Humphrey Baptist Church

Humphrey Baptist Celebrates Valentine's Day...

2010-02-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 14, 2010

We made a big deal of Valentine's Day in Humphrey this year. We had a back-to-back service with a picnic-type lunch. Mrs. White prepared "Beef on Wick" which was delicious. The rest of our folks made potato and macaroni salads, and many lovely valentines cookies and other desserts.

We had a wonderful day in church with 42 in attendance. We restarted our Jr. Church with Avin at the helm. He had quite a few children in his class due to Gary Chapman bringing four of his nieces and nephews.

I did not feel well on Sunday at all, and I think it was noticeable. My stomach was just churning in knots. I preached on the "Kiss of Charity" and the "Kiss of Salvation."

It was good to have my wife's sister, Jackie in town with her three adorable children, Zac, Jeff, and Amy. I'm thankful for their willingness to come to be an encouragement to us every once in a while!

The First Couple of Valentines!

We went all-out with the "Love" theme in the fellowship hall.

Michelle looks hard to make the right choice!

The fellowship as always good at HBC when its surrounded by food!

I think Joey ate something he didn't like.

Humphrey Baptist visits the Sportsmen's Dinner...

2010-02-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

February 5, 2010

Dexter Bartlett, Avin Burrell, and I took a journey up to Palmyra to attend the Sportsmen's Dinner put on by the Heritage Baptist Church at which I served as Assistant Pastor for the last five years. We had a wonderful evening. Pastor Young did a marvelous job moving the evening along with many speakers which included a representative from the NYDEC, Senator Mike Nazzolio, and Congressman Robert Oaks. As always, Charlie Alsheimer's presentation was spectacular with all the photos and description of Whitetail hunting.

I must admit, the highlight for me was seeing the dear Heritage people. My heart yearned for the people I served for the last five years. I was so proud of all the effort they put into the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many of my good friends and especially the young people. They had a wonderful spirit that night!

If you are reading from Heritage, I love you and miss you so. I was very proud of what a wonderful job you did. God bless each one of you. Please be reminded, there's always a seat saved for you at Humphrey Baptist Church if you want to visit (Ha Ha)!

Charlie Alsheimer did a fantastic job in his presentation of the Whitetail deer and also the spiritual aspect was wonderfully interwoven.

There was a great crowd that night - Everyone served a delicious Venison Dinner in around twelve minutes!

If you are wondering what Dexter is focusing his attention on, look below!

What a meal! We were absolutely stuffed!

Pastor Young and all of the workers from Heritage deserve much praise for all the work and oragnization that went into that night. It was a well-oiled machine!

This is the day...

2010-01-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Sad to say, we spend most of our lives wishing it were yesterday or tomorrow. We look forward all of our lives to the coming events: birthdays, teen years, 16 - driving, graduation from high school, college, marriage, children, our dream vocation, retirement, etc. Rather than enjoy the moment, we are constantly looking forward with anticipation to the next event. Then after all is said and done, we sit around and reminisce about the "good ole' days."

Jim Eliot, Missionary to Ecuador, said...

"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."

It doesn't do us any good thinking about what might have been, or what could be. God has given us "today." God will not give us "tomorrow" if we are not good stewards of "today." Those dreams you have of tomorrow may come true, but you first must receive the day the Lord has given to you and make all you can of it! A wise man once said, "Live in the present for the future." Don't live in the future, live for the future!

There is no promise of tomorrow, but God has given you a wonderful gift of "today." Enjoy it to the hilt!

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2010-01-10T05:08:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 10, 2010

This morning the temperature is -5 degrees with a windchill of -16 degrees!

Humphrey Fire Department 2010

2010-01-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Today my wife and I had the privilege of attending the annual Recognition and Swearing in Ceremony at the Humphrey Fire Hall. I was asked to give the invocation. I expressed my appreciation on behalf of the community to the firemen for their dedication. It is a volunteer department. I also took a shot at the Chief with a funny joke! He was very gracious to me. My wife and I sat with him along with an area Pastor. I then led in prayer for the food in which I ended "...in Jesus Name."

It was a blessing to get to know some of the community and I hope we made a good impression for the Lord's sake.

Katie and I posed for a picture with Senator Cathrine Young from our district. I was very impressed when she mailed us a letter welcoming us to the area, and she didn't disappoint me in person. It was a blessing to meet her.

This year marks the 40th Anniversay of the Department. Mr. Halladay pictured here with his wife (sister of Don Potter - member of HBC) spoke a word of testimony. It was he and Don Potter who helped put up the trusses 40 years ago!

The Fire Chief allowed me to have a picture with him. He had recently fallen on the ice and broke his leg.

There were around 70 folks who attended.
I think that's about all of them.

We had a wonderful spread of food. The afternoon began with delicious appetizers followed by your choice of steak, stuffed pork chop, or veggie lasagna. As you can guess, I chose... One of each - just kidding! I enjoyed a delicious steak!

Jude 1:21-23 "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."

I read the preceding verses to the people gathered there and compared the church to a fire department. They save folks from a physical fire while we strive to save souls from a spiritual fire! They seemed to enjoy my brief words. Later a few came to me and assured me that I had done well.

I want to thank Autumn Burrell for giving us her afternoon to watch our boys so we could be able to attend the event! God bless her.

A Winter Wonderland...

2010-01-05T05:58:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, January 5, 2009

The Cialini Men are hard at work!

I know a lot of places are getting hammered with snow worse than us, but here are some pictures of our winter wonderland

Here are a couple of views of our back yard.

On Sunday evening, we took part in the Lord's Supper. I mentioned to the people before we partook of the juice of how beautiful the snow is in the middle of winter. As we sit inside in our cozy homes, warm and comfortable, we look out to see the beautiful sight of the snow as it lays peacefully upon the bushes and the trees. It paints the landscape a gorgeous, pure white.

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Imagine the pleasure it brings our Heavenly Father as He looks upon his children to see the precious blood of His dear, only begotten Son. The sight of a sinner, cleansed in the pure, sacrificial blood of the Saviour is something our Lord must find great pleasure in. Maybe that is one reason why the Bible says...

Luke 15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence

of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

A Beautiful Manger Scene...

2009-12-28T10:18:00.001-08:00

December 28, 2009...

About twelve minutes from our house, in the town of Allegany, is the most beautiful manger scene I have ever seen personally in my life. The lighting, especially at night, is just stunning.

The sad thought is that it is placed there each year by St. Bonaventure University, a Catholic College. As I reflect on what it means to them theologically, it saddens me that they worship the mother rather than the Son. They work to receive a gift that's already been paid for. They go through ritualistic tradition to establish their eternal destiny only to find out some day that they will be bitterly disappointed. Would to God, that He would open their "religious" eyes. Would God that they would see the Babe for Who He is and His earthly mother for who she is - a good woman, but by no means deity!

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The Last Sunday in 2009...

2009-12-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

December 27, 2009

We had wonderful services today. The Lord blessed us with 38 in attendance this morning and 30 tonight! We had three visiting families this morning. I preached on "How to Have A Successful 2010"! Tonight Bro. Jim White, Misssionary to Togo, Africa, spoke to us. He is the son of one of our dear church families, on furlough for a year. He did a wonderful job testifying of the work and then spoke on "Thankfulness" from Psalm 23. Bro. Don Potter's son was also visiting with his family from PA. He is a Pastor there. He played the piano for us and did a beautiful job.

We missed my wife today. She was sick today along with Joey. Our folks definitely missed her!

A Christmas Present For Jesus...

2009-12-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Matthew 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

When I had visited Heritage to hear Bro. Sharp, the Holy Spirit convicted me about doing something for the Jews - especially providing Bibles to the soldiers in the military. If there is one thing I know to do to get God to bless us, it is to be a blesing to the Hebrew people - the Apple of God's Eye!

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

During our Sunday evening service we took up a collection to help Heritage in their effort to raise $10,000 by the end of December. I was blessed that our small congregation took up $330! Praise the Lord for our generous people who give sacrificially of what they have!

We paused after the morning service for a family portrait.

I wish Joey knew how to smile!

I sang, "O Holy Night" during the morning service. I appreciated all the time Mrs. Burrell put into preparation for that song and also the offeratory, which was beautiful.

"A Chili Christmas Party"

2009-12-21T09:18:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 18, 2009

This evening we got together for a simple time of fun and fellowship. Many of our folks made their version of chili, while others brought a wide variety of desserts. I think there might have been more desserts than chili!

Once again, my wife made everything look beautiful!

Michelle, Austin, and Thomas seemed to enjoy the dessert table!

The Gildners (left) are a new family in our church and decided to come be a part of our special evening.

We were blessed to have Jackie and Trina Brown with us for a couple of days. Our church members are always delighted when guests come!

Our church is blessed to have such godly folks such as Mr. Potter, the Dornans, and the Fedicks, who have been faithful for many years! Mrs. Ginnery is just a youngster!

It's always good to see the Gerwitz Family at our special occasions. They are Mrs. Burrell's parents and attend the Methodist church in Great Valley.

BIG SMILES!

Christopher and Avin give a brief pose.

The best lookin' couple in Cattauraugus County!

I read "The Italian Night Before Christmas"

The highlight of the evening was when we recognized John and Connie Fedick. They have been a tremendous blessing to this church for many years. Their humility of spirit and devotion to our church is something that we just couldn't do without! We presented them with a plaque dedicated to them in sincere heartfelt gratitude from us.

We also took a secret offering in a short time and the generosity of our people once again amazed me! More than $200 were given to be a blessing to this dear couple. They were very surprised and blessed. Many of our folks were crying. We made a large check which was a neat novelty.

In a congregation that is so thoughtful and giving, it is always difficult to single out someone to give honor. In this case, I believe it was unanimously agreed to be appropriate to honor the Fedick's!

The last couple of years have been difficult for HBC, and so many have stepped up, but none exceed the steps Bro. Fedick has taken to help meet the needs of his church when considering his personality and temperment.

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Maulucci's visit Humphrey Baptist Church...

2009-12-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 22, 2009

This was a very special day for us because we got to see some of our old friends from up in Palmyra - Bro Chris Miraglia and the Patterson Family. Bro. Miraglia spoke to our adult Sunday School and also sang for our main service. We were also blessed to be invited to their cabin for lunch where we enjoyed burgers and home-made, deep-fried french fries!

Sunday evening capped off a wonderful day with a visit from my good friend, Nick Maulucci. He and his family were a wonderful testimony to our congregation. His message inspired us in our faith and prayer lives. I've always known him as a man who walks with and gets things from God.

We all enjoyed a delicious treat after the service of nachos and cheese along with a veggie tray with some cookies!

We were so glad that they gave us a Sunday evening during their

short visit to the states for the holiday season!

Our church was so blessed that our small congregation collected $250 as a love offering.

Praise the Lord for giving me such generous people to Pastor!

Harvest Dinner

2009-12-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

Friday, Novemebr 13, 2009 - "The Harvest Dinner"

The Harvest Dinner is a special occasion celebrated each year at Humphrey Baptist Church. We invite all we can and have a big dinner. This year recognized our coming as their new Pastor and also many of the men who helped fill the puplit in the nearly three years they did not have a Pastor. It was a glorious evening baptized with a great amount of work by our dear people. From inviting to cooking to preparing and cleaning up - so much was done to make this night a success. We served almost 70 people!

My wife, Katie, as always, did a wonderful job of decorating and creating an enjoyable atmosphere by the pleasant surroundings.

Everything looked beautiful and well-thoughtout!

Nichole and Autumn were hesitant to get their picture taken, but were very helpful throughout the evening!

WHAT A SPREAD!

WE HAD SO MANY CROCKS GOING,

OUR POWER STRIP COULDN'T TAKE IT!

It was a blessing to finally meet Pastor Dean, former Pastor of HBC in years gone by. I've heard so many wonderful things about him and his dear wife.

Our fellowship hall was well on it's way to being packed and jammed!

There was a tremendous spirit among our guests!

Linda White and Heidi Good slaving in the kitchen!

My adorable boys and beautiful wife waiting in the loooong line for food!

It was worth the wait!

I spoke for a few minutes and read a poem I had written - "Praising God on an Instrument of Ten Strings" based on Psalm 144:9.

So many of our dear members worked very hard to pull off a wonderful evening. I was very proud to be their Pastor. I cannot commend them enough for all of their effort!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas...

2009-12-01T05:16:00.000-08:00

We had just returned yesterday from an extended Thanksgiving break. It was wonderful to see our loved ones once again. I had the opportunity to speak at Southeast Bible Baptist Church in Penfield, NY on Sunday evening. Pastor Dresner wanted to be a blessing to us, so he invited us to come and gave us an offering to help us as we minister in Humphrey. Our folks at Humphrey Baptist Church were very excited for us as we were able to share what was going on in Humphrey! It was very sweet on Monday morning as I snuck into Heritage Baptist to see my old students in the classroom. I was hoping to see that everything was falling apart without me there (ha ha), but to my demise, everything is going on quite smoothly. Praise the Lord for peopole who step up and fill needs! Oh, how I miss seeing the young people of Heritage Baptist Church everyday! They'll never know how much I loved and do still love them! May God bless and protect them as they continue on in their Christian life.

December 1, 2009 -

Throughout the night we were kept up by the noise of loud, large vehicles going down our road - PLOWS! This morning when I woke up I went to the window to see the damage. What a beautiful sight as I saw the dusting of snow all over the ground. I was very excited to go out and shovel for the first time this new winter season. The house and the church looked so beautiful, especially with the Christmas wreaths and the lighted Christmas tree in our front bay window newly lighted.

I apologize for those of you who desire to keep up with Humphrey news. We just got the internet last week and intend to do much updating over the next few days. I realize that we have left you in the dark for a few weeks now. God has continued to bless over the last month. Our hearts continue to be knit to the good people here, and they have been a great blessing to us with many kind words.

We had a wonderful Harvest Dinner in November with 70 in attendance. We had a high day in November of 37 and we averaged almost 31 per week. The last Sunday in November after leaving over 2,500 doorhangers in surrounding towns, we had our first "First-Time" visitors come to be a part of our services! Praise the Lord!

We were pleased to have a couple of weeks ago some of our friends visit from out of town such as the Blankenbergs, Bro. Chris Miraglia, and the Patterson Family. It's always good to see familiar faces.

Nothing out of the ordinary...

2009-10-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 25, 2009

We began the weekend on Saturday by going to Allegany to hang door hangers. We had twelve dedicated soldiers out on the front lines for God on a cold dreary morning. The sun came out that afternoon and God provided a beautiful day to get work done on the house. My father-in-law came down to paint all of our ceilings for us in the house. My sister-in-law, Jackie, came down with us as well to help paint the door, window, and floor moulding. It was a sad goodbye when they left, but we were grateful for all of their help!

Sunday was another day filled with God's blessings. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, except Cherish Flagg running out of gas with her four kids. The ladies met to talk about the Harvest Dinner - fast approaching! They took forever. I'm so thankful for the percentage who always help out after church is over to clean up.

The Lord blessed us with 39 in attendance. Dexter said that he counted six times to try to find forty, but to no avail! Praise the Lord anyhow!

2009-10-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 18, 2009

It was a blessing to have Bro. Don and Carrol Merritt with us. They minister to small churches across our nation doing "whatever" needs to be done to be a blessing. One aspect of their ministry is providing special music. Bro. Merritt led our song service while Mrs. Merritt played the piano. They also blessed us with six songs throughout the day that blessed and stirred our hearts. It was a blessed day of fellowship and music.

God blessed us with 45 in attendance which is a record high since we have been here.

God gives the increase...

2009-10-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Each Sunday morning, the boys help me greet the people as they arrive.

Joey and David happily await the arrival of our church members!

David is very pleased to hold the door for folks as they carry in their food for the afternoon meal!

Dexter Bartlett is one of our faithful members and serves as head usher!

The Lord filled our nursery and younger age classes today with many children.

Our deacons faithfully count the offering each week wherever they can find a place!

Bro. Potter (left) and the Dornan's have been faithfully attending

Humphrey Baptist Church for many years. We appreciate the heritage they

have helped to provide and pass on to the next generation.

Our ladies work diligently each Sunday preparing a wonderful spread for our afternoon meal!

We had a wonderful day on this, our fourth Sunday as Pastor. Bro. Burrell was not feeling well so I led the singing. The Lord blessed us with 43 in attendance. This is a record for us since I have been here as Pastor! Even though we did not see any new visitors from the nearly 2,000 doorhangers, God chose to bring people from another direction - many folks who used to come have been visiting lately. May the Lord help us to meet their needs spiritually, and if it be His will, keep them around! The Lord gives the increase from wherever He sees fit. We just need to continue in obedience to His commands!

Stormin' the Beaches...

2009-10-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 10, 2009

It was a cold, damp morning as we at Humphrey Baptist Church anxiously awaited the arrival of help from the north. Nineteen reinforcements from Heritage Baptist Church in Palmyra arrived to help us attack the gates of Hell. Twelve of our own soldiers of the Lord were ready, willing, and able to get out on the front lines for Christ! We met together to tour the fort and then gather to seek help from our heavenly powersource!

You can see the nervousness from our young soldiers.

It's good to see young ladies enlisting in the Lord's Army!

General Fedick awaits orders with Privates Avin and Aldin.

Mrs. White serves as our spiritual nurse.
She helped gather the chow and oversaw KP.

Young, hungry soldiers!

Acts 5:42

And daily in the temple, and in every house,

they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

The battle was intense. The Captain of our team held off the weather and brought out the sunshine! In the end, our soldiers were tired, but managed to plant the Gospel gun in nearly 2,000 doors!

We are so grateful for the help from Heritage. To those nineteen soldiers for Christ, we extend our most sincere thanks! Thank you for giving your day, your time, your energy, and all the expense to come down and be a blessing to us.

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

...so send I you...

2009-10-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 3, 2009

John 20:21

...as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

On our third weekend as Pastor, we began our organized outreach program. Twelve of us met at the church house at 10 AM. I gave a short devotion, and we went out from there to Franklinville. We were able to hang well over 100 door-hangers. Praise the Lord for giving us a beautiful day and allowing us to get much accomplished for His glory!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Once again, God blessed the services with a great spirit. I spoke that morning on "My Dream for Humphrey". I spoke from my heart and received many kind words from the people. The Burrells did a wonderful job singing "I'm Standing on the Solid Rock". They will definitely have to sing on a regular basis! The Lord gave us a good crowd of 34 in attendance.

Mrs. Burrell lost her 100 year old grandmother just a few days before. Praise the Lord for faithful people who serve the Lord even with a heavy heart! We appreciate her willingness to play the piano for us each week. That is a real committment!

"...joy in the presence of the angels of God..."

2009-10-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September, 27, 2009

Our second Sunday was a day I will never forget. We were very pleased to have "my beloved father, in whom I am well pleased." Unfortunately my mother was not feeling well, or she would have been there too. To the delight of the people, he provided special music during the afternoon service. He sang, "This Day Will Never Return," while he played the banjo. It was beautifully done. I couldn't have done it better myself! The Lord blessed us with thirty-seven in attendance.

The moment I will forever hold dear to my heart was during the invitation. A young lady came forward to settle in her heart whether or not she was on her way to Heaven. She came forward with moistened eyes in humility and surrender. Katie spoke with her in my office for about twenty minutes while we closed the service. I asked her if she thought she was making assurance of her salvation or if she thought she got saved today, and she responded with the latter. Blessed be God that He would use us to draw a precious soul unto Himself on our second week as Pastor. I must recognize and give credit to the friendliness of the people of HBC. It was they who greeted her before I became Pastor. They received her with open arms and made her feel welcome. It is that kind of atmosphere that makes people come back to church with a receptive spirit. Praise the Lord for their hospitality!

Once again, the spirit of the services and the fellowship during the afternoon meal was marvelous. The people work so hard to provide a tremendous spread of delicious dinners and desserts! If anyone leaves hungry, it's their fault. There is always plenty left over, and the people can barely stand for the congregational song during the afternoon service!

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence

of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

Luke 15:10

"...we were like them that dream..."

2009-10-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

September 20, 2009

Psalm 126:1-6 A Song of degrees. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. [2] Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. [3] The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. [4] Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. [5] They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. [6] He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

The day had finally come - our much anticipated first service as Pastor of Humphrey Baptist Church. The presence of the Lord was evident throughout the day. I spoke on God's faithfulness in the morning service. The people had such a sweet spirit and were so gracious to us. They had a cake made in honor of our coming with the Scripture reference, Colossians 1:9-18. We had thirty-two in attendance, which included Katie's sisters and their children. We were so grateful for them being there to be part of such a special day in our lives! The people were tickled to meet them as well.

Katie did a wonderful job preparing the bulletin board in the front entrance of the church building! You only get one chance to make a first impression!

The day was truly a dream come to fruition. I thank and praise my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He has truly blessed us with this wonderful opportunity to lead these dear people for His glory!

I also want to express my sincerest gratitude to my sweet wife! Without her, I would be incomplete. The position I now hold is one that I would forfeit were it not for her! With ALL MY HEART, thank you, my darling, one and only, Katie! I love you so much!