EMMETT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
October 2020
Discover Christ's Transforming Love
126 S. Hayes Ave. Emmett, Idaho 83617
Lance Zagaris, Pastor
Pam Hodges, Worship Director
A Word From the Pastor
1 In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. 2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. 3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” 4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. 5 The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. 6 On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. 7 For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. (Psalm 11:1-7)
Dearly Beloved,
In Psalm 11, David reveals his unshakable trust in the LORD amidst troubling, unnerving days! When the foundations around them are being shaken and torn down (3), when the wicked opponents “sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows… (to) ambush… the innocent man” (Ps. 64:3-4), “the upright in heart” (Ps.11:2), when the fearful around him advise him to flee like a bird to the hills in safety, (1), David responds, “In the LORD I take refuge” (1)! When the bedrock values of what made your country strong and successful are being attacked and eroded, the righteous are not helpless or hopeless! “The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; His eyes examine them” (4)! Even though great trials are shaking up the lives of God’s people, God is still in control of human history and the direction our lives are taking. He is not caught by surprise. He is very aware of who is wicked and who is upright. He knows who is deceitful and resorts to slander and false accusations and who seeks to live righteously before God and men. David is convinced that people and life’s events will be properly examined and taken care of in His courtroom and timing. He believes the LORD’s soul hates the wicked and those who love violence (5). They will be judged by the LORD, for the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; upright men will see His face” (6-7)!
When life is unfair, God sees what others may not see, and because He is still King and Righteous Judge, He will straighten it all out and bring about true justice. Trust Him with confidence and courage! Let your relationship with Him be your protection, your safety net! The safest place for us to be is in the LORD’s hands, doing His will!
Shepherding you in Christ’s love,
Lance
Worship, Jr. Church, Sunday School and COVID-19
We have been holding worship service in and sanctuary practicing CDC guidelines with masks being optional. Pews are sectioned off to help us comply with 6 feet social distancing. Offering plates are stationed near the entrance/exit doors to the sanctuary, as well as in the front of they church by the organ and piano.
In addition, the service is being live-streamed downstairs in the Fellowship Hall where the area has been reserved for "masks only" for those who feel more comfortable in an environment where masks are required.
We have had an approximate average of 28 attendees over the past 20 weeks. The sermon is being posted online (Emmett FBC YouTube, Facebook and www.fbcemmett.org). Audio of each message is posted on the church website and CD’s are available upon request.
Discussions are being held to determine if it would be feasible to begin offering Jr. Church and/or Sunday School while respecting individual concerns and wishes related to COVID-19. The leadership has been monitoring COVID cases in Gem County and watching what the schools are doing. A survey was sent out via email and mailed to those without email. We received 14 responses and a few comment via email. Of the 14 responses 10 would attend class if masks were optional and 4 only if masks are worn. More information will be sent out as it becomes available.
Regardless of whether you feel comfortable attending church or Sunday School, you and your family are encouraged to pursue safe ways to study the Word of God through on-line resources such as Right Now Media and/or via CDs, Videos, and reading material (many resources available at the church), as well as Zoom and/or phone conferencing with one another.
We are excited to worship together again. We recognize not everyone will feel comfortable to join us during this time of uncertainty; and that is understandable and acceptable.
God bless and keep you safe and healthy!
Prayer Gathering
The Gem County Ministerial Association is sponsored a prayer gathering for our country on Saturday, September 26, 10am, at the Emmett City Park. We will pray for the Lord to be at work in our nation. If we desire to experience the Lord’s moving and blessing, we need to approach Him with an attitude of true humility and repentance. Please continue to pray for revival!
World Mission Offering (WMO)/International Ministries (IM)
Every September and October, individuals and congregations come together for a time of awareness, advocacy, and action for global mission. Thousands across the country celebrate and support the ministries that God is using to transform the world. This is the World Mission Offering and gifts can be received every month.
For the 2020 World Mission Offering, we are highlighting the Ministry Priorities of Discipleship, Theological Education, Peace and Justice, Education, Health and Wellness, and Economic Development. While these represent only a fraction of IM’s ministries, they provide a window into what God is doing worldwide through our 125 global servants, 900+ volunteers, home staff, and 250+ international partners.
In addition to information contained in the bulletin inserts, offering envelopes are available in the pews of the Sanctuary. There are also money banks for those that want to collect at the home, office or location of your choice.
More information regarding the WMO can be found on the IM website at https://www.internationalministries.org/world-mission-offering/
Church is Like A Gas Station
"What is the big deal about church??? A whole bunch of people get together and sing songs and then the Pastor preaches a quick word, and blammo... Church is done and you've missed half of the football game. I just think there are other things I can do with my time to serve God..."
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that! Many people think of church as a social gathering, a sacramental task. However church is not only to praise God, but to help each other, and encourage each other. We live in a world full of sin, and church helps us get out of that world, and refocus on what we need to accomplish.
As a friend of mine said, "Church is like a gas station, and you are the car. If you don't go in for a refill, you won't be able to keep going.. eventually you run out of 'Spiritual' gas."
And when you think about it, that is exactly what church is. Church is the fuel to help us continue living as Christians, to help us continue to focus on God, and help us to continually learn about him.
Church is a way for us to get out of our busy world, out of our busy lives, and focus on God. Focus on becoming a better servant, and focusing on seeking God with our whole heart.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
(Taken from the Exchange)
Jim Foster - Return to Vietnam
Jim Foster is a long-time church member of FBC. He became a member in 1985, after he and his wife Shirlene, visited several other churches in Emmett. He had grown up Methodist and Shirlene was Lutheran, so they were trying to find a church home that suited them both. Jim said he knew nothing about Baptist and that he thinks it was John and Gloria Hill, through scouting, that encouraged he and Shirlene to come to FBC. He said the first time he stopped in it felt like home… “people talked to you”. Jim considers FBC his church home and takes great pride in it. Although generally quiet, he is well known and has served in many roles within the church (Trustee, Custodian, Usher, etc.)
While Jim tends to be quite humble, he has may skills, gifts and talents including incredible woodworking skills. In addition to the roles served as mentioned above, Jim has used his skills, gifts and talents throughout the years to serve the Lord through several projects around the church, coordinating outings for church members, donating items and time to help church and community members alike, and the list goes on.
When asked if there was a time in his life that he felt the Lord working in his life, he explained that he thinks things happen when you are close to death. While some might think it coincidence or happenstance, he feels that it is God watching out for him. He said he has had a pretty good life, but he recalls a couple of specific examples:
- Once when he was riding bikes on the Oregon coast with the Boy Scouts, he was going down a hill when the boy in front of him stopped and they all bunched up. There was a wide load coming down the road which came just inches from Jim’s head.
- One day he was doing the floor in the small room by the baptismal in the church. At the time he was using a high-speed propane buffer. Next thing he knew he was on the ground and had gassed himself. Fortunately, Dan was there helping him and found him. He went to the hospital where they x-rayed his lungs and the x-rays showed a 9” tumor in his chest and he was told to get to Boise. It was still growing so had the incident not happened, or if Dan had not been there when it occurred, he may not be here today… and that says something.
Jim served in the Air Force for 4 years and 3 months. He spent 1 year of his service time in Vietnam. Again, knowing Jim Foster, he has a kind and caring heart and is a very giving person. Which leads to this incredible story:
As time passed after getting out of the service, Jim heard that veterans were returning as a group to Vietnam and that there were no hard feeling towards veterans or Americans in general. However, at the time, the group trips were limited to a specific area of Vietnam and Jim wanted to go to a small town in the central highlands, Kontum, where he had been stationed during his service. As he continued his research, he found a man who worked for a touring company that was willing to help him get to where he wanted to go. So, Jim began to plan a trip that would occur in March of 2019. You can read Jim’s personally written story of his Vietnam Trip of March 2019 in the 2019 April Newsletter (click here or go to the FBCEmmett.org website).
Jim explained that he was nervous about going by himself and asked a couple of his veteran friends that had been there with him, thinking and hoping one of them would want to return with him. It would be a sort of small reunion for them. But neither one had any interest in going. But then he found out his son, Daniel, wanted to go with him. Daniel was very helpful as Jim didn’t know about phones, the language, etc. and Daniel had contacts who know who to call. He was very grateful that his son wanted to go… it made Jim very happy.
When Jim was stationed in Vietnam, there were some younger kids whom the Air Force had hired to help them out. They hired Lee, who was about 12-13 years old as an interpreter since he knew not only American but Vietnamese and couple of the Montagnard languages. He was a Montagnard himself. They also hired two Montagnard girls to clean the barracks. Even though they didn’t speak the same language, they became friends. So, based on a picture of these kids from 50 years ago, they set out to see if they could find them now. They visited Montagnard villages – no roads, house on stilts with cows underneath, no cars. With the help of the tour guide, they were able to locate someone who knew Lee from the picture. They explained that Lee had died two years ago in a car accident.
After returning home Jim got to thinking that if Lee survived the war, maybe he had family? He emailed the tour guide again. He knew the village Lee lived in and found Lee’s wife and sent some pictures. Jim contacted Daniel and said, “when are we going again?” They started planning a trip for February, then COVID hit.
Jim thought, “how can I help her?” She and her daughter were living with her brother, no home of their own and only one small pig. He figured out how to get money to her and hired the tour guide, who claimed to be a Christian, to take it to her. Jim and the tour guide became friends. Montagnard people trusted him and he appreciates Jim trying to help the people there. The tour guide voluntarily took pictures and videos of Lee’s wife and family when they received the money and sent them to Jim.
Jim still plans to go back someday. He went to Saigon, now he is planning to go to Hanoi, although he never thought he’d say he was going to Hanoi. In the interim, Jim has written Lee’s wife a letter that the tour guide will translate for him, along with pictures of Jim with his son and grandson. He plans to send more money from time to time and has received offers from others who want to chip in. The village is Animist, not Christian. If he is led, he may minister to Lee’s wife and family when he goes again.
Click here or go to https://leesfamily.carrd.co/ to view additional pictures of Lee’s wife and family.
When asked if Jim had anything else he wanted to share, he stated that he cares about the church home, the upkeep and maintenance, probably more than he should. He is fed from the people here. People who don’t come miss that. You can find God when you are fishing, etc., but you don’t get fed (spiritually) the way you do when you are at church.
You are awesome Jim! Thank you for ALL you do!
Note from Brooke Ayres
Dear First Baptist Church
Thank you for all of your support and helping our family. The Ayres family miss you. You guys were like our family. Thank you for the money too.
Brooke
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry
FBC is planning to continue the tradition of participating in the Shoebox Ministry again this year. Due to COVID-19, we have not determined if a packing party will be held but don't let that stop you! Start planning, start packing! Boxes, items and information is available at the church. Thanks to a generous donor, a few boxes are available with prepaid shipping!
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. (click on the picture above to go to OCC website or https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ )
History
In the summer of 1993, Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham received a call from a man in England asking if he’d be willing to fill shoeboxes with gifts for children in war-torn Bosnia. Franklin agreed, but figured Christmas was months away. He forgot about the promise until he received a call back around Thanksgiving asking about the gifts.
Franklin asked his friend the late Pastor Ross Rhoads of Calvary Church of Charlotte to see if he could help with the need. A Sunday shortly afterward, Pastor Rhoads demonstrated for his congregation how to fill a shoebox with simple gifts and encouraged them to include a letter to the child as well. Within weeks, the church had 11,000 shoeboxes lining their hallways.
Due to their generosity and additional gifts from Canada, Samaritan’s Purse sent 28,000 shoebox gifts to children in the Balkans that Christmas.
Every year since, Samaritan’s Purse has collected shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children around the world. Since 1993, more than 178 million children in more than 150 countries have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. The project delivers not only the joy of what, for many kids, is their first gift ever, but also gives them a tangible expression of God’s love.
Tens of thousands of volunteers from local churches around the world partner with us to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ at festive outreach events where children are surprised with these shoebox gifts.
Chuckles
A little boy asked his teacher if a person should be punished for something he hadn't done. The teacher said, "No, certainly not." "Good," said the little boy. "I haven't done my arithmetic."
Chef John's Pumpkin Pancakes ... By Chef John
This basic pancake recipe turns into a delicious holiday breakfast simply by adding pumpkin and some fall spices!
Original recipe yields 6 servings
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 egg
1 ½ cups milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Directions:
Combine flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, and whisk together for two minutes to aerate.
In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, egg, milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the flour mixture, and stir just until moistened. (Do not overmix.)
Coat skillet with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil over medium heat.
Pour batter into skillet 1/4 cup at a time, and cook the pancakes until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving:
284.3 calories; protein 7.9g 16% DV; carbohydrates 46g 15% DV; fat 7.9g 12% DV; cholesterol 35.9mg 12% DV; sodium 703.6mg 28% DV. Full Nutrition
Birthdays and Anniversaries!
Birthdays:
October 5 .......... Roma Careaga
October 20 ........ Kollyns Gragg
October 28 ........ John Morgan
Anniversaries:
October 18 ....... Josh & Maggie Mathews
October 26 ........ Dan & Joy Slabaugh