Continued on pg. 5

London named Bethlehem serving as a hospital became a city-run insane asy-lum. It was said that for a small admis-sion price, people could actually go there to heckle the inmates. It was one of the famous tourist attractions in the city! Over the years, Bethlehem, a hos-pital in London, a place of healing, be-came known as a place of chaos and confusion or ‘bedlam.’ I cannot help but wonder if our present culture has done the same thing to the message of Bethlehem celebrated dur-ing the Christmas season. According to the Scriptures, Bethlehem, the birth-place of Jesus Christ became a syno-nym for peace. After all, it was in the fields nearby that a heavenly host ‘appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.’

Even as we sing the carols and re-member the promise, for many of us, the Christmas celebration has become a time of ‘bedlam’ and not peace. There is a prophecy in Isaiah that may explain why… “But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall re-ceive from my hand: You will lie down in torment”. Isaiah 50:11 Could it be that we have provided for ourselves flaming torches, especially at Christmas time? Make a list of the things you feel you need to be able to say, “I had a great Christmas celebra-tion.” After a brief survey, here are some things I have heard over the years… bonus check, extravagant dec-

Volume 11 Issue 16 Nov/Dec 2017 A PUBLICATION OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HAMPTON FALLS, N.H.

White Spire

White Spire Nov-Dec 2017

Nov/Dec 2017

The

How ironic that the word ‘bedlam’ is itself a corruption of the word ‘Bethlehem.’ Bethlehem, the City of David, birth-place of Jesus, leaves most of us feeling peaceful. No doubt, the carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” has something to do with this. We sing, ‘O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by…’ The second verse continues the peace-ful thoughts, ‘For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love…” If you look up the word ‘bedlam,’ you will read the following— Word Origin and History for bedlam. n. "scene of mad confusion," 1660s, from colloquial pronunciation of "Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethle-hem" in London, founded 1247 as a priory, mentioned as a hospital 1330 and as a lunatic hospital 1402; converted to a state lunatic asylum on dissolution of the mon-asteries in 1547. In other words, a monastery in

From the Lead Pastor’s

Desk……

“FROM BETHLEHEM TO

BEDLAM” - Pastor Lawrence

STEVEN WHITE ORDAINED FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY Sunday, November 12th

Rev. Dale Edwards gives the charge to Pastor Steven.

Church Leadership Lay Hands on Pastor

Steven and Sarah

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White Spire Nov-Dec 2017

My mom loves to tell the story of my older brother who, when he was a child, had overheard my mom telling someone about how “old” she was getting and how “old” she felt. My brother, obviously disagreeing with her, re-sponded bluntly, “Mom, you’re not old. You’re new!” The new year 2018 is coming up soon. With a new year, as we like say, comes new expectations, new hopes, new dreams. But what do we even mean by the word “new” and when we wish each other a happy “new” year, what are we actually even wishing upon someone else? The New Testament actually uses two words that our English Bibles translate as “new.” The first word for “new” (Greek neos) describes something which is new “in time or origin.” For instance, in Matthew 9:17 Jesus talks about how no one puts “new” (in time or origin) wine into old wineskins. The point is that the wine is brand new wine that has just been made. This is often how we often talk about the new year – a new calendar year has arrived and thus a new time has come. It’s a new year, literally. Time has changed and a new origin has been initiated with a new year – 2018. But the second word for “new” that the New Testament writers use (Greek kainos) describes something that is new “in nature, something that is different from the usual, and better than the old.” For example, in John 13:34 Je-sus says “a new (better than the old) commandment I give to you, that you love one another.” This is not so much a brand new commandment in time or origin (the command-ment to love others had been given before in the Scrip-tures), but rather that now a radical reaffirmation is being given by Jesus that this new commandment is a much better commandment than the previous commandments

could ever be, ones that relied on the works of the law for salvation. The teaching of Jesus is to love each other, just as Jesus has loved us. To make sure we’re clear, let’s look at Matthew 9:17 again, because there both words for new are used (neos & kainos)! As we said earlier, Je-sus says not to put new wine into old wineskins. He says instead this: “But new (neos) wine is put into fresh (kainos) wineskins.” To state it again, brand “new in time” wine is put into “better than the old” wineskins. The point is this: it’s not so much the new year in terms of mere time that matters for us as we think ahead and resolve to be differ-ent in 2018. Rather, what really matters is that a “better than the old” kind of new comes for each of us in that “new” (time) year. And this is possible only in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new (kainos) creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new (kainos) has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) As you resolve to change in the next calendar year, and as you wish “Happy New Year!” to those around you, do so in the spirit of the kainos “new”, the “better than the old new.” Don’t get lost in change for the sake of change, or resolutions that sway you from the life Christ desires for you. Make your new year a year full of pledges to be “made new” and to be daily conformed more into the im-age of the One who ransomed you from the snares of this world. This is the kind of change that we all need daily, and that is assured and promised to be done in full one day for those who follow Jesus. “Behold I am making all things new kainos).” (Revelation 21:5

Happy “better than the old” Year! - Pastor Steven

A.C.T.S. fellowship

Christmas Luncheon

December 14, 2016 12:00 noon

Hampton Falls First Baptist Church

BRING A GUEST AND COME ENJOY A GREAT TIME! FOR ANYONE OVER 50!

ROAST BEEF AND ALL THE FIXINGS! All Provided!

FOOD, FUN, FELLOWSHIP & MUSIC PASTORAL HUMOR ~ DEVOTIONS

(Please sign up on the attendance register or the sign up sheet on the table on Dec. 10th.)

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White Spire Nov-Dec 2017

“Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord…” of-fered with sincerity of heart whether singing God’s truths audibly or inaudibly, is a beautiful offering of thanks to the Lord. What songs do we sing when we face times of uncertain-ty? It is good to sing songs reminding us what we be-lieve as followers of Jesus Christ. We believe that He is the One living and true God and He consists of three dis-tinct Persons: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit; that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Alone; the Bi-ble is the inerrant word of God; Jesus is fully God; and we believe in life eternal. Songs to sing include: In Christ Alone, This I Believe (The Creed), By Faith, And Can It Be That I Should Gain, Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, to name just a few. Two great texts to contemplate and keep close to our hearts include: “How Firm a Foundation” Verses 4-5 stating: “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee, I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. The soul that on Jesus still leans for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!” “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” Verse 1 declares: “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.” Verse 4: “That word above all earthly pow-ers, no thanks to them, abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours thro’ Him who with us sideth. Let goods and kin-dred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever!”

How is it possible to express thanks to the Lord when life’s circumstances drain our emotions, our physical stamina, and leave us feeling vulnerable to attacks from the evil one? Where do we turn and how do we keep clarity of thought amidst waves of uncertainty? The Apostle Paul slept on a cold stone floor, unjustly accused, shackled and alone in a Roman prison cell. He made a decision to utter words of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20) The Apostle Paul made a decision to be disciplined in expressing gratitude to the Lord daily. How easy it is for us to become unraveled upon receiving sad news about our own health or the health of a family member or friend, or news of a horrif-ic terror event. Once the shock of such news has been properly processed, we recognize that our life circumstances have changed but our foundation in Christ alone and the eternal hope we have in Him is solid and secure. The Lord God is unchanging. His word is secure. And our salvation is secure if we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Cultivating a spirit of daily thankfulness, whether in plenty or in want, helps us to sharpen our focus and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. Expressing grati-tude in times of suffering is a concept our present cul-ture does not emphasize or encourage. As Christians in today’s world, believing His Word and thanking Him for being with us as He has promised, in times of plen-ty and in times of trials and persecution, is indeed the secret to contentment. James stated, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1: 2-3).

Giving Thanks in Times of Uncertainty - Ellen Pond, Music Director

Would you give $1 if you knew

that it would help:

Prevent addiction by educating parents and youth Increase the number of beds available to

those struggling Improve current facilities Save someone's life

Give HOPE to a struggling family

Your $1 can help do all of this and so much more! Will you join thousands of others on De-

cember 3rd in the fight to end addiction? You can make a difference!

One Person - One Day - One Dollar

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White Spire Nov-Dec 2017

Women’s Ministry

Bible study: CSI (Care, Share, & Instruction) Bible study on Wednesday mornings will be starting a new study in the book of Matthew on No-vember 29. New women welcome! Contact Yvonne Van Goor with any questions: 686-3427

Christmas Craft Night: Friday, December 1, 6:30-8:30pm will be our annual Christmas craft night. It is a wonderful evening of fun & fellowship. It is the perfect opportunity to make a gift to give someone during the holiday season. This year we will feature the following crafts: Sign-up sheets will be available in the foyer starting on November 12. You will also see a display of the three craft options. Each one costs $10.00. Join in the fun! Any questions: Contact Carolyn O’Hara at 686-2094

Spring Overnight Retreat: April 13-14, 2018 will be our spring retreat at the Rolling Ridge Conference Center in North Andover, MA.

When: Friday 5:00pm thru Saturday 2:00pm

Guest speaker: Dr. Donna Petter from Gordon Conwell Seminary.

Cost options: single, double, or multi room. (approx. $130-$160) “Saturday only” option will also be available. (approx. $73.00)

Take a look at the beautiful grounds & location: www.rollingridge.org. Start planning now!

Our Church Serving the Community - Pastor Grant

Our church is involved once again with preparing meals for the Community Kitchen at Hampton Beach. The purpose is to serve the physical needs of the poor in our area, while shining a light on Christ and the Gospel. Two teams of about 8 people, provide a meal every other Tuesday from Oct -May. They serve about 35 meals, with “seconds,” each week. Our goal is to eventually take one night/ week.

How did we get started? I got a call from an area pastor who said that one of the churches was having difficulty staffing the night that they signed up for. We ended up putting together a “trial team” last year on four nights. This year we are doing the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and hope to add more nights in the future.

Why don’t people know about it? Because when I first announced it, I had such a great response, that I had to pull the announcement from the bulletin… we already had too many people signed up!

What if I want to serve? There really isn’t any more room (we are overloaded), but there are a number of other

ways to get involved in the community (OCC, Safe Families, Hospitality Committee, various other soup kitchens, food pan-

tries, rake leaves for seniors in the church, shovel when they get shut in). I do anticipate that as oth-er churches age out of serving that there may be more opportunities to serve next year and years after.

What is it like? The team has a great time serv-ing together! Everyone does their job and pitches in according to their own gifts.

Who runs it? Saint Vincent de Paul – Catholic Charity. It is mostly run by churches in the area, but some businesses sign up to take a night. The space is donated by a local property owner.

Who do I contact if I really want to help and don’t want to wait until next year? E-mail Christel Plencner at cbp53@comcast.net or Joyce Kearn at jfern1@comcast.net, and they can put you on a sub list.

Can we share the gospel? Of course! The goal, though is to practice hospitality and build relationships with the clients by striking up conversations, asking how we can pray for them, etc.

Hampton

Beach

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White Spire Nov-Dec 2017

“Bethlehem to Bedlam” Continued from pg. 1

orations inside and outside the house, presents (lots of them to give and get), several feasts with friends and family, days off, the right amount of snow, good health for all we know, and of course, being home for Christmas. Now, these things are all gifts from God, but they must not be listed as must haves for the sake of peace. The source of peace, of course, is the experience of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To require anything more may be the reason for our experience of bed-lam as we claim to focus on Bethlehem. .No wonder we ‘lie down in torment.’ After all, we have provided flaming torch-es for ourselves. The definition of Biblical peace is, ‘universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight’. It refers to a world where all things

The four-year old blue-eyed blonde sat on her stool at the Lilienthal's kitchen table, enjoying a snack of orange slices between giggles. "We're in love with her," David said, speaking of the winsome child grinning back at him. "We're definitely going to be in her life from now on…indefinitely, Lois added, drawing big smiles from the tot. The Lilienthals became temporary legal guardians of this dear little girl as a result of their involvement with SFFC (Safe Families For Children), a network of com-passionate volunteers who host vulnerable children on a short term basis, providing safe homes in family crisis. Lois joined a small group of women last January after hearing Cindy Thomas, a CSI guest speaker, explained how this national movement helps local churches partner with regional offices of Bethany Christian Services (no relation to Rye Bethany Church) to extend community support to families with short term needs. Host families offer their homes at their discretion and can put a time limit on their involvement. The length of a child's stay in NH ranges from a few days to a month, depending on the situation. Guardianship, if warranted, is possible with parental permission. If per-mission is not granted, the child would go to foster care. (DCYF) Host families undergo background checks, train-ing and home studies. This is not foster care, and there is no financial compensation. Host families are committed to keeping children safe and together with their families. In the past, Lois had wanted to do foster care, but David was against it because he thought it was wrong for them at the time. When this opportunity came along, Lois was very interested in knowing more about SFFC. David resisted. But, after attending a Safe Families meeting, admitted "It seemed like it could work." They committed their decision to prayer, and soon had completed the re-quired training, paperwork, finger printing, home safety inspection etc.

are ordered in the way they ought to be. This order is re-alized because Jesus Christ makes it so! The incarnation of Jesus Christ, His perfect life, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection makes it possible to know peace and order instead of torment and bedlam. When and if you sense bedlam this Christmas, I urge you to examine why. Perhaps you need to return to Bethle-hem and review the message proclaimed there. Priorities matter! Because He came, one day soon, He will come and restore all things to be the way they ought to be. Bedlam will be done. PEACE WILL BE REALIZED!

One Friday in July, Lois was home alone. She prayed that the Lord would show her what she should do with her life; whether or not she should get a job, or just what was right for her. David drove Lois to camp on the weekend, but had to drive home on Monday to go to work. That day Cin-dy Thomas called to get David's signature on one more form, and to tell him a four year old girl was available, who needed a host home immediately. Were they interested? David called Lois to see if she thought they should take this

child. A quick "yes" opened their door to a dimpled darling with a ready smile, who needed a “just for now” home. The sudden addition of a youngster in their home changed things dramatically, especially for David. "I never had a little kid around the house," he said. "When I married Lois, her daughters were 12 and 14." (David adopted Lois’ daughters.) But it's obvious this child has added a new dimension of love to their household, and their grandchildren

find great delight while visiting for playtime with her. David and Lois are positively impacting this young life, teaching her the do's and don'ts of proper living, providing regular contact with her mother, and giving her a strong foundation in Christ. Lois wasted no time before sharing her faith, introducing Jesus to eager ears and an open heart. She is already memorizing Scripture and loves being with the other children at church. At a recent meal with friends, she spoke up when one of the adults started eating before the grace was said. Lois suggested she say the grace, and she did. (Isaiah 11:6) David and Lois know it will be hard to give her up, but add, "We're invested; can't just walk away. Over all, we have been blessed by that little girl. She's helping us to be better Christians." If you have a place in your home and your heart for helping children, and would like to know more about SFFC, call Ingrid Nicholson at 603-918-3608.

LITTLE BLONDE BLESSING by Elaine B. Winn

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CHAT SURVEY

In September, we invited members and attenders to go online in order to answer survey questions prepared by Leader-ship Transformations intended to affirm areas of strengths and weaknesses in our church. There were ten characteristics of a healthy church that were evaluated. There were no real surprises. We thought you would like to know how we came out regarding each of the ten characteristics noted. If you would like a more survey results, you will find copies on the table in the lobby.

SUMMARY OF THE COLLECTED DATA Congregation and Leadership Team responses are compared side by side. The following graph shows the mean responses to the question, "Overall, how effective are we at living out [this charac-teristic] in our church?" which was asked at the end of each characteristic section.

AREAS IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT FOR OUR CHURCH Keep in mind that each participant was asked to choose three characteristics. The following graph shows that for each characteristic, X% of the respondents chose that trait as one of their top three selections The 10 Characteristics

1. GEP-God's Empowering Presence

2. GEW-God-Exalting Worship

3. SD-Spiritual Disciplines

4. LGC-Learning & Growing in the Community

5. LCR-Loving & Caring Relationships

6. SLD-Servant-Leadership Development

7. OF-An Outward Focus

8. WAA-Wise Administration & Accountability

9. NBC-Networking with the Body of Christ 10. SG-Stewardship & Generosity

The 10 Characteristics

1. GEP-God's Empowering Presence

2. GEW-God-Exalting Worship

3. SD-Spiritual Disciplines

4. LGC-Learning & Growing in the Community

5. LCR-Loving & Caring Relationships

6. SLD-Servant-Leadership Development

7. OF-An Outward Focus

8. WAA-Wise Administration & Accountability

9. NBC-Networking with the Body of Christ

10. SG-Stewardship & Generosity

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All Church

Annual Advent Night And Chili & Chowder Supper!

Sunday, December 3, 6:00 p.m.

Join your church family to celebrate the beginning

of Advent!

Advent Wreath making

Chili/Chowder Supper

Games, Prizes & Surprises!

Candlelighting &

Carols

This is a wonderful way for you to start the Advent season with your church fami-ly. Everyone - from the very young, to the “young at heart”- is encouraged to join us as we celebrate this time together. Please fill out the form and place in the box marked, “Advent Night,” on the table in the foyer, or place in the offering plate.

This year, December 24th

is on a Sunday. Sunday Morning, we are planning to have two worship services at their usual time, 9:15 AM and 10:45 AM.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Make plans to attend our church on Christmas Eve. We are hoping you will choose to

attend the service that best fits your interests and needs.

5:00 PM CHILDREN’S SERVICE This service is designed for parents with young children. There will be a time of con-

gregational singing of some Christmas carols followed by a Christmas Pageant. Pas-tor Ken will share a special Christmas homily.

6:30 PM CHRISTMAS WORSHIP

This service will be a formal celebration of the birth of Christ. It will include several congregational carols, several numbers by the sanctuary choir, the bell choir, Scrip-ture readings and a Christmas homily from Pastor Ken.

8:15 PM CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP

This service will be in candlelight and is intended to be more meditative in atmosphere. It will include solos, ensembles, Scripture readings, and a Christmas homily followed

by a season of caroling in candlelight.

Name _______________________________ # Attending _____________ Phone ___________ Please let us know what you would like to bring: Crock pot of chili ____Crock pot of chowder _____ Cornbread ______Christmas Cookies _________

You may also sign up on the attendance pad ...just write your name, number attending and, if bringing food, what you would like to provide.

ADVENT WREATHS I would like to make an Advent Wreath(s) _______ (Please put how many, so we can order enough supplies....cost $15. (Includes oasis wreath forms, greens, & candle holders.)

Please bring shears and candles. If anyone has any holly, pine, berries, etc., please bring them along.

WREATH MAKING WILL BEGIN AT 5:15 P.M.

Non-Profit Org.

Postage Paid

Hampton Falls, NH 03844

Permit #2

3 Lincoln Avenue

Hamption Falls, NH 93844

White Spire Nov-Dec 2016

Non-Profit Org.

Postage Paid

Hampton Falls, NH 03844

Permit #2

3 Lincoln Avenue

Hampton Falls, NH 03844