TRIANGLE MESSENGER


"We Open Our Hearts to God and Our Arms to Others"

Volume 14 Issue 26

June 29, 2008

 COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

     Have you ever heard the term "self-fulfilling prophecy"?  Do you understand what it means?  The concept can actually be positive or negative.  We can think ourselves doomed, sick, unattractive and we can become what we thought of ourselves even if we weren't that way in the beginning.  We can also think positively about ourselves.  We can believe that we were created in God's image and therefore beautiful; we can believe that we can accomplish anything if we put our hearts, minds and backs into it and we will surprise everyone, including ourselves, with the results of that determination.  Sometimes though we allow our negativity to get us down so low that we don't even know how to begin thinking positive thoughts. 
 
     Well, here's a starting point. Think with me in terms of our church, as a group and as an organization, but you can also apply this individually. 
 
     The first step in becoming who or what we want to be is to assess who or what we are.  Take stock.  What do we have going for us?  Here at TBC we are so blessed!  We, as a body, recognize God as our Creator; we accept that Jesus Christ was born, crucified, and rose again FOR US!  That's #1.  If God is for us, we can withstand any foes and overcome any obstacles. 
 
     What other assets do we have?  We have a pastor who preaches a dynamite sermon - if we come to church receptive then we're leaving with a blessing and with food for thought.  AND wow, do we ever have an asset and  blessing in our music director!  Do you know that many churches our size don't even have a pianist?  We have at least four and a few shy ones on top of that.  That's #2.  Soul food. 
 
     We have a building and land which has room for growth.  Isn't that a blessing?  Yes, it was a blessing that we were allowed to meet in the Ruritan Club building, but it wasn't the best place for weddings and the seats weren't quite as comfortable.  There are many groups meeting in homes or rented spaces so let's count TBC's building and grounds.  That's #3.  A meeting place for us to worship God and fellowship with each other.
 
     What about that fellowship?  We're a group of caring people!  We take care of each other, we laugh, we cry together, and oh, yeah, we fight with each other some.  Kind of like a family.  Duh!  We are family - a church family!  There's joy and education in honest debate.  God gave us each a mind, and opinion, and a mouth with which to express those opinions.  He expects us to use our gifts.  Did I mention he expects us to be kind and forgiving too?  That's #4 - A loving, caring family open to all who seek God and share our love for him.
 
     Let's see if we can count a few more blessings to make an even ten:  #5 Freedom (to worship, to speak, to grow, to share, to come and go);  #6 Talent (We have computer geeks, musicians, accountants, business men, artists, teachers, professionals, caregivers to name a few); #7 Material needs met (we're not in outstanding shape financially,but we're meeting about 90-95% of our budget needs each month); #8 Youth (we have some children and some teens among us - that's a future generation of hope, right there!); #9 Experience (we have oodles of years of experience in our senior group - If we would only ask, we could probably get advice on any subject under the sun); #10 Willingness to Serve - This blessing has always amazed me about TBC.  When there is a need whether it's for money or labor our church as a group has been willing to step up.  It's not usually a well organized effort - more of a "Find out where God is working and join him" - making the same decision individually without really discussing it or even thinking about it.  Following the Leader, and the leader is the Holy Spirit within. 
 
     Do you see where I'm going with this?  As a church let's count our blessings, take stock of all our wonderful assets, start thinking more positively, look for where God is working and join Him.  Rekindle the enthusiasm - it hasn't died out, you know.  Just smoldering....here's the fresh breeze and new kindling.  Come on now - FIRE IT UP!


SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Tim Johnson - Adult II

My name is Tim Johnson and I teach the Adult II discussion study group at Triangle.  

I first began teaching at my home church in Stedman at the age of 17.  Some may be surprised to learn that I was also a song leader at my church before leaving for college and the big city of Raleigh.   I quickly gave up the singing but still love to teach.   

That time when I first came to Raleigh has been about the only time when I didn’t teach Sunday School.  I’ve taught most age groups from 5th graders on up, either at Stedman, Fellowship or Triangle.  While at Fellowship I co-taught the DWSS (Divorced, Widowed, Separated, or Single) class with Kathryn Massey whom many of you will remember. 

I’m not sure I would really get into each lesson as deeply if I didn’t teach; preparing for the class time helps me learn.  Having a discussion class is great too, because class members raise questions and point out things that individually we miss. 

Just as church is like an extended family, the Sunday School class is like a bunch of close knit cousins.  We learn together, we share our faith, we share our joys and troubles, and we have fun.  If you want to make good use of your time then I recommend Sunday School; it is a great educational investment. 

 

Triangle Baptist Church will have vacation bible school Aug. 10 – 14 from 6:30 – 8:40 each evening.  Kellie has placed a sign up sheet on the bulletin board for anyone who would be interested in teaching, leading crafts, refreshments or recreation.  If you have any questions please contact Kellie for additional information.  Start now asking your friends and neighbors if they would like to come and join us for a week of Bible study and fun.

 

 

The Women on Missions would like to thank everyone that contributed the items for the Migrant Workers Hygiene Kits.  The delivered the 25 kits to the Raleigh Baptist Association this week. 

Our monthly Baptist Men’s meeting will not be held next Saturday, July 5th and has been rescheduled for the 12th at 8:00 am.  Please plan to come join us as we continue our study of Moses.

The monthly church meetings (Worship Committee, Stewardship Committee, Church Council and Business Meeting) has also been rescheduled for July 13th at usual times.

 
 

Brandon and Kristen Peele will be traveling to Ladakh, India with the NC Baptist State Convention, August 24 - September 4th. If you wish to contribute to the cost of the trip, please note on your love gift 'The Peele's Mission Trip'.

SUNDAY SCHOOL \WORSHIP SERVICE

ATTENDANCE
Weekly Budget Needs $3,360.00 Sunday School 43
Budget Offering $2,620.00 Visitors 06
Total $2,620.00 Worship Service 58

OPPORTUNITIES FOR JULY 6TH, 2008

Ushers: (Team 1) Steve & Donna Lanning, Helen Stines, Stuart Ferrell

Children’s Sermon: Kristen Peele

Scripture: TBD

Nursery: Erving Family

Sermon: TBD
Children’s Church: Rena Burdick

Sound: Brandon Peele
Grass Cutting: Wiley Mingia, Barry Jones, George Moore
Church Cleaning: Kene & Kathy Mayo, Rena Burdick

 

 

 

THIS WEEKS EVENTS

DATES TO REMEMBER
Jun 30 - Jul 5th Youth Camp @ Ridgecrest July 12 Baptist Men 8:00 am
July 01 Properties Committee 7:00 pm July 13 Worship Committee 4:30 pm
Stewardship Committee 5:00 pm
Church Council 5:30 pm
Business Meeting 6:00 pm
July 02 Teen Angle 6:30 pm
Bible Study 7:00 pm
Choir Practice 7:30 pm		 July 14 Military Family Support 6:30 pm

 

 

 

Fun Red Happy Anniversary with Red Hearts
           
July 04 Eunice Bland July 14 Stephanie Adams July 01 Fred & Evelyn Byrd
July 07 Michael Moore July 15 Phillip Harris July 06 Billy & Juanita Lawrence
  Lisa Jones July 28 K. T. Tomlinson July 08 Barry & Ronna Jones
July 11 Corbin Burdick     July 12 Stanley & Barbara Rowland
        July 19 Chris & Allyson Erving
        July 27 Andy & Gladys Williams

 

 

 

 

 

If there are deletions or additions needed for the prayer list please e-mail Mike Edmondson in order to keep this list as up to date as possible.  Thank you for your assistance.

 

 

THOSE THAT ARE SICK OR HOSPITALIZED
Becky Stephenson Al Taylor
Bob Burdick - Nathan's grandfather Dorothy Graham - sister of Ken Perry
Rosa Stephens - mother of Marie Harris Ollie Wooten
Polly Forbes Dearl Ferrell
Ken Perry Bob Overbey - Tracie Johnson's brother-in-law
Bobby Ferrell Danny Elek - Louis Elek brother
Steve Lanning's family Arleen Hess - Bonnie Elek's mother
Staley Boswell - Marie Brown's uncle Janice Hess - sister-in-law of Bonnie Elek
Elbridge Boswell - Marie Brown's cousin Ann Johnson
Bob Fetterolf - friend of Allyson Erving Retha Ogburn - Danny Jones mother
Stanley Rowland Angela Parrish - Ann Johnson's daughter
Fred & Evelyn Byrd Sprite Ferrell - Bobby's brother
Sammy Parrish - neighbor of Phillip & Marie Harris Jimmy Stephens - Danny Jones cousin
W. D. Hess - father of Bonnie Elek Dixie Barbour - friend of Juanita Lawrence
Joy Foster - daughter of Keith Foster Liza Ray - Dearl Ferrell's sister
Brenda Csolak Demo Tant - Dearl Ferrell's brother
Wilkie Lawrence - Billy Lawrence brother Pam Helman
Donna - Ann Johnson's daughter Ellis Robinson - Helen Stines brother
Mildred Belton - Brandon Peele aunt Jenny Mulligan
Bobbi Best - Tracie's sister Hazel Wilicki
Carolyn Morris


ON-GOING PRAYER REQUESTS
WMU of NC Dr. Greene
Missionaries World Wide and at home Military Family Support Group
Families of injured/deceased soldiers Government Leaders

 

                                                                                                                             

For all of our brave men and women in Iraq and the following friends and family members serving our country:

Mark Fields - mom Patty (MFSG) Josh Dunnaway - mom Karen (MFSG)
Mac Hobgood and family (MFSG) Returning soldiers and familyies
Ashley Holder - brother Graham and parents (MFSG) Eric/Dawn Simmons - Grandma's Sue & Cottle (MFSG)
Jeff Walton Brandon Capps - son of Ramona Hutchison
Chris/Ally Erving and Family (MFSG) Kirstie Brown-daughter of Pam & Herb Brown (MFSG)
Jonathon Prins - son of Lesa Dennis (MFSG) Nicolas/Jessica Tate-son of Marilyn & Tom (MFSG)
Michael/Renee Sakalauski (MFSG) Evan Daniel-son of Ann & Lee (MFSG)
Chad Carpenter - nephew of Renkin Family Eugene/Jen Rivers - friend of Ronna & Barry Jones
Christina Schall - Grand Daughter-in-law of Sarah Schall Varn Foxx - Doris' son (MFSG)
Andrew Jones - son of Danny & Lisa (MFSG) Steve/Candy Cubik - Joyce Taylor's son-in-law
Joey Parrish - Terry & Jane's son (MFSG) Todd/Leigh/Phala Garrett & family - (MFSG)
Danielle Csolak Jonathon McLamb - Barbara Matthews grandson
Eric/Amelia Abrams & Family (MFSG) Van/Sally Hines & family - (MFSG)
Jeff/Felisha McDaniel & family (MFSG)