http://www.freemasonstreet.org/
Our Mission Statement:  " To seek to transform  lives  by  worshiping  God,  building  relationships,  developing  disciples,  and  serving  our  neighbors."
July 22, 2016
 

  Ann and I have found that interacting and taking care of twin two year old boys combined with a four month old infant girl is both exhilarating and exhausting.  Its not that the assignment is taxing intellectually or physically.  No heavy problem solving is necessary nor a marathon race.  However,  there is something about answering a thousand questions, making sure an eye is always peeled,  entertaining through funny faces or loud voices, offering a towel for cleaning, changing diapers ( This is not my area of expertise so no expenditure on my part), chasing after two tiny people who head in opposite directions at the same time,  consoling and soothing the soul when your brother gets to be first or is found to have the larger half of the cookie, etc, that just makes a person tired.  And furthermore, this kind of responsibility is outside my normal comfort zone.  I am forced to use muscles both mental and physical which lie dormant most of the time.  Most of us practice a kind of homeostasis when it comes to our day to day lives.  We get comfortable with the way things are and eschew changes, unless of course the change involves getting more out of our lives.  Right now I would do just about anything to have time with our family.  I will adapt, go without sleep, make the bizarre faces, eat popsicles, clean up tiny hand prints, receive sloppy kisses,  and beyond because I love my grandchildren. 
     God is doing a new thing in the lives of Christians and the churches they support.  Every Christian in the 21st Century is being called on to think and act in new and adventurous ways.  We are ask to exercise muscles we did not know existed.  Change is in the air at a time when we want to remain in familiar lanes.  The energy it takes to think and act in a contemporary way addressing the new and emerging patterns of a healthy church in this age is challenging and tiring to be sure.  What motivates me is the possibility of being a partner with God in bringing life and light to this world.  What if the church has a relevant place in this society? What if more people are looking for a place to call home? What if someone needs a place to heal and grow after a fall?  What about building a community of faith that has the will and motivation to truly exemplify the unconditional love of Christ?  It's exhausting work, but love will not let us rest!   

See you Sunday,  
 Randy

 
In This Issue
 
If you missed the
sermon last week,
When Prayers Are Not Enough by Dr. Randy Ashcraft 
you can still listen  here .
 
The message was based on Luke 11:1-13. 
 
 
 
 
 
Service for Marshall Waters
Marshall Waters

The Memorial Service for Marshall Waters will be held at Freemason Street Baptist Church on Saturday, July 30th at 11:00 a.m. 

There will be a reception following the service.  If you can help with the reception please contact Katherine Beale.

Updating the Church Directory
It has been awhile since we have updated a church pictorial directory. 

Terree Neal has agreed to take photos on July 31st and August 14th.   We would like for you to sign up by e-mailing office@freemasonstreet,org  
to let us know which date works best for you.   Terree recommends that you wear solid color clothes.   Pictures will be taken immediately after the worship service on those dates.   

Please make every effort to have your picture taken! 
SAGES : Senior Adults Growing Exploring Serving
This Saturday the SAGES are hosting a Health Fair in conjunction with the Community Meal.  SAGES,  you are invited to come and use the services offered
(Shots for shingles, pneumonia, TDAP), blood pressure testing and speak to a pharmacist about any questions you may have about your health care.   You are also encouraged to come mingle with our guests and encourage them to take advantage of the services being offered.

Make your plans to attend the August event!   You don't have to be a SAGE to attend!



Vacation Bible School

Click for: VBS REGISTRATION FORM
Supply List for VBS
As we prepare for Vacation Bible School, we could use a few supplies that you might have lying around your home.  Any donations or items we can borrow can be put into the box located in the Fellowship Hall or given to Stephanie.

Decorations or mementos of Honduras, Cuba, Mexico, Haiti, or Ghana
Fabric (strips and large squares/triangles)
Crepe paper
Canning jar rings
Empty water bottles
Craft tape
Coffee beans
Colorful ribbons
Coffee filters
Clothespins
Pipe cleaners
Magnet strips (sticky)
Paper lunch bags
Candy
Tissue paper
String
Wrapping paper
Missional VBS
In addition to exploring Bible stories, our VBS this year will give our children a chance to explore different countries and what water means to children and adults around the world.  Our VBS materials are from Living Waters for the World, a non profit dedicated to clean, sustainable water and health education for communities around the world.  They stand by the following:  

Go, Give, Pray
All God's children deserve clean water.
Empowered communities lead to sustainable clean water.
People of faith have the power to create change.
Mission that transforms all begins in relationship.

www.livingwatersfortheworld.org

Start collecting your change for the Noisy Offering on August 7th! 
SUMMER SABBATH'S
  

Everyone had a great time at the Summer Sabbath Beach Party at the Jakubowski's on Saturday!   


There are a few more Get Togethers planned, so of you haven't signed up there is still time!

July 30th     3:00 p.m.    Kid-Friendly Mid-Afternoon cookout at the Weigle's 
Families with children and without!   Bring items to grill for your family & a dish to  share.

August 6         4:00 p.m.           Game Time at the Clagett's
Grilling, fun and games!   Bring items to grill and a dish to share.

August 13         7:05 p.m.       Tides Baseball Game
Join us for Navy Night at Harbor Park on Saturday, August 13th to see the Norfolk Tides play the Toledo Mud Hens.  There will be fireworks after the game, which starts at 7:05 p.m.  Sign up on the bulletin board in the Social Hall or contact Kim Winslow at   klwinslow3@gmail.com.   The last day to sign up is Monday, August 1st.  Tickets are $12 per person and should be picked up at the church on Sunday, August 7th.  Please make checks payable to the church with the memo "baseball game".  Payment is due on or before August 7th
.  Invite your friends and family to join us too!


August 14        5:30 p.m.          Dinner at the Dixons
Bring a main dish for your self and a dish to share.

 
Coffee Hour Hosts
Coffee Hour Hosts:     When it's your birthday month it's your turn to bring in the refreshments for coffee hour and to help set up and clean up.   If you have any questions, see Katherine Beale.

    JULY
3    July
10  August
17   September
24  October
31   November