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
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
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CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR
NOVEMBER -
3 3 3 5 5 8 8 10 10 10 11 14 17 17 18-25 24 25-29 27-29 28-29
Lord’s Supper - Both Services Deacons Meeting 2:00pm Room 111 Church Council Meeting 4:00pm Room 112 Piece Makers Sewing Ministry 9:00am Student Center ATCoT Graduation 6:00pm Gym FBCS- Veteran’s Day Program 10:00pm Sancutary FBCS - Veteran’s Day Luncheon 11:00pm Pahl House Handbells play @ 8:30 Service Budget Q&A Meeting 4:00pm Room 112 An Evening of Worship & Prayer 5:00pm Sanctuary Finance Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 111 Relocation Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 112 Connecting @ FBC 9:45am Gym Budget Q&A Meeting 4:00pm Room 112 Operation Christmas Child Sycamore Churchwide Business Meeting 4:00pm Gym FBCS Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday FBCS- EEC Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday Church Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
For more information on any of the above events please visit the church website: www.fbc-brenham.org www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch
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FROM PASTOR ROSS On October 20th, we began a sermon series where we are refocusing on the capital campaign opportunity God has provided: Faith Building! Over the past few Sundays, here is the information I have shared: -Over the next few months, you are going to hear a lot more about the relocation. We have actual bid numbers to work with now; therefore, the Relocation Committee is working hard to discern next steps like completing our permitting process with the city, what can be contracted out in the first part of this process, when to break ground, etc. As we get closer, I will keep you updated via verbal announcements and written FAQ documents. -We will be showing three videos we filmed on location at important places in the history of our church. As we move forward, we can learn from those of our past. I hope you will find these videos edifying and encouraging. I will also share these videos via email and our church’s Facebook page. -Beginning on November 17th, you will have the opportunity to fill out a commitment card. On the card will be three opportunities to commit: start participating, change original commitment, or continue with original commitment. Over the next few weeks, I hope you will bring this commitment to the Lord in prayer. -If you are interested in learning more about all aspects of our relocation and capital campaign, here are two links: -http://fbc-brenham.org/about-us/relocation/ -http://fbc-brenham.org/connect/faith-building-capital-campaign/: (let me encourage you to watch the video) As we prepare to start the construction process of our relocation, I want to encourage you to pray. Pray for how God is leading you to commit to the Faith Building capital campaign. Pray for all those involved in the construction process. Pray for the Relocation Committee. Pray for me. My prayer is that this experience will be an opportunity for us to see what God can do as we walk in faith. I pray this because as excited as I am about the building, I am more excited about the opportunity for us to be encouraged in the faith and provide a witness and encouragement to our community that God can be trusted. Therefore, in the midst of all that will be taking place, let us remember to seek the Lord and His glory above everything else!
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MUSIC MINISTRY Mark your calendars for December 14th and 15th 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, 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, “First Christmas”, is going to be a POWERFUL evening as we present a glimpse back into that night long ago that no one would forget: The night the Christ Child was born. Listen as we hear reflections on that night from Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, the inn keeper, a wiseman, a shepherd - each invited to take part in the birth of the world’s Savior. Please invite your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers and have your hearts made ready for the Christmas season! -Our wonderful Handbell Choir will be sharing in our traditional worship service on Sunday, Nov. 10th! -Also, our Kids’ Choir will be singing in both morning worship services on Sunday, Nov. 17! -We will not have Kids’ Choir rehearsal on the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 27th) We WILL, however, have Christmas Choir & Praise Band rehearsal on TUESDAY of that week, Nov. 26th. Contact Charles at ccovin@fbc-brenham.org with any questions.
SYMPATHIES: -Price family in the loss of Sylvia Price. -LuAn Yarnold and family in the loss of Harold “Lefty” Yarnold. 6
SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER
As this time as thanksgiving draws near, let us all think of reasons to praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The first thanksgiving was spent in cold and snow but with grateful hearts that there was food and life. We have so much more. What are you grateful for? Because of Jesus, I am forgiven, Romans 3:25-26, I have peace with God, Romans 5:1, I don’t have to live with guilt and condemnation, Rom. 8:1, I have a great inheritance, Rom. 8:17, I always have someone interneding for me, Rom. 8:34, I have eternal life with Him., Rom. 8:10-11, I can have more life in this life, John 10:10. As we sit down together at that scrumptious Thanksgiving feast, let our hearts fill up on the reality that praise, and worship can’t be contained because of Jesus’ work on the cross. Jesus loves you and He gave ------even that food setting before you. I pray that I would think only thoughts that are true, That I would think those sweet thoughts of You, Thoughts that set my heart and soul free, So that everything that You have purposed for me will be. That Your love will flood may soul, As I thank and praise You for all I behold. To set my mind and heart on things above, Being strengthened with all Your power and love, Then all the things of this earth will fade away, And there’s only You, Lord, to love and praise this day. Sweet Hour of Prayer meeting in the Sycamore House Garage Thursdays : 10:00-11:00. Everyone is welcome to come join us as we pray.
PIECE MAKERS
Pastor Carlos and his wife Judy received a Cross Wall Hanging made by Beth Taylor WITH Piece Makers. The FBC Mission team made the presentation when they were in La Mesa, Colombia visiting the Futuro Juvenile Institution/Orphanage where Pastor Carlos serves. Piece Makers projects reach those at home and abroad. We would love for you to join us in this sewing ministry. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month from 9 am to 4 pm in the Student Center. All are welcome! 7
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
Prayers of the Bible Wednesdays, 6:30pm, Room 111
Pastor’s Bible Study, “How People Change: How Christ Changes Us by His Grace”, Wednesdays, 6:30pm, Room 112
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.
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SMALL GROUP, BIG NEWS This fall has held some great small group moments: • Adult 5 packed 45 people into the Stone House Living Room for their largest class yet! • Agape Life held a “Merge Party” as they welcomed the members of the Family Life class. • Life Applications has enjoyed wonderful home-made breakfasts with a study of the Apostle’s Creed. • A group of ladies reached out to several Sunday Bible Studies to “get to know” one another at a Saturday Brunch in our gym. • Our 3 Young Married Home Teams have started and are experiencing great conversations and closeness. • Fathaur/Fritz Home Team had a “Progressive Meal” that was a “blast”!!
ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS
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A LETTER FROM REBA Dear Friends, Recently I was asked why we no longer see birthdays in the newsletter, so this is what I found out. Because of privacy issues in today’s world we are not allowed to print them. You can get them from the office by calling the office. or pick one up in the office. I was told they will email a list to you or mail you a copy, which ever is easiest for you. If you choose to go by office, please call first and ask them to get it ready for you so you do not have to wait for it.
“Giving thanks always for all things.” Ephesians 5:20
As I think of the upcoming holiday season with Thanksgiving coming first. Although it is not a religious holiday I do think we need to celebrate with thankfulness to God during this holiday. He has blessed us so richly to be an American and mostly a born again believer. I think of a song that we did with our choir at our church in Houston years ago. It says: Give Thanks with a grateful heart Give Thanks to Holy One Give Thanks Because He has given Jesus Christ His Son And now let the weak say I am strong Let the poor say I am rich Because of what The Lord has done for us. I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving this year and take the time to thank God for all He has done for you. Blessings, Reba Pair
THANK YOUS
Dear BFB Church, I want to thank you for your generous contribution to pay off the negative account balances of the students of Brenham ISD. Your generosity will allow many students to enjoy a fresh start to this school year’s meal account, alleviating the negative balance they had today. Kind Regards, Sandra Baxter, CN Director BISD Dear Church Family, Your Prayers & thoughts lifted our spirit. The beautiful flowers and your kind words strengthened us. Thank you! It is such a gift to have you always but especially in times of need like this, the passing of our Mother, Ruth Ann. She passed with Grace and Spirt. Take comfort in Gods hand. We give Praise and Glory to Him! In Christ’s Love, Howdy & Lori McCracken
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STUDENT MINISTRY We’ve got a lot going on with our student ministry at this time of year. Our Service and Leadership Team (SALT) has been meeting on Sunday afternoons. Our focus has primarily been on Being In Service, Being Inviting, and Being Influential. We’ve been looking at areas where student can be an influence to their lost peers, while still maintaining their own standards. This is a great group of kids and I’m proud of their commitment. We are also gearing up for Disciple Now weekend, coming January 24-26, 2020. As always, I’m looking for host homes for this event. If the Lord is leading you to open up your home for the weekend and to show the love of Christ to students, please let me know. I am hoping for about 9-10 homes this year. If you’re interested but need more information, I’d love to talk to you and let you know what is involved. Preparation for the Spring Break Honduras Mission Trip is underway. I have 9 excited students signed up so far to go. You may see them around selling their mission t-shirts to help raise funds to go. As a father with 3 kids going, I can honestly say, every single shirt sold helps. So please support our students as they go “be on mission.” I had a great trip to Colombia this year. Of course, it was great fun to hang out with Charlie Pyle, Jesse Ladd, Robert Taylor, and Ross Shelton, but getting to go to Ambalema was a real treat. It reminded me a lot of Honduras. The people there are so peaceful, loving, and welcoming. I look forward to returning in the future. They are open to hearing the Gospel and that’s the most exciting part! As always, I’m so glad the Lord has placed me here serving with each of you. In Him, Bro.Chad
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10, NIV) Good Morning, I was privileged to attend the Brenham High School Football Hall of Honor Banquet today . Three men were inducted into the halls of Brenham High School History as they were presented with plaques which donned past photos of the men in action for the Brenham HS Football Team. Each Plaque also presented a short description of each man’s accomplishments. These plagues will be hung on the walls of the Ed & Howard Kruse Field House memorialized along with those of previous inductees. This month’s Big Idea is Honor - letting someone know you see how valuable they really are. The inductees (two former players and one former coach) were honored with plaques, a good meal, membership to an exclusive and prestigious association, and the presence and applause of the many people present. However, for as much as these men were honored, when given the microphone and permission to speak they chose not to honor themselves by shining a light on their accomplishments both for Brenham High School and away from Brenham. Instead, they chose to let those around them know that they see how valuable they really are. Each man siezed the moment behind a microphone, under the spotlight with a captured and focused audience to wax eloquent about the people in their past who helped them achieve their accomplishments for the Brenham Cubs, and for the loved ones currently around them who give them the drive and inspiration to be their best now in their present endeavors. Mothers were applauded for their unconditional love and acceptance. Fathers were thanked for their motivation, discipline and encouragement. Children received appreciation for their sacrifice, and wives were praised for their commitment, love and sacrifice. These men spoke inspirationally about the people that were inspirational to them. As I sat there listening, I began to wonder how great it would be to repeat this action in my own life. I am not suggesting that a banquet be thrown for others to come and honor me. However, what if I took the opportunity to sit at my dinner table tonight and list how each person at that meal inspires me. What would it mean for those I love to hear me verbalize that I see how valuable they really are. What about you? How would your family respond if you intentionally took time to shine the spotlight on them. How can you take advantage of a microphone moment to let those around you know that you see how greatly our God has created them? Obviously, this praise would honor those you highlight, but I feel it brings honor to the One who created them as well. His Servant & Yours, Bro. Alex
Upcoming Events: No Kids Klub Wednesday Night Bible Study – November 27
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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! This is such a fun time for us in the preschool ministry. Our little ones get to come visit you as they deliver your special Christmas cards. So make sure you start working on your Christmas cards, it is never too early to get those done. We want to deliver them to all your friends and family here at FBC. Remember our gift to you is to spread joy and cute little smiles, along with a candy cane or two and saving you a little bit of postage this holiday. You can start dropping off your Christmas cards to our Nursery area mailbox or the church office on November 17th. We are hoping to start delivering them the following week, November 24th. The last day to get them turned in for delivery will be December 11th. This is so we will have time to sort them and get all that we can delivered that last Sunday before Christmas Eve. If we are unable to deliver to some, we will mail them out, so that they can receive them before Christmas. We look forward to visiting you soon! Stacey P.S. Be on the lookout for our Preschool Postal Service Insert
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! CHARLIE ROYALL HUDSON TURNBILL CHADDICK MESSICK REAGAN FRATUS BRYNNLEE HUEBNER
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FBC SCHOOL & EEC Fall Greetings to you all! Veteran’s Day Program will be November 8 at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. I hope you will plan to come. The students and Mrs. Covin have worked very hard on the program and hope to bless the community through it. Thank you, Veterans! Your service allows us to worship freely and have the choice to receive a Christian education. We are thankful for each of you and your families.
“But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
We invite the FBC Encore members to join us for lunch following the Veteran’s Day program. We will serve lunch and entertainment from our 6th graders immediately following the program! Blessings, Nancy Jahns
Veteran’s Day Program
NOVEMBER
November 8th @ 10:00am in the Sanctuary Encore Luncheon to follow in the Pahl House 1 4 5
PK to MBH End of term 2 PTO @ 5:30 in Rm 112 Ms. LouLou @ chapel for preschool only 8:10 – Move to different location 7 BB @ Thorndale 8 Veteran’s Day program @ 10:00 Encore luncheon in Pahl House 12 Staff Meetings 14 BB @ Giddings 15 First grade to Amazon 18 Mid Term reports 19 Basketball – here 21 Basketball @ St. Paul’s 22 Kid’s Heart Challenge 25-29 Thanksgiving; EEC closed Nov. 27, 28, 29
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FROM TROY’S HEART Each year on Thanksgiving morning, I go on a long run for two reasons: 1. I spend the whole run thanking God for the great things in my life. It takes a run of at least an hour to get those things mentioned. Even then, an hour sometimes isn’t long enough. 2. So I can burn more calories to compensate for the pecan pie I will eat that afternoon. Other than the normal items we are thankful for…family…health…friends, etc, I thought it would be good to list some out of the ordinary moments and things we are grateful for.. Thank you God for porches and rocking chairs…especially when you put them together! Thank you God for smells like roses, rain and even little kids when they have been playing outside. Thank you God for comfortable pajamas. Thank you God for a good book…the one that stirs our emotions and our will. Thank you God for coloring books… that make us a kid again. Thank you God for people who snort when they laugh. Thank you God for our crazy relatives. Without them we wouldn’t have great stories. Thank you God for bedtime prayers…especially with our kids. Thank you God for a dependable car…and a fully charged battery! Thank you God for the phone call from our adult kids when they need you…it feels good to be needed. Thank you God for that one moment when your life changed. Good or bad, it has made us who we are. Thank you God for a pet who greets us at the door or climbs in our lap. Thank you God for silence. Have you ever heard it? When you do, it is amazing! Thank you God for a campfire, smores and good stories. Thank you God for the moment when we didn’t say what we thought. Thank you God for car trip games, living room tents or forts and tea parties. There are a million more “thankful” moments that pass us by many times. Take some time and write your own list and share it with me. I would love to be grateful with you. I love you, Troy
MOTHER’S DAY OUT
We are celebrating November with learning how to be thankful. We will be taking a field trip to the fire station on November 5th and we will also be celebrating Thanksgiving with our MDO families on November 21st. School will be closed the week of November 25th for Thanksgiving. This month, we will be learning about Noah and Baby Moses and our monthly Bible verse is “Give thanks to the Lord.” Psalm 136:1
Thank you to Anne Newcomb and her family who donated books to our school. Each child at MDO received a book to take home and were very excited to get it. If you are still interested in donating money (only $32.00), please contact me at 15 mdo@fbc-brenham.org
Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
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