A Publication of the First Baptist Church in Framingham

PO Box 2415 ~ Framingham, MA 01703-2415

The Rev. Jason R. Rutherford, Pastor

508-872-1176

firstbaptistframingham@gmail.com

www.firstbaptistframingham.com

Baptist Notes January 2020

The “way to God” and “the truth of God” is a subject spanning many cul-

tures, beliefs, and practices throughout documented human history. There

are too many to count on one page, however, in Christian tradition and prac-

tice, our congregation has become a voice in the Framingham community of

what we say it means to know and experience God through faith. In coopera-

tion with the guidance of scripture, Holy Spirit, church tradition, and encour-

aging one another, we strive to find our way to the salvation of God in our

lives. One of the most striking lessons that Jesus taught and demonstrated is

that when we welcome one another, we are quite literally welcoming God.

The wealthy, the poor, the sick, the healthy, the powerful, the powerless, the

popular, the outcasts, the young child, the old graybeards, and many more,

Jesus demonstrated that when we welcome one another, we welcome God.

Jesus promised a Holy Spirit, a helper to guide our hearts after the resurrection. The Holy Spirit works mys-

teriously, nurturing our heart to take the opportunities God makes available to us as we minister and mature

in faith. Also, our Church tradition is a helpful guide and teacher, demonstrating for us ways to apply the

teaching and guidance of God to minister in the world we are entrusted to serve and protect. One day Jesus

heard the disciples talking about which among them was the greatest. He picked up the teachable moment,

placed a child among them, and said, “whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all. The

word last, esxatos in the Greek, means last, lowest, final, and uttermost. In short, to follow Jesus is to em-

brace all people.

As we encourage one another, we open our heart to encourage any and all people, and this may be our tallest

order as a Christian. There are those in our life who will be our greatest challenge, and it is these very ones

that will bring us to our knees, and consequently bring us to God. As we embrace the people in our life, so

we embrace God. As we welcome the people along our way, so we welcome God.

Jason

RMMO Offering

Honoring the Service of God’s Servants uplifts the generosity, grace and tireless work of retired ministers,

missionaries and their widowed spouses and families who have dedicated their lives to serving the body of

Christ. As Christians, we are called to honor one another with the love of Christ as found in the scripture

from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV) which teaches, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge

those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the

highest regard in love because of their work.”

Church Notes

Thanks to Ed Zeman and Naomi Stanley for their beautiful musical offerings during the Christmas Eve

service.

Annual Reports are due to Kathie Zeman (kczeman@gmail.com) by Sunday, January 12.

We extend our sincere sympathy to Sarah Russo and her family upon the death of her beloved husband

Ed, on December 2.

Did You Know the Church is Part of the

Framingham Centre Common Cultural District (# 14 on the map)?

The Framingham Centre Common Cultural District is located in the area of the historic Centre Common,

which is anchored by several of the City’s most significant cultural organizations. Founding partner organi-

zations include the Framingham History Center, Framingham State University, and the Danforth Art Muse-

um – which recently relocated to their new home in the Jonathan Maynard Building. The key benefit will

be a focused effort to coordinate programs, events, and outreach for the district and the constituent institu-

tions. We hope to create a space in and around the Centre Common where arts, culture, and history are ele-

vated and celebrated and serve to draw visitors from around the region. There are a number of ways to par-

ticipate, including: 1) Sign up for our mailing list for news from the District. 2) Follow the FCCCD and the

individual member institutions on social media. 3) Link to the institution websites and help cross-promote

events. 4) Attend cultural events and encourage others to do so.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

7:00 pm Choir

Rehearsal

3

4

5

9:45 a.m. Christian Education

10:45 a.m. Worship

Potluck Lunch

6 7

8

9 7:00 pm Choir

Rehearsal

10 11

12 9:45 a.m. Christian Education

10:45 a.m. Worship

Noon Missions Meeting

13

14 7:00 pm A&F

Meeting

15 7:00 pm Executive

Council

16 7:00 pm Choir

Rehearsal

17 18

19 9:45 a.m. Christian Education

10:45 a.m. Worship

11:30 a.m. Communications

Meeting

11:30 a.m. Deacons Meeting

20

21 22

23 7:00 pm Choir

Rehearsal

24 25

26 9:45 a.m. Christian Education

10:45 a.m. Worship

Noon Light Lunch

Annual Meeting

27 28 29 30 7:00 pm Choir

Rehearsal

31

January 2020

1 Annette Stefanini

6 Linda Devine

9 Jacob Gogan

11 Charlie Poole

11 Jubilee Rutherford

15 Walter Ross

15 Jason Rutherford

22 Phyllis Devine

24 Patrick Gogan

25 Naomi Stanley

27 Andrew Brown

29 Don Chute

29 Mayda Velazco

31 Lew Oxford

Notes: AA meets : Monday evenings at 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. in the Children’s Room Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at Noon in Reilly Hall

Hope Bible Baptist Church rents space Sundays 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

All calendar entries are subject to change January

Birthdays

It’s never too early to start thinking about what you will do for the 2020 Talent Show! This event is al-

ways a lot of fun but more importantly is one of the major fundraisers for the Levin/Chute Scholarship

Fund. Please think about sharing your talents (whatever they may be) or just being part of the audience.

More information in the February newsletter.

First Baptist Church in Framingham

1013 Worcester Road

PO Box 2415

Framingham, MA 01703

POSTING Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 26, 2020

Snowdate: Sunday, February 2

This is the posting for The First Baptist Church in

Framingham Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 26,

2020 following the morning worship service. The

purpose of this meeting shall be to receive the annual

report, elect officers and members of the Executive

Council and boards to replace those whose terms have

expired, to take action on the budget, and to transact

such other business that may come before it.

Marilyn W. Wakeman, Clerk