EMMETT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
May 2023
Discover Christ's Transforming Love
126 S. Hayes Ave. Emmett, Idaho 83617
Lance Zagaris, Pastor
Pam Hodges, Worship Director
A Word From the Pastor
.Judges 6:11-16
11 The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” 13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” 16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”
Dearly Beloved,
In the book of Judges, the nation of Israel goes through numerous cycles of: turning away from the Lord and falling into sin and idolatry; 2) the Lord judging the nation by sending secular nations and tribes to invade and oppress them; 3) the nation crying to the LORD in desperation, pleading for deliverance; and 4) the Lord raising up a judge to deliver them from their oppressors and set them free.
In the passage above, the Israelites had been under the oppressive reign of the Midianites for seven years. The angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and called him to strike down the Midianites and set his people free. But when you have been beaten down over and over for seven years by foes, you can become overwhelmed physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The angel of the LORD addresses Gideon, “The LORD IS with you, mighty warrior!” Gideon probably in his mind then looked over his shoulder wondering who the angel was talking to. It surely couldn’t have been me, Gideon. Who are you calling mighty warrior? I haven’t been on the winning side of any battles for seven plus years.
Gideon replies with a series of questions to the angel of the LORD’s statement, “The LORD is with you!” His questions are more like a critique, strongly disagreeing with his declaration, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior!” If the Lord is with us, then why has all this oppression happened to us? Little does Gideon realize that the LORD is with us in His discipline and judgment for sin as well as in His blessing for serving and obeying Him faithfully.
Gideon continues: “Where are all His wonders that our fathers told us about when they said ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ but now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian’ (6:13). We want God’s powerful redemption over our enemies, but we don’t want God’s protection removed from us, causing us to become vulnerable to cruel nations. Repentance and faith in the LORD and His covenant lead to His blessings. Idolatry and rebellion bring His judgment.
The angel of the LORD appears to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. “The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (6:14) Gideon, stop looking at yourself from your own fleshly point of view. Look at yourself from God’s perspective, from the viewpoint of faith!! Keep in mind Who is calling you! Remember what I have done in the past!
But Gideon can’t begin to think or reason by his faith in God yet. He is too overwhelmed by his puny perspective, by his defeatist attitude, and by his lack of faith. Fear and seven years of oppression cut down one’s faith and confidence so that they seem non-existent, totally ineffective to meet the current demands. “But Lord, Gideon asked, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family?” (115) That’s about as far away from “mighty warrior” as one can get! Gideon has been plagued with the grasshopper complex of his forefathers in the wilderness!
But the LORD would not be influenced by Gideon’s gutless response. He intends to call Gideon to be His man to lead Israel out of bondage with Midian. “The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.” (6:16) From God’s perspective even the least in one’s family will be transformed into “mighty warrior!” One plus God is a majority. God makes all the difference! God makes the seemingly human impossible into not only possible, but certain victory! May the God of Gideon inspire you with His Almighty Presence and faithful promises!
Shepherding you in Christ’s love,
Lance
Good Friday Community Service
Good Friday Community Service was held at Emmett First Baptist Church on April 7. The Sanctuary was packed full of people -146 plus! Pastor Lance estimates representation from about 11 different churches. A very generous offering to GCMA was taken totaling $1,906!
Pastor Hugh Orr, from Riverside Church, spoke from Isaiah 53, in addition to other verses, and gave a insightful message titled "Pierced For Our Transgressions".
The singing voices could probably be heard several blocks away! It was an inspiring event!
Anyone can count the number of seeds in an apple. Only GOD can count the number of apples in a seed
Every Day is Easter
"Easter comes but once a year."
So many people say,
but, to a person saved from sin,
It's Easter every Day!
A man, when saved or "born again"
His life to Christ will give,
And, as a new-born babe in Christ,
He's just begun to live.
"I am the resurrection, life,"
The Savior, one day said:
"And he, believing in my Word,
Shall live though he be dead."
And that well known Apostle, Paul,
In Philippi made plain;
"For me to live is Jesus Christ,
For me to die is gain."
So when the Blood of Christ, our Lord,
Redeems a soul from sin;
Every day is Easter.
For Jesus lives within!
Carolyn Orr
Easter Sunday
Watch Easter Sunday Service at https://www.youtube.com/live/l-hEoNtDrIM?feature=share
Good News Club Update
On May 17, we held our last GNC of the current school year. Jolene and Lance role played how to share the Wordless Book. then we met in small groups with the students and had them practice going through the colors of the Wordless Book and tell each other how the colors told the gospel story.
Gold represents heaven where God lives
- Black represents sin that has separated us from God and heaven
- Red represents Christ dying on the cross for our sin
- White represents how Christ cleanses us from the penalty of our sins when we trust in Him and His death and resurrection
- Green represents God's desire for us to: Go to Church, Read our Bibles,, Obey His commends, Witness about Christ to others
We gave each student a Wordless Book to take home and practice and use with people. Since October, we have averaged about 20 students per club and had 13 students pray to receive Christ! God has been Good!! We are thankful for our team of workers: Connie Walker, Roma Careaga, Carol Rainey, Margo Moodie, and Lance & Jolene Zagaris! We are grateful for the church's prayer, and financial support of this vital ministry!
Women Unite!
Monthly Women's Group - the first Monday of every month (excluding July 3rd). Women of all ages are invited to meet at 6:30PM in the FBC Fellowship Hall for fun, fellowship, prayer, etc. New activity each month. Bring a friend!
Knitters/Crocheters are invited to learn, or just join together, at Janet Holland's house the 3rd Tuesday of each month. All levels welcome! Janet is willing to teach the beginning knitters & furnish equipment if needed! More info. at the back of the church or contact the office.
Women's Bible Study - 5 week study on Wednesday nights beginning June 14. 6:30 - 8pm at Jolene Zagaris' house. Study will be on The Faithful - Bible Study Book: Heroes of the Old Testament. Let Jolene know if you want a study guide: $16
Product Description
Using excerpts from best-selling studies by Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Lisa Harper, Kelly Minter, and Jennifer Rothschild, this 5-session video study explores crucial moments in the lives of five Old Testament figures.
Through their stories, discover how God uses the lives of ordinary people for His glory and the good of His people. Strengthen your faith as you walk alongside these larger-than-life figures who all chose to obey God no matter the circumstances.
Burned Out? Hope Is the Oxygen Your Soul Needs
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 (ESV)
My hair was falling out.
Yes, me — the girl with thick, black locks, whose hairstylists always declared, “Wow! You have a LOT of hair!” Now I quietly freaked out every time I shampooed.
It started during the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, I wasn’t too worried. Oh well, it’ll grow back. Things will be better by the summer, I told myself, holding my breath.
With work deadlines hanging over my head, my anxiety climbed as I tried to juggle the gazillion hats I wore — from cheerleading mom to crisis counselor to referee and first-time home-schooling teacher to short-order cook.
My priorities were my husband and kids. Me? I’ll figure that out later. But the longer the pandemic stretched out, my emotional reserves, once filled with optimism, started thinning along with my hair. The more stressed I became, the more hair I seemed to lose.
What I needed was hope. Optimism is imagining how circumstances will get better, but hope is seeing God’s love and care in the midst of bad circumstances. Hope is our refuge in uncertainty even when optimism runs dry.
Are you also feeling weary? Are you in the middle of a hard season you thought was temporary, only to discover you’re stretched so thin that you’re burned out, losing your joy and hope? We often don’t know we’re stressed until our body sends us signals. Our hair starts falling out. Fibromyalgia worsens. We might get migraines, eye twitching or insomnia.
But God cares about you. It breaks His heart seeing you, His little girl, running ragged.
There’s a story of a little girl in the Bible who everyone thought was gone forever as she lay on her bed without breath. Everyone had lost hope, just like I had. But when Jesus came to sit next to her bed and gently hold her hand, His loving touch brought her back to life. Guess what Jesus said first?
“… Give her something to eat.” (Mark 5:43b, CEV)
Jesus didn’t tell her to go greet the crowd gathered outside. Jesus didn’t tell her to go do her chores. Instead, Jesus lovingly focused on her well-being. It’s important to God that we nourish our bodies with rest and take time to feel His loving touch revive us through His Word.
I realized God wanted me to believe I was worthy of care and take action in the midst of my hard, messy moment. To encourage you, here are three practical changes that helped me:
- First, I started healthier eating habits. Because I was trying to squeeze in a bottomless checklist of to-dos, I was skipping lunch and snacking instead. Eat lunch, Bonnie! You need fuel.
- Second, I faced my fear. I had to let go of responsibilities that were no longer healthy for me. Despite worst-case scenarios playing in my head, I asked God for courage and asked friends to support me to create boundaries.
- Third, I prayed “breath prayers.” These prayers nurtured hope whenever I felt overwhelmed. It’s a simple way to pray using Scripture to release tension in your body and re-oxygenate your soul with God’s peace.
Use this breath prayer from Lamentations 3:21-23: “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Inhale: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
Exhale: Your mercies are new every morning.
To hope again is to believe God will help you. Hope gives you permission to do things differently and to believe God will be faithful. His love fuels your hope, and hope is the oxygen your soul breathes.
Since I’ve made changes to my schedule, nutrition and prayer habits, my hair has stopped falling out as much. Over time, I’m hopeful my hair health will be replenished.
God can renew your hope. Jesus tenderly folds your hand in His, loving you unconditionally.
Thank You, Jesus, for being my anchor and hope. Help me rest in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
You were hand-picked by God … to be His daughter. To live in freedom. To be your child’s mama. To tell people about Jesus. To be your husband’s wife. To use the gifts you have. To be a light in this world. For a purpose. At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we want to give you the tools and resources to live like this is true. Will you donate today so we can continue to help you and other women just like you know and live the Truth of God's Word? Click here to learn more.
Do you know a mom you can encourage this Mother’s Day? Let them know they’re loved by gifting them Bonnie Gray’s new book, Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm. With Scripture and science, this book will help break the chains of worry and anxiety, refreshing weary hearts to flourish in four areas of wellness — emotional, physical, spiritual and social. Get a copy for yourself and one to bless a friend!
ENGAGE
Take Bonnie’s free “Soul Care Quiz” — your personal wellness assessment — to learn what type of care you’re missing most and how to flourish with God’s peace and joy in your life! You can also follow Bonnie on Instagram or Facebook.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Hebrews 6:19a, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:114, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” (NIV)
How is God inviting you to hope again? What could you do differently if you chose to live with hope under God’s care? Share with us in the comments!
© 2023 by Bonnie Gray. All rights reserved.
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
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rare mushroom found!
It took a while, but in a team effort, Jim Foster's lost rare mushroom was found! In the kitchen of all places! JIm was glad to get his rare mushroom returned and rewarded the team of Sherlock's accordingly.
RICHARD'S STORY - Boise Rescue Mission
"My daughter-in-law was praying like crazy. "She told me, 'Dad, this is the Program you have to do!' Now it's been one year since that conversation and one year in the Program."
- Richard (Read Richard's story in this month's newsletter)
Shortly after Richard's wife was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, Richard lost his way. "Death's door" is how Richard described his life before coming to the Mission. Richard says mourning the loss of his relationship with his wife, his "one-and-only," as he puts it, was more than he could handle on his own.
Richard says in the year and a half before joining the Mission's New Life Discipleship and Recovery Program, he went from a casual drinker to drinking 20 hours daily. "I would go to bed about midnight, wake up around 4 am, and just start all over again. I was in a really dark place of pain and mourning.
"I just was having a hard time seeing my wife, my sweetheart, go the way she was, and I lost my way. I could and should have kept my eyes on Jesus, but I went to the bottle instead."
Even though he thought he was, Richard wasn't fooling anyone about his struggle with alcohol. He had a lot of people in his life encouraging him to stop drinking and get help, but he resisted for a long time.
"My daughter-in-law was just praying like crazy, and I don't know if it was the Holy Spirit kicking me over the edge, but I finally said, 'Okay.'"
Richard's daughter-in-law had already filled out an application for him for the New Life Program. He says, "She told me, 'Dad, this is the Program you have to do!' Now it's been one year since that conversation and one year in the Program." Read more about Richard's new beginning here BoiseRM.org/category/newsletters/.
Click Here to Read April's Newsletter
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP IN THIS GREAT WORK OF RESCUE!
BOISE RESCUE MISSION MINISTRIES
PO Box 1494, Boise, ID 83701-1494
Cathedral Pines Summer Camp for Kids
Registration opens March 20th
Click here to Find out about Cathedral Pines camps or copy and past the following into your URL: https://www.cathedralpines.org/events
Teen Camp (6-12th Grades) July 16-21 $160
Kids Camp (3rd-6th grades) July 23-27 $130
Campers will enjoy games, crafts, music, fellowship with friends, exploring the beautiful mountain campus, worship, and Bible teaching.
This year is an archeology dig theme as we dig into God's design for us as his Creation and Followers.
Shiloh Bible Camps
Click here to Find out about Shiloh Bible Camp or copy and past the following into your URL: https://www.shilohbibleconference.com/camps-retreats
Explorers Camp #1 *
June 19 - 23, 2023
Our Explorers Camp is designed for campers between the ages of 10 and 12 by June 1st. Come join us for some outdoor adventure, team building activities, traditional and non traditional sports, indoor crafts, and of course, some awesome worship and chapels.
Cost: $120 per camper (includes a 2023 camp theme shirt)
Adventure Camp * (Pastor Lance plans to attend with two of his grandsons!)
June 26 - 30, 2023
Our Adventure Camp is designed for campers between the ages of 8 and 10 by June 1st. Come join us for some outdoor adventure, team building activities, traditional and non traditional sports, indoor crafts, and of course, some awesome worship and chapels.
Cost: $120 per camper (includes a 2023 camp theme shirt)
Pathfinder Camp *
July 10 - 15, 2023
Our Pathfinders Camp is designed for campers between the ages of 12 and 14 by June 1st. Come join us for some outdoor adventure, team building activities, traditional and non traditional sports, indoor crafts, and of course, some awesome worship and chapels.
Cost: $130 per camper (includes a 2023 camp theme shirt)
Trailblazer Camp *
July 17 - 22, 2023
Our Trailblazer Camp is designed for campers between the ages of 14 and 18 by June 1st. Come join us for some outdoor adventure, team building activities, traditional and non traditional sports, indoor crafts, and of course, some awesome worship and chapels.
Cost: $130 per camper (includes a 2023 camp theme shirt)
Rafting is also available as an additional add-on of $70.
Explorers Camp #2 *
July 24 - 28, 2023
Our Explorers Camp is designed for campers between the ages of 10 and 12 by June 1st. Come join us for some outdoor adventure, team building activities, traditional and non traditional sports, indoor crafts, and of course, some awesome worship and chapels.
Cost: $120 per camper (includes a 2023 camp theme shirt)
* Add-ons: Bus transportation is available as an additional add-on of $10 per one way trip during registration.
Tuna Macaroni Salad
This tuna macaroni salad will remind you of Grandma's. I love this when the weather is warm. One of the basic comfort foods.
Recipe by Peach822
Ingredients
1 (12 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 (10 ounce) can baby peas, drained
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained
2 tablespoons chopped sweet onion
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
salt and pepper to taste
3 large hard-cooked eggs, quartered
1 pinch paprika, for garnish
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
Stir together macaroni, peas, celery, tuna, and onion in a large bowl.
Mix in mayonnaise, relish, salt and pepper.
Garnish with egg wedges and a sprinkle of paprika. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Chuckles
"There's no way the Bible says that, " the husband argued.
Without another word she opened the Bible and pointed to the proof printed at the top of several pages: Hebrews.
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Calendar of Events at FBC
May 20th... Serve Emmett
May 21 ..... Class 201 @ 9:30am
May 24...... Men's Small Group 10am
May 28 ..... Class 201 @ 9:30am
May 31...... Men's Small Group 10am
June 4 ...... Class 201 @ 9:30am
June 4 ...... Celebrate Wayne & Vi's Anniversary after church
June 5 ...... Women's Get Together @ 6:30pm
June 8 ....... All Boards Meet @ 6:30pm
June 11 ..... Class 201 @9:30am
June 12 ..... Knitters/Crocheters meet @ 6:30pm (Janet Holland's house)
June 14 ..... Women's Bible Study @ 6:30pm (Jolene Zagaris' house)
June 18 ..... Father's Day
June 18 ..... Class 201 @9:30am
June 20 ..... Knitters/Crocheters meet @ 10am (Janet Holland's house)
June 21 ..... Women's Bible Study @ 6:30pm (Jolene Zagaris' house)
June 22 ..... BUNCO @6pm
June 25 ..... Class 201 @9:30am
June 28 ..... Women's Bible Study @ 6:30pm (Jolene Zagaris' house)