1340 Terri l l R oad
S cot ch P l ai ns, NJ
07076
908 -322 -71 51
Terrill Road Baptist Church
Pastor William C. Page
...doing the work He is doing in the world...
January 2015
Happy
New Year!
In This Issue:
Pastor’s Page:
The Providence of God
Sunday School Corner
The Ladies Class
Live Like You Were Dying
by Christy Caruso
Inspiration Point:
A Happier New Year!
How Well Do You Know
God’s Word?
The W in Christmas
On Missions
Close to Home
Senior Ladies Class
Ashbrook Ministry 2015
Pastor’s Page
The Providence of God
Our finance team devised a budget for 2015 that included
an increase in our summer youth mission trip support. The
youth will also conduct fundraisers in order to reduce the cost,
making it affordable for all willing participants. Now TRBC is
not swimming in extra funds, so appropriating those funds had
something to do with: a. belt tightening in other areas and, b.
faith that God will provide. While I still don’t see the line item
for the Pastor’s BMW 6 series in this year’s budget, I am
pleased to see missions dollars increased. I somehow think
the Lord is, too (I’m only kidding about the BMW. I prefer the
Bugatti Veyron).
Let me tell you about our first fundraiser. The suggestion
was made at our November church council meeting that we
capitalize on the Christmas season fund raising potential by
possibly offering an evening of babysitting/gift wrapping – an
excellent idea. Yours truly got distracted and before I knew it,
December was here. I quickly contacted the youth committee
and tried to secure a date when we could all be available to
help. Jessica S. got excited about it, had some great ideas,
and with that, I hastily set a date (Saturday afternoon Dec. 20
just before Christmas) and hoped for the best. I remember
saying to myself, “I hope I do not regret this. Next year I have
to plan much better.” As we got closer to the date we still had
few kids signed up. Now I feared that we were going to have
only 4 children. I thought to myself, “This is a fundraiser. If we
are only going to make $50, I will gladly write a check for $50
and cancel the event so I can attend my son’s basketball
game that I will be missing.” But at least two (Continued)
T HE LA MP LI G HT E R
Pastor Page (continued)
families were now depending on it. So there would be no cancellation.
So, get the picture. This pastor is blaming himself for his poor planning. I’m
regretting that I am missing my son’s basketball game. I’m also feeling guilty that
Jessica and some of the teens were giving up their whole Saturday afternoon five
days before Christmas for an event that could have been more successful. Well,
we had 5-7 children attend during the four hour time span. The children had fun.
Then at about 5 p.m., the “mystery man” showed up.
Mystery Man [MM]: Is the Pastor here?
Pastor Bill [PB]: Yes, I’m the Pastor.
MM: Do you have a minute?
PB: Yes, I have a minute. [we step over near the bulletin board downstairs]
MM: I saw the lights on in the church and I felt like God was telling me to stop
here and give my offering. God has been good to me and I want to give back to
him. [He places a wad of bills in my hand] I don’t know you. You don’t know me.
You don’t need to know me. And don’t worry, there’s nothing illegal here. I am not
from around here. I am just driving through. Growing up we did not have a lot. My
father was unemployed some and I am thankful to God for His blessing to me
now. I would like this to go wherever you think it is needed.
PB: We’re actually in the middle of a youth mission fundraiser right now.
MM: Use it for that. Unless you think it is needed more somewhere else, but
missions is fine.
PB: You are too kind. I don’t know what to say. Thank you and God bless you. Is
there anything we can do for you?
MM: No. I just am thankful to God. I don’t want to take up any more of your time.
[He begins to climb the stairs and as he is leaving he says] Maybe you can pray
that God continues to bless me.
PB: Can I pray for you right now? [following him to the door]
MM: No. that’s not necessary. I’m good. You all have a Merry Christmas!
PB: Merry Christmas to you.
As he exits to his car, I stand there and watch him drive away. I knew this must
be several hundred dollars. I figured it was a stack of 20s. It was a stack of 100s.
This man had given an offering of 2000 dollars! This youth mission fundraiser
(that I was having all sorts of mixed feelings about) had raised 2060 dollars when
the night was over - more than we had ever raised before. The man said he
stopped because he saw the lights on. Wow. It was providential that (Continued)
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T HE LA MP LI G HT E R
Pastor’s Page (continued)
we were there. We were supposed to be there. Between you and me, I think God
was honoring the faith of a finance team (it wasn’t this pastor’s faith) and showing
His ability to provide.
I’ve been pastoring for 24 years. I have been a believer for over 37 years.
Mystery men showing up with cash has been quite rare. The Lord doesn’t always
provide in that way. But He does provide. I am thankful that there are many who
sense the Lord’s prompting to give a gift or help provide for another’s need be it
monetary or otherwise.
I am blessed to have had a front row seat to this divine encounter. This has
been a great encouragement to me as we enter a New Year with its mix of hopes
and uncertainties and no doubt blessings and trials. Whatever unfolds before us
these next 12 months, I know God will provide for our needs. “But my God shall
supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians
4:19). We all just have to trust and obey (as the song says).
Oh, and that basketball game I missed? My son said, “Dad, you didn’t miss
anything. They crushed us. It was pretty embarrassing. I’m kind of glad you
didn’t have to see that.”
Wow. Talk about providence.
May you be wowed again by our Great God in 2015,
Pastor Bill
Dear Heavenly Father,
May I grow closer to You this year, starting
today. That’s the only resolution that counts, the
only one that will last, not just for this year but
for eternity.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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On Missions – Close To Home
Meet Missionary Tim Nussbaumer.
I asked the school director, “Can we pay the rent this week as though we are meeting
here but instead use the time to fix your school?” The director was surprised to say the
least.
One of our church planting goals from the beginning was to be involved with the local
school system in North Brunswick. We found a school that allowed us to rent its facilities
on Sundays for our church gatherings, but it was taking time to build needed trust. One
Sunday, we cancelled our morning service and used the time to clean the school and do
landscaping for it. This opened the door for us to do more and more. Eventually we were
able to start a tutoring and ESL (English as a second language) class for the families of
students.
I have served as a church planter in New Jersey for 10 years. We started a church in
North Brunswick, which is an under-churched, urban area near Rutgers University. And
then in 2014 we launched another church in Somerset, New Jersey. Our hope and prayer
is to continue to plant new neighborhood churches throughout central Jersey.
Please pray for future church planters who have a heart for the Northeast and
especially Christians who are struggling with God’s call to serve as leaders.
Wow! Right in our own back yard! How about you?
Our personal excuses have obstructed the spread of the Gospel for
centuries.
Stop and think about it. What keeps you from actively spreading the Gospel? What
kind of sacrifice would it take to reach out for God’s plan in your life?
Excuses need to pale in light of where people will spend eternity.
Betty Williams/Connie Salisbury
TRBC Sound Booth Schedule
Jan. 4
Jan. 11
Jan. 18
Jan. 25
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Jim Wilson & Samuel Farrell
Jay Morales & Trudi Karpel
Christy & Joe Caruso
Spring Casterlow & Lucas Page
Thanks to all of you!
T HE LA MP LI G HT E R
Senior Ladies Class
Dear TRBC Senior Ladies,
If you are 65 years of age or older and are interested in fellowships that
center around you, please let us know.
There will be a page in the bulletin over the next couple of weeks for you
to fill out. Please enter your name and telephone number and any
suggestions for topics or get-togethers that interest you.
After you have filled it out, drop your sheet into the offering plate.
If there is an interest, we will create a new ministry and notify you early
in this New Year!
Thank you.
Ashbrook Ministry 2015
One Sunday afternoon (from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.) every month, a group
from TRBC goes to minister to our neighbors at the Ashbrook Nursing
Home. This is a practical, hands-on opportunity to serve and YOU are
qualified! You know how to smile. You know how to talk. And, that’s all
that is needed.
Please consider making a commitment to serve in this way.
Each Sunday School class, group of friends or family can use this as a
ministry to serve together. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer.
Thank you in advance for showing God’s love to people in need.
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Milestones
January Birthdays and Anniversaries
Birthdays
Jan. 2
Jan. 2
Jan. 4
Jan. 13
Jan. 14
Jan. 14
Jan. 14
Birthdays
Rachel Morales
Molly Reynolds
Tom Cole
Karen Thomas
Ayanna Casterlow
Jen Wilson
Steve Wilson
Jan. 17
Jan. 25
Jan. 26
Jan. 27
Jan. 28
Jan. 31
Joan Swearer
Nicole Caruso
Joe Caruso
Joy More
Elena Farrell
Theresa Kiesel
Anniversaries
Jan. 1 Lisa & Mike Billian
Jan. 23 Madeleine & John Farrell
Jan. 31 Rita & Steve Vorrius
February Question of the Month:
If you were snowbound and all by yourself for 3 days and
you still had power and heat, besides people, what are 3 things
that you’d want with you, and why?
Please give your responses to Jim Wilson or e-mail responses to
[email protected] by Sunday, January 25th.
Thank you in advance for your responses. We will all be blessed by what
you have to share.
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Live Like You Were Dying
by Christy Caruso
How many of us can say that we live like we were dying? Oh sure, when we stop and think
about it conceptually, we all know that one day we will die. Likewise, we conceptually know
that ‘one day’ could be at any time, and that life offers no guarantees. But as we go about our
daily activities, I would guess that this thought is not first and foremost in our minds. Quite the
contrary. We live like this world is all there is; that tomorrow will come and our plans and
dreams will be realized; and that Jesus is coming back ‘some day’, but that day is in the distant
future.
But what if you were to live each day as if it really were your last? Do you think that maybe
the following things would be different? That maybe you would …
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Create/work on completing your ‘bucket list’?
Take the time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do (but never have time for)?
Spend more time with loved ones?
Give forgiveness that you’ve been denying?
Spend time witnessing to the lost people in your life?
You see, the reality is, that we really are to live like we were dying. But that doesn’t mean
that we don’t enjoy life. While we are here, we are to enjoy God’s creations, spend time with
each other, go on vacations, laugh, pursue our dreams, and ____________ (you fill in the
blank). But we can’t lose sight of the fact that this world is just our temporary home. We
won’t be here that long, so don’t get too attached. There is more to life than just here and now.
In fact, this life is only the preparation for eternity with God and our permanent home in
heaven. When you realize this, you will start living in light of eternity. But how do you do
that? I would like to suggest four things I learned from Dr. David Jeremiah:
Worship like you mean it. What that means is that we are to grab hold of the truth of God’s
Word and give it back in worship to God. Praise His name triumphantly with meaning and
conviction. Praise and worship are key ways to respond to all that God is and does.
Witness like it’s your last opportunity. Did you know that there is one thing that you can’t do
in heaven? That thing is witness. Once we’re in heaven, we no longer have an opportunity to
witness to people. Jesus is coming back; this world will end; people’s lives will end. It is our
duty to share the Good News of Jesus while we are here. (Continued)
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Live Like You Were Dying (continued)
Work like it has meaning. We have only a little time to work for the advancement of
the Gospel, and we must use the time well. We all have the same amount of time in
our day … so use it wisely. 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us that “we must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the
body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
Watch like you expect something to happen at any time. We do not know when
Jesus is coming back to earth. But we do know that it is closer today than it was
yesterday! When He comes to take His church to heaven, there will no longer be time
to prepare. That is why we must always be ready. He could come today!
Are you living in light of eternity, the way God intended? Ecclesiastes 3:11 says:
“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their
heart, without which man will not find out the work which God has done from the
beginning even to the end.” To make the most of this life, keep eternity in the
forefront of your mind and the value of it in your heart.
Live each day as if it were you last day here. One of them will be.
I close with lyrics from the song, “Live Like You Were Dying” by Kris Allen
“Yeah, we gotta start lookin' at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got, then we gotta start thinkin'
If every second counts on a clock that's tickin'
Gotta live like we're dying
We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell 'em that we love 'em while we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying”
What change does God want you to make in 2015
in order to keep growing spiritually?
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T HE LA MP LI G HT E R
Question of the Month
The Lamplighter Question of the Month for this month was:
What is something great or memorable that
happened for you in 2014 and what are you really looking
forward to in 2015?
Juanita Sumner - I was blessed with a new great-grandson in March. He suffers from a condition
called P.K.U. He is not able to assimilate protein and has to have a special formula and will be a
vegetarian. It is also imperative that he does not eat any protein, as it could affect his reasoning
abilities. I am so grateful that this test is given at birth and that this was diagnosed early. He is doing
well and is a happy child.
Janet Wilson - The highlight of 2014 for me was the long-awaited trip Jim and I took to the
British Isles (oh, and our newest family member, kitten Misty). Most looked forward to in 2015:
What does God have planned? Another chapter; our son Steve marrying Meghan on October 3rd.
Sheryl Morales - The most memorable things that happened to me in 2014 were somewhat
simultaneous. I travelled to Israel with Rachel in May, the trip of a lifetime. In addition to seeing
tourist sites, we got to meet many Israelis and get a heart for the people and the land. However, while
there, my dear friend Patrice had a stroke. The Lord taught much through both experiences. In 2015,
I look forward to knowing Him more, and the wedding of our oldest daughter, Stacey.
Pastor Bill - One of my highlights of 2014 was serving the Lord in Cleveland together with Carina,
Lucas and Liam. I knew as the mission trip was taking place that all four of us doing this together
might never happen again. This father is truly blessed. For 2015 I am looking forward to seeing my
daughter Brittany get married to Nathan! I have the privilege of performing the ceremony and I am
going to enjoy it because I won’t be as nervous as I was at Alexia and Andrew’s ceremony.
Jim Wilson - Memorable for us in 2014 was our dream trip to Ireland and the United Kingdom. But,
we also made amazing memories closer to home. I’m thankful that we live close enough to Jen to get
together often (not often enough). We had an amazing time when Jen took us on an evening cruise
up the Hudson River while we dined on lobster rolls! In 2015, we are looking forward to Steve and
Meghan getting married in October and to whatever else the Lord has planned.
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Sunday School Corner
The Ladies Class
by Chereece Sparrow
The Ladies Sunday School Class is currently studying the book of
James, a very short and easy-to-read book of the Holy Bible, full of
practical teaching. Although James was speaking to believers of the
early church, his words ring true for us today.
The goal of our class is to grow in God's Word while sharing
practical ideas for applying His Word to our daily lives and sharing the
light of Jesus Christ in the world. We encourage and support one
another through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. You will be
encouraged by the rich and authentic sharing that takes place in this
group.
Join us and see for yourself how the Holy Spirit will work in your
life through His Word.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation; the old has gone,
the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
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Inspiration Point:
A Happier New Year!
by Jim Wilson
Sometimes there’s a line in a TV commercial that really hits home and makes it
memorable. There may even be times we remember what it is they’re selling. How many
of you remember “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” or “Away go troubles down the
drain”. Those were classics.
Some commercials, though, just annoy and become memorable for all the wrong
reasons. Recently, two lines in TV commercials really got to me. They made me mad.
They made me feel sorry for anyone who thinks that way. I think both lines were in ads
for credit cards, but I’m not even sure. I just know how empty those words were. The
commercials touted “Money is freedom” and “Money is king”. Really? Come on! Both
statements are so misguided and so far from the Truth.
In reality, money often puts us closer to bondage than to freedom. Just ask lottery
winners who find themselves unleashed, hounded, embittered, taken advantage of and
ultimately empty. The Bible says, “The love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy
6:10). As far as freedom goes, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John
14:6) and “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know
the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) So, if Jesus is the truth and if the
truth will set you free, then Jesus is freedom. Freedom does not come from money or from
the stuff it buys. Freedom comes from Christ. Freedom comes from truth. And Jesus so
often began teaching by using the words, “I tell you the truth”.
As for king, money’s not that either. A king rules over people. A king is royalty. A
king is above everything else. A king sits on a throne and holds a place of great power and
esteem. A king has a kingdom. Money makes a very lousy king and a lousier kingdom.
The one true King is described this way in Revelation 17:14 – “They will make war
against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is the Lord of lords and
King of kings – and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Sorry, Madison Avenue. You’ve got it wrong.
Money is not freedom, nor is it king. It is most useful, not when it’s hoarded or
worshipped, but when it is given away.
This New Year, consider this: Don’t focus on things that are temporary, but on things
that will last. Don’t seek stuff. Seek the things of God, His righteousness and His Kingdom. And consider this: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
And let your light shine.
Happy New Year!
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How Well Do You Know God’s Word?
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,
so that through endurance and encouragement of the
scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Fill in the blanks, then check your NIV Bible to see how you did.
Amos 3:1 “Hear this word the _________ has spoken against you, O people of Israel - against the
whole family I brought up out of Egypt:”
Amos 3:2 “You only have I chosen of all the __________ of the earth; therefore I will
___________ you for all your sins.”
Amos 3:7 “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without ____________ His plan to His
servants the prophets.”
Amos 3:10a “‘They do not know how to do __________’, declares the LORD.”
Amos 3:11 “Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘An _________ will overrun the
land; he will pull down your ____________ and plunder your fortresses.’”
Amos 4:2 “The Sovereign LORD has sworn by His holiness: ‘The time will surely come when you
will be taken __________ with hooks, the last of you with fishhooks.’”
Amos 4:5 “Burn leavened bread as a thank _____________ and brag about your freewill
__________ - boast about them, you __________, for this is what you love to do.”
Amos 4:6 “‘I gave you _______ stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you
have not returned to me’, declares the LORD.”
Amos 4:7a “I also withheld _________ from you when the harvest was still three months away.”
Amos 4:8a “‘People staggered from town to town for _________ but did not get enough to drink,
yet you have not returned to me’, declares the LORD.”
Amos 4:9 “‘Many times I struck your gardens and __________, I struck them with blight and
__________. __________ devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me’,
declares the LORD.”
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The W in Christmas
by Author Unknown
[Even though Christmas is behind us, this is too great not to share with you.]
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless
baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted,
unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true
meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for
a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter
Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the
production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She
assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All
parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately,
Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress
rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat
down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their
seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied
by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose
to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as
“Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's
class rose to sing "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens,
red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center
stage held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the
class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter “C”. Then,
"H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had
presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going
smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her - a small, quiet, girl in the front row
holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a
"W." (Continued)
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The W in Christmas (continued)
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But
she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her
"W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued
until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the
audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we
were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos,
there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"CH R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence ...
Humbled by His love.
May each of you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed
New Year as you reflect on His Amazing Love for us.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christwaslove holiday season.
From a man who has studied and lived God’s Word all of his life, may this
quote encourage you in the New Year and throughout your life.
“I’ve read the last page of the Bible. It’s all going to turn out all right.”
-Billy Graham
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Terrill Road Baptist Church is a Bible-believing
Church where people connect with God, each
Sunday
Phone:
Bible
908-322-7151
Study 9:30 a.m.
Sunday
E-Mail:
Worship
[email protected]
Service 10:45 a.m.
Website:
Phone: 908-322-7151
TRBC4him.org
E-Mail: [email protected]
Church Website: trbc4him.org
other, and influence our world for Jesus Christ.
Find us on Facebook!
Terrill Road Baptist Church, Scotch Plains, NJ
Nursery Schedule
Jan. 4
Jan. 11
Jan. 18
Jan. 25
Open
Rebecca Rampersad & Shawn Gulbin
Spring Casterlow & Karen Thomas
Betty Williams & Beth Ottoson
Our thanks to all of you!
My thanks to everyone who
contributed to this issue.
-Jim Wilson, Editor
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Deadline for February Lamplighter:
Sunday, January 25th