April 2005 News Letter

Changing Décor

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Two weekends, two days off and five evenings. What were we thinking? This small remodeling project had grown and it had taken on a life of its own. “It” was now beginning to control me. This job was not supposed to have taken this long, was it?

Our oldest daughter, Erin, had been suggesting that we make some “minor” changes in our home. After several telephone conversations, mostly…between Erin and Cindy…,it was finally agreed that Erin would drive from Barto, PA to Somersworth to help us for a week. The benefit of this exchange was…we were able to visit and play with our grandsons and we thoroughly welcomed the idea of Erin’s help and visit.

Day 1 & 2

Soon after Erin’s arrival it became clear as to who was in charge…and it wasn’t me! Cindy and I thought that taking wallpaper off with a steamer would be an “easy job”. Like I said, what were we thinking? After all they do call this stripping wallpaper! Well, we began “stripping” the professionally hung wallpaper in our entry hallway, bathroom and dining room. We soon learned that vinyl wallpaper leaves another layer of paper behind.

Day 3

We are still using the wallpaper stripper hour after hour, one small section at a time. Finally, the last part of removal of wallpaper is getting rid of the glue, and the process continued. After staring at those walls for three days a thought came to me. I’ll tell you more about that later. You see, I had become very familiar with the imperfections of the walls of our home.

Day 4

Patching and painting began right after our “paint captain” Erin gave us our instructions. We were going to be doing something we had never done before. Our walls were going to be covered with suede paint. By day four, I was really questioning the value of this change. It was about 9 o’clock at night and right then, at that moment of doubt, God brought these thoughts back to my memory and heart.

God taught me that our lives are like changing the décor of a wall. 1) We cover up the exterior of our lives with the latest fashions and we look good. But…our outward appearance hides the imperfections of sins.

2) He also taught me…that although patching is good, unlayering and opening our hearts is needed.

3) God taught me…that change is necessary. Change happens every day. Each day that we live we change and if we have trouble accepting change – God gives us four seasons.

4) God taught me…that most of us labor on by ourselves without God’s help and never take the time to patch the imperfections.

5) God taught me…that every once in a while He will finally bring a “paint captain” into our lives to move is into these changes He desires.

Open Letters To My Children

By Abba

(The twelfth in a series of open letters written by a father to his children on a variety of topics relating to life, love, and faith.)

That’s Heavy Man

Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s things seemed normal to me. That is, until I talk to you and listen to you laugh at what we said and how we looked. I must admit, leisure suits were weird and our use of the words, “cool” and “man” was excessive, but no more excessive that the word, “like” and who ever thought it was fashionable to have your pants 3 sizes too big and falling off? Lets not get started, ok? The reason I bring this up is we had one phrase we us to say in the “olden days” that is outdated, for good reason, but perfectly illustrates the Biblical teaching of honoring your parents. That phrase is “that’s heavy man”.

Galatians 6 begins “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.” Now don’t freak out on me man, cut me some slack will ya. Sorry, I’m just trying to connect here. I want you to hear the rest of the passage. “Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise.” Obedience and honor are connected but are two different things.

Obedience and respect are taught to young children regardless if they understand the why or not. Sometimes they just can’t see beyond the moment and it’s the parent’s responsibility to do what is in the best interest of the child. Understanding will come latter. During the adolescent years it’s important to explain, over and over, the why behind the no because one day soon this young person will have to make good decisions on his or her own.

When you reach early adulthood and you think you’ve arrived, you’re still not done with Galatians 6. You may not “obey” your parents any more because it’s time to make your own choices but you’re still not off the hook for the “Honor your father and your mother.” This does not simply mean give them the respect they’re due, although that’s true as well. The Greek word for honor literally means, “to give weight”. This is the idea behind “that’s heavy man”. We are commanded in scripture to give weight to, or listen carefully to what our parents have to say. It does not mean you must obey, but you had better listen as if what they say is or great value to you. Heavy huh?

You see your parents, as out dated and old fashion as we may seem to you have a lot of life experience to draw on. We may not be “hip”; do you say that word any more? But life situations are surprisingly similar from generation to generation. You’d be surprised we understand more than you think.

The good part is in the promise that follows the command. “This is the first commandment with a promise, that it may go well with you and that you may live long on the earth.” A popular TV program when I was a kid was Star Trek. The science officer was named Spock, from the planet Vulcan. He had a hand greeting we’d all practice making and then he would say these words, “live long and prosper.” He also had pointy ears, funny eyebrows and green blood but maybe we’ll talk about entertainment another time. To live a long and productive life you don’t need to know the Vulcan greeting all you need is to follow the first commandment with a promise.

I look forward to the days we can spend laughing together at silly phrases and by-gone fashion. But in my heart is so much I want you to know from my years of life experiences. Some things I did well and others I really messed up. Give weight to what I tell you, because I love you and speak from years of experience.

Until then, “keep on truckin”.

Abba

Thoughts on Motherhood

By Jane Perry

Two weeks ago as I was cleaning my basement, I came across two milk crates full of old college textbooks and lecture notes. I had saved them on purpose in case I ever re-entered the field of Biology and needed those resources. I came to a rapid decision, down in my spidery basement that I was probably never going to be picking up the gauntlet of chemistry, marine biology or genetics as a profession. Great! I had found this week’s recycling donation! But a funny thing happened. As I was leafing through old exams and carefully rewritten lecture notes, I was stunned at how much I used to know. “Phew! I used to be really smart,” I mused proudly. Organic chemistry. Russian literature. Psychology. And then I paused. “Not so smart anymore, I guess. Just diapers, Play-doh, cooking and cleaning.” Suddenly, as a stay-at-home mom, I didn’t feel so valuable or smart.

Not long ago, a girlfriend took me out to dinner. It was a delightful treat to enjoy a meal that we had not cooked ourselves and we savored the chance to have “adult talk” without our children. She was sharing that she had recently begun to feel a deep sense of peace about being a stay-at-home mom and housewife. “I don’t know,” she said, “I guess I really enjoy it. If that’s all God calls me to be is just a wife and a mom, than I’m ok with that.”

As I look back on both incidents, 1st Peter 5:8 is so clear to me. “Be alert! Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking to devour you.” He found me that day in the basement and deceived me. I felt dumb, underutilized, deflated and inadequate. He found my friend (even as she was experiencing the peace of God!) and tricked her into believing that God’s desire was for her to settle. To settle with being just a housewife. That being a mom was ok, but not really the best that she could do for herself. How many times do we hear that voice and actually listen to it? You could do better. God wouldn’t really want you to waste your time doing that, would he? You’ll never measure up. You need more money. What you’re doing is not important. I am learning that all those feelings of inadequacy come from one place – straight from the pit of hell. The truth is that God clearly calls each one of us to serve him in specific places, during specific seasons of our lives. Most times however, it’s not how we wanted it, imagined it, or thought it would be.

As I journey, I am deeply encouraged by the apostle Paul. He wrote letters to other believers from his jail cell. Even then he was pleased with God’s plan for him, and wrote, “because of my chains, others have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously.” He wrote about learning what it means to be content in every situation, whether rich or poor, well fed or hungry. So as much as I admit that I no longer remember how to do Calculus, God tells me that he has me right where he wants me. Knee deep in diapers, ear infections, soap suds on the floor, Play-doh stuck to my socks and dinner just a little bit late. May you be encouraged.

Missions Notes

• The Missions Committee

Eddie's Story

Interview by Lorrie Dionne

Where were you born and raised? My name is Eddie, and I was born in 1944 in Portland Maine. I was the third oldest of seven children. I went to Wilson School, North School, and Portland High School.

Have you ever been employed and if so , where?

I used to work odd jobs, restaurant work, I tried cooking and dishwashing, and warehouse jobs. I used to work in construction, you know, cleaning out apartments, and I liked it. Sometimes we found good stuff or money. In 1970 when my father passed away I had a nervous breakdown and stopped working.

Do you mind sharing some of your experiences living on the street?

To tell you the truth, it wasn’t always easy. I used to sleep on benches or doorways, I had blankets sometimes. I went around to the soup kitchens to get food, and the pantries. Sometimes Pine Street Inn or the Starlight vans too. I slept under a bridge in Charlestown, on a mattress, and cooked outside sometimes. I had one of those little butane stoves to cook with. There were plenty of times I didn't have food at all.

Are you a Christian? If yes how did you become a Christian?

I went to church in Portland, Maine as a child where I learned about Christianity. When I got older I went to church in Maine. In around 1994 or 95 I met a man named Mark. It must be eight or nine years ago now. I met him at an outreach program. I also went to tent ministries and learned a lot. I was drinking and stuff back then. In 1995 I accepted the Lord at a tent ministry. A preacher from Philidalphia was preaching and I kneeled down and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I quit drinking somewhere around this time.

How are you involved at Emmanuel Gospel Chapel?

In 1997 I started going to Pastor Neals church, South End of Boston. I'm involved at Emmanuel Gospel Chapel, I 'm an usher and I help put equipment away like mikes and stands. I help clean up. I help Pastor Neil with the food pantry.

...at Starlight Ministry?

I help on Wednesday nights on the Starlight van. I help the Dover Team get their parking space and back in properly, and I help the Dover Team give out their food. I talk to the people, I clean up with the team members, and attend the prayer meeting before we go out on the streets. I pray for the team members and for the homeless and remember them by name.

What are your aims for the future?

Well I don’t have any aims really. My future plans are to visit my family in Maine sometimes. I feel the Lord wants me to visit my family and friends. I want to take bike rides with one of my friends, and I might take an airplane ride with him too.

You are so pleased with your apartment. Where is it and how long have you lived there?

My apartment is in Dorchester. On October 20th it will be five years. I thank God for getting me off the streets. I love my apartment.

What do you feel are some of the leading causes of homelessness?

For one thing sometimes if you have not enough money to get an apartment. Drinking too much can cause homelessness. For me one problem was getting nervous. I was nervous and I couldn’t stay in one place very long. Lack of medicine for being nervous can make someone homeless. Now I take medicine for nerves.

What would you like to tell those of us in Dover about how it feels to be homeless, and how do you think we can help?

Keep praying for the homeless. Let people talk to you and you talk to them. If it wasn't for people like you at the Dover team, and Starlight Ministries, praying for me and helping me, I would still be homeless.

Starlight Ministry

For several years now, Dover Baptist has been participating in Starlight Ministries outreach to the homeless in Boston. On the third Wednesday each month, several people go to Boston to assist in the Wednesday night activities at the Boston Common. The homeless are provided with food and clothing and a short service is held right there at the entrance to the Common.

Those of us who are not able to go to Boston, are still able to participate. How? By providing sandwiches (individually wrapped, marked and delivered to the church), fresh fruit, clothing (especially for men), white socks, etc.

The preceding interview with Eddie gives a little clue to the importance of this work.

If you would like more information, you may talk with Jim Morris, Lorrie Dionne or Loren Schanck.

DBC Ministry Fair

As a part of our 40 Days of Purpose journey here at DBC, a Ministry Fair was held on Palm Sunday, March 20, following the worship service. As we learned in the 40 Day study, everyone Christian has a SHAPE (Spiritual gift(s), Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences) with which God has gifted us for His service. Our fair consisted of displays and information from and about the many ways to serve here at Dover Baptist Church. The displays were delightful (some were even delicious!) and each ministry did a great job of presenting themselves and their service. Our Fellowship Hall, a.k.a. "the Vestry", was full to the brim with folks checking out the exhibits.

Following the Fair there was a casual lunch to celebrate the completion of our 40 Days Study. Thank you to everyone who generously provided food and who worked so hard on the exhibits! A special "thank you" to our Youth Group for help with clean up on Sunday night.

Additionally, it has been decided to feature a different ministry at regular intervals on Sunday mornings in the Lobby. This will serve both to inform about what's happening in our ministries and to have the needs of each ministry made known to the congregation.

If you would like further information about how to determine what your spiritual gift(s) may be, please consider taking the "Spiritual Gifts Definitions Test" available from Pastor Monahan, an elder, or the church office.

(At a recent Sunday morning service, the following was read. We thought you might enjoy it, too.)

Do You Get the Idea?

I asked God to take away my habit. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations, it isn’t granted. It is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me. God said…Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Looking Ahead to May

Philadelphia Biblical University Chorale in Concert

On May 10th, the Philadelphia Biblical University 39-voice Chorale will present a music ministry at Dover Baptist. The program will feature a varied selection of choral music, including hymn arrangements, spirituals, and some of the great choral classics. The concert is part of a series which will culminate in an eight-day tour of New England.

Hospitality for guests will be necessary for that evening. If you think you might be interested in assisting, you may contact Denise at the Chruch Office, 742-5452 or e-mail.

Shirley Paz

Shirley Paz was born and raised in Massachusetts. She grew up going to church, but it wasn’t until she was 20 that she first heard and understood the true impact of the gospel message. It was as young newlyweds, living in Japan that she and her husband dedicated their lives to the Lord through the witness of missionaries and American believers and her own questioning.

Since that commitment, Shirley has been a student and teacher of the Bible. She has been both a high school and adult Sunday School teacher for over 18 years. She also works with Vision New England.

Shirley was actively involved as a pastor’s wife for over 12 years in Massachusetts and New Hampshire where her husband pastored. Through the circumstances of a crisis in their marriage and the loss of the pastorate, they have overcome tremendous difficulties, have rebuilt their marriage, their family, and their lives as servants of Christ. Together they lead couple’s conferences, teach Sunday School and speak to men’s and women’s groups. They have two adult married children.