Family Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24th @ 6pm IN THIS ISSUE : Church Announcements .................................................. page 2 Church-wide Calendar ..................................................... page 3 A Letter from Pastor Ross ................................................ page 4 Music Ministry ................................................................. page 5 Adult Discipleship ........................................................... page 6 Bible Studies & More ....................................................... page 7 Encore Ministry ............................................................... page 8 A Letter From The Editor .................................................. page 9 Student Ministry .............................................................. page 10 Children’s Ministry ......................................................... page 11 Preschool Ministry .......................................................... page 12 FBC School ..................................................................... page 13 Special Announcements .................................................. page 14 From Troy’s Heart ............................................................ page 15
CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS LOTTIE MOON OFFERING - Our goal this year is $25,000.00. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD COLLECTION - As of now, 3,364 shoeboxes have been collected. ACCESS ACS IS FOR YOU! With our new church database, we have a new ministry tool, Access ACS, designed to help us stay connected. Right now, over 110 of your fellow church members are staying in touch as users of Access ACS. What can you do in Access ACS? • Update your personal records and photos. • Search for church member’s addresses. • View your contribution records. • View the church calendar. • Register for events, make payments online, and give on line. How to Login to Access ACS 1. Go to our church website: www.fbc-brenham.org 2. Click on the “About” Tab. 3. Click on “Ministerial Staff” dropdown tab. 4. Click on “Access ACS Log-in” button. 5. Find the question, “Need a Login?” 6. Click the “Click Here” beside the “Need a Login?” a. If you have a “smart” phone, you can click the icon “Go Mobile” to register your phone and take Access ACS wherever you go. 7. Enter your email and name. 8. Click “Find Me”. a. If you are not found in the system, either your name or email address has been typed incorrectly or we do not have the correct information in our church database. Give us the correct info. and we will update it this week. 9. You will be sent an email containing login information. 10. Once you receive the information, follow the instructions to reset your password.
Welcome New Church Members: John & Dianne Pritchett Joe & Lynn Hnatck
CHURCH STAFF
Ross Shelton, Pastor rshelton@fbc-brenham.org Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor tsikes@fbc-brenham.org Charles Covin, Music Minister ccovin@fbc-brenham.org Alex Morrison, Minister to Children amorrison@fbc-brenham.org Chad Marrs, Minister to Students cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org Stacey Strickland, Preschool Ministry sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org
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Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org Ernie Lewis, Graphic/Media Tech elewis@fbc-brenham.org O’Dell Merryman, Facilities Manager omerryman@fbc-brenham.org Nancy Jahns, School Administrator njahns@fbcsbrenham.org Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Director mdo@fbc-brenham.org
CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR DECEMBER: 1 Piece Makers - Student Center 9:00am - 12:00pm 2 Coffee with the Pastor - Room 112 6:00 - 6:30pm 3 Tapestry Rehearsal - Sanctuary 5:15 - 6:30pm 6 Lord’s Supper Observance - 8:30 & 11:00am 6 Business Meeting - Gym 5:00 - 6:00pm 8 Security Committee Meeting - Pahl Garage 6:00 - 7:00pm 10 FBCS Preschool Christmas Program Sanctuary 10:00 - 11:00am 10 Tapestry Rehearsal - Sanctuary 5:15 - 6:30pm 11 Encore Christmas Celebration Luncheon - Holiday Inn Express Banquet Room 11:30am - 1:00pm 12-13 Music Ministry Christmas Presentation Sanctuary 7:00 - 8:30pm 13 Handbell Choir Plays - Worship Service 8:30am 15 Covenant Keepers Christmas Party - Sycamore Living Room 11:00am - 2:30pm 17 Deacons’ Christmas Party - Sycamore House Dining Room 6:00 - 10:00pm 21- Jan 4 FBCS Closed - Christmas Holiday 24 Family Christmas Eve Service - Sanctuary 6:00 - 7:00pm 24-25 Church Office Closed - Christmas Holiday 24-25 Jan 1 EEC Closed - Holiday 31 Church Office Closes at Noon - Holiday JANUARY: 1 Church Office Closed - Holiday 10 Reflection w/ FBC Members Church/School Relationship Room 112 4:00 - 5:00pm CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. 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 & SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.fbc-brenham.org CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/Brenhamfbcs
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FROM PASTOR ROSS It’s hard to believe 2015 is almost over and that my family and I are celebrating our third Christmas in Brenham. Time has gone fast. As we prepare for the final month of 2015, allow me to point out two important items. First, on December 6 at 5:00 in the Gym, we will have our final business meeting of the year. During the meeting, we will be voting on a new mission, discipleship strategy, vision, and goals. I have enjoyed this process and am looking forward to how these will help set the direction of our church and my leadership. You can find these by going to http://www.fbcbrenham.org/resources/proposed-mission-discipleship-strategyvision-and-goals/. During the business meeting, another item is the proposed architecture firm to guide us through the master planning process. Information about this can be found by going to http://www.fbc-brenham.org/about/relocation/. If you do not have internet access, please call the church at 979-836-2807, and we can mail these to you. Second, like most non-profits, we rely heavily on end-of-year giving. I have always been thankful by how generous our church is throughout the year and how strongly people give in December. My prayer is that God will have us do more: be more generous, do more to reach the lost in our community and world, do more to strategically resource the church to reach the vision and goals God is placing on our heart, etc. In order for us to do these, we rely on God’s financial provision as He resources you to give to the church. In order to assist with end-of-year giving, let me remind you of the following: - You can give online by going to http://www.fbc-brenham.org/give/. - Our church offices will be open on December 31st until noon. - All end-of-year financial gifts mailed in have to be post-marked by December 31st. Thank you, in advance, for your financial generosity. I do not take it for granted and am profoundly thankful for your generosity. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. 4
WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY I would like to invite everyone to join us for our Christmas Presentation of Fantasia Noel! The concert will feature our handbells, Kids’ Choir, Tapestry ensemble, Adult Christmas Choir, and Orchestra. Invite a neighbor or coworker and help us spread the glad tidings of great joy to all the people! Thank you for your consistent prayers and support!
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ADULT MINISTRIES Adult 3 Sunday School News! We have been working on two projects. 1. Koats for Kids – we purchased 17 jackets for Mission Brenham Leadership Academy. In these coats we stuffed scripture verses and a booklet so that they would know that they are uniquely made and loved. 2. Thanks to Betty Windle and Rebecca Presswood’s coordination, we stuffed stuffed 5 boxes for Operation Christmas Child!
PIECE MAKERS Piece Makers presented lap quilts to two of our members in area nursing homes in November. Harvey Bradley and Ed Boettcher received these quilts made from jeans donated by church members and lovingly stitched together by Piece Makers. You can join us as we stitch something for someone to love every first Tuesday of the month at 9 am in the Student Center. Come learn to sew and minister to each other, the community and missions with your new skill. Questions? Contact Sara Byman at 979 830-8555. 6
BIBLE STUDIES & MORE CONNECT & SHARE LIFE TOGETHER IN ONE OF THESE GROUPS!
Schroeders - 620 Country Place West. Study: “Good or God” will meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5pm. Koenig/Sossaman (Ladies/Widows) Study: Missing Pieces - 402 Magnolia, 1st & 3rd Mondays at 6pm. Bishop/Doebler - 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Yeakleys - (Excellent Way Bible Study Group) - Study: Forgotten God; Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Sprit, by Francis Chan - 800 Loesch St, Tuesdays, at 6:30pm. Atkins - 9250 Lake Dr. - Various times and subjects. Home Builders - Study: “Marriage Oneness,” will meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:00pm in room 111. Young Adult Small Group - Young adults 18-29yrs has begun! The group is studying, “Seamless, How the Bible Fits Together as One Story.” This dvd-based course will be facilitated the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 5pm in room 111. W EEK LY B I B LE S T UDI ES & FEL LO W SHIP Men’s Prayer Breakfast Studying: What Every Christian Ought to Know Wednesdays, 6:00am - Sycamore House. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:00am - Syc. House Garage. Pastor’s Bible Study: Daniel, Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 112. Balanced: Gaining & Maintaining Financial Stability: Wednesdays Room 111, 6:30pm. This dvd-based course by Andy Stanley will help you get and keep a handle on your finances.
L ADI ES B I B LE S T UDIES Hosea by Jennifer Rothschild • Wednesday 6:30pm Sycamore House. (Childcare available) LADIES BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP CLASS • Meeting on Thursdays, 9:30am - 11:30am, in the Sycamore House.
PRECEPT CLASSES STUDYING JOEL/OBADIAH • Tuesdays 9:00am-11:00am in the Pahl House. • Wednesdays - 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Pahl House.
COMING JANUARY 12th ZECHARIAH
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ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING!
Our Encore Ministry is comprised of Adults 55 yrs of age and above who know God has more for each of them to accomplish for His kingdom. Therefore, our Encore adults are growing in faith, community, ministry, missions and their love for others.
CELEBRATE OUR DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS! Gloria Nix 12/1 Jim Humphrey Ted Low, IV 12/3 Debbie Yeager Sherrie Foerster 12/3 Marilyn Kleypas Dorothy Lesser 12/4 Doc Pair Clyde Schneider 12/4 Rhonda Porter Barbara Klussmann 12/5 Charles Blank Eddie Hines 12/5 Jerry Norman Frances Applewhite 12/7 Judy Whitaker Reba Pair 12/10 Jerry Allen Arlen Thielemann 12/10 Sonny Dannhaus Johnnie Rutledge 12/11 Shirley Schulz Debbie Patranella 12/12 Morris Fraley Martha Pittman 12/13 James Fritz Bob Young 12/13 Lillian Lewis Maria Cadwallader 12/15 Rebecca Presswood Beth Taylor 12/15 R.L. Mayeur Matthew Reue 12/16 Victor Brier, Jr David Moore 12/18 8
12/19 12/19 12/19 12/21 12/21 12/22 12/23 12/23 12/23 12/23 12/25 12/26 12/26 12/29 12/29 12/31 12/31
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR As I think about how fast this year has passed by I reflect on what has kept me busy this year. My favorite thing is always traveling and taking in God’s beautiful creations of nature. We were blessed to be able to go to Ohio during the fall colors last month. We also had a wonderful trip to Hawaii last February. As I think of traveling it takes me back to a long time ago when Mary & Joseph also went on a trip to pay their taxes. What a trip it was! No trip I have ever taken has been as important as that trip some 2000 years ago. There must have been so many questions that Mary and Joseph had, but they depended on God to show them the way through the years to come. God was always there leading them. It brings to mind the song that Mark Lowry wrote a few years back that I am sure you have all heard before “Mary did you Know?”. Mary did you know that your baby boy will someday walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you. Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with His hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God? The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb, Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations? Did you know that your baby boy is Heaven’s perfect Lamb? This sleeping child your holding is the great I Am. We all know the story, but let us never get so busy we forget to remember the story. Some may never hear the story if we never share the story. Please remember that as we begin our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering emphasis this month. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year! Blessings, Reba Pair BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH “For unto you is born this day… a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“Love came down to a stable on this very special night to bring us out of darkness into His glorious light.” (From a Christmas card)
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STUDENT MINISTRY It’s that time of year folks! We hurdle through the season at a break-neck pace and we find that Halloween has become just a distant memory. Thanksgiving means the official start of the Christmas season has begun and then, suddenly, we’re ringing in the New Year. Every year it’s a challenge to really focus on what matters the most. Maybe it’s corny or maybe it’s a bit cliché, but faith, family, friends and finding the lost really are the most important aspects of the season. I’ve been having lots of fun this fall with the students as we’ve been walking through some tough life issues in our Bible study. We’ve talked about dating, forgiveness, having a foul mouth, and how to reach friends for Christ. We continue to see new faces each week! Please be in prayer for this ministry and the kids who are hearing how to develop a Biblical worldview. I hope you have a chance to see “Bethlehem in Independence” on December 20th or 21st from 6-8 pm. Last year, a few of our students were able to be a part of this awesome ministry. It’s a great event for your family so bring them out to Independence. It is a special way to celebrate Christ. This will be my family’s third Christmas in our home in Brenham! I am so glad the Lord has allowed us to serve Him here and be close enough to spend the holiday season with our family who lives in the area. In Him, Bro. Chad
SAVE THE DATE D-NOW Weekend February 26-28, 2016
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Fuge Camp Glorieta, NM July 21-28, 2016
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head–Christ.” - Ephesians 4:15 Football is here, and you know what that means…injuries! Earlier in the season, as I was listening to the Green Bay/Seattle game, the announcers were talking about Tony Romo’s injured collarbone and how he would be out for at least 2 months. Bummer! At the same time, the announcers recalled the injury to the Dallas wide receiver, Dez Bryant, from the week prior. As I listened further, they painted a bleak future for the Cowboys even though they finished the game with a win against the Eagles. Instead of looking to the team’s other strengths, they were quick to bemoan what may be a losing season for Dallas. As a kids minister, I hear this a lot. When one thing fails, the game is over. Kids are quick to give up, or to hang on to the negative in a situation. Yet, as exampled by these sportscasters, maybe they are just living out the examples modeled before them. Constantly, I am telling my children that not everything that is true needs to be said. If it is not positive or productive maybe it should not be mentioned. Of course, they are quick with the reply, “I was just telling the truth.” Yes, the team has struggled without all of their players on the field. However, the Cowboys have about 48 other guys and men who are specifically trained to fill in for these starters when they can’t play. Brandon Weeden provided a positive example of this against the Eagles. To be clear, I am not a Cowboy fan... Go to http://www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/children/ to read Alex’s newsletter article.
HELP WANTED If you like to play with construction paper, scissors and tape, the Kid’s Ministry has a playground for you. Please call Alex to help. 979-836-2807 THANK YOU Charlie Pyle Blake Mitchell Sara Faske Kassie Nix MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life” (NIrV) BFBC KIDS KLUB MONTHLY BIG IDEA Compassion is caring enough to do something about someone else’s needs. WEEKLY BOTTOM LINE 1. God loved you first. How will you love others? 2. God saw our greatest need. Whose needs do you see? 3. God gave us the greatest gift. What will you give? 4. God gave us great news. Who will you tell? 11
PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES SUNDAY MORNINGS IN DECEMBER BASIC TRUTH: Jesus wants to be my friend forever. KEY QUESTION: How do we know God loves us? BOTTOM LINE: God gave us Jesus. MEMORY VERSE: “God has given a Son to us.” Isaiah 9:6 NCV Merry Christmas Everyone! This is such a magical time of year for our little ones. To watch their faces light up with awe as they take in all the music, lights, and new experiences. They sparkle just as much as the Christmas decorations around them. We’re going to sparkle too this Christmas! As we share the story of Christmas throughout the month, we’ll make a “Story Sparkler” to go with that piece of the story. By the time they’ve made it through December, each child will have a pail full of story sparklers so they can retell the story of Jesus’ birth at home. I am so excited. May the Lord shine blessing upon your family this holiday season.
Stacey 5 Toni Sc hwartz 12-08 -0 12 os Grady Lo 9 Noah Brown 12-2 ir Reba Pa 12-10
Remember our Preschool Postal Service is in full swing and we want to make sure we help you get your Christmas cards delivered and save a little postage. Make sure to stop by the nursery area or the church office and drop off your cards. The last day to for drop off is December 14th. We look forward to delivering you a Christmas card soon. 12
FBC SCHOOL & EEC FBCS and EEC has had a busy month of serving! First graders took cookies and lemonade to construction workers down the street. Students wanted to let them know they were praying for them. We performed the Veteran’s Day Program which was well attended. Sixth graders served lunch to the Encore members after the program. We collected blankets for the Senior Center, Operation Christmas Child boxes, and toys for Adam’s Angels. Thank you to all who participated in our collections. Our nursery playground will be undergoing renovations soon. If you have gently used Little Tykes outside toys that you no longer use, we would appreciate them. The toddlers would love it! This month, we will be focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. What a gift God has given to us all! Jesus is all we need! Please join me in praying for the unbelievers in our midst, and that they would accept the free gift of salvation. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you! Serving Him, Nancy Jahns UPCOMING EVENTS 12/4 Snowzilla for PK-6th grade 12/7 Spelling Bee in Sanctuary at 6:00pm 12/9 Kindergarten to Blinn concert 12/17 Preschool Christmas Program at 10:00am 12/18 Kindergarten to Christmas Tree Farm 12/18 Early dismissal for school 11:30am 12/24 EEC Closed 12/25 EEC Closed 1/1 EEC Closed 1/5 New semester begins MOTHER’S DAY OUT - KRISTIE MENDOZA December Activities: Bible Verses: “The Lord is enthroned as King forever.” Psalm 29:10 “For unto you a child is born.” Isaiah 9:6 Bible Stories: King David/Soloman, Jesus’ Birth Letters: K, D, J Number: 3 (three), 4 (four), 5 (five) Events: Happy Birthday Jesus Party December 17th 13
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Sympathies To: JT Davis and family in the loss of his brother Ralph Davis. Wallace Atkinson and family in the loss of his sister Marie Martindale. The King family in the loss of Doyle King. Church Thank Yous: Dear Church Family, Our heartfelt thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and concern for our family for almost 2 years of constant uplifting for our brother, Ralph Davis. He had a long hard suffering time from his first stroke and disability. He was such a prayer warrior for his Savior and 50 plus years of serving his church as a deacon, usher, and other committee representatives. He lived his Christian faith. Your beautiful green plant has a special place in our heart and home. Our special Love to all, JT And Loretta Beloved Church friends, On behalf of my Dad, Bracy Bledsoe, and all of our family, I would like to THANK YOU for your many acts of kindness - cards, letters, gifts, photographs, hugs, and handshakes - to him through your coming to his Truett Seminary recognition service on Sept. 13 and celebrating with us and then coming on November 12 to his 98th birthday celebration. We have been overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness to him and are so thankful to be a part of this precious FBC family. You have blessed our hearts in so many ways! Thank you, dear friends. Martha Haydon 14
FROM TROY’S HEART Merry Christmas to you and your family! I hope your holiday is off to a festive start. So much happens at this time of year: * Christmas shopping and the associated gift-wrapping. * Class parties. * Office parties. * Decorating the house, the office, the yard or yourself (Christmas sweaters abound!). * Baking and cooking. * Packing for a holiday family trip...or preparing for the arrival of “the family” at your house. * Watching of all of the Christmas classic TV shows. These are just a few of the fun things happening that fill up our yuletide calendar. In the middle of the busyness, let me remind you to not miss the simplicity of Jesus. Over 2000 years ago, the first Christmas was a busy time as well. People in Bethlehem were coming into town to be with their families due to a government-mandated census. The small city was overflowing with people and activity. It was in the middle of all of the hectic rush that Mary and Joseph entered the city looking for a place of comfort and rest. As you know, there was no place for them “in the inn”. Therefore, when it was time for Jesus’ birth the only place to lay him was in a manger, a feeding trough. God came to the world that was so busy, He was crowded out! This Christmas let’s make sure He is not crowded out by our busyness. Make this Christmas simple. Make it about Jesus’ birth and life! Yes, enjoy giving gifts. Enjoy your friends and family. Decorate with joy and singing. However, do it all with room for Jesus!! I really love you, Troy
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Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
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