News from Bethel Baptist Church

Bethel Baptist Church

Greetings!

Independence Day in the U.S., is an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the Fourth of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. Independence and is celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S. It was not declared a legal holiday, until 1941.

Below an article by Larry Pruett of Godfrey, Illinois (www.1776web.com)

At the time of the ratification of the Declaration, on July 2, 1776, John Adams, signer of the Declaration and second president of the United States, wrote these words to his wife, Abigail:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forever more."

"You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means..."

With these words, John Adams tells us why the Declaration is still important. It signifies the Day of Deliverance - the separation with Great Britain. That is why we still celebrate the 4th of July some 231 years later! Without independence in 1776, how could America have become the world power it is today? Without independence, how could we have the freedoms we have today? Without independence, the world would not have seen a nation conceived in liberty and a government based upon Biblical principles. Without independence, the world would not have seen how God will bless a nation based upon His Word. By the way, I know that it is popular to celebrate the 4th with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, bells, bonfires, and illuminations. But when is the last time we celebrated with solemn acts of devotions to God Almighty?

(Article from "The Zion Trumpet" July 1, 2008)

General
Fireproof Your Marriage
On July 12 the morning services will be on "Forgiveness" and the evening service will be on "A Better Way of Loving". We will conclude our series with a vow renewal and reception following the evening service. We are recording DVDs of all the sessions. If you miss one or want one, fill out a Special Event Envelope and include $2 for each DVD or $10 for the set of 6.

July 12 (Morning Services) - Forgiveness
July 12 (Evening Services) - A Better way of Loving

Women
Woman's Retreat
Springville Camp and Conference Center
Friday, July 17 - Saturday, July 18
Cost: $45 per person
Includes retreat materials, meals, linens and fellowship. Come join us. Enjoy being with other women. To register, complete a Special Event Envelope and include cost. For more information see Gail Burns, Christi McCullough or Shasta Price.

Men
Men's Group 18:1
Men's accountability group meets Wednesdays at 6 a.m. in CLC Dining Room.
Do you need accountability to stay in God's Holy Word? Come meet with us for a time of encouragement and fellowship. Our name comes from Proverbs 18:1 "One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgement."

Children
Sizzlin' Summer Program
Sundays now - August 9 from 8:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Preschool meets in the Children's Assembly Room. First - sixth grade meets in the CLC Gym.

Wild-N-Wacky Wednesdays
We will have Wild-N-Wacky games, songs, and Bible Stories that will blow your mind. For kidz 1 - 6 grade each Wednesday @ 6:30.

Student
Visit us every Wednesday in The Loft at 6:30 p.m.
http://theloft.bethelnet.com

Senior Adult
Senior Adult Luncheon
Fun, Games & Luncheon at Bethel on Thursday, July 23
Bring a dish to share. Luncheon @ 11 a.m.

Music
Worship Choir
Worship choir is always open. No auditions, just come join us!!
Adult choir practice - Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m.

Missions
Pantry Wagon
Canned Fruits - Canned Tomatoes - Oatmeal & Grits - Canned Vegetables - Boxed Jello

Recreation
Christian Life Center Hours
Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Come workout in the weight room, walk on the track or play pickup basketball.

June 2009