EMMETT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
September 2021
Discover Christ's Transforming Love
126 S. Hayes Ave. Emmett, Idaho 83617
Lance Zagaris, Pastor
Pam Hodges, Worship Director
A Word From the Pastor
Proverbs 3:5-6 - 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Isaiah 26:3-4 - 3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Philippians 4:6-9 - 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Matthew 11:28-30 - 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 - 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Hebrews 12:2 - 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Dearly Beloved,
Each of us have burdens that we carry that weigh on us. Some of the burdens are responsibilities that we face that we are obligated to do. Some of the burdens are things that are actually outside of our control. They may be relationships that we have a measure of influence on but we are not the ones making final decisions. If we are not careful, we can be tempted to worry, fret and become fearful about what might happen We may be concerned about health, jobs, finances, the future of our country, and the eternal destiny of people in our lives.
In his book Renovation of the Heart, Dallas Willard describes peace in this way: “Peace is the rest of will that results from assurance about ‘how things will turn out’” (p. 134). Later, he tries to explain it further: “‘I am at peace about it’, we say, and this means I am no longer striving inwardly or outwardly, to save some outcome dear to me or to avoid one that I reject. I have released whatever is at issue and am no longer even putting ‘body English’ or ‘spin’ on it or inwardly gritting my teeth’” (p. 134). This type of peace is not easy to experience, because we want to try to take control of people and circumstances.
Dallas Willard continues by saying, “The secret to this peace is...being abandoned to God… the person who is heartily abandoned to God knows that all shall be well because God is in charge of his or her life. My peace is the greatness of God'' (p.135). The verses above confirm that the God of peace is able to bring perfect peace into our lives even amidst troubling circumstances…
as we have steadfast minds (Isa. 26:3)
as we trust in the Lord with all our heart (Prov. 3:5-6; Isa. 26:3)
as we do not lean on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5)
as we acknowledge Him in all our ways (Prov. 3:16)
as we pray with thanksgiving about everything (Phil. 4:6)
as we fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2)
as we think about what is true and praiseworthy (Phil 4:8)
as we cast all our cares on Him (I Peter 4:7)
as we take Jesus’ yoke upon us and learn from Him (Mt. 11:28-30)
Jolene and I listened to a message from Ryan Ingram today, Sept. 22, titled Redefining Success, Part 2 from livingontheedge.org. He and his father Chip were discussing afterwards how to make this practical. Ryan shared three questions to ask yourself, using three columns:
- What is it only I can do?
- What stuff do I not know?
- What is it only God can do?
Ryan said:
Many of our worries and fears land in the column: What is it only God can do? And we try to accomplish things only God can do...
- only God can change a heart, only God can heal a marriage, only God can restore a friendship, only God can move in the prodigal to return home.
- I can’t change a heart, but I can pray diligently. I can’t heal a marriage, but I can faithfully love. I can speak life, not death. I can bless, not curse.
- I can’t restore a friendship, but I can own my part, I can confess sin, I can ask for forgiveness.
- I can’t move the prodigal home, but I can share my concerns & I can be ready with open arms.
When it comes to the middle column, What Stuff do I not know?, he said:
- I don't know if my marriage will survive, I don’t know if my friendship will be restored, I don’t know how long I will be stuck in this season…
We can pray and ask God to help us grow through counseling, study of His Word, and trusting in God to work in areas that will always be unknowable for us in this life.
I hope this process proves to be helpful for you. Trust the outcomes to God!!
Shepherding you in Christ’s love,
Lance
Emmett FBC has a new roof!
Wind and rain storms reinforced the need to look into a replacement of the roof over the Fellowship Hall!. It has been over 20 years since the roof had been replaced. When the new AC/Furnace Units were installed, ventilation pipes in the roof caused even more concerns. After obtaining bids, the Trustees recommended, and voted for, replacing the Fellowship Hall roof and paying for some work to be done to correct problems with the area around the ventilation pipes. The recommendation was approved by a member vote at the Quarterly Meeting and the work begun! As of the end of August the work was complete!
Shingles nailed over the Fellowship Hall
It is looking good!
It's Done!!!
Note from the Hassemers
Thank you 1st Baptist of Emmett.
We continue to host an intern family from Moody Bible Institute in Spokane. This couple and their 2-year-old are thankful for the housing being provided as he finishes his last aviation classes & they seek where God may use them. So far – they love Alaska and are seriously looking in this area. The space we provide is larger than their housing in Washington so they are so thankful for the provision.
Mike & I continue to volunteer with Samaritan's Purse. The project this year is across the street from us! Mike has been asked to lead the team working on 3 occasions and also was asked to demo window installation Alaska style 😊. We also have taken the work teams to fish on the river, then to help clean and process their catches. We have also been invited one evening a week for a Q & A time about life in Alaska. The teams greatly appreciate us sharing. We are so thankful for your continued support of this hospitality ministry. You provide the mean to help us keep it going. Thank you for being a blessing to us and those we serve.
Love Mike & Ranada
* * * * THE MOST POWERFUL POSITION ... IS ON YOUR KNEES * * * *
Chuck will truly be missed
Thank you Card from the Pearce's to FBC
Card is posted on FBC entrance bulletin board
Tough Times Don't Last
I said "Sometimes I fail"
He said, "I'll see you through."
I said, "But what if I fall?"
He said, "I will carry you."
I said, "My fears are great!"
He said, "I'll cheer you on."
I said, "Life isn't easy."
He said, "Please let Me help.
Remember, I love you."
I said, "Lord, I accept."
Wayne & Vi Rexford
Wayne and Vi Rexford… it seems we can’t talk about one without the other. They are like icons of the church… This is their home away from home. They spend a lot of time taking care of things that most are not even aware. Until I started working in the office, I did not realize just how involved they are and the passion, love and commitment they have to FBC. I have truly enjoyed getting to know them better over the past couple of years and having the opportunity to interview them for this article. They are very special people who love the Lord, are faithful in serving, humble enough to ask the tough questions and just being who they are.
Vi and Wayne have both been integral participants on committees such as rebuilding the church after the arson in 2013 and the search committee that brought in Lance when Pastor Harry retired.
Vi has a vast array of historical and current knowledge of the business and financial operations of the church. She has participated as a member and/or as secretary/clerk on church boards and committees. Vi has served as church treasurer for 13 years. She is a long-standing member on the Board of Trustees as well as the FBC representative with CERT. (Vi has been a true gift in helping me learn the ropes in my roles as Secretary and Treasurer for the church.) With approximately 50 years working with the educational side of the church, Vi has seen our children, grandchildren and many other children, come and go and/or grow in their walk with the Lord over the years.
Wayne, having served on the Diaconate since what seems like the beginning of time, has a true vested interest in the church. His love for the Lord and his passion to bring others to know the Lord and grow in their faith walk is admirable. He has taught Sunday School for youth and adults, participated in jail ministry, attended and led small groups and sang in the church choir. He has served as Usher by default and often seen doing projects around the church. When a stage prop, or even the stage itself, is needed for a performance at the church, Wayne is the “go to”. You can find his handiwork throughout the church (cutting board in the kitchen, small table in the fellowship hall, cabinet storing electronics in FH, the ledge holding the organ speakers & the cross in front of it, etc.). Wayne, along with his cohort, Jim Foster, are often the default maintenance men at the church.
Wayne and Vi met at college in 1960(ish) and were married in 1964 in Corvallis, Oregon at a college church where they met.
Vi graduated from Oregon State University (OSU) and earned a master’s degree in child development/family life. She came to Emmett when she obtained a job with the U of I Extension Service.
Wayne obtained 2 degrees from OSU, a bachelors, and a MA in Education. He knew in high school that he wanted to be a shop teacher. As a sophomore he was chosen as one of 6 students out of about 60 to help in wood shop as an aide. He and one other student would essentially run the class after the teacher took roll. Although Wayne had a teaching job as a shop teacher in Stayton, he followed Vi to Emmett and taught 8th grade at Central Mesa for 1 year. He then became the Emmett High school shop teacher and held that position until he retired.
Wayne and Vi adopted 2 children, David at 2 ½ years old and Shelly at 6 months old. They commented that David already talked very clear and had the “language of a sailor”. They have 3 grandchildren, Triston, Bailey and Trapp. Triston and Bailey attended FBC quite frequently when they were young.
Vi grew up in a Christian family and was baptized when she was 7 years old. She remembers that it was significant but doesn’t recall details. Vi’s mom was a schoolteacher. Vi grew up in an environment focused on home, school, and church. Her mom carried her 2-week-old sibling 2 miles to church. Her mom said her highest honor was serving on diaconate.
Wayne was 12 years old when he was baptized and stated it was meaningful. He had gone to VBS with his buddy, who’s mother was the head of VBS. Both of Wayne’s parents, and grandparents, almost always went to church and practiced what they preached. His mom served on the diaconate and his grandmother made grape juice for communion. The family wasn’t allowed to have any of the grape juice until she was sure she would have enough for communion.
Vi was extremely dedicated to her profession; maybe too much so. She held national officer roles and was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame and they got to go to DC for the induction
.
Wayne’s time teaching at Central Mesa was a memorable time in his working career. He explained how they were good kids and went on to explain the fun they had on the 8th grade skip. Vi told how Wayne came home and said, “We get recess!” Then one day he called her because he needed her to bring him a new pair of pants as he had ripped his playing baseball. He taught 4 subjects, one of which was English. Vi commented that when he took the job she asked him, “you’re going to teach English?!” Evidently, English was never one of his strong suits in school.
Another memorable time in Wayne’s career was when as a Cross Country coach, his team won the 1995 State Championship!
Wayne and Vi both agreed that the people, in church and that you come across in life, make life enjoyable. Vi said she didn’t realize how much mentoring she was getting from people like Edna Shemp, Merne and Howard Wilson, Willard & Lorraine Slabaugh. They both emphasized the role Willard & Lorraine played in their lives… Wayne said, “we became their children”.
Wayne explained that Alton Swan played a mentoring role in his life. He told of how Alton built the pulpit that we use today and Wayne “got to sand it!” Wayne talked of how people like Ray Mullin and Lynn Hyslop, although not Christians, served as mentors in his life. As well as Jack Kilgore, who was a Christian and has gone home to be with the Lord.
Vi came to FBC in the fall of 1962. Elizabeth Scott convinced her to come. Then one Sunday, Vi had been invited to attend the Southern Baptist Church. When she went there the doors were locked and she couldn’t get in, so she came to FBC that day. Elizabeth greeted her with open arms stating, “I’m so glad you came back!” Wayne soon followed, met Alton, and joined the church choir.
Over the years Wayne and Vi have seen many changes in the church. Vi stated that one of the most memorable for her was Lance coming to pastor the church. She feels that is when she really started growing as a Christian. She misses being able to participate in small groups. Wayne added that the current men’s small group is good and there are important questions brought up.
They both talked about the significance of going through the rebuild from the arson fire in 2013. Wayne gave up singing in the choir to serve as the go-between with the companies on the rebuild. He commented that prior to the arson, it was a 1909 building. You had one outlet and needed to be careful not to blow a fuse. Now everyone has their own outlet and we have a great kitchen!
Vi expressed on how scary it was to write bigger checks than she ever had. She said she never would have dreamed she would see it as a blessing, but it was. She realizes how blessed we were to get free office and storage space too during the renovation.
They both commented on how blessed we were to have Kris Waller during that time as well. They don’t know what we would have done without him.
When asked what their favorite thing or memory at FBC was, both talked of the people and friendships they have developed over the years. In addition to the fellowship – Thanksgiving, potlucks, etc.
Wayne has felt the Lord working in him through Aphesis and other lay ministries focused on what his purpose is on earth. When he served on prison ministries he felt that “God showed up”. He explained that prisoners tend to be more open and sensitive to hearing what you have to say. They know they have done bad and you give them hope of love and caring. He told of a 24-year-old, beautiful African American man that he had ministered to but before he got to the punchline, time ran out. He was unable to get back in the next day but when he did get back there the 3rd day, the man gave his life to the Lord!
Vi has felt the Lord working in her since Lance moved here. Prior to that she felt the church was in limbo... in between pastors. When Wayne had a health issue, she, or someone, called Lance, who had not moved here yet. While the ambulance was going up the hill with Wayne in it, Lance called and prayed with Vi. Nobody had done that before with her. Later, when Wayne coded in the hospital, Lance dropped everything and came over and stayed and stayed… even the nurses were shocked that he would do that. Vi feels being able to ask Lance questions, attend small groups and a lot of things like that have strengthened her faith and brought her closer to the Lord. She has realized that she was trying to straddle the fence... keep apart of herself in the world and part in Christianity… and that is not the way to go.
Wayne and Vi have had there faith struggles as well. They questioned God and their faith. Vi explained that during that same time, they were in and out of court, fighting for David’s paternal rights. Vi explained that it was the most alone feeling she ever had… Wayne described it as “cold” … it was a reality check as to how strong their faith really was. When talking to the caseworker, who was ordered by the courts to do a home evaluation, Vi felt the Lord helped her in that conversation. She used her psychology background and was able to “talk the talk”. Bottom line, she didn’t want David to lose paternal rights. The caseworker then assured her that wouldn’t happen and told her to “hang in there for Triston”.
When asked what message Wayne and Vi would want to say, Wayne said, “Just keeping on – it may be a struggle, but don’t give in to the struggle. You have a God who will never let you go, will guarantee your path, whether rocky or smooth.” He further said, “I am the salt of the earth. If the salt loses flavor, you pitch it out. I don’t want to be pitched out.” He explained that God had a plan before he was born and his purpose is to preach the gospel, to share God’s hope for the world. Everybody will expire and go someplace in eternity, away or with God – pick one – hope you pick the right one – out of fear or respect of a just and loving God.
Vi’s message is to consistently re-evaluate your priorities. There are a lot of decisions to make in life and they need to be made with prayer. Its easy to jump ahead of God. Have patience. She is still trying to learn how to wait for God.
Both Vi and Wayne seemed to agree that one of the verses they most like is Prov. 3: 5-7. Wayne mentioned that his mother read it to them every day.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Prov. 3: 5-7
World Mission Offering
Your generosity send 120+ global servants to bear witness to Jesus while living in the communities they serve. You can extend a supportive hand to a family that needs help right now. You can show a child that se or he is loved. You can restore hope in a situation that feels out of control and hopeless.
Through International Ministries, you share the gospel of Jesus Christ-not only in word but also in deed. The Holy Spirit is at work through your gift to breathe new life into broken situations.
Find out more about WMO on the following website: https://www.internationalministries.org/world-mission-offering/
IM Global Servants Ketly and Vital Pierre
Their Community Center in La Romana offers a place of refuge for Haitian immigrants, with an after-school program, Bible studies, language classes in English and Spanish, a micro-loan program, physical therapy, and legal counseling. As the pandemic has caused food scarcity, the center has distributed rice, beans, and other essentials. The Pierres offer further care for the immigrant community through the Good Samaritan Hospital, a hospital founded by Haitian immigrants.
Ketly and Vital continually ask them selves how they can best care for the whole person. They invite every person they meet to join them on a journey of discipleship. When they lead a ministry, they invite someone else to accompany them so they can serve together. A woman joined Ketly in a discipleship class is now ready to start a new discipleship class in another church - and she is just one example of many. As the Pierres make themselves open and available to those around them, their neighbors return to at trust and vulnerability and want to walk alongside them.
Watch a video on the Pierres at https://vimeo.com/584015533
Live Expectantly
Pastor Greg Laurie
Some people eat slowly, and other people eat quickly. My wife, for example, cuts every bite of food perfectly. She eats slowly and can even have a nice conversation during the meal.
My bites of food, on the other hand, are too big. I’m like a shark. Have you ever watched a shark take a bite of something? That’s me. It’s why I can’t pick up food to go and actually get it home before I eat everything. I tend to eat every meal with a sense of urgency.
When the Israelites observed the Passover in Egypt, they had to eat their meal with urgency as well. They had to be ready to move at a moment’s notice.
The Passover was to be a new beginning for Israel, and the Lord gave Moses detailed instructions for something they would do from that day forward. They were to remember what God did for them—that He passed over them in His judgment upon Egypt because they did what He told them to do.
God said, “These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the Lord’s Passover” (Exodus 12:11 NLT).
If we were to update this verse for the 21st century, it would read something like this: “Have your running shoes on, have your suitcase packed, have your cell phone charged, have your passport ready, and be ready to go out the door.”
As believers, we need to live with a sense of expectancy of the return of Jesus Christ. We need to be ready to go.
Are you ready to go? Are you ready for opportunities to share the gospel that might come your way?
Be ready. Be alert. This is how we’re to live in light of Christ’s imminent return.
Coming Soon! Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry! *** God is at work through Operation Christmas Child! *** ... National Collection Week is Nov. 15–22, 2021 ... (Project leader needed! Contact Lance if you would like to lead this effort)
Grilled Chicken and Summer Corn Salad
By Robin Bashinsky
Grilled, crispy-skinned chicken thighs paired with a vibrant corn and tomato salad—this is the epitome of summer flavor. When it’s at peak ripeness, raw corn is absolutely bursting with sweet, juiciness, making it a perfect match for acidic tomatoes, a bright lemon vinaigrette, and herbaceous fresh basil. So, be sure to use ripe, plump summer corn for this recipe.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 4 (6-oz.) bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ¾ teaspoon pepper, divided
- 3 tablespoons minced shallot
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels (from 4 ears)
- 2 cups halved multicolored cherry tomatoes
- 2 ounces (4 cups) baby spinach
- ½ cup thinly sliced scallions
- ¼ cup thinly sliced basil
Directions
- Step 1 - Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken, skin side down, to pan; grill until skin is crispy and browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn and grill until a thermometer registers 165°F, 6 to 7 minutes.
- Step 2 - Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together remaining 11/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, shallot, juice, mustard, and honey in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in oil, whisking constantly. Add corn, tomatoes, spinach, scallions, and basil. Toss to coat. Serve salad with chicken.
Chuckles - Afraid of the Dark
A little boy was afraid of the dark. One night his mother told him to go out to the back porch and bring her the broom. The little boy turned to his mother and said, "Mama, I don't want to go out there. It's dark."
The mother smiled reassuringly at her son. "You don't have to be afraid of the dark," she explained. "Jesus is out there. He'll look after you and protect you."
The little boy looked at his mother real hard and asked, "Are you sure he's out there?" "Yes, I 'm sure. He is everywhere, and he is always ready to help you when you need him," she said.
The little boy thought about that for a minute and then went to the back door and cracked it a little. Peering out into the darkness, he called, "Jesus? If you're out there, would you please hand me the broom?
- Author Unknown -