April Newsletter 2021

For more information on any events please visit the church website:

www.fbc-brenham.org

www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Brenham’s First Baptist Church Contact Info:

Ph: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 info@fbc-brenham.org

Mailing address: PO Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834

One of my heroes is a German pastor who ministered and started orphanages in England in the 19th century, George Muller. One of his legacies is that he did not make people aware of financial needs and simply prayed to God for the need. The prayer journal he left behind is a testimony to the different ways God answered those prayers. One of the quotes I have printed off and keep in my Bible is:

This quote continually encourages me to bring every need to God in prayer and rest that the Provider will provide in His time and His way. As we pray, God will grow us in our faith and He will be glorified.

Our relocation journey is ultimately a journey of prayer and exercise of faith. Yes, it involves fundraising and buildings, but ultimately I hope it will be an opportunity for us to grow in trusting God. I want to encourage you to stay updated about our relocation by going to https://fbc-brenham. org/about-us/relocation/. Here you will find construction and financial updates, information about our current “Forward in Faith” campaign and how to give, videos we are making of church members and why they are excited about the relocation, and information from the past years and how God has worked. As you stay updated, I want you to read this for more than information. I want to encourage you to read this information and then turn it into prayer. For example, right now we need funding to begin the Audio/Visual/Lighting (A.V.L.) for the Worship Center. Therefore, each day I am seeking God for His provision for the A.V.L. in ways He will be glorified. There will be other needs as we move forward. If you have not begun praying for these items, I hope you will. The reason I hope you will pray is so that you will learn and experience what it means to grow in faith and that our new buildings will be a testimony in your life that, “God will provide!”

From Pastor Ross

“One thing more. Some say, ‘Oh, I shall never have the gift of faith Mr. Muller has got.’ This is a mistake – it is the greatest error – there is not a particle of truth in it. My faith is the same kind of faith that all God’s children have had. It is the same kind that Simon Peter had, and all the Christians may obtain the like faith. My faith is their faith, though there may be more of it because my faith has been a little more developed by exercise than theirs; but their faith is precisely the faith I exercise, only, with regard to degree, mine may be more strongly exercised.”

A Letter From Reba Here we are once again in one of the prettiest times of the year, springtime in Central Texas. I think we all may have been wondering if there would be any beautiful wildflowers this spring after the long cold spell we had in February, but once again God is blessing us with their beauty. As the hills show us their beauty that God has blessed them with, we should bless “For God so loved the world that others with the gift of Salvation that God has He gave His only begotten Son, blessed us with. As we celebrate His love and that whosoever believes in Him sacrifice this Easter, let us all focus on His sacrifice for each of us who can do nothing should not perish, but have to earn it, but accept it willingly eternal life.” John 3:16 and whole heartily. We also need to be willing to share it with the world around us.

Blessings, Reba Pair

Piece Makers The Cottonwood House is home to the Piece Makers longarm quilting machine. This stand up quilter is dedicated to quilting the baby and comfort quilts our ministry provides to New Beginnings Life Ministries and church members in need. Rosie Harris has perfected the free motion meander pattern and has quilted many of these quilts. She is pictured just after quilting one of the four Carpenter’s Star comfort quilts made by Piece Makers during our November meeting.

Meetings are held in the Student Center on the first Tuesday of each month starting at 9 am. All are welcome to attend!

Focus of the Month: Accessories If you can sew, drawstring bags are easy to make.

Pray for children to come to know Christ.

Suggestions for boys and girls of all ages: Sunglasses, bandana, ribbons, bead jewelry/kit, tote bag/purse/drawstring bag, wristwatch, hair clips, bows, friendship bracelets, decorative hat/baseball cap, stuffed animals. Most importantly, pray for guidance in what to pack for each child. This is often the WOW item a child sees first. They all desire something soft and cuddly.

Contact Doddie Messick for more info: doddie.messick@gmail.com

From Troy's Heart

As I write this newsletter article, I am putting the finishing touches on the last sermon in our series, Can We Talk? Over the five weeks of the series, we have looked at conversations God had with people in the Bible.

·Moses said, “I need You”. God said, “I am with you.”

·Abram said, “I don’t get it.” God said, “Believe Me.”

·Hosea said, “I hurt.” God said, “I know. Trust Me.”

·The sinful woman said, “I’m ashamed.” Jesus said,

“Forgiven. Freed. A future.”

·Mary and Martha said, “We lost.” Jesus said “Believe Me. We win.”

God takes the initiative to come to us and talk. He loves talking to His children. What do you think He is saying to you today? He is always up to something in our lives. Right now, He is working in you and around you to show you what He is up to.

Do yourself a favor. Take a moment out of your day today and have a talk with God. Grab your Bible. Get a piece of paper and pen. Get by yourself.

Once settled, talk to Him in prayer, open your Bible to a familiar book, read and write down what you hear Him say to you. Think about what you just wrote and then ask Him what He would have you do based on the truth He revealed to you. Pray and commit to do what He asks.

If you will regularly follow this process of deepening your conversations with God, you will find yourself maturing in your faith relationship with Him. There aren’t shortcuts in our relationship with God or our friends, they all take time, intentionality and love. Invest in those today.

I love you, Troy PS: Thank you Pastor Ross for allowing me the opportunity to speak God’s Word during the Can We Talk? sermon series.

Thank Yous BFB Church, We truly thank you God for you and your generous giving. We cannot fight this fight alone and we are so grateful to have your prayers and support!

Melissa Lasater, New Beginnings Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for the beautiful plant you sent for Joe’s service. Thanks for the calls, visits, cards and prayers. We are grateful for each one.

Cheri and Bronson Baker Dear Church Family, It is from the depth of my heart, as well as, our family's we want to express our love, appreciation and caring extended to each of us in the service for JT, my loving husband of 70 years, father to Charlotte and Linda, Grandpa to Aaron and Tyler, Great Grandpa to Avery and Henley . We could not have asked for a more Christian celebration of life than was spoken by Bro. Ross, Bro. Troy and Songs by our wonderful choir director, Charles Covin.

Music played by Dr. Robert and Martha Haydon. The basket of plants was so colorful.

Thank you so very much and it has a special place in my apartment. Each time I see it I think of the kindness and caring church I miss so much. May God bless you Forward in Faith Church Family.

In Christian Love, Loretta, Charlotte Davis, Linda Fisher, Tyler Fisher, Aaron Zindler, Beth and family We all would like to thank the staff and the First Baptist School for providing the pies and ice cream to our office. Most importantly, thank you all for the handwritten notes of support for our men and women in uniform during the recent winter storm.

Be safe and may God bless you all.

Sheriff Hanak and Staff

Sympathies

-Cheri and Bronson Baker and family in the loss of her husband and Bronson’s father, Joe. -George McDaniel and family in the loss of his wife Mary Helen.

-Sheran McCants and family in the loss of her father, Howard Cooper.

-Ruth LeDoux and family in the loss of her brother, Jesse Gibson.

Preschool Ministry Memory Verse:

“Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, The Lord reigns.” 1 Chronicles 16:31

Big Picture Question:

What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.

Happy Birthday: Caleb Holster Anderson Nelson Olivia Gor Lyndon Anderson Annistyn Otto

Student Ministry Spring has sprung and the grass will not stop growing! I guess I did a good job of fertilizing this year.

I can’t remember the last time I was home for a Spring Break. Normally I am on a mission trip. But, this year I took the time to finally get a little yard work done and fix a fence that had blown down.

Believe it or not, that was the easy part.

It is the glorious weather of March and early April that stirs up a desire each year for growing a garden. We love vegetables at our house, but unfortunately, Bobbye and I don’t know a thing about gardening. But, like the annual blossoming of bluebonnets, hope springs eternal, and we are attempting once again to try our hand at planting a little spot in the yard.

The first challenge from the get-go was tilling up the ground. Have you every tilled up ground that has never been tilled before?! I felt like I had been in a fight with a 300 lb. dinosaur. Apparently, there are muscles you use for tilling up hard soil that you never use for any other purpose. Ever.

But I am so looking forward to reaping the harvest from my 8 little rows that I’m working in the backyard. I know when I’m eating those fresh tomatoes and peppers that they will taste all the better for the hard work I put into them.

I feel like this past year in ministry that I’ve used ministry muscles that I never used before.

At some level we are all facing uncertainty, fear, sickness, and anxiety. This makes me think of Matthew 9:35-38: “Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’”

Friends, as difficult as it has been to not be together in the Lord’s house regularly, our mission has always been to go out into His harvest. May the Lord find us faithful!

In Him, Bro. Chad

FBC School and EEC

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 A year ago, FBCS had just closed. Isaiah 41:13 fills my heart with praise for all God had done. This spring is budding with opportunities! We have successfully had in-person school and kept our EEC open with only a few exceptions since August.

Glory to God! Despite several setbacks leading up to the event, we had a successful Texas Celebration in March! We are still working to get a final amount raised; as of now, it looks like it will be around $48,000. Funds raised through Texas Celebration not only help us keep costs down for current families, but it also positions us toward better financial independence. That is a long-term goal for this ministry.

I am praying for you, my beautiful church family! Your love and support have made such a difference to not only the school ministry but also to me personally. Many thanks for the ways you may have served or supported the school.

Scholarships Needed

Blessings, Nancy Jahns

It’s not too late to enroll for the 2020-2021 school year! Call or come by the school office for information and a tour.

Go to https://www.fbcsbrenham.org/ for info and to enroll.

We are in need of scholarship donations for the 2021-2022 school year.

Please consider a gift to this fund.

It helps families to send their child to FBCS. The scholarships are for need-based students, and they are selected through a committee.

CALENDAR

April 1 End of Term 5

2 Good Friday Holiday/School and EEC closed

9 2’s Family Ice Cream at the Park 5:30 Jammin All Night

12-15 Achievement Tests for K-6th 23 Night School

27 PE Night – 1st grade families

Children's Ministry Good Morning, Have you ever lost something? Of course you have. If you haven’t, please write a book to let all the rest of us know how to successfully keep track of all our things. For the rest of you who share moments of stress and anxiety searching for that item that you know you put“right there”, please indulge me. You know the feelings that course through your mind, heart and gut when you lose something. The higher the value or need of the item, the greater the intensity of the feelings that rise.

You know the process. First, you realize you forgot it – paying for the ice cream at the Blue Bell parlor, you reach for your wallet and it’s not there – cold chills run through you. Then, you leave there thinking back to the last time you used your wallet and rushing to that location (or making a phone call) to make certain you left it on your bedside table, and to secure it. When you find the item life is great and you feel like buying ice cream for everyone in the parlor. However, if it is not by the bedside, you fret and your tummy tumbles until the item is found. If it never is found, sometimes you can move on with an,“Oh well,”but sometimes the item is irreplaceable and wrecks you. For a short moment, I began to dread the thought of a life wrecking loss this past weekend.

It was a beautiful day – cool temperatures, bright sun and gentle breezes. We had just returned from our Spring Break trip. I was out running errands. My wife and kids were at home about to enjoy lunch. Then, I got a phone call from my wife. At first I thought it was the usual,“When can we expect you”phone call. “I can’t find one of the girls.” This message came through the phone and caused me to do a double take that merited a“Please repeat your last.” When the message came back confirming what I thought I heard the first time, I was not too concerned. Going through the day’s events and searches of possible locations that our daughter would go on the property all to no avail caused my concern-meter to rise. Suddenly, the sunshine dimmed, the wind stopped blowing and the temperature rose slightly. At the time of the phone call, the search had reached 30 minutes since the acknowledgement of her being gone. Her trusty phone would not ping and indicated that her location services had been turned off. Phone calls were unanswered, as well as texts. Still being on the road and not at home to look for myself, my mind began to race as did my vehicle. I frantically searched each car passing as I turned down our road, with horrible thoughts of my daughter unable to escape and passing me by. As I returned to the house, there was still no sign of her.

I made a quick search of our house for my own self-assurance and then rushed over to the neighbors in hopes that they might have seen something, but they had not. It was then, about 45 minutes into the search, that I truly begged God to spare us from the gut-wrenching inevitability my mind was contemplating. I begged for protection for my little girl. I begged for strength.

I begged for her to be found. Before I had made it back to the house, there she was. Her brother found her upon a deeper inspection of the woods behind the house. She had simply gone out to enjoy the beautiful day without telling anyone. Her phone had no service where she was and she was listening to music with her headphones. PHEW!!!!

For 45 minutes, our family was frantic. For about 20 minutes Nicole and I were thinking the worst – and not so worst. We searched high and low, near and far for one of our most prized and irreplaceable possessions. When we found her, we both hugged her silly. At lunch, all we could do is watch her in appreciative admiration. In Luke 15 Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who searches high and low, near and far for the 1 of his 100 sheep who had been lost, and then rejoices greatly when the sheep is found. When I thought my daughter was lost, everything stopped. My schedule for the day no This Month’s Big Idea: longer mattered. Hamburgers sat on the table and got Proving you care more about each other cold. Every member of the family was activated and not than winning an argument. one teen was left scrolling though the screens on the phones. Neighbors were called into the search. It was a Weekly Bottom Lines: team effort to find her. How about here in our church?

Do we have the same urgency to seek the“lost”- using 1. God made peace with us.(Col. 1:20 & John 20:1-18) Jesus words,“the sinners who need to repent?” I am not 2. We can make peace with others. (Col. 3:15) asking if we are judgmentally finding sinners and 3.You can show you care about others by walking pointing fingers. I am gently asking if we know of people away from a fight. (Genesis 26:1-6, 12-22, 26-31) in our lives, or our communities, that are living life without the Savior, and are we acting as urgently as my family did 4. You can show you care about others by being a this past weekend, using whatever resources available, to part of the solution. (1 Samuel 25:1-35) introduce those people to the life saving Savior?

Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600

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