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
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
3
CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR
DECEMBER -
1 2 3 5 7 14-15 15 17 19 24-25 24 26-27 30-31
Lord’s Supper - Both Services FBCS - Spelling Bee 6:00pm Sanctuary Piece Makers 9:00am Student Ctr Encore Christmas Luncheon 11:00am Gym Deacon’s Christmas Party 6:00pm Sycamore Hse Christmas Musical Presentation 7:00pm Sanctuary Handbells play @ 8:30 service FBCS- Preschool Christmas Program 10:00am Sanctuary FBCS- Christmas Holiday Begins/ EEC Open Church Office & EEC Closed - Holiday Family Christmas Eve Service 6:00pm Sanctuary FBCS Christmas Holiday/EEC Open FBCS Christmas Holiday/EEC Open
For more information on any of the above events please visit the church website: www.fbc-brenham.org www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch
4
FROM PASTOR ROSS One of the signs posted on a construction site is one that reads “Work in Progress.” This sign could be posted in every church. The church is always a “work in progress.” Because this is the case, as a pastor, one of the challenges I face is to focus constantly on work that needs to be fixed, started, or changed. When this way of thinking becomes constant, what can easily be lost is gratitude: gratitude for what Christ is doing, gratitude for who people are and what they do, and gratitude for the good that is happening. When I read the letters Paul wrote to those ancient churches, one of the defining marks of the letters is how grateful Paul is. Many times you can find him writing, “I thank God for you….” Yes, Paul was willing to rebuke and correct as needed. He never lost sight, though, of gratitude. I want to be like Paul; therefore, I want the closing letter of 2019 to be one marked by gratitude: -I thank God for all the ways you serve in our church and through our church into your jobs, homes, non-profits, extracurricular activities, schools, etc. -I thank God for all the ways you faithfully financially support our church through our general budget, mission offerings, and the Faith Building capital campaign! -I thank God for the ways you love and support the staff and our families. -I thank God for the ways you allow Him to stretch and grow you, even when – especially when! - it is challenging. -I thank God for the ways you support each other in your Sunday School classes and other small groups. -I thank God for those of you who have stuck with our church, even when times were challenging. -I thank God for those of you who daily and faithfully pray. -I thank God for those of you who are walking through grief and relying upon God’s strength to enable you each day. -I thank God for those of you who are seeking to raise your children in the ways of the Lord during these challenging times in our culture. -I thank God for those of you who continue to be people of faith, vision, and courage as you grow older. I can keep going, but I want you to know, as the churches Paul pastored knew – that I am grateful to God for you! I look forward to what God is going to do in your lives as we move into 2020! P.S. Year-end giving to the general budget is crucial to the financial health of our church. All 2019 donations must be received or postmarked by December 31st. The church office will be open on Tuesday, December 31st until noon to receive any last minute gifts. You can also give by going to http://fbc-brenham.org/give/. Thank you, again, for your faithful financial support! 5
MUSIC MINISTRY
Brenham’s First Baptist Church ts: n e Pres
A musical event for the Christmas Season
Dec. 14 & 15 @ 7PM Featuring Adult Choir, Kids’ Choir, Handbell Choir, and Orchestra!
304 N. Market - www.fbc-brenham.org
6
THANK YOUS Thank you so much for sending the plant in her memory. Thank you for visiting her when she was in Brenham. Thank you so much for sending her cards in the nursing home. Your kindness and love is appreciated. Regards, Sylvia Price’s Family Margie Wedgeworth-her niece First Baptist Church Brenham family, Thank you for your thoughtfulness to our family during Pam’s passing. The peace lily is beautiful and it was so wonderful and seeing friends from Brenham worship with us at Pam’s funeral. Bill and Pam have lifelong friends from you your church that distance or time can’t separate. We are thankful for the truth proclaimed there and the bond we have in Jesus. Many thanks for years of friendship! Blessings, The Briley Family During a time like this we realize how much our friends and relatives really mean to us. Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered. Sylvia Price’s Family To the Men and Women who prepared and served the meal-FBC Brenham We appreciated the hospitality shown us at our association’s annual meeting. We were greeted with friendliness and good food. Thanks to the gifted musician who played so beautifully that brought to mind our Lord and His goodness. Linda and Micky Seatt Independence Baptist Association Dear Church Family, Thank you for your kind words, prayers and flowers. We felt very comforted by them. In His love, Luan Yarnold and Children
PIECE MAKERS
Piece Makers wishes to express profound gratitude to those who have so generously given to our sewing ministry. All items donated are used in a variety of projects for those that need them at home and abroad. We are also thankful for the church facilities where we can meet and sew and fellowship together. We get such nice thank you’s from those of you that have received a comfort quilt, walker bag or touch quilt. 7 These acknowledgements encourage us to continue serving
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, 6:30pm, Sycamore House, Finishes 12/11/19
Prayers of the Bible Wednesdays, 6:30pm, Room 111 Finishes 12/18/19
Pastor’s Bible Study, “How People Change: How Christ Changes Us by His Grace”, Wednesdays, 6:30pm, Room 112, Finishes 12/18/19
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 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 5pm. (Call for details: 979-451-0915) ·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 ·Shane & Erin Nelson – 5000 Beckermann, 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 6pm ·Troy & Kirby Gor – Sycamore House (307 Sycamore), Meets 2nd Monday at 6:15pm.
8
SMALL GROUP, BIG NEWS Two New Sunday Bible Study Classes for the New Year!! Financial Peace University – Dave & Kacy Kuespert Starting Sunday, January 5th, at 8:45am in Room 111. Come learn the life-changing money-management practices taught in the Scriptures. Dave Ramsey leads this dvd-based study that has impacted thousands over the years. Our very own, Dave and Kacy Kuespert will facilitate discussion and lead the class.
Overview of the Bible – Troy and Lori Gaddie Are you new to the Bible? Do you wonder how it all fits together? Then Overview of the Bible is right for you! This 13-week survey of the Bible will help you understand how the entire Bible points to Christ. This class is perfect for those who have very little Bible knowledge, as well as for those who are ready to join a Bible study group. Come join us on January 12 at 9:45 in Room 109 as we open up God’s Word!
New Wednesday Night Classes! Promises of the Bible – 6:30pm Room 111 starting Wednesday, January 8. Taught by Troy Sikes.
Young Married Mom’s Bible Study in 1 & 2 Kings - Trustworthy by Lysa TerKeurst. Starting Wednesday, January 8th at 6:30pm upstairs in the Sycamore House. Led by Kerri Hamilton.
Ladies Bible Study – “Bible for Grown Ups” by Andy Standley. Led by Mary Kay Billington downstairs in the Sycamore House. Wednesdays starting January 8th.
ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS
9
A LETTER FROM REBA Dear Friends, Here we are again at the end of another year. We are getting busier as the days fly by. The choir is busy getting their Christmas program ready to present. One of the songs has already touched my heart. It is called “Make Room” by Matt Maher and Mark Hall. The main line through the song is “Is there room in your heart for God to write His story?” I think we can all ask ourselves that. Have we really left room in our heart for God to write His story? He is always ready to use us for His glory, are we ready to be used? Everyday we are out and about people are reading our story by the way we act toward them or others. I challenge you to show them Jesus in you every day as you go about your errands. Smile to all you see, and you will begin to see the world a little differently as people will react to you differently also.
“For unto you is born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
I would like to thank Mrs. Bonnie Covin and all the children of our school for the Veterans day program. Once again it was wonderful time for all in attendance. Our preschoolers will be in full swing delivering Christmas cards by the time you read this, so get those cards in if you want them delivered through our mail service. I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year! Christmas Blessings, Reba
“ Mary’s humble acceptance of the divine will is the starting point of the story of redemption.” -Author unknown 10
STUDENT MINISTRY One of the hardest parts of being a minister is performing a funeral service. I’m sure that doesn’t shock you. But it may surprise you to know that it is also a great honor and can be a source of blessing to a pastor to celebrate life and comfort loved ones with the hope we have in heaven. Before I came to Brenham, I had numerous opportunities to serve as the minister for funeral services. But it wasn’t until last month that I was called on for a funeral here in Brenham. Of course this is a good thing. We don’t wish for death, but when it does touch a family, a pastor’s role is to give compassion and guidance during a hurting and confusing time and to cast a vision for our true home in heaven when we are blinded by grief. It is always such a privilege to hear a family talk fondly of their lost loved ones. In the midst of pain they hang on to precious memories, often relating to me funny stories, or personality quirks, or family traditions, or how their loved one impacted others. Getting to be the audience for these moments of joy during their grief is a blessing and I always pray that my sincere interest in their loved one is a blessing to them as well. The challenge for us as believers is to cherish our loved ones now and not wait till the end of life to appreciate and celebrate each other. We live in a busy and self-centered world, but our model is Christ and the life of service He lived. We are to turn our attention off of ourselves and impact the world around us – in our family, our neighborhood, our workplace, our state, our country, and in the world. Church family, I want to encourage you this holiday season to go have coffee with that friend, or lunch with a family member, or invite someone over to your home for dinner. Don’t worry about the dust or if right now your idea of fine dining is using the fancy paper plates. Pour into other people. Listen to them, play games, look at Christmas lights, talk about old times or new times, or just sit around and “chew the fat” as some might say. It is a joy to be a part of someone else’s life and see what God is doing. But it won’t happen as long we focus on ourselves. Go be the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior this season. Bro. Chad
11
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “ We write this to make our joy complete.” (1 John 1:4, NIV) Good Morning, Have you ever witnessed a child’s first experience eating a chocolate covered ice cream bar? At first glance, the youngster sees chocolate – a whole bar of it. Can anything be any better than that? Then, eventually, the kid takes a bite of the bar, and discovers the cool, creamy deliciousness hidden beneath the layer of rich chocolate. The children I have observed get big eyes and an even bigger smile. The best thing ever just got better. Our curriculum, and the Core Essentials, have defined Joy as finding a way to be happy, even when things don’t go your way. Even though it may seem self-contradicting, I would like to posit that this definition is at best only the outer chocolate layer masking a greater meaning. Like the chocolate outer shell, finding a way to be happy, even when things don’t go your way, is a good way to describe joy. This is the joy that we choose even, and especially, when life serves us sour grapes and stale bread. It becomes a state of mind more than an expressive feeling. However, like the chocolate covered ice cream bar there is an inner deliciousness to joy waiting to be discovered. It is that feeling most parents get on Christmas morning watching their children open that one perfect gift. The parent is not concerned with what the gift is, or what it is good for. They are, instead, anticipating the happiness created in the child by the gift. That feeling felt by the parent – not the child, is closer to the type of joy to which I am referring. A sample of this joy is described in 1 John 1. John is writing to inform his audience about all the he has seen and heard from God’s Son with hopes to fellowship with them. This is what makes his joy complete, as he states in verse 4. It is not the bright outlook he keeps when things don’t go his way, like when being tortured for his faith in Christ. The completion of his joy is to share the message of Christ with others and have them join him in the fellowship of the Spirit. This Christmas – correction: this year, find a greater joy than just choosing to be merry in the gloomy days of winter. Find the real joy that only comes from sharing with others the truths you know about Jesus Christ with the hopes they will agree with your faith and join you in the fellowship of the Bride of Christ. His Servant & Yours, Bro. Alex
Upcoming Events:
No Kids Klub Wednesday Night Bible Study – December 18, 25, 31. Kids Klub Christmas Party - December 11, 6-7:30pm 12 Jingle Jam – December 18, 6:30-7:30pm, Washington County Boys & Girls Club
PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES Our Preschool Postal service is now 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 church office and drop off your cards. The last day to drop off cards is December 11th. We look forward to delivering you a Christmas card soon. December 15th – It’s Pajama Day here in the preschool ministry! I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season!
Memory Verse:
“Pray constantly, give thanks in everything.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Big Picture Question:
Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! REBA PAIR HARPER ROYALL BRADY WALLACE ELIZA SOAPE
13
FBC SCHOOL & EEC Have you ever considered how excited the wise men were? This verse indicates the joy they had at simply seeing the star. Imagine how thrilled they were to actually see the King! May each of us rejoice in Jesus every day of the year. He is the reason for our lives, not just this season! As we look to the New Year, I pray for wisdom and discernment as we, the church and school, seek His plan for each of us. We are looking forward to what is before us as we have gratitude for what He has already done for us! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
DECEMBER
Serving Him, Nancy Jahns
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:10
We are needing additional Bibles for students. If you are interested in providing a Bible for a student, please contact the school office at 979-836-6411. The cost per Bible is $13. We will be purchasing 25 Bibles. We are collecting donations and items for Texas Celebration which will be on February 28, 2020 2 3 4 5 6 9-13 11 12 13 16 18 18-23 26-31
Spelling Bee Lou Lou @ preschool only chapel Basketball vs. Caldwell - here Lou Lou @ elementary only chapel Poinsettia Pick up School Committee Basketball vs. Serbin – here Core Essentials – elementary chapel only Kids’ Christmas Market Nancy out of office Basketball @ Grace (girls) Elementary to Blinn @ 1:00 for BBC Preschool grades/comments due Elementary grades/comments due by 4:00 Staff party @ 5:30 11:30 DISMISSAL Report Cards go home EEC open EEC open
14
FROM TROY’S HEART Merry Christmas to you and your family! Christmas is an exciting time, yet it is also a busy time. With some much to do and so little time to do it in, we can get pretty frazzled! In fact, we can get so distracted we miss the meaning of Christmas all together. It wasn’t any different that first Christmas! As people rushed around the Judean countryside due to the governor’s census, many people were so focused in getting to where they needed to go, they missed THE EVENT of all history, the human birth of God! How could the people in Bethlehem miss such a monumental, historical event? The same way we miss much of what God is doing around us, unintended busyness that distracts our spiritual attention. Listen, I do not believe the people in Bethlehem were bad people for not paying attention to Mary, Joseph and their pregnant plight, they were just pre-occupied. Likely, no more pre-occupied than us during the holiday rush. God is working all around us all of the time. Do me a favor. Slow down, maybe even stop, and ask God to show you some eternal events happening around you. Who knows, maybe it will be happening IN you? I love you, Troy
MOTHER’S DAY OUT MDO had so much to be thankful for in November! We had an amazing turnout for our family Thanksgiving feast. We are so blessed for the families and children that we have in our program. This month we will celebrate Jesus’ birth with a “Happy Birthday Jesus” party. Our last day before the Christmas break is on December 17 at noon. We are learning the star shape this month and the color green. Our Bible verse for December is “The Lord is good.” Psalm 145:9. We hope 15 everyone has a blessed Christmas season!
Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
Return Service Requested
MAIL TO:
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit 235 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
16