The Shepherd’s Staff
“As the shepherd’s staff was a tool of service, so are we who serve with Jesus.”
Volume 41 Issue 7 August 2007

S

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CHURCH STAFF:
Senior Pastor Minister of Music Church Administrator Student Minister
Charles Kitchens Ken Washburn Neal Jernigan Todd Mitchell

LaBelle Haven Baptist Church
6825 E. Holmes Road Memphis, TN 38141 ~ Church: (901) 362-2273 ~ Fax: (901) 547-1650 ~ E-Mail: labellehaven@bellsouth.net

“LaBelle Haven: Where Our Passion Is Jesus, And Our Purpose Is You.”

The Pastor’s Perspective
By: Chuck Kitchens, Pastor

Two Big Days Rolled Into One
These are exciting days here at LaBelle Haven Baptist Church. As you can tell from the front of this publication, we are getting ready to celebrate The Delightful Day of The Disappearing Debt on August 26. On this day we will burn our church note, as we will have paid it off. We invite you to burn any symbols of debt that you have recently paid off.
This day will be combined with our 2nd Double Our FUN Day Sunday. By now you know the drill for Double Our FUN Days. Everyone needs to plan on bringing one or more Unsaved or Un-Churched Friends or Family members. We will have a drama enriched sermon that will pack a punch. We will also have some awesome music.
Along with you inviting family and friends, invite people you know who used to be members of LaBelle Haven Baptist Church. They will probably want to join us in this day of celebration.
The schedule for the day goes as follows:
9:15 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. – Dramatic Worship Service
11:30 a.m. – The Burning of The Note
12:00 a.m. – Covered Dish Dinner
You probably noticed the last item on the schedule is a covered dish dinner. We need you to bring food. We want to have more than enough food to feed our members and all the guests we are expecting to attend. This is no time to be frugal or parsimonious. Bring lots of food.
Faith Comes By Hearing
Scripture makes it clear that “Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The reason this is so is because faith is simply the act of believing what God says. How can you believe what He says if you have never heard it, or read it? This is why it is so important to know what the Bible says.
One of the best ways to study the Bible is the old fashion way of having someone read it to you. People who lived in Jesus’ day didn’t have copies of the Bible to take home. They had to go to the Synagogue and have it read to them. The only way they could take it home was to memorize it. This is still the best way to carry your Bible around with you, in your heart, not under your arm.
I have discovered the joy of listening to Scripture and I love it. Faith Comes By Hearing is an organization that has put the Bible on CD so that people can listen to it in the car, while they relax, while they do chores, while they exercise or any time they would normally listen to music. It comes in either KJV or NIV and you can even get dramatized where it sounds like you were there when it happened.
They used to have campaigns where people in a church would order copies of the audio Bible and then ask everyone who decided to participate to listen through the New Testament by a certain date. This was a wonderful way of encouraging believers to “hide God’s Word in their hearts.”
Today they have shifted their focus. They have become convinced that the rest of the world needs God’s Word, not just the United States. Therefore, they have asked participating churches to raise enough money to get at least one book of the Bible recorded for one relatively un-reached people group. In exchange they will give every family in our church at least one copy of the CD Bible.
Now you can study your Bible and at the same time participate in a mission’s effort to reach people in some remote part of our world with the Word of God. We will do this in September so make plans to give and grow as you listen to God’s Word.
In His Grip
Pastor Chuck

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The Sunday School Scoop
by Heath Sheffield

Good day fellow believers! The Sunday School bus is getting ready to roll! Are you on board? Oh, well I guess I better tell you where we are going first! Here’s a quick peek at what’s on the agenda the next few months:
Quarterly Meetings with Sunday School Teachers will begin Sunday, August 5th following the Worship Service (lunch will be provided).
Leadership Training for Sunday School Teachers, Family Life Group Leaders, and anyone else interested in teaching will begin the last four Saturday mornings of September. Training will start promptly at 8:00am and conclude at 9:30am sharp. (Coffee & Doughnuts will be provided.)
T.I.M.E. Sunday School Campaign. T.I.M.E. is running out, therefore we need to be busy doing things that will bring others to Jesus before it is eternally too late. We will begin a class campaign the last four Sundays in September and the four Sundays in October, 2007. A prize will be offered at the end of each month to the class with the most points. Below is what T.I.M.E. stands for and how points will be awarded:
T– (Tell) someone about Jesus.
100 points will be awarded to the class for each instance the Gospel is shared with someone, giving them the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior.
I– (Invite) a guest to come to Sunday School.
50 points will be awarded to the class for every guest invited. A guest is someone not already a member of our church or Sunday School.
M– (Minister) to members of your class who have not been attending.
50 points will be awarded to the class for each instance a member is ministered to for various reasons such as sickness, tragedy, or just simply slacking. In any case we need to exhibit love to encourage them back, and/or help them through their difficulty.
E– (Enroll) a new member in your class.
75 points will be awarded to the class for every new person enrolled. The person enrolled does not necessarily have to be in your class. A newly enrolled person must be someone you honestly believe will be come a regular attendee in Sunday School.
The main reason for our T.I.M.E. campaign is not to win a prize. It is to see people saved and growing in Jesus. However, sometimes it takes a bit of incentive to do the things we all know we should be doing anyway.
In July, we recognized Mrs. Lisa Renfrew as our “Teacher of the Month”. For August, it is my honor to recognize Mrs. Debbie Rudzena as our Teacher of the Month. Debbie has faithfully taught our Ladies class (age 62-74) for several years (her class is the one with the “cool” chairs!!!). Debbie clearly possesses the gift of teaching as she not only teaches LaBelle Haven members but 4th grade at Macon-Hall Elementary. I wonder which age group poses the bigger challenge?! Please take a moment this month and encourage and congratulate Debbie for her faithful service to our church. We love you Debbie and are blessed to have you with us!
Lastly, I want to leave you with a Scripture often recited and lived out by Brother Bill Riles, who recently went on to be with the Lord. “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Psalm 103:1-2. Let us not forget those faithful saints who have went before us by continuing on their faithful service unto the Lord.

DON’T FORGET:
AUGUST 26, 2007
FUN Day Sunday
&
Delightful Day Of Disappearing
Debt
(Join Us & Invite Others)

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Student News August 2007
Student Minister: Todd Mitchell Office: (901)362-2273 Ext 37
Cell: (901)921-1603 Email: LabelleStudents@Bellsouth.net

Calling All Students… Join Us For
Crosstraining
(Student Life Group)
On
Sunday Nights
WOW! What a summer camp we just had. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support. We are so blessed as a youth group to have such wonderful support from the adults of Labelle Haven. I talk all the time with youth ministers at Mid America who receive little to no support form their adults but we definitely don't have that problem here. You guys are great...
As far as camp goes, I believe I saw a lot of teenagers get serious about the Lord this week. We saw teens step up desiring to lead out and be the example. Praise the Lord! Pray for these students in the days ahead as we form a Youth Leadership Team composed of students who want to lead through service. Their goal is to bring the WOW factor to life! I have challenged the students to cause 5 people this month to say, "WOW, why did you do that?" I believe along with these teens that if they can WOW people with their actions they will have opportunities to tell about the River of Life flowing inside them. Pray that this passion and zeal will remain hot and we will see students drawn closer to God as He glorifies Himself in and through them. Pray that they will WOW the world with their actions and they will have opportunities to give a reason for the hope that is within each of them.
Once again, thank you for your continued support of the Student Ministry here at Labelle Haven.
May God bless you richly for your investment in the lives of these students.
Bro. Todd

Typical Crosstraining Schedule:
5:00 pm - 5:30pm Fellowship & Snack
5:30pm - 6:30pm Ministry Training
(Drama)
(Praise Band)
(Choir)
6:30pm - 7:15pm Bible Study
7:15pm - 7:30pm Fellowship

Don’t Forget:
Sunday School
Promotion Day
August 12, 2007

LaBelle Haven Baptist Church
Quarterly Business Meeting
July 18, 2007
The meeting was called to order by Pastor Chuck Kitchens.
The minutes from the previous meeting were read by the substitute church clerk, Ed Miller. There were no corrections or changes. The minutes were approved as read.
The Pastor presented the organizational report. There were no corrections or changes and was approved as read.
Sister Donna Barber presented the financial report as a member of the finance committee. Buddy Keltner made a motion to accept it as read and Walter Phillips seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Winford Baker presented a report from the Personnel Committee. Amy Cobb visited and looked at our children’s program and expressed interest as Children’s Minister.
Heath Sheffield reported on Sunday School. He spoke about: 1) The Couple’s Class, 2) The Fall Program, 3) The Teacher/Leadership Training Program the last 4 Saturdays of September, and 4) The Fall Sunday School Promotion (T.I.M.E.)
Ed Miller reported on the By-Laws Committee.
New Business:
The Finance Committee made a proposal to help finance the Climer’s expenses in their ministry on a monthly basis and finance half the cost of their trip to the conference at Saddleback Church. ($2,700 for their expenses for the remainder of the year and $1,000 for the conference.) This was approved unanimously.
The Personnel Committee presented the proposed Personnel Policies and Procedures to be voted on during the next quarterly business meeting (copy enclosed).
Billy Coleman made a motion to adjourn and Keith Coleman seconded the motion.
The meeting was closed in prayer by Heath Sheffield.
(Minutes recorded by Ed Miller, substitute for the LaBelle Haven Baptist Church Clerk).

The Shepherd’s Staff

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FINANCE COMMITTEE INFO
(Submitted by: Noel David, Finance Committee Chairman)

MISSIONS ARTICLE
Submitted By: Harry Bowden

6 Financial Steps for Couples
Whether you are in the first months of newly wedded bliss or celebrating milestone anniversaries, it’s always a good idea to revisit your spending and investing ways to help you stay on track.
Some guidelines to follow:
1. Track spending. If you end each month not knowing where your money went, track your spending. Place a piece of paper on the refrigerator where you can record daily expenditures. At the end of each month, see where you can make small modifications to reach your financial goals.
2. Designate one partner as “CFO.” One of you should take charge of paying bills, but that doesn't mean the other should be clueless. Hold regular “business” meetings to discuss finances.
3. Pay down debt. You may be a budget conscious coupon clipper married to a spendthrift. Unless you keep your finances completely separate, your spouse’s spending could adversely affect your credit score. But there’s a way out. Get more information on Getting Your Financial House in Order from a good Financial Advisor.
4. Build up an emergency fund. Whether you've reached a lot of your financial goals or not, you should have at least three months of living expenses saved to counteract any major financial downfalls.
5. Invest for the long-term. Are you looking to: buy a bigger house? Start saving for your child's education? Build a $1 million nest egg? You won’t achieve your financial goals unless you regularly invest. Even $25 per month can add up over the long-term. Get the details on automatic saving from a good Financial Advisor. Please note that systematic investment plans do not assure a profit nor protect against loss in declining markets.
6. Consider your IRAs and wills. If you die without a will, the government may have the capacity to make decisions regarding who gets your money. Check that your IRA beneficiary reflects your current desires as to whom you’d like to receive that money. Your will should
also clearly identify who receives your assets–including real estate and portfolio holdings—upon your death.

Bylaws Committee Formed
The Bylaws Committee, consisting of Louise Clark, Keith Coleman, Larry Outland, Walter Phillips and Ed Miller are looking over some sample bylaws documents and comparing them with our particular structure and manner of operation. With these aids, we will be drafting a document which we will review with the Deacon Body. With their approval, we will present it to the membership for a vote at a future date to be announced.

HOW TO PRAY FOR MISSIONARIES:
Pray God's Richest Blessings for:
The missionary, their spouse, children, grand children, family, friends, neighbors, their church families; pastors/national pastors, etc.
Freedom from discouragement; freedom from depression; freedom from disappointment; help them when they are sad, help them when they are home sick. Grant unto them patience and wisdom and release from all fear.
Give them a clear direction in their ministry; provide for them good health, sound minds and complete physical, mental, physiological and emotional healing.
Protect them from evil and harm; bless, anoint and empower God’s Word and work as it goes out.
Love God with all their hearts, souls and minds. Be humble and submissive in Spirit to the Lord. Be diligent and consistent in spiritual disciplines of Bible study and prayer.
Be protected physically, spiritually and emotionally. Know wisdom, understanding and leadership from God.
Live pure and holy lives in thought, work and action.
Be bold in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Be able to rest in the Lord, to trust His faithfulness when feeling overwhelmed by the needs around them.
Have favor in the eyes of local governments for open doors to the Gospel.
Be strong and courageous, especially in hostile environments.
Reflect the love of Christ in all relationships.
Experience a special touch of the Lord’s presence in times of loneliness.

The Shepherd’s Staff

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LaBelle Haven Women On The Move For Christ

Summer is coming to an end. School will be starting soon. Soon we will be back into a regular routine (if there is such a thing). Do you know of a Bible Study you would like the women to participate in the fall? Do you have suggestions about physical activities for our women’s ministry? Maybe you know activities we can do just to get together. Stop by the women’s ministry table and write your idea(s) or you can even tell anyone on the leadership team.
If you missed the movie and lunch you missed a blessing. What a powerful movie One Night with the King (the story of Esther). This movie reinforced the importance of how God wants us to be obedient to him and he will take care of us.
Our next event we want the entire church to participate.
Whether you own your business or work at a business, here’s your opportunity to let our church learn about your company. The women’s ministry is publishing the first LaBelle Haven Baptist Church Member Business Directory.
LaBelle Haven Baptist Church Member Business Directory
Published by the Women’s Ministry
Business Name ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number _____________________________________________ website___________________________________________________
Type of Service ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Church Member Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number ____________________________________________ email______________________________________________________
Would you like to have this information placed in the Business Directory on a ___full page (suggested donation is $50) or ____½ page (suggested donation is $25)? Make checks payable to LaBelle Haven Baptist Church. If you place a full page advertisement you will receive 2 business directories free. If you place a ½ page ad you will receive 1 business directory free. You can also submit a business card as your full page or ½ page advertisement. Deadline to place your advertisement is August 8.
This is a fundraiser for the Women’s Ministry. The monies received will help support our activities such as: sending packages to soldiers in Iraq, birthday parties at nursing homes, Annual Christmas Tea, Race for the Cure, retreats, mystery nights and school supplies for needy children and our Bible ministry. Complete your card and place it in the offering plate or turn it into the office. For more information or if you have questions contact Keena Duncan 752-0964 or ulduncan@bellsouth.net or anyone on the Women’s Leadership Team. These directories will be made available at our Back to School Luncheon, Sunday, August 19, immediately following the worship service. At this luncheon you will learn about the businesses listed in our LaBelle Haven Baptist Church Member Business Directory.
We continue to thank our church family for your outpouring of the supplies for our soldiers who are in Iraq. We have shipped many boxes and have many more to send. We welcome complete addresses of your loved ones in Iraq. Remember monetary donations are encouraged to pay for shipping and phone cards. Please state Iraq Mission on your donation. The stars indicate much needed. **
Items Needed:
Letters to troops* twin sheet sets CD’s hand held games and batteries* International phone cards** toiletry items wet wipes electric converters** disposable cameras febreeze* cookies beef jerky snack crackers trail mix gum peanuts/cashews hand sanitizers stationary pencils pens eyeglass cleaners* ac adapters** Bibles** spiritual, motivational and Christian books and literature**
Pick up your Women on the Move for Christ Summer newsletter from the women’s ministry table.
Moving for Christ,
Keena Duncan
Women Ministry Leadership Team:
Keena Duncan, Linda Worsham, Louise Clark, Angela McKinnon, Delaine Coleman-Williams and Tricia Mitchell
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially things that so easily hinders our progress and let us run with endurance the race that God has for us.

The Shepherd’s Staff

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MEMORIALS
Donations were given to
The Building Fund:
In Memory Of:
Bill Riles
By: W. C. & Joyce Baker
Melissa Rosengren
Ed Miller
Ruth Dorr
Lucille Vowell

“The memory of the righteous
will be a blessing...” Proverbs 10:7a

“MOVING THE MOUNTAIN”
(Debt Reduction Emphasis Update)
Removed: $1,162,685
Remaining: $ 33,764
Building God’s Family
MONTHLY TOTALS GIVEN FOR:
Jan. 2007: 966.08
Feb. 2007: 1,378.50
Mar. 2007: 3,852.00
Apr. 2007: 12,925.00
May 2007: 1,167.00
June 2007: 1,613.00
July 2007: 4,003.00
Grand Total Given YTD: $25,904.58
*Payment needed per month: $4,500.00

Christian sympathy is extended to Mamie Harper & family on the death of her brother, James Withers.
Christian sympathy is extended to Dorothy Riles & family on the death of her husband, Bill Riles.
Christian sympathy is extended to Noel David & family on the death of his aunt, Dorothy Lucas.

Congratulations is extended to Todd and Lindsey Bell (parents) and Barry and Kelly Elftmann (grand parents) on the birth of Sawyer Logan, who was born on July 19, 2007, weighing 6 pounds, 3 ounces, and measuring 19 inches long!

To Our “Family” at LaBelle Haven,
Your kind and thoughtful expression of sympathy is deeply appreciated and gratefully acknowledged. Thank you for your generous outpouring of love and support as we remembered Dad’s life with us, rejoiced in his “going home,” and look forward to our reunion with him and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in years to come.
For all the calls, visits, thoughts, prayers and food you’ve shared, we are indeed grateful.
Special thanks to Jo Key’s class and all the other classes and individuals who provided the food. We wish you all could have joined us as we enjoyed everything God provided through you.
With Love and Thanks,
Dorothy Riles & Karen

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!
1 Thessalonians 5:17

PRAYER MINISTRY:

The Shepherd’s Staff

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LaBelle Haven Baptist Church Calendar of Events for August 2007

SUNDAY

			1	2	3	4
5 / Sunday School Quarterly Teacher’s Meeting in Gym	6	7	8	9	10	11
12 / Finance Committee Meeting at 12 Noon / Sunday School Promotion Sunday	13	14 / Deacon’s Meeting at 6:28PM	15	16	17	18
19 / Women’s Ministry Lunch in Gym After AM Service	20	21	22	23	24	25
26 FUN Day / Sunday / & / Delightful / Day of / Disappearing / Debt Sunday	27	28	29	30	31

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

The Shepherd’s Staff Newsletter
(USPS #780-140) is published monthly except January, by LaBelle Haven Baptist Church, 6825 E. Holmes Road, Memphis, TN 38141. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN Postmaster. Send address changes to: The Shepherd’s Staff, 6825 E. Holmes Road, Memphis, TN 38141.

The Shepherd’s Staff Newsletter
LaBelle Haven Baptist Church
6825 E. Holmes Rd.
Memphis, TN 38141