August Newsletter

CHURCH INFORMATION CHURCH STAFF Ross Shelton, Pastor

rshelton@fbc-brenham.org

Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org

Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor

tsikes@fbc-brenham.org

Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist

dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org

Charles Covin, Music Minister

ccovin@fbc-brenham.org

Jodi Beckendorf, Graphic Designer jbeckendorf@fbc-brenham.org

Chad Marrs, Minister to Students

cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org

Stephanie Sheffield, Custodian Manager

ssheffield@fbc-brenham.org

Alex Morrison, Minister to Children

amorrison@fbc-brenham.org

Nancy Jahns, School Administrator

njahns@fbcsbrenham.org

Stacey Strickland, Preschool Ministry

sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org

Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Dir.

mdo@fbc-brenham.org

Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager

tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org

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

LINKS TO CHECK OUT ONLINE CHURCH WEBSITE: www.fbc-brenham.org CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/Brenhamfbcs 2

I N THI S I SSUE:

Special Announcements...................................................page Church-wide Calendar .....................................................page From the Pastor .................................................................page Music Ministry.....................................................................page Thank Yous, Sympathies & Piece Makers......................page Bible Studies and more ....................................................page Small Group, Big News & Encore Ministry....................page A Letter From Reba............................................................page Student Ministry ................................................................page Children’s Ministry ............................................................page Preschool Ministry ............................................................page FBC School & EEC ..............................................................page From Troy’s Heart & Mother’s Day Out..........................page

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR

AUGUST -

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Lord’s Supper - Both Services Holster Home Team Meeting 5:00pm Piece Makers 9:00am Student Center Nelson Home Team Meeting 6:00pm Preschool Summer Fun Day 9:00am Stone House FBCS-Back to School Swim Party 5:30pm BBAC Movin on Up 12:30pm Gym FBCS-Meet the Teacher Night 4:00pm FBCS-New Parent Meeting 6:00pm Room 112 Promotion Sunday - Preschool, Children, Students An Evening of Worship & Prayer 5:00pm Sanctuary Holster Home Team Meeting FBCS- 1st Day of School Nelson Home Meeting 6:00pm Wednesday Night Activities Resume

For more information on any of the above events please visit the church website: www.fbc-brenham.org www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch

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FROM PASTOR ROSS When my family and I are on vacation, we try to visit a church. I welcome the opportunity to worship corporately and not have any responsibilities. It is good to experience how other churches do their Sundays. What is often most helpful, though, is to go through the experience of being a visitor at a church.

Recently, my family and I visited a church during our vacation in Austin. It is one of the healthiest, fastest growing churches in the United States. Our overall experience was a positive, God-honoring one. As I reflect back on our experience, here are some things I want to remember concerning what it feels like to visit a church: - I was sensitive to anything that caused confusion or frustration. For example, the church we visited meets in a high school in a densely populated part of the city. I found what I thought was the parking lot entrance, but, while the parking lot was clearly not full at the moment, there was a sign that said “Lot Full.” I ended up driving around looking for another entrance and parking place, which was not easy given their parking arrangements. It was a good reminder that what makes sense to a church member who knows where everything is and how everything works might be confusing and frustrating to a first time guest.

- It is always a challenge to balance letting guests be anonymous and making sure they feel welcome. For example, because we were visiting for one Sunday, I did not feel the need to be welcomed by anyone. Nevertheless, I did notice that no one shook our hands during the meet-and-greet time.

Of course, every guest is different. Some guests want more anonymity and others want overt forms of welcome. This being said, it is better to default to being more welcoming (saying “Hi,” shaking hands, introducing oneself, etc.) than defaulting to leaving people alone.

- As I was leaving, one of the questions I asked myself was, “Would I visit this church again if I lived in Austin?” My answer was absolutely a “yes.” This reminded me that as important as it for people to visit a church for the first time, having them come back is just as essential.

Given these observations, let me encourage you in some ways we can make sure guests feel welcomed: - Be aware of those around you on Sunday morning. It is easy to have routines so engrained that you are not aware of those around you, especially those who may be new. Therefore, the simple act of being more aware is a good starting point.

- If you meet someone on Sunday who needs guidance about where to go, you can always point him or her to the Guest Welcome Table, which is in the foyer (front entrance) of the Sanctuary. During Sunday School, the Guest Welcome Table is not maned, but there are always people in the Sanctuary who can help. Even better than pointing them to the Sanctuary/Guest Welcome Table is walking with them so that they can find the appropriate people.

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CONTINUED FROM PASTOR ROSS - If you notice something that might be confusing to a first time guest, please let us know. One of the challenges we currently face is that we have multiple buildings and multiple entry points, which can be confusing for new people.

Therefore, we continually think of ways to help new people. Here are some examples of some of the things we learned over the years to help guests. We put out signage on Sunday morning directing people the Guest Welcome Table.

We have the times posted when the Guest Welcome Table will be maned. We keep the doors open from the Foyer into the Sanctuary during Sunday School because we had someone waiting in the Foyer once because the doors were closed (i.e. a church member would have felt comfortable opening a door and coming in, but a guest did not feel comfortable doing so). We are currently updating our website to make it more user and guest friendly; there will be a button at the top right of the website that will say something like “Plan Your First Visit”. All-this-to-say, we need to be thinking continually of ways to improve the guest welcome experience.

As we prepare for the start of a new school year, we enter into a season where we will, God-willing, have more guests visiting our church. Let us prayerfully prepare now to show the love and welcome that I know marks our church.

MUSIC MINISTRY Kids’ Choir will be back in session on Wednesday evenings August 28th – December 18th from 5:30pm to 6:15pm in the CHOIR ROOM (located downstairs, directly behind the sanctuary).

For 1st – 6th graders Dinner will be provided for our singers each week!

Contact Charles at ccovin@fbc-brenham.org with any questions.

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THANK YOUS & SYMPATHIES FBC Family, Thank you for remembering our family with the beautiful flowers at the loss of my mother.

Angela Dalrymple Dear Church Family, Thank you for your prayer support and lovely plant during this time.

We celebrate Momma’s home coming and victory in Jesus!

Love, Fred & Jane Moorhead and Family The family of David Ruley is very grateful for the many kindnesses shown us during this sad time. Thank you too for the lovely basket of houseplants sent to the service.

Joyce Ruley

SYMPATHIES:

-Jane Moorhead and family in the loss of her mother, Imogene Adcock.

-Kelley Hyman and family in the loss of his brother, Casey Hyman.

-Darlene Welty and family in the loss of her sister, Nadine Mahan.

-Joyce Ruley in the loss of her husband, David Ruley.

Piece Makers presented Melinda VanOstrand, Executive Director of New Beginnings Life Ministries, fifty handmade baby quilts and fifty mommy bags for new mother baby supplies in July.

PIECE MAKERS

Please join us as we stitch something for someone to love the first Tuesday of each month from 9 am to 4 pm in the Student Center. We can provide project kits for you to stitch at home if you can’t make our meetings. Call Sara Byman at 979 830-8555 if you want to sew at home.

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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE

Men’s Prayer Breakfast Studying “Joshua” , Wednesdays, 6:00am Sycamore House

Sweet Hour of Prayer Thursdays, 10:00am Sycamore House Garage

Ladies Bible Study “Fingerprints of God” , Wednesdays starting 8/28, 6:30pm, Sycamore House

Prayers of the Bible Wednesdays starting 8/28, 6:30pm, Room 111

Pastor’s Bible Study , Wednesdays starting 8/28, 6:30pm, Room 112

Ladies In-depth Bible Study “1 Peter” , Tuesdays starting 9/10, 9:00am, Pahl House

HOME TEAM GROUPS ·Scott and Tricia Schroeder – 620 Country Place W., Meets 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5pm. ·Roger and Juanita Atkins – 9250 Lake Dr. Chappell Hill, Meeting one Sunday a month. Please call 281-389-2859 to confirm meeting time. ·Ronnie and Debbie Fathauer – 1607 Longhofer, Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 6:00pm. ·Sean & Mindy Holster – 2291 Strangmeier, 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5pm, Begins August 4th. ·Shane & Erin Nelson – 5000 Beckermann, 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 6pm, Begins August 6th. ·Troy & Kirby Gor – Sycamore House (307 Sycamore), Meets 2nd Monday at 6:15pm, Begins September 9th.

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SMALL GROUP, BIG NEWS Welcome to our second installment of Small Group Big News! Monthly in this section, we will highlight the BIG things going on in our small groups.

Last month, we highlighted the start of 3 new Home Teams. Please be praying for these leaders and those attending. Here are the details: Sean & Mindy Holster’s -2291 Strangmeier Rd - Starting August 4th and meeting every other Sunday (twice a month) 5-7pm. A meal and childcare will be in their home. Fall video series called “Effective Parenting in a Defective World” by Chip Ingram.

Troy & Kirby Gor’s – Sycamore house (307 Sycamore St. ) on Church campus.

Starting September 9th and meeting the SECOND Monday of each month from 6-7:15pm. A meal will be shared. Childcare will be held in the church nursery in the main portion of the church.

Shane & Erin Nelson’s - Green Mailbox Ranch—5000 Beckermann Road.

Starting August 6 and meetings will be the FIRST & THIRD Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm. A meal and childcare will be held at the same house.

ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS As we prepare for the fall, here is some information about our Encore luncheons: -Thursday, September, 19th: Lunch @ 11:30 (not 11:00) am in private meeting room at a local restaurant (name of restaurant will be provided in the bulletin prior to the luncheon) -Thursday, October 17th: Lunch @ 11:30 am (not 11:00) in private meeting room at a local restaurant (name of restaurant will be provided in the bulletin prior to the luncheon) -Friday, November 8th: -10:00 am: Veteran’s Day Program in the Sanctuary -11:00 am: Lunch in the Pahl House sponsored by First Baptist Church School -Thursday, December 5th at 11:00 am in the Gym: Annual Christmas Luncheon: This will be a catered luncheon and a special Christmas music program Please note that our luncheons in September and October will not be here at the church and instead in a private room at a local restaurant. After some conversations with a number of people who found preparing and bringing the food for a potluck more challenging, we decided in April to do lunch together at Sealand in their private room. The luncheon was well attended, and people seemed to enjoy the opportunity to fellowship and do lunch dutch-treat.

Therefore, we try doing these luncheons in private rooms in restaurants for September and October. At this point, there will not be a speaker for the luncheons; it will be focused on fellowshipping together. We will give this a try for September and October and see how it goes. During November and December, our schedule follows our annual Veteran’s Day luncheon and Christmas luncheon.

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A LETTER FROM REBA Today as I sit down to write I have been reminiscing about a friend who is in the hospital in Alabama right now in serious “But those who hope condition. His wife and daughter are getting very tired as he has been there for in the Lord will renew their over a week now. He was our Minister of strength. They will soar on Music at our last church for a while, and I worked very closely with him in the music wings like eagles; they will run ministry keeping the music library in order and not grow weary, they will and up to date. He and his wife were very close to Doc and I during our time together walk and not be faint.” there. He was there for us when we were Isaiah 40:31 going through family issues with one of our children. Today I shared with his wife the scripture I am sharing here today. I fall back on this one all the time, because it slows me down to let me turn everything over to God. It reminds me who is in control. Being so far from my friends that was what I felt I could do for them today from here. It is hard being the one sitting for hours on end when you feel like the world is closing in on you, but I am here to say boldly today that as Christians we should always turn to God on these occasions. He will be there ! Before you know it school will be starting so right now school supplies are on sale everywhere. Be thinking about your Operation Christmas Child boxes we will be gathering in November to send around the world in Jesus name. We are also participating in the “For the City” school supply drive. May you all have a blessed day!

Reba Pair

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STUDENT MINISTRY It’s that time of year again… You know what I am talking about. The whistles are blowing, the drums are beating, cars are zooming by my house and honking.

And the sun is absolutely relentless and won’t give us a break from the heat.

My proximity to the high school gives me a prelude to the start of school. The teams are practicing and the band is rehearsing.

The start of the new school year means that ALL IN will begin soon, too! I am so excited about this new year with this group of students. The first ALL IN will be August, 28th. We will meet on Wednesday for three weeks and then be off for two weeks for the Washington County Fair and for the Homecoming Parade.

I was really inspired this past spring by a group of our students that began leading out in youth worship. It was exactly the kind of thing I’m always praying for. The students took the initiative and served their fellow students. Austen McCartey played electric guitar, Lukas Freeman played bass guitar and sang, Chase Marrs played the drums, Lily Marrs played the keyboard and sang, Rachel Kuespert sang beautiful harmony, and Addie Kuespert mixed it all together on the sound board. I hope you had a chance to hear the youth band a couple of months ago. But, you may not have seen Addie in the sound booth with Kip Thompson.

Something new this year for the student ministry will be the Service And Leadership Team (SALT). I really want to motivate the students to lead out by serving just like the band did last year. I’m asking the students for a one-year commitment. We will begin by reading Jesus on Leadership and identifying what really makes a servant leader. We will have some other requirements for SALT, and I plan to take those who fulfill their commitments to FUGE Beach Camp in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Is your calendar already filling up?

In our household, we use a shared iPhone calendar so everybody can add to it and see it. We also have a huge calendar on the fridge.

Our family motto is, “If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.” So, go ahead and add these IMPORTANT dates for 2020 to your calendar: • Jan 24-26, 2020 • Feb 9, 2020 • Mar 6-14, 2020 • June 11-15, 2020

Disciple Now Men’s Cake Bake Honduras Mission Trip WiRED Camp

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV) Good Morning, “Jesus is R.E.A.L.!” This was the theme for Camp Tejas this year. Camp was a ton of fun with the lazy river, figure-8 water slide, water zipline, lake trapeze, 30 ft swing, 50 ft climbing wall and zipline, diving boards, super-fast lake slide, fishing, water discs, crafts, smoothie bar, volleyball, gaga pit and much, much more. Each day held new adventures to be experienced in the rec games and the food was well above usual camp fare.

However, the remarks I received the most about what people (adults and kids) enjoyed the best was the worship. The worship band from First Baptist Church of Bryan (one of our camp partners) brought us to the throne with enthusiasm and reverence. It was exciting to enter those doors of the worship center. Then Pastor Danny Reeves from First Baptist Church of Corsicana (another camp partner) furthered the worship as he led us through God’s word. Lives were changed as kids (and adults) sat in awe of a God who is Relational, Evangelistic, Approachable and Love (R.E.A.L.) and several responded to His call in many different areas at the end of the week. We sent 64 kids and 34 leaders and I believe we returned with August 11 - Movin On UP 98 changed kids and leaders. Thank you to 12pm - Gym all who prayed for our kids and team. God was present and we were ready to listen and August 14 - Bakpackin @ Horseshoe Junction - 5-7pm - $5/person respond from the first night. I wonder how August 18 - Promotion Sunday God is going to use us as we start this new season in our church.

August 28 - Wednesday Night His Servant & Yours, Activities Resume Bro. Alex

Upcoming Events:

This Month’s Big Idea: Obedience — Trusting who’s in charge by doing what you’re asked to do.

Weekly Bottom Lines (Bible Story in Parenthesis): 1. When you learn about God, it’s easier to follow Him. (Psalm 119:105).

2. Trust and obey, even when you think your way is better. (Gen. 3:1-24).

3. Trust and obey even when others don’t. (Gen. 6-8).

4. Trust and obey even if you don’t know how it will work out. (Gen. 12-21).

This Month’s Memory Verse: “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 6

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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES Memory Verse:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.” James 1:5a

Big Picture Question:

What does God know? God knows everything.

•Promotion Sunday – August 18th, 2019 Parents our Kindergarteners are going to be leaving us this month to start their new adventure as 1st Graders. As we are so sad to see them leave, our hearts are full of joy for them. They are such wonderful young people and we have had the privilege of watching them grow up. Thank you for that.

I wanted to tell you about our Moving On Up lunch for our Kindergarteners and their families. Alex and I are teaming up again this year to say goodbye, introduce and welcome these precious ones into the Children’s Ministry. Please mark your calendars for August 11th at FBC Gym right after the second service (12:00pm). If you have any questions you can contact Alex or me. We hope to see you there.

•Christmas in September – September 15, 2019 … more information coming soon!

LUKE MCCORKLE

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SCOUT PIERATT

LIZ GOSS 8-31

8-10

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FBC SCHOOL & EEC School days are just around the corner! Our first day of class will be August 19. In the days to come, we will be preparing classrooms and hearts for our students.

We are so fortunate to be able to partner with the church in this mission. Please pray for the staff as they prepare for the kids. Pray for the families and children we serve, and that their hearts will be changed for eternity. We continue to strive to serve the Lord with all that with do!

Our theme this year is We Before Me. We are basing our theme from the book The Hard Hat by Jon Gordon. It is based on a true story of a college athlete with an incredible work ethic as well as a heart for others. Just like Jesus, we will be striving to put Him and others first.

We are still accepting enrollment for next year. Our nursery through 2’s classes are full, but we have limited space in our 3’s classes and up. Please help spread the word about this opportunity to join the FBCS & EEC family.

In His Service, Nancy

AUGUST

WE ARE LOOKING FOR QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES FOR OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM. PLEASE PRAY FOR GOD TO PROVIDE PEOPLE WITH A HEART FOR HIM SO THEY CAN LOVE, CARE AND SERVE LIKE HIM! 8

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Back to School party at Blue Bell Aquatic Center @ 5:30– sponsored by PTO Student packet pick-up @ party Staff Development – school and EEC closed Meet the Teacher 4:00-6:00 New Parent Orientation Rm. 112 6:00 First day of classes VB/FB games @ Emmanuel in Giddings Elementary Parent Workshop 6:00 Preschool Parent Workshop 6:00

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FROM TROY’S HEART “There is no place like home!” Yes, that is a line from the Wizard of Oz, but it is also a phrase that is a part of our American vernacular. Why? Because it is true, isn’t it?

How do you feel when you are home? Relaxed? Comfortable? Joyful?

Peaceful and calm? Settled? Reminiscent? When we are home, we find ourselves in a place of our own making and also in a place where circumstances and others have helped make us. Home is a wonderful place that transports our mind and heart as soon as we pull up the driveway or open the door.

Recently, I helped a family move from a home where they lived for over 20 years.

As we loaded boxes and furniture into a truck in preparation for the move to a new location, I was reminded of the sentiments a home brings to us. For the family, this home, more than the contents of it, held deep connections, memories and stories. When they slowly pulled away from their old home, the tears flowed.

In John 14:23, Jesus said that if we obey His teachings, He and the Father would make their home with us. God wants to set up “house” in our lives! How great is that truth? God wants to move into our lives and create an environment where peace, contentment and joy abide.

How does that happen? Faithful acceptance and obedience to His teaching.

Allow Jesus to move into our lives…every room, then give Him the keys and the deed. If we do it, I guarantee, “there will be no place like home!”

I love you, Troy

MOTHER’S DAY OUT MDO is still enrolling for the 2019-20 school year. Classes are filling up fast. School starts September 3rd.

If you would like more information or would like to set up a tour, contact Kristie at mdo@fbc-Brenham.org or contact the church office.

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

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Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit 235 Brenham, TX 77834-0600

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