IN THI S I SSU E :
Church Announcements ...........................................page 2 Church-wide Calendar ................................................page 3 A Letter from Pastor Ross ..........................................page 4 Music Ministry .........................................................page 5 Adult Discipleship ......................................................page 6 Encore Ministry ..........................................................page 8 Youth 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
D-Now Weekend Will Be Here Soon! Feb 20-22
Make sure that you register ASAP. Host homes are needed. We want to make this a weekend where lives are impacted and motivated to be disciples!
Lottie Moon The goal for Lottie Moon Foreign Missions Offering 2015 is $25,000 Amount contributed to date is $22,231
New Members:
Rick, Diane and Levi Houston. Jim and Nancy Humphrey. Jordan and Brittany Pieratt. Matthew and Julia Wellmann. Michael, Karen and Turner Temple. Joe, Cheri and Bronson Baker
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 2
Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org O’Dell Merryman, Facilities Manager omerryman@fbc-brenham.org Nancy Fritz, School Administrator nfritz@fbcsbrenham.org Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Director mdo@fbc-brenham.org
CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR JANUARY: Jan 1 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 12 Jan 13-14 Jan 14 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 21 Jan 25 Jan 25 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 30 Jan 31
Church Office Closed for New Year’s Day FBC School back in session Wednesday Night Activities Resume Divorce Care Class 6:30pm Rm 111 (first class) January Bible Study 11:30-1pm Cannery Kitchen Kids Choir Practice Resumes Sweet Hour of Prayer Resumes 10am Syc Hse Garage Office Closed for MLK Holiday Coffee with the Pastor 6pm - Gym January Business Meeting 5pm - Gym Deacon Ordination Service 6pm Precept Class 9am Pahl House (first class) Precept Class 6:30pm Pahl House (first class) Marriage Tune Up 2 5:30pm Sanctuary/Gym Marriage Tune Up 2 9:00am Sanctuary/Gym
FEBRUARY: Feb 1 Feb 6 - 7 Feb 13 Feb 20-22 Feb 22
Jeff and Debby McElroy will speak at both services Student Life Conference - Champion Forest Baptist Sweetheart Banquet 6:30pm in the Gym D-Now Weekend Handbells at worship 8:30am
CHURCH INFO AND LINKS 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
3
FROM PASTOR ROSS I’m always excited to start a new year. It is humbling and exciting to think about what God may do in 2015. While I cannot anticipate all that God may do in 2015, allow me to highlight some areas that need prayer:
• The Relocation Committee continues to meet with architects. During the month of January and February, we will have four different architecture firms come and talk with us. We have already had presentations from three architecture firms and two contractors during the fall. Personally, I am enjoying the process of listening to these different firms and am learning a great deal. Please pray for the committee as they prepare to make recommendations to the church in 2015. • Please pray for clarity as I continue to lead and we, as a church, continue to discern clarity around our mission and vision. I enjoyed greatly the listening sessions we had in the fall. I was moved to hear what God had placed on the hearts of so many of our people. I will continue to provide information about this process in 2015. • I also think it is a good reminder that before anything, it is important for us to practice the basics of being the church. By basics, I mean warmly welcoming people, inviting and bringing people to church, serving, growing in a love relationship with God, strengthening areas where we are weak, praying, etc. I am reminded by what one of my mentors, Paul W. Powell, said in his book, The Nuts and Bolts of Church Growth, “I have learned that the great and growing churches do not do anything unusual. They do the usual unusually well. They preach well; they teach well; they pray well; and they visit well.” Will you join me in praying for First Baptist Church in 2015? God has been good to us throughout the years, and He will be good to us as we move forward into the future. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. Sincerely, Ross 4
WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY As many of you know, Bonnie and I have recently moved out of a rental property and into a home we purchased here in Brenham. We were so blessed by the generosity many of you showed in this process by helping us carry boxes, bringing us meals, and through your thoughtful and timely prayers for strength and health during this busy season! A couple days ago, standing in our new home, surrounded by piles of boxes, exposed studs, and things that I imagine I will be stepping over, around, or on top of for several weeks, I found myself thinking about how inconvenient the timing of this move is. First of all, we already moved once this year. Two, for a music ministry household, we were moving during the busiest two week span on the calendar and preparing for a huge presentation. And finally, with Christmas quickly approaching, the realization that we may or may not even be able to set up and decorate a Christmas tree this year, are running low on shopping time all while beginning a fairly significant remodel project left me a little bewildered. That’s when it hit me. Inconvenienced. Displaced. Unsettled. Sounds vaguely similar to someone else’s Christmas experience. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph to leave the comforts of home and set out on their journey toward Bethlehem. Young, pregnant, (with the only begotten, no less) and displaced. With no other options, she gave birth to her Son outside among the animals. I seriously doubt the circumstances she found herself in were very similar to what she had been envisioning for 9 months. But even there – in the midst of apparent chaos – was Jesus. The Prince of Peace. What a great reminder for me, and maybe for you, that it is not our every day routines, conveniences, physical or financial comforts, or even close personal relationships that ultimately bring about peace or contentment in our lives. It’s Jesus. No matter what unexpected or inconvenient journey life sends you on, know that Jesus goes with you. And because of that truth, we too, can experience abundant life, and peace that passes all understanding. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” - Psalm 16:11 Blessed to call you family, Charles Covin WORSHIP CHOIR PRAISE CHOIR, AND PRAISE BAND RECONVENE NORMAL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7TH. KIDS’ CHOIR WILL RECONVENE ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14TH IN ROOM 213. Th a n k you to ever yone who pa r ticipate d a nd ma d e J oy, Joy, Joy a wonder ful cel ebration of ou r Lord J e su s! A nd t h ank yo u to a l l of you who atte nd e d . We pray you l eft feel ing upl ifted a nd f u ll of j oy.
5
ADULT MINISTRIES SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASSES
At BFBC we offer fifteen different Sunday Morning Bible Studies for YOU! Each Sunday @ 9:45am, you will find people eager to meet you and engage you in friendly discussions of faith and life from the Bible. Agape (various ages) Virtuous Women (Ladies - various ages) Life Applications (various ages) Family Life Class (various ages) Choices (various ages) CSI: Brenham (Open to All) S.M.I.L.E. Class (Single Moms) Adult 1 (Sr. Adults)
•Joy (Ladies) •Friendship (Ladies) •Scripture Searchers (Men) Adult 2 (Sr. Adults - all ages) •Hope Class (Ladies all ages) •Covenant Keepers Adult 3 ( 60’s) Adult 4 (50’s & 60’s) Adult 5 (50’s)
Marriage Tune Up 2 is almost here! Back with new insights and fun, Jeff & Debby McElroy will lead us on Jan. 30-31, 2015. You can go online to: www.fbc-brenham.org/marriage-tune-up/ to register and for more information. Like last year, the cost for the weekend(Fri. p.m. & Sat. a.m.) is $60 per couple. The cost includes meals, conference material, free childcare for infants-12yrs and a free guest ticket for a couple who is unchurched or may really need some encouragement. In addition, we are reaching out to thank our First Responders and active military by offering the conference to them at no cost. You can register after each worship service in January at the Welcome Guest Table and the Information Table. In addition, Jeff & Debby will be leading our morning worship services on Sunday, February 1.
NOVEMBER MINSTRY MOMENTS: 1. Joanne Sossaman went and served at the regional Operation Christmas Child Shoebox distribution site and was blessed tremendously!! 2. The Friendship Class delivered cookies and Christmas “cheer” to our members in the area care facilities, as well as, some of our homebound members 3. Our Student Ministry hosted a Christmas party for a family going through childhood cancer AND depicted the manger scene in Independence, TX for people to drive through. 4. Our deacon “hands on” ministry team did some mowing and lawn maintenance for a lady in our community. 5. Several of our members went with Adam’s Angels ministry to MD Anderson to take Christmas gifts to children affected by cancer. WAY TO GO BFBC!!!
6
BIBLE STUDIES & MORE CONNECT & SHARE LIFE TOGETHER IN ONE OF THESE GROUPS! Schroeders - Study: Marriage, 620 Country Place West, 1st & 3rd Sundays @ 5pm Koenig/ Sossaman (Ladies/Widows) Study: Walking by Faith, 402 Magnolia, 1st & 3rd Mondays @ 6pm Bishop/ Doebler - Study: Intro to the Bible 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6:30pm Yeakleys (Excellent Way Bible Study Group)- Study: The Acts of The Apostle, 800 Loesch St, Tuesdays @ 6:30pm Atkins - 9250 Lake Dr. 1st & 3rd Sundays @ 5pm
Weekl y Bi ble St udi es & Fel low sh i p DivorceCare – a healing and recovery group. Beginning Mondays January 12 @ 6:30pm in room 111. Register by calling the church office. Men’s Study/Prayer Breakfast: Wednesdays @ 6:00am, Sycamore House Potluck Meal - Wednesdays @ 5:30pm in the Gym Pastor’s Bible Study & Prayer: 2 Thessalonians, Wednesdays, Rm. 112 @ 6:30pm Sweet Hour of Prayer: Thursdays, 10-11am – Sycamore House Garage College Small Group: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30pm, Sycamore House Rm. 201
LAD IE S BIBLE STU D I E S • Wednesday 6:30pm class starting “Stronger” by Angela Thomas January 28 Sycamore House • Tuesday 9:00am class starting “Stronger” January 27 – 9:00am Sycamore House Upstairs. (Childcare available for Moms!)
LADIES BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP CLASS Meeting on Thursdays, from 9:30am - 11:30am, in the Sycamore House. PRECEPT CLASSES: EZEKIELPART 2 • Tuesdays 9am-11am in the Pahl House. • Wednesdays - 6:30-7:30pm in the Pahl House. Starting January 27-28 7
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 Mark Your Calendar: January Bible Study – 12-14th 11:30-1:00pm The Cannery Kitchen – 314 E. Alamo with Dr. Charles “Rusty” Walton teaching Ephesians. $7 daily for lunch(2 meats, 8 veggies, 2 desserts, rolls and drink! Wow!!) Call the church office to let us know you are coming. Sweetheart Banquet for the whole church, February 13th @ 6:30pm. More details to come soon!!
CELEBRATE OUR DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS! Grace Cockrell Freda Martin Marge Adair Bill McAdams George McDaniel Marsha Doebler Russell Doty Richard Robertson Dave Anderle Carolyn Brown Esther Culver Darlene Welty Sally Van Dyke 8
1/1 1/2 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/5 1/5 1/7 1/8 1/9 1/9 1/11 1/12
Nancy Chapman Jeanine Presswood Nelda Snow Jane Sonnenburg Sharon Whitaker BJ Mayeur Kenneth Hetzel Betty Jeanine Bailey Sue Dixon Joan Newton Gerald Bennet Carol Marshall Sara Byman Wesley Whitman
1/14 1/15 1/15 1/18 1/19 1/20 1/23 1/27 1/28 1/28 1/29 1/30 1/31 1/31
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Friends Well here we are at the end of another year. This has been a unusual year at our home. After three surgeries I am slowly gathering my strength back, but still can’t go full force yet. Doc had three surgeries as well this year, but his recovery has been a little easier than mine. As a lot of you know two of our grandsons who live here in Brenham have their own health problems and have had some major events with their health this year as well. What I am getting at is that we had to trust God a lot this past year. Sometimes it is so hard to do that, but I can’t imagine not having God to turn to in times like these. We have been blessed by so many in our church family reaching out to us through all of this. Recently I had Chad call and ask if there was anything that the church could do for our daughter’s family when they moved into a new home. He got supplies and enlisted one of our men to come and change out some doors and added a pocket door to the bathroom, after our grandson Tyler had a seizure against the door that opened into the bathroom and they almost didn’t get to him in time. I say this to make the church body aware that there are ways to help others even in our small community. I pray that the New Year will bring us to a commitment to do more in our community. Changing doors may not sound like a big thing, but if your child is on the other side of that door seizing and not coming out of it quickly it is a very big thing. If they get to him in time he has a device implanted to stop the seizure, but you have to be over him to activate it so it is a very big thing. Doc had planned on changing the door when the kids bought this house, then he was hurt and couldn’t use his arm for two months. Chad didn’t wait to be asked he stepped up and made the offer. Let’s strive to be that kind of church family in the New Year and reach out to our own as well as others in the community, and show God’s love. An update on Operation Christmas Child from David and Donna May tells us that almost 4100 boxes were collected this year. Let’s start collecting now for next year’s OCC and see if we can top that. I pray you all have a blessed New Year. In Him, Reba SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH - “For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Eph 5:8 THOUGHT OF THE MONTH - “Life is like a band…..We need not all play the same part, but we must play in harmony.”
9
STUDENT MINISTRY
The Student Ministry had a fantastic December! We started out by adopting an Adam’s Angel family for Christmas. I challenged our students to give up sodas for a week and to put that money toward purchasing gifts for the family. As a result we were able to bless the family totally. I thought seeing the faces of our Angel and her little brother as they opened up their presents was awesome! I was totally blown away though by waching our students decorate our Student Building Christmas tree, wrap the presents, and play hosts and interact with the family. To me this was the crowning moment of my week. Church, you would have been proud to see our students serving, loving and ministering! A big THANK YOU to our parents for all the desserts and side items. Of course, my wife, Bobbye, is so tremendous. She cooked for over 50 people for the night for a sit down dinner. I am so blessed to have my wife serve by my side each and every week. On December 20th and 21st our students continued to serve the community by participating in “Bethlehem in Independence”. Early in October, I received a call asking if our church would like to be a part of a drive-through display of the life of Jesus. Our scene was the Holy Family or the Nativity scene. If you missed it here are a few pictures. This February will be my first Disciple Now here at Brenham’s FBC. I look forward to this week each and every year. I always see God working in kids’ lives. Some hear the gospel for the first time, some are encouraged to move forward in their personal walk, and some have surrendered to ministry during Disciple Now. And it’s also always a positive event in the life of the student ministry as a group. Students bond spiritually and emotionally during the intense discipleship weekend. Please go and sign up your student online. Also I’m still looking for host homes and other volunteers. Please email me or give me a call if you’re interested. In Him, Bro. Chad REGISTRATION ONLINE NOW D-NOW WEEKEND 2015 FEB. 20-22, 2015 HONDURAS MISSION TRIP 2015 JUNE 9 - 17, 2015 FUGE STUDENT CAMP 2015 JULY 6 - 10, 2015
10
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY BFBC Kids Klub monthly Big Idea is COMMITMENT: Making a plan and putting it into practice I am so prideful. Some of it is because God made me so awesome! See what I mean? I can’t stop it. I can try to be humble but it is just acting (which is another great quality that God has given me). I tell people that I am not that bright, but the truth is I have a pretty high IQ. False humility. It’s like a shirt that really looks good on you but it is so uncomfortable because it is just half a size too small. You have to constantly remember to suck in your gut, and you really can’t move for fear to show people how small the shirt really it is. However, the contrast can be just as frightening. I mean, who really wants to witness me regale incessantly about the many gifts and traits that God has blessed me with? Well, I do, but as a reminder, I am prideful. With all that I have going for me, why would I need to seek God’s abilities? I do need His continued provisions – food is a great thing to have on a regular basis. He has blessed me with the skills that I need to bring Him glory – right? Truthfully, my individuality too often blocks the greatness of God. Not that I am greater than God, but like when you are at the movies and someone holds their hand two inches in front of your eyes, a small thing held too closely can blind someone from the big picture. I am really small and insignificant. My acting is laughable even to kids one quarter my age. As I learned by re-entering the classroom this year, my intellect is quite meager. The only thing that is as truly great as I say is my pride. “Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…” (Matt. 16:24). We were not created to be great in who God has made us to be. We were created to be greatly used by the God who created us for His glory. Can you do it? Surrender? Is it in you? -Bro. Alex
Volunteers needed for the Core Essentials show on January 13, at 9am, Brenham Elementary. Contact Alex for details (amorrison@fbc-brenham.org or 979.836.2807) Weekly Bottom Lines: 1. Practice hearing what God says. 2. Practice praying to God. 3. Practice talking about God. 4. Practice living for God.
MEMORY VERSE 1 Timothy 4:8a: “Training the body has some value. But being godly has value in every way.”
11
PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES
SUNDAY MORNINGS IN JANUARY
BASIC TRUTH: JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER. KEY QUESTION: WHO DO YOU NEED? BOTTOM LINE: I NEED JESUS! MEMORY VERSE: “YOU ARE EVERYTHING I NEED.” PS 119:57 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Holy Macaroni this past year flew by. Can you believe it is already 2015? As we enter this New Year, it’s a time when many of us evaluate where we are and where we want to go. What do we really need to do this year? Where do we need to go? Whom do we need in our lives? I know Someone we ALL need. We all need Jesus. I need Jesus. You need Jesus. Even our little preschoolers need Jesus. And, that’s what we’re sharing with them this month. Each Week, our preschoolers will hear a story of someone who really needed Jesus like in a very big way. The blind man needed Jesus to help him see for the first time. The lame man needed Jesus to heal him so he could get up and walk. Not to mention that he needed his four friends to get him to Jesus. The deaf man needed Jesus to help him hear and talk. Can you imagine suddenly being able to hear and speak clearly having never done so before? How awesome!! The ten lepers needed Jesus to heal them, and He did. I love how the one man even came back to say “thank you”. All these men needed Jesus to do pretty big things. And, sometimes preschoolers need Jesus for some pretty big things, at least big to them. What we want them to know is that we all need Jesus, and He is there with us each and every day to love us and to help us. What an amazing Savior He is. ~ Stacey
Happy Birthdays!
Carson Sanders 1/07 Kamiell Evans 1/22
Rayna Roeske 1/12 Noah Roy Harley Strickland 1/25 Ellie Boriack
1/13 1/25
NEEDED!!! I am looking for some wonderful people who would enjoy hanging out with a great group of kids. The Marriage Tune Up 2 is coming soon and I am recruiting. The kids and volunteers from last year had a great time. Please let me know if you are interested in serving during this weekend. Thank you! Marriage Tune Up 2 January 30th - 31st, 2015
12
FBC SCHOOL & EEC
The New Year brings up opportunities to grow, improve, and learn new things. New beginnings and changes are constantly occurring. From young to old, we are always learning. We are praying for a wonderful 2015 for all our FBCS & Church families. God Bless, Nancy Fritz - Adminstrator
Mission Projects JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) – we continue to do little pickle sales, etc. throughout the year and have already raised approximately $800.00 for the current year; we look forward to collecting a whole lot more. Operation Christmas Child – another great year: We collected 117 boxes wishing children around the world a Merry Christmas! 2014 Christmas Stroll The FBCS Parade Float entry won Brightest Lights at the Downtown Christmas Stroll while shining our lights in the community. 2014-2015 Enrollment - Enrollment begins Friday, January 30, 2015, for current students and families. Enrollment for members of First Baptist Church will begin Monday, February 9th. Enrollment opens to the public on Tuesday February 10th. A Texas Celebration ~ Friday, March 6 ~ 5:00—8:00 p.m. Washington County Fair Grounds. Tickets will go on sale in January; a catered meal is served. A live and silent auction will be held.
Important January Dates 6 8 12 19 26-30 30
Begin 4th Term Report Cards Pals Meeting @ Noon Martin Luther King Holiday Enrichment Week Enrollment for current students 13
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Sympathies To: • •
Beth Taylor and Family in the loss of her mom, Liz Bryant Gene Hammons in the loss of his son, Stokely Hammons
•
Vickie Williams in the loss of her mom, Mary Lou Vickery
Church Thank Yous: Margaret Walker To: Pastor Ross Shelton, Alex Morrison, & Brett Smith Thank you for your kindness. For helping me this past week getting me the heater, Brett, at Ace Hardware and getting me used to the remote.For setting my first cell phone up. I am not sure if I can get used to it. It is still difficult for me to just make a call also hard to hear. Sincere thanks to you Ross & Alex Margaret Walker
Mission Brenham
Thank you so much for being Christmas Angels to the siblings of the children here at Mission Brenham. Our Christmas Celebration was a huge success and every sibling received their gifts. Thank you for being such a blessing. May God continue to bless you. Michael Haywood
The Sommers Family The of family of O.L. Sommers (Jack) want to thank each of you for your kindness and expressions of sympathy. The prayers and callers and support were so appreciated. The visits of Pastor Ross and Troy meant so much to both Jack , Bette and family.
14
FROM TROY’S HEART In a few weeks one of the most important events of the year will be happening at our church, Brenham’s Marriage Tune Up 2 weekend. Here are a few reminders: 1. Register for Brenham’s Marriage Tune Up 2- Jan. 30-31. Register with a credit card at www.fbc-brenham.org/marriage-tune-up. Register by check or cash following each worship service or by coming to the church office. 2. Once registered, invite a married couple who isn’t involved in a church to come to the weekend as your guest at no charge. 3. Spread the word to all First Responders and active military personnel, they can come at no charge as well!! Who says, “Nothing is free”! We can register them at the church office, after each worship service or they can go online. 4. Pray for Brenham’s Marriage Tune Up 2. A coordinating team has spent five months planning for the weekend, but without the life-changing power of God, this event will just be another date on the calendar. Prayer changes things!!! Pick up a 30 day prayer calendar at the Welcome Guest Table or the Information Table 5. Volunteer to help during the weekend. Since we will have a lot of guests, we need our church members to serve as greeters, childcare workers, food servers, and prayer leaders. Thank you for doing these five things for us. If you have other questions about Brenham’s Marriage Tune Up 2, see the Frequently Asked Questions section on our church website. I am looking forward to what God will do in the lives and families of Brenham through this LIVE conference. Jeff and Debby McElroy are God-gifted and Spiritcontrolled communicators with a passion for the family. See you and your friends on January 30-31!! By the way, Jeff & Debby will also speak in both worship services on Feb. 1st I love you, Troy
15
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