Woodward Park Baptist News

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Woodward Park Baptist News August 1-17, 2013

Church Family Spotlight

Seth, Chrissy and Lizzie Williams

S

eth and Chrissy Williams have been faithful and committed members of WPBC for the last 17 years, going back to January 1996. Prior to Fresno, and before they were married, they each were living and working in the Bay Area, Seth in Salinas and Chrissy in San Jose. In June 1990, their mutual friend, Pam Bogle, set them up on a blind date. The date actually took place at Pam’s house with a dinner on the patio in the backyard. Eighteen months later, on April 18, 1992, the couple married on the patio in Pam’s backyard. Pam’s brother, Leon Fox, a judge in San Jose, officiated at the wedding. “We were a “commuter marriage” for six months because we both had houses. But we knew we wanted to start a family.” Six months after marrying, Seth was relocated to Fresno. “Our first contact with the church was an ice-cream social on the church lawn while we were expecting,” said Chrissy. Then daughter Elizabeth was born in July 1994 and the family began attending the church in January 1996. Over the years, the Williams’ have taught many children’s Sunday School classes.

Seth shared that they started helping Peggy Brink with the two year olds for three years. Then they taught 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade (following Lizzie and her friends). Chrissy went on to teach junior high girls which “did her in,” Chrissy said with a laugh! “When Lizzie was young we both did activities with the kids for a number of years,” said Seth. They loved coaching Upwards basketball teams for several years and Chrissy served as Camp Counselor at Wagon Train and helped with the Children’s Choir.” Spending time with the children and youth at church is always a good investment and we were blessed by the experience,” said Chrissy. Before Pastor David Carothers came to WPBC, Seth also served on the leadership team to help guide the church during the transition. “We helped the staff keep things running,” said Seth. “I’ve stayed on in that role since David’s been here.” Seth has also served on the Finance Committee and now serves as the church treasurer. See

Spotlight, page 2

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et’s continue to invite friends, neighbors and family to join us for Community Movie Night! More than simply watching a movie, we consider this an outreach opportunity to our neighbors. So...when you get here, ask your own family to give you 20 minutes to say hi to someone you don’t know. This will help our visitors feel welcome. Show genuine interest in others by asking a couple of questions. See how God will use you to be a blessing to people!

1801 E. Teague Ave., Fresno, CA 93720 (559)

298-7087

woodwardpark.org

Spotlight, continued from page 1 Chrissy has served as a money counter, organizer of the Holiday Boutique and teacher at VBS. But says that “whatever I’ve done, Seth always ends up doing too because I tend to rope him in! I couldn’t do it without him.” The couple attends Carl York’s Life Group class Sunday mornings and love all the fellowship they have been involved in over the years at church. They said it’s been very rewarding for them to witness the transformation of young people they have nurtured at WPBC, “even though a lot of them have gone on to different places,” said Seth. “From kids that we knew when they were two, to where they are today in college, and what they’re doing in their lives,” he said. Lizzie herself is a sophomore at Whitworth University, a Presbyterian-affiliated school in Spokane, WA. She’s majoring in Spanish/English with a minor in art. Whitworth University also has a 27-acre satellite campus in the hills above Costa Rica. “Last year, Lizzie spent 30 days there as an honors freshman,” said Chrissy. This year, along with a group of eight others, Lizzie will spend her sophomore year in Costa Rica for the fall semester, with language immersion in Guatamala in January, and then off to Nicaragua for an internship in the arts community. The group will also have the opportunity to visit Cuba. She will live in home stays with local families and is excited for this adventure. “She loves the Spanish language, she loves people and she loves to travel,” said Chrissy.

iron sharpens iron

Lizzie loves her church family and covets your prayers while she is away. This December, Seth marks 32 years of continuous employment with Wells Fargo. Over the years, the family had discussed leaving California at some point after Seth’s retirement. But in May, Wells Fargo offered him a job transfer to Charlotte, NC. “God really had a plan [for us to move] because we just moved from the house we lived in for 10 years,” the couple said. The family just bought a home last November, remodeled it and moved into it in March. Chrissy said her first reaction to Wells Fargo’s offer was, “What?!” Daughter Lizzie said, “You’re kidding me?!” “But in a lot of ways, we feel God orchestrated the move,” said Chrissy. “We’re so happy here and we’ve always loved living in Fresno and Clovis. But we had always thought it would be nice if [Wells Fargo] moved us to the South, yet we knew God was in control and what happens would be in His timing and the right thing for us,” she said. Although the family has lived in California for some 30 years, neither has relatives here. “I’m from Mississippi and Chrissy grew up in Pennsylvania. Her family is in Maryland and Texas. And my family is in Mississippi and Louisiana. That’s why the church has been like our family and we feel so loved,” said Chrissy. Seth grew up in a Baptist church in Mississippi that his grandfather, W.I. Williams started. Chrissy was raised Catholic.

Williams

See , continued on back page

Ryan Chopa, Phil Kell, Fred Chopa, Shomari Sommerville, Jeff Ridell, Micah Gross, Warren Gross,

Guys’ Only Camp Trip Re-cap

Last month, several guys from WPBC spent three days sailing, hiking, fishing, and caving and had a great time of fellowship. Cool!

Imagine the darkness inside the cave without the head lights (kind of like life without Jesus).

Baby Shower for Two

Pregnancy Care Center Donations

All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Lisa Smith and twins Brynnlee and Braxton (pictured). Attend and help make this a great celebration for Lisa and her babies! If you have any questions, please contact Hillary Black at (559) 448-6332 or Teresa Watts at (559) 930-8666.

WPBC raised $1,376.62 for Pregnancy Care Center’s Change 4 Babies Campaign (baby bottles). PCC uses these funds to provide free and confidential services including pregnancy tests, pregnancy option counseling, limited ultrasound exams, classes (parenting, childbirth & nutrition) and Mommy Boutique resources. PCC thanks WPBC for partnering with them to save and change lives!

Saturday, August 24 2:00 p.m., 400 Rooms

Jr. High / High School Join us Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and make new friends, study the Bible, and have fun! Open Gym and Bible study resumes Thursday, August 22 at 6:30 p.m. We will eat dinner together, enjoy sports, and learn more about God. All welcome. Just show up!

Sunday Kitchen Help We need help in the kitchen baking cinnamon rolls Sunday mornings. Interested? Call Georgia Prentiss at (559) 709-5705.

Fresno Police Meet Proverbs 31 Girls On Friday, July 19, the power at church went out, the alarms went off, and the police showed up to make sure we were okay. Seven girls attended: Jordan Saenz, Cassie Kennedy, Samantha Liu, Kadri Wallers, Lydia Gonzalez, Lexi and Jen (visitors). We played wii sports, sardines, and hide and seek. We also enjoyed Mexican food, candy and popcorn. More importantly, we shared a devotional on the Proverbs 31 woman and challenged our girls to imitate the image God lays out for us in his Word. All in all, a great night! -Report by Hillary Black and Jane Gross (leaders).

Kid Clothes for “accidents” Got extra clothes your preschool children have outgrown? We could use it Sundays when our children have an “accident.” We need pants, shorts and t-shirts (sizes 12 mos. to 5T). Drop off clothing at church nursery or call Karen Conrad at (559) 779-2459.

Are You “Here?”

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Even if you don’t have a prayer request or other need, register your attendance! Co Tell us you’re here in snidnee c t ion C ar your d Sund s are fo by filling out the u ay b ull e tn d in Connection Card. We’ll mark you down as “present.” Cool, huh? Addre

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Medical & Dental Outreach

Arvin and Lamont, CA

Did you know a portion of your tithes and offerings to WPBC go directly to fund programs that reach people in need? Your regular giving counts! Last month, the mobile medical and dental clinics ministered in Tulare, Lindsay and Strathmore. A few days later, the clinics reached people in Arvin and Lamont. Thank you for your generous giving.

On the Move: The CSBC owns, operates and maintains two full-service mobile clinics (medical and dental).

World Changers Clovis, CA

During World Changers 2013, WPBC volunteers helped feed youth from Tacoma, Dallas, Phoenix and Los Angeles. Thanks to all WPBC volunteers who cooked, delivered, served youth and cleaned up afterward. You made a difference for these young missionaries.

ountain

Saturday August 17 Cost to Attend $10.00/car plus $3.50/person for dinner. Optional camping is $19.50/ person and includes car entry fee and dinner Saturday.

Register three ways... 1) S  undays at the “Yes” tent during connection time or at the Welcome Center after worship. 2) B  ring your completed registration form to the church office M-F between 8-5.

Good News Clubs Pinedale Community Center

Paul shared Jesus with children, thanks to Child Evangelism Fellowship and volunteers from WPBC.

Christian Fellowship Night Grizzlies Stadium, Downtown Fresno

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Photos courtesy Paula Aranaz and Kiera Schmierer

3) G  o to woodwardpark.org and fill out the online form

Get baptized in the river

Giff

TJ

Thomas James

Becky

Ben

James Shomari

Hana

Jake

Micah

Cassie

Dan and Peggy

Jordyn Cooper

Kiera

Kaylee Maisha

Rachel Emily

Hank

Joyce Khari Mary

Williams, from page 2 In 2005, Seth’s nephew, Jeremy Williams, a Baptist minister, baptized Chrissy at Seth’s childhood church in Picayune, MS. Although Chrissy has been blessed to be a stay-athome mom, during her early years in Fresno she volunteered for Fresno State’s Friendly Visitor Service. “She did in-home evauations and screenings for senior citizens, trying to match them with gerentology students, to assist them with their daily needs which allowed them to maintain independence while living in their homes,” explained Seth. “But when they asked me to work for them full time, I just couldn’t see myself leaving Lizzie”, said Chrissy. “It’s been a real blessing to be able to be at home for my family, especially with Seth’s travel schedule, and also be available to help at the church and Lizzie’s schools over the years,” she said. About their move to the East coast Chrissy said, “It’s important to us that

people keep in touch and y’all better come visit! We would love that.”

Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

The Williams’ are househunting now and will forward their new address soon.

- 1 Corinthians 10:31

“Our church has been through a lot of changes over the years, but we’ve always stayed because we feel like it’s family. Always.” The couple would like to express their heart-felt gratitude and appreciation to the church family. “Thanks for the love and support”, said Seth. “It’s been great,” he said. “It’s been a joy,” said Chrissy. From the very beginning, the couple said they made a commitment to stay and serve the church family. “I don’t think we ever missed a Sunday, unless we were on vacation,” she said. “The church should keep loving one another, extending grace to one another, getting involved and volunteering when you can and continuing to invest in the children and youth. God bless WPBC.”

Have a heart for children? Ideas for children’s ministry? Want to help us? Pastor David Carothers has formed a leadership team to prepare for a future children’s ministry director. If you’re interested in serving on the leadership team, please call the church office at 298-7087.

Annette

Church Family: Thank you for your generous giving Giving Summary through 7-21-13 General Budget Weekly Giving - 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 Monthly Total -

$19,541.84 $7,668.80 $9,854.60 $37,065.24

Monthly Offerings Required $55,380.00

Offerings Received YTD $369,618.71 $387,660.00 Budget Required thru July YTD Budget Percentage Achieved 95.35% Add'l Needed to Meet Mthly Budget $18,314.76

Touching Eternity Building Fund Missions Trust Fund

$710,780.39 $75,475.61