Dear Church Family,

My, it is already the third month of the year, where has time gone?  March is that time of year where we all become Irish.  We think of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on the 17^th.  I was reading somewhere this week and found that the Irish have a deep history of Catholicism and Protestantism, there I taught you something.  As Hoosiers we are gearing up to the Final Four and March Madness. Spring is going to be popping in on us on the 19^th.   For the Christian believer there is Lent.  So, what is Lent?  Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Maundy Thursday. It’s a period of  preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. Lent is a season of  repentance and renewal.  It is a time to remember and reflect on your baptism.  During Lent we are called to   focus on prayer, fasting (abstaining from something to reduce distractions and   focus more on God) and giving, or charity. Lent is a time to draw near to God, especially if you have fallen away, James 4:8 read “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you”. This time of drawing near to God allows us to know His voice “The sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out” as it is written in John 10:3.  If you are not hearing His voice it may be time to draw near.  He has not moved.  He is always there for us but do we always know his voice?

As we march through this month remember to take time.  Take time to draw close to God.  Take time in prayer, in fasting, in charity, or whatever it is that brings you closer to Him.  This time of preparation will bring a deeper meaning to your Resurrection Sunday.

Your Pastor,

Dianna Cline

 

Giving at New Bethel takes many forms. You can give monetary gifts, donations, tithes during worship, online, or by mailing it into the church. When writing a check, our bank requires the full name of the church to be written out. To comply with the bank, we respectfully ask that you make checks out to:

New Bethel Baptist Church, Inc.

If you would like to give your tithes and offerings electronically, Online Giving is available at New Bethel Baptist Church PayPal.  You will need a PayPal account to use this method currently.

Offering Envelopes

If you are in need of offering envelopes for this year, please contact the church office. When doing so please let the office know if you would like envelopes for weekly or monthly giving.

 

Giving can also take the form of giving your time and talents  by serving in some capacity. We have many volunteer opportunities throughout the year, monthly  service days at God’s Bounty Food Pantry, as well as boards and committees that you can serve on. We invite you to prayerfully consider these opportunities.

 

Our abilities to serve God and God’s kingdom here on earth are not limited by our finances or physical abilities. If you are unsure of how you may give or serve, we would love to talk to you about it.

 

 

Dear New Bethel Baptist Church,

The 2024 AFC biblical theme is based on Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of God’s great love, we are not consumed, for God’s compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” God’s love for us, even in times of despair, never wavers.

AFC 2024 Goal

American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is promoting the 2024 America for Christ Offering (AFC 2024) which seeks to raise $1,500,000 to support American Baptist mission and ministries through our churches and community partners across the United States and Puerto Rico. We have set our church goal as $1,250.00.

How to Give to AFC 2024

You can give during our weekly service, or you can give online by visiting abhms.org/afc, anytime.

How AFC Funds are Used

Each year American Baptist Home Mission Societies awards grants from the donations that they receive from AFC. Here are some of the areas that are funded by AFC:

Grants to churches to fund ministry initiatives such as camps, daycare and youth and young adult initiatives

Grants to American Baptist seminaries and colleges

Grants to American Baptist Partners training opportunities, funding of learning opportunities that involve travel and housing, repairs, and upgrade to preserve our critical American Baptist spaces

American Baptist Regional Offices

AFC dollars also fund scholarships for which our own members may apply. Our churches are eligible to apply for ABHMS grants as well! ABHMS does not retain any AFC funds for operations or overhead. One hundred percent of AFC dollars support vital ministries.

AFC 2024 empowers us to provide “Grace upon Grace.” I am asking you to join me in giving generously to this year’s AFC offering and to help us reach our goal as we partner with   ABHMS to provide support and share the Good News!

 

Your Pastor,

Dianna Cline

 

www.abhms.org/afc

When: Sunday mornings 9:30—10:00

Where: Fellowship Hall

Come join Pastor Dianna for a time of prayer and devotion on Sunday mornings. The group is meeting in the Roger William/Library Classroom.

God’s Bounty is a community mission of NBBC and the food pantry needs volunteers to function and we need NBBC members to help.  On 7 March 2024 we will be serving clients and, if you can help, the shifts are 1-3;3-5; and 5-6:30.   If you can volunteer, please let me know so I can add you to the mailing list for signing up to volunteer.  Let us do God’s work and fulfill those families in need and in return fulfill ourselves.

 

God’s Bounty is always in need of food donations.  Two items we can always use are soups and peanut butter.  Please leave any donations on the table by the office and I’ll pick them up and deliver to God’s Bounty.

 

If you want to volunteer, text Paul Young at 317-272-2678 or email KPY6767@att.net.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As noted in the Church Council minutes from a few months ago, we have   started hosting  two Girl Scout Troops. We are excited to have them in our building and sharing our space. They are also excited to be here. Below is their schedule for March .

Sunday, March 10th: Girl Scout Sunday

Monday, March 11th: 6-8:00 Girl Scout Leaders Meeting in Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, March 13th: 6-8:00 Troop 735 in Fellowship Hall

 

 

Book Study Group Update

Book study has started back, meeting Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.. We will be reading and discussing “They Walked With God” by Max Lucado. The group meets on Zoom, if you would like the link please contact Janie     Bryant.

Yoga

Bring your mat and join members of our church and community in a time of exercise and fellowship. Dress comfortably and in clothes do not restrict movement. All are welcome!

Saturdays 9:30—10:15  a.m.
Ann & Adoniram Judson room

 

Euchre Club

When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month,1:00 p.m.

Where: Judson room on the lower level.

 

Friday, March 1st: Exodus 19:9b-15; Acts 7:30-40; Psalm 19

Saturday, March 2nd: Exodus 19:16-25; Mark 9:2-8; Psalm 19

Sunday, March 3rd: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22

Monday, March 4th: 1 Kings 6:1-4, 21-22; 1 Corinthians 3:10-23; Psalm 84

Tuesday, March 5th: 2 Chronicles 29:1-11, 16-19; Hebrews 9:23-28; Psalm 84

Wednesday, March 6th: Ezra 6:1-16; Mark 11:15-19; Psalm 84

Thursday, March 7th: Genesis 9:8-17; Ephesians 1:3-6; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Friday, March 8th: Daniel 12:5-13; Ephesians 1:7-14; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Saturday, March 9th: Numbers 20:22-29; John 3:1-13; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Sunday, March 10th: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21

Monday, March 11th: Exodus 15:22-27; Hebrews 3:1-6; Psalm 107:1-16

Tuesday, March 12th: Numbers 20:1-13; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; Psalm 107:1-16

Wednesday, March 13th: Isaiah 60:15-22; John 8:12-20; Psalm 107:1-16

Thursday, March 14th: Isaiah 30:15-18; Hebrews 4:1-13; Psalm 51:1-12

Friday, March 15th: Exodus 30:1-10; Hebrews 4:14—5:4; Psalm 51:1-12

Saturday, March 16th: Habakkuk 3:2-13; John 12:1-11; Psalm 51:1-12

Sunday, March 17th: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; Psalm 119:9-16; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33

Monday, March 18th: Isaiah 43:8-13; 2 Corinthians 3:4-11; Psalm 119:9-16

Tuesday, March 19th: Isaiah 44:1-8; Acts 2:14-24; Psalm 119:9-16

Readings for Joseph, Guardian of Jesus: 2 Samuel 7:4, 8-16; Psalm 89:1-29; Romans 4:13-18; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Wednesday, March 20th: Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23; John 12:34-50; Psalm 119:9-16

Thursday, March 21st: Deuteronomy 16:1-8; Philippians 2:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Friday, March 22nd: Jeremiah 33:1-9; Philippians 2:12-18; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Saturday, March 23rd: Jeremiah 33:10-16; Mark 10:32-34, 46-52; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Readings and Prayers for Holy Week

Palm Sunday, March 24th: Mark 11:1-11; John 12:12-16; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; March 14:1—15:47 or March 15:1-39

Prayer: Sovereign God, you have established your rule in the human heart through the servanthood of Jesus Christ. By your Spirit, keep us in the joyful procession of those who with their tongues confess Jesus as Lord and with their lives praise him as Savior who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, March 25th: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11

Prayer: O God, your Son chose the path that led to pain before joy and to the cross before glory. Plant his cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Tuesday, March 26th: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you. Grant that our love may not grow cold in your service, and that we may not fail or deny you in the time of trial, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Wednesday, March 27th: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32

Prayer: Almighty God, your Son our Savior suffered at human hands and endured the shame of the cross. Grant that we may walk in the way of his cross and find it the way of life and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Maundy Thursday, March 28th: Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Prayer: Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts, and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Good Friday, March 29th: Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; John 18:1—19:42

Prayer: Almighty God, look with loving mercy on the your family, for whom our Lord              Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, to be given over to the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Saturday, March 30th– Resurrection of Our Lord, Vigil of Easter:

Creation: First Reading: Genesis 1:1—2:4a; Response: Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26

Flood: Second Reading: Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:6-18, 9:8-13; Response: Psalm 46

Testing of Abraham: Third Reading: Genesis 22:1-18; Response: Psalm 16

Deliverance at the Red Sea: Fourth Reading: Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21; Response: Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18

Salvation Freely Offered to All: Fifth Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11; Response: Isaiah 12:2-6

The Wisdom of God: Sixth Reading: Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6; Response: Psalm 19

A New Heart and a New Spirit: Seventh Reading: Ezekiel 36:24-28; Response: Psalms 42 & 43

Valley of the Dry Bones: Eighth Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Response: Psalm 143

Gather of God’s People: Ninth Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Response: Psalm 98

Call of Jonah: Tenth Reading: Jonah 1:1—2:1; Response: Jonah 2:2-9

Clothed in the Garments of Salvation: Eleventh Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11; Response: Deuteronomy 32:1-4, 7, 36a, 43a

Deliverance from the Fiery Furnace: Twelfth Reading: Daniel 3:1-29

New Testament Reading: Romans 6:3-11

Gospel: John 20:1-18

Prayer: O God, you are the creator of the world, the liberator of your people, and the wisdom of the earth. By the resurrection of your Son free us from our fears, restore us in your image, and ignite us with your light, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Readings and Prayers for Easter Sunday, March 31st

Easter Day: Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or              Acts 10:34-43; Mark 16:1-8 or John 20:1-18

Prayer: God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Easter Evening: Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 114; 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8; Luke 24:13-19

Prayer: O God, whose blessed Son made himself know to his disciples in the breaking of bread, open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

 

 

Source: Revised Common Lectionary as it appears in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship

 

 

Week of March 3rd: Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act       courageously. Keep us steadfast in your covenant of grace, and teach us the wisdom that comes only through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Week of March 10th: O God, rich in mercy, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world and rescued us from the hopelessness of death. Lead us into your light, that all our deeds may reflect your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, now and forever.

 

 

Week of March 17th: O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, that through life and death we may live in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy    Spirit, on God, now and forever.

 

Source: Revised Common Lectionary as it appears in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship

 

Please help us decorate our sanctuary for Easter with lilies, daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips.  Flowers are $14.00 each and orders are due by March 17.

 

If you are at church, please pick up the form from the printed newsletter and give to Liz Ballard.  We are working on an option to submit your order online. 

In the meantime please email us at newbethelbapt@att.net and indicate your choice of flower, quantity, and the “In memory/honor of” for each flower purchased.  

 

Dear Church Family,

           We are about to embark on a new season within the church life.  As we come upon the season of Lent, and we begin to think about our faith I encourage you to spend time with Christ in study, prayer and worship. Most people give up and fast during this time, but I will encourage you also to add something to your life during this time.  Add time doing what feeds your soul, builds relationships with others, and helps you to relax.  I encourage you to talk with others about what this season means to you in your life and journey with Christ. 

I pray that during this time your faith is strengthened, and your soul finds rest.  If I can be of any help, please let me know and I will make time to sit with you.

God be with you all,

Pastor Dianna

 

Giving at New Bethel takes many forms. You can give monetary gifts, donations, tithes during worship, online, or by mailing it into the church. When writing a check, our bank requires the full name of the church to be written out. To comply with the bank, we respectfully ask that you make checks out to:
New Bethel Baptist Church, Inc.

 

Giving can also take the form of giving your time and talents  by serving in some capacity. We have many volunteer opportunities throughout the year, monthly  service days at God’s Bounty Food Pantry, as well as boards and committees that you can serve on. We invite you to prayerfully consider these opportunities.

 

Our abilities to serve God and God’s kingdom here on earth are not limited by our finances or physical abilities. If you are unsure of how you may give or serve, we would love to talk to you about it.

Offering Envelopes

If you are in need of offering envelopes for this year, please contact the church office. When doing so please let the office know if you would like envelopes for weekly or monthly giving.

 

Looking for Ways to Participate or Serve at New Bethel?

 

Below some ways you can become active in the ministry work of New Bethel Baptist Church

Join a Board or Committee: We have open positions on the Deacons, Christian Education, and Missions boards.

Usher: We are still looking for volunteers to help us pass the offering bags.

Sunday School Teacher: We are currently looking for an individual or a team to teach our adult Sunday School class.

Tech Team: We would like to add members to our tech team to more evenly distribute the work load. Training will be provided

If you are interested in participating or serving in any of these areas, please contact the church office or make note of it in the weekly attendance book. The church    secretary will notify the corresponding board, committee, or team.

 

*****************************************************

 

When: Sunday mornings 9:30—10:00

Where: Fellowship Hall

           Come join Pastor Dianna for a time of prayer and devotion on Sunday mornings. The group is meeting in the Roger William/Library Classroom.

God’s Bounty is a community mission of NBBC and the food pantry needs volunteers to function and we need NBBC members to help.  On 1 February 2024 we will be serving clients and, if you can help, the shifts are 1-3;3-5; and 5-6:30.   If you can volunteer, please let me know so I can add you to the mailing list for signing up to volunteer.  Let us do God’s work and fulfill those families in need and in return fulfill ourselves.

 

God’s Bounty is always in need of food donations.  Two items we can always use are soups and peanut butter.  Please leave any donations on the table by the office and I’ll pick them up and deliver to God’s Bounty.

 

If you want to volunteer, text Paul Young at 317-272-2678or email KPY6767@att.net. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Study Group Update

Book study has started back, meeting Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.. We will be reading and discussing “They Walked With God” by Max Lucado. The group meets on Zoom, if you would like the link please contact Janie     Bryant.

Yoga

Bring your mat and join members of our church and community in a time of exercise and fellowship. Dress comfortably and in clothes do not restrict movement. All are welcome!

Saturdays 9:30—10:15  a.m.
Ann & Adoniram Judson room

 

Euchre Club

When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month,1:00 p.m.

Where: Judson room on the lower level.

 

As noted in the Church Council minutes from a few months ago, we have started hosting  two Girl Scout Troops. We are excited to have them in our building and sharing our space. They are also excited to be here. Below is their schedule for February.

Monday, February 12th: 6-8:00 Girl Scout Leaders Meeting in Fellowship Hall

Thursday, February 22nd: 5-8:00 World Thinking Event in Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, February 28th: 6-8:00 Troop 735 in Fellowship Hall & Troop 2937 in the Judson Room

 

Thursday, February 1st: Proverbs 12:10-21; Galatians 5:2-15; Psalm 147:1-11,20c

Friday, February 2nd: Job 36:1-23; 1 Corinthians 9:1-16; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

           Presentation of Our Lord: Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 84; Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

Saturday, February 3rd: Isaiah 46:1-13; Matthew 12:9-14; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

Sunday, February 4th: Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

Monday, February 5th: 2 Kings 4:8-17, 32-37; Acts 14:1-7; Psalm 102:12-28

Tuesday, February 6th: 2 Kings 8:1-6; Acts 15:36-41; Psalm 102:12-28

Wednesday, February 7th: Job 6:1-13; Mark 3:7-12; Psalm 102:12-28

Thursday, February 8th: 1 Kings 11:26-40; 2 Corinthians 2:12-17; Psalm 50:1-6

Friday, February 9th: 1 Kings 14:1-18; 1 Timothy 1:12-20; Psalm 50:1-6

Saturday, February 10th: 1 Kings 16:1-7; Luke 19:41-44; Psalm 50:1-6

Sunday, February 11th: Transfiguration of Our Lord: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9

Monday, February 12th: Exodus 19:7-25; Hebrews 2:1-4; Psalm 110:1-4

Tuesday, February 13th: Job 19:23-37; 1 Timothy 3:14-16; Psalm 110:1-4

Wednesday, February 14th: Ash Wednesday: Joel 2:1-2; Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Thursday, February 15th: Daniel 9:1-14; 1 John 1:3-10; Psalm 25:1-10

Friday, February 16th: Daniel 9:15-25a; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Psalm 25:1-10

Saturday, February 17th: Psalm 32; Matthew 9:2-13; Psalm 25:1-10

Sunday, February 18th: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

Monday, February 19th: Job 4:1-21; Ephesians 2:1-10; Psalm 77

Tuesday, February 20th: Job 5:8-27; 1 Peter 3:8-18a; Psalm 77

Wednesday, February 21st: Proverbs 30:1-9; Matthew 4:1-11; Psalm 77

Thursday, February 22nd: Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18; Romans 3:21-31; Psalm 22:23-31

Friday, February 23rd: Genesis 16:1-6; Romans 4:1-12; Psalm 22:23-31

Saturday, February 24th: Genesis 16:7-15; Mark 8:27-30; Psalm 22:23-31

Sunday, February 25th: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Mark 8:31-38

Monday, February 26th: Genesis 21:1-7; Hebrews 1:8-12; Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45

Tuesday, February 27th: Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19; Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45

Wednesday, February 28th: Jeremiah 30:12-22; John 12:36-43; Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45

Thursday, February 29th: Exodus 19:1-9a; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Psalm 19

 

 

Source: Revised Common Lectionary as it appears in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship

 

 

Weekly Prayers from the Lectionary

Week of February 4th: Everlasting God, you give strength to the weak and power to the faint. Make us agents of your healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

 

Week of February 11th: Almighty God, the resplendent light of your truth shines from the     mountaintop into our hearts. Transfigure us by your beloved Son, and illumine the world with your image, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Ash Wednesday: Almighty and ever-living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are made penitent. Create in us new and honest hearts, so that, truly repenting of our sins, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Week of February 18th: Holy God, heavenly Father, in the waters of the flood you saved the      chosen, and in the wilderness of temptation you protected your Son from sin. Renew us in the gift of baptism. May your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Week of February 25th:  O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life. Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Source: Revised Common Lectionary as it appears in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship