how quickly the summer internship has gone, but I’m thankful for a second opportunity to be involved at Bible Presbyterian as the Pastoral Intern.
As I look back on what has happened thus far, it is obvious that much has been done, despite it seeming like a blur. Vacation Bible School, Bus Routing, Camp, and speaking opportunities have taken most of my the time as intern. One of the blessings of being the intern is the constant exposure to the various ministries at our church. It’s exciting to see in how many areas of ministry the Lord is allowing our church to work. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have a small part in it. Below are a few highlights of the internship so far.
It was wonderful to see the immediate results of the KidsBiz promotion. The Lord was so good to add many new kids this year from it, as well as the other outreach efforts. I’m thankful for the many workers that came out to help promote the ministries.
During VBS, I counted it a joy to work with the kids each day and see their understanding of God’s Word grow; (I know mine did). Praise God for a good organization of this year’s ministry. I am constantly blessed by the efforts of the many workers that give so much of their time and resources to see God’s Word touch the community with the gospel.
Wednesday night Bible study has been especially helpful for me as I begin seminary training. The study has been through the book of Psalms. Each Psalm is an inside look on the character of a soul humbled before the Lord. I’ve also had the blessing of delivering messages on Father’s Day evening and in Sunday school.
Camp was an interesting time this year. The sense of having a short amount of time to minister to the campers hit me the moment I arrived. I am constantly amazed at how God leads our lives as we work with others. One camper in my cabin made a profession of faith through the work at camp. It was a joy to see God’s hand in the work of that ministry.
One month still remains for the internship. The next month will be filled with many things to do. Interestingly, the internship is a front-loaded position, with the bulk of the work happening at the beginning, but there is plenty of work after VBS and Camp that is not always seen by others. I’m looking forward to the many opportunities to serve the Lord Jesus at Bible Presbyterian and I ask for your prayers for the days that are left.
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Notes Of Interest
July 24, 2009
Eunice Harden went to be with her Lord on March 29, 2009. A memorial service was held at Bible Pres. on April 2.
New members received on Palm Sunday were Joe and Sue Cardinale, Katie and Billy Diefenbach, and Rebecca Williams.
At the Annual Congregational Meeting, on May 1, we had the privilege of recognizing the call of God on Joe Zilbauer’s life to serve Christ and His church as a deacon.
The Secret Prayer Partners ended their year with a luncheon at Sweet Melody’s hosted by Ruth Heim. It was fun to find out who had been praying for each other throughout the year.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – June 29 to July 3!!!! God blessed us with about 200 registered children, and over 70 workers. The theme for the morning school was “Operation Space.” The children learned that God is the authority we need to obey and trust. For the evening school, the theme was “One ‘Way’ = Christ.” This year was our first 5-day VBS and the Lord accomplished much during that time in the hearts of the children and young people. We praise Him, and trust that His Word will continue to work in the children’s lives. See article.
Great Lakes Presbytery Camp was held July 12-18 at Camp Otyokwah in Butler, Ohio. See article.
We were sad to say our good-byes to Joel and Anna Hamilton who returned to their home town in Pennsylvania following Joel’s graduation from dental school. They were a blessing in our midst and we all miss them.
The Middlers enjoyed a “Pot-luck Plus” event on May 29. The “Plus” was a silent money-less auction of items, brought by all who attended. The items were lovely but unwanted.
It was a joy to have Paul and Kyle Kroening visit us on Sunday evening, July 12. Paul gave a report on the work being done in Congo, and spoke of their plans to return to Kenya in 2010 to continue the work they have done there for many years with Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Rev. Mark Baldwin, PMU missionary to Cambodia, spoke at our services on Sunday, July 19. He presented a slide show of his work in Cambodia at the Adult Sunday School class. Visit PMU’s website.
Betty Marshall continues chemo treatments.
Chuck Blowers continues to suffer from severe back problems and headaches.
Ginger Boone has experienced some relief from back pain following a procedure.
Alice Blain is recovering well following emergency surgery to remove her gall bladder.
Topics: Notes of Interest | Comments Off
Looking Ahead
July 24, 2009
- July 24 – AWANA Golf Open
- July 25 – Annual Church Picnic – 2-7 PM at the FLC
- July 26 – Rev. Ed Paauwe, PMU missionary to Australia, speaking at all worship services
- August 7 – Ladies’ Craft Night – 7-9 PM at the FLC – Bring your own project. Please sign up
in the lobby. - August 9 – Rev. Tom Stiles of New Yorkers’ Family Research Foundation speaking at all
services - August 14 – Cornerstone Manor Service & Kids’ Ministry – 7:30 PM
- August 15 – Married Fellowship Beaver Island Picnic – Noon to 5 PM, Families welcome!
Bring a bathing suit and your favorite outdoor games. Please sign up in the lobby. - August 16 – Rev. Tom Stiles of New Yorkers’ Family Research Foundation speaking at all
services - August 23 – Service for Seniors at Elderwood – 2-3:30 PM
- Sept. 4 – Ladies’ Craft Night – 7-9 PM at the FLC – Bring your own project.
- Sept. 8 – Marriage and Family Counseling Course begins – 7 PM
- Sept. 8 – Ladies’ Bible Study Begins
- Sept. 9 – AWANA Open House and Registration – 6:30 to 8 PM
- Sept. 11 – Cornerstone Manor Service & Kids’ Ministry – 7:30 PM
- Sept. 12 – Bible Bee at the FLC
- Sept. 13 – Membership Class begins – 1:30 PM
- Sept. 13 – Leadership Training Class begins – 3:30 PM
- Sept. 18-19 – Ladies’ Retreat with Kathleen Curto
Topics: Looking Ahead | Comments Off
Great Lakes Presbytery Camp 2009
July 23, 2009
“Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and all your strength” was the song on the voice of the campers this year. As the theme for this year, campers were given the opportunity to reflect on God’s rule in their lives at the Great Lakes Presbytery Camp. This year, Grand Island BPC was able to send 21 of the 97 campers and 6 counselors to camp at Camp Otyokwa in Butler, Ohio from July 12-18, 2009.
Camp began Sunday evening with Dr. Len Pine delivering a message that set the tone for rest of the camp. He spoke about how we all build our lives on promises that cannot be kept… at least, there’s no certainty that they will be kept. But God’s promises are different. Not only does he keep his promises, when we break covenant with him, God makes a way to restore us to blessing that is certain in Christ.
Throughout the week, campers were challenged with many activities that pointed them toward serving the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Each morning campers and counselors would wake up and go to devotionals and exercises (although counselors’ exercises consisted of finding the coffee dispenser before devotions). Pastor Kevin led the counselor devotionals by turning their attention on the need to examine their own walk before God, to consider to whom they are ministering and the spiritual problems that often come up in the camp setting, and to pray for the kids in the cabins.
Each day consisted of two Bible classes after breakfast, a recreation time, and a craft class for each of the four groups. Pastor Tim Miessler (Grace BPC) and Dr. Kevin Backus (GIBPC) taught the senior groups, while Pastor Patrick Hines (Grace BPC) and Pastor Ben Robinson (Wilson BPC) taught the junior groups. The lessons emphasized missionary work, the importance of the Moral Law, the Five Solas, and the need for the Armor of God.
Campers get an hour after lunch for feet-off-the-floor time and are required to memorize two Scripture passages or catechism questions each day. This was a special time for counselors to work with the kids to learn God’s Word and help them understand God’s truth for their lives. One thing that some campers took advantage of during free time, was the opportunity to memorize extra Scripture verses and catechism questions. Each question and verse were worth a certain number of points that added up for winning prizes at the end of the week.
Free time was a time to glorify God physically by participating in one of the many activities at camp. Camp Otyokwa is equipped with a rock climbing/zip-line course, swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, the “Blob,” archery, hiking, volleyball, soccer, climbing wall, tetherball, fishing, and the game room. There was always time to take a nap during free time as well.
After dinner, the camp would gather into the Hopewell Hall to sing praises to God. During the time between dinner and chapel, the various teams would also have time to work on their team skits. The winning skit this year for the juniors was Team 6, with which our own Joseph and Victoria Przbyl participated.
Another fun thing that the kids participated in before Chapel was the annual Camp Quiz Bowl, hosted by Sarah Comfort and Joe Zilbauer. Campers are given Bible trivia questions, with which they are required to buzz in to answer. For the Senior Quiz Bowl, Chelsea Pine and Josh Lawton won for their team by a large margin.
During Chapel time, speakers challenged the kids with the truths from God’s Word, specifically on the topic of the use of God’s law. Joe Zilbauer, from Grand Island BPC, spoke to the juniors on Monday about promises in relationship to the Covenant of Grace and how God always keeps his promise. Eric Pastorek, from Grand Island BPC, spoke to the juniors about the use of the Civil law for life and godliness. On Wednesday, juniors and senior campers heard from missionaries, Ed and Lehia Paauwe from Australia who gave an overview of God’s work there and the importance of missions. Other speakers from Grace BPC and Wilson Presbyterian Church gave junior and senior messages for chapel during the week.
Saturday is always a bit sad as campers and counselors are packing up to leave. It is during this time that the awards assembly takes place. Senior camper Bethany Williams won Top Camper for her cabin and junior camper Joseph Przbyl won Top Camper for his cabin.
Amidst the excitement of the activities, the heart of the Presbytery camp is evangelism and discipleship. Counselors had many opportunities throughout the week to share God’s Word in class, in the cabins, and during free-time. It is reported that at least six campers made a profession of faith during the week. It is often made known during the Friday night camp fire, how many of the kids benefited greatly from the lessons that were taught from God’s Word. Many shared how they were growing in their faith and desired to be committed to the Lord even more. May the Lord be praised for the many years of faithful service at the Great Lakes Presbytery Camp.
Please pray for the work of God’s Word in the lives of the campers.
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The New Pulpit & Pews
March 29, 2009
Someone suggested that the art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order. As I put pen to paper, I can’t help but reflect on the changes during my time with the production of Pulpit & Pews. One of my first responsibilities at the church was to serve as the editor of the paper. In those days, that meant setting up a table next to the secretary as we worked to paste together (literally) each issue. In one sense it was simpler because of the limitations placed on our authors. Every article needed to hit a specific word count and the contrast of every picture in the paper had to be at the same setting. There were only two type fonts and nothing in the header could change since it had to be put together one paste on letter at a time or hand drawn by an artist. Typewriters, a light table (actually the window) and x-acto knives were the tools of our trade.
Today, many of our readers wouldn’t know what to do with those antiques. Like the rotary landline, they’re relegated to the past. Today we have a lot more flexibility. For a decade, we’ve been progressing to an entirely digital production. The only thing paper about our paper is the final printing and mailing. That is about to change. Part of the reason for this transition is to get a better product into your hands. What you hold in your hand isn’t what we see on our screen in the office. The digital version is clearer and in color. To remedy that, Pulpit & Pews is going completely digital. The copy you hold in your hands will likely be the last paper edition we produce. Besides saving a great deal of money, this adjustment will allow us to better serve the bulk of our readers. In the future, we will not have to wait until a sufficient amount of news is accumulated to justify the time and expense of putting out another edition. Photos will be more clear and in color. And for those of you living at a distance, delivery will be instant instead of taking weeks.
To make this happen, the format will undergo few changes and the “paper” will be hosted on our website. As each edition (actually “addition” would be closer to it) is placed online you’ll receive an e-mail containing a link to take you directly to the article. In order to accomplish this, we need your e-mail address. Please take a moment now to be sure that the church office has your e-mail address. All you have to do is to send an e-mail to office@biblepres.org and include “P&P” in the subject line. You can do this more than once; everybody who has an e-mail address in your house should sign up.
We look forward to being able to serve you more effectively beginning with our next edition so please be sure we have your e-mail address. We don’t want to lose any of our readers.
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Cornerstone Service
March 29, 2009
On the second Friday of every month we converge at the Cornerstone Manor Women’s Shelter to host the Cornerstone services. If you have never been able to join us in these services you should consider doing so. It is such a joy and a blessing to help these women and children in need as we lift up our Savior in service and ministry to them.
First, we begin by serving the women and children an evening snack. Afterwards, the children stay upstairs for the Cornerstone Kids Ministry where they hear bible stories, do crafts, and sing children’s bible songs.
Meanwhile, the women come downstairs to attend the adult service we host for them. In this adult service we sing 3 praise songs, and give a 20-minute message from Scripture. Many often stay after for prayer and to speak to us and pray with us.
Lives are changing in these ministries and we welcome you to join us to do your part.
Help is always needed and we always welcome your assistance with this vital ministry. The April Cornerstone services will be canceled due to a conflict with Good Friday services but the normal schedule will resume once again in May.
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Church Planting Conference, March 19-20, 2009
February 26, 2009
The General Synod of the BPC is pleased to invite BP ministers and elders to their first church planting conference hosted by the Bible Presbyterian Church of Grand Island. The conference, entitled Presbyterians and Church Planting, will be presented by Ross W. Graham, General Secretary of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
Sessions will include:
♦ The Biblical Origins of Our Presbyterianism
♦ The Historic Origins of the Presbytery
♦ The Story of Old School Presbyterianism
♦ Planting a Presbyterian Church (Part 1)
♦ Planting a Presbyterian Church (Part 2)
♦ Analyzing the Church Growth Movement
♦ Being Practical Presbyterians
The conference is offered at no charge. Meetings begin with breakfast on March 19th and end with lunch on March 20th. All meals and transportation to and from the Buffalo/Niagara International Airport are offered complimentary by the Grand Island church.
Please register by calling 716-773-7303 or e-mailing office@biblepres.org by March 6th.
Housing is available at the Holiday Inn Resort in Grand Island, New York. Please request the “Bible Presbyterian Church rate” for a special discount of $74.00 per night. The phone number for reservations is 716-773-1111.
Print Directions to Bible Presbyterian Church of Grand Island >
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