What’s your Story? - Clover...

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“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” ‘As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:12,20 NIV). What’s your Story? With any amount of words and expressions, we can create a storyreal or otherwise. We’ve heard them all our lives. Our parents may have spent the few remaining moments before lights out engaging us in a bedtime story. Stories come in all forms. Some make us laugh, while others make us cry. Some are tales of funny and spiritual happenings from missions trips, and some are in wordless pictures. Jesus told stories (parables) to make a point. Stories are powerful. Through them, we celebrate the past and the present. We learn about people we admire and want to imitate. Some are missionaries, while others may be teachers, leaders, gift givers, pray-ers, or caregivers. In Acts 4, we read the story of Peter and John in the Temple. Although the power behind their preaching was questioned, the authorities saw their courage and knew their story was authentic. They were told not to speak about Jesus. Their reply? “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Jesus had ignited their passion, and they could not stop talking about it. Have you had such an experience that it’s hard not to tell someone? Stories allow us to connect with someone else’s story or to a life experience. When people gather together, the storytelling begins. Jesus told stories to His disciples to give them insight into His purpose and prepare them for the future. Stories may call for a commitment. For a moment, we are captivated by a story, and when it ends, we want to respond. They story of Peter and John had such an effect. In Acts 9, we find the early church encourage by the Holy Spirit, living strong in the Lord and growing. What’s your story? Is it the same one Peter and John found in Acts 4:12? On May 14, 2013, WMU celebrates its 125th anniversary. Encased in those 125 years are the stories of women (and men) who have been faithful to God’s leadership. We celebrate the past and the present. We connect our stories, taking them with us into the future. We commit to telling the gospel story to all generations, for that is the story that will live on. Sheryl Churchill lives in Hoover, Alabama, and enjoys listening to engaging storytellers.

Transcript of What’s your Story? - Clover...

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“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” ‘As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:12,20 NIV).

What’s your Story? With any amount of words and expressions, we can create a story—real or otherwise. We’ve heard them all our lives. Our parents may have spent the few remaining moments before lights out engaging us in a bedtime story. Stories come in all forms. Some make us laugh, while others make us cry. Some are tales of funny and spiritual happenings from missions trips, and some are in wordless pictures. Jesus told stories (parables) to make a point. Stories are powerful. Through them, we celebrate the past and the present. We learn about people we admire and want to imitate. Some are missionaries, while others may be teachers, leaders, gift givers, pray-ers, or caregivers. In Acts 4, we read the story of Peter and John in the Temple. Although the power behind their preaching was questioned, the authorities saw their courage and knew their story was authentic. They were told not to speak about Jesus. Their reply? “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Jesus had ignited their passion, and they could not stop talking about it. Have you had such an experience that it’s hard not to tell someone? Stories allow us to connect with someone else’s story or to a life experience. When people gather together, the storytelling begins. Jesus told stories to His disciples to give them insight into His purpose and prepare them for the future. Stories may call for a commitment. For a moment, we are captivated by a story, and when it ends, we want to respond. They story of Peter and John had such an effect. In Acts 9, we find the early church encourage by the Holy Spirit, living strong in the Lord and growing. What’s your story? Is it the same one Peter and John found in Acts 4:12? On May 14, 2013, WMU celebrates its 125th anniversary. Encased in those 125 years are the stories of women (and men) who have been faithful to God’s leadership. We celebrate the past and the present. We connect our stories, taking them with us into the future. We commit to telling the gospel story to all generations, for that is the story that will live on.

Sheryl Churchill lives in Hoover, Alabama, and enjoys listening to engaging storytellers.

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Dear Friends, Over the past few years, WMU has used a great tag line which is

Change a Life. Change a World. Because I am such a believer in

this thought, it has had an impact of the way I view missions and my role in missions. This year, however, marks some new changes in WMU with an adoption of another tag line which is a great segue into the missional

lifestyle that we all work to have. It is Missions for Life. Through the fellowship, outreach, and Bible Study which our groups engage, we practice at living missions. The theme for 2012-14 is The Story Lives On. Over the next couple of years, WMU will highlight the stories of WMU, past and present. Stories will be connected and there will be a commitment to tell the gospel story and "ignite a passion for the Great Commission in all generations." I am looking forward to a wonderful year and my gratitude to all of you as we continue a vital road in mission education and mission support in the work and ministry of our church. It is a blessing to work with you.

Cathy Cathy Turner, WMU Director

The Story Lives On Celebrate Connect Commit

2012-2014

We are a part of a seamless history in which we connect the stories of the

past to write our own chapters in preparation for those

who come after us. Dellanna O’Brien

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The Story Lives On WMU Emphasis 2012-2014: The Story Lives On In 2012-2014 WMU will: Celebrate the radical stories of WMU—past

and present Connect our stories as we forge our future. Commit to tell the gospel story and ignite a passion for the Great

Commission in all generations. Scripture Passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak to teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”. Watchword: “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”. (Acts 4:20 NIV). Suggested Music: Hymn numbers for hymns are from the Baptist Hymnal (2008 Edition)

“We’ve a Story to Tell,” 365 “O Zion Haste,” 583

“I Love to Tell the Story,” 626 “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” 491

Critical Issue: Human Exploitation

WMU...working together to make a difference for God in an ever changing world.

How can you make a difference? There are opportunities to support missions through mission offerings. WMU and First Baptist support both CBF Global and SC CBF State Mission Offerings, SBC Janie Chapman State Offering, Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong Offerings. *Mission Outreach and Mission Action The mission groups have Bible Study opportunities and mission action project such as ministering to shut-ins and working for various area outreach programs like Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Clemson Community Care and other agencies. The support of missionaries/mission field personnel is a very important aspect of the mission of WMU. *Mission Focus Speakers During the year there are outstanding speakers who are actively engaged in missions. Announcements will be listed in THE TIE and the website. *Mission Friends which is the preschool mission program meets on Wednesday nights. The Children Mission Education is incorporated with our Sunday School rotational program. The six issues included in human exploitation include:

1. Exploitation of natural resources for personal gain 2. Bullying, cyber bullying, queen bee bullying 3. Human trafficking—labor 4. Human trafficking—sex 5. Media’s exploitation of children and families 6. Pornography and sexting Six Areas of WMU Mission Objectives

1. Pray for missions. 2. Give to missions. 3. Learn about missions. 4. Support missions. 5. Develop spiritually toward a missions lifestyle. 6. Participate in the work of the church and denomination.

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Changes for

2012-2013

From Areas of Missions Focus to Objectives

Church WMU Leadership Team

Royal Ambassadors and Challengers

New Organization: myMISSION

2012-2014 Emphasis: The Story Lives On

A Fresh Look A New Tagline

WMU is used to change. For the past few years we have used Change a Life. Change the World. As our tagline. We know that when people’s lives are changed, they can indeed change the world. This year will be no different. For 2012-2013 you will see six changes to WMU that will help us be more effective in the local church.

1 From Areas of Missions Focus to Objectives The purpose of WMU is to radically involve Christian believers in the mission of God. Throughout our history we have focused on actions that will fulfill this purpose. These actions have been called Union Ideals, Fundamentals, Tasks, Strategic Principles, Areas of Mission Focus, and now Objectives.

Pray for missions. Give to missions. Learn about missions. Support missions. Develop spiritually toward a missions

lifestyle. Participate in the work of the church

and denomination.

2 Church WMU Leadership Team

The makeup of the WMU leadership team is changing. The structure for WMU in the church has been simplified, using the small church as our primary model. The WMU director is still the place to start.

In addition to the WMU director, we recommend that each church have an Assistant WMU Director. WMU Administrative Assistant to provide support in ordering materials and keeping accurate records.

3 Royal Ambassadors and Challengers The responsibility for Royal Ambassa-dors (RA) and Challengers was transferred from the North American Mission Board to WMU.

4 New Organization: myMISSION

For the last two years you have seen plans for an approach to involve young women in missions called myMISSION. This approach now becomes an organization with a leadership group and members.

5 2012-2014 Emphasis: The Story Live On

Every two years we introduce a new emphasis to help us plan and focus our work in the local church. For the 2012-2014 cycle our emphasis theme is The Story Lives on. During 2013-2014 we will celebrate the 125th anniversary of WMU. What started with a few women in 1888 is now the largest missions organization for men, women, boys, and girls.

The yearlong commemoration launches in 2013 at the WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in Houston and culminates at the 2014 WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in Baltimore where WMU had her first home.

6 A Fresh Look

A New Tagline The last change to highlight is a fresh look for WMU. You will see a more contemporary look to our magazine covers. You will see a new graphic that celebrates our heritage and invites people to take a new look at WMU. You will also see a new tagline—Missions for Life. We believe that the cause of missions brings life to all who hear the gospel. Being involved in missions is the cause of a lifetime—from the youngest preschooler to the oldest adult. Someone said recently, “Change is good. You go first.” Change is good. Let’s all go as we labor together with God.

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The Story Lives On...

SPECIAL DATES 2012 – 2013

September 9-16 Season of Prayer for State Missions Theme: Mission Impossible October 14 World Hunger Sunday November 5 Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer December 2-9 Week of Prayer for International & Global Missions Uganda 2012-2013 CBF Global Offering International Focus Bali and Southeast Asia February 11-7 Focus on WMU March 3-10 Week of Prayer – North American Missions Theme: North America A Mission Field

2012-2013 CBF Global North American Focus Canada April 26-27 SC Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Tidal Creek, Beaufort, SC May 1 – 31 SC CBF State Mission Offering June 9-10 WMU Annual Mission Celebration Houston, TX June 26-28 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly Greensboro, NC

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The Story Lives On... Programs for WMU Mission Focus

2012 – 2013

“One thing I’ve learned for sure is that change happens. And it happens at

warp speed. As missional leaders, we need to constantly be in a learning mindset.

I’m just going to tell you, there will never be a day when we can rest and relax.

As we embrace one thing, we must look to the future at the same time. We’ve got to be innovative and creative and cutting edge.

To do that, we must keep learning.” (Kaye Miller, January Board Meeting,

President’s Address, January 16, 2007)

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Senior Minister Rusty Brock 654-1743

Minister of Youth and Education Tiffany Hamilton 972-1916

Minister of Students and Mission Casey Callahan 498-3961

Interim Minister of Music Michael Dean 654-2347

Interim Minister of Children Lauren Evans 654-2347

Interim Preschool Director of Discipleship Becky DeWitt 506-4702

Chairman of Deacons Wayne Bennett 653-3164

WMU Director Cathy Turner 654-2822

Sunday School Director Joy Boatwright 654-9178

Area Coordinators Sharon Brooks 653-4067

Jane Camper 654-3354

Ed Clark 882-9803

Brenda Welter 639-0503

Bill Wooten 654-1905

WMU Director Cathy Turner 654-2822

WMU Assistant Director Peggy Cover 654-3639

Treasurer Beth Redmond 654-4720

Missions Friends Coordinator Becky DeWitt 506-4702

Harriet Simmons 653-5256

International Ministry Leaders (ESL) Ann Young 868-0367

Group Leaders Sallie Box 654-1608

Gail Marion 654-5461

Stephanie Moore 868-9765

Judy Quisenberry 639-6469

Ann Young 868-0367

THE CHARLES A. ARRINGTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Charles A. Arrington Scholarship Fund was initiated by First Baptist Church on October 4, 1964 in conjunction with the suggestion of the Southern Baptist Women’s Missionary Union to commemorate the 1964 Baptist Jubilee by honoring each local pastor. The primary objective of this fund is to assist students in training for mission work. If there is not a student in the local church who qualifies for help, the money may be used where there is a worthy candidate and sufficient need. Father’s Day has been designated by the Coordinating Council as the day to receive an Arrington Offering

although gifts are accepted throughout the year.

WORLD HUNGER SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2012

World Hunger Sunday is one of the many ways WMU strives to help provide food for the hungry. There will be a bread sale and other projects throughout the month of October with all monies going to hunger needs in our community, country, and world. Bread for the World reports that 102 billion people in the world go hungry. In the US, 11.7 million

children live in households where people have to skip meals to make ends meet. The statistics are staggering. Let’s remember hunger year round through food drives, The CROP Walk and other initiatives in our church and

community.

BAPTIST WORLD DAY OF PRAYER, NOVEMBER 5, 2012

Seven continental unions representing 132 countries and 229 national Baptist women’s organizations will join together for prayer. If you need additional information visit

www.bwawd.org or call 1-703-790-8980.

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Historical Facts

WMU was founded in 1888 by a group mission minded women delegates at

the Southern Baptist Convention in Richmond, Virginia. WMU was established as and remains an auxiliary to SBC but is

self-governing and self-supporting. Annie Armstrong was the first Executive Secretary with an office in Baltimore,

MD. In 1921 under the leadership and guidance of Kathleen Mallory, the national office was moved to Birmingham, AL. Miss Mallory is the longest serving officer of WMU serving as Executive Secretary from 1912-1948.

WMU is the largest Protestant missions organization for women in the world

with a membership of approximately 1 million. Fannie E.S. Heck was the first WMU President. Wanda Lee is currently serving as Executive Secretary and Debby Akerman,

WMU President. WMU has been vital to missions/mission education for over 90 years at

Clemson First Baptist. WMU will celebrate its 125th Anniversary beginning in 2013.

WOMEN ON MISSION GROUPS

During the year there will be several programs of mission emphasis in which all members of WMU are invited to attend. Programs will highlight missionary speakers and the importance of mission education. Watch THE TIE and the Website for information each month. Please refer to the yearbook program schedule.

SHERRY HARNEY —— WOMEN OF THE BIBLE

Meets every other Monday at 9:30AM in room 212 Facilitator: Stephanie Moore

MISSION ACTION GROUP FOR (ESL)

Teaches English as a Second Language to Internationals (ESL) Meets every Tuesday at 9:30AM, September to May in the Basement

Meets every Thursday at 9:30AM, in the Basement Facilitators: Ann Young

RUTH McWHITE GROUP

We meet once a Quarter at various locations Facilitator: Stephanie Moore

SARAH COOPER MISSION FOCUS AND BIBLE STUDY GROUP

Meets on 3rd Tuesday at 3:00PM Ernie Corley Center—Clemson Downs

Facilitators: Sallie Box Judy Quisenberry

SEEKERS/RUBY ADKINS GROUP

Meets on 4th Tuesday at 7:00PM in homes Facilitators: Gail Marion Ann Young