November 2016
B RENHAM’S F B C IRST
APTIST
Our Mission: “To lead people to be followers of Jesus Christ”
HURCH
Our Vision: “To be a church of ordinary people used by God in extraordinary ways”
NewsLetter
CHURCH INFORMATION CHURCH STAFF Ross Shelton, Pastor rshelton@fbc-brenham.org
Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org
Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor tsikes@fbc-brenham.org
Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org
Charles Covin, Music Minister ccovin@fbc-brenham.org
Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@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
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:
Church Announcements ..................................................page Church-wide Calendar .....................................................page From Pastor Ross ...............................................................page Music Ministry ....................................................................page Adult Ministries .................................................................page Bible Studies & More ........................................................page Encore Ministry ..................................................................page A Letter from Reba .. ..........................................................page Thanksgiving Meal Delivery ...........................................page Student Ministry ................................................................page Children’s Ministry ............................................................page Preschool Ministry ............................................................page FBC School .........................................................................page Special Announcements ..................................................page From Troy’s Heart ..............................................................page Special Events ....................................................................page
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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
MASTER PLAN AND PHASE ONE INPUT SESSION - On Sunday afternoon, November 13th at 4:15 pm in the Gym, we will have our first input session in order to review a Master Plan and Phase One of our relocation! This will be a time of prayer and discussion. The Master Plan and Phase One that will be provided will be an initial draft in order to receive feedback, input, and evaluation. This time of discussion will help the Relocation Committee know what areas to change, keep, etc. as they continue to work on a proposed Master Plan and Phase One. FIRST IMPRESSIONS MINISTRY - Can you smile? Can you shake a hand or hug a neck? Sure you can! That means you can make a difference in someone’s life each Sunday by serving in our First Impressions Ministry. Email Troy at: tsikes@fbc-brenham.org or call 979-836-2807 if you want to make a difference with a smile!
SAVE THE DATE - FEBRUARY 4th-5th, 2017 Home Improvement Weekend with Jeff & Debby McElroy. This weekend will engage the whole church family!
Welcome New Church Members Roy and Carol Kolar, Mike and Rosie Harris, Wright and Donna Schwarting, Logan Wooten
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CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR NOVEMBER:
1 Piece Makers - Student Center 9:00am 1 Joy SS Class Meeting - Sycamore Stone Room 2:00pm 6 Lord’s Supper Observance 8:30am & 11:00am 6 Deacons Meeting - Room 111 2:00pm 6 Church Council Meeting - Room 112 4:00pm 11 Veteran’s Day Presentation - Sanctuary 10:00am 13 Parent/Child Dedication - Sanctuary 8:30am & 11:00am 13 Budget Q and A - Room 112 4:00pm 13 Church-wide Reflection on a Potential Master Plan and Phase One 4:15pm Gym 14-21 Operation Christmas Child - Sycamore Garage 8:00am - 6:00pm 15 Relocation Committee Meeting - Room 112 6:30pm 16 Budget Q and A - Room 112 5:30pm 21 Finance Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 111 23 Handbell Practice 5:15pm Room 218 24-25 Church Office Closed - Thanksgiving Holidays 27 Preschool Postal Service Starts 30 Coffee With The Pastor 6:30pm Room 112
DECEMBER: 4 Special Called Business Meeting 8:30 and 11:00 services 4 Business Meeting Gym 4:00pm 6 Piece Makers - Student Center 9:00am 6 Joy SS Class Meeting - Sycamore Stone Room 2:00pm 6 Relocation Committee Meeting Room 112 6:30pm 8 Encore Christmas Banquet Holiday Inn Express 11:00am 9 Adult 4 Christmas Party Sycamore House 6:00pm 10-11 Music Ministry Music Presentation Sanctuary 7:00pm 15 FBCS-Preschool Christmas Program Sanctuary 10:00 15 Building and Grounds Committee Meeting Pahl House 6:00pm 24 Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Sanctuary 6:00pm 25 One Worship Service 10:00am No Childcare. No Sunday School.
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FROM PASTOR ROSS November will begin an important time in the life of our church. We will have our first public input meeting on the development of the Master Plan and Phase One on Sunday afternoon, November 13th at 4:15 in the Gym. You will have an opportunity to hear from our architects, CMA Architects out of Dallas, and see the initial Master Plan and Phase One. The Master Plan and Phase One that will be presented will be provided in order to receive input and feedback concerning what is good and what needs to be corrected so that we can go back and make any necessary changes. In preparation for this meeting, here are a few items for you to know that may be helpful: - The Relocation Committee is composed of David Baker (co-chair), Brandon Musser (co-chair), Heather Kirby, Robert Hayden, Stephen Puckett, and Arlen Thielemann. I function in an ex-officio role as the pastor. The committee has been working hard, and I appreciate the time, energy, and prayer they’ve already given. - What will be presented on November 13th is for input and feedback and will not, at this time, be presented as something to be voted on. At some point in the near future, we will be ready to recommend the Master Plan and Phase One to the church for vote. - Most of the focus on November 13th will be on square footage and placement of buildings on the property. It will not be focused on such things like building materials (brick, stone, glass, etc.), colors, and other design aesthetics. - The information that will be presented at the meeting and the feedback from the meeting will be provided on Sunday mornings after November 13th. Therefore, if you can’t make the November 13th meeting, you’ll be able to learn what was presented and the feedback received. - Please remember that this entire process, from the Master Plan and Phase One to the design aesthetic to the capital campaign to the commitment to build the first phase without debt, is about God teaching us to walk by faith. Buildings are simply ministry tools, and in building new ministry tools (buildings), we have an opportunity to experience God. One of the things you’ll hear me talk about throughout this process is that is about faith building and not just facility building. Please be in prayer as we begin this exciting process. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor.
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MUSIC MINISTRY
The Kids’ Choir will be sharing in both morning services on Sunday, November 13th! Parents, please have your students in the sanctuary at 8am that morning.
Mark your calendars for December 10th and 11th at 7PM for our annual Music Ministry Christmas Presentation! We’re working hard and are so excited to share with you the music and the message of Christmas. You’ll be hearing our Kids’ Choir, Handbells, Tapestry Ensemble, Christmas Choir, and orchestra in these CAN’T MISS nights of songs filled with the message of great joy which is for ALL THE PEOPLE. This year’s event, entitled, “Casting Call”, is named for the dramatic script we will be presenting that gives us a peek into what it might be like if a church held auditions for their upcoming live nativity scene! So bring your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers and have your hearts made ready for the Christmas season! Contact Charles at ccovin@fbc-brenham.org with any questions. 6
ADULT MINISTRIES First Impressions Parking Lot Greeting Team. Each Sunday, We have greeters on the parking lots guiding people to a worship service or Sunday Bible Study. With bright yellow vests and friendly smiles, they will also be there to give you a helping hand with anything you need. Presently we need more people on the Parking Lot Greeting Team, if you would like to help us make a lasting impression by serving on our First Impressions Team. Contact Troy at: tsikes@fbc-brenham.org or call the church office at 979-836-2807 if you are willing to serve as an Usher, Welcome Center Greeter or Parking Lot Greeter.
ACCESS ACS HELPS YOU STAY CONNECTED Have you ever needed a church member’s phone number or address? Have you needed to email your Sunday Bible Study or Home Team? Have you wondered what is on the church calendar? Ever needed directions to a church member’s house? If so, then Access ACS is for you!! As a church member, you can log on to Access ACS through the church website and join over 175 fellow members in staying connected. Go to www.fbc-brenham.org and click on the “About” tab then click on “Staff”. Once on the staff page there is a button labeled, “Access ACS Log-in” Many of these features are available on your smartphone through our ChurchLife App., free to us through http://www.acstechnologies. com/church-life-app. Call the church office at 979-836-2807 for more details.
SAVE THE DATE - FEBRUARY 4TH-5TH, 2017 Home Improvement Weekend with Jeff & Debby McElroy. This weekend will engage the whole church family!
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ADULT MINISTRIES CONTINUES PIECE MAKERS Piece Makers will be making Touch Quilts for the remainder of the year. These are small quilts made out of many textures of fabric that may include pockets, lace, faux fur, rick-rack and ribbon that appeal to the sense of touch. Stroking or rubbing these quilts produces a calming effect in those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. We have received donations of upholstery, velvet and satin fabrics which are perfect for using in these tactile quilts which will soon be in the hands of people that can benefit from them. Piece Makers meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 9 am in the Student Center. Want to know how you can help? Call Sara Byman at 979 830-8555. Pictured with Touch Quilts are: Carol Marshall, Betty White, Doddie Messick, Diana Batdorf, Louise Newman and Shirley Herring.
HOME TEAM GROUPS FALL UPDATES! Widows & Single Ladies – “The Friends of Jesus” by Karen Kingsbury. 402 Magnolia 1st & 3rd Monday’s 6:00pm Bishop – “Psalms” 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm Yeakley/The More Excellent Way – “Knowing God’s Secrets” by John Hunter Meets at 800 Loesch St. Monday at 6:30pm Schroeder – “Spiritual Warfare” by Dr. Tony Evans 620 Country Place W. Dr. Meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:00pm Atkins – Prayer and fellowship 9250 Lake Dr. Various times and subjetcts
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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES & FELLOWSHIP
Men’s Prayer Breakfast Studying “James” Wednesdays, 6:00am Sycamore House
Sweet Hour of Prayer Thursdays, 10:00am Sycamore House Garage
Ladies Bible Studies Studying “He Speaks To Me” By Priscilla Shirer Wednesdays 6:30pm Sycamore House. (Childcare available)
Ladies Bible Study Fellowship Class
Pastor’s Bible Study Studying the book of “John” “Pastor’s Bible Study & Prayer Time” Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 112
Meets on Thursdays, 9:30- 11:30am, in the Sycamore House
Precept Classes studying “Church Unplugged” We will look at the meaning, mission, ministry and model of the church. Wednesdays, 6:30pm Room 111
“Unveiling Revelation in Light of Biblical Prophecy” Tuesdays 9:00 - 11:00am in the Pahl House. Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:30pm in the Pahl House
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ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAYS! Catherine Cook JT Davis Jerry Ann Moore Carrol McGehee Sandra Martin Bracy Bledsoe Lisa Atkinson Alan Pittman Mike Gonzales, Jr Eileen Rehor Joyce Graham Carol Morris Mary Glenn Langston Rodney Foerster Scott Schumacher Betty Windle Sue Cottingham
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Ken Baker Karen Kramer Sam Sizemore Ellen Wiese Bill Snow Vicki Roberts Brenda Allen Marilyn Steele Judy Bishop Wesley Porter Joe Baker Marilyn Williams Jolene Koenig Cindy Foerster Billie Ferguson Nancy Tahaney
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THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING! VETERANS DAY PROGRAM - Friday, November 11 at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. The program is put on by our wonderful school children under the direction of Mrs. Steen. After the program lunch will served by our 6th graders in the Gym. Please plan to join us!
CHRISTMAS BANQUET - Thursday, December 8 begins 11:00am at the Holiday Inn Express. Come and celebrate the Christmas season together!
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A LETTER FROM REBA Dear Friends, As we approach the end of another year there are so many things to be thankful for. I love the fall as it takes me back to when I was a child and I would begin to feel excited about the holidays coming up. This year I am thinking of all the things I have to be thankful for. God has seen us through so many things, health issues of ours as well as our family members. I am thankful that I can still enjoy being with our preschoolers on Sunday mornings. It just does my heart good when a little boy who has been so quiet in the past, comes up to me and hands me a picture and tells me that this is for you, and I love you and God. When a little girl comes up to me and says my brother is sick today so Mom had to stay home with him, so we prayed for both of them. Their sincere trusting of
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH Being a good person is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff---including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a bright new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.
God at three and four years old is amazing to me, and makes me sometimes wonder why we lose that childlike faith they so easily come by. This fall is a very important time in our country’s history. As we think of the founding of our country, let us all remember all the reasons our ancestors came to America from their native lands. I would ask that you prayerfully vote in our upcoming elections as God leads you. Then come on Friday November 11th to our church school’s Veterans Day Program. You will be blessed, and then we will have lunch served by the sixth graders and they will do a program while we are eating as well. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your families and friends. Blessings, Reba
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. For His loving kindness is everlasting. Then say “Save us O God of our Salvation, and gather us And deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in Thy Praise.” 1 Chronicles16:34
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THANKSGIVING MEAL DELIVERY November 24, 2016 Each year, hundreds of elderly and disabled people will not be able to participate in a traditional Thanksgiving feast. As a community of faith, there is something we can do! Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings we have in our lives. For the last five years, Faith Mission, The Cannery Kitchen and many volunteers have been preparing and serving Thanksgiving lunch in our community. This year, we are looking to continue the expansion that ministry to people who are homebound in Washington County. These individuals need the blessings and care of their community on this special day. It is a time for our community of faith to come together and give back to those in need. First Baptist Church is going to be a part of this expanded ministry. Heather Thielemann will be our team captain who will be the primary contact for all information regarding the meal delivery and volunteers. There are three ways we will be helping: 1. We will be providing names of our homebound members who will be in need of a meal. These names need to be submitted by Wednesday, November 16th to our church contact. 2. We will provide volunteers to package and deliver these meals on Thanksgiving Day. 3. We will provide volunteers to set up The Cannery Kitchen for in-house guests. Sign-up for volunteers will be available online starting Tuesday, October 25th, through www.faithmission.us. This would be a great opportunity for you and your family to participate and spread the love of God! There are numerous volunteer options that you can choose from. If you are out of town on Thanksgiving Day and still want to help with this ministry, you can help by sponsoring a meal. Each meal will cost $3.00. You will be able to make your donation on the Faith Mission website (www. faithmission.us) and click the “Donate” button and select Thanksgiving Meal from drop down menu, or by contacting Faith Mission directly at (979) 8301488. There are so many blessings for you, your family, and more importantly those that need to be loved as we expand this ministry to the community. Jesus said, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.” Matthew 25:35 Life Application Study Bible (Luke 3:11, Isaiah 58:7) Jesus asks us to personally be involved in caring for others’ needs. He chose us to each engage in accomplishing His will by sharing His love with those around us and living as an example to help transform their lives. As we make day to day decisions about how we live our lives, we can thank God for all he has done for us.
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STUDENT MINISTRY
What a week we had in Colombia! I have to start off with the just amazing team that God assembled. The team and I held a busy schedule for the week, but the Lord blessed us in smiling little faces from the kids and the caretakers we served. In all, we went to five different orphanages where we were able to sing fun songs, play games and teach from God’s word. God is doing some amazing thing in Colombia since our first trip back in April of 2015. The churches that we partnered with the last two years are continuing to minister to the kids even after we leave. It is just amazing to see “The Church” working together and serving the orphanage and the lost there in the city of Bogota, Colombia. On one of the days we were able to go to a park next to a college in the city and we walked around talking with people and handing out Bibles. It was at that moment, I felt your prayers. It is just incredible how people from South and Central America will just tell you
what they believe and are so open to what God’s Word says. I could not been more proud of our team in how they shared and showed the love of Christ in their words and their smiling faces. I want to say a few thank yous that made our trip special: Our Church, Mission Committee, and Pastor Ross for having a vision that goes beyond Brenham, the PieceMakers for the ministry that touches so many lives though blankets and the many ways you ladies minister. I wish you could see the faces of the children when they receive them. And thank you to Talon Perez for the stuffed bears that she made this summer and donated to the tip. They were a big hit. I can’t wait for the next adventure the Lord opens up for us here at Brenham’s First Baptist Church. Always remember that He has called us to the lost. So “BE ON MISSION” in every aspect of your life. In Him Bro Chad
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
MEMORY VERSE “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 (NIV) THIS MONTH’S BIG IDEA Honor - letting someone know you see how valuable they really are. UP COMING EVENTS First Grade Fun at the Morrisons – Nov. 12, 4-7pm Christmas Party – Dec. 14, 6-7:30, Church Gym, 1st-6th graders ENVIRONMENT FACELIFT NEEDED Are you creative? Do you like to paint? Do you like to shop for knick-knacks? We need you. Please contact Bro. Alex.
WEEKLY BOTTOM LINE 1. Honor others by giving them a chance (1 Samuel 16:1-13). 2. Honor others by putting them first (1 Samuel 18:1-9, 19:1-17, and 20:1-42). 3. Honor others by keeping your promises (2 Samuel 9:13). 4. Honor God by giving Him credit (2 Samuel 6:12-22a).
THANK YOU Thanks be to Stephen Phillips who blasted into the Kids Klub in a Host Cameo for the month of October. “He was great!” –Random Leader Opinion Go to www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/children For all the information and click on Preschool Ministries Newsletter.
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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES YAY! It is that time of year again! The Preschool is doing a Christmas card delivery service again this year. If you send Christmas Cards to anyone within our church we would like to deliver them for you. Our goal is to help you save that postage that you would be spending on Christmas cards and put that money towards a program or charity of your choice. It could be a program within our church or outside of our church. As of November 20th you can start dropping off your Christmas cards to the nursery area or church office. There will be a Christmas box in both areas that you can drop them off in. We will start delivering them to Sunday school classrooms on November 27th. The last day to get your Christmas cards to us will be December 14th. That way we will have that last Sunday before Christmas to deliver and then what is left we will make sure they get mailed out. We truly enjoy doing this and we hope that you do too. Here is an example of how to address your envelopes. If you do not know the class it is ok. I will look it up. Thank you! Stace y Str i ckl an d D irector of P reschool Mini str i es
Your Name and Address Sunday School Class (if you know it) Name and Address of the person you are sending the card to (if you know it)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUDSON TURNBILL 11/07 THOMAS VASQUEZ 11/16 CROSBY ROY 11/18 GARRETT SHELTON 11/20 Go to www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/preschool-ministry For all the information and click on Preschool Ministries Newsletter.
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FBC SCHOOL & EEC I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1 Our God is awesome. Truly. He created the world and everything in it. He continues to show is love and mercy every day. He allows us to serve Him. Wow! Thank you, Lord! FBCS has had a busy fall. Our Veteran’s Day Program will be November 11 at 10:00 in the sanctuary. I hope you will plan to come. The students and Mrs. Steen have worked very hard on the program. The program is a small gift to our Veterans for all they have sacrificed for us. Their service allows us to worship freely and have the choice to receive a Christian education. Thank you, Veterans. We are thankful for each of you and your families. Thank you to the folks who have volunteered to help with things around the school! We appreciate you! May God continue to bless and keep each of you, and may we recognize each blessing with a grateful heart. Please pray for us to stay sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Blessings, Nancy Jahns
UPCOMING NOVEMBER EVENTS 2 4 11 11
50th Day of School Last day of six weeks Mile Run at Hohlt Park Veteran’s Day program – 10:00 in the sanctuary Encore Luncheon – immediately following program; in the gym
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School closed for Thanksgiving; EEC open M-W only Core Essentials – elementary only
MOTHER’S DAY OUT
October was a busy month for MDO as we had a lots of things to do. The three’s and four’s class took a field trip downtown to look at all of the scarecrows on display and did a little voting for them. They also stopped by Must be Heaven for a ice cream treat. On October 18, all the classes walked to the fire station where we watched a movie about Sparky and saw the firetrucks. We all really enjoyed that. Our pumpkin party was on October 27th where we trick or treated down the main hall of the church building and got lots of treats from our office staff. We all dressed in our costumes and had a great time. November is such a thankful month
and we are all so thankful of so many things. One thing we are excited about is taking a special field trip to see our new library! We also plan to have our annual Thanksgiving Feast shared with our families. Our lesson plans for November are: Theme- Transportation Letters- C,X,R Bible Stories- Moses, God’s Treasure, Being Thankful, David & Goliath Colors- Black, Brown, Pink Our school is growing with 30 children enrolled in our program. We praise God for everyone of them and the awesome teachers we have. Kristie C. Mendoza
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Sympathies To: Charlie Matejowsky and family in the loss of his sister. Shannon Fuller and family in the loss of her father Gerry Eddlemon. Joan Newton and family in the loss of her husband Jack Newton Pamela Murski in the loss of her husband Tom (Bookie) Murski
Church Thank Yous: The family of Richard Robertson wants to thank all the church members who visited him, sent cards, made phone calls and all who prayed for him during our time of bereavement. Thank you, Carolyn Robertson Thank you all so much for praying for Rose. I truly believe all the prayers protected and healed our little girl. Thank you for the beautiful baskets that we received from the church and school. All the goodies were much appreciated by Rose and the entire Fox family. Love The Fox Family Dear Church Family, Once again I’d like to thank you for a wonderful blessing! THANK YOU for the generous love gift you gave me in honor of my 40 years of playing the piano and serving in the music ministry here at FBC. As always, I’m overwhelmed with your support, encouragement, prayer and love through the years. It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of the music program here and a constant blessing in my life. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love to do for a church family that I dearly love. I look forward to many more years of singing and playing praises to our Lord. In His love, Martha Haydon Thank you for your thoughtfulness, sending the beautiful plant, in remembrance of Dorothy Mann. We appreciate your kind support, for our family, during this difficult time. The Mann Family Dear Church Family, We cannot begin to adequately express our deep and sincere thanks for all the prayers and support we received during this past year while going through one of life’s toughest trails. Thank you, as well, for the beautiful Peace Lily, sent in remembrance of my husband, Bookie. Your love and devotion to us and God’s family goes beyond measure. We will forever be deeply grateful. Pamela Murski & Sons
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FROM TROY’S HEART Am I giving God the chance to do what I consider impossible? In other words, have I structured my life by faith or by sight? Is my life ordered by God or have I managed my Christian experience to death? Those questions are pretty haunting to me because Hebrews 11:6 tells me, “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” As I look over my life I find that I am a good manager. I manage my time well. I manage my finances and keep income and expenses in line. I take good care of my body by eating well, exercising, and getting rest. My calendar is organized between work, family, and social engagements. As far as my possessions go, even they are fairly neatly arranged at my home. Yep, a place for everything and everything in its place. However in my good management work, I am finding that I have also managed out the excitement of faith. The author of the book, Experiencing God, asks, “What in your life can only be explained by the answer, God?” Surveying my life for that answer, I don’t find much room for the supernatural because I have everything under my control. Things in Sikes’ world are safe, tame, structured and maybe a little boring, not much faith involved. God is stirring some things around in my life by asking hard questions. Maybe His questions that I have written in this article are messsing up your world as well. If so, let us resolve to trust His management of our life, and give up our control. We may end up out of the boat on the water, but it will be an exciting ride. I Love you, Troy
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SPECIAL EVENTS Dear Church Family, We are looking forward to another great year! Our goal for 2016 is 4500 boxes. Collection dates are November 14th thru the 21st. It will be a busy and a good time for those that get involved. As always there will be refreshments provided. Yours In Christ, David May
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Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
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