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                                    with the Scarborough Free Baptist Church
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March, 2000
 
 
From the Pastor's pen...
 
        The past few days the snow in our yard has melted dramatically with the rain and warmer weather. I noticed one flower bulb that didn't get buried very well in the dirt. It seemed bigger than I remember it being when I planted it. Before long it should begin to push up the first leaves in anticipation of bursting forth in glorious bloom. With the longer days and warmer weather my thoughts often turn to spring and summer and what we will be doing.
        In just a few days we will be holding our own "Spring Thaw" as a church at Oceanwood in Ocean Park. (Saturday, March 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Even though our church has a history that goes back more than 160 years, each year is a new beginning and an opportunity to bring new life to individuals and the community. "Spring Thaw" is one of those opportunities to gather as a church and renew friendships and relationships, enjoy fun and relaxation together, consider where we have been and where we are going as a church, and seek to bring to light the gifts and talents we can bring to bear to reach our goals. It promises to be a joyous time in a delightful setting.
        When Moses delivered God's advice to the children of Israel, he gave them a challenge from the Lord that had an attached blessing.         Today we see a patchwork picture that reflects this promise. Some places are flooded while others are drying up and still others are blessed with abundant crops and harvest. Some people are well fed while others are starving, even in our own country. God is still true to His Word.
        No matter what our circumstances may be, the challenge is still to love the LORD our God and to serve him with all our heart and with all our soul. This does not mean everyone is to preach from a pulpit, unless you count the kitchen sink or the steering wheel of a truce or a telephone as a pulpit. We claim the name of Christ as Christians, and as Christians we are a part of the family of God, the Israel of the New Testament. By our daily lives we communicate who God is and what He does in our lives.
        As we anticipate spring and all the mud, let us thaw out our faith, absorb the nourishment of God's Word and burst into bloom with joy and thanksgiving for the gift of God's forgiveness, grace and love. Come to the "Spring Thaw" retreat and be blessed and go forth to be a blessing. Remember to bloom where you are planted.
            Yours in the process of being thawed out,
                        Pastor Phil


March messages:

5 2 Corinthians 4:1-7 Unveiling the Light
12 1 Peter 3:18-22 Our Baptism in Christ
19 Romans 4:13-25 Faith Extraordinary
26 1 Corinthians 1:18-25  The Unbelievable Victor


  SPRING THAW is arriving Saturday, March 11 at Oceanwoods, Ocean Park, ME

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
8:00 a.m.    Coffee Time
8:30            Opening Devotions
9:00            Ice Breakers
10:00          Brief Break
10:15          Group Work Session - Our Gifts
12noon       Luncheon & Free Time
1:00 p.m.    Game Time
2:00            Group Discussion - Gathering the Harvest & Our Goals
3:00            Songtime
3:45            Closing Worship
4:00            Close
 
The cost is $10 per person or a maximum of $35 per family.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the retreat committee members: Gerry Curlew, Dennis Goudreau, Rev. Gage, Marion Nielsen & Ben Vreeland.



American Baptist Women met at Phyllis Poulin’s home. Betty Susi was co-hostess. 11 ladies were present. Love gift quota is $700 (last years was $550). $700 was collected in 1999. Next month’s meeting at Kathy Clark’s (co-hostess will be Ellen Nielsen). South Gorham Baptist Women will be having a tea on Thursday, April 13, 2000. Joanne Abrams will be guest speaker. Everyone is welcomed to attend - speak to Kathy Clark with a RSVP. Spring Rally will be April 1, 2000 at Court Street Baptist Church in Auburn. $5.00 cost of luncheon by March 22, 2000 ($1.00 registration due now). Any & all ladies are invited to attend. Our own A.B.W. Sunday is April 30th here at our church. Members doing the morning service. We do roll bandages, cut squares, purchase needed items such as baby clothes, toddler items, school supplies and whatever is asked of us through our White Cross quota.

Our officers for the year are as follows:
            President:  Kathy Clark
            Secretary:  Ellen Nielsen
            Treasurer:  Gerry Curlew
            Love Gift:  Gert Pooler
           White Cross: Avis Mitchell
            Program:    Gail Key

Please feel free to inquire about the American Baptist Women and we would greatly appreciate all of our ladies participation. Thank you.
                                           Recording Secretary


A.B.W. Secret Pal
Put name in box... Pull another name out...
Send cards of encouragement (only)...Pray for your secret pal...
Deadline to sign up is May 1st.
   Anyone can join,

SUNDAY SCHOOL
     Teachers, Students & Interested People

Southern Maine Christian Ed Conference
Saturday, April 29, 2000        8:00-3:30
First Baptist Church, Portland (360 Canco Road)
Speakers - Rev. Kevin McBride
40 workshops          $17 per person (lunch included)
Scholarships available

FMI:   Call Patty Shepardson 625-8985; Janet Fortier 773-3535


 THINK D.V.B.S
Daily Vacation Bible School will be held June 26-30, 2000. Pray for participation in many ways as you feel lead.
Teachers, helpers, crafts, playground, nursery, music, and monies are needed to make it a successful neighborhood outreach.     May God Bless You,
                            Ellen

The American Baptist Women’s Ministries 50th Anniversary Endowment Fund Campaign

In 1979, ABW established the Endowment Fund. These funds have yielded a significant portion of the income needed for the mission of American Baptist Women’s Ministries:

Women of God...
                                       DREAM              DARE          DO
                                                        DREAM        DARE             DO
                                                                       DREAM         DARE            DO

Give a gift now or make a pledge over a 3-year period
Give through wills & revocable trusts
Give through life income or charitable gift annuities

With your help, we can respond faithfully to God’s call to reach out to women and girls.
 For more information, please see Betty Susi.