First Baptist Manlius

In Reverend Paul Bailey’s State of the Church Report for 2001 he gave no indication that this would be his last. Although his “Around the World” segment gave a somewhat gloomy outlook because of unpleasant national and world happenings (the September 11th terrorist attack on New York City and Washington, the Stock Market decline, Wall Street financial losses, etc.), he was pleased with the results of a full year of Church programs and activities and especially that three “looking ahead” goals were accomplished:

1. The Elevator-entrance building was completed, the elevator was functioning, and Pastor Paul had heard many words of appreciation from people of every age as it was used for attending worship services, children’s events, election days and funerals.
2. The computerization of the membership records was completed and the Church went “on line”, replaced its computers and kept developing the web page.
3. Pastor Paul was pleased to have reviewed the Church’s ministry for the future with Doug Anderson, a Church consultant who spent two days with the Church members and staff in November. A record number of church people participated in the process and Pastor Paul reported that Mr. Anderson’s report gave the Church a blueprint for potential ministry. The first evening of consultation considered where the Church has been and where it was at the time of the meeting. In the second evening Mr. Anderson was to offer specific recommendations for focus on an effective ministry of the Church in making disciples for Jesus Christ. ( Mr. Anderson’s advice was expensive. His pay was to be $800.00 daily plus the cost of his meals, lodging and travel.)

In 2001 First Baptist joined with the Manlius Methodist Church in sponsoring the Afet family, refugees from the Sudan in Africa with guidance from the Refugee Resettlement Program and others. Petero and his family became members of the Methodist Church.

• Pelero father 38 years of age
• Ayah, mother 23 years old
• Makar, son 8 years old
• Jouliana, daughter 4 years old
• Victoria, daughter 2 years old

Pastor Paul and most of the Church Members were happy to report no staff changes in 2001 and significant anniversaries for two of our special people:

• Joyce McCartney 10 years as organist
• Marge Edwards 10 years as Kings Kids Director

The year 2001 appeared to be a good year for the music program of the Church. (The Music Committee took to heart the advice given in Psalm 92, i.e. “It is good to praise the Lord and make music toward your name, Oh most high.”) The Church music program was administered in 2001 by Linda Wiggins, who filled the new position of Music Coordinator. The 2001 Master Concert Series featured the Master’s Touch Choral, a concert by our Music Director, John Spradling and his wife Carol and a Mother’s Day Concert, which was the first stop on the Spring Tour of the Eastern College Choir. The Joyful Sounds Choir, made u p of Baptist Church young people and led by Shirley Mapstone, sang regularly and a Bell Choir was assembled for special occasions.

For the summer the youth of the Church who were interested took an Appalachia Mission Trip July 29-Aug 4. 2001, led by Mary Schwarz and Ross Binder. Those on the trip were Isaac Bailey, Cameron Bates, Grace Binder and Michael Binder. Their work project was to improve the home of Mrs. Janice Lyons (painting, replacing a sliding door, and other repairs, inside and outside.)They would also help with the local Kids Club program during the week. One member of the team answered the question, “Why are we going?” “Because I sense that God is going to be doing something among us that week, and I would like to join him.”

The Vacation Bible School was held from August 13-17, 2001, from 9:00 A.M.- 12:00 noon and was directed by Shirley Mapstone. The theme was Son Creek Junction. The program was very successful as usual with 104 students and 50 teachers and helpers. By the end of the week the VBS students and leaders had contributed $400.00 (mostly in coins) for their mission project, the Hopi Mission School in Arizona.

At times events happening in the world outside the Church were serious enough to attract the full attention of Church members and leaders. On September 11, 2001, the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City and the partial destruction of the Pentagon in Washington shocked the nation and our possible vulnerability in other areas was of great concern.

The many talented young people in the Church were continuing their series of talent and variety shows (Annual Coffee House Variety and Talent Show) on May 18, 2001. The title for the latest of these shows was “Time Travel Thru the Decoder.” Members of the Church were asked to join in by “sharing songs, skits, jokes…,the possibilities are endless.”