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PAGEDEACONSAs we collectively celebrate the New Year, theBoard of Deacons has come together to place newand exciting emphasis on our worship anddevotional time as a congregation focusing onfaith, family and fellowship. We are discussingideas that will bring us together to experience thefaith we individually have in our Heavenly Father.The fellowship experience is the vehicle we willuse to complete the circle of love we allexperience at First Baptist Church.Throughout the Lenten season, it is our plan tointroduce a weekly 'family gathering'. It is called“Let's Do It!”. We will have a dinner each week,hosted by one or more families at their home.These events will be by invitation or sign-up, sothat everyone has an opportunity to participate.We will begin recruiting volunteers in February. Ifyou can host a dinner, the deacons will assist inany way we can. The dinners can be pot luck,cooked and served by one or two families comingtogether, or prepared and served by one familyhosting a few families and individuals for dinner.These events will be just for fellowship, extensionsof and completing the circle of our focus on faith,family and fellowship. You will see postings in theWelcome Center area for sign-ups forhosting or attending. Mike Hensler and ValleeAlbert will be available to answer any questions.This year, Ash Wednesday is on February 13, andwill be celebrated at First Baptist with a jointservice. More details are on page 2. Plan toattend this moving and inspiring service to enterthe Lenten Season with your First Baptist family.We are now therecipients of abeautiful handcrafted set ofcommunion plateandgoblets,made in Palestine,and presented toour Church by Pastor Alan upon his return fromIsrael. We, the Board of Deacons, appreciate thegift which is a priceless reminder of our Pastor'srecent journey through the Holy Land.5The Board of Deacons continues to improve ourworship time together, fostering fellowship andfamilies sharing in the precious gifts of love andfaith to enjoy the blessings our Lord has bestowedupon all of us.Your Board of Deacons consists of: Vallee Albert,Dave Fresn, Mike Hensler, Deb Hodgkins, GeneKenyon, Bob Staulters, Terry van den Heever, andSherry Wardell. We are always available to listen,to share and to serve.With Praise for Our Loving God,Vallee Albert, DeaconADOPT U.S. SOLDIERSWe have a new US Army Platoon!There are approximately 18 Soldiers.Two are female. They are deployedfrom Arkansas to Afghanistan untilsometime in June 2013. Our Soldierslive in tents or wood huts, have non-potable waterfor bathing and 110V generated power. There is aChow Hall available with designated hours, butunfortunately it may not be open when they areable to eat. A PX Store is available with very limited supplies and runs out often. They do not havean MWR (Moral, Welfare, Recreation) area torelax and recharge, but they have access to amicrowave, refrigerator and TV’s with DVD playersor Xbox systems.Let us begin to support our new Platoon withsnacks, card games, and personal hygiene items,maybe something special for our two womensoldiers as well!!! Anything we provide to maketheir lives more comfortable will be greatlyappreciated. Thank you for your continuedsupport of our troops stationed so far away fromhome.Contact Vallee Albert for moreinformation: 587-2872.

PAGE6AMERICAN BAPTIST BIENNIAL/MISSION SUMMITUPPER ROOM SUNDAY SCHOOL BIBLE STUDYRev. Rudnick and Kevin Livingston will begin a newBible study 24 Hours that Changed the World onSunday mornings, 9:00 a.m. in the upper room.The Mission Summit/Biennial is the AmericanBaptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) national gatheringheld every two years in a different part of thecountry The ABCUSA Mission Summit/Biennial hasthree main purposes.The first purpose is the “Mission Summit” whichis a unique opportunity to come together, shareideas, and learn from one another what is workingin the growth and vitality of our churches today.American Baptists can take away new informationto their home churches, and try new tactics to besuccessful as churches within their community.Following the second round of Mission SummitConversations, a representative from each MissionSummit Conversation group will be invited to report out during an open plenary session eitherverbally or electronically or both, depending uponhow many groups form.Second, the Mission Summit/Biennial is a time ofcelebration. We gather to celebrate God’s workamong us as an ABCUSA family, and this timetogether serves as a reunion where brothers andsisters in the faith reconnect, worship and learntogether. These moments of celebration takeplace at the worship sessions, Mission SummitExperiences, in the hallways, and at the pre- andpost-Biennial events of various ABCUSA affiliatedgroups and organizations.We also need to do the necessary business of ourdenomination which is the third purpose forgathering together. We elect the denomination’sofficers (President, Vice President, Budget ReviewOfficer) for the coming Biennium.For more information or to register please visitwww.americanbaptists2013.comNo single event in human history has receivedmore attention than the suffering and crucifixionof Jesus of Nazareth. In this study, participantswill be guided us through the last twenty-fourhours of Jesus' life. Each chapter is designed tohelp the reader experience and understand thesignificance of Jesus' suffering and death in a wayyou have never done before. Study includes:The Last SupperThe Garden of GethsemaneCondemned by the RighteousJesus, Barabbas, and PilateThe Torture and Humiliation of the King.The study requires a book, 12.NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSESDiane McGarry will bestarting a new SundaySchool class on JoyceMeyer’sbookPowerThoughts. Does your mindwander? Are you bombarded with unhealthy,unfocused thoughts? Doyou have trouble trying toget something out of yourmind? You may be stuck ina mental rut. It's time to get out! This bookfocuses on 12 strategies to WIN the battle of themind. The class meets on Sundays, 9:00 a.m. inthe Historical room.

PAGEMISSIONS COMMITTEEIn a NutshellYou may be wondering to yourself, I was thinkingabout joining the Missions Committee, but exactlywhat does it do and what type of help do theyneed?Offerings - We promote 4offerings annually, the WorldMission Offering (WMO), America for Christ (AFC),One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) and RetiredMissionaries and Ministers Offering (RMMO). Weneed help coordinating the offerings, getting aguest speaker and arrangement foraccommodations, putting envelopes inthe pews, writing an article for theMessenger about the offering,forwarding offering information to Pastor andChristian Ed., and making posters.Mission Trips – We try to schedule local missiontrips several times per year. We need someone tocoordinate these trips by contacting the localagency (such as City Mission, Sheltersof Saratoga or other places) and seeingwhat their needs are and how we canplug in the congregation. An exampleis going to Shelters of Saratoga to serve a meal.We would like to plan a mission trip to ourimmediate area, perhaps with Habitat forHumanity or another American Baptist ReliefAgency.We always need researchers andsomeone with a vision to help set these up andprovide opportunities for our congregation andfriends to go on mission trips.Attendance at meetings – The Missions Committee meets monthly, the second Tuesday of themonth, for about an hour in the evening.Budget meetings – The Missions Committee isunder the auspices of the Deacons Board,however, we do have a budget that we need toplan for and maintain. Each Board and Committeechairperson (or other delegated person) meet onoccasion with the Budget and FinanceCommittee to review their budget and the churchbudget. A really good opportunity for someonewith an eye for finances.7Christ Cupboard Food Pantry – There is always aneed for drivers to pick up food from the RegionalFood Bank (two people are needed each time),help with the unloading of the delivery, unpackingthe delivery and bringing it downstairs, placingfood on the shelves, stocking the food pantry,writing thank-you notes for the donations wereceive and more.The Missions Committee’s vision statement is topromote the Gospel, locally, regionally andabroad.This isn’t everything we do, but it gives you anidea how you can you help. Speak with MarkHopper, Barb Pennie, Jude Pierre, Pastor Alan, orme. Let’s hear YOUR vision.In the service of Christ,Pat Stack, Missions CommitteePrayer Shawl Ministry FormingWondering how you can make a powerful difference in someone’s life? Come to an informationalmeeting for a Prayer Shawl Ministry forming atFBC on Sunday, Feb. 3 after worship service. ThePrayer Shawl Ministry brings together anyone whowants to learn or knows how to knit. The groupwill knit shawls or blankets for those entering orrecovering from surgery or major life events. Thegroup prays for recipients.Questions?Call PeggyWalsh 910-639-3333.WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERSJoin us Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. for dinnerand fellowship, right before Pastor Rudnick’sLenten Bible Study. We need people to bringdesserts, and to help with setup and cleanup.Look for sign up sheet in the coffee area, orcontact Steve Robinson, chefrza@nycap.rr.com,288-3315 .February 27 : Pasta and Meatballs.March 6: Pulled Chicken Tacos.March 13: Breakfast night. Eggs, Bacon,Sausage, Waffles.March 20: Corned Beef and Cabbage.March 27: Soup, Salad and Breadsticks.

PAGE8BUCKETS OF GENEROSITYPosted on Vision Trust Blog Site by Ashley HentrichWhile most of us don’t think twice about turningon the tap to get a drink of clean water, manychildren in the developing world do not haveaccess to safe drinking water. For example, at justone of the VisionTrust projects in Guatemala,there are currently fifty childrenwhose families do not have cleanwater available in their homes.Last fall, MarkHopper fromUpstate NewYork decidedthat he couldbe a part ofmaking surethese precious children are protected fromwaterborne illnesses by raising funds to purchasewater purification buckets for their families. Markand I worked together to communicate the needto his church community, First Baptist of BallstonSpa. Their response was incredible! Mark hopedto raise around 600 to provide at least ten waterpurification buckets, but his church communityblew us both away when they raised 3,256!Not only did First Baptist fund all fifty of the waterpurification systems, they also had funds left overto help with other needs at the Learning Center.Next month, fifty children and their families will beable to take the first of many drinks of clean waterin their homes. Thank you to Mark, First Baptist ofBallston Spa and everyone who is part ofVisionTrust that is making stories of generosity likethis one a reality!will receive new water filtration systems thisFebruary in a continuing effort to help the peopleof the village of Las Cruz in Guatemala.Two teams will be going down this year. The firstwill be installing more stoves (which wecontributed 20 of last year) to finish the goal of300 stoves for the village over the past threeyears. They will also be distributing the watersystems we provided this year. The second teamwill be sprinkling the seeds of the gospel throughyouth programs and community outreach. Join usfor “lunch bunch” as we will be hearing back fromsome of the participants in March.Thanks to all who responded to the tug of the HolySpirit by giving generously to the work of thekingdom in Guatemala.I’ve been singing that song “Our God is anAwesome God” a lot lately. He continues toamaze me as to what He does through thefellowship at First Baptist.Perhapsthisissomething you mightwant to consider:becomemoredirectly involved byjoining Susan and meon next year’s mission trip. Start by praying forGod’s blessing and He will direct your path. Planon coming to the lunch bunch to see what God isdoing. Meet the people who plan and direct theprogram and ask the questions you need to knowabout. “Seek and you shall find.”Once again, the response from the congregationfor the “Water Project” was overwhelming andexceeded all expectations. As a result, 50 familiesWith praise and thanksgiving,Mark HopperAWESOME!LAS CRUZ GUATEMALA UPDATE

PAGECHURCH MOUSE NURSERY SCHOOLThe Church Mouse is surroundedwithsnowflakes,mittens,penguins, and Eskimos.Thechildren heard the story aboutDavid and Goliath and Daniel inthe Lion’s Den in chapel. Theyare learning about how GodSnow in ourtouch table.provides for the animals inwinter. Our parents and students will have fun onpenguin day on Friday, January 18 and January 25.There are 10 stations with fun activities related towinter and penguins.The office is busy accepting registrations for the2013-2014 school year. January was the monthfor current families of the Church Mouse and FirstBaptist Church to register. Registration is open tothe public February 1.Our Open House for prospective students isscheduled for Saturday, February 2 from 10 a.m.—12 noon. Please pass the word! In case of astorm, we will move the Open House to thefollowing Saturday, February 9.February brings morewinter weather, andsongs about God’slove for us. We will behaving Valentine’s Dayparties,andthechildrenwillbeWe love parent our helpers!making Valentines toshare with the residents of Maplewood Manor.We will learn about President’s Day, Groundhog’sDay, and taking care of our bodies. A dentalhygienist will visit the Pre-K and 4-year-old classesto discuss dental health. The Church Mouse willbe closed for winter break February 18-22.In between all of their activities, the teachers willbe working on evaluations of each child. Parentsare anxious to learn if their child is ready forKindergarten, or if they should be enrolled in ourPre-K. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduledfor Friday, March 15. The Church Mouse will nothave regular classes, but the staff will be hereproviding childcare during conferences.9We welcome 2 new board members, KimSprenger and Karen Kersch. We are thankful fortheir willingness to serve on our board. Both areteachers, and bring a wealth of experience. Weare sad to have to say goodbye to CherylWhittredge. We are thankful for Cheryl ‘s MANYyears of service on the board. You will be missed.It is good to know she is only a phone call away!God has blessed us with a wonderful school andan outstanding staff, and we pray many will takeadvantage of our school in the coming schoolyear. Please keep us in your prayers.Serving Christ together,Cheryl DunkelbargerWhile researching records in the FBC Historicalfiles for the current exhibit in the display case atchurch, I found reference to a book, CentennialHistory of Ballston Spa written by Edward F. Grose,and published in 1907 by the Ballston Journal.Knowing how involved the Grose family had beenin the church, community and publishing businessfor more than 200 years, I felt sure the bookwould provide interesting information, .butcould a copy be found!A phone call to theBallston Spa Public Library and the response, “letme check” –then “yes, we have one copy” mademy day!! I did find it a fascinating read both as aresident of the area and Church Historian.If you’re interested in the early history of theVillage of Ballston Spa including the Towns ofMilton and Ballston from 1763-1907, check outthe book highlighted above at the BSPL.BTW – The Display Case for exhibits is located onthe left side of the large room across from theChurch Library. The main theme will remain thesame for 2-3 months, but Items displayed maychange more frequently. One reason for that is toremind all of us that the PAST/PRESENT areconnected and HIStory continues to be shared bythose who worship and serve the Lord in andthrough the ministry at FBC.Norma Dunkelbarger

PAGE10LIBRARY CORNERChildren’s Books & CDs:1. Abe Lincoln the Boy WhoLoved to Read by Kay Wintersand Nancy Carpenter2. If You’ll Be My Valentine byCynthia Rylant3. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by LauraNumeroff4. If You’ll Be My Valentine by Cynthia Rylant5. Valentine Friends by April Jones Prince6. Biscuit’s Valentine’s Day by AlyssaSatin Capucilli and Pat Schories7. Valentine Mice! by Bethany Roberts8. Groundhog’s Special Secret by Iris Hiskey Arno9. Substitute Groundhog by Pat Miller10. Groundhog Gets A Say by Pamela CurtisSwallow11. Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub12. Ten Grouchy Groundhogs by Kathryn Helingand Deborah Hembrook13. Who Will See Their Shadows This Year? byJerry Pallotta and David Biedrzychki14. Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman and LizaWoodruff15. The Magical Snowman by Catherine Waltersand Alison Edgson16. Snow! Snow! Snow! by Lee Harper17. Snowmen All Year by Caralyn BuehnerChildren’s DVD:Chuck Swindoll’s Paw & Tales Animatedadventures little children love with God-centeredlessons parents applaud!Adult Books:1. The Lightkeeper’s Daughter by Colleen Coble With the lies of the past behind her, Addiefinds love and discovers her true Father.2. His Needs Her Needs by Willard F. Harley, Jr. Building an affair-proof marriage.3. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman How to express heartfelt communication toyour mate.4. Living Close to God by Charles Stanley Finding His power in your everyday life.5. Who Needs God by Harold Kushner Indeedreligious commitment can make a greatdifference in our lives.6. The Springtime of Love and Marriage by JamesR. Hine Guidance for the early years of marriage.Adult DVD:1. Beautiful Dreamer Feature Films for theFamilies Bringing home her WWII pilot.2. Rose Hill A remarkable family’s saga ofloyalty and love in the old West.Enjoy!Mary MorelockFebruary Birthdays1st Megan Gomula2nd Lesa Krogh3rd Ricky Rossi III4th Warren Jones5th Sylvie Terrell6th Gladys Kahler6th Rick Rossi Jr.7th Jean Ann Smith7th Dave Stacey10th JonathanSummer10th Sara JadeZlotnick13th Cynthia Pritchard14th Robert Melander15th Lauren Kersch16th Evelyn Marshall16th Vallee Albert19th Laura Marino20th Drennan Terrell21st Isabella Audette21st Diane McGarry21st Holly Zalar23rd Tatiana McCray24th Keith Kilgallon24th Jennifer Staulters25th Eric Han

Book Bound 3 Calendar 9 Women's Conference 4 Women's Day 4 CABA Board Mtg 4 Christian Education 4 Church Mouse 9 Daylight Saving 7 Deacons 5 FBC Youth 4 Finance Statements 10 Historically Speaking 9 Lenten Bible Study 2 Lenten Devotional 3 Lenten Luncheon 3 Library 10 7 New Sunday School Classes 6 2 Prayer Shawls 7 The 11:11 Service 3