FBC would like to introduce you to our new pastor, Ethan R. Starcher. On February 21st he presented a trial sermon after which we voted on him coming. He and his wife, Kendra, moved here from Greenbrier County, WV. He is 24 years old and recently finished his degree from Moody Bible College in Spokane, WA. His first official sermon with us was Easter Sunday. We are excited to see what lies ahead in our journey with him.
From the pastor’s desk
When Mike Hays contacted me seemingly out of nowhere with a request to interview at FBC Mannington, I was surprised. I never thought my first pastorate would be a Lead Pastor position, especially at a relatively large church. I hadn’t even been looking for lead pastorates – David Hulme, our area minister, sent my resume to the Pulpit Committee on a whim because he thought I would be a good fit. Even in my interviews with the committee, I had my guard up because I was sure I wasn’t supposed to be a lead pastor so soon after graduation. Funny how God works, isn’t it? Everyone in my life – my mentor, my wife, my parents – were all excited to hear about FBC Mannington when I told them about the vote. It was truly humbling, and God’s providence has been all over the process. God ultimately gave me peace about the decision, and has since granted me discernment for how I may best serve this congregation, and I am ever grateful. Whatever expectations we bring, God has a way of upsetting those expectations. Whatever I expected of my first pastorate, it wasn’t this, yet this has been good. I’m sure whatever you expected of your next pastor, it wasn’t me, but I hope that I can nonetheless serve faithfully. I’m sure as God continues to challenge our expectations, we will find that His Plan is so much greater than whatever we could come up with.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
CONGRATULATIONS
On May 16th a graduate recognition was held for Jace Rinehart, who was to graduate from North Marion High School in May. Jace will be pursuing his higher education at University of South Carolina Upstate while also playing baseball for them. God Bless you, Jace, as you begin this new journey to your future.
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CHILDREN’S SUNDAY IS JUNE 13
In the United States, Children’s Day predates Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. This day to celebrate children, observed on second Sunday in June, dates from the 1860’s and earlier. There are many needs for today’s children – foster care, adoption, health care, protection from crime, education, spiritual/moral guidance, and most of all love by family and community. Children are a gift from God and they are our future. – John Ross, advocate for a national Children’s Day.
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Note – If you do not feel comfortable attending church services in person (mask recommended, particularly those unvaccinated /at risk), our worship services are recorded live and may be viewed on our Facebook page anytime. There will be no Bible Study for months of June and July.
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Volunteer Training on June 12th from 9-11:00am for those who work in any capacity with our children (teachers, helpers, VBS, nursery. etc.). Must attend or watch video.
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UPCOMING EVENTS June 1 Trustee Board/Christian Ed Board/Finance Committee June 2 Men at Food Pantry June 3 Fellowship Committee June 6 Deacon Offering Deacon Board June 7 Men at Nazarene
June 9 FBC at Food Pantry June 12 Volunteer Training June 13 Children’s Sunday June 14 Flag Day June 20 Father’s Day/West Virginia Day Food Pantry Offering/Music Committee June 21 First Day of Summer June 27 House Committee July 1 Fellowship Committee July 4 Independence Day Deacon Offering/Deacon Board July 5 Men at Nazarene July 6 Trustee Board/Christian Ed Board/Finance Committee July 7 Quarterly Business Meeting July 18 Food Pantry Offering/ Music Committee July 21 FBC at Food Pantry July 25 Parent’s Day/House Committee July 28-31 Vacation Bible School Note – These are scheduled meetings and events but subject to change or cancellation.
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FLAG DAY – On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress replaced the British symbols of the Grand Union flag with a new design featuring 13 white stars in a circle on a field of blue and 13 red and white stripes – one for each state. Flag Day – the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 – was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3, 1949 that President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. ********************************************
| Recent Prayer Requests | |
| Levi Toothman | Carol Malcolm |
| Harold & Alta Efaw | Gary Kendall |
| Piper Himes | Cindie Wilson |
| Pat Dunigan | Jim Gaines |
| Tammy Lewis | Covid-19 Concerns |
| Those who have lost loved ones recently | |
| People receiving cancer treatments & caregivers | |
| Our Community, State and Country | |
| Our Shut-in’s & Military Personnel | |
| Christians in Muslim countries |
*****Prayer Requests*****
For those of you who have prayer requests for the prayer chain, we ask that you telephone your requests to Carol Smith @ 304-986-3320 or leave message at church @ 304-986-2957.
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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
One of the greatest blessings of a Christian father is to see their child follow in their footsteps and want to serve the Lord and tell others about Him. So, make sure you are setting a good example! Join us on June 20th as we honor our Dads. *******************************
Our sympathy to the following of our church family who lost loved ones this past year (those known) – Roger Russell, Dave Smith, Woody Malcolm, former Pastor Greg Roth, Martha Kendall, Alta Efaw, Jack Rinehart, Pastor Larry Kincell, Doug Martin, Betty Williams, Eileen Bertschy, Yvonne Pethtal, Tammy Moran, Tracy Martin, Barbara Michael, Libby Metz-Glover, Cathy Shutler, and Marsha Malcolm.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS – Since our last newsletter, over a year ago, our church family has seen many additions, as in births: Donnie & Diane White, grandson, Michael Wayne White on May 29; Harry & Eileen Bertschy, great-granddaughter, Mauren Leigh Osborne on August 11; great-grandson, Reid Scott Leach on August 16; Rachel Roth, daughter, Lincoln Nichole Bell Roth on September 27; Hannah (Roth) & Wesley Kays, daughter, Abigail Louella Kays on December 3; Sharon Yoho, great-granddaughter, Hunnings Valerie Davis on December 22; Helen Boggs, great-granddaughter, Lainey Lynn Marie LaPointe on January 13; Libby Metz-Glover, great-grandson, Waylon James Garrison on January 30; Greg & Kristen Toothman, son, Levi Alan Toothman on February 11 (also grandson to Bob & Pam Leezer); Larry & Tonya Lodge, grandson, Grant Lane Lodge on March 7 (also great-grandson to Libby Metz-Glover); Ronnie & Kim Harris, grandson, Brian Bowen Gum on March 27 and grandson, Gideon John Gum on April 4. May God bless these little ones and their families. ***********************************************
Independence Day of the United States, also referred to as Fourth of July or July Fourth in the United States, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress. It declared the thirteen American Colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire. Be safe! ****************************************
SPECIAL MILESTONES OF ATTENDEES ACHIEVED IN 2020 OR WILL BE IN 2021 Birthdays (80-95 YEARS) Jim Leeson, Lester Hart, Mary Leeson, Roger Powell, Florence Starling, Barbara Michael, Virginia Moran, Shirley Sanders, Betty Dent, Leroy Dent, Mary Gale Price, Kate Shearer, Jean Wetzel, Jerry Wetzel and Rose Masters. Anniversaries (50-70 YEARS) Leroy & Betty Dent, Jack & Lora Rinehart, Dave & Carol Smith, John & Jean Stull, Jim & Donna Leeson, Harry & Eileen Bertschy, Harold & Alta Efaw, Jerry & Jean Wetzel.
QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETING
The quarterly business meeting of FBC will be Wednesday, July 7th at 6:30p.m. If you are an active member of FBC you should be attending these meetings to help make decisions concerning your Church.
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PARENT’S DAY IS JULY 25
Celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July, Parent’s Day is a day for children to celebrate both parents at same time (other than Mother’s Day and Father’s Day). It started in 1994 with a signed resolution by President Bill Clinton. According to the resolution, Parent’s Day was created to recognize, uplift, and support the roll of parents in the rearing of children. Thank you parents, especially the Christian parents, who go with their children to Sunday School and Church.
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Vacation Bible School will be held July 28-30 from 6-8pm at FBC and conclude on July 31 from 4-8pm at Bowers Park. Director is Kendra Starcher. Invite your friends and neighbors to come with you to the “Gospel Express.”
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UPDATE (since last newsletter) Congratulations to Derek White and Alyssa Luketic on their marriage on October 17, 2020 and Melissa Malcolm and Larry Martin on March 20, 2021.
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HAVE A GREAT, SAFE SUMMER
If you have any information you would like put in the newsletter please place them in the office bulletin info box or call church office.
AMERICAN BAPTIST CAMPS/MEETINGS
Camp Cowen –
June 4-5 Younger Midler Camp (grades 2-4)
June 6-11 Junior 1 Camp (grades 5-6)
June 13-18 Junior High 1 Camp (grades 7-9)
June 20-25 Junior 2 Camp (grades 5-6)
June 27-July 2 High School 1 Camp (grades 9-12)
July 4-9 Junior High 2 Camp (grades 7-9)
July 10 Senior Day (graduating seniors)
July 11-16 High School 2 Camp (grades 9-12)
July 23-26 Family Camp
July 26-29 Older Midler Camp (grades 3-5)
July 30-August 1 Camp Global
August 6-8 AB Men & Boys Camp
October 1-3 Women’s Camp (18 and up)
Parchment Valley –
June 5 ABWM Women’s Conference
June 20-25 Brothers’ Keeper 2021
June 26 Bobby Wood School of Christian Studies: Baptism & Communion (E-06) one day class
Other –
June 25-27 ABC Biennial/Mission Summit @ online
July 4 Independence Day Holiday – WVBC Office closed
July 15 Bobby Wood School of Christian Studies:
Digital Learning Initiative: New Testament 1 (B-03) 12 hour class @online
July 15 Bobby Wood School of Christian Studies: Digital Learning Initiative: Ministerial Ethics (Mod-02) six hour class @online
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