A New Year at BCC

 Happy New Year!!!  I am not quite sure what it is about flipping the calendar to January that prompts us to begin to dream about what could be in the coming year. Perhaps it is the tradition of New Year’s Resolutions. Perhaps it is the image of a clean slate as the year is young. I have often wondered if the new year stirrings in our hearts and minds isn’t something deeper, revealing the sacred rhythms God has placed in us. Regardless of what turns our attention to setting new goals, dreaming new dreams, and hoping for great things to come, it provides us with an opportunity to try something new.

At Bangor Church of Christ, as part of being a people who love God and love others, we are committed to equipping Christians to serve others. People serve according the the interests, gifts, talents, and resources they have. There is a place for everyone to serve in the Kingdom of God. However, that service isn’t optional. God has asked us to be active in serving. I really like Paul’s reminder to the churches in Galatia, “ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 3:15).

It is our desire to help you become obedient in this command and find a way to serve. Below you will find our ministry teams you can join. Perhaps you don’t see something that fits your gifts or passions. Simply check the “Other” box and let us know what you love to do. Perhaps you aren’t sure how you could possibly serve someone. Don’t worry! Even people in Scripture struggled with this. Check the last box and we will help you discover the ways God has created you for service. You are welcome to complete this card by e-mailing your response to skoutzBCC@gmail.com  or handing a completed copy to a staff member. Additional forms can be found at the Welcome Center.

May God lead and guide us as we continue to follow him and obey his commands in 2018!

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Ministry Team of the Month: Adult Bible Studies

With new Adult Bible Classes starting this month, we are highlighting the Adult Bible Studies Ministry Team. The team oversees the Bible studies and small groups in the church that are specifically designed to disciple adults and is led by Sarah Johnson. We currently have four Bible study opportunities, three Sunday School Classes and one mid-week study.

From December thru February there are three Sunday Morning studies that begin at 9:45 AM.

• Prophets and Kings  led by Sarah Johnson - The Israelites had to daily chose who they were going to serve. We have the same choice today. As we explore the prophets and kings of Israel, we learn how to build our own devotion to and trust in God. 
• Ezekiel: Be Reverent led by Dan Miller & Jim Karr - God asked the prophet Ezekiel to remind His people of His holy name. Today we too easily slip into a casual attitude toward God, just as the Israelites did. This study explores Ezekiel’s message and what it means to worship God as a holy Lord who is worthy of our reverence.
• Faith In Action led by Martin Karr - Faith always requires action. This study will explore what it looks like to put put our faith in action by studying portions of Daniel, Matthew, Acts, Ephesians, 1 Timothy, and James.

There is also a mid-week Men’s Bible Study that meets on Thursday mornings at 7 AM at Blinkers. This study is led by Jeremiah Johnson and they are currently the book of James.

We encourage everyone in our church family to be involved in a Bible study outside of our Sunday Morning Worship services. Sarah is available to help you discover which study may be the best fit for you or help you start a new study.

Servant Spotlight: Lynne Farmer

This month’s servant spotlight is on Lynne Farmer. While most of us are aware that Lynne serves on the Sunday Morning Worship team, you may not be aware of the cards and encouragement she gives to many in our church and community. Lynne has show our church family what it looks like to have a servant’s heart even during difficult seasons of life. Thank you Lynne for your example and service in the Kingdom.

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
I serve by playing the piano for 1st service and Sunday School opening. I always try to give to the Special Offerings for missions as well as other church projects. I am on the city council and am chairperson of the cemetery committee, which has done numerous things over the past two years to improve the cemetery.

Why do you serve?
I believe that God put us on this earth to serve others just as Jesus did. I think if we can bring joy to others, it enriches everyone’s lives.

What is your favorite part about serving?
To see the joy it brings to others and to see our church and community be a better place to work, live and play.

What have you learned from serving other?
That by serving others you bring joy to their lives and in time the service enriches your life. It helps to spread Christ’s love to both the church family and the community at large.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
Take advantage of the opportunities Christ puts in your life. Don’t spread yourself too thin as then you are no good to anyone. Enjoy your service.

Ministry Team of the Month: Housekeeping Team

This month we are highlighting our growing Housekeeping Ministry Team. This team helps maintain an orderly and appropriately cleaned church building. The housekeeping team not only takes care of weekly cleaning, but also more extensive cleaning projects that are done monthly or seasonally.

As you can imagine cleaning a building this large is no easy task. We currently have three volunteers who faithfully help clean weekly, but are still looking for more help. Serving on the Housekeeping team is perfect for someone who needs flexibility in their schedule. Each volunteer determines when they come in and serve.

If you want to know more about what it is like to be a part of the Housekeep team, find Bruce Southworth, Brenda Baylor, or Alma Cadett-Ottly and ask them why they serve in this way. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, contact Sarah Johnson.

Servant Spotlight: Betty Whiteman

This month’s servant spotlight is on Betty Whiteman. She is heavily involved in our Missions and Outreach Ministry Teams. Her service reflects her heart for God and his people. Betty, thank you for being a great example to us of what it means to serve in both the church family and the community.

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
In the past I have taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. I now serve each Tuesday in the Personal Needs Pantry, which is also a community service of We Care. I’m a member of the Bangor Advisory Board for We Care, which is involved in community projects to earn money to further help people in need. I also help with and furnish food for funeral dinners and am a member of the mission team.

Why do you serve?
I was asked to serve. At first I rejected, but the more I serve, I feel God has called me to do so. I have been blessed more than I ever imagined.

What is your favorite part about serving?
It is the feeling you get when people show appreciation. Its knowing I’m doing what God wants me to do.

What have you learned from serving other?
Helping and doing for others gives me purpose. I realize how fortunate I am. The rewards are great.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
If you are asked or you see a need, do it. Your relationships will improve, your example will help others. You’ll be blessed in many different ways.

Ministry Team of the Month: Mission Team

Our Mission Team is this month’s Ministry Team of the Month. Our church currently supports six missionaries or mission organizations. They include Brent and Anna Fudge with Back2Back Ministries, His House Christian Fellowship, Myanmar Bible Institute, Craig Gates at Christ’s Mission to the Yucatan, Great Lakes Christian College, and Michiana Christian Camp.

They encourage our partnership with church supported missions to help them in their ministry and encourage our church family to be mission minded.

This team organizes our Mission of the Month program, mission trips, Camp Scholarship program, and several other activities that help our six missionaries. They help us a church family know what is happening with our missionaries and how we can pray for them.

If you are interested in learning more about any our missionary partners or getting more involved in encouraging our missionaries, please contact the missions team leader, Julie Zecklin

Servant Spotlight: Amanda Karr

This month’s servant spotlight is on Amanda Karr. She serves on several ministry teams including the Sunday Worship Team, Worship Support Team and Care Ministry.

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
I try to serve the church family by being a part of the praise team and doing a few things "behind the scenes" when and where I can. I think the most challenging (to me at least) and most important part of serving isn't cleaning up or doing prep work, but opening up to people and forming real relationships that last longer than an hour Sunday morning.

In the community, I do my best to be positive at work and showing my coworkers that they are valuable for who they are and not just for what they do on the clock.

Why do you serve?
As a Pastors kid it was always something expected of me but as an adult I can see that serving is much more than an expectation to fill. Serving is fulfilling because I know that what I do is done for more than a sense of accomplishment. Serving others is fulfilling because I know that the little bit that I can do is making a difference for God and for his will. When I serve others I get to show others that I love them and that God loves them.

What is your favorite part about serving?
My favorite part of serving is that you get to show your love and the love of God by putting your love to work. Love in action is more than words, it's tangible proof.

What have you learned from serving other?
I have learned that there are thousands of ways to serve and that no matter what you do or how limited someones finances or physical abilities are, there is always a way to serve someone else and be living proof of Gods love.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
To anyone looking to serve in a new way, just jump in and do it. Don't let your mind get stuck on all the reasons not to do it. Find something you can do and jump in with both feet.

Ministry Team of the Month: Encouragement Team

The Encouragement Team is one of the new ministry teams we are starting. The team offers encouragement both to the church family and those in the community in times of need, uncertainty, and celebration. Even though the team is new, you may be very familiar with the different programs that make up the team.

The first part of the team gives flower and plant arrangements to family members who have lost a loved one. Leigh Ann Brenne coordinates this aspect of the team.  The second part of team sends cards to church members for birthdays, anniversaries, and other life moments. Kathy Hodgman coordinates our card ministry.

The last part of the team is our prayer ministry. Janet Springett serves as our prayer chain coordinator. Members of our prayer chain are called when a time sensitive request arises in the church family or community. Louise Springett coordinates our prayer team. The team meets weekly to cover a wide variety of people, situations, and ministries in prayer.

If you have a passion for encouraging others and would like to get involved in any of these ministry area, get in touch with one of them and they will help you get involved.

Servant Spotlight: Louise Springett

Our Servant Spotlight this month is on Louise Springett. Serving is not a new idea to Louise. She has been faithfully serving in our church family for many years and in several different ways. Thank you, Louise, for modeling for us what it means to be a servant of God in all seasons of life.

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
I prepare desserts for Tuesday Service twice a month which involves as many as 60+ friends each week! I serve and clean up during Tuesday service each week. I teach, lead, and encourage prayer warriors every Sunday evening. And I teach during VBS.

Why do you serve?
Serving in Christ’s name is what His followers are called to do. Not only is my serving benefiting those who receive, but most of all it is my way of giving honor to my Lord and King in a tangible, hands-on way. It is a way for me to say, “Thank you, God, for all you have done for me.”

What is your favorite part about serving?
The unspeakable joy and satisfaction it brings into my life. It gives me a purpose for my day. It is a tangible way for me to see maybe just may be I helped make someone else life better today.

What have you learned from serving other?
The joy never stops. The more you do, the more you choose to do, because it makes living worth while.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
Be open. Be creative. Find what area is best suited to your personality. Pray for God’s leading and opportunities. DO IT! Give it all you’ve got and get ready for the blessings it brings into your life. Whee!

Ministry Team of the Month: Tuesay Worship

If you have never been around the church building on a Tuesday night, you are missing out on an incredible experience. Our Tuesday Worship Team facilitates a worship service specifically geared toward adults with developmental disabilities two provide opportunities for the church family to worship together in unity.

Every Tuesday evening a team of volunteers provides a meal before gathering together for worship. The service contains all the same elements of our Sunday morning services. If you have never worshiped with us on a Tuesday night we want to encourage you to be a part of the exciting things God is doing through this ministry. Dinner is served at 5:30 and service begins around 6. If you have any questions or would like to get involved in this ministry, please contact the ministry team leader, Lisa Springett.

Servant Spotlight: Bruce Thatcher

Our Servant Spotlight this month is on Bruce Thatcher. You have probably seen working outside around the church. What you don’t know is that some of Bruce’s best ministry happens around the community. Thank you Bruce for taking the love of Jesus to everyone you meet.

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
At the church: plow sidewalks, mow, and help with food trucks, occasionally play for first service
With the Masons: support We Care, give bikes away for reading books.
Bangor Community Fire Department: Board of Directors Alternate
Operation Injured Solider: help combat veterans by providing recreational therapy dealing with PTSD

Why do you serve?
Simply, it is very rewarding and then it snowballs. It’s a joyful experience.

What is your favorite part about serving?
Knowing that I am helping someone. I played my dulcimer for several people who were in their last hours of life and to see their finger move to the music and then squeeze my finger is a joy to me.

What have you learned from serving other?
God has chosen to help these veterans and I am fortunate that the choose my hands to do it.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
Why haven’t you started?

Ministry Team of the Month: Bangor Student Ministry

One of the very exciting things God has been doing in our church family over the last year is happening in our student ministry. Bangor Student Ministry (BSM), under the leadership of Janice Cauvel, has grown in tremendous ways with new middle school students attending Sunday morning services, Sunday School, and BSM (our regular youth gathering).

The Bangor Student Ministry team oversees the regular programs and special events of the church specifically designed to disciple students in 6th thru 12th grade. This summer our students are building relationships by sharing meals together in church member's homes or local parks. During the school year they study the Scriptures together during weekly BSM meetings. Throughout the year they may attend conferences, concerts, movies, or do a number of other activities together.

Middle school and high school can be challenging. Our student ministry is about creating safe environments and building relationships with students in order to share the love of Christ with then and help them takes steps in their relationship with God. If this is something that excites you and you want to be a part of this ministry team, contact Janice.

Servant Spotlight: Janice Cauvel

This month Janice Cauvel is in our Servant Spotlight. If there are children or students around, your guess is that Janice isn’t too far away.

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
I serve the church in multiple areas of youth ministry between BSM, JAM and VBS. In the community? I am getting involved in the Bangor Apple Fest, and I also volunteer for March of Dimes.

Why do you serve?
I serve because I enjoy being around people and working towards a common goal whether it be helping children grow in the Lord or helping communities raise money to help others within the community.

What is your favorite part about serving?
I love being around the children of this community/church and seeing them grow in their spiritual walk and in their personal walk for themselves. We learn about God and ourselves in BSM. We also have a lot of fun times.

What have you learned from serving other?
I have learned that I need them as much as they need me to be in their lives and the love that flows is unconditional. I have also learned that the youth are starving for knowledge about God and that they also enjoy the times that we have at BSM.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
I would say "Jump"! Thats what I did. I prayed to God asking what my next step was to get more involved in the church and the offers keep coming. I love being at the church and amongst the people/youth there. It will be the most rewarding thing that you can do for yourself and others. When you serve.. you grow in the Lord, you grow in your prayer life and you grow closer to others in the community/church with a special bond that is brought together by love and the love of the Lord. We have a lot of wonderful lessons AND a lot of fun at BSM. Our numbers are growing and I look forward to seeing where it will take our youth in their life walk and their walk with the Lord.

Ministry Team of the Month: Worship Support Team

Each Sunday or Tuesday night we are able to gather to worship and celebrate God together. What you might not realize is the incredible amount of work it takes to prepare for each worship gathering. There are multiple ministry teams that contribute to our weekly services. One of those teams is the Worship Support Ministry Team led by Becky Springett. The team’s goal to support the other worship ministry teams by organizing volunteers to facilitate the necessary functions of weekly worship services.

It takes a great deal of volunteers to cover the team’s responsibilities. People are need to prepared, served, and clean up communion. The coffee does not magically appear. Someone from the team prepares and cleans up our coffee supplies each week. When there is a baptism, this team cleans and fills the baptistry and washes towels afterward. This team helps greet people and hand out  bulletins at each service. This team even helps us keep track of attendance by counting people at each service.

There are plenty of ways to get involved with this team. If you love to work behind the scenes, help others worship, or make people feel welcome, this is a great team for you to join. Currently, there is a need for more communion servers. Contact Becky Springett if you are interested in serving in any of these ways.

Servant Spotlight: Zac Frazier

Our Servant Spotlight is on Zac Frazier this month. There is no doubt you have seen Zac in action serving both our church family and the community. Zac serves with our Sunday and Tuesday Worship, JAM, and Children’s Ministry Team. His heart for serving others is a blessing to many of us as Zac’s expressions of love help us experience God’s love.

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
I work up in the sound booth at church. I work at Harding’s where I serve by carrying out groceries to people’s car.

Why do you serve?
I am serving for the purpose of God and doing it for the Kingdom of God.

What is your favorite part about serving?
I love serving everywhere there is a need for help. I really enjoy serving gin JAM and VBS.

What have you learned from serving other?
It makes me feel good when I help, especially carry groceries for older people.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
If you find the opportunity, take it. When you are called to serve, it is good to step up and serve.

Thank you, Zac, for all you do for the Kingdom of God!

Ministry Team of the Month: Care Ministry Team

As a church family, we have worked hard to be known as a congregation that cares well for others. Many of the programs, activities, and events that help foster this kind of environment fall under the incredible work of the Care Ministry Team. This team demonstrates love by organizing events, providing care, providing food/meals for the purpose of encouragement during times of need, special events, or times of celebration.

Some of these events and programs include showers, blood drives, care packages, funeral dinners, shut-in baskets, surgery recovery meals, and senior quilts. This time of volunteers is let by Kathy Hodgman. If you enjoy cooking, baking, throwing parties, quilting or just caring for other people, contact Kathy to get involved.

Servant Spotlight: Martin Karr

Each month we take a moment to celebrate one example of how God works through his people. This month’s servant spotlight is on Martin Karr who serves with our Adult Bible Classes Ministry Team, Outreach Ministry Team and Worship Support Ministry Team.  Martin was asked to come help with one of our Feeding America Trucks because we were short volunteers. He loved the experience so much he now volunteers at other area distributions and has build many relationship with other people who need to know the Good News of Jesus.

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
Leading our Sunday Adult Bible Class and volunteering in the Feeding America food assistance program

Why do you serve?
My class is my passion, my greatest joy in the Lord.

What is your favorite part about serving?
People are much more appreciative than we think!

What have you learned from serving other?
I sense God’s presence most when I’m serving.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
Always give every opportunity serious consideration. Discover which you love and stick with that. 

Ministry Team of the Month: Children's Ministry Team

Our Children’s and Student Ministry programs are growing rapidly this year. We have increased the number of children and students we are reaching out to by approximately 50% in just two months. This month we are taking a look at the Children’s Ministry Team and how you can get involved.

The Children’s Ministry team organizes the regular programs and special events of the church specifically designed to disciple children in 5th grade and under. Some of these programs include Sunday School, nursery, Kidz Praize, and VBS. We also have a new program for toddlers during our 11 AM service called Tender Tots. Lisa Springett has been working hard at leading this team and helping the youngest members of our church family discover how much Jesus loves them.

It is exciting to watch this ministry grow and growth meets the need for more people to serve. Currently we have two big needs in this ministry team. The first need is for two additional teachers for our 1st and 2nd grade Sunday School class. The two teachers rotate each quarter (three months). If you are interested in teaching this age group, please contact Sarah Johnson.  The second need is for people who are willing to help with our week of VBS in June. There are a variety of ways you can help from cleaning to teaching. If you are interested in helping with this year’s VBS or any other program in our Children’s Ministry, please contact Lisa Springett.

Servant Spotlight: Jennie Repotski

This month’s servant spotlight is on Jennie Repotski who serves regularly with the BSM,   JAM, Tuesday Worship, and Worship Support Ministry Teams. She also helps out with projects lead by the Care, Outreach, and Children’s Ministry Teams. If you have ever been to an event that requires registration or checking-in, then you have seen Jennie in action.

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
One month I set up communion trays. I serve at the registration tables for JAM, BSM, and VBS. I have helped with updates for the directory, I also help with greeting for blood drives and Feeding America Trucks. I am also starting to learn how to run the audio/visual system. I serve communion once a month. In the community, I try to volunteer at any event I can to help people enjoy the events.

Why do you serve?
I serve because I like meeting others and their needs.

What is your favorite part about serving?
My favorite part about serving is making a difference to someone and seeing them get excited about it.

What have you learned from serving other?
Something I have learned is that I have a pretty good life. I could be worse off than I am.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
If you are interested in serving, I say try it. You may actually like to do it. You can always try it out and if it doesn’t work out, try something else. Getting out there is good way to learn more about serving.

Ministry Team of the Month: Church Family Meals

If you have ever participated in a church Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, or the church picnic, the annual meeting potluck, or our monthly Doughnut Sunday, then you have experienced the incredible work of this month’s ministry team. Our Church Family Meals Ministry Team plans and promotes all meals that help us fellowship and build community in our church family. This team is lead by Debbie Streeter and Becky Miller.

If you love to cook for others, wash dishes or plan huge feasts, then this is a great ministry team for you to join. Currently this team is in need of volunteers who are willing to bake or donate doughnuts, muffins, or other pastries for our Doughnut Sundays. There is a sign up sheet in the Fellowship Hall or you can contact Debbie or Becky for more information.

Servant Spotlight: Bruce Southworth

This month’s servant spotlight is on Bruce Southworth who serves regularly with the Worship Support, Housekeeping, and Tuesday Worship Ministry Teams. You probably will not see Bruce do his work with the Housekeeping Team, because most of it happens before many of us are out of bed!

How do you serve in the church family and the community?
I help with communion prep and Tuesday Worship and serve as a janitor. In the community, I treat my neighbors the way I myself would like to be treated.

Why do you serve?
Because of my Christian love.

What is your favorite part about serving?
Being proud to be in such a good family of believers

What have you learned from serving other?
We all have feelings and special needs.

What would you say to someone who is considering serving in a new way?
Please try! It will give you a great feeling and make you part of the Christian family.

Ministry Team of the Month: Outreach Ministry Team

We have many ministry teams that are doing some incredible work. Each month we will feature one of those teams and let you know how you can get involved with that ministry.

This month we want to introduce the Outreach Ministry Team. This team provides opportunities for the church family to connect with and share God’s love with our local community for the purpose of sharing the Gospel.

Some of the programs/activities this team organizes include Trick-or-Treat Warming Station, Feeding America food trucks, the Personal Needs Pantry, holiday food baskets, and our partnership with We Care I.N.C. Many of these programs are not new to us, but this is a new team and we are in need of people to be involved.

If you have a heart for our community, a great desire for people to come to know Jesus, or just want to get more involved, please contact the Outreach Ministry Team leader, Debbie McPike.

Servant Spotlight: McKinley Springett

This month’s servant spotlight is on McKinley Springett and her work with several of our ministry teams. If you see McKinley, be sure to thank her and encourage in her Kingdom work.

Where do you serve?
I help with the Personal Needs pantry and Feeding America. I have been helping by update the decorations in our Sunday School classrooms. I help Leigh Ann make sure the pews are filled with visitor cards, sharp pencils, and special offering envelops. I help Grandma with Grandpa. I also went to Haiti on a mission trip. In October, I’m going to start helping with JAM.

What is your favorite part about serving?
Helping others without asking for something back

What have you learned from serving other?
It is a good thing. It is also serving God. I love doing it!

Why do you serve?
I have the time and the energy and it is serving God

What advice do you have for other people who are serving?
It is really serving God and it helps others. Once you get to use to it, it can be a lot of fun.