LIFTING UP JESUS CHRIST—THAT ALL MANKIND MIGHT BE DRAWN UNTO HIM. JOHN 12:32

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH LOUISBURG, KANSAS MARCH 2016

8:15

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Feb. 7

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Feb. 14

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Feb. 21

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24 MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:00 PM - Community Maundy Thursday Service at Elm Grove Baptist Church FRIDAY, MARCH 25 - GOOD FRIDAY 7:00 PM - Community Good Friday Service at First Christian Church SUNDAY - MARCH 27 - EASTER 7:00 AM - Community Sunrise Service at First Baptist Church 8:00 AM - Community Sunrise Breakfast at First Baptist Church 9:00 AM - Worship Service at FBC (no Sunday School) 11:00 AM - Worship Service at FBC (no Kid’s Connection)

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Pastor Dan’s Doodles

A little boy and his father were driving down a country road on a beautiful spring afternoon. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bumblebee flew in the car window. Since the little boy was deathly allergic to bee stings, he became petrified. His father quickly reached out, grabbed the bee, squeezed it in his hand, and then released it. But as he let it go, the young son became frantic once again as it buzzed by the little boy.

The father sensed his son’s terror. Once again he reached out his hand, but this time he pointed to the palm of his hand. There, stuck in the skin was the stinger of the bee. “You see this?” he asked. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore. I’ve taken the sting for you.” The Christian does not need to be afraid of death because Christ has taken the sting out of death and sin by His own resurrection on that first Easter morning. I Corinthians 15:55: “O Death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?” Our victory is found in Jesus Christ. As we long to draw closer to Him during this Lent season I encourage you to examine your personal walk with Christ and then get into God’s Word, pray and practice serving others. Blessings,

Pastor Dan

Jesus died with outstretched arms so you can run into them.

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Dear Church family, This month I will travel farther away from home than I have ever been. From March 10th 20th I will be in Myanmar in partnership with Central Baptist Theological Seminary, teaching at the Myanmar Institute of Theology. I am both excited and anxious about this opportunity. Excited to learn how God is working in another part of the world. Anxious to be gone for so long away from my family. Some might be wondering why Myanmar? Myanmar is not exactly a well known player on the world scene. However, Myanmar is an important country in the history of our denomination—American Baptists. Myanmar is basically the birth place of American Baptist Missions. Adoniram Judson, one of the first American Baptist missionaries, went to Myanmar (named Burma at the time) in 1813 to preach the gospel in a new land. As a result of his work, Myanmar today, is home to one of the largest population of Baptists in the world. Some statistics rank the country in the top five. Interestingly, when Judson started his work in Myanmar it was, by today’s standards, a complete failure. He did not bring one convert to Christ for several years. In today’s world we probably would have cut his funding. And sent him packing. Judson’s story is fascinating for many reasons, but there is one really important lesson I want to point out right now. So often it seems the Church is only interested in God’s short spiritual game. We want God to work right here, right now! And if God does not answer us in a timely manner, say the time it takes to receive a text message, we start to think God isn’t listening. Judson saw the value of the long game when it came to following God in his call to preach the gospel. Judson didn’t give up when no success came in the first year of his missionary endeavors. What game are you playing? God’s been moving since the beginning of time, which sometimes meant years would go by before a promise was answered (check out the story of Abraham). As a church, which game are we invested in? Are we playing a long-term game, thinking about what it means to live out the gospel here in Louisburg, Kansas over the long term? Or are we taking a “we want results now” approach? In this season of Lent I hope we pray and ponder these questions together! Peace, Rev. Seth M. Vopat

Debbie supports the anti-human trafficking work of Samaritana Transformation Ministries (STM) in Manila. She assists in development of the guest house facilities in the marketing of livelihood products such as jewelry and greeting cards. STM provides a safe, comforting place for women who for the most part have never been in relationships that encourage them to be themselves. They have never known people who accepted them as they are. They have always been the giver in relationships, not the receiver and never had long-term friendships. It takes money to keep STM open. One way this is done is through Sambahay, the guest house in their building. It is used by local churches and Christian organizations for retreats, business and for travelers who need a quiet, inexpensive and safe haven in a huge & intimidating city. This guest home has been used for nearly 20 years to provide women at risk with a safe place to heal, strengthen and go on with their lives. Through counseling, spiritual healing, guidance, livelihood training and strong personal relationships, the women start to believe in themselves - and their families come to believe in them as well. Basic needs are very critical as they work through the typhoon last year to find safety in housing, food and water. PRAYER REQUESTS: 1. For Samaritana’s Outreach program to reach the women looking for a way out of the bars and for each one to come to know and love our Lord. 2. For the safety of those working with trafficking victims and that governments around the world will become more aggressive in stopping human trafficking. Most of us cannot imagine what these women have experienced and what their day to day lives are like. 3. For more workers to address these hard issues and that we may be generous to reach out with prayer and financial support. Perhaps the Lord will even stir some to personally serve there short or long-term.

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Mission Moment - Debbie Mulneix American Baptist Missionary in Manila, Philippines

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Calendar for this month Wednesday, March 2 REGULAR SCHEDULE— 7:45 AM PASTORS AT LHS FCA 9:30 AM STAFF MEETING 7:00 PM-8:30 PM SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP 7:00 PM “PRAYER” SMALL GROUP 8:00 PM 1ST SERVICE PRAISE TEAM PRACTICE Friday, March 4 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Fish Fry at Immaculate Conception

Sunday, March 6 REGULAR SUNDAY SCHEDULE 8:15 AM WORSHIP 9:45 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 11:00 AM WORSHIP & KIDS’ CONNECTION 9:30 AM Mary Martha Circle Bake Sale—AB GIRLS 4:00 PM-7:00 PM Young Families Get Together at Phillips’ 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Middle School Youth Group Monday, March 7 TBA 11:30 AM 5:00 PM-6:30 PM 6:15 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM

Mary Martha Circle—lunch & a movie Pastor Dan at Cluster Pastors’ Prayer Kids’ Monday Madness Deacon Meeting Deaconess Meeting AA Meeting

Tuesday, March 8 7:00 PM 8:15 PM

Christian Ed & Trustee Meetings Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 9 REGULAR SCHEDULE (see March 2) Thursday, March 10 Pastor Dan at SE Area Pastors’ Meeting Friday, March 11 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Fish Fry at Immaculate Conception

Sunday, March 13 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS REGULAR WORSHIP SERVICES (see March 6) 6:30 PM-8:00 PM Middle School Youth Group Monday, March 14 7:00 PM

AA Meeting

Wednesday, March 16 7:00 PM “PRAYER” Small Group 8:00 PM 1st Service Praise Team Practice Thursday, March 17 7:00 PM

Pathfinders 4-H Club

Friday, March 18 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Fish Fry at Immaculate Conception

Sunday, March 20 REGULAR WORSHIP SERVICES (see March 6) 6:30 PM-8:00 PM Middle School Youth Group Monday, March 21 12:00 PM 7:00 PM

Pastor Dan at Ministerial Alliance AA Meeting

Tuesday, March 22 9:30 AM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM

Luther Rice ABW Board Meeting at Olathe Women’s Bookworm Café Women’s Night Owl Café

Wednesday, March 23 DEADLINE FOR APRIL NEWSLETTER REGULAR SCHEDULE— (see March 2) Thursday, March 24—MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:00 PM Community Maundy Thursday Service at Elm Grove Baptist Friday, March 25—GOOD FRIDAY 7:00 PM Community Good Friday Service at First Christian Church Saturday, March 26 Easter Breakfast Prep—FLC & kitchen Sunday, March 27—EASTER SUNDAY 7:00 AM Community Easter Sunrise Service at First Baptist Church 7:45 AM Community Easter Sunrise Breakfast at First Baptist Church 9:00 AM First Service (no Sunday School) 11:00 AM Second Service (no Kids’ Connection) Monday, March 28 CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED Pastor Dan facilitating Pastors’ Retreat 7:00 PM AA Meeting Tuesday, March 29 Pastor Dan facilitating Pastors’ Retreat Wednesday, March 30 Pastor Dan facilitating Pastors’ Retreat REGULAR SCHEDULE (see March 2) Thursday, March 31 Pastor Dan facilitating Pastors’ Retreat

IMPORTANT DATES FRIDAYS DURING LENT (FEB. 12 THRU MAR. 18) 5:00PM-7:00PM FISH FRY AT IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (606 S ELM ST)

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 9:30 AM BAKE SALE Mary Martha Circle will be holding a bake sale on Sunday, March 6. Included will be Connie Bond’s famous cinnamon Because hunger doesn't take a break rolls as well as other “goodies”. Proceeds will be used to help girls attend AB GIRLS on the weekends... PraiseParty in July of 2016. Blessings in a Backpack is a program whose mission is to MONDAY, MARCH 7 keep students from going TIME & LOCATION TO BE hungry on weekends and ANNOUNCED remove barriers to academic success. MARY MARTHA CIRCLE Each Friday during the school year, backLUNCH AND A MOVIE packs filled with non-perishable foods are The church body is invited sent home with qualifying children. Can to join the Mary Martha Circle for lunch you help feed them? There will be a box and a movie. We will be attending the in the church hallway. Items needed are movie “Risen”. Watch for details as soon cans of soup (chicken noodle, tomato, as showtimes and theaters are posted for ABC), Spaghetti Os, cans of fruit & this date. veggies, mac 'n cheese, large slim jims, applesauce, raisins, soft granola bars, MONDAY, MARCH 9 fruit and grain bars, canned chicken. Or 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM $10 can feed one child for 1 month (just KID’S MONDAY MADNESS put BACKPACK on the memo line of your WANTED: All kids grades 1-5. check).

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The Louisburg Agape Food Pantry dispenses food to our community once a month. Canned goods and other nonperishable items are always needed. As part of the effort to make our church more outwardly focused, the Deacons would like for our church to collect one (or sometimes two) specific item(s) each month for the pantry needs. A collection box will be located in the church hallway. During the month of March we will be collecting MACARONI & CHEESE. Can you help to meet the food pantry’s needs?

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IMPORTANT DATES BOARD MEETINGS MONDAY, MARCH 7 6:15 PM - Deacons 6:30 PM - Deaconesses TUESDAY, MARCH 8 7:00 PM - Christian Education & Trustee Boards 8:15 PM - Finance Committee SUNDAY, MARCH 13 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed on Saturday night. WOMEN’S BOOK CLUBS TUESDAY, MARCH 22 Read the book and come prepared to compare thoughts about the novel. Refreshments will be served. Questions? Contact Hope Anderson (Bookworms) or Debbie Apple (Night Owls). BOOKWORM CAFÉ (DAYTIME GROUP) MEETS AT 1:00 PM ON TUESDAY, MARCH 22 Book to be reviewed: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom NIGHT OWL CAFÉ (EVENING GROUP) MEETS AT 7:00 PM ON TUESDAY, MARCH 22 Book to be reviewed: Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

THURSDAY, MARCH 24 MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:00 PM - Community Maundy Thursday Service at Elm Grove Baptist Church (15375 W 247th Street) FRIDAY, MARCH 25 - GOOD FRIDAY 7:00 PM - Community Good Friday Service at First Christian Church (602 N 1st Street) SUNDAY - MARCH 27 - EASTER 7:00 AM - Community Sunrise Service at First Baptist Church 8:00 AM - Community Sunrise Breakfast at First Baptist Church 9:00 AM - Worship Service at FBC (no Sunday School) 11:00 AM - Worship Service at FBC (no Kid’s Connection)

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Celebrating a Birthday this month March 2

Carolyn Meek

March 3

Thelma Leitch

March 4

Jemal McNabb Richard Rash

Jennifer & Duane Ray—March 3

March 6

Eric Rhodes Paul Rhodes

Debbie & Pat Apple—March 10

March 9

Mickey Goodman

March 11

Jeff Bond

March 12

Kim Bowen Mackenzie Scholtz

March 13

Marilyn Malaise

March 15

Del Jo Broadrick Paige Anderson Sue Kircher

March 16

Emily Bovaird

March 17

Beth Wilson (All Winners) Doris Bauerle (All Winners) Samuel Smith

March 18

Ava Frerichs

March 19

June Dean

March 20

Mike Waite

March 22

Arietta Mallory

March 23

AJ Arriola Hunter Spradling

March 27

Kathy Elliott

March 28

Vicky Davis

March 31

Alena Hess (All Winners) Philip Dean

We try to include those who are actively attending our church; please let us know if we have missed your special day.

Merilyn & John Kelly—March 8 Kelly & Jeff Bond—March 16 Cheryl & Chris Kelly—March 17 Marla & Jim Atkinson—March 19

Aubry & Harper Goodman would like to announce the birth of a brand new baby sister. Lee Elizabeth Goodman joined the family on Friday, January 29, 2016. Lee weighed 8 pounds 12.8 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. Also welcoming Lee are her parents Jennifer & Mickey Goodman and grandparents Peri & Hank Goodman. Scarlett Jean Speer was born on Friday, February 19, 2016. She weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. Scarlett is welcomed by her parents Amy & Casey Speer and big sister Naomi.

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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH FUNDRAISER

Our Deacon board has assigned names of those actively attending our church to a Deacon's Undershepherd list. Each Deacon has covenanted to pray for those on their Undershepherd List and it is each of these gentlemen's desire to be available for your spiritual support and to come alongside you in whatever spiritual needs that might arise. Undershepherd lists with contact information for the Deacon are posted on the church bulletin board. Please let us know if we have missed anyone actively attending our church.

Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are heled. All we like sheep have gone astray we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6

On the bulletin board in the church hallway you will notice there are 100 envelopes posted. Inside each envelope is a prayer request from one of our High School youth. The congregation is asked to participate in raising funds for the youth mission trip in June by taking an envelope off the board, keeping the prayer request slip inside and replacing that slip with funds equaling the number on the envelope. (i.e. If you wish to donate $100 towards the youth trip, take the envelope with the number 100 off the board, keep the prayer request, place the money in the envelope, seal it and place in offering plate or return to the church office. What if the envelope equaling your desired amount is gone? This is where it gets fun! Find multiple envelopes equaling your desired donation that remain on the board—how about taking [37 and 59 and 4] or [76 and 24]. Just remember you are responsible for honoring the prayer request contained in each envelope you take.) Let’s have fun and send our youth on a memorable mission excursion.

Purpose: To declare the sovereignty of God over all world rulers and kingdoms as an encouragement to Jewish exiles in Babylon and those returning to Israel. One theme dominates the book of Daniel: kingdoms. Through Daniel’s personal experiences in the royal court of Babylon and through his visions, God taught His people vital lessons about human and divine kingdoms. As a young man, Daniel was part of a group of Israelites exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem in 605BC. He quickly rose through the ranks (along with his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) as a wise and trusted counselor to the royal court. God revealed to Daniel sweeping vistas of present and future events related to Babylon and kingdoms that would follow. But the most far-reaching of Daniel’s visions concerned the ultimate establishment of the Kingdom of God—a kingdom that would have no end. OUTLINE: DANIEL 1:1-6:28—Daniel’s Experiences in Exile DANIEL 7:1-12:13—Daniel’s Visions in Exile -Discover God Study Bible - NLT

One Sunday on their way home from church, a little girl turned to her mother and said, “Mommy, the preacher’s sermon this morning confused me.” The mother said, “Oh? Why is that?” The little girl replied, “Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?” The mother replied, “Yes, that’s true honey.” “And he also said that God lives in us. Is that true Mommy?” Again the mother replied, “Yes.” “Well,” said the little girl, “if God is bigger than us and He lives in us, shouldn’t He show through?”

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ABW Bible Book of the Month—Daniel

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Read the Bible in a Year New Then Old Reading Plan: Read through the New Testament first, then read through the Old Testament. http://www.christianity.com/bible/year/ March 1: March 2: March 3: March 4: March 5: March 6: March 7: March 8: March 9: March 10: March 11: March 12: March 13: March 14: March 15: March 16: March 17: March 18: March 19: March 20: March 21: March 22: March 23: March 24: March 25: March 26: March 27: March 28: March 29: March 30: March 31:

1 Corinthians 5-8 1 Corinthians 9-11 1 Corinthians 12-14 1 Corinthians 15-16 2 Corinthians 1-4 2 Corinthians 5-9 2 Corinthians 10-13 Galatians 1-3 Galatians 4-6 Ephesians 1-3 Ephesians 4-6 Philippians 1-4 Colossians 1-4 1 Thessalonians 1-5 2 Thessalonians 1-3 1 Timothy 1-6 2 Timothy 1-4 Titus & Philemon Hebrews 1-6 Hebrews 7-10 Hebrews 11-13 James 1-5 1 Peter 1-5 2 Peter 1-3 1 John 1-5 2 John, 3 John & Jude Revelation 1-3 Revelation 4-8 Revelation 9-12 Revelation 13-16 Revelation 17-19

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B B More recipes are needed. If you have one you would like to share, please turn it into the church office. Joann Hook brought this dessert to the February Mary Martha Circle meeting. She had several requests for the recipe. EDITH ELLIOTT’S CHOCOLATE CHERRY CAKE 1 package devil’s food cake mix (with pudding in the mix) ½ cup sour cream 2 eggs beaten 23 ounce can cherry pie filling 1 teaspoon almond extract Mix together cake mix, sour cream, eggs, almond extract and pie filling by hand. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven 45 to 50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Any frosting can be used. Serves 18-24.

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LETTER

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 406 S Vine St. PO Box 158 Louisburg, Kansas 66053 (913) 837-4393 Church website: www.louisburgfirstbaptist.org Rev. Dan Rhodes, Pastor Cell Phone: (913) 837-0363 office: [email protected] personal: [email protected] home: [email protected] Rev. Seth Vopat, Associate Pastor Cell Phone: (913) 424-8835 [email protected] Editor: Marla Atkinson [email protected]

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