Planning Ahead

678 Pages·2012·6.92 MB·English

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BLOOMFIELD, CT 860-242-8996 MARCH 2012

Elder’s Epistle
did! The Holy Spirit gave me the words that needed
Loving God and Living Christ
to be shared by summarizing what I learned. Their

response was a confirmation that if I had ignored the
You would expect a New England Saturday in
prompting, the blessing would have been lost. A
January to be cold and possibly snowy, but such was
second example occurred when a friend stopped me
not the case as I gathered with some friends to attend
right in the middle of our conversation. She said
a conference on somewhat of a warmer day. As I
there was something she just had to share with me
attentively listened to the speaker and actively
and did so with overflowing joy and tears. God had
participated with some group discussion, I had an
done such a powerful work in her life to answer
unrelated thought pop into my head. I have learned
prayer that she could not contain herself.
to pay attention to these thoughts because God may

be trying to say something to me. If I do not write
In a world that turns from God, Christ is the
them down I will most likely never see them again
prescription. As you have a conversation with the
and miss an opportunity of blessing that has been
people you do each day, include specifically how He
prepared for me. Maybe you can relate to this?
is working in your life right now and answering your

prayer and the prayers of your other friends. It
The next day I worshiped with you and I saw what
shows how He is alive and well. It is not like you
we all see at Wintonbury. It was the following:
have to hand out a tract or explain a diagram so be
courageous, not nervous, and be encouraged to do
Loving God, Living Christ
something simple.

We seek to love God passionately and live Christ
compassionately in our region and beyond You can love God and live Christ to transform your
life and awaken those close to you. I encourage you
to share Him generously.
It struck me different that day. I flipped through my

notes from the seminar and observed that my
God bless you!
thought was a virtual duplicate of the essence of the
Dave Blough
above. The reason I believe this is important is

because, in a way, this is part of me. When
_______________________________________
something is part of you, you cannot help but it
having an impact in some way. Similarly, when

loving God is such a part of you, that love overflows In This Issue….
to such a point that you cannot help but live
Elder’s Epistle 1 D.R. Missions Trip 3
Christ. When you live Christ, you share with people Ramblings from Rich 2 Planning Ahead 3
about how He is transforming you. It is part of you. Iron Sharpens Iron 2 Book Review 4
Executive Pastor 2 Faith Trek Kids 4
What other ways might this overflow look like? In a Welcome Luncheon 2 Faithful Advisor 4
recent conversation with a relative going through Good Friday / Easter 2 Newsletter Schedule 4
Andre’s Angle 3 Easter Readings 5
some challenging times, I sensed that I should share
the message I just heard in our worship time and so I
Ramblings from Rich Executive Pastor Position
The vote to invite me to become the next pastor of Wintonbury has started the recruiting process to fill
Wintonbury was 13 – 1. That tells you three things the position of Executive Pastor. Please keep this
(probably more). 1) Andre got a better vote than critically important search in your prayers! Please
I did. 2) Wintonbury was pretty small in 1972. prayerfully consider referring individuals who are
3) There was one person who was opposed to me well-suited for this position. Anyone interested can
coming. contact Tim Cosby at [email protected].

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Who was that one person? I found out within the
first month of being here. He and his wife invited us The executive pastor serves to complement the
out to dinner, and he explained that he was the vote. Lead Pastor in any and every way. In particular,
He said it was not personal. He had two reasons for he is to implement the vision set by the Lead
his vote: one he thought I was too young; and two, Pastor and the Elder Board. He is also the
since I wasn’t planning to give an “altar call” every primary operational leader in the office and
week, he didn’t think I was evangelistic enough.
manages the church staff.

He was very gracious in explaining this to me, and I What are we looking for?
didn’t feel hurt, intimidated, or threatened. I could (cid:1) A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work
tell he was very sincere and wanted the best for the
experience
church. (cid:1) 3-5 years of management experience

(cid:1) Budget development and oversight
He and his family faithfully attended Wintonbury
experience
over the next year. I kept wondering when he was
(cid:1) Demonstrated leadership and vision in
going to leave. One year later he stood up before the
managing staff groups and major projects
congregation and said he had been wrong in his vote
against me. I have never forgotten that moment. It or initiatives
was a personal affirmation that the Lord had called (cid:1) Excellent interpersonal skills and a
us to Bloomfield. It was also an amazing lesson in collaborative management style
humility. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t have been (cid:1) Excellent oral and written communication
able to publicly admit I was wrong, but I sure (cid:1) Demonstrated the qualities of a spiritual
wanted to learn how.
leader (Titus 3, 1 Timothy 3) and a deep

commitment and love for God
I should report that after he and his wife retired to

Canada, they continued to receive sermons from
Wintonbury for many years. I am still grateful for Welcome Luncheon
the single vote against me, and the friendship and If you are new to our church and haven’t been to
admiration I developed with a man that voted his a Welcome Luncheon yet, you are invited to a free
conscience. lunch in the Great Room on March 25th at 12:30
to meet the staff and learn more about our church.
Iron Sharpens Iron: March 17th
Attention Men! We will attend Iron Sharpens Iron Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Men’s Conference on March 17th as a group. This The theme for the Good Friday service is “Where is
one-day conference is for men ages 13 and older. It God When All Goes Wrong?” It will be at 7:00 p.m.
costs $44, plus $8 if you want the on-site optional on April 6th. There will be a video, testimony, music
lunch. There will be sixteen different seminars for and a short message. Childcare will be available for
men, so we know there will be something for every pre-school age children. On Easter Sunday, services
one of us. Look for sign-ups downstairs during the will be held at the regular times (9 a.m. and 11:00
month of February. Early registration ends March 4. a.m.). Children’s classes will meet as usual that
See ISI website: http://ironsharpensiron.net/ morning.

2
Andre’s Angle The second thought that impressed me about
Last month, I began a series of reflections on Rich was the passion with which he shared this
things that I appreciate about Rich as he retires “dry” financial information! Let’s face it –
from the Senior Pastorate here at Wintonbury. balancing a checkbook is not the stuff of reality
In my previous Angle, I highlighted Rich’s TV, but Rich explained the process with vigor
humility as reflected in his teach-ability – and real excitement. This revealed his heart to
especially at a place in life and ministry when me – he rejoices in righteousness. He delights
few would be interested in learning new things. in things being done to the glory of God – even
the more mundane things. I love that about my
Recently, I saw another of Rich’s admirable
friend and I pray that we can all learn from
traits on display. At a Connecting Dinner for
Rich’s integrity and passion for the glory of
new attendees, Rich went over the financial
God.
systems that we have here at Wintonbury. He

explained all the myriad of checks and balances
One more thing – this Angle would not be
that are in place to ensure that the monies
complete without recognizing the efforts of two
collected in the green offering bags each Sunday
others in our financial systems – Ned and Sue
are handled with integrity. For instance, neither
Watkins. Sue recently retired from doing our
Rich nor any other staff member handles the
books and Ned has been watching over our
offerings. Instead, there are a series of
systems for years. It is their outstanding and
trustworthy volunteers who take responsibility
trustworthy management that has enable Rich’s
for each segment of the financial process.
desire for financial integrity to be carried out –
Furthermore, neither Rich nor any other staff
thanks to all of you for the godly example
member (except for one admin assistant) can
you’ve set!
write or cash checks on behalf of Wintonbury.

Also, the financial reports are made open to the
D.R. Missions Trip
church body and are prepared and audited by
The D.R. Missions Trip is March 3-10. Please
non-staff members. In all of these precautions,
pray for team members Rich Ainsworth, Ken Finn,
the goal is to go above and beyond to insure
Pat Meisterling Chris O’Neil and Siobhan O’Neil –
against any potential misuse of funds.
as well as those they will be serving.

Two thoughts lit my mind as I sat there listening
Planning Ahead
to Rich go over these systems. First, it is Rich’s
trustworthy leadership that has insisted on
having this kind of honorable system in place. March 2012
4 End of early registration for Iron Sharpens Iron *
From the beginning of his ministry, Rich wanted
4 Renaissance Luncheon at 12:30
to avoid any possible appearance of greed or
10 Daylight Savings Time starts; clocks ahead 1 hr.
deception. Unfortunately, from Achan in the
11 A.S.A.P. Prayer Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Old Testament to Ananias and Sapphira in the
17 Clothes Closet in Hartford
New, this kind of honesty has been too rarely
25 Welcome Luncheon at 12:30 *
found. People get caught up in their success and
25 Pray for Reign (in the worship center) 7:00 p.m.
begin to justify enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Not so with Rich – he has always seen any April 2012
success as coming from the Lord. Further, he 1 Palm Sunday
has learned Paul’s lesson in Philippians 4 of 6 Good Friday service at 7:00 p.m. *
8 Easter Sunday/services at 9 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. *
being content at all times – even when making

$100 per week as he did in 1972. * Indicates a related article in this issue

3
Book Review Letters to and from a Faithful Advisor
12 Christian Beliefs That Can Drive You Crazy
Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend Dear Faithful Advisor,
why did God let adam sin in the garden?
In 12 “Christian” Beliefs That Can Drive You
From,
Crazy: Relief from False Assumptions, Drs. Henry Curious 4th grader
Cloud and John Townsend discuss common myths
that some Christians believe—core lies, if you will. ♦ ♦ ♦

The authors, Christian psychologists, argue that
though these assumptions sound Biblical, they have Dear curious 4th grader,
no actual basis in Scriptural context. Furthermore,
the authors warn that adherence to these myths has Thank you for your question. This is a great question
devastating effects on a Christian’s emotional state and when I was your age I thought about things like
and spiritual growth. this too.

Drs. Cloud and Townsend address misconceptions God loves you and me so much that He allows us to
such as: “If I’m spiritual enough, I will have no pain make choices on our own. He is really pleased with
or sinfulness”; “Guilt and shame are good for me”; us when we ask Him what He thinks about our
and “If I have God, I don’t need people.” Using choices and decisions before we make them. If we
anecdotes from their counseling practice, Cloud really love God we are going to do the things that we
and Townsend illustrate the ramifications of these know are the right things to do and that pleases Him.
half-truths and offer valid Scriptures instead. When you are at home and your mom or dad or
whoever is watching over you asks you to do
The authors seek to assure readers that depression is
something, you probably think of doing it.
not a sign of spiritual failure and asking for help
But you have the choice not to do it, right?
isn’t weakness, but a step toward healing and

growth. Readers who are struggling with pain, grief,
If you do what has been asked of you, it brings
sadness, anger, guilt, or fear will be relieved to
pleasure to the person who asked you to do it. If you
discover these are normal responses to living in a
do not do what you know you should do it can hurt
broken world and that there is healing in God’s truth
the other person.
and His incarnate self—our fellow believers as the

hands and feet of Christ.
With Adam, he chose not to follow or obey what

God had instructed Him to do, which is sin. If God
Reviewed by Jessica Buchanan
did not allow us to make decisions on our own and if

He made us do everything He wanted, we would be
Faith Trek Kids and Faithful Advisors
like robots and I don’t think that would be too much
The Faith Trek kids were given an opportunity fun.
to write a letter to a Faithful Advisor during
their unit on Ruth and Naomi. Many of the Make good choices, talk over everything with God
questions that the kids had show us they do have and I pray you will continue to please Him.

some important concerns. Each month we will
Thank you,
be including one of the letters for your

enjoyment. There were several members of our
Your Faithful Advisor.
church that volunteered to act as these Faithful

Advisors. I would like to thank our Faithful
Advisors for their sensitivity and commitment to
Newsletter Schedule
responding to the kids. I hope you enjoy
Articles are due by the first of the prior month.
reading these letters and the responses as much
Please contact Shirley Whiddon with any questions.
as I have.

Deb Sadlon
4
Easter Readings Day 10 – Garden of Gethsemane
As we prepare for Easter, here are 40 days of Jesus prays and is sorrowful and troubled
daily Scripture readings that follow the life of Read Matthew 26:36-46
Christ from the Triumphal Entry through the
Resurrection. They can be started at any time. Day 11 – Garden of Gethsemane
As an example, if you start on Sunday, March 4, Jesus prays and submits to the Father’s will
you will finish April 12 – and will cover the Read Mark 14:26, 32-42
Resurrection just before Easter and the post-
resurrection appearances during that week. Day 12 – Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus prays. An angel ministers to him;
As you read, think about God’s great love for the disciples are exhausted from sorrow.
you – and how much Jesus paid to offer Read Luke 22:39-46
salvation to all who put their trust in him alone.
Day 13 – Jesus is betrayed and arrested
Day 1 – The Triumphal Entry Read John 18:2-12
Read John 12:1, 9-16
Day 14 – Jesus heals a servant’s ear;
Day 2 – The Crucifixion is predicted. the disciples desert Jesus.
The plot to betray Jesus Read Matthew 26:47-54; Luke 22:51;
Read Matthew 26:1-5; Luke 22:1-2; Mark 14:51-52
Mark 14:10-11
Day 15 – First Jewish phase of trial (before
Day 3 – Passover ; Preparations for Last Supper Annas) and second (before Caiaphas)
Read John 13:1; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13 Read John 18:13-14, 19-24; Luke 22:54a, 63-65

Day 4 – Jesus washes the disciples feet Day 16 – Second Jewish phase of trial (before
Read John 13:3-17 Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin)
Read Matthew 26:57, 59-68; Mark 14:65
Day 5 – The betrayer is identified
Read Mark 14:17-18; John 13:21-22; Day 17 – Peter denies Jesus
Matthew 26:22-25 Read John 18:15-16; Luke 22:55-62

Day 6 – The Last Supper Day 18 – Third Jewish phase of trial
Read Luke 22:14-19; Matthew 26:26-30; (before the Sanhedrin)
I Corinthians 11:23-26 Read Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:1

Day 7 – New commandment; Peter's denial Day 19 – Judas' remorse and death
predicted Read Matthew 27:3-10; Acts 1:18-19
Read John 13:34-35; Matthew 26:31-35
Day 20 – First Roman phase of trial
Day 8 – Jesus prays for us in the garden (before Pilate); second (before Herod Antipas)
Read John 17:1-12 Read Matthew 27:2; John 18:28-31;
Luke 23:3-12
Day 9 – Conclusion of Jesus' High Priestly
Prayer Read John 17:13 - 18:1 (continued)

5
Easter Readings (continued) Day 30 – The burial of Jesus
Day 21 – Third Roman phase (before Pilate); Read John 19:38-42; Luke 23:52-56
the crowd asks for Barabbas
Read John 18:39 - 19:16a Day 31 – Women witness the burial;
the tomb is sealed and guarded
Day 22 – Barabbas released; soldiers mock Read Mark 15:46-47; Matthew 27:59-66
Jesus; en route to Golgotha
Read Mark 15:6-7,15-20; John 19:16 b-17; Day 32 – Eternal life through faith in Jesus
Luke 23:26-27; Matthew 27:34 Read Romans 6:23; 5:6-8,15-17;
John 3:16-18,36
Day 23 – First three hours on the cross:
Jesus is crucified and mocked by others Day 33 – He is Risen! Stone was rolled away;
Read Mark 15:25; Matthew 27:35-44 women visit tomb
Read Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-8;
Day 24 – First three hours on the cross: Luke 24:1-8
"Father forgive them";
"Today you will be with me in paradise." Day 34 – Peter and John find tomb empty
Read Luke 23:33b-43 Read Luke 24:9-12; John 20:1-10

Day 25 – First three hours on the cross: Day 35 – Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene;
"Here is your Son. Here is your mother." the soldiers report to Jewish leaders
Read John 19:18-27 Read John 20:11-18; Matthew 28:9-15

Day 26 – Last three hours on the cross: Day 36 – Post-Resurrection Appearance:
“My God, my God, Why have you forsaken to the two disciples on Emmaus Road
me?” Read Luke 24:13-32
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
“I am thirsty.” and “It is finished.” Day 37 – Post-Resurrection Appearance:
Read Mark 15:33-37; Luke 23:44-46; to the eleven disciples
John 19:28-30 Read Luke 24:33-49

Day 27 – Centurion witnessed Jesus' death; Day 38 – Post-Resurrection Appearance:
Jesus paid for our sins to the disciples, including “doubting Thomas”
Read Matthew 27:51-56; John 19:31-37 Read John 20:19-31

Day 28 – Forgiveness and salvation offered Day 39 – Post-Resurrection Appearance:
through faith in Jesus to seven disciples while they are fishing
Read Isaiah 53:4-6; Acts 2:21-24; Read John 21:1-11
Romans 3:21-26
Day 40 – Post-Resurrection Appearance:
Day 29 – Joseph of Arimathea goes to Pilate to many witnesses. The Ascension
Read Luke 23:50-51; Matthew 27:57-58; Read Matthew 28:16-20; I Corinthians 15:3-8;
Mark 15:42-45 Luke 24:50-53

Compiled by S. Whiddon, 2012

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BLOOMFIELD, CT 860-242-8996 FEBRUARY 2012

Andre’s Angle only four months into his term. What is so
intriguing about the story is that he did not die
As 2012 dawns, I can’t help but reflect upon the
by the assassin’s bullet but by the inept medical
setting of a great “son” – Richard Ainsworth.
care of the doctors who attended him. One of
Okay, okay…I know he’s not dying or even
the bullets fired upon Garfield did little harm to
moving away, but he is moving on to some new
his arm, but the other one ended up lodged deep
horizons and that causes me to pause and
in his body behind his pancreas. Miraculously,
think…and thank God for this man of God that
the bullet avoided all vital organs and would
I’ve been privileged to work with for 12 of the
have done no harm if simply left alone.
past 14 years. Now there are going to be plenty
However, the doctors in 1881 did something
of opportunities to thank Rich and share ways in
that we can hardly believe in 2012 – they treated
which the Lord has used him to touch each of
wounds without antiseptics! They simply took
our lives – that is coming – but I thought I’d
their medical instruments off the table and
start the party with a trait of his that I really
probed the wound – for three months! Garfield
admire and that I think we would all do well to
ended up passing away due to the infections that
learn from.
resulted from this barbaric treatment. The tragic

Recently, the Wintonbury School of Ministry note is that had the leading doctors in North
has been teaching a course on the Art of America listened to Joseph Lister, the champion
Preaching. Now Rich is a first class artist when of antiseptic surgery and the butt of American
it comes to sermonizing – yet he asked that I medical jokes, the President would have lived.
teach the course instead. What has he done? Sat
in and…learned! Yes…even someone who has Why do I share all that? Simply because the
been at his craft for almost 40 years is taking only doctors in America willing to try a new
time to keep learning. On several occasions in medical procedure were the young ones – the
the class, he has stated, “I never heard that.” Do ones who had not ascended to prominence yet
you realize how humble a statement that is within the medical community. (cont. on page 2)
coming from one that some would call Greater _____________________________________________
Hartford’s “Preaching Guru!”
In This Issue….
This quality of a learner is one that Rich has in Andre’s Angle 1 Women’s retreat 3
spades…and it is rare indeed. I am reading a Ramblings from Rich 2 Coffeehouse 3
Valentine Event 2 Iron Sharpens Iron 3
fascinating book right now on the life of our
Love & Respect 2 Planning Ahead 4
20th U.S. President, James A. Garfield, called
Financial Update 3 Notable & Quotable 4
“Destiny of the Republic.” The book describes
Girlfriends Connect 3 Library News 4
how Garfield, the only minister who ever has Faith Quest 3 Newsletter Schedule 4
ascended to the Presidency, was assassinated
Ramblings from Rich I mentioned in my December article that the church
My pastor, professor and friend, Dr. J. Dwight voted 13 – 1 for me. Next month I am going to
Pentecost, asked: “Do they (the people of write about the one vote against me. There is a story
Wintonbury) want to be fed the Word of God?’ He there!
went on to explain that in his experience, there are
Christians and churches that just don’t want to grow,
Andre’s Angle (continued from page 1)
that are content with the way things are and don’t
The older, established doctors were not open to
want to hear the Word.
nor interested in learning anything new – they

were safe and comfortable in what they already
I could honestly report to him that the people of
knew. The result of this pride was the death of
Wintonbury did want to hear the Word. I knew that
man who may very well have been one of our
because I had preached one expository sermon the greatest Presidents.
Sunday we interviewed for this job, and the
Back to Rich – he is a learner. He has the heart
congregation’s response was positive. They
of a humble child and still marvels at new
said I preached like an interim that had been at
discoveries in God’s Word. When Jesus rebuked
Wintonbury for six weeks earlier in the year. The
the Pharisees, He told them, “But go and learn
interim was actually a musician, Lenny Seidel, who
what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’”
was in between ministries. He preached for six
(Mt. 9:13) They weren’t willing to learn – and
weeks and his method was to do verse by verse
many suffered under their care. Not so with
exposition of a biblical passage. That was what I
Rich Ainsworth – a humble man who has
was trained to do, and the people of Wintonbury said
impacted many by retaining a teachable heart.
although it was new to them, they liked it. So I

could answer Dr. Pentecost with assurance the
Valentine Event – February 12th
people in that little Connecticut church did want to
Enjoy a simple get-together with other couples on
be fed the Word of God.
Sunday, February 12th, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the

Great Room. Bring a small dessert or finger food.
You probably should know the sermon they heard
We will have time for visiting and ballroom dancing
the Sunday we interviewed was the first sermon I
(quick lesson provided); bring your wedding albums,
had ever preached in a real church. I had preached
family photos to share. There is no charge, but space
in class, I had taught a lot of youth groups meetings,
is limited so please sign up by contacting Tom and
but I had never preached a real sermon to real people
Margy at 860-219-0140 or [email protected].
(real versus students). I was scared!

“Love & Respect” Course Starts Feb. 19
It might also be helpful for you to know that the only
reason I was even considering being a pastor was Love and respect. These two words surface in social
because my preaching professor, Haddon Robinson, research and the Bible (Ephesians 5:33) as the two
had told me that I had a way to go, but I could key ingredients for a successful marriage. Join
preach. I have thanked him for those words several David and Bee Paul, who will facilitate this class
times over the years. Isn’t it amazing how one on Sundays at 11 a.m., starting February 19th for 14
person’s encouragement can affect another? weeks. The cost for workbook is $10. Sign up by
Back to Wintonbury, we accepted their invitation to February 12th by contacting Bee at 860-432-4438
become their next pastor, and we agreed to begin or [email protected]. (If childcare is needed,
July 1, 1972. please let Bee know.) For more information, visit
http://loveandrespect.com/
2
Financial Update as of December 31 Ladies of Laughter Getaway –
God has supplied abundantly, such that for the 2011 The Princess Factor! March 2-3
year, income has exceeded expenses, leaving the
The Wintonbury annual women’s retreat is coming
General Fund in a very healthy condition going into
on March 2 – 3. We are excited to bring you the
2012. For the year, while contributions and interest
message that “We are Daughters of our King” by
are $24,000 below budget, income ended the year at
Pamela Cahill, who spoke at the 2011 Iron Sharpens
$16,000 greater than expenses. This was
Iron for Women. It will be held at Wintonbury and
accomplished via holding back quite a bit on
costs $25, which includes meals and workshops.
spending, such that we spent $40,000 below what

was originally planned. Budgeted contributions for
Doors open at 6:00 Friday night for registration and
the year were $758,100, while contributions actually
appetizers; dinner is at 6:45. Worship and message
received plus interest earned was $734,000. Our
begin at 8:00 p.m. Friday evening workshops are:
expenses were $718,000. The excess for the year of (cid:1) Jewelry Making - Fit for a Princess
$16,000 increases the General Fund balance to (cid:1) The Royal Spa - manicure or pedicure
$137,000. (cid:1) The Game Room - fun and laughter
(cid:1) The Princess Dance - Zoomba and stretching
Budgeted Income $758,000 (cid:1) Artistic Cards - card making with friends
Actual Income $734,000

Actual Expenses $718,000
This will be followed by a Late Night Movie and

Sleepover. On Saturday, the doors open at 8:00 a.m.
The result for 2011 and the healthy balance in the
for breakfast. Worship and the message begin at
General Fund led the Elders to propose a budget of
9:00 a.m. The event ends at noon.
$765,000 for 2012, which includes hiring the new

Executive Pastor position sometime between July 1 This open retreat promises to bring you elements of
and October 1. joy and hope found in Jesus! Please be in prayer
Ned Watkins about joining us and inviting your friends to share in

this weekend. Register from February 5 – 26 in the
Girlfriends Connect – February 10th Welcome Center between services or with Nancy
Morganweck at [email protected].
Girlfriends Connect is a special event held three

times a year on Friday evenings for women in their
20s and 30s. It is a place to enjoy a meal together, to Coffeehouse: February 11th
have fun, to reconnect with or meet new Girlfriends, Join us on Saturday, February 11th at 7:00 p.m.
to learn something new: about God, about yourself, to hear singer and songwriter Lisa Gallant Seal.
about your Girlfriends. Girlfriends Connect is (http://lisagallantseal.com/fr_welcome.cfm).
especially for you, and we pray you will join us on There is a suggested donation of $5 ($3 for ages
Friday, February 10th from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 12-18). We need volunteers this month, so if you can
here at Wintonbury. The cost is $5. RSVP by help, please contact [email protected].
February 3rd to Susan at [email protected]
Iron Sharpens Iron: March 17th
Faith Quest 2012 – Save the dates!
Attention Men! We will attend Iron Sharpens Iron
Faith Quest is an adventure-filled week open to all Men’s Conference on March 17th as a group. This
children entering grades K-6. It will be held from one-day conference is for men ages 13 and older. It
Sunday, August 5th through Thursday, August 9th in costs $44, plus $8 if you want the on-site optional
the evenings. More details coming this spring! lunch. There will be sixteen different seminars for
♦ ♦ ♦ men, so we know there will be something for every

one of us. Look for sign-ups downstairs during the
“The LORD delights in those who fear him,
month of February. Early registration ends March 4.
who put their hope in his unfailing love.” See ISI website: http://ironsharpensiron.net/
Psalm 147:11
3
Planning Ahead Library News

Thank you to all who have found Wintonbury

library books in the nooks and crannies of their
February 2012
homes and have returned them to church. The
5 Registration starts for women’s retreat * number of missing books has been coming down.
5 Renaissance Luncheon at 12:30 Unfortunately, we are still missing many videos.
10 Girlfriends Connect 6:30 p.m. * Here is a list of some of them. Please check your
11 Coffeehouse (Lisa Gallant Seal) 7:00 p.m. * homes and return them if found.
12 Valentine Event 6:30 p.m. *
12 cancelled this month - A.S.A.P. Behind the Mask
18 Clothes Closet at Wintonbury Bells of Innocence
19 “Love & Respect” adult class starts * Jonah, a VeggieTales Movie
23 Connecting Dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Josh and the Big Wall
26 Registration ends for women’s retreat *
A Little Princess
26 Pray for Reign 7:00 p.m.
Moe and the Big Exit
The Painted Hills

* Indicates a related article in this issue Psalty’s Camping Adventure

Queen Esther
Notable and Quotable Roy Rogers: Days of Jesse James

“God doesn’t always reveal to us why he is Roy Rogers: Great Western Cavalcade Vol. 1 & 2
doing what he is doing in our lives. But there Samuel
are many things he does reveal. His Word is full The Second Chance
of commandments, principles, and truths that Spunky’s Camping Adventure
instruct us how to live as followers of Jesus. We Survivor Stories
find strength and relief when we focus on doing Where’s God When I’m S-scared?
the things of God we know to do, rather than
trying to figure out why difficulties touch our Also, due to the number of DVD’s that don’t get
lives.” (p. 60) returned, I keep the discs so the cases on the shelves
are empty. If you want to check out a DVD, please

“The truth is, we can experience God’s blessing just contact me either by phone or email. Or you can
even as we experience the pain, temptation, and catch me on Sunday morning; I always have the
loss that are part and parcel of life on earth. discs with me.
I’ve found that by accepting this fact, I no
longer have to strive to accomplish the We continue to try updating the materials in the
impossible task of eliminating all the negatives library to make it as useful as possible to all. Thanks
of life; I can strive instead to know God and his for your cooperation and Happy Reading!
power in the context of those negatives. I can
acknowledge his power to carry me through Rochelle Buchanan
difficulty without having to remove that Librarian

difficulty. And as God’s love lifts me above my
pain, my heart can fill with joy. My soul can Newsletter Schedule
soar despite my circumstances.” (p.181-182) Articles are due by the first of the prior month.

- from Beyond the Ashes by Cheryl McGuinness Please contact Shirley Whiddon with any questions.

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