Getting the news out

This morning I put the finishing touches on the August Newsletter and wrapped it up for the crew to come in and get it ready for mailing. This morning Carol Calkins and Sybil Hall worked with Sandy to do so. Most months we are joined by Harry and Dot Calkins and Bob Walker too but they were busy this time around.

After we send the newsletter off to the Post Office, I turn it into a PDF form at church and link it to the First Baptist Web site. This way all of our members can get the full color version right on their desktop or print it out to keep. It is also available for anyone who is checking us out as they look for a new church.

The newsletter is my baby. Many of you will remember that my doctoral project was a church newsletter handbook that was eventually published by Judson Press. I suggested in the book that the newsletter can be something to promote and build up the ministry of the church. It can be something more than a flyer or poster for upcoming events.

That's why we have the Witness page and the Family page. That's why we add things like photographs and cartoons and news-like stories. It is to get people to read and be inspired. Anyway, most people at church like it and they've allowed me to expand it and be creative over the years.

If you have any suggestions as to what you would like to see or if you would like to get involved in reporting, taking photos or doing layout and design, let me know. For now, enjoy the August newsletter. You can find it off the First Baptist Home page at www.fbcnorwich.org.

Cal

A Wrap on the 2008 season

Our softball team pulled off another upset this week. We beat the heavily favored team from Norwich Worship Center 8 -7. Actually for a while it looked like we were going to drop the game the way we lost some of them in the past. We had a 7 run lead going into the sixth inning. Then they scored six runs on hit after hit. It was so frustrating to watch the whole game unravel in front of our eyes. But this time the bleeding stopped before the game got out of control.

What made this game especially difficult is the fact that we had an 11-2 lead on them the last time we played and they ended up beating us with a couple of big innings by the score of 26-11. That has been the story of this season.

Our final record is 6 -15. I know it sounds horrible and it is. (But here comes the excuses.) We played pretty tough all year long. We just couldn't quite get a handle on the games and ended up losing several by a few runs after giving up one big inning. I know that we had a lot of losses but because we played well in so many games, most of us would be hard pressed to give you our exact record. It seemed like we played better than that. I think there may even be a sermon in there somewhere, but you will have to come on August 24, Sports Recognition Sunday, to hear it.

Anyway, tonight we begin the play-offs and there were a couple of anxious teams jumping at the bit to play us because they are hoping for the Dr. Jekyll's team to show up. Well when everyone is there we have a decent team and we may just surprise somebody. Mr. Hyde is a pretty tough character and he took care of both Worship Center and St. Marks in the last week and he also surprised the boys from Central Baptist two weeks ago.

I'll let you know how we made out tomorrow. So check us out same time tomorrow.

Cal

PS The newsletter went out today and I will have it up on the web page shortly.

A busy Sunday morning

On Sunday morning we continued our series of sermons based on the book of Romans. The Praise team led us in singing "Awesome God" and "Put Your Hand in the Hand." Casey, Timothy and Karin Rezendes were in church after coming home to celebrate their dad's birthday. We also saw a slide show from Vacation Bible School as worship began.

After church 18 people stayed for the Quarterly meeting. We heard reports from many of the officers and committee chairs. The Pastor noted that we will exploring Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life" this fall in worship and in Bible study. We will also hold a Homecoming Sunday in October. He announced that he was going to be away for eight days in September to go and visit his daughter, Sarah, in Australia.

We looked at the financials and it appears everything is proceeding on course. We are slightly behind in our pledge giving but not enough to make a difference. Our Clerk, Betsey Adams, reported that we have welcomed four new members this year and lost two by death. Sandy Stone sent along a report on a successful Children's Day program and picnic.

It was noted that the flower committee had done a nice job of landscaping again this year in preparation for the Norwich in Bloom contest. Pete Adams noted that the property committee had been very busy. The scholarship committee reported that Melissa Ingoglia was this year's recipient.

The Pastor brought us up to speed with a number of things going on in ABCCONN including some personnel changes. Carole Freehan, the face of ABCCONN for nearly forty years is retiring this summer. Kevin Butler, our Minister of Camps and Conferencing has also tendered his resignation. It was also noted that we have four members on the Pierce Home Board of Trustees, Bob Sullivan, June Deptulski, Bob Booth and the Pastor. George Rezendes is now on the Camp Wightman Committee for ABCCONN and Curt Brockway is on the Department of Business and Finance.

Under old business we distributed some sketches of the proposed kitchen and discussed what has been done and the plan for what happens next. The project is going out to bid right now. We will hire someone to come in and gut the kitchen and rewire and repipe the space. Then they will install new sheetrock walls and put in a new floor and subfloor. There were some questions concerning the dishwasher and the extent of use of the old men's bathroom. It was also noted that some other projects could be wrapped into a capital campaign this fall. We are looking at feasibility of changing over to heating by natural gas and buying new furnaces. We also are looking to upgrade the sound and video in the sanctuary. More information will be forthcoming.

We also spoke about the letter we receive from Central Baptist this spring concerning the merger talks. They voted to put them on hold until at least two years after a settled pastor has been called. We agreed this was wise. There was a question about worship this coming winter. Now that the pressure of a merger was off, we were asked if we would still consider joint worship in an effort to save on heating oil? The pastor will speak with Pastor Michelle and raise that question. We will put it on the agenda for the September meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

Cal

Happy Birthday to you!

George Rezendes celebrates his BIG birthday on Monday night but his daughter April surprised him by coming down from Boston and having a few people over for a birthday get together on Friday night. Timothy and his wife Karin drove up from Pennsylvania for the weekend for the event. George is one of fourteen of our members and friends at church turning 50 this year. Congratulations George!

Cal

Softball team wins on Friday night

Our FBC Softball team won it's fifth game of the season last night. Hitting stars included Eric Larsen who went for for four and Dave Poore who went two for three. Mike Staron had two more hits and Mike young knocked in three runs. The final score was 13- 5.

It has been nice having Eric and Dave Poore back with us this season. They have been joined by a second generation as Eric's son, Sean, has joined the team as well. Eric and Dave played back in the late 80's and early 90's and along with their brother Corey, helped form the nucleus of a young team. Eric earned MVP honors for the team in 1989 and was elected into our Sports Ministry Hall of Fame a few years back.

It was officially announced last night that Mike Staron will be our Softball ministry inductee into the Sports Ministry Hall of Fame this year. He'll join Nancy Girardin and Jeremiah Lee as the class of 2008. We will also be inducting James Brown and Brian Goldin into the Hall for their contributions to our Sports Ministries as coaches and program co-ordinators. The date is August 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Cal

A final celebration in the big backyard

We finished off our week long celebration in God's Big Backyard last night. Special thanks to all who helped make it happen. From First Baptist we had Fred , Gwyn and Cheryl doing music, Fran, Sharon, Sandy, Sybil and Beth helping with classes and crafts, George and Mark leading the games. From Central we had David, Karen, Mark, Dorren and Roger cooking dinners with a little help from their friends. Barbara, Deborah, Anne, Merlynda, Jack and Ellie helped with classes, crafts and games. Did I miss anyone? Thanks to Pastor Michelle for the set up and the co-ordination of our worship experiences.

We also thank Sandy Beachy, Cheryl LaMothe, Greg Allard and American Ambulance, and Barbara Trocki for giving us our ministry moments during the week as we learned about serving family, friends, neighbors, community and Jesus in God's big, big, big, big backyard!

Here is the last set of photos from the week.

Cal

Anticipating a new arrival

I just received the most beautiful pictures and I want to pass them on. Mark and Fran Rogers got these photos of their daughter Julia. Julia is Priscilla's full sister and she is in Korea now awaiting the finalization of the adoption papers. Our prayers are with them as we wait the day the family will be together for the first time.

Cal

Serving Our Community at VBS

Serving our community was the theme on Thursday night at Vacation Bible School. We learned about the Clergy Association Food locker from Mrs. Barbara Trocki. Several hundred meals are served to families in need each month. It is the generosity of people like us that make it possible.

The kids also put together a health kit for some of the homeless people in Norwich. It was great fun to be part of something like that. We then went to our classes and and fun, did crafts and played games.

We also had another wonderful dinner offered up by the Mark Hopkins and his friends. It was "sloppy joe" night. Yumm, yumm.

Here are a few photos to help you get an idea of what happened on night four.

Wednesday night in the Big Backyard

Well we have come to the last day of Vacation Bible School. It has been a good week.

On Wednesday night we talked about the good Samaritan and were delighted to have Mr. Greg Allard with us to talk about the ministry that American Ambulance does in our community. The kids had the opportunity to hop in the ambulance and learn about all the gadgets, bells and whistles. They had a demonstration on how people were carried and lifted out of difficult situations. At the end of his talk all the children received little bags with more information and a few freebies they could play with.

Once again Karen and David Warfield provided the dinner for the kids (Tacos) and they had fun in craft and game time. Here are a few photos from Wednesday night.

Cal

God's Big Back Yard revisited

WE hosted day two of God's Big Back Yard last night and talked about "Serving Our Friends!" Our Bible story was from Mark 2. We learned about four men who carried their friend to meet Jesus. When they couldn't get in to see him, they climbed up on the roof and made a hole. Then they lowered him down into the middle of the room where Jesus was teaching.

We sang songs, played games, made crafts and met some furry friends. Then we took home a figgy friend pop and promised to find a way to serve and love a friend on Wednesday.

Here are a few photos from last night's fun.

P.S. Tonight we are going to have a visit from our friends at American Ambulance and learn how they reach out to help people in need. come along to see the Ambulance and... bring a friend!

God invites us to enjoy his big back yard.

Vacation Bible School opened tonight and we had a good start. About sixteen kids showed up and they got to enjoy life in God's Big Backyard. Our Praise team led the singing, Pastor Michelle and Pastor Lord took turns laying out the theme of the day which was "Serving in our family." We had a puppet show and enjoyed some words by Mrs. Sandy Beachy who spoke about quilting as a way to give gifts to family.

Fran Rogers was one of the teachers and Sharon Fishkin, Cassie Kane and Sybil Hall helped with the crafts. George Rezendes was one of the games leaders. I taught the adult class. We all focused on the story of Miriam and how she cared for her brother Moses when he as an infant.

The Vacation Bible School began with a light supper cooked by David and Karen Warfield at 5:30 p.m. I've posted a few photos below. Enjoy them and if you are free, we'd like to see you in the picture on Tuesday night.

Cal

Cynthia's Kitchen

Yesterday afternoon we hosted the monthly Interfaith Luncheon. Cynthia Strouse prepared a wonderful tuna salad casserole for the folks. She invited members of her sorority to join her so the ladies from ADK served lunch. Sybil Hall was also on hand to help out in the kitchen and we fed over fifty people. Cynthia planned ahead and made extra so many of the guests enjoyed a second helping too. As the temperature soared over 94 degrees, the folks were quite giddy about receiving ice cream sandwiches for dessert. It was a perfect treat.

In August Sue Ferguson and Cindy Carchidi will be in the kitchen and we are looking for helpers in the hall. If you would like to join the fun, let us know and we will sign you up.

Enjoy these photos from yesterday at St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

Cal

A pastoral transition in our Korean congregation

Pastor Daniel Song will be leaving us this month to take a congregation in Maryland. Daniel shepherded the Lord Glory Methodist Church for the last two and a half years. Now he is leaving for a new challenge.

This week I met the new Pastor and he is a delightful young man. Pastor Seung Mok Choi will be moving to Norwich with his wife and small child. His wife is also expecting their second child later this summer.

I hope you will have the opportunity to meet them in the coming weeks.

Cal

Who has talent?

Norwich Has Got Talent

I happened to notice that our own Ullyssa Sanchez won the talent competition at Buddy's Hot dog Stand last week while singing the National Anthem. She is one of our basketball stars and the daughter of Coach Julio Sanchez. Check out the videos at the NorwichBulletin.com website.

Cal

Camping out with Jesus

Judy Dupont is out at Camp Wightman this week. She is part of an adult group called, "Wild Women in the Woods." She came back last year renewed and invigorated after a week filled with Bible study, prayer, good fellowship and communion with nature. Camp Wightman isn't just for the kids. Our American Baptist Camp has tried to provide experiences for individuals and families as well as for the kids.

Founded in 1956, Camp Wightman has become a special place where God becomes real for the campers. Today there are cabins, campsites and common areas for the kids to gather, sleep and get together. In 2006, we dedicated a brand new activity hall.

Jacob Kreger and Elsie Chaffee are also going to camp in the coming weeks. Many of our older kids have enjoyed Camp Wightman and even gone on to become Counselors and coordinators.

If you want to know more about upcoming camps, call the church office or check out the Camp Web site. We offer $100 scholarships to children associated with our church family.

Camp Wightman Web - http://www.campwightman.org/

Cal

A clean sweep

This morning I had two young people doing some community service work at the church and we tackled tow messy jobs. The first area was the flower room. Most people never go back there but believe me, it was out of control. It became a catchall for all kinds of stuff and I swear the artificial flowers were multiplying and spreading as if they were real.

Jordan and Sybil came by the church and we took everything out of there. We swept, dusted and moved the shelving around. Then we put everything back in an orderly fashion. The room looks so much bigger now and I am sure the Deacons will be pleased. They have their table back for preparing communion.

We also cleaned out the upstairs kitchenette. Every square inch of cabinet and cupboard space was filled to capacity. I think we took ten vases downstairs and carried at least six pitcher to the kitchen as well. There were empty bottles of cleaning fluid and filthy dirty rags. There were light bulb wrappers and computer cords and accessories left over from the 1980's. Now they are all gone and you can actually store a few things that you want in a kitchen there. The Deacons plan to set it up so it will be handy for our monthly coffee hours. Now that there is room, I really think it will happen.

There are lots of little jobs that can be done around the church to clean and tidy up the3 space. All it takes are a few willing volunteers and transformation is possible. Do you have some time? Let me know and maybe you will be the next miracle worker.

Cal

Praising my Savior all the day long

This morning we came together for worship at our summer time of 9:30 a.m. It was nice to have several folks who have been away back with us. We also surprised Sue Vanase and members of her landscaping crew with a special award from the Norwich in Bloom Committee for last year's work around the church. We received the award for the best use of perennials.

The message was about the love of God and everyone received a kiss from the Pastor as they left, a Hershey kiss, that is. Although we didn't specifically announce it, we are still collecting for the One Great Hour Of Sharing and the food pantry through the rest of the month.

Cal

Bright skies for FBC Softball

Last night our Softball team played its best game of the year. We beat Central Baptist in a rout by the score of 19 -3. Chip Chaffee and Eric Larsen hit homeruns and knocked in 4 RBI and 6 RBI to power us. Sean Wilding had a couple of hits and Eric Poore went three for three with a double and a couple of RBI. Fred Stone pitched and only needed five innings to get the mercy rule victory.

This softball season has been interesting. The first half of the season we played and couldn't seem to catch a break. We had one win in the first eight or nine games. Since then we have played .500 ball and we've had lots of heroes. Mike Staron actually helped spark our resurgence. His brother .800 batting average has meant that we had more runners on base. Eric Larsen has also been hot. The two of them hitting back to back to back with Chip means we get runs almost every other inning.

The biggest surprise this season has been the play of Sean Wilding. Sean is the son of Eric Poore and he is only sixteen years old. Yet he has followed in the footsteps of other youngsters like Casey Rezendes, Daryl Alves and Fred Green Jr. who came on board in high school and made significant contributions.

We are now 5 -12 with four games to play. We play next Monday and Friday. Come on out and cheer us on You might even see us win a game. The tide has turned.

Cal

In the good old summertime

I have taken some vacation time over the last few weeks and been spending it down in New London and Mystic. Two weeks ago I spent three days in New London at the Miss Connecticut Pageant. This week I pent four days in Mystic at Access Broadway's National Dance Competition. You have probably noticed my blog entries haven't been as regular during the last few weeks. I have had good intentions but something always seemed to come up.

It is summer time and most of our schedules tend to be a little bit different. Trips to the beach, amusement park and family vacations crowd our schedule. As a result some of our regular activities fall by the wayside.

It is no secret that church attendance is one of the casualties of summer for many people. There just doesn't seem to be time. It is pretty understandable because we have all been there. But let me say this. Just as some of you miss these blog entries because you have come to enjoy them, so it is with church. We (I) miss you when you are away.

Church can be an uplifting addition to a busy schedule. It allows you to sit back and reflect on your blessings. It also gives you a chance for a sabbath moment in the craziness of summer activity. So do what you got to do but don't stay away just because it is summer. Check in when you can.

Cal

The First Sunday in July

Today our Sunday service moved to 9:30 a.m. for the first time this summer. We continued our series of sermons from the book of Romans. This week we talked about our Freedom in Christ leading to our own Independence Day. Sarah Lord sang and we wished her well as she heads to Hawaii and then on to Australia to study abroad this summer and fall.

We also came to the communion table and closed out the service in a circle of fellowship. We also heard about the One Great Hour of Sharing special offering from Nancy Allen and filled some boxes with our spare change. I heard we collected $70 with the change in our pockets.

One of the highlights of the service was the singing of the Star Spangled Banner as our second hymn. For many of us it was the first time we sang the second verse. Some of us didn't even know there was a second verse. It was a good day.

Cal

The Adams/Mariano Wedding

Lindsey and Kevin Mariano are now past the wedding ceremony and working on building a life together. We had a beautiful ceremony at church on Saturday and Lori and I went to the reception at the Groton Inn & Suites. We sat with Pete and Betsey Adams, Pete's sister, his parents and Betsey's mom. Here are a few photos from the evening.

Cal

A wedding brings family together

Last night the whole gang was there for Kevin and Lindsey's wedding rehearsal. I especially like wedding rehearsals when it involves a family from church. It allows me to spend time with grandparents, in-laws, brothers and sisters who may not attend church here. I usually go to the wedding too, so I get to chat with them about family things at some point in time. I like this because family and friendships are at the heart of our ministry. It allows me to get to know a person or a family on a deeper level when we get together for a special occasion.

The truth is that we all look at our church as an extension of the family, but most of us have lots of "real family" who don't get what we do at church. This gives us an opportunity to bring our faith life to the family table. So tomorrow I will be spending the afternoon with the Adams family and I ca't wait. IT will be a special day.

More than a newsletter

This week we put out our July newsletter. We try to get the monthly newsletter in the mail, and on our web page, before the first Sunday of the month. Sometimes we don't make the deadline because too much is going on at church. Sounds funny doesn't it. Although the newsletter is only about 14 pages long, it takes quite a bit of concentrated effort. I'm not complaining though. It is one of my favorite things to do.

When I was growing up my Pastor had fun with the church newsletter. Most of us looked forward to receiving it. It was different than ours, but it was very similar in spirit. It mentioned names, gave reports on what had happened, it had jokes and humorous and inspirational pieces. Rev. Brooks saw it as a weekly letter from him to the members of the congregation.

Our newsletter is more like a magazine that speaks to our life as a congregation. It is personal but it also gives us things to think about, timely articles and lots of pictures. This month for example, we have a new cover design that features Emily McFalls serving at the Interfaith Luncheon. I think it actually looks more like a magazine than a church newsletter. I love our church and I want others to see what our ministry is all about. I think it comes through in the newsletter.

Anyway, if you haven't seen it, check it out on-line at www.fbcnorwich.org

Cal