First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo

Listed below are special events and Circle Meetings sponsored by our Women's Organization.

Annual Salad Buffet
Wednesday, May 7th, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Donation - $6.00
Tickets can be purchased from any circle leader or the church office.
NEW THIS YEAR - Crafts & White Elephants!

All men and women of the church are asked to support this event by attending and bringing a friend. Consider inviting your office co-workers for a pleasant spring afternoon lunch. In order to be a successful venture, all women of the church are asked to donate a salad.

The purpose of the Salad Buffet is to raise funds for American Baptist Missions national mission project: “Break the Chains: Slavery in the 21st Century”.

West Toledo Circle
Monday, April 28th
11:30 am at the home of Lucille Shurtz

MORE NEWS:
BREAKING THE CHAINS!

Did you know?
• Approximately 800,000 to 900,000 victims annually are trafficked across international borders worldwide.
• Between 18,000 and 20,000 of those victims are trafficked in the U.S.
• The majority of those victims are women and girls.

The goal for American Baptist Women’s Ministries “Break the Chains: Slavery in the 21st Century” national mission project is $250,000 to be raised through 2009. Won’t you help us meet this goal?

The funds received will be directed to ministries that address the sexual exploitation of women and children: 50% for ministries in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and 50% for ministries that are international.

Let’s all get behind this effort to make the lives of women and children here and abroad free from the evils of the human sex trade.

Love Gift Chairman, Jan Swantusch and guest, presented the April program, a skit depicting the role of Martha, which was well received by all in attendance.

Last year’s state project came to life with a letter and pictures of the Vanga Hospital in Congo from missionary, Dr. Bill Clemmer, expressing great appreciation and joy from staff and patients of the facility for the sun shelter made possible by American Baptist Women of Ohio. Be sure to view this testimony of missions in action on the bulletin board.

The May 7, Salad Buffet will take the place of the May meeting. Come and enjoy lunch to the tune of Martha Carson’s music. Tickets are available for a $6.00 donation from any circle leader or in the church office. All women of the church are needed to lend their talents to the craft and white elephant sale that will be part of this year’s event. Chairman Jean VanDusen will be happy to accept your contributions.

We continue to save pop tabs for Ronald MacDonald House and UPC codes from Campbell, Swanson and Prego products for the Dayton Christian Center. These are no cost mission programs that provide necessary goods and services right in our community and state. Ronald MacDonald House, adjacent to Toledo Children’s Hospital, provides lodging for families of seriously ill children. Revenue from pot tabs is one source of income that funds operation of the facility. UPC codes make possible the purchase of such large ticket items as vans for Dayton Christian Center. Won’t you please join this ministry or continue your support for those less fortunate right here in our city and state?

Church Women United which operates the Interfaith Thrift Shop on Crissey Road (and where our Food Sunday donations are given,) is collecting cancelled postage stamps for another no cost ministry. Just by taking a moment to remove the stamp before discarding envelopes will provide needed monies for this worthwhile operation. Stamps may be placed in the box on the narrow bookcase in the hall near Rev. Weaver’s office.

The program year will come to an end with the June 7, 11:30 am, meeting at West Park Place as we gather for lunch. Come join us for time of fellowship as we reflect on the year’s events and look forward to opportunities of service for the next.

State Women’s Conference will be held June 5-7, at Heartland Conference Retreat Center in Marengo, Ohio, located in the center of the state. This facility provides access to buildings with minimal walking. Registration forms are available in the office and must be returned by May 23 or after May 28, with a late fee. It would be wonderful if First Baptist women could attend this event. Costs range from $120 for the full package to $40 for one day..

Women’s Organization News - Winter 2008

First Baptist Women are to be congratulated for their superb support of the White Cross ministry and surpassing last year’s record breaking contributions. This year we once again exceeded our quota and sent a car load of items to the Dayton Christian Center. Clothing, school supplies, paper products, books, toys, and Christmas items topped the list of donations.

Special thanks to Elizabeth Clarke, a University of Dayton student, who transported the entire White Cross collection to Dayton Christian Center. (And thanks to Dad, David, who loaded the loot!) This is the second year Liz has participated in the White Cross ministry.

Share your Bible know-how at the January 19th Women’s Organization meeting where the program will be “How Much Do You Know About the Bible?” Join us for brunch at 9:00am and a morning of fellowship.

Our own, The Reverend Patricia (Patty) King Bilyeu, will bring the message on Women’s Sunday, January 27th, with the FBC women in charge of the service. Plan to be present to support our women as they serve God through worship. When asked to participate, please be among those who say, “I’d love to”.

The February 16th meeting promises to be a real treat with another delightful program of the return of Joanna and the Kids for “The Church is Alive with the Sound of Music”. Be sure to be in attendance for what promises to be a delightful morning.

A Little Insight: A Part of Our Church Family
Hilary Club, formed over 61 years, is an active women’s group who participate in many aspects of our church life. Their purpose is to grow, spiritually and socially and to continue education and to give to the needs of others. They meet once a month, on the third Tuesday, at the church, and in recent years have opened the group to the men, known as the “auxiliary”. The men have become an important part of Hilary, helping in our many endeavors. Each month our programs, varied as they are, tend to inspire, entertain and enlighten the persons who attend. This year is no exception and we want to open our “doors” to others in the church that might enjoy an exciting, unusual program. Won’t you give it some consideration to join with us? No strings attached; no commitment on your part. Just try us, you might like us!!!! Any questions? Contact any Hilary member.

We welcome all ladies of First Baptist Church, their friends and spouses to join us.

We have found it necessary to update our policy for the use of the kitchen. Your cooperation in following these rules will be extremely helpful. Following is the new policy:

• Any person, group, or organization planning to use the kitchen is expected to bring its own supplies. This includes coffee, tea, plastic wrap/foil, plates, cups, napkins, placemats, etc. The date must be cleared with the office and scheduled on the calendar. Placemats, cups, and sugar/creamer packets can be provided at a charge of five cents (.05) per person payable to the treasurer of Women’s Organization or through the church office.

• If a key will be needed, one can be checked out with the office before 3:p.m. weekdays or on Sunday through a trustee.

• Arrangements will have to be made for table setup.

• The persons using the area responsible for bagging up the trash immediately after the function. Plastic trash bags are provided.

• Coffee pots must be emptied and washed. Coffee pots are available (100 cups, 55 cups, and 30 cups plus the small 12 cups). Use one-pound of coffee for 100 cups. Amount of coffee needed for various amounts is posted.

• Roasters must be washed and returned to their proper place.

• Make sure stoves are turned off.

• Dish towels should be taken home, washed, and returned promptly.

• Food must not be left in the refrigerator/freezer unless it is expected to be used within a very short time. If it is necessary to store food for this reason, Then it should be marked with a name and/or organization. Be considerate of other groups who will need the space for their supplies.

• Do not leave any of your supplies; otherwise, they will become the property of Women’s Organization.

• The kitchen must be left clean. The custodian does not clean the kitchen.

Thank you for your cooperation.

C. W. U. Thrift Shop News

Northwest Ohio Food Bank has recognized CWU Thrift Shop as “Agency of the Year” for 2006. The Thrift Shop is located on Crissey Road between Angola and Hill Ave. And is open Monday through Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Sales of donated items make it possible to serve people in need.

Current needs: School supplies, winter clothing, especially men’s and children’s coats, also mittens, gloves, scarves and hats; plastic grocery bags. Personal care products, staple foods, and cash are always needed. Always call before dropping off a donation, 419/865-2300.

In the mid fifties, migrant workers arrived in the area unable to work in the fields because the crops were not ready to harvest. They were without warm clothing and food. Mrs. Alta Webb with the help of Church Women United and area churches gathered clothing, food and blankets. Medicines were purchased for many who were ill. These items were distributed to the migrants from the garage on the farm as fast as supplies came in.

As Church Women United worked with the migrants in the Spencer-Sharples area, they became aware of the problems of the permanent residents as well. It was not long before they became involved in helping them too. A store was rented on Centennial Road and the Thrift Shop came into being. The Thrift Shop and Church Women United incorporated in 1963 and land was bought for $1.00 at the present site. Money was raised and the first was built in 1970, and was named the Church Women United Thrift Shop, Inc. After a fire in 1971, the shop was rebuilt and opened in 1972. The Thrift Shop served the residents from this store until after another fire destroyed the building in 1994. The present shop was built on the same site and opened in March 1995.

The Thrift Shop is a non-profit organization with money used to buy emergency food and prescriptions for those in need. Your donations of clothing, food, household goods and money help us in our Home Mission for those who are referred to us for help. We give three days of food and three sets of clothing and housewares.

The Thriftshop works with local services of welfare, the Community Development Center, county nurses, school principals, area ministers and many other social agencies.
Through donations we provide Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas baskets, toys and Easter baskets to Head Start children, all by referral. Our clients can purchase good used items at affordable prices. Many like to visit our shop to purchase antiques, books, jewelry, and hard to find articles.

The Thrift Shop is open Monday thru Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Donations are accepted on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from the 1st to the 20th of each month. The phone number is 419/865-2300.