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Love Christ.

Love Others.

Think Biblically!

October 2017 | Monthly Newsletter of First Baptist Church

10.1 Communion Sunday

Men’s Bags Tournament-5:30pm Church Budgets due today!

10.2 New Women’s Study-2pm

10.3 Deacon Meeting-6:30pm

New Women’s Study @7:15pm 10.6

Women’s Better Together-6:30pm 10.7

Men’s Ministry Council-7:30am Women’s Ministry Think Tank-9am

10.8 Trustee Meeting-11:30

Christian Ed Meeting-11:45 10.10

Church Council Meeting-7pm 10.14-15

Collide Fall Retreat@Camp Summit 10.15

Quarterly Bus. Meeting-11:30am 10.20-22

Men’s Momentum @Buchanan, MI 10.22

Youth Sunday 10.24

J.O.Y. Circle—7pm 10.26 & 10.28

Coat Drive 10.28

High School Hangout-6pm 10.29

Castor’s Weiner Roast-4pm

Mark Your Calendar “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:12 The “cord of three strands” Scripture is often quoted in wedding ceremonies to describe the relationship between a husband and a wife who together trust and follow God, forming a strong bond that is not easily broken. I can personally testify to that! Not only is marriage stronger and more permanent, but the added benefit is it is more enjoyable, stable, and productive. This idea is not limited to marriage (although for anyone who is married or considering getting married, it is the most vital basic foundation for life). We find this concept to be true everywhere we look. Over the years we have formed a few strong partnerships between First Baptist Church and other like-minded, Gospel-oriented groups. One of which is Life Action Ministries. Over the next two months we will enjoy the benefit of this relationship in three specific ways. Some of the men of our church will attend Men’s Momentum at Life Action Camp. We will be encouraged by strong Biblical teaching, and enjoy some activities that will strengthen our bonds of brotherhood. In mutual love and respect for Life Action some of the men will also spend some time working at the camp to repair and maintain their facilities. Some of the women of our church will be enjoying a similar time at Thrive early in November. And in mid-November the Life Action Thirst team will come to FBC and lead revival services. Our partnership with Life

Action has blessed our church, is a blessing to Life Action Ministries, and is beneficial to the kingdom of God. We’ve also formed a partnership with Rigoberto Jimenez Cruz in El Salvador. Our partnership with the El Salvador mission has expanded our hearts for all that God desires to do both locally and worldwide. Our partnership with Safe Families has opened our eyes to the need that so many people have in our community for support simply to keep their family intact. Ministering through hospitality has given our church a true sense of the tangible reality of walking like Jesus. In all these things, it becomes even more important to remind our church that we are working together for God’s kingdom. Which means, that the most serious attack of our enemy will likely be aimed at our unity. If two are strong and three are formidable, then the attack of the enemy will first seek to divide before he can conquer. This is why it is so important to forgive. Whenever I am dealing with someone who is angry, my first thought is, “where is the sin?”. If I have sinned, I need to admit it and repent and seek forgiveness. If there is no real sin involved, then likely we have a misunderstanding or hurt feelings because of petty desires or misplaced expectations. In any case, the next step is to keep the issue in focus and not make it personal. The bottom line is that we want to maintain a good spirit of working together for God’s glory, and fight off anything that causes division. All of us working together in unity with our Lord will accomplish more than we can think or imagine! In Christ, Pastor Luke

Pastor’s Perspective-Working Together

There are a lot of exciting things about to take off in the youth ministry and YOU can be part of it! One of those things is Fall Retreat. We’re looking for the church to join us in prayer from 5am, Oct. 14th until 5:30pm on Oct. 15th. Would you please check out

the sign up board in the foyer and grab a 30-minute slot? This is by far one of the highlights of the youth ministry calendar and we would love to have your partnership in prayer as we love and serve young people that weekend! It’s also not too late to register for fall retreat. Please go to bit.ly/collidefallretreat2017 to register your child soon! That being said, there’s also many more ways for you to help at Fall Retreat; we’re looking for a clean up crew of folks to come out on the 15th at 4:30pm to help with clean up at Camp Summit. We are also in need of people who might be willing to come out to the campground that weekend to walk around the grounds and cover it in prayer. If any of this interests you please contact me (Heather) at heather@firstbaptistaledo.com Registration for the Youth Mission Trip to El Salvador opens up on Saturday, Oct. 21st at 9am. Registration is completely online and there are only 17 spots available for the mission trip. For more information about the trip please pick up a packet located in the folders on my bulletin board near my office. Parents are highly encouraged to attend this trip. Prayer groups are up and running at all the schools too. Collide is in full swing and the next high school hangout will be at the pumpkin patch in Alpha on Oct. 28th. The cost is $15 dollars. We’ll have a cookout, play zombie paintball, go through a flashlight corn maze and have a great time of fellowship with each other. It is a true blessing to serve the youth and families of this community! To God be the glory! In Christ, Heather Q.

Upcoming Events!

Collide Youth Group - We meet every Wednesday night through Nov. 8th—High School meets in the Youth Room and Jr. High meets in Fellowship Hall from 6:30-8pm! Fall Retreat 2017- Oct 14th-15th at Camp

Summit. Registration now open. Early Bird Registration ends Sept. 30th. To register ONLINE go to bit.ly/ collidefallretreat2017 Fall Retreat Prayer Board_ We're asking the church to join us in covering all of Fall Retreat in prayer. Please pick a 30 minute time slot. The sign up board is in the church foyer. Before School Groups- Every week! ~Monday 7:30am at the HS in Mr. Roberston's room, ~Tuesday 7:40am at MCIS in the library, and ~Wednesdays 7:45am at MCJH in the Chorus room. Homeschool students are invited to join too!

Fall Retreat Prayer Board_ We're asking the church to join us in covering all of Fall Retreat in prayer. Please pick a 30 minute time slot. The sign up board is in the church foyer. Next High School Hang-Out- Saturday, Oct.28th, Pumpkin Patch Outing- Zombie Paintball, Flashlight Corn-Maze, and Bonfire with hot dogs, chips and s'mores. Cost is $15 dollars, please bring cash and meet at the church at 6pm.

C O L L I D E Y O U T H!

10/1/17 Ronda Moffitt, Marcy & Rusty

Smet & Katie Loving

Denise Bowker, Brooke, Joe, Katy & Kaleb Loving, Joyce Thomas, Kathy Norton & Mollie

10/8/17 Ronda & Veronica Moffitt, Janet Rind, & Emily Baldwin

Mollie, Sarah Kellett, Felicia Bonynge, Monica & Jacob Dennison

10/15/17 Ronda Moffitt, Crystal Clark, Susan

Potthast & Maddie Dunn

Denise Bowker, Barbara Nesbitt, Nadine Coulter, Mol-lie Shannon Sedam & Tina McCaw

10/22/17 Ronda Moffitt, Emily Baldwin, Jan

Crutcher & Maddie Dunn

Denise Bowker, Lisa & Shay Litwiler, Leslie, Jason

& Brady Connell, & Mollie Dunn

10/29/17 Ronda Moffitt, Sharon Moffitt,

Vivian Kopp & Bryce Moffitt

Denise Bowker, MaKayla Thomas, Tammie Trout, Jen-

na Ruh, Mollie, Todd Baldwin & Meliss Struble

If you are unable to serve the day you are scheduled in the Nursery, please make arrangements in advance to switch with another person on the schedule. Please contact Ronda Moffitt, Nursery Coordinator, for all concerns on her Cell:(309) 371-3021. Thank you! Kids Club Worship—PLEASE come to the Fellowship Hall by 10:00am so you can help & prep. *Please continue to let me know if you are switching with somebody. I have it set up so there are two adults plus myself helping at a time. Please do not switch with a couple if you are an individual. Thank you so much for your ser-vice! ~Mollie. If you need to contact Mollie about Kids Club Worship, call –309-371-6962.

Finance Board Member of the Month for October – Jeanne Barber

Trustee of the Month for October— John Kelly

Prayer Team October 1– Mary Lee Finch, Peggy Johnson & Ron Moffitt

October 8– Jeanne Barber, Barb Bryant & Kurt Diesch

October 17– Deb & Dave VanderHeyden, Troy Riddell & Laurie Louck

October 24 – Tina McCaw, Jason & Shelly Snyder & Vickie Korns

Volunteer & Giving Information

DATE 9/3/17 9/10/17 9/17/17 9/24/17

8 AM 77 98 70 84

10:15AM 278 292 315 267

TOTAL 355 390 385 351

Date 9/3/17 9/10/17 9/17/17 9/24/17

General Fund Giving

$15,424.58

$7,074.01

$9,051.50

$11,915.25

Designated Giving

$1,443.66

$1,141.00

$793.45

$992.99

Total Giving $16,868.24 $8,215.01 $9,844.95 $12,908.24

**Weekly Current Expense offering needed to meet 2017 budget - $9,557.25

Date Nursery Kids Worship

Kids Club Ministry October News We wrapped up the first month of Kids Club with a Wild & Wacky Party and an average of 77 kids each Wednesday in September. We have a great crew of volunteers serving as we dive into “God Delivers” in our Gospel Project series. Kids ages 3-5th grade can join us anytime during the session but don’t wait! The last night of the session is Nov. 8th! On October 25th, we’ll enjoy a Harvest Party, Maker Fun Fest, which piggy backs on what we learned at VBS this summer at Maker Fun Factory. Even if your child hasn’t attended, they’re welcome to join us for the party. The kids will make cool gadgets, enjoy a special treat, and be reminded that they are “Made by God, Built for a Purpose.” No costumes, please. On Saturday, September 23rd we launched our first Secret Keeper Girl event of the school year with a Mom & Me Tea Party. We had so much fun learning that “we are fearfully and wonderfully made” with moms, daughters, and grammas. We couldn’t do

our events without the moms and volunteers serving & I’m so appreciative of their hard work and dedication. SKG, Aledo is a group for moms and their daughters in the

Mercer County area. A Secret Keeper Girl is one who keeps the deepest secrets of her beauty for her future husband. Also, she knows that there aren’t any secrets she can’t share within the safety of her relationship with her mom. And the coolest thing about a Secret Keeper Girl is that she is a masterpiece created by God. SKG is now event-based. This means that FBC will offer events based on specific topics and the participation age for the girls will vary depending on the event. All events are open to moms and daughters in the

(Secret Keeper continued) community. Spread the word and invite your friends! *If a mom cannot attend an event with her daughter, an older female may take her place. Want to learn more? We have a private group on Facebook called “Secret Keeper Girls: Aledo, IL.” Each event will have its own event page in this group and will be promoted in other FBC groups and on our website. ~Mollie

Upcoming Events

Kids Worship Party: Sunday, October 8th during the 10:15am service for kids ages 3-5th grade. We’ll be celebrating with donuts and fun for reaching our goal of raising $1,000 for Safe Families. Great job kids & parents!

Maker Fun Fest Harvest Party: Wednesday, October 25th from 6:30-8pm during Kids Club. *New kids are encouraged to pre-register online at www.firstbaptistaledo.com or call Mollie at 371-6962 to minimize wait time during sign-in.

PJ Reward Night: Wednesday, November 8th from 6:30-8pm during Kids Club. We’ll celebrate reaching our Food Pantry goal of 800 items and kids are encouraged to wear their PJ’s. They should come prepared to have fun & recite their memory verses for a trip to the Prize Table. *We’re collecting small toys, stickers, individually wrapped candy and snacks for the prize table. If you’d like to donate, please contact Mollie at 371-6962 or leave donations in her office. Thanks for your help!

Women’s Ministry Think Tank All ladies are invited to a

Women’s Ministry Think Tank meeting Saturday, October 7th at

9am in the Enon Room.

J.O.Y. Circle —(Jesus, Others, Yourself) All ladies are invited to

JOY Circle. We meet the 4th Tuesday of the month. In September, we will meet

Tuesday, October 24th at 7pm.

All Ladies are Invited to the Women’s Better Together

Gathering Hosted at Melissa Struble’s Home-1564-150th St. Aledo

Date: Friday, Oct. 6th Time: 6:30pm Theme: Fall

Bring a snack to share. No need to RSVP.

These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity for the women of the church to get to know one another better. We

hope you’ll join us.

W o m e n’s M i n i s t r y

2 New Women’s Studies beginning in

October New Women’s Study – Beginning Monday, Oct. 2nd at 2pm there will be a new Bible study on the book of Hebrews at Dawn Douglas’ home-502 NW 9th Ave., Aledo and led by Jane South. Sign up on Sunday’s Connection Card. NEW-In-Depth Bible Study Through the Book of Luke -Tuesdays 7:15-8:30pm at Heather Quiroz's house- 408 W. Main St. Aledo. All women are welcome, starting Tuesday, Oct. 3rd. RSVP Heather @ 217-552-5253.

life Action Camp

“Thrive” Women’s

Conference First Baptist is taking a group of ladies to Buchanan, MI on

Nov. 3rd-5th, 2017 for a women’s “Thrive” Conference. Cost is $160 and covers lodging and

meals for the weekend. Registration forms for Thrive are on the Women’s Ministry table in the church

lobby. Payment needs to be made at time of registration. Leave form and payment at the church office. Questions see Jenny Dixon(309)373-0104 or

Brooke Loving—(309) 738-2319.

Life Action Ministry Ladies’ Luncheon

Coming in November!

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 14th. The

Life Action Team will be hosting a Ladies Luncheon for all women in our Fellowship

Hall from 11:30am-1pm. Cost is FREE. Invite a friend. Sign

up is coming soon.

.

You’re Invited to the farm for a Weiner Roast

Everyone is invited to Mark & Lynda Castor’s farm—1536-135th Ave., Aledo for a wiener roast on Sunday, October 29th at 4:00pm

Bring your own hot dogs, buns, dish to pass and lawn chairs. Drinks & table service will be provided. No RSVP needed.

Kids Coat Drive It is once again time to clean out your children's closets and donate their gently used winter outerwear. We are collecting items to give away to anyone who has a need. We will collect CHILDREN'S/TEENS winter coats, scarves, mittens/gloves, hats, snow pants, and boots. Donations can be dropped off in the Rubbermaid tote at 107 SW 12 Street, Aledo from now thru Oct 26th. The giveaway will take place at First Baptist Church, 800 NE 6 St, Aledo on

Thursday, Oct. 26th from 5-7pm and Sat., Oct 28th 9-11am. There are no income guidelines. Items are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Recipients MUST be present to receive a coat. No early distribution and 1 coat per person present. Questions may be directed to Cindy Maynard, 309 644-0028.

Diaper/Baby Supply

Round Up at FBC!

What: Diaper/Baby Supplies for the FBC Aledo Safe Family/Foster

Care Closet

When: Now Through Sunday, Oct. 29th

What: Diapers (all sizes needed), Wipes &

Walmart Gift Cards. The gift cards will be used

to purchase things like formula, baby food and

any other supplies the host family may need.

Drop Off: Leave Items In the Playpen in the

Lobby

Filling our Safe Family/Foster Care Closet will

be a real blessing to the families who are hosting the children.

**Thanks for all the donations that have been made to fill the closet. At this

time we are NOT in need of clothing or any other baby equipment. If you have

questions, see Sherry Huffstutler, Kelly Higgins or Mollie Dunn.

Wednesday Night Live Continues! Fall classes for adults and children!

Wednesday Nights Aug. 30th-Nov. 8th from 6:30-8pm.

New Adult Marriage Class Taught by Pastor Seth & Denise Bowker at First Baptist-Love & Marriage & Staying In Love - Coming up beginning Oct. 4th we will do a 1 night Love and Marriage study,

followed by a “Date Night” on Oct. 11th and then beginning Oct. 18th we’ll start “Staying In Love” study by Andy Stanley. This marriage class and books are FREE and taught by Pastor Seth and Denise Bowker. Class will run through Nov. 8th, each Wednesday night from 6:30-8pm.

Kids Programs also available during Wednesday Night Live! It’s never too late for your kids to jump in. It’s FREE! Kids Club for ages 3 years old through 5th Grade. Collide Youth Group– 6th-12th grade. Nursery for 0-2 years old.

Conference coming to FBC Aledo November 12th-15th THIRST is a 4-day conference experience that our whole church can enjoy. From Sunday morning through Wednesday night, the Life Action team will bring powerful preaching, refreshing worship, memorable testimonies, dynamic children’s and youth programs, and passionate prayer right into your sanctuary. By carefully unpacking biblical texts related to loving God, loving people, understanding and receiving God’s grace, turning from pride and sin, calling out for God’s help, and seeking Him wholeheartedly, our team will

partner with you in casting a vision of a revived, loving, and powerful Christian life. Please be in prayer how you may be involved in this “Thirst” conference. Whether through prayer, attendance, meal prep or hosting team members, please consider how you may want to get involved in the upcoming Revival at First Baptist Aledo. We are in need of help with the following Revival needs - We need several Loaner Vehicles for the team

to drive while they are in Aledo and we need families to open up a bedroom in their home and be a Host Home for the team to stay. The team will be in Aledo Nov. 10th-17th. If you can assist, please sign up on Sunday’s Connection Card and someone will contact you with details.

The Thirst Schedule of Events Sunday, November 12th—Worship Services at 8am, 10:15am & 6pm

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, November 13th-15th– Service at 6:30pm Tuesday, November 14th—Ladies Luncheon 11:30am-1:30pm in Fellowship Hall

Thirst Events are for the whole family and a nursery is also available.

Watch for more details—FBC Aledo’s Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal

Thursday, Nov. 23rd 11am-Noon MC Senior Center

Early Heads up—Volunteers will be needed

M e n' s M i n i s t r y

Men’s Momentum Retreat Date: October 20th-22nd —

Cost: $100* Place: Life Action Camp in

Buchanan, MI Questions: See Pastor Luke or Pastor

Seth

Men do not thrive on bread alone (although the

food is great at a Momentum retreat!) Food, fellowship, and spiritual recharging mark these men’s times together. Guests are challenged in their Christian walk, prompting many to make life-changing decisions. We encourage men to

lead their families—and ultimately our nation—with deliberate action, resisting the

role of passive onlooker. This retreat is designed for men ages 16 and older.

Cost includes conference fee, lodging and

meals while at the conference you will need money for 2 meals while on the road.

Departure will be from FBC on Friday, Oct. 20th at 10am and we’ll be back in Aledo on

Sunday, Oct. 22nd in the early evening. Interested? Sign up on Sunday’s Connection

Card. *The actual cost of the retreat is $150 so if you are able to pay $150 that helps with the

FBC budget.

Optional Mission Work @ Momentum For those men interested and available FBC has

offered to do a mission project at Life Action Camp. If you are able to extend your stay from

Oct. 23rd-26th, you can participate in doing hands on maintenance work that the camp

needs assistance with. Watch and listen for more details about this mission project.

Birthday Anniversary October 2 Elden & Martha Cirks Tristan Ham October 3 Dave & Sandy Cooper Dawn Huffstutler Mike & Beth Bowns Adam Huffstutler Sean Klink October 4 Brandon Cirks October 5 Bob & Myrna Sell Caden Miller Jarin Smock Todd Coulter October 6 Krista Bear October 7 Joshua & Cimion Norwick Ruth Smock October 9 Ethan Monson October 11 Seth & Denise Bowker Shannon Clawson Danielle Will October 13 Robin Huffstutler October 14 Scott Moffitt October 15 Betty Dowd Darren Rind Arlene Bewley October 18 Mary Rohm Don McConaughey Bev Ruska October 19 Jerry & Connie Mattson Zeke Snyder October 20 Hugh Brown October 21 Joshua Struble October 22 Jenna Ruh October 23 Joyce McKinley October 26 Ryan McNall Maddie Dunn October 27 Myron & Kelly Higgins Jessica Duncan October 28 Jordan Monson October 29 Orion Wilkerson October 31

Church Budgets – Committee Chairs and staff - Please turn in your proposed church budget for 2018 to Diane Nelson, Finance

Chair or the church office by Oct. 1st. Thank you.

A SNEAKY note from Pam

As a rule, I don’t normally print things in the newsletter without Pastor Luke’s approval, but this is

an exception to that rule.

I inserted this announcement after he reviewed the newsletter so he doesn’t know this is in here

(hopefully he will forgive me) . I just wanted to take a moment to remind you all that October is nationally recognized as “Pastor Appreciation” Month. I would like to encourage all of you to send a card or note of encouragement to all of our wonderful pastors, Pastor

Luke, Pastor Seth, Mollie & Heather. I have the privilege of working with this outstanding group of faith filled people. They regularly seek the Lord in

study and prayer and pray for our church family often. They are called in times of celebration and in times of sorrow, often sacrificing time with their own

family to minister to us. They willingly and faithfully step in and step up to help guide us in our own walk of faith, continually pointing us to Jesus Christ. I see firsthand that their job is not easy, in fact it can be quite difficult on many days, but they each do it as for the Lord with dedication and joy.

We are so blessed to have such a remarkable staff of leaders and again I just ask that you take some time

during the month of October to send a card to them to let them know we, their church family, love and

appreciate them. ~ Thanks! Pam Ricke

Here are their addresses: Pastor Luke & Mollie Dunn 612 N. College Ave., Aledo, IL 61231 Pastor Seth & Denise Bowker 503 NE 6th Ave., Aledo, IL 61231 Heather & Rodrigo Quiroz 408 W. Main St., Aledo, IL 61231

A Word From Pastor Seth

Disguised as Light

James McDonald has an excellent devotional with the same title. The challenge is to make sure that we are walking in the light. C.S. Lewis once said that there are two equal and opposite errors that we can fall into regard-ing Satan and his demons. One is to act like they don’t exist; the other is to be unduly and overly interested in them. October is here and seeing that the stores are al-ready filling up with Halloween costumes and decorations, I always start to cringe at the dark-ness that I see and the celebration of it. I remem-ber being a child and the candy was the focus. The excitement was to collect it and then eat it. The innocent things are the candy and the chance to dress up like a superhero or a princess. It’s so cute to see the kids and their excitement. As an

adult, I see that it’s much more than just candy. I see an al-lurement and all-embracing love for dark things. No mat-ter what your thoughts are on this topic or if you par-take or if you do not

partake. Please ask yourself this question: How can I bring the light of Christ to Halloween? Try some of the following: Wrap your candy in scripture labels. Hand out little Bibles with candy. Print or purchase tracts to hand out with can-

dy. Dress up as a Bible character (I will go again

as Eve’s son, Seth)

There is no right or wrong answer to the Hallow-een dilemma. It comes down to our convictions that must be individually sought, independently found, and personally followed. - Seth “walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light . . .” 1 John 1:7

PRAYER AND CONCERNS—IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF PRAYER CHAIN

PLEASE CALL: THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 309-582-7812

HEALTH & WELL BEING Elden Cirks, Family of Rocky Svoboda, Family of Don Welch, Family of Shawn Peterson, Helen Slater, Allison Adams,

Betty Leslie, Jerry Morgan, Rosalee Sproston, Lisa Hammill, Noah Houston, Hurricane victims, Kathy Carlson, Bob Brinley, Gary Sheldon, Bev Balmer, Bob & Myrna Sell, Marge Pape, Missy Schell, Family of Donna Fisk, Bill McKinley,

Steve Bowns, Kris Salmon, Gavin Swafford, Calvin Frye, Janet Rind, Sheryl Robertson, Doris & Marc Dewey, Pastor Mark Harris, Lisa McWhorter, Marilyn Hessman, Mary Flint, Francie Jane Easley, Barbara McPhinney, Henry Leichty

& Lauryn Russell

NURSING HOME Bill McKinley, Marge Goding, Betty Weeks & Bob Sell

MISSIONARIES & MILITARY

Danika Higgins & Rigoberto Cruz Holly Mattson, Joe Elliott, Spencer Zielke, Jon Szalonek, Christopher Schultz, Austin Weir, Tyler Mattson, Kyle

Mandle, Charles Schultz, Terry Schaefer, Matt VanderHeyden & Tara Helmick

OTHER CONCERNS

The church & all decisions

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 800 NE 6th Avenue Aledo, IL 61231 Phone: 309-582-7812 Fax: 309-582-2064 Email: fbcaledo2@frontiernet.net www.firstbaptistaledo.com

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