National Day of Prayer

Do you ever get frustrated by how complicated the world seems? Or by how hard it often seems to simply do a good deed, to expect nothing in return except for the feeling of accomplishment in doing good?

A good deed can change the world -- but far too often we lack the energy, the focus, the understanding of the need, or the potential of the difference we can make, to simply do a good deed! The urgency of the day, everyday, rushes into our time and the day is past, used up, gone. Gone is the opportunity of that day to do good. We end our days as we began them, rushing from one thing to another. We end up tired, worn out, retire to rest so that we can begin all over again on the next day.

We miss out on the privilege that it is to share with others, our gifts, skills, abilities, to share that which reminds us that we are each a special creation in God's eyes. Good deeds do not take money, they take willing hearts.

To help each of us to simply do a good deed we are forming a team... called... "Simply Good Deeds!" There will be very little structure, no regular meetings, no money is involved, (nor will any be given out), there is no need to be involved in any good deed unless you want to be. We will not keep a list of the skills of the team, all skills are self-assessed and all responsibility for the task performed is on the individual performer. All communication will be by email.

The process will be simple:

1) Visit our Contact Page and submit our the short online form. Fill out the appropriate fields and type "National Day of Prayer" in the subject line then press submit. Church membership and/or attendance is not needed. Family members, members from other churches, and/or those who do not attend church are warmly welcomed to join in. This is a great opportunity to model to kids, grand kids, friends’ kids, and remind the kid in each of us, the joy it is to give.

2) You will be put on a list of other kindred spirits and notified when needs are presented, you may be asked to respond if a specific number of people are needed.

3) As you go about your daily life, watch for someone who has a need, that you &/or others can fill. We are looking for simple tasks that can be accomplished in a 3-hour or less block.

4) In addition, we are asking that each one share the joy they discover they have performing, "Simply Good Deeds!" in their daily life. If you helped a neighbor put in a mail box, let us know, it will remind the rest of us to take a look at our neighbors and perhaps discover that they too could use some help! If you walk a convalescing friend's dog, let us know and remind us that our friend may need a friendly dog walker too!

Life is too short to not share the joy that is found by doing "Simply Good Deeds!" Sign up today, and start giving... there is joy to be found!

Pastor Dee brings Joy and Many Gifts of Ministry

Rev. Dr. Deanna J. Swilling known to us as "Pastor Dee" began her ministry at FBC Exeter in 2008 and brings many gifts to us. She is eager to be involved with church and community.

Rev. Dr. Deanna Swilling has a wide range of education and experience in pastoral ministry, teaching and writing. Before entering the Christian ministry, Rev. Swilling also had experience as a registered nurse. She has more recently been the Coordinator of Admissions for the Doctor of Ministry Department at Gordon-Conwell Seminary in Hamilton and Boston, Massachusetts. She and her husband, the Rev. Dr. William Swilling of the Baptist Church of Salem, NH, have three grown children and one granddaughter. Together, they have been a ministry team having served for many years in Newburyport, Massachusetts among other locations in the greater Boston area.

Rev. Deanna Swilling earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1989 from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA, graduating Magna cum Laude and having been awarded the President’s Scholarship. She then earned her Doctor of Ministry Degree is 2001 from Gordon-Conwell of South Hamilton. Rev. Deanna Swilling has extensive writing accomplishments having developed “The Connection”, a national newsletter of the American Baptist Churches of the USA in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. She has written articles, books, and group study and Adult Discipleship materials for various churches including Grace Chapel of Lexington, Massachusetts. She is presently seeking publication on a book on church leadership based upon her doctoral study focus on “Ministry in the New England Context”.

The Rev. Dr. Deanna Swilling brings to Exeter a joyful spirit and a joyful heart and describes her calling to Exeter First Baptist Church, above and beyond her many accomplishments and skills, as simply “being a “Pastor”. The church is located downtown Exeter on the corner of Front Street and Spring Streets. Visitors are always welcome to attend.