To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC)—
The Holy Spirit spoke into my heart this past Sunday to continue the message focus on “Living into the Power of Prayer.” I am being led to include prayer requests from people at the end of my message. This is a little scary since I am delving into the unknown here at FBC. Meaning, I don’t know what type of requests will come in…but that’s where I’m trusting God for guidance. I will do my best to make the prayer requests as concise as possible without losing the intent of the person’s request.

I have taught the components of prayer in Bible studies; I have preached on prayer before, and I have tried to create a prayer group here at FBC that wasn’t successful. Sometimes, people are just afraid and uncomfortable to pray in the presence of others. Or, it could be that people don’t want others to know about their problems or suffering. This time I will be doing the praying on behalf of others…this is called intercessory prayer. These are prayers we must conduct on behalf of others.

Now, with these intercessory prayers, I will offer the prayers after an abbreviated sermon. People who choose to have their name associated with the request can do so or names can be confidential, but the prayer request will still be made. The media team will try and do a graphic of the requests on Sunday over the Live Stream. If not, I will still have a copy of your requests in order to do the prayers. If you don’t make a request, I will pray a general prayer for all souls viewing the worship, those in our community, the state, nation, and around the world.

Remember, I am just being obedient to what I believe God is leading me to do. God’s Will be Done on earth as it is in Heaven!!!

We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, March 14th at 10 am on PCTV – 1301. Also, you can join us by going to FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, Mass) and “friending us.” As stated, the sermon for this Sunday is Living into the Power of Prayer (Part 2)—I John 5:14-15 and Matthew 6:10b!!!! Contemplate those scriptures in preparation for the sermon, and mainly focus on what you believe when you say, “Thy will be done” as it relates to God’s Will.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Sheila

To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC)—

“To Shot, or Not to Shot” (vaccine shot that is). Now, this is part 2 of my February 12^th message to you. Why? Because I had my 2^nd dose of the COVID prevention vaccination on February 27^th. Now remember, the shot or not to shot reference is an “intentional play” on Hamlet’s “To be, or not to be.” In my last message I informed you, as clergy, I was allowed to receive the vaccine during this time.

As with my first dose, I was elated to receive it and only had some stiffness. Now with the 2^nd dose, I had some additional reactions, but guess what? I was still elated and grateful to take the vaccine. Yes, there were aches and pains, fever, and just plain feelings of yuckiness, but again, I am grateful and thankful to God that this wonderful prevention vaccine was created. That’s why First Gentleman, Nelson, provided you with the message this past week; and he offered a wonderful one that truly helps me with my reflection today since his message focused on having a “testimony.” I was down for the count for two days with my second dose…but guess what? I am grateful and thankful for the vaccine. Do you see the point I am making? This is my testimony regarding my fight against the coronavirus.

There are times we all will journey through uncomfortable or very difficult times…some will be more difficult and unpleasant than others…some may appear to take you down for the count, and you will feel that you will not be able to survive. But I have good news for you…you WILL SURVIVE.

With my minor reactions I kept repeating, “The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). You know this Psalm which is truly a Psalm for the living. The first verse of this famous text is one that transcends across very difficult times and just plain uncomfortable situations. Why? Because when we truly believe and trust that God is with us during whatever the circumstance we are going through, then we know we WILL SURVIVE during and after the journey. Think about it…we can go to the “Holy One” whether our situation is one that is so gut wrenching that we think we will be down for the final count or just one that offers minor discomfort. This is good news because we have a God who cares about us whatever the situation. All we have to do is believe and trust that God will see us through.

“To Shot or Not to Shot…” I am praying that you will take the vaccine. Please take it!!!

Also, I am praying that you hold onto Psalm 23, whatever your current situation…don’t give up on God!! Be grateful and thankful that you can go to God with any given situation.

We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, March 7^th at 10 am on PCTV – 1301. Also, you can join us by going to FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA) and “friending us.” The sermon for this Sunday is Living into the Power of Prayer—I John 5:14-15 and Matthew 6:10b!!!! Contemplate these scriptures in preparation for the sermon. Also, begin to include in your prayers during difficult or uncomfortable times: The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.  

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sheila

To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC)—

“To Shot, or Not to Shot” (vaccine shot, that is). Ok, please note this is an “intentional” play on Hamlet’s “To be, or not to be.” As you know, this is the opening soliloquy given by Prince Hamlet in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1.

As clergy, I received my first dose of the vaccine on February 6, 2021…it was as if I received a winning lottery ticket or the gold medal from the Olympics for the preaching category. I can dream, can’t I? Anyway, I truly hope that all of you will consider taking the COVID vaccine. It is one step closer to all of us coming back together as a Community.

My second dose is scheduled for later this month…and I am looking forward to receiving my second lottery winning and Olympic gold medal. Will you join me?

There is a lot of misinformation in the community regarding the vaccine; however, please listen to and read credible information. Give me a call if you have concerns or questions. If I can’t respond to your concern, I will direct you to the appropriate resource. Please know the facts. Congregants over 75 – please know that vaccine appointments are available – now. You can make them through www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org or by calling 211 or a local senior center during business hours. OR – and this is critical – anyone who is comfortable with the vaccination signup website can make an appointment for anyone who is eligible. (Please remember to have your Medicare card handy when you call or log in). However, if you have any trouble signing up, please contact FBC and we will help you connect to various places to assist you.

“To Shot or Not to Shot…” I am praying that we all receive the vaccines with limited arm soreness or any other types of reactions to it.

We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, February 14^th, at 10 am on PCTV – 1301. Also, you can join us by going to FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA) and “friending us.” I know it’s Valentine’s Day, but first, why not show your love of God by way of your worship? Then, you will have the remainder of the day to celebrate with others you love. The sermon for this Sunday is appropriate, Celebrating Freedom through Love. The talented and gifted Wanda Houston will be with us again, giving Glory to God with her beautiful voice. What a way to begin Valentine’s Day!!!!!!!!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sheila

To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC)—

Again, blessed Advent Season to all of you, and may we all be renewed in hope, peace, joy, and love. Last Sunday on December 13^th, we continued with the third segment of our four-part Advent series with the sermon The Uncluttered Heart Transformed with Joy. The sermon’s scriptural support came from the Hebrew Old Testament text of Isaiah 35:10 and the New Testament text, Luke 1:35-45. This series is based on the 2020 Advent FBC theme of: The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During the Advent Season. The Scriptural support is Romans 12:2—Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect (NRSV—Bible).

For the past three weeks I have asked you to reflect upon the following three questions and encouraged you to honestly answer them in the context of the Romans 12:2 text.  They are:

• Are you conforming to negativity in the world?
• What is your process to renew your mind in God in order to have a sense of positive transformation?
• Do you know how to hear God’s Voice in order to be acceptable in the Holy One’s Sight for that positive transformation?

Last week’s sermon which focused on “joy” truly transformed me. What did it do for you? Now here are more poignant questions. Are you going through a transformation with this series? I pray that you are!! Have you reflected this week on the manner in which you receive “joy” from God? Are you overlooking God’s gifts to you because they are not as you had expected, hoped for or prayed for? In the sermon last week, I stated two tenets we should learn: 1) Let’s Rely on the Power of Faith, and 2) Let’s Accept God’s Gifts as God Chooses to Give. These are powerful tenets and should be accepted in belief and trust that “All Things are Possible with God” (Genesis 18:14). When this is accepted, then we will accept the tenets given in the context of the “joy” sermon.

Now, this coming Sunday, December 20^th, we will conclude the series with The Uncluttered Heart Transformed with Love. The text is I Corinthians 13. Please study this text in preparation for Sunday’s sermon.

So, are you being transformed by the renewing of your minds? Are you willing to do the hard work in order to have hope, peace, and joy? Only you can honestly speak to all of the questions that have been posed to you.

Please continue to have a transformation goal with part 4 of the series: The Uncluttered Heart Transformed with Love. We must remember that Love is powerful…Love is lifechanging, and most of all, God is Love!!!!!

We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, December 20^th at 10 am on PCTV – 1301. Also, you can join us by going to FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA) and “friending us.” We have a special guest soloist this week, the wonderful and talented Wanda Houston – the Berkshires’ “gem” of a vocalist. Wanda is a renowned star who has traveled the music world…was on stage in New York, and was always the featured soloist at the FBC Annual Gospel Concert. She will grace us with God’s Gift to her.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sheila

To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC)—

Again, blessed Advent Season to all of you, and may we all be renewed in hope, peace, joy, and love. Last Sunday on December 6^th we continued with the second of our four-part Advent series with the sermon The Uncluttered Heart Transformed with Peace. The sermon’s scriptural support came from the Hebrew Old Testament text of Isaiah 26:3 and the New Testament text, John 14:15-27. This series is based on the 2020 Advent FBC theme of: The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During the Advent Season. The Scriptural support is Romans 12:2—Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect (NRSV—Bible).

For the past two weeks I have asked you to reflect upon the following three questions and encouraged you to honestly answer them in preparation for each sermon and the Advent theme. They are:

• Are you conforming to negativity in the world?
• What is your process to renew your mind in God in order to have a sense of positive transformation?
• Do you know how to hear God’s Voice in order to be acceptable in the Holy One’s Sight for that positive transformation?

I pray that you are going through a transformation of sorts with this series…I know that I am. How? Because each week I am asking myself the above questions, and sometimes my responses are not what they should be. When I offer a sermon to you, I want to be “fed by God” too so that I can change for the better. And with that, I am including the above questions. Please allow me to remind you of some “take-aways” from the prior two sermons.

In the Uncluttered Heart Transformed with Hope sermon, our “take-aways” are that we should read the Bible to unclutter our hearts in order to renew our minds for encouragement. We accept that the Scriptures are to be trusted for their usefulness although they were written thousands of years ago. Also, we must pray for the “Jesus within us—the Holy Spirit” to provide us with hope, that feeling of expectation and desire through steadfast belief in God. This is the belief which enables us to move forward in life.

With the Uncluttered Heart Transformed with Peace, our “sermon take-away” was that in order to have peace, we must not rely on how the world defines having peace—that being: having power, control, worry, success, etc. at any cost, but we that must rely on keeping God’s Commandments in that of loving God and our neighbors which enables calmness and tranquility. Also, we must trust that we have an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, that enables such peace to occur if we will just “surrender” our hearts and souls to Jesus.

Whew…that was a quick review.

So, are you being transformed by the renewing of your minds? Are you willing to do the hard work in order to have hope and peace? Only you can honestly speak to all of the questions posed to you.

Please continue to be transformed with Part 3 of the series: The Uncluttered Heart Transformed with Joy. The sermon texts are Isaiah 35:10 and Luke 1:35-45. Don’t forget to reflect upon the Advent theme questions as you also read the sermon and Advent theme texts.

We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, December 13^th at 10 am on PCTV – 1301. If you live in South County, it is broadcast at 9 am on channel 1301 CTSB (Community Television for Southern Berkshires).  And there’s always the FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA)!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sheila

To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC)—

Blessed Advent Season to all of you, and may we all be renewed in hope, peace, joy, and love. Last Sunday on November 29^th, we began the first of our four-part Advent series with the sermon The Uncluttered Heart Transformed with Hope. The sermon text came from Romans 15:4-6; and verses 12-13. The series is based on the 2020 Advent FBC theme of: The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During the Advent Season. The Scripture support is Romans 12:2—Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect (NRSV—Bible).

I asked you to reflect upon the following three questions and encouraged you to honestly answer them in preparation for the sermon. They were:

• Are you conforming to negativity in the world?
• What is your process to renew your mind in God in order to have a sense of positive transformation?
• Do you know how to hear God’s Voice in order to be acceptable in the Holy One’s Sight for that positive transformation?

Did you do your homework? Were you prepared to actively hear the sermon? Are you being transformed in “hope” through the Holy Spirit? Are you hearing and listening to God’s Voice? Part 2 of the sermon series is The Uncluttered Heart Transformed with Peace. The sermon text comes from Isaiah 26:3 and John 14:15-27. I want you to think about the things that you do in order to obtain peace; and to think about what you believe is “true peace.”  Please read the texts for this coming Sunday; integrate the Romans Advent theme text, and finally, again reflect on the above questions.

In next week’s message, I will sum up some lessons for you to internalize from parts 1 and 2 of this series of sermons to hopefully guide you in your on-going transformation process.

We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, December 6th at 10 am on PCTV – 1301. If you live in South County, it is broadcast at 9 am on channel 1301 CTSB (Community Television for Southern Berkshires).  And there’s always the FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA)!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sheila

To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC)—

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving…and not just because 1^st Gentleman and I are preparing a New Orleans style dinner, but because I am just grateful that in spite of everything that is going on, I still have joy. This joy comes from the hope I have that the tomorrows will get better. Those tomorrows that include the upcoming Advent season. Will you, too, be filled with “joy” in spite of the current climate? And I’m not speaking about the cold weather here in Pittsfield.

The chair of the Diaconate, Linda Haas, and I had a conversation to discuss the 2020 Advent theme, and I was so filled with joy to hear what was placed into her spirit as a theme, and it is—The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During the Advent Season. When I heard the recommendation I said, “This is it.” Then the Holy Spirit placed into my spirit the Bible text to support the declared theme: Romans 12:2. This text tells us: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect (NRSV—Bible).

I want you to honestly reflect upon this text for a while, and I want you to ask yourself the following:

• Are you conforming to negativity in the world?
• What is your process to renew your mind in God in order to have a sense of positive transformation?
• Do you know how to hear God’s Voice in order to be acceptable in the Holy One’s Sight for that positive transformation?

During the next several days, I want you to ponder these questions as you prepare for Thanksgiving, and the beginning of the Advent Season. As God’s people, we must work towards having a mindset and inner peace for transformative purposes so that we can be acceptable to God. I am not saying we will not experience different disparaging thoughts due to life’s vicissitudes, but I am saying we will move from persistent negative thoughts pertaining to the world when we unclutter our minds and focus on Jesus and what this entails. When we focus on Jesus, we move forward in hope; we move forward in joy; we move forward in peace; and most of all, when we focus on Jesus, we move forward in love. I pray this focus will go beyond the Advent Season so that the positive transformation remains a part of us as disciples of Christ with those uncluttered hearts.

We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, November 22^nd at 10am on PCTV – 1301. If you live in South County, it is broadcast at 9am on channel 1301 CTSB (Community Television for Southern Berkshires).  And there’s always the FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA)!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sheila

To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC) —

Psalm 23

King James Version

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Relying on the Great Shepherd

Please, keep reading the above text of the 23^rd Psalm until you have a peacefulness that transcends whatever you are feeling during this time of division in our country. We are living through the stress related to the presidential election, and of course we are living in COVID times; along with the possibility of a “new wave” of this Coronavirus. Then, let us not leave out that we have entered into the cold and flu season. This Psalm is for the “living,” although we usually hear it read at funerals. As people of God, let us rely on the “Great Shepherd” for our peace during any difficult time; and remember, that God, as our Great Shepherd, will always meet our needs. When we maintain that hope in God, this enables us to move forward in peace!!! Let us also encourage others to read it or “you” read it to others as a demonstration of “peace within” that transcends all understanding that they too believe in…just encourage them to internalize the gift from God and you.

We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, November 8^th at 10 am on PCTV – 1301. If you live in South County, it is broadcast at 9 am on channel 1301 CTSB (Community Television for Southern Berkshires).  And there’s always the FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA)!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sheila

To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC)—

Well, I want you all to know that I am no longer “weary,” thanks to all who wrote very comforting notes to me and also for your prayers…but now, I am feeling a sense of sadness. Why? This will be our first year (usually held on the 2^nd Sunday in November) that we will not celebrate the annual First Baptist Church Gospel Concert…better known as the Gospel Fest. It’s truly a sense of sadness because this church would be filled to almost capacity. The FBC choir, directed by James Kupernik was ALWAYS phenomenal!!! And our annual special guests…from that of Wanda Houston, Rodney Mashia, The Berkshire Concert Choir, just to name a few of our annual participants would always add to the occasion. I am saying all of this to enable you to reflect upon prior years of how we were so blessed. Yes, a sense of sadness now, but we will come back even stronger next year; just you wait and see.

But even through sadness there still is joy to be found…

Mamé Opoku, the wonderful congregant who always ensured that on the 1^st Sunday of each month FBC would celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with a beautiful cake has been led by God to coordinate a new ministry. This ministry, through the recommendation of Missions, will enable congregants to connect via Zoom for social and spiritual connection. We need interested folks to contact the church’s office (413-445-4539) to advise us of your interest or just email us and we will provide Mamé with your information. These Gatherings will be developed by Mamé…so all Gathering information will come from her. Aren’t you EXCITED? See, joy can be found even during the midst of sadness. We will not have the Gospel Concert this year, but we do have the opportunity to continue being together.

So, in closing, Happy November…Remember to set your clocks back and enjoy that extra hour of sleep. We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, November 1^st at 10 am on PCTV – 1301. I really encourage you to read the “Beatitudes,” Matthew 5:1-13 in preparation for Sunday’s sermon, and then ask yourself, “God, where am I in regard to these blessings?” If you live in South County, it is broadcast at 9 am on channel 1301 CTSB (Community Television for Southern Berkshires).  And there’s always the FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA)!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sheila

To the Congregants and Friends of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield (FBC)—

If I am allowed to be honest and transparent, I will now tell you that I am weary. Will you allow me to admit to you that I am at times so weary? I am weary because I hear about so many of my congregants who are hurting at this time for many reasons. Many are hurting because they are experiencing grief over the death of loved ones…parents having to bury their children. Children burying their parents…spouses burying their partners after long periods of togetherness. Also, many are hurting due to the stresses of COVID and being confined and lonely in their homes and backyards. Then we must remember that the winter is coming, so sitting in backyards 6 ft away from family and friends will no longer exist for us. Many of us are hurting due to emotional or physical pain; and then we are all hurting due to the prolonged issues of injustices from that of ageism, racism, sexism, and all of the other “isms” associated with life.

So, now I am asking you: “Are you weary…can you be transparent and admit that you are weary about one thing or another?” Remember, even Jesus became weary at certain points…that’s why He would go off to pray so that He could rest upon God, His Creator. So, I ask you again: “Are you weary?” Be honest, it’s OK to admit to it…it’s not a fault or weakness…it is being fully human as was Jesus. If you are willing to admit your weariness, then I have a verse for you as spoken by Jesus to His disciples.

Let’s go to a beautiful Scripture found in John 14:27:

[The]Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

This Scripture is bringing me comfort today because I keep repeating it over and over as a mantra. Jesus is the peace giver for our weariness. It’s OK to admit being weary, but it’s more important to know where to go in order to be relieved of the weariness that comes upon us in our humanity. Let’s hold onto our mantra of peace in that of the risen Jesus, the Christ. Let us not hold onto being troubled or being afraid. Let us hold onto peace.

We look forward to our time together this coming Sunday, October 18^th at 10 am on PCTV – 1301. If you live in South County, it is broadcast at 9 am on channel 1301 CTSB (Community Television for Southern Berkshires).  And there’s always the FBC Facebook Live Stream (First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA)!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sheila