FELLOWSHIP FOOTNOTES

 

Newsletter of Hamilton Bible Fellowship

June 2007

 

     Thinking back over the last year or so, much has happened at HBF. Some have had health issues that have improved tremendously. We saw many graduates move on last spring, and have had some newcomers. We have revitalized leadership and started to rethink our worship and our relation to the community, especially as the focus on the building project begins to wind down. And, that is probably the biggest milestone – for the first time in our 20+ year history, we are meeting in our own building. I am thankful for all that has been accomplished over the last several years, among those who are part of the fellowship and those outside who have supported us. I’m thankful for skilled and available folks (you!) who have made the construction of this facility possible, and for a sympathetic codes enforcement officer who has been quite willing to work with us. There have been many incidents of divine intervention, big and small – and that continues to be encouraging.

     Perhaps the second half of this year will be even more significant. We are planning to move the building project toward completion as much as possible by the fall. This means finishing the essential interior spaces, completing the outside of the building itself, and getting grounds to the point where it no longer looks so much like a construction site. Of course, some of this depends on funding, and we do plan one more fund raising initiative. Our goal is to be much more presentable and accessible by the middle – end of August, when the annual influx of newcomers happens. In the early fall we want to have three events: an open house; an appreciation for those who have been involved as suppliers, contractors and contributors; and a celebration (primarily for past and present HBFers). We will be forming a committee to plan these events; if you would like to so serve, let us know (you may be recruited anyway).

     The new leadership team is meeting and will be forming the initial Sounding Board over the summer. This will be a representative group consisting of a teenager, a college student and probably three adults. The board will serve a term from September to May, meeting with the elders a minimum of three times. The overall purpose is communication  - of thoughts, ideas and concerns about the ministries of HBF. The board will be both proactive and reactive, depending on the individuals who serve and the particulars during the term. The elders will provide some direction, but will not drive or determine the agenda – we want to hear from you. The Worship Review Board will also continue to meet periodically, to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of what we do on Sunday mornings, offering ideas for adjustments as needed.

     Now that we are in the building, there are more responsibilities and areas of ministry that we need to consider and organize. We are thinking of having an individual, a “point person” who would oversee and organize a specific area. We do have people doing this in some of these areas already; we want to acknowledge that and recruit others as necessary. Pray about these (this is not comprehensive): Sunday School/Christian education; nursery; social events; outreach; building cleaning and maintenance; sound and projection; worship music; Sunday greeting and welcoming; scheduling (for communion/refreshments and other needs). I’m sure more will come up down the road; this is a start! Include these matters in your summer thoughts and prayers.

 

NEWS AND PRAYER UPDATE:

 

Congrats to Terry Hayes (on to University of Maryland) and Jeff Schindler (on to RIT), who graduate from HCS June 23rd.

 

Pray for a final settlement of the legal judgment against the Coxes.

 

Pray for health concerns for parents of HBFers: Andrews, Buttons, Hayes, Nolens, Pils.

 

Pray for summer jobs, activities and travel.

 

 

 

 

THE QUOTE CORNER

 

                                      

 

 

 

 

The experience of life nearly always works toward the confirmation

of faith. It is the total significance of life that it reveals God to us.

Life only can do this; neither thought, nor demonstration, nor miracle,

but only life, weaving its threads of daily toil and trial and joy into a

pattern on which, at last, is inscribed the name, “God.”

 

Theodore Munger

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMING EVENTS CALENDAR:

 

HBF Spring Picnic! Sunday June 10th, 2:00 PM, at the Hodge’s. Bring something to grill and a dish to pass.

 

The NY PENN Franklin Graham (son of Billy) Crusade is this coming weekend, at the Events Center on the Binghamton University campus. Times and dates: Friday 6/8, 7:00; Saturday 6/9, 10:00 AM (children’s event) & 7:00; Sunday 4:00. All events are free; it is suggested that you arrive at least a half hour early for seating. Graham will speak (except Sat. AM), and there will be nationally known musicians performing also.

 

Hamilton Churches VBS is Monday – Friday, July 9 – 13 at First Baptist. This year we are trying a new early evening time, 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

 

June birthdays: 7 Dianne Button & Mark Schindler; 10 Michael Hayes; 11 Chris Henke;

                       20 John Hubbard; 27 Michelle Babcock; 29 Amber Nelson.

                       If yours is missing, let Putter know!