March 2015 newsletter

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

Penitas Family Mission Trip March 15-21 Cost is $145 per person

Men’s Cake Bake is Back!

March 29th 11am - 1pm in the Gym 11am Fundraising Meal Starts After 11am Service - Cake Auction Mark Your Calendars Now! THE HILLTOP EXPERIENCE-ENCORE RETREAT - East Texas Baptist University June 3-6. Dr. Robert Jeffress, Dr. David Dykes, Dr. Bill Anderson, The Hoppers, Cynthia Clawson. Cost: $400 per couple, $250 single. Includes: All programs, 8 meals, lodging, & charter bus. Deposit: $25 due by April 1.

New Members: Fred and Louise Tanner Melissa and Austyn McCarty

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 Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org 2

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 Fritz, School Administrator nfritz@fbcsbrenham.org Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Director mdo@fbc-brenham.org

CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR MARCH: Mar 6 Mar 10 Mar 12 Mar 15-21 Mar 25 Mar 26 Mar 29 Mar 29

FBCS Texas Celebration 4:30pm Wash Co. Event Ctr. Security Committee Meeting Pahl House 6pm FBCS Spring Performance Open House 5:45pm Penitas Mission Trip Coffee with the Pastor Rm 112 6pm Encore Luncheon Pahl House 11am Men’s Cake Bake - Fundraising Meal 11am - 1pm Gym Business Meeting - Gym 5pm

APRIL: Apr 5 Apr 5 Apr 10 Apr 14 Apr 25 Apr 25 Apr 26

Traditional Easter Service 9am No Bible Study Contemporary Easter Service 11am FBCS UIL 8am Security Committee Meeting Pahl House 6pm Brenham’s Children Chorus Rehearsal Sanc/Gym 9am Brenham’s Children Chorus Sanctuary/Gym 7pm Brenham’s Children Chorus Sanctuary/Gym 2pm

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

John 1:4

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 want to personally welcome Ernie Lewis to our staff as our new Graphic/Media person. He is a welcome addition to our staff. Ernie and his wife, Teresa, have been members of our church since 2012.

Welcome Ernie!

In the next month, I will begin sharing with the staff, deacons, and church some initial ideas about the mission, vision, and discipleship strategy of our church. These will be rough drafts/initial ideas, and I look forward to hearing your feedback and getting your input.

At the end of February, the Relocation Committee will have heard from seven different architect firms. During March, the Relocation Committee composed of Robert Haydon, Heather Kirby, Arlen Thielemann, Brandon Musser, David Baker, and Stephen Puckett will meet, prayer, and discern whether to recommend to the church one of these architecture firms or whether to listen to some more presentations. Please be in prayer for this important committee, and please continue to pray for the sale of 51 acres.

I also welcome your prayers as I prepare in the next two to three weeks to defend my dissertation (doctoral research project) at Dallas Baptist University (DBU). I will go before a board of professors at DBU, present my research, and then be asked questions. If I pass my defense, all that will be left for me to do is to provide grammar and formatting edits to my dissertation. This has been a long journey for my family and me (I began in 2008), and we are ready for this to be over. Thank you in advance for praying for me, and thank you for allowing me to be your pastor.

Wo r s h i p 4

WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY Great things are happening in the area of music and worship right now at BFBC! We have a wonderful team of musicians in both services (including the comeback of the orchestra in the Traditional Service) that have a heart for worship and do a wonderful job of leading us each week. Recently, we have also been blessed with new technology upgrades in the sanctuary that help us facilitate worship opportunities that are fantastic enhancements to what we are able present each week.

More than any of those things though, what excites me is being able to look out on Sundays and see and hear true worship taking place. It looks different for different people, but it is unmistakable when it is happening!

And that’s what we are called to be – worshippers. Fully engaged.

Humble yet confident. Our eyes set on Jesus. We aren’t hoping God gives us credit for just showing up. Rather, we are actively seeking out ways to show our adoration and need for Him! Many of us are currently planning a Valentine’s Day date with our special someone. What should that look like? Picture this: I’m 30 minutes late for our reservation, wearing the t-shirt and shorts I just finished mowing in, honk from the driveway to signal Bonnie I’m ready, take her to my favorite restaurant, spend the evening with my earphones on so I can listen to my favorite music, let her open the door for herself (she’s built up plenty of muscle from hauling babies around for 9 years), and spend the evening yawning and fighting to keep my eyes open. I upheld my obligation, right? Uh, not really.

How much more loved and appreciated would she feel if I took the time to plan something special – with her in mind? What if I set all distractions aside and made her my priority? I could spend the evening telling her things that I love about her and showing her in a variety of ways how much she means to me. You see, there is a huge difference in “just showing up” and being “present”.

The same is true for us as God worshippers! We must strive to make every occasion we have with the Father special! It’s not enough to just take up a pew and hope that we hear our favorite songs and some good jokes from the pulpit. Let’s be engaged – “present” – in our time with Him and do everything we can to tell Him and show Him just how much He means to us.

“The eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9.

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)

THE HILLTOP EXPERIENCE-ENCORE RETREAT - East Texas Baptist University June 3-6. Dr. Robert Jeffress, Dr. David Dykes, Dr. Bill Anderson, The Hoppers, Cynthia Clawson. Cost: $400 per couple, $250 single. Includes: All programs, 8 meals, lodging, & charter bus. Deposit: $25 due by April 1. Registration forms are in Sunday School attendance boxes MINSTRY MOMENTS: 1. Weekly, Stacey Strickland and her faithful preschool workers care for and teach our children with love and devotion. Thank you to the following:

Sunday school teachers

Jill Bearden Sandra Winkelman

Toni Schwartz Carol Holmes

Linda Upchurch Brittany Rawls

Leah Oehrlein Rayna Roeske

Reba Pair Lyssa Wilke

Karen Temple 2. Weekly, O’Dell Merryman and his staff of building personnel help maintain, clean and set up for numerous events on a daily basis.

They do their work “behind the scenes” and rarely receive upfront recognition. Thank you to O’Dell, Stephanie Sheffield, and Larry Rooker.

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

Weekly Bi ble St udi es & Fel low sh i p 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 Realities of Experiencing God, Wednesdays, Rm. 111 6 :30 pm Sweet Hour of Prayer: Thursdays, 10-11am – Sycamore House Garage College Small Group: Mondays, 6:00-7:30pm, Sycamore House Rm. 201

LAD IE S BIBLE STU D I E S • Wednesday 6:30pm class “Stronger”

by Angela Thomas Sycamore House • Wednesday 9:00am class “Stronger” 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: EZEKIEL PART 2 • Tuesdays 9am-11am in the Pahl House.

• Wednesdays - 6:30-7:30pm in the Pahl House.

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.

GREAT STUFF In an effort to reach out to all generations of adults at our church, we held our first Agape Banquet last month. With 140 adults in attendance, it was a huge success!! Thank you to our Encore Council for their vision and hard work in hosting this event.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Encore Luncheon - Thursday, March 26 11am-1:00pm Pahl House.

CELEBRATE OUR MARCH BIRTHDAYS!

Georgia Armour Mike Harris James Roundtree Margarita Blazier Owen Batt Janice May Vernice Barker Gay Bell Carolyn Matejowsky Bill Briley 8

3/1 3/2 3/4 3/8 3/9 3/9 3/11 3/16 3/16 3/17

Ron Campbell Sylvia Roundtree Clara Siems Rudy Dillard J. R. Allen, Jr Audrey Bender Ralph Blevins Elaine Sommers Virginia McCoy Bobbie Commander

3/19 3/20 3/21 3/25 3/26 3/26 3/28 3/28 3/30 3/31

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Friends, As I write this article I am once again enjoying our winter vacation in Hawaii. I understand that tomorrow will be a very cold day in Brenham, but I like to think ahead to spring when our hills burst forth in blooms of red, yellow, blue, purple and green. I love our flowers in the springtime.

It also reminds me of new beginnings as a new season ushers in our flowers and visitors from all over our big state.

It would be my prayer that our community will take notice and say what is breaking out over at First Baptist Church; they are out doing things in the community and reaching the lost for Christ. As senior adults it is our privilege to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are able to get out into the community and do things. It is also our duty to go out too if we are able to do so. Some may not be able, but we can always pray for those who can. My charge to you is to be a part of our growth at BFBC this year.

Don’t forget to be collecting little things for our OCC shoe boxes so we can do twice as many this year as we did last year.

Blessings, Reba Pair

Bible Verse of the Month “These things have I spoken unto you. That my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

John 15:11

Thought of the Month “When happiness gets into your system it is bound to break out on your face.”

9

STUDENT MINISTRY THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU CHURCH!!

I appreciate SO MUCH all of the prayers, support, help and elbow grease that it took to pull off such a great Disciple Now weekend. My heart was full of JOY and completely overwhelmed by all the cookies, cakes, brownies and food that were provided for our students.

Thank you so much to our Disciple Now Host Homes – Kirbys, Schroeders, Thielemans, Oehrleins, Simanks, Taylors and Murskis. You guys truly are the best.

Your generosity and hospitality in opening your homes and serving our students is such a vital part of a successful weekend.

Thank you to our Deacons and their wives for truly living out the deacon calling and serving our students. It means so much to me that our students can see men leading out in service.

Thank you so much to the pastoral staff and support staff. I was overwhelmed with gratitude when the pastor starting sweeping the floor. It is a joy to serve the Lord with you!

Please continue to pray for our students that made decisions for Christ. We will be talking with them in the coming weeks about making their decisions public through Baptism.

In Him, Chad Marrs

MARCH 15-21, 2015 MARCH 29, 2015 JUNE 9-17, 2015 JULY 5-11, 2015

10

IMPORTANT DATES FAMILY MISSION TRIP TO PENITAS TEXAS MEN’S CAKE BAKE IN THE GYM HONDURAS MISSION TRIP YOUTH CAMP 2015 IN PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL / COST $415.00

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “Why the Cross?”

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written: Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.”

Galatians 3:13 As many of you know, I have gone back to seminary to get my MA in Biblical Counseling. I promised myself that I would try not to bore people with the things that I am learning, but the other day I heard something that might do well for us all to consider as we are approaching Palm Sunday (March 29), Good Friday (April 3) and Resurrection Sunday (April 5). The other day in Soteriology (the study of religious doctrines of salvation). In this class we have been studying about the atonement that God provides through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this particular day, we were paying special attention to the death of Christ, and Dr. Kreider (my professor) asks, “Why the cross?” He further explained his question and I have been chewing and pondering over it for several weeks now. Just today, I believe I have come to an answer that satisfies my intrigue.

So, now I ask you, “Why the cross?” Of all the ways that Almighty God could have appointed for the death of Jesus, His Son, why did he choose the torture, humiliation and excruciating pain of the crucifix? Were there not easier, less violent ways for Jesus to die for our sins? I know some of you are answering with the prophecies, but could God not have fulfilled those prophecies through another less cruel way of death. Could He have not just laid out some new prophecies that would point to the easier form of death that His only begotten Son would suffer? Why did Jesus, the preacher of peace and love, have to die in such a violent way?

CONTINUE READING AT www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/children Volunteers - Core Essentials show – 3/4, 2pm, Krause Elem. Contact Alex

Weekly Bottom Lines:

1. When you think you can’t wait, think twice.

2. When you think you can’t wait, think about what’s true.

3. When you think you can’t wait, don’t lose your cool.

4. When you think you can’t wait, talk to God about it.

5. Remember that God’s plan is bigger than yours.

MEMORY VERSE Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope. Wait for the Lord.”

• • • •

Save the Date!

Core Essentials Shows: KES-3/4, BES-3/10, AES-3/12 & FBCS-3/25 VBS @ FBC (K-6th): June 21-25,evenings Camp Tejas (3rd-6th): July 13-17 2:4 The Mission (1st-2nd): July 22-23

11

PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES

SUNDAY MORNINGS IN MARCH BASIC TRUTH: KEY QUESTION: BOTTOM LINE: MEMORY VERSE:

JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER. HOW CAN I LOVE? I CAN LOVE LIKE JESUS. “LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” JOHN 13:34 NIV

Jesus tells us to “love one another.” What does that even look like? Well, it looks a lot like the way Jesus loved people when He was here on earth.

Through everything He did and the stories He told, Jesus taught us to love one another. We want to teach our preschoolers to love like Jesus.

This month we will start out hearing some stories Jesus told, the Parables.

The first week has the preschoolers hearing the story of the farmer and his bigger barns and learning they can share (love) when they have a lot. Then they will hear about the widow’s mite and how they can share (love) even when they have very little. The final parable they’ll hear is the story of the Good Samaritan. This is a great one for preschoolers because they know that you are supposed to help someone when they are hurt. Through this story, we want them to learn that they can help anyone.

The final two weeks of this month are stories from the life of Jesus that prepare us for the Easter message coming next month. They will hear how Jesus, the Son of God washed the feet of His disciples. Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He still served those around Him. We want our preschoolers to know that we too can serve those around us, no matter who they are. We’ll then end the month with a joyous celebration of Palm Sunday.

Stacey

Happy Birthdays!

Paisley Covin 3/09 Benjamin Covin 3/28 Robert Vaughn 3/29

The Lost Sheep: Luke 15: 3-7 We have such a great time in Sunday School each week here are just a few pictures to give you an idea.

12

FBC SCHOOL & EEC

MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS

6 Texas Celebration 5-8 8 Daylight Saving Time Begins 9 PALs Meeting @ Noon 12 Spring Performance/Open House 6:00 16-20 Spring Break 24 Graduation Pictures 27 3rd Grade-Museum of Health & Science TEXAS CELEBRATION Each year First Baptist Church School has our fundraiser, “Texas Celebration,” which will be held on March 6, 2015 to raise money for many activities and provisions at our school. Some of these activities and provisions include new technology, playground equipment, Enrichment Week, new computers, science lab materials, Field Day, field trips, and music supplies. As you can see, the money we raise is a vital part of our school’s budget each year.

“Texas Celebration” raises money in several ways. We offer a catered meal, kid’s game booths and a General Store, a Live Auction, which includes class projects, and a Silent Auction. It is a great family event. We strive to have an exciting variety of items and services in our auction to please the bidders and provide excellent advertising for the business. If you are interested in donating, or purchasing tickets, please call us at the school office, 836-6411.

Your generosity would be greatly appreciated, and it would help support the education of many children in our community.

2015-2016 Enrollment is off and running. Classes are filling up and new classes are opening. It’s not too late, please call or come by the school office if you are interested in information or would like a tour.

Celebrating 100 days of School Many festivities were planned, including a student and staff pie eating contests. Eighteen staff participated with Kara Freeman as the winner. Eleven students participated, Hunter Mitz won. A great time was had by everyone.

MOTHER’S DAY OUT - KRISTIE MENDOZA March’s Monthly bible verse for MDO is God keeps His Promises - “And this is the promise that He has promised us, eternal life!” 1 John 2:25 Color: Green, Shape: Oval, Letters: J, I, D, Number: 8 (eight) Focus: Jellybeans, Insects, Dinosaurs Events: Dr. Suess Day MDO is ready for Spring and to hear all about Jesus and the promise he has for us!

Fall Enrollment will begin in April. If you know of a parent that is in need of a one or two day break, let them know about MDO. Give us a call at 979-836-1533, email us at mdo@fbc-brenham.org or check out the church’s website at fbc-brenham.org.

13

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Sympathies To:

Lillian Lewis and family in the loss of her stepdaughter Cheryl Moherek.

Gay Bell and family in the loss of her mother.

Church Thank Yous: Lanny, Vickie, Britney & Jordyn Williams Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for your many prayers for Mom and for us since her passing. We received countless notes, cards, emails and texts from many of you over the years who were praying for Mom. A note would always arrive at moments when they were needed most. Thank you also for the beautiful peace lily you sent after Mom’s passing, it has brightened our spirits.

We are so blessed to be a part of the awesome Brenham FBC family. We love all of you!

Glasco & Co. Landscaping Dear First Baptist Church, It has been pleasure serving you, and we want you to know we appreciate your business. Glasco & Co. will always do everything possible to merit the confidence you have shown in us. We hope you enjoy the artificial turf and please contact us if we can be of further assistance. Thank you!

Kathy & Larry Groover Dear First Baptist Church family, Thank you for the lovely plant you sent for Frank Groover’s funeral. We so appreciate the prayers and support you have given us.

Kathy & Larry Groover.

Vicki & Terry Roberts Dear First Baptist Church, It is so comforting to have the support of our church family during the loss of a parent. We appreciate the thoughtfulness of the plant, the contact by Pastor Ross, the cards, prayers and words from our church family including Sunday School class members & Choir.

14

FROM TROY’S HEART March will be a busy month for the Sikes family! The first two weeks we will be in “wedding” mode” and the last two weeks we will be in “restore life to normal” mode. Will this be possible??

On March 14, our oldest daughter, Jamie, gets married in Salado, TX. I have the pleasure of not only presenting her to her new husband, but also performing the ceremony. Yes, I have kleenex packed!!

Over the next few weeks I will take on several roles: host, father, husband, pastor, banker, counselor, peacekeeper and in-law. In each role, except the last one, I will draw from past experiences to give appropriate words and actions for each circumstance that presents itself. However, I have no experience in being a father-in-law. I am a newbie! I am adding a son into my previously femaledominant world and a new family to mine. Like in all other previously-learned roles, I will venture into new ground and find my footing. I will not be perfect.

I will be uncomfortable as I am faced with new situations. I will search for the right words to express thoughts and feelings from my newly christened status.

And, I will adapt to new family routines.

Life is always changing. I know it is a good thing and I must embrace it. As much as I love routine and consistency, I know in order to grow; I need to accept new roles and their challenges.

Is there anything new before you? New roles? Experiences? Challenges or goals? I hope so! I am looking forward to this new life-stage for Kelley and me.

If you have any advice, I would love to learn.

I love you, Troy

15

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