Bethesda Lamplighter September 2011

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LamplighterTheTheTheThe

Sep tembe r 2 0 11Vol. 4 Issue 9Vol. 4 Issue 9Vol. 4 Issue 9Vol. 4 Issue 9

See You in September

The title of the 1959 song by the TemposSee You in September

echoes in my mind as we make a mad dash from summer into our new

church year and, in some ways, a new fall schedule. Summers always

seem to fly by. Its been a good summer, and many have taken well-deserved vacations. But I

confess-- Im looking forward to seeing more of our church family back together now.

As we move into September, there is no shortage of events on the horizon. For one thing, be-

ginning this month most of our folks are receiving the Lamplighter by email or onlinea cost-saving measure for the church. (I do hope you are reading it!) Those who wish to receive a

paper copy, however, may do so by notifying the church office. But a big moment for our entire

country comes on the tenth anniversary of 9/11a Sunday. May this be not only a time of sol-

emn reflection, but especially a day of prayer for our struggling nation. We will certainly ac-knowledge this on that Sunday morning, even as we complete our current sermon series of

Idol Mania: Countering Counterfeit Gods with a very appropriate message: When

Towering Idols Fall: Gods 9/11Call To UsAll.

Our annual Homecoming will be Sunday, September 25. I have invited Allan Blume to be our

guest preacher. Allan and I where in seminary together in the 70s in Texas. He is a North

Carolina native, having pastored in Statesville, served on staff of Hickory Grove Baptist of

Charlotte, and pastoredMount Vernon Baptist of Boone, before recently being elected Edi-tor/President of The Biblical RecorderNorth Carolinas Baptist state paper. You will appre-

ciate meeting and hearing Allan Blume.

Continued on page 2

Fund Raiser

September 23rd

Bethesda Baptist Church

Hours : 1 1 : 00 AM - 2 : 00 PM and

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

$ 7 . 0 0 p e r p l a t e ( e a t i n o r t a k e o u t )

Proceeds will go toward His Vision - Our Mission (Building Fund)Exciting Fall Events

New t ime f o r Wednesday ac t i v i t ies : Awana - 6 : 30 PM All other Wednesday activities will begin at 6:45 PM

New Sunday Even ing Fo rmat - 6 : 0 0 PM

Tuesday Ladies Bible Study - 10:00 AM

Be thesda Homecoming - September 25 th Guest Speaker: Allan Blume, Editor: The Biblical Recorder

Our Church StaffOur Church StaffOur Church StaffOur Church Staff

Gary BurdenSenior Pastor

919-631-6789

Landon OrrMinister to Students

919-229-9379

Debbe LangdonMusic Director/Pianist

919-410-0271

Kathy Welch

Office Coordinator

Michele McLaughlinAdmin. Assistant - Finances

Pat Baucom Admin. Assistant - Publications


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A really big See You in September happening will be new

schedules for Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Awana moves

to Wednesday on September 7 and begins at 6:30 pm. Regular

youth and adult activities begin at 6:45 pm. And Sunday eve-

nings for adults will now provide various small group study op-portunities were calling LifeLineGet Connected. The begin-

ning offering of studies are again listed in this newsletter. These

adult classes along with children and youth activities all begin

on Sunday, September 11, at our current time of 6:00 pm.

This is not to mention the Clayton Harvest Festival (Sept. 16-17),

our SUPER BIG BBQ chicken sale (Sept. 23), opening day for the

movie COURAGEOUS (Sept. 30), etc.all highlighted in the

Lamplighter and in our Sunday bulletins. Any questions, feelfree to call the office or see me or other staff.

So, sing alongSee You in September.See You in September.See You in September.See You in September.

Gary BurdenGary BurdenGary BurdenGary Burden

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F R O M T H E P A S T O R S H E A R T ( C O N T D )

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

We will be participating in OCC again this

year. Our church goal is to fill 200 shoe

boxes. Collection dates are Nov. 13-20.

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to

help cover shipping and other project costs. Eight million chil-

dren around the world received a shoe box last year. Over 300

countries have received shoe boxes since 1993. ONE MIS-

SION: To demonstrate Gods love in a tangible way to needy

children around the world, and together with the local churchworldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Please

pray about how many shoe boxes God would like for you to fill.

This is a priceless opportunity. Gift ideas are:

TOYS: Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas,yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch, toys that light up or make

noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers,stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, col-

oring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS: Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plasticbag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER: Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints,gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry,

watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a noteto the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your

name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:

Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or

military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions;

medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow-globes , glass

containers or aerosol cans .

ACTIVITIES FOR OUR CHILDREN

September brings the start of many

new programs for the children: Awana

on Wednesdays, Shout Praise Kids(SPK) on Sunday evenings, new cur-

riculum on Sunday mornings. Its excit-

ing times! If you want to help with any of the childrens pro-

grams or activities please let us know we will get you busy!

VBS: We are still searching for a VBS Director for next year. If you are interested contact Wendy Gatewood or let Pastor

Gary know soon. We would also like to have a director lined

up soon so we can move forward with plans for the next awe-

some VBS! The next Preschool/Childrens Council meeting is

Sunday, September 11 at 4:30 PM. We invite anyone who par-

ticipated in VBS this past year to come to discuss how we can

improve.

CLAYTON HARVEST FESTIVAL: There will be a Bethesda Bap-

tist Childrens/Awana booth at the Harvest Festival in Claytonon September 17th see Jennifer Harrison if you are willing to

work at the booth.

YARD SALE: In an effort to raise money for new playgroundequipment the childrens council will sponsor a yard sale on

Saturday, October 1st. All proceeds will go toward new equip-

ment and a fence for the playground. We will gladly pick up

any items you would like to donate to the sale.

CHRISTMAS PARADE FLOAT: We will also have a float in theClayton Christmas Parade again this year. Let anyone on the

preschool/childrens council know if you have ideas for deco-

rating the float or if you are willing to work on it.

Wendy Gatewood

September is the beginning of a new Choir Year --- and there's

no better time to join! We have several exciting events coming

up: singing in the Choir Festival at the Clayton Harvest Festival

on Sunday, September 18th; Bethesda Homecoming on Sep-

tember 25th; holiday music for Thanksgiving and a special

Christmas musical! As our new fall schedule begins, please

give prayerful consideration to becoming a part of the choirfamily. Weekly choir rehearsal will be held onWednesday

evenings from 6:45 - 7:45 PM. On Wednesday, August 31st, at

7pm, we are having a Choir KickOff Celebration --- come check

us out! Whether you enjoy singing along with the group, or are

blessed with a solo voice - we welcome one and all! If you

have any questions, please give me a call at 553-4578. Come

join us as we "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" - what a won-

derful opportunity to witness and worship together!! God

B l e s s ! Debbe LangdonDebbe LangdonDebbe LangdonDebbe Langdon


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Page 3T h e L a m p l i g h t e r

LifelineGet Connected

Sunday Night Adult Small Groups at Bethesda Baptist ChurchBeginning Sunday, September 11, 6:00 pm

For Men

Courageous Living Bible Study

Based on the movie Courageous (opening in theaters September 30), this four-week study by Michael Catt, Stephen and

Alex Kendrick, is designed to challenge men to live courageously for the sake of their families. Its a call to fight for our

faith and our families. Its a call to follow Christ and live a life that is Courageous. (Other short-term mens studies will be

available after this one is completed.)

Study leader: Chris GatewoodCost for study book: $7.00 payable to Bethesda Baptist Church

Contact Chris Gatewood for more information or to register before September 4th (359-0141 or 464-3584) - Class size will

be limited, so register soon!

For Women

EstherIts Tough Being a Woman

If youve ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this Beth Moore study is

for you. In this nine-session (18-week) study, Beth peels back the layers of history and shows how very contemporary and

applicable the biblical story of Esther is to us. This portion of Gods Word contains treasures to aid us in our hurried, har-

ried, and pressured lives.

Study leader: Frances BurdenCost for study book: $15.00 payable to Bethesda Baptist Church

Contact Frances Burden for more information or to register before September 4th (553-5530 or 631-6588).

For All

A Present and a Future Hope: Studies in 1 Peter

This study in 1 Peter is a continuous walk through Peters letter, section-by-section, led by the pastor. Anyone can drop in

for this discussion-oriented study any week, and there are no study materials to purchase.

CourageousCourageousCourageousCourageous(Honor Begins At Home)

In Theaters September 30th

A Must-See Movie for Men, Fathers, Couples, the Entire Family!


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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

4

Bfk. Fellowship

Week l y

Sunday Service

5

Church Office

Closed

6

DeaconsMeeting

7:00 PM

7

Awana - 6:30 PM

WeeklyWed.

Schedule-6:45 PM

8 9 10

11

Mens Ministry

Breakfast

Week l y

Sunday Service

12 13

Ladies Bible Study

10:00 AM

14

Awana - 6:30 PM

Weekly Wed.

Schedule-6:45 PM

15 16 17

18

W e e k l y

Sunday Service

M e n s

P rayer F ocus

19 20

Ladies Bible Study

10:00 AM

21

Awana - 6:30 PM

.

Weekly Wed.

Schedule-6:45 PM

22 23

Chicken BBQ

Dinner

24

25

Homecoming

Sunday

26 27

Ladies Bible Study

10:00 AM

28

Awana - 6:30 PM

Weekly Wed.

Schedule-6:45 PM

29 30

Opening Day for

Courageous

6:30pm......................................................................................................Awana

Youth Bible Study

6:45 pm.............................................................. Adult Prayer and Bible Study

Choir Rehearsal

W e e k l y W e d n e s d a y S c h e d u l eW e e k l y S u n d a y S c h e d u l e

9:15 am ...............................................................................Bible Study Fellowship

10:30 am ................................................................... MorningWorship Celebration

6:00 pm............ ....................... ....................... ....................LifeLine...Get Connected

Student LifeLine

SPK CHOIR (Shout Praises Kids) - Grades 1-5

The Lamplighter Page 4


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T h e L a m p l i g h t e r Page 5

Date S.S. AM

Worship

Budget

Offering

His Vision

Our Mission

July 31 89 119 7,024.58 250.00

Aug. 7 117 131 6,976.87 2,445.00

Aug. 14 101 138 7,204.72 870.00

Aug. 21 109 179 3,789.28 478.00

Total 416 567 24,995.45 4,043.00

Avg. 104 142 6,248.86 1,010.75

Average Attendance & Offerings for August 2010

Avg. 96 152 4,604.61

Facts & Figures for July/August 2011

SEPTEMBER EXTENDED SESSIONAND KIDS CHURCH

Sunday, Sept. 4Sunday, Sept. 4Sunday, Sept. 4Sunday, Sept. 4 ---- AMAMAMAM

Babies: Kathleen McLamb &

Cherilyn Murphy

2s: Heather Henry &

Robin Hotakey

3s/4s:Wendy Beasley &

Diane Duncan

KKKK----3rd Kids Church3rd Kids Church3rd Kids Church3rd Kids Church

Frances Burden &

Angel Duncan

Sunday, Sept. 4Sunday, Sept. 4Sunday, Sept. 4Sunday, Sept. 4 ---- PMPMPMPM

Sharon Johnson &

Linda Wilson

Wednesday, Sept. 7Wednesday, Sept. 7Wednesday, Sept. 7Wednesday, Sept. 7

Frances Burden &

Louise Gilmore


Babies: Brigitte Creech &

April Lengel

2s: Tara & Stephen Lee

3s/4s: Kristol Flanigan

& Kristen Duncan


Nicole & Michael Ritchie


Jane & Johnnie Gatlin


Diane & David Duncan


Babies: Sondra Gatewood &

Jane Gatlin

2s: Diana Lee & Sis Godwin

3s/4 s: Leigh Smith &

Jennifer Harrison


Terry Gatewood &

David Duncan


Larkin Creech &

Debbie Henry

Wednesday, Sept. 21Wednesday, Sept. 21Wednesday, Sept. 21Wednesday, Sept. 21Terry Gatewood &

Bobbie Lonas


Babies: Faye Wells &

Shalee Sams

2s: Laura & Shane Benson

3s/4s: Julie Brueggen &

Sara Orr


Wendy & Chris Gatewood


Bob & Brenda Jones


Mandy Windham &

Betty Jones

The most frustrating discussion I

can remember having in college

concerned the idea of Truth.

Thrown amidst a secular philoso-

phy, many of my classmates (and

friends I might add) were convinced

that truth is relative. They wouldsay that while life was filled with

truths, there was not one dominate Truth that ruled over

it all. How wrong they are.

This fall, with the introduction of LifeLine groups, the

youth are going to have short-term classes of their own.

For the first 10 weeks we are going to be doing Focus on

the Familys TrueU a video series similar to The Truth

Project. Im really excited about this opportunity and I

hope that it will be an opportunity to build a solid foun-

dation for our youth to live upon.

In a recent Wednesday night Bible Study the youth and

I were looking at Matthew 7. In this chapter we find the

story about the man who built his house upon a sure

foundation. When storms came, his house stood up to

the test, while the man who built his house on sand lost

everything. This story shows how important it is for us

to learn Truth and build our life upon it. Once we do so

there is no obstacle that we will not be able to face.

Landon OrrLandon OrrLandon OrrLandon Orr

OCTOBER 14th 6:30 PMOCTOBER 14th 6:30 PMOCTOBER 14th 6:30 PMOCTOBER 14th 6:30 PM

Mark your calendar for this important

date. It will be a time of fun, food and fel-

lowship. Ladies of all ages are invited toattend and stay overnight. Bring your favorite food to share,

your pillows and blankets. Dont be left out of this fun and

fellowship. No child care will be provided, so ladies only

please. For more information contact Frances Burden, Julia

Stephens, Sharon Orchard or me.. Leigh SmithLeigh SmithLeigh SmithLeigh Smith

Student Student Student Student LifeLineLifeLineLifeLineLifeLine beginning Sunday Evening beginning Sunday Evening beginning Sunday Evening beginning Sunday Evening

September 11 at 6:00 PMSeptember 11 at 6:00 PMSeptember 11 at 6:00 PMSeptember 11 at 6:00 PM

Sept. Preschool Regis. DeskSept. Preschool Regis. DeskSept. Preschool Regis. DeskSept. Preschool Regis. Desk

3rd Sunday:3rd Sunday:3rd Sunday:3rd Sunday: Diane Duncan

4th Sunday:4th Sunday:4th Sunday:4th Sunday: Wendy Gatewood

Sept. Preschool Regis. DeskSept. Preschool Regis. DeskSept. Preschool Regis. DeskSept. Preschool Regis. Desk

1st Sunday:1st Sunday:1st Sunday:1st Sunday: Brigitte Creech

2nd Sunday:2nd Sunday:2nd Sunday:2nd Sunday: Diane Duncan


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4967 Highway 70 West Business

Clayton, NC 27520

Phone: 919-553-7678

September BirthdaysSeptember BirthdaysSeptember BirthdaysSeptember Birthdays

Ava Creech 1st

Linda Lee 4th

Jerry Gilmore 5th

Carness Underwood 5th

Lynne Raker 8th

Marianne Kennedy 9th

Scott Johnson 9th

Neta Jones 9th

Lehman Godwin 11th

David Creech* 12th

Frank Avery 15th

Rosa Johnson 15th

Michael Tart 15th

Amy Dale 16th

Dolly Bryant 18th

Wayne Little 18th

Chris Johnson 19th

Sis Godwin 25th

Audrey Langdon* 25th

Michael Hall 26th

Diana Lee 26th

Adam Johnson 30th

*Non Members

Sandy Austin 28th

Were on the web!

www.bethesdaclayton.com

Ayden, Jr. & Betty Lee 8th

Ron & Carole McNeece 13th

Brian & Kathleen McLamb 20th

LADIES TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Ladies, do you ever feel overwhelmed with the difficult circumstances of life

that come upon you? Like, when it rains, it pours! Welcome to my club! In

these troublesome times the Lord reminds me frequently of a quote I have

written inside the front cover of my Bible from John Newton, the author of that

well known Gospel song "Amazing Grace" :

Thou art coming to a King,

Large petitions with thee bring,

For His grace and power are such,

None can ever ask too much.

And through the prophet Isaiah, God reminds us: "Do you not know? Have you

not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth

does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives

strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.

Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly,

yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with

wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not be-

come weary." (ch. 40:28--31). This, also, affirms the exhortation of Jesus our

Lord when He told His disciples a parable about that "bothersome, pesky"

widow who kept "bugging" the judge to give her legal protection from an ad-versary: "Now He was telling them a parable to show that AT ALL TIMES THEY

OUGHT TO PRAY AND NOT LOSE HEART" (Luke 18:1). In these days, ladies,

we need to be obedient to His Word! We will continue our Bible study and

prayer time here at my home on Tuesdays, beginning September 13th. We will

begin with one of the New Inductive Study Series, "Living With Discernment in

the End Times" by Kay Arthur, David Lawson, Bob Vereen--1 and 2 Peter and

Jude. Please let me know if you plan to join us, so books can be ordered

ASAP. Looking forward to our fellowship together. Your sister in Christ, Sharon LevinSharon LevinSharon LevinSharon Levin

Monthly Mens Prayer Focus

S e p t emb e r 2 1 , 2 0 1 1 - 5 : 3 0 PM Our men are engaged in a monthly time to meet for prayer - only brief discus-

sion, mainly prayer. Even if you arent comfortable praying out loud come any-

way and just pray silently. This will help bind and focus our hearts and lives

for the Lords service on behalf of our beloved church. We will meet in the

Lighthouse Classroom just prior to the evening activities. Lets indeed be men

of prayer!

The Lamplighter Page 6

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Bethesda Lamplighter September 2011