August 4, 2013 Volume 2, Issue 7, Special Edition

Rev. Micheal Benton

Visionary/Pastor

6133 Redan Road

Lithonia, GA 30058

Phone: (770) 482-7660

Fax: (770) 484-1483

www.fairfieldbaptistchurch.org

Visionary………………………………….....Pastor Micheal Benton

Editor………………………….………………………………Open

Contributing Editor……...………….……...Deaconess Bonni Ware

Copy Editor……………………………..First Lady Y’Vonne Benton

Sister JoAnn Williams-West

Acquisitions Reporter…………………….….…Sister Shirlene King

Communications Coordinator...….…….…...Sister Blanche Johnson

Newsletter Article Submission Deadline

The FBC Newsletter is published the first Sunday of each month. Articles MUST be submitted by the 15th of each month for inclusion.

Please send submissions to: medianews@fairfieldbaptistchurch.org.

Newsletter Staff

We’re on the Web!

Fairfieldbaptistchurch.org

Welcome

New Members

Allison Golden

Alexis Golden

Chloe Golden

Jada Holsey

Deborah Miller

Ivana Whitter

Contributing Communication

Coordinators

Deacon Les Anderson

Mother Gwen Fluellen

Sister Sandra Crocker

Sister Brittany King

Sister Andi Taitt

I’m Just Saying First Lady Y’Vonne Benton

Living the Word Pastor Micheal Benton

As we celebrate another home-

coming, I am reminded of Jesus’

homecoming and His subse-

quent homecoming ser-

mon. The fourth chapter of

Luke recounts Jesus’ return

home to Nazareth by way of

Galilee, after spending time in

the wilderness and being

tempted, but not transformed

by the devil. In Galilee, He was

praised for His works, and so

His hometown folk of Nazareth

were elated to see Him.

Once in Nazareth, He began to

read the scriptures and deliver

His homecoming message in the

synagogue. After reading from

the book of the prophet Esaias,

the Nazarenes were greatly

impressed and praised Him for

His eloquent words which were

spoken with power and author-

ity. It was only when He began

to expound on those words

that He was rejected.

Understand that when Jesus

explained that the scripture that

He just read would be fulfilled,

they recognized Him as the

Messiah. They were hopeful that

God had sent someone to re-

store the kingdom to Israel.

However, His mission was not

to do in His hometown the

miracles that He had performed

in other places. His message

was that He was not bringing

the miraculous power of God

to the Jews only, but to the

Gentiles also. They expected

the Messiah to raise up an army

to defeat the Romans, instead

Jesus likened himself to a

prophet who brought healing to

the leader of the Gentile

army. In fact, in His explana-

tion, Jesus cited two Old Testa-

ment stories in which Jewish

prophets did miracles for Gen-

tiles while failing to bless their

fellow Jews. Now His home-

coming message was not wel-

comed. The Nazarenes

were infuriated to the point

that they drove Jesus out of

town and sought to push Him

over the edge of a cliff.

This story sounds eerily like our

lives today. We marvel at the

beautiful and eloquent words of

the script, but if they are not to

our liking or reflect on us in an

unflattering way, we reject

them. We have made our relig-

ion self-fulfilling. We want it to

suit our personal beliefs and we

only want it on Sunday morn-

ings in the sanctuary. What we

are really saying is that Jesus is

alright in the church, but we are

not willing to take Him home

with us. When His teachings do

not fulfill our expectations, we

symbolically throw his over the

cliff.

Take Jesus Home with You

Let Your Light

Shine!

One of the cherished matri-

archs of Fairfield Baptist

Church, the late Mother

Maudie Norman used to delight

in singing a song called “Let

Your Light Shine”. The words

to the song further proclaimed

that “there maybe somebody

down in the valley trying to get

home!” What a strong, yet

poignant and profound demand

these words have. This song

places a requirement on every

Christian to show the beauty of

holiness, to bring to light those

good and constructive aspects

of life, to demonstrate a posi-

tive character and brighten the

corner where you are.

How do we let our light shine,

and what does it mean that

somebody down in the valley is

trying to get home? The Bible

teaches that the Lord is our

light and the way we illuminate

Him is to be His witness and

obey His will. The Bible also

teaches that when we let our

light shine, men will see our

good works and glorify the

Father in Heaven – our eternal

home.

As Christians, we are described

as the light of the world. No

one can be a secret Christian

these days because light shines

the best when it is dark and we

know that the world in which

we live is very dark. So keep

shinning through both positive

and negative circumstances be-

cause that is what light does.

Let your light shine by the way

you act, the way you dress, the

way you live, the way you

speak, the way you treat your

fellow man and by conducting

yourself properly (Godly) in

every way. In other words,

letting your light shine is a soul-

winning phenomenon and illu-

minates the path to a heavenly

home.

Summer is a time when people are more active. There are vacations, increased outdoor activity,

group gatherings and various other forms of activity. Summer time is also when you might say people

are "on the go". I know you will agree that these conditions increase the potential for many of us to

grab fast foods. Please do not say Sunday dinner is the only cooked meal in your house for the

week. Remember, you can still have quick meals that include healthy foods and do not forget the fruits

and vegetables. Even snack foods can be healthy choices. Okay here is a suggestion, instead of salty

chips, cookies or candy, etc., try fruit, nuts or yogurt. Try changing your eating behavior, you just might

FEEL BETTER.

Family Day Mothers’ Corner

Tribal News The Twelve Tribes of Israel of FBC have been very

busy. In addition to the instruction of Wednesday

Night Bible Study, the tribes have taken on several

church projects. The Tribe of Issachar spear-

headed the “The Soul Project” . This project en-

courages and serves people, children especially,

who are less fortunate and underprivileged locally

and internationally. Their primary focus is to col-

lect new and slightly worn footwear to provide to

those who don’t own a pair of shoes. The Fairfield

family assisted by providing hundreds of pairs of

shoes to be given to the people of Ghana. The tribal leaders also came together to welcome

and serve our guests from Liberty Hill Baptist

Church in Phoenix City, Alabama. They provided

hosts, hostesses and a delicious meal before our

fellowship worship service on Sunday, July 28.

Once again, our annual homecoming celebration

began with our Tribal Fest. Fun, games and plenty

of food, sponsored by each tribe, was shared with

all in attendance. It was a wonderful way to begin

our homecoming festivities. A memorial service was held in memory of tribal

leader Clarence David Van Lear. Brother Van Lear

passed away in June and was the leader of the

Tribe of Asher, a member of the Welcome Com-

mittee and the New Vision Choir.

All members of FBC are assigned to Tribes by the first

letter of your last name. You may sign-up at the kiosk

to be contacted by your Tribal Leader.

Tribes may submit their news to Sister Marilyn Dukes,

mdukes210@yahoo.com

by the 15th of each month

for publication in the Lighthouse.

Don't Forget About Trying A Healthy Lifestyle Nurses Guild

Over the years we have watched the traditional family change in many ways. In the 60’s we used the

term nuclear family which consisted of father, mother and children. And to show the unity of the family,

Sister Sledge wrote the song, “We are Family” that was a big hit and played at most family events. The

family has now been transformed to meet the needs of the changing society. Much of the confusion and

misunderstanding with regard to the family, church and in society has to do with the failure to recognize

that the family, like any other institution is influenced by changes taking place in our world today. The

family, like individuals, does not operate in a social vacuum, but in a socio-cultural historical environ-

ment, which changes with time. The role of mothers in today’s world has grown, but the old value still

has an important role. The new definition of a family is a basic

social unit of people, but family to us is still a group of people

closely related by blood. We, as the body of Christ, that con-

sist of one body but many members have one thing in common;

we have been blood bought. I Corinthians 12:12, “For as the

body is one and has many members, but all the members of

that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.”

The family may change, but the word of God does not change.

It is the same yesterday and forever more. Hebrews 13:8

A note from Mother Luella Cherry…

To my sons and daughters of Fairfield: Thank you for all the love that you have

shown me. The hugs, kisses, phone calls

and many rides home, I say thank you. I

love you all very much.

Homecoming 2013

Volume 2, Issue 7 The Lighthouse Volume 2, Issue 7 The Lighthouse

What is Homecoming? JoAnn Williams-West

"Home is the place where, when you have to

go there, they have to take you in."

- Robert Frost

Homecomings fill a great need in our lives. It

is a time and an occasion to consider the past,

our heritage, to go back to those wonderful

memories and to be grateful for the blessings

of God in our lives! I honestly believe it is a

God-given gift to be able to remember and

long for those “good days”, and it is also His

gift to help us forget those days that were not

so great! It is a quality that is distinctly hu-

man, to be able to consider our days in light

of eternity, and to celebrate the goodness of

God.

This idea of homecoming is nothing new. It

goes way back to the Old Testament, at least

twenty- seven hundred years ago to the days

when the children of Israel were restored to

their land from having been exiled in Babylon

for seventy years.

It is a long story and it covers several years.

The short version is that by God’s provision,

the King Artaxerxes of the Medes and Per-

sians had released the captive people of Israel

and allowed them to return to their home-

land with his blessing and sponsorship. He did

it in several phases. In the first round he sent

about fifty thousand people back equipped

and with his blessing to rebuild Jerusalem,

which lay in ruins.

Homecoming is a time when we look back at

all the fellowship that has happened in Fair-

field Baptist Church- all the happy times and

all the sad times; all the people that have

passed through the doors of this church and

all those that have passed through the Gates

of the Kingdom of Heaven. Fairfield is not just

a building. It is a place of refuge, a place of

fellowship, and for some a place to find Jesus

Christ.

At Homecoming, we all gather to remember

old times and to see people that we have not

seen in a while, but most importantly, we are

in God's house. A house where we should

always feel welcome, a place we should be

able to be ourselves, a place where we can

meet God for the very first time or find our

way back after a long journey away from Him.

So it is that Homecoming, a special time for

all of us to feel the peace we had when we

were first saved. It is a time to rekindle a

fire or a time to re-energize our batteries.

In Nehemiah 8, we can read about the Great

Homecoming! Our gathering to celebrate

Homecoming 2013 here at Fairfield Baptist

Church is only a foreshadowing of the great-

est Homecoming of all time, which will hap-

pen in just a few more days. Sooner than we

can imagine or tell, we will all be gathered

home to meet our Lord face to face. We will

see our loved ones again according to God’s

word…

And so shall we ever be with the Lord! It will

be the Homecoming to end all Homecomings!

It’s what we are longing for today.

Thoughts on Faith

Homecoming is defined as an instance of

returning home. It is usually related to a

school or family reunion, but it also applies

spiritually, when one returns to his or her

spiritual roots. It could be a return to the

church in which you were baptized or the

return to a place of significance in your spiri-

tual life.

As you read this article, you have already

been made aware that Fairfield Baptist

Church is celebrating Homecoming during

this weekend of August 2013. In addition,

through the various media, you have been

made aware that homecoming does not only

include physical fun, food & fellowship, but

also spiritual nourishment. We will have a

homecoming revival starting Monday, August

5 through Wednesday, August 7. This occa-

sion will provide us the opportunity to give

thanks to our God for carrying us this far. As

we express our thanks for our love ones’

nurturing, inspiring and loving us during our

younger years, our spiritual homecoming

provides us with the occasion to thank God

for those He placed in our path when we

were unable or too immature to care for

ourselves.

As we depart from our places of origin, it is

imperative that our departure is undertaken

in the proper manner. We often times hear

testimonies of God serving as a provider.

When we make mistakes or unwise decisions,

it is God who rescues us and often times,

rescues us from ourselves. Once we have left

home, we are reminded by the Holy Spirit of

the prayers spoken for us, the words of en-

couragement shared with us and the various

tokens of love that were presented to us. I

will never forget the classmate that testified

to the little league baseball coach that if I

were chosen or drafted, I would make the

difference in a losing or winning season. I will

never forget the Deacon who nicknamed me

the “music man”. I have been inspired over

and over again by the eleventh grade English

teacher that utilized hard love with a failing

report card.

Often God sends angels that see more poten-

tial in our altitude than we can imagine. The

basketball coach that convinced me that I

could out play a second team All-American,

the teacher that inspired me to use my crea-

tive writing skills to address racial behavior

on the college campus, the district manager

who used my marketing analysis to change

the national strategy of minority recruiting,

the pastor that prayed and ministered to me

when I needed direction, and the aunt that

served as a leaning post with my Dad’s death.

God provides when we are going through and

homecoming is an opportunity to return to

the place and give thanks to God for provid-

ing at the time of need! Genesis 22:8, 13-14.

As we celebrate Homecoming 2013, let us

not forget the story of the Prodigal Son, Luke

15:11-32, who left home in a manner that was

not acceptable, but returned home to his

Father’s open arms. We at Fairfield Baptist

Church are on the look-out to welcome you

with open arms of love!

Homecoming 2013 Deacon Les Anderson

There is no place like home!

Pastor’s Engagements *Pastor Benton will be the guest revivalist August 8-9, 7:30 PM at the Double

Spring Baptist Church, 2704 N. Hightower Trail, Conyers, Georgia. The Reverend

J. DeLand Shorter is the pastor. Gospel Choir and Usher Trinitarians are on duty.

*On Sunday, August 11, 3 PM Pastor will preach at First Norman Grove Baptist

Church for their Deacon and Deaconess Anniversary. The church is located at

613 Glendale Road, Scottdale, Georgia. Reverend E.L. Ellison serves as pastor.

Male Choir and Usher Board No. 1 are on duty.

*Pastor Libbie Ligon and the Mulberry AME Church, 2758 Mt. Carmel Road

(Highway 823), Abbeville, South Carolina will welcome Pastor Benton as their

guest revivalist August 12-14, 7 PM.

*On Friday, August 16, 7 PM, Pastor will preach at Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2284

Old Covington Road, NE, Conyers, Georgia The Reverend Chris Shipp serves as

pastor. New Vision Choir is on duty. Ushers are to be announced.

*Sunday, August 18, 6 PM, Pastor is the guest of Higher Dimension Church

International. The church is located at 2856 Belvedere Lane, Decatur, Georgia

and Bishop Kevin B. Nick serves as pastor. New Vision Choir is on duty. Ushers

to be announced.

*The New Big Spring Church welcomes Pastor Benton as their guest speaker on

Friday, August 23, 6 PM. Reverend Ernest Colvin serves as pastor and the church

is located at 909 Luella Road, Locust, Georgia. The Sanctuary Choir is on duty.

Ushers to be announced.

*Pastor Benton will preach the 3 PM worship service at New Salem Baptist

Church, 787 New Salem Church Road, Jefferson, Georgia on Sunday, August 25.

Reverend Hazzel Quarles is the pastor. Gospel Choir and Male Usher Board are

on duty.

*August 26-28, Pastor Benton will be the guest revivalist for Pastor Eddie Collier

and the Towaliga Baptist Church, located at 153 Short Road, Jackson, Georgia.

Sanctuary Choir is on duty. Ushers to be announced.

*On August 30, 7:30 PM, Pastor Benton will be the guest revivalist of Pastor

Marvin L. Crawford and the St. Paul AME Lithonia Church. The church is located

at 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Georgia. Male Chorus on Ushers Trinitarians

are on duty.

Upcoming Events

August 4

Homecoming

Communion Worship

Service

10:00 AM

Homecoming Service

3 PM

The Son’s House

Homecoming Revival

August 5-7

7 PM

The Son’s House

August 25

Freedom Sunday

Kingdom Kreation

10:45 AM

C.L. Nall Chapel

Deacons in Devotion

3:30,PM

Porter Sanford Theater

August 29

Depart for Washington, DC

Time, TBA

Prayer Ministry

Intercessory Prayer

Monday Nights, 7:00 PM

The Upper Room “The effectual fervent prayer of a

righteous man availeth much”.

- James 5:16b

Fairfield Kingdom Voices 1st and 3rd Mondays

7:00 PM

Zack Brown Administrative

Center

Events

In Memory of

FBC Departed

Members

Brother Clarence Van Lear

Sister Blanch Davis

Brother Clive Nelson

There will always be a heartache,

and often a silent tear,

But always a precious memory

Of the days when you were here.

Community Thanksgiving Fellowship Thursday, November 21

FBC get ready to welcome our guests, The Community Thanksgiving Fellowship will offer an array of services: health screenings; personal

grooming and the distribution of hygiene items; school supplies; new or gently worn clothing and

shoes for women, men and children; and food boxes. FBC members are asked to begin bringing

items to be distributed. More information to follow.

Sunday, August 4, 3 PM

Worship Service

Pastor James Ward

Antioch-Lithonia Baptist Church,

Lithonia, GA

Monday - Wednesday, August 5-7, 7 PM

Revival

Bishop Stephen Hall, Guest Revivalist

Rhema Christian Fellowship,

Decatur, GA Ho

meco

min

g

2013

1885-2013

Homecoming

As we celebrate Homecoming, One hundred and twenty-eight wonderful years.

There must of been some heartaches, And I'm sure there were some tears.

I know there's been lots of shouting,

Singing praises to His name. And when someone comes to the altar,

Their life is never again the same.

Welcome to our homecoming, Come in and make yourselves at home.

As we all shout Hallelujah! To our God upon His throne.

This is only just a sample,

A tiny taste of what's to come. When we have that Great Homecoming,

With the Father and His Son!

We'll worship in His presence, Giving praise forevermore.

And we'll meet our loved ones, Who have gone this path before.

Ah Yes! That Great Homecoming,

So awesome and so grand. When Jesus steps out on a cloud,

And takes us all to Glory Land!

- Carrie Kinyon Revised for FBC 2013

Volume 1, Issue 7 The Lighthouse

FBC Lost and Found The Ushers Ministry is responsible for the management of lost and found items. If you have

lost/misplaced an item, please contact the church office at 770-482-7660, ext. 180 to pro-

vide details on the item. Also, please provide contact information so you can be reached if

we locate the item. Due to the number of unclaimed (no owners’ names) Bibles found last

year, to ensure return, make sure that your name and number are displayed in your Bible.

Items retrieved are normally maintained for a period of six months.

Journey Through the

Bible

Bible Study

Wednesdays

Noon Day

Book of Revelation

Apostle John, Author

Jesus Christ’s Second Coming and

Satan’s Defeat

Key Verse “Blessed is he who reads and those who

hear the words of this prophecy, and

keep those things which are written in it;

for the time is near.”

- Revelation 1:3

There are two books in the Bible that Satan

does not want us to read. These books are

Genesis and Revelation. He doesn’t want us to

read Genesis because it establishes who God is

and His will for mankind. Also, he wants us to

ignore the book of Revelation because it in-

forms us of Christ’s return and Satan’s ultimate

defeat.

In the following chapters, God shows Satan that

He is still in full control and re-affirms that

those that have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord

and Savior will be victorious.

Chapters 6 and 7

Opening the seven seals - This begins the series of judgments in which the

Lord takes back creation from the usurper,

Satan.

Chapters 8 and 9

The seventh seal and the

sounding of the seven trumpets -

God's judgments intensify and expands

dramatically.

7:00 PM

“The Son’s House

The Book of 1Chronicles

August 14 & 21

Presented by

Tribe of Judah

The Book of II Chronicles

August 28 & September 4

Presented by

Tribe of Issachar

Get in Shape

in the Micheal Benton Family Life

Center Gospelcize

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7PM -

Saturdays, 8 AM

Zumba

Mondays, 7:30 PM

Volleyball Players

Youth 12 - 17 / Adults 18 - Up

If you are interested in playing volleyball

just for fun

contact Tiffinee McGilberry, 770.363.6122

or sign up at the kiosk

Fun night - Monday, 7 PM

Around FBC...

save the date…

September 22, 2013 Celebrating

Pastor Micheal Benton’s

36th Pastoral Anniversary More details to follow in the coming weeks!

It is a time to show your love and appreciation to our Pastor,

All members are asked to give a donation of $36.00 which represents the number of

years that Pastor Benton has been the Shepherd of Fairfield. Auxiliaries and ministries

are asked to contribute $360.00. However, if you feel led to give more, please do so.

Homecoming 2013

ORDER OF SERVICE

Sunday, August 3, 2013 10:00 AM Worship Service

Master & Mistress of Ceremony

Minister Terrell and Sister Tiffinee McGilberry

Devotion Deacon Ministry

Welcome, Occasion & Family Recognition Mother Gwen Fluellen & Family

Praise in Song FBC Mass Choir

Prayer of Thanks and Intercession Reverend Ronald Clark

Praise in Song FBC Mass Choir

Grace of Giving

The Johnson Family

Worship in Giving Deacon Ministry

Praise in Song

FBC Mass Choir

The Spoken Word & Invitation to Discipleship

Pastor Micheal Benton

Holy Communion

Benediction

The G. L. A. D. Dance Ministry is looking for an experienced dance choreographer to

create dance routines. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 PM. The

G. L. A. D. Dancers minister through dance on the 4th Sunday or 5th Sunday of every

month. The position is voluntary. If interested, contact the church secretary, Sister

Shirlene King, at (770)482-7660, Ext. 101 for more information.

Fairfield is seeking experienced drivers to join our trans-

portation team. Candidates must have a CDL license

with passenger endorsement, DOT card, Medical Exami-

nation Certificate and a good driving record (preferably

5 - 7 years). If interested, please contact the church

secretary at 770-482-7660 and provide your contact

information. A member of the Transportation Ministry

will contact you.

Thursday, October 31... The FBC Hallelujah Carnival Is Coming Soon! We are looking for volunteers to

help with our annual carnival this year (Ages 13 to adult – high school students can

obtain volunteer hours). If you are interested, please let us know by contacting

Carol Franklin at cfranklin@bellsouth.net!

Fairfield Baptist Church

Service Times

M o n d a y s

I n t e r c e s s o r y P r a y e r

7 : 0 0 P M

S a n c t u a r y

“ T h e U p p e r R o o m ”

W e d n e s d a y s

B i b l e S t u d y

1 2 N o o n

C . L . N a l l C h a p e l

7 : 0 0 P M

T h e S o n ’ s H o u s e

W o r s h i p S e r v i c e s

S u n d a y s

7 : 3 0 A M & 1 0 : 4 5 A M

T h e S o n ’ s H o u s e

S u n d a y S c h o o l

9 : 1 5 A M

Z a c k B r o w n

A d m i n i s t r a t i v e C e n t e r

Y o u t h C h u r c h

L a s t S u n d a y o f E a c h

M o n t h

1 0 : 4 5 A M

C . L . N a l l C h a p e l

Church Directory

Call 770-482-7660

P a s t o r B e n t o n /

C h u r c h S e c r e t a r y

E x t . 1 0 1

C o u n s e l i n g M i n i s t r y

F i r s t L a d y B e n t o n

E x t . 1 0 4

O f f i c e A d m i n i s t r a t o r

A l i c e C u n n i n g h a m

E x t . 1 0 9

S u p e r i n t e n d e n t

D e a c o n D a v e R o l l i n s

E x t . 1 1 9

T e a m o f t h e M o n t h

E x t . 1 7 2

L o s t & F o u n d

U s h e r M i n i s t r y

E x t . 1 8 0

M a u d i e N o r m a n

M i s s i o n

F o o d & C l o t h i n g

E x t . 1 1 2

Volume 2, Issue 7 The Lighthouse Volume 2, Issue 7 The Lighthouse

Kingdom Kreation Brittney King

H.Y.Y.P.E.’s Events (Helping Youth Yield Positive Energy) Kingdom Kreation Youth ministry continued our H.Y.Y.P.E.

days in July with a Remote Control Car Derby.

The theme for our upcoming August Freedom Sunday youth

service is Back-to-School. Everyone is requested to wear his/

her school colors, paraphernalia or dress as their future career

aspiration. The service will feature a parade of various youth

ministries. We hope that all youth will join us on Sunday,

August 25, at 10:45 AM in the C.L. Nall Chapel. We ask all the

young people of Fairfield to come "home" and unite with the

Kingdom Kreation family.

School Homecoming Andi T

Check-in and Pick-up at

Micheal Benton Family Life Center

(Boys will be sleeping in C.L. Nall Chapel)

Sign-up after service or email

kingdomkreation@fairfieldbaptistchurch.org to register

KK’s Cookies in the Courtyard

August is here and with it comes

two very important moments for

students across Georgia. August

marks the time for summer vaca-

tion to end and the new school

year to begin. As parents and their

children draw closer to the first

day of school, they are both met

with anxiety as they anticipate what

is waiting beyond the outer walls of

the school building. Many things

cross the minds of parents and

their children. Questions and

concerns about routines, teachers,

classmates, safety, and curriculum

plague their minds. However,

regardless of what parents and

children are wondering, the inevita-

ble is near and it is important to

accept that fact because prepara-

tion must begin. Prior to the first day of school,

parents and children should begin

changing from the summer routine

to the school routine. Practicing

nighttime and morning rituals is

helpful. Communication is another

key factor in preparing for the new

school year. Parents can connect

with parents from the last school

year if possible and children can

connect with friends from the pre-

vious school year. Parents and

their children should also talk to

each other about any concerns or

fears they may have before begin-

ning school. Getting back into the

eating healthy routine, instead of

indulging in fun summer snacks like

ice cream and chips, is a great way

to get the child’s body and brain in

shape for the new school year and

this will also help parents prepare

for the taxing job of being involved

in their child’s school life. Setting

up quality time with less time

watching TV and using electronics

for entertainment is a great way to

focus on the beginning of the new

school year as well. The first few weeks of school will

prove to be challenging but soon

parents and their children will be

back in the flow of things. How-

ever, that does not mean that the

rest of the school year will be a

breeze or that parents and children

should begin lacking in their dili-

gence to succeed. In fact, as the

year progresses the need for par-

ents and children to focus on

school matters becomes more

prevalent. Proper communication

between parents and children

should continue throughout the

school year. Parents should try

other ways to get information from

their children outside of the nor-

mal “how was your day?” question.

Parents should try asking children

about what the child learned, spe-

cific things teachers taught, and the

worst or best part of the school

day. Good communication builds

trust and fosters problem solving

skills in children. Parents and chil-

dren could also do simple things

like avoiding morning mayhem by

preparing things for school at night.

Society places much emphasis on

test scores, curriculum, teaching

strategies, bullying, and the general

well being of children in schools. If

you looked on the internet for

statistics or read an article or two

you would see that opinions vary

on the state of young people in

school between kindergarten and

twelfth grade. There are many fac-

tors that play into the success of

young people in school. Parents,

please remember that you are

your child’s best chance for suc-

cess. Be an advocate for your child

at all times. Be involved with your

child’s school and your child’s

teacher. I am a parent and a

teacher and I know how much a

good relationship between the

home and school helps.

I pray everyone entering the new

school year in 2013 will have a

blessed school homecoming!

The ladies of Fairfield recently took a break for our annual Women’s

Retreat. We cruised to Cozumel, Mexico and we had a

BLAST!! We took a getaway from Thursday – Monday. We cruised

from the Tampa, Florida pier and had perfect weather each day. A

total of 51 ladies cruised to Cozumel. We enjoyed great food, shop-

ping, relaxation at the beach and really good fellowship with each

other. We had so much fun that we unanimously all decided that we

would cruise again in 2015.

So ladies, mark your calendar for summer, 2015…..we are cruising

again and we plan to let you know early in 2014 so we can plan ac-

cordingly. You don’t want to miss it. We already have 51 seats

filled!

Shhh….On behalf of the Wings Ministry

we would like to thank everyone who

supported us in bringing items for the

silent auction and participated at the

Quiet Affair on Saturday July 13. It was a

great event for the ladies in attendance.

It was a time for fun, fellowship, food and

best of all bargains to stock our closets.

The WINGS’ Ministry is invited to the Women’s Day Celebration at Beulah

Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, August 18, 2013. The speakers are:

Pastor Grace Washington, 7:30 AM and

Reverend Kimberly Mason, 10:45 AM.

WINGS’ News

August H.Y.Y.P.E. Event Boys and Girls Lock-In

Friday - Saturday,

August 9, 6:30 PM—August 10, 9:00 AM

Youth ages 8-18

Women’s Celebration 2013

“Women of God: Building a Legacy and

Leaving a Heritage”

Revival October 16-17, 7 PM

Co-Pastor Bernita Croslan, Wednesday Restored Life Ministry

Pastor Juandolyn Stokes, Thursday Deeper Life in Christ Ministries

Girls Gone Wild October 18, 7 PM

(women only)

Pastor Tanda Canion Assembly of Truth Ministries

Women’s Day

October 20

Pastor Wendy Smith Martin, 7:30 AM Greater Victory Christian Center

Pastor Tanda Canion, 10:45 AM Assembly of Truth Ministries

Each woman is asked to donate $50 for our

October Celebration. Please use special envelopes provided.

Weekly installments may be made.

Attire: Shades of Purple and Gold

Join the Women’s Choir—Rehearsals TBA

Ladies, please email us at wings@fairfieldbaptistchurch.org, to receive future correspondence.