Second Avenue Baptist Church

                                                                                       January 16, 2007                Volume XXIV  Issue 2               

Happy Birthday!

OK, I’m a little early, but this is the last newsletter before we celebrate the 100th Birthday of Second Avenue Baptist Church. So, happy birthday everyone.  I haven’t been to too many centurion birthday parties, but the ones I have been a part of are always great celebrations.  I know ours will be as well and I am looking forward to it.

Last Sunday I was doing my interview for the 100th Anniversary Video History and Don Hatcher asked me “what does it mean for a church to celebrate 100 years?”  Admittedly, I wasn’t fully prepared for that question and may not have answered it fully.  So, I thought I would take this opportunity to give a more complete answer to that question.

What does it mean for a church to celebrate 100 years?

First, it means that the founding mothers and fathers were led by God.  Only a congregation founded and ordained by God can last such a long time.  If our forbearers were simply acting on a whim, I doubt we would be here today.  God had a purpose for this Family of Faith then and it remains today.

Second, it means that God has sustained us.  The first word that comes to mind when I think of a church celebrating a century of faith is perseverance.  The stubborn commitment of a people to maintain a place of worship through cyclones both real and metaphorical, through changes in leadership, and the ebb and flow of life.  Certainly, our forbearers are to be commended for their faithfulness.  However, such longevity must be attributed more to God’s sustaining grace than our tenacity.  God has continued to support and uphold that which He ordained here.

Third, it means that God has led this congregation through challenging times and changing circumstances.  One of the things that strikes me as I have looked back over our history, is how much both we and our community have changed.  Throughout all of the change of the past 100 years, this church has maintained a vital ministry in East Rome because it has listened to and obeyed the leading voice of God.

Finally, it means that those of us here to celebrate this day have a great responsibility to continue the line of faithfulness that is our legacy.  We celebrate the goodness of God that founded, sustained, and led our family of faith.  As we do so, we acknowledge that as the recipients of that goodness, we will take up the yoke and remain faithful into the Second Century to the vision to which God has called us.

So, I’ll see you on February 4th, but until then, “Happy Birthday!”

Blessings,

Monty

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Worship Ministry

The Chancel Choir is always looking for new members, especially as we begin our Easter season.  Two of our highlights for this season are our presentation of Experiencing God, the Musical to be performed at the City Auditorium on April 1, Palm Sunday, at 7:00 PM and leading the Maundy Thursday service at our church, April 5 at 7:00 PM.

Our choir will combine with Dykes Creek Baptist Church choir for a service of praise and discovery of how all of us can truly experience God and not just know facts about Him.  This event will be especially geared to the Floyd County public who might be uncomfortable entering our churches, but might find the City Auditorium less threatening.

The Chancel Choir will also be leading the Maundy Thursday service, April 5 at 7:00 PM, during Holy Week. This will be a special service of reflection upon the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for our sins.

We hope you will be able to join us this week in one of our many choirs and ensembles as we prepare to use our talents to lift the name of Jesus in our church and community.

Steve

Volunteers and Canned Food Needed for Community Soup Kitchen

Jan. 29– Feb. 2

Volunteers are needed throughout the week. If you can help, contact the day captain for the day you are available. Day captains are: Monday-David Roland, Tuesday-Jane Gray Collier, Wednesday-Ann Pinson, Thursday-Chuck Hicks, Friday-Marsha Spota, or contact the church office at 706-232-3663.

Donations of canned food needed for the soup kitchen include: canned chicken, canned roast beef, canned mixed vegetables, canned crushed tomatoes, and canned yams. A collection box is located by the second floor water cooler.

Year End Financial Report

**Preliminary End of Year 2006**

Budget Goal to Date   $636,736

Budget Gift to Date       592,621.

Total Gifts to Date       $714,062.

Christmas Missions Offering

$10,844.00

Fun and Fellowship (formerly GBU) is sponsoring a Valentine Banquet. Please plan to join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and entertainment! The banquet will take place on Monday, February 12, at 6:30 PM in Ballroom-A of the beautifully restored Forrest Hotel on Broad Street. Greg Garrett will cater the meal from Duffy's Deli. Free parking will be available in the parking deck across from the hotel.

Tickets will go on sale January 17, and may be purchased from members of the Fun and Fellowship Council: Lynn and Jane Brandon, Bill Teat, Susan Kelly, Myra Dempsey, Jimmie McGraw, Margaret Pinson, Jerri Rice, or Irma Cleaveland. Tickets must be purchased before February 7, so get your tickets early!

• The cost is $15.00 per person.
• Dress: Coat and Tie

STUDENT LIFE CLARITY TOUR- March 9-10, in Atlanta, GA

• Cost: $70 per person (Includes Conference Fee, Lodging, & Transportation)
• Sign-Up Sheet is located in the Youth Suite. Sign-Up deadline- February 25
• $35 Non-Refundable Deposit due to secure a spot
• Speakers: David Platt & Jeremy Kingsley, Worship Leader: Kristian Stanfill, Concert Artist: Leeland
  Visit www.clarity07.com

Vacation Bible School is Coming Soon
Join us in praying for God to begin preparing our church for this great time of outreach to our children and community! Interested in helping? Sign-up begins next month!

The Missions Committee is excited to announce the destination for the 2007 Mission Trip is Miami, Florida where we will partner with Touching Miami with Love Ministries in the Overtown area of Miami.  The dates of the trip are Saturday, June 23 through Saturday, June 30.  The team will be involved in multiple projects while there.  The main project will be a day camp in a city park for about 200 children.  There will also be a weeklong construction project as well as a Sunday morning worship service for the homeless community and other ministries at night.  You can sign up now on the bulletin board just outside the fellowship hall or by calling the church office.  The cost for participants will be $150 per person ($500 maximum per family) with a $50 deposit to hold your spot.  Watch for more details and an information meeting.

Youth Choir SonPower Trip, July 2-7     

Sheraton World Resort Hotel, Orlando Florida

SonPower is an unforgettable week of music and missions for students. In five power-packed days, students learn dynamic songs from the upcoming SonPower music collection, study God's Word under the direction of the coolest guys around, and serve the surrounding community through unique mission opportunities. The week will culminate in a live recording session, as students present music they have been working on all week. The Bible Study leader will be Dan Dewitt; Dennis and Nan Allen will be leading music rehearsals and drama classes and the worship leader will be Matt Papa, an accomplished singer/songwriter and musician.

The $175 cost per person includes hotel and SonPower registration. A theme park and estimated 16 meals will be an additional $136. Student scholarships will be available. A non-refundable $25 deposit is due by February 15. Sign-up in the Youth Suite and then join the Youth Choir.  Youth may attend both the Mission Trip and SonPower.

Family 2 Family Returns February 11

Last fall we began a new series on Sunday evenings called Family 2 Family.  The turnout was great and the participation even better.  So, Family 2 Family is returning on Sunday evening, February 11 at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall.  The theme for the spring series is The Games We Play and the Questions They Raise.  We’ll take a look at some popular game shows like Deal or No Deal, Identity, Jeopardy, Amazing Race, and others to see what questions they raise for our spiritual journeys.  F2F will continue to be an interactive time of fellowship, activity, and worship.  Come and join us.

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Celebrating a Century of Faith: Our Story...

On October 27, 1907, in conference, the doors of the church were opened and letter received ten members. Prior to that time, only one had been received as candidate for baptism. At this business meeting, officers and committee members were elected for the ensuing year. All of these workers pledged to do their best in raising funds to build a church building on the lot, which had been purchased from G. H. Miller and Son at a cost of $500.00.

              During this period of time, church services were being held in a small store building on East Ninth Street, for which the church paid $5.00 per month rent. On April 1, 1908, a movement was begun to get a building started, and was completed, with the first service held therein on May 10, 1908.

              In May 1908, a series of meetings were held. Reverend I. R. Walker of Carrollton, Georgia, served as the Evangelist. This series of meetings ran for three weeks and twenty-three members were added to the church. Reverend S. B. King tendered his resignation as Pastor on June 28, 1908, and the following July 19, 1908, Reverend I. R. Walker was called as Pastor. Reverend Walker served our church until October 25, 1911.

              A cyclone destroyed the church building on October 14, 1909, and afterward the church was rebuilt at a cost of approximately $2,500.00.

Homebound Members

January 14:

Betty Bennett

January 21:

D. M. & Estelle Bowen, Jr.

January 28:

Tammy Bryant

Sympathy

The Congregation and Staff would like to express sincere Christian sympathy to Eunice Deason, Colin Kelly, Charla Floyd, and Elton Hodges in the death of Dayton Colston.

Giving for the Week of 1/07/07

Budget Goal to Date   $  12,958.

Budget Gift to Date           8,544.

Weekly Budget Goal       12,958.

Weekly Budget Gifts         8,544.

Total Gifts to Date       $    8,656.

Attendance for 1/7/07

Sunday School           178 

Morning Worship         229

Giving for the Week of 1/14/07

Budget Goal to Date   $  25,916.

Budget Gift to Date         16,752.

Weekly Budget Goal       12,958.

Weekly Budget Gifts         8,209.

Total Gifts to Date       $  17,733.

Attendance for 1/14/07

Sunday School           189 

Morning Worship         228

Weekly Schedule

Sunday, January 21

9:00 am Women’s Prayer Time

9:00 am Instrumental Ensemble

9:45 am Sunday School

11:00 am Morning Worship

                 Baptism

Noon- Student Ministry Team meeting/Luncheon

No Evening Activities

Tuesday, January 23

7:00 pm Second Century Intro meeting/Leader Enlistment

Wednesday, January 24

5:15 pm Family Night Supper

6:00 pm Prayer Time—Fellowship Hall

6:00 pm Preschool Choir      

6:00 pm Children’s Choir                                                        

6:15 pm Adult Bible Study—Chapel

6:15 pm Finance Committee

6:15 pm The Foundry—Youth

6:15 pm Illuminate—College/Career

6:30 pm Chancel Bell Choir

6:45 pm Children’s Mission Groups

7:00 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Thursday, January 25

7:00 am Men’s Prayer Breakfast

10:00 am Joyful Singers Choir

Friday, January 26

9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study

Upcoming Events

January 28

Committee Chair and Ministries Orientation after morning worship.

Snack lunch will be provided.

January 29- February 2

Community Kitchen at SABC

January 30

6:00 pm Deacon Steak Supper in the Fellowship Hall

7:00 pm Deacon Council meeting

February 4

100th Anniversary Celebration

February 12

6:30 pm Fun & Fellowship Valentine Banquet

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MINISTERIAL and WORSHIP STAFF

Rev. Monty Stallins, Senior Pastor

Mr. Steve Grayson, Minister of Worship

Rev. Charlie Mayberry, Minister to Families

Mrs. Ann Hicks, Organist

Mrs. Annette Herrington, Church Accompanist

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SUPPORT STAFF

Mrs. Lisa West, Ministry Assistant                                             

Mrs. Mary Beth Musick, Administrative Assistant/ Financial Secretary

Mr. Phil Langston, Custodian

Mrs. Amy Jones, Custodian

Mrs. Dean Money, Family Night Hostess

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