The Star

First Baptist Church 3033 SW MacVicar Ave Topeka, Kansas 66611-1811 www.firstbaptisttopeka.org 785.267.0380 | email@firstbaptisttopeka.org

Staff & Volunteers Cheryl Henson, Senior Pastor Corey Fields, Associate Pastor Laura Cassidy-Moffatt, Associate Pastor Janet Crowl, Director of Senior Adult Ministries Robyn Aeschliman, Director of Faith Forest Joe Barnes, Building Superintendent Will Kubie, Organist/Pianist Rick Kready, Director of Chancel Choir Pam DeFries, Chancel Choir Pianist Boopesh Kumar, Director of CCLC Steve Martin, Custodian Kay Renyer, Director of Day Care Verlee Sanneman, Office Manager

May 2016

Sunday, May 1 - 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Gage Park Big Shelter House

This is for all ages!

Bring a side dish to share. Hot dogs, dessert, tableware, and beverages will be furnished.

This is sponsored by the Outreach/Recreation and Adult Education Committees for you to invite your unchurched friends or neighbors to the picnic!

Pastor on Call Schedule (Friday-Sunday)

All pastors have Fridays off, please call the church office, 267-0380, if you have a need.

Page 2 First Baptist Church May 2016

Apr. 29-May 1 - Pastor Janet, 272-3072

May 6-8 - Pastor Laura, 1508-641-1681

May 13-15 - Pastor Corey, 379-3852

May 20-22 - Pastor Cheryl, 338-2161

May 27-29 - Pastor Corey, 379-3852

Bethel Receives a Challenge Bethel Neighborhood Center in Kansas City has been challenged with a matching grant by the Mabee Foundation to raise $250,000 for their capital campaign by December 31, 2016. Bethel opened its doors on April 1, 1911, as a mission center of the Women’s Baptist Home Mission Society, which is now known as the ABW ministries. Although the neighborhood has changed since 1911 the mission remains the same: to provide people with the love and support they desperately need. Their programs and services include: after school and summer youth enrichment programs, senior programs, food pantry, healthy lifestyles, refugee assistance, ESL/Citizenship classes, community meals and worship, and a community garden. Here are a few facts about the Bethel Neighborhood Center:

The county Bethel serves is one of the 10 poorest in America

More than 10,000 children and their families receive services annually

The composition of their youth program is 70% Hispanic, 20% Asian, 5% Caucasian, 3% African-American, and 2% other

Bethel receives local and national volunteer support

The staff speaks more than 10 languages

If your Sunday School class, small group or you yourself wish to help Bethel receive this matching grant from Mabee, please make your check payable to FBC and write Bethel on the memo line of the check and place it in the offering plate or mail it to the church office.

Every Day Deserves a Chance By Cheryl Henson, Senior Pastor

E very Thursday at noon members of our church, most of whom are age 55 and over, gather for a potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall. They have

been doing this for years. Many of those years the event was on Tuesday, and only within the last few years have we changed it to Thursdays. We meet from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. and in that short period of time we manage to eat a great meal, sing a couple of songs, say a few prayers, hear a short devotion, and share with one another around the table. For the next few weeks the devotions will come from a book by Christian author and Pastor Max Lucado, titled “Give Everyday a Chance.” In chapter one, Max writes, “Days are the bite-sized portions of life: Eighty-four thousand heartbeats, one thousand four hundred and forty minutes, a complete rotation of the earth, both a sunrise and a sunset, a brand- spanking-new, unsoiled, untouched, uncharted, and unused day! A gift of twenty-four unlived, unexplored hours. And if you can stack one good day on another and another, you will link together a good life.” The psalmist put it this way, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Do you hear the resolve, the decision the psalmist made? He/she decided that whatever came his/her way during the day there would still be rejoicing. Why? Because God made this day. God gave us this day and He has a plan for it and for us. Years ago, one of the student churches I served had a young mother with a beautiful voice who loved to sing special music. Almost every time she sang, it was the song, “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus.” It was always very moving and meaningful because the congregation looked on her six small children lined up in a row in the pew and knew she sang the words from her heart. Why not give your day to Jesus and know that each day deserves a chance! Join us on Thursdays at noon in the Fellowship Hall if you want to hear more from the book.

Topeka JUMP will be moving their offices to the former Winsome classroom on May 2. Their Director is Shanae’ Elem and Assistant Director is Elisabet Barrios. There is a formal lease, and this move was discussed and approved by the Property Committee and

Board of Ministries.

Prayer Rally

Thursday, April 28

Noon to 1 p.m.

State Capitol

South Steps

Please remember in your prayers: Liz Beutler; Sharon DeVore; Carl Golden; Booklyn Hoskins (Rev. Art & Karen Campbell’s granddaughter); Delanna Halkins (Terri Hurley-Owen’s neice); Mary Johnson; Kenny Knox (Jim & Letha Zahourek’s nephew); Sandy Milligan; Betty Joe Morris; Brenda Nichols (Stan Brown’s daughter); Shawn Parcells (Bill & Pat Parcells’ son); Vivian Pitts; Donna Rankin (Barb Norman’s sister); Merlene Rogers; Helen Satzler; Don Spring; Rick Willoughby; their caretakers; and our homebound members. Note: Care Committee is requesting the congregation to remember

and pray for FBC-Topeka whether it be at work or at home.

May 2016 First Baptist Church Page 3

First Baptist’s Financial Report

Comparison of our actual tithes and offerings and what our operating budget requires each week. Amount Received ......... Amount Needed March 27 ................ $ 5,701 ....................... $ 10,941 April 3 .................... 14,832 ....................... 10,941 April 10 .................... 9,068 ...................... 10,941 April 17 .................... 6,123 ...................... 10,941 Year-to-date deficit at the end March: .... ($22,082.93) Easter Offering ............................................ $ 1,010.00

HIGH SCHOOL

Sara N. Coen - Topeka West Will Winkleman - Topeka West

MILITARY

Jackson Mossman Boot Camp

United States Marine Corps

COLLEGE

Regan Aeschliman Bachelor of Arts - History & English

Ottawa University

Krystal Harry Bachelor of Music - Education

Washburn University

Will Kubie Bachelor of Music - Organ Performance

Washburn University

Thomas R. Mossman Bachelor of Science - Law Enforcement

Minnesota State University

Kristi Renyer Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

University of Central Missouri

Alexandra Schafer Bachelor of Arts - English

Washburn University

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Laura Cassidy-Moffatt Doctorate of Ministry

Bethel Seminary

Hannah Norman Doctorate of Jurisprudence

Washburn University

Congratulations!

Our 2016 Graduates will be

recognized on May 15.

We Welcome these Volunteers— Kathy Ogle is now our new Financial Secretary, and Sharon Harry is our new Memorial Secretary. We thank Theresa Hodges who previously served as Financial Secretary, and Jan Holley, who previously served as Memorial Secretary, for their dedication and service to First Baptist-Topeka.

Dinner & a Movie Saturday, May 7, 5:30 p.m. RSVPs to Nancy Fleeker-Daniels, 640-2767

Summer

Sermon Series

“Rock of Ages”

begins May 29.

Page 4 First Baptist Church May 2016

Note: The office received several calls and notes from our homebound folks who expressed their appreciation for being remembered at Easter with a lily. Several of them commented how the lily brightened up their living room. I want to thank the Berean Sunday School class for the lovely valentine I received.

— Charlotte Galloway

Rev. Dr. Cheryl and the congregation, Thank you so much for the games you gave to Whitson Elementary School! The staff and students were so excited to play! The classes LOVED having something new to do in their rooms! We appreciate everything you do for our school. Thank you all for donating. We truly appreciate everything!

— Mallory Jacobs, School Counselor

Thank you most of all for your prayers. The times of fear and anxiety and pain diminished quickly as I felt a sense of inner peace and confidence. Being surrounded by sincere prayer is an incredible experience. Thanks for the bouquet of fresh flowers delivered by Pam DeFries. I especially enjoyed as a reminder you all were still with me as I was to go back to the hospital the next day to prepare for the second surgery, the more painful one. I am doing very well thank you for your prayers.

— Judy Burget (Former Child Care Director at First Baptist)

Let the Good Times Roll! By Janet Crowl, Director of Senior Adult Ministries

L ast night I sat at a table at the Blind Tiger restaurant and felt warm and happy. Thirty-two “Seniors Having Fun” gathered there and all had good food

and a good time. As I looked around the table and listened to the conversations and the laughter, I was reminded of family reunions as a kid. My dad was one of 15 children (two died very early), but I grew up knowing all 12 of his brothers and sisters and all 50 plus of my cousins. We had a family reunion every year. I was a watcher, and still am in many ways, even though nobody believes me when I say that I am a wallflower at heart. We always had an enormous amount of food with anticipation of certain favorites at each gathering. There were softball games, hog calling contests which my dad won one year, watermelon seed spitting, swimming, singing, and so much more. We had great times. Isn’t it interesting how a sound or a smell can take us on journeys into the past that affect our emotions and memories? Author Thomas Morell once wrote, “The first great gift we can bestow on others is a good example.” I had great Godly examples growing up. My grandparents were examples of strong Christian convictions. I remember one reunion when I was about 10, I realized just how much everyone truly loved one another. Thirteen children growing up in a small farm house where no one had privacy, several shared beds or slept on the floor, and hard work was a given for all of them, yet somehow they loved and respected each other while teasing the heck out of one another. I loved hearing their stories and laughing with the family. Some are in Heaven now, my dad included, but I have one aunt who just celebrated her 101st birthday. She still sends me letters of encouragement now and then, out of all those people, we connected somehow. Last night, I realized what a great family we have here at FBC. My senior (55 and over) family, while some are not totally new to me, are welcoming me into their excitement for life, fun and adventure. I am having so much fun with my family laughing, sharing, and adding new dimensions of adventures. I am not so much a wallflower anymore (that continues to be hard work) but, what a joy to know I am a part of the family of God that wants to Love God and Have Fun. Oh…please come join us! You are an important part of the family! Until next time…. Upcoming “Seniors Having Fun” events: May 5 – Annette Jackson, Jackson’s Greenhouse following potluck luncheon in the Fellowship Hall May 10 – 10:00 a.m. tour of the KBI building & lunch at Henry’s BBQ Grill at Topeka Harley Davidson, RSVP by May 9 June 14 – Tour of State Capitol bldg., 1:00 p.m., RSVP June 23 – Jim and Carol Beck, woodworking demonstration following potluck luncheon in the Fellowship Hall

Children’s Sunday is May 1

Our children will lead worship and the children’s choir will perform

during the 10:45 a.m. service.

You won’t want to miss it!

— SAVE THE DATE —

Cornerstone Christian School from Las Vegas, Nevada

will perform in concert on June 29

Location and time to be determined. Fred & Katie Loseke’s nephew Bryan Chism is

their vocal instructor. They will also be performing in Hutchinson and Wichita.

1 Children's Sunday 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 Mother's Day 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 Graduation Sunday 16 17 18 19 20 21

5:15 pm War Room study (young adults)

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

5:15 pm War Room study (young adults)

29 Sox Sunday 30 Memorial Day 31 May 10 - Committee Mtgs.Office & Day Care closed.

6:30 pm Outreach, Adult Ed, & Recreation

5 pm Family Picnic in the Park,

4 pm Youth 10:45 am Common Ground

8:30 am Traditional Worship

12Noon Fellowship Lunch, F.H.

~ May 2015 ~Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9:30 am ConneXion Gathering 1 pm Women's Bible study 9:30 am All Staff mtg. 6:30 pm Scouts 1 pm Senior Adult Program w/ 5 pm Badminton, gym6:45 am Men's Breakfast 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 12Noon Fellowship Lunch, F.H. 8 am ROMEOs 5:30 p.m. Dinner & a Movie, F. H.9 am Professional Staff mtg.8:30 am Traditional Worship

9 am Professional Staff mtg. 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 12Noon Fellowship Lunch, F.H. 8 am ROMEOs 11 am Private Party, F. H.

Gage Park Big Shelter House

9:15 am Faith Forest 5 pm Badminton, gym 5:30 pm Staff Relations Annette Jackson from

5:30 pm Day Care Mtg.

9:30 am ConneXion Gathering 1 pm Women's Bible study 10 am KBI Tour w/Lunch, RSVP 5:30 pm Care mtg. 7 pm Chancel Choir 5 pm Badminton, gym

9:30 am All Staff mtg.9:15 am Faith Forest 5 pm Badminton, gym Senior Adults only 6:30 pm Scouts 5 pm Private Party, F. H.

6:30 pm Scouts

9:30 am Adult Sunday School

6 pm Committee Mtgs.*10:45 am Common Ground

9:30 am ConneXion Gathering 1 pm Women's Bible study 9:30 am All Staff mtg. 1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 5 pm Badminton, gym

9:30 am ConneXion Gathering 1 pm Women's Bible study 9:30 am All Staff mtg. 7 pm Board of Ministries 7 pm Chancel Choir 5 pm Badminton, gym8:30 am Traditional Worship 9 am Professional Staff mtg. 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 8 am ROMEOs1-3 pm Pickleball, gym 12Noon Fellowship Lunch, F.H.

8 am ROMEOs

8:30 am Traditional Worship 9 am Professional Staff mtg. 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 9 am White Cross

7 pm Foundation

9:15 am Faith Forest 6:45 am Men's Breakfast 6 pm Worship9:30 am Adult Sunday School

Service10:45 am Combined Worship

9:30 am All Staff mtg.6:30 pm Property7:00 pm Finance

7:15 pm Risk Management

There are no 8:30 or 9:30 a.m.

10:45 am Common Ground

Worship Services

9:15 am Faith Forest 5 pm Badminton, gym

5 pm Badminton, gym

9:30 am Adult Sunday School10:45 am Common Ground

6:30 pm Scouts7 pm Briarwood Neighb'd Mtg. 6 pm Ladies Spring Banquet

9:30 am Sunday School Jackson's Greenhouse

9:30 am Adult Sunday School6:30 pm Scouts

9:15 am Faith Forest 6 pm Children's Ed Mtg.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BOARD OF MINISTRIES Minutes for March 16, 2016

Members Attending: Robyn Aeschliman, Deane Burgess, Whitney Casement, Janet Crowl, Laura Cassidy-Moffatt, Shirley Davis, Pam DeFries, Rachel Ebert, Corey Fields, David Harrison, Cheryl Henson, Bill Kelly, Joan Kerchner, Ginny Peters, Sandy Shofner, and Dennis Slimmer. At 7:00 p.m. Pam DeFries opened the meeting. Joan Kerchner gave a devotional focused on the fact that God is all around us and He will direct us. She made reference to a book entitled “Experiencing God.” God never gives us on us. Joan led in prayer. Action Items Approval of 02/17/2016 meeting minutes. Financial report: David Harrison reported that budget receipts year-to-date was $80,748.25 and expenses were $86,921.48. Net income for January was $1,750.97 less than the expenses resulting in a negative balance of $6,173.23. David discussed several paper trail changes to the finance report that needed to be taken care of. He also reported that Kathy Ross and Fred Loseke have agreed to perform the audit. Old Business Sidewalk repair: Dave Harrison gave an update on the sidewalk. Joe Barnes met with Schreiner; however, the date has not been established on when to begin repair. Area to be repaired is on the west side around the steps and the sidewalk from kitchen to CCLC. Money for repair will come from the Memorial Fund and capital improvements. Review of BOM February Retreat: Everyone enjoyed the BOM retreat and expressed thanks to Pam DeFries in her work setting up the meeting. New Business Finance Committee reported that Theresa Hodges, Financial Secretary, has resigned. Theresa will continue to serve until someone is found to accept this position. Property Committee presented a draft of the Policies and Procedures for Use of Facilities and Equipment at First Baptist Church Topeka. It was noted that there was a substantial change in the fee schedule. A third column was added for non-profit. Property and Finance Committees looked this over and it is being brought to the Board of Ministry for approval. Property Committee proposes that the Policies and Procedures be accepted and Finance supports that. Motion approved. Area Reports Outreach: There was a joint meeting of Outreach and Recreation Areas. It was decided that Outreach and Recreation Areas would meet together on the 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Seekers classroom for the time being. The America for Christ offering is being received in March. Discussion will be held during the Areas’ April meeting regarding possibly having a tailgating party at one of the Topeka baseball games and possibly look at attending a Roadrunners hockey game in the fall. Care: The Care Area reported that they need someone to pick up Carolyn Mossman for Sunday School and Church on the 1st Sunday of each month. Staff Reports Cheryl Henson reported that Lenten lunches have gone well and Wednesday family night is off to a great start. Cheryl expressed her appreciation to everyone for their prayers, visits, cards, flowers and phone calls during her recovery from knee replacement surgery. Corey Fields discussed the Upward season and the need for church members to be aware that there are a number of families coming to our Church for this program. Many are unchurched and it is an opportunity for members of our congregation to become acquainted with families, develop relationships with them and invite them to Church. Corey also reminded everyone of the JUMP rally on April 5th at Mother Teresa Catholic Parish and then on Tuesday, April 26th, 7:00 p.m. there will be a Nehemiah Action Assembly at the Ramada Inn for all Church members. At 8:15 p.m., with no further business, Pam DeFries closed the meeting with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Shirley Davis, Acting Clerk

Ladies Spring Banquet Tuesday, May 3 at 6 p.m.

Fellowship Hall Deadline to purchase tickets is

Monday, April 25. Cost: $7.50 per

adult, $3 per child, ages 3-11. Please

make childcare reservations when

you purchase your tickets.

May 2016 First Baptist Church Page 11

The Good Kind of Busy By Laura Cassidy-Moffatt, Associate Pastor

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the

proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all

people, especially to those who belong to the family of

believers. Galatians 6:9-10

A pril, May, June, and July are shaping up to be busy months at First Baptist for youth and kids’ ministries. In April, the youth hosted a spaghetti

luncheon fundraiser, in which we raised over $400 towards our Green Lake trip. Thank you for your generosity! We then hosted a youth Lock-In (April 15-16) at which youth from Gage Park and Westside Baptist churches joined us. We had 24 students who played games, shared worship, had Bible study at midnight, watched movies, stayed up all night, and enjoyed one another’s company. The devotional focus was the fact that we are chosen by God and that he loves us unconditionally. We had great discussions and a blessing to watch the students relate to one another. As they left on Saturday morning, they said, “We’ll see you at Green Lake!” (July 16th-23rd). Our church will be sending 10 students to Green Lake. We appreciate your prayers in advance of our trip! The families of Faith Forest will meet on Friday, April 22, at the Southwest YMCA for swimming and fellowship. Our younger students have been preparing for Children’s Sunday on May 1 and their spring musical, “100% Chance of Rain” on June 12. Joan Kerchner continues to work with the youth hand bell choir, Will Kubie and Krystal Harry are working with the children’s choir. Pam DeFries is leading the musical preparations with Janice Hedberg as accompanist. In Faith Forest the children have been working on the story of Solomon building the temple. It is so wonderful to watch them engage with the story in creative ways. The teachers and volunteers are so gifted- our church is truly blessed! We are gearing up for two VBS dates: Saturday, June 18th, at Kristy Henson’s house, and Saturday, July 30th, at Terra Heights Baptist Church. Volunteers are needed for both dates. If you see me looking a little tired, you will understand why. But I tell people, “it’s the good kind of tired”, the kind of tired that comes from “doing good” (see Galatians 6 above); and watching God’s Spirit moving and active in this place with the students of all ages. It is a blessing.

We will again be having Summer Fest from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Sunday mornings in the Parlor beginning May 29. If your Sunday School, small group, or committee would like to be a host, please contact the church office. Our ever-popular “Guac-Off” contest is scheduled for

Special Music this Summer If you or smoneone you know would be willing to share their musical talent with us during worship this summer, please contact Pam DeFries, 478-4573 or pdefries@cox.net.

Mary Gauger, wife of former pastor Rev. Dr. Randy Gauger, will be celebrating her 70th birthday on April 30. If you are interested in sending her birthday greetings, please mail them to 2186 Waterbury Ln E, Sycamore, IL 60178, or email is rjgmbg67@outlook.com, or on Facebook at Mary Kane Gauger.

Congratulations to Psalm! Psalm “Sam” Babiera has received a national gold medal in the Scholastic Art and Writing contest. She has been invited to the awards ceremony in Carnegie Hall in New York on June 1. Sam received a Gold Key award, which means she placed in the top 5-7% of applicants. Her’s was a science fiction/fantasy story about life in the year 2045. Sam is a 7th grader at Jardine Middle School.

Page 12 First Baptist Church May 2016

Children’s Musical

“100% Chance of Rain”

Sun., June 12 @ 3 p.m. The musical is about Noah and the ark. Besides the children, those involved include: Beth Hanes, Matt Harader, Krystal Harry, Janice Hedberg, Kathy Ogle, Bill Parcells, Angie Wahweotten, and James Williamson. Director Pam DeFries is looking for someone to play bass guitar, and run sound and lights. If you would to volunteer, please contact Pam at 478-4573.

Foundation Minute By Melinda Schoemaker, Trustee

A s a new member to the FBC Foundation Board of Trustees I must admit I was not entirely sure what this board’s purpose or duties entailed. I

knew I would be partially responsible for the Silent Auction Gala, and I very much looked forward to serving in this capacity. However, after attending the Board’s meetings I soon realized how hard these members work to ensure funds are managed well, and the intent of the donated funds is upheld to the fullest. Initially I had some basic questions, such as: the connection between the church operating budget and the various foundation funds, or how restricted and unrestricted gifts are used, and who oversees these distributions? Perhaps you also have questions such as these and we would welcome the opportunity in the coming months to feature your question anonymously in the Star newsletter along with our response. Chances are if you are wanting the answer, others in the congregation are as well. You may make your question(s) known by any of these methods:

Ask any Foundation board members Contact the church office, 267-0380 or

email@firstbaptisttopeka.org, who will forward your question to the Foundation

Place your question(s) in the offering plate on Sunday mornings

Board members include: Jillinda Ansell, Jack Eakins, Gale DeVore, Jane Kelly, Bill Ogle, Fred Loseke, Melinda Schoemaker, Gary Smith and Harold Wolgast. I Timothy 3:1-2(a) “…If anyone set his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach…”

Mother’s Day Mission Project

Help a mother in need!

Donate diapers or baby wipes for the Baby Closet program at West Side Baptist Church in Topeka. Need: Diapers in sizes 4 and 5, and baby wipes Please drop them off in our church office, and we will deliver the items to West Side Baptist.

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, June 1 @ 6 p.m. - Fellowship Hall

All ages are welcome.

May 2016 First Baptist Church Page 13

Dear FBC Family, It was my pleasure to serve as your Interim Pastor (2008-2009) and because of that relationship many of you became my friends and supporters. I value that friendship. I wish to let you know that I am to be married to a wonderful lady, Terri Weber, on May 21, 2016, 2:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, KS. Please let this letter serve as an invitation to you to attend the wedding and the reception. Terri and I will need an RSVP from you addressed to Terri at: terrimweber@sunflower.com if you plan to attend and also the number of people who will be coming with you. It is our hope that you will be able to be with us to celebrate this joyous occasion together. Sincerely, Pastor Paul Stevens (No gifts, please. Cards may be sent to 2205 Riviera Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-1990.)

Things I Learned During My Search By Corey Fields, Associate Pastor

A s you hopefully know by now, I have accepted a call to be the Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Newark, DE. This was not

an easy decision. Dayna and I have had an amazing 10 years here in Topeka that we will always cherish and will look back on as some of the best years of our lives. Calvary is an ethnically diverse downtown church in the backyard of the University of Delaware which is very mission-oriented and has embraced multiple worship styles. Of course, it is also within driving distance of our families. When I share of all of this, it has seemed clear to most people why we’re making this big move to the east coast. But hidden behind this end result is a very long search process that was often confusing and trying. I’d like to share some things that this search process taught me. FBC Topeka is a great church with quality leadership. I reviewed many church profiles, interviewed with close to a dozen search committees, and talked to ABC staff in several regions. I’m sorry to say that the state of many ABC churches is not encouraging. It has served to strongly reinforce the fact that FBC Topeka is a quality, well-resourced congregation that is blessed with experienced leadership and opportunities for ministry that others envy. FBC must capitalize on these opportunities and resist the temptation to be derailed by things that have spelled the downfall of so many other churches, like desiring to return to the past or turning inward to focus on self-preservation. The value of connections. I consider myself extremely fortunate in the connections I’ve been able to make and the great leaders with whom I’ve rubbed shoulders. These people were invaluable in my search process as guides, mentors, and references. But I have also learned that there are many people who lack these connections and don’t have family, friends and colleagues they can count on (go to http://bit.ly/going-to-bat to read a recent column about this). I hope that FBC will continue its great legacy of mentoring young people and affording opportunities to serve to people who may not feel significant.

How easy it can be to turn a blind eye to red flags. This search process reminded me that none of us are immune from the human tendency to ignore or justify inconvenient truths when a need is being met. I went fairly far along in some conversations with churches that would have been the wrong place for me but had one large positive that made me put on blinders to other negative factors. It was a good illustration of how important it is to listen for God, listen to others, and depend on the people who know us best to help us see the big picture. Be it a job, a relationship, or other decisions in life, it is so very easy to get tangled up in unhealthy situations when we want one particular thing and don’t consider all relevant factors. I am deeply indebted to this church for all that you’ve done for me and taught me. Your prayers and encouragement have made my ministry here a blessing. FBC is a church that has always moved forward and has been on the cutting edge of ministry. It’s what first attracted me here, and it’s what I have faith you will continue when I’m gone. Editor’s Note: A farewell lunch for Pastor Corey and his family will be held June 5 following the 10:45 a.m. worship service. Cards and letters of appreciation received in the church office by May 22 will be included in a memory scrapbook. If you wish to donate to a love gift offering for Pastor Corey, please write Fields on the memo line of your check.

First Baptist Church

3033 SW MacVicar Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66611-1811 785.267.0380 785.267.9148 (fax) www.firstbaptisttopeka.org email@firstbaptisttopeka.org

POSTMASTER: Send address Changes to The First Baptist Star, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave. Topeka, KS 66611-1811

The sunrise photo on the cover was taken by Whitney Casement.

The FIRST BAPTIST STAR (USPS: 194-960) is published monthly for $25.00 per year by the First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66611-1811. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, Kansas.

Periodicals Postage Paid At

Topeka, Kansas

Note: Dated Material Enclosed

April 26 — Nehemiah Action Assembly, Ramada Inn, 7 pm

April 27-28 — Senior Adult Retreat, Cross Wind

May 1 — Children’s Sunday, children perform at 10:45 am

May 1 — Family Picnic, Gage Park, 5 pm

May 3 — Ladies Spring Banquet, 5:30 p.m., F. H.

May 7 — Dinner and a Movie, 5:30 p.m., F. H., RSVP

June 1 — Game Night for all ages, F. H.

June 12 — Children’s Musical, 3 p.m., gym

June 18 — VBS, K. Henson’s home, 9 a.m.

June 29 — Cornerstone Christian School Concert

July 14 — Tailgating at the TrainRobbers baseball game

July 16-23 — Quest Camp at Green Lake

July 30 — VBS, Terra Hts. Baptist neighborhood, 9 a.m.

Up

co

min

g D

ate

s

Sox for a Cause This summer we will be collecting brand new socks for the Topeka Rescue Mission. They can be for either men, women, or children. We are colleting them on May 29 and September 18. These dates were selected because that is when either the White Sox or the Red Sox will be playing the KC Royals in Kansas City. In September we will be donating all of the socks to the Topeka Rescue Mission.

Sponsored by our Outreach/Recreation Committee

Memorial Weekend

Sunday Morning Schedule for May 29

9:15 a.m. Faith Forest, check-in 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for adults - Please attend your respective classes. 10:45 a.m. Combined Worship, sanctuary Please note there is only one worship service.