For more information on any events please visit the church website:
www.fbc-brenham.org
www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch
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
Sympathies -Kyle and children, Clay, Vanessa and Olivia in the loss of wife and mother, Loyce Van Hook. -Sean Holster and family in the loss of his mother, Kathy.
The hope is that we will receive the steel for the new building this week (week of October 26). We will need to wait a few weeks for the concrete to cure before the steel starts going up. Once the steel is up, we plan on having a special day for people to come and write a favorite Bible verse and their names on the steel. While we still have a long way to go, I am excited about the progress. Please remember that we called the capital campaign connected with our relocation “Faith Building.� That is, while this is about a facility being built, my prayer is that our faith will be built as well. In fact, my prayer is that ultimately our building will be an ongoing symbol for what can happen when we trust God for His provision, timing, and ways. Therefore, as we continue to build, can you please continue to pray for this project? Pray for continued financial provision. Pray for the protection of the workers on the site. Prayer for the endurance for our committee that has served for years. Most importantly, pray for God to be glorified and our faith to be strengthened! P.S. I hope you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving! I thank God for you and am grateful to God for the ways He continues to work in our church!
From Pastor Ross
I want to give you a brief update about our relocation. As I write this article in late October, most of the slab of our new building has been poured. If you want to see a video of this, you can watch it on our Vimeo page at https://vimeo.com/471134513.
A Letter From Reba It sometimes amazes me how things fall into place while writing this monthly letter. I am here to tell you that God lays it out for me. As you know we are living in a troubled world right now. At a time when we should be thinking about family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas there are things that may make that impossible this year. We are bombarded by hate and fear anytime we turn on the television or radio. I am here to remind you that God has promised to be by our side daily. I know I always refer to music, but music has been embedded in me since I was a small child. The times we are living in remind me of the song Bow the Knee. We hear a lot about taking a knee lately, but one day every knee will bow to God. Read these lyrics slowly and take them to heart. Bow the Knee by Bruce Greer There are moments on our journey following the Lord where God illuminates every step we take. There are times when circumstances make perfect sense to us,as we try to understand each move He makes. When the path grows dim and our questions have no answers, turn to Him. There are days when clouds surround us, and all the rain begins to fall, the cold and lonely winds won’t cease to blow and there seems no reason for the suffering we feel; we are tempted to believe God does not knw.When the storm clouds arise don’t forget we live by faith and not by sight. Chorus: Bow the knee; Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see. Bow the Knee.Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity, and when you don’t understand the purpose of the plan, in the presence of the King , bow the knee. So, as we go into November, let us all go prayerfully as we vote and let God lead us as we do. Let us always be vigilant in our prayers for so many things in our country, in our families, in our church. I am excited to be watching the beginnings of our new church plant. We can hear the construction going on from our house, so we go by there almost daily to see what is going on. I hope you have been able to collect some things for our Operation Christmas Child boxes, because the time is here to turn them in. Just think how many children around the world have been blessed with these boxes. Before you know it will be Thanksgiving then Christmas is right around the corner. The choir will be doing our music differently this year, so make sure you check it out when the details are given. I pray you all have a family time at some point over the upcoming holidays. Blessings, Reba Pair
Sweet Hour of Prayer By this time the election is over and we could have an answer to covid-19 and this infamous year, 2020, is nearing an end. If our hopes and wishes have seen no fulfillment, lets look up and keep our eyes on our Heavenly Father who will never leave us or forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord, himself, goes before you and will be with you: He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Dear Lord, Thank you for this day. Fill us with your peace, that peace that passes understanding. You suffered on the cross for our peace, and we receive it right now. Father, open our hearts and minds to the suffering of others. As saints and heirs, we want to be so full of Your love that it pours over to the weak, suffering, angry, hurt, and ill people in our space. And others can see Christ in us as we do unto others as we would desire others to do unto us. We ask with humility and love in Jesus’name. Your gracious, awesome love devine By grace, through faith, this love is mine. It spirals through my heart with joy, Lifting, filling, thrilling to enjoy. Love that changes reckless sinners From losers into saints and winners. Spreading love throughout the world Like a banner as it unfurls. Through prayers, this love is cast Upon the poor, the suffering, the outcast. On our knees the words go out. God hears and reaches His hand throughout. Sweet Hour of Prayer Come and join us each Thursday at 10:00 am in the garage of the Sycamore House
From Troy's Heart
Kelley and I just returned from a vacation to Utah. Over 10 days, we toured the 5 National Parks in Utah. By some of the pictures you see on this page, you likely agree that it was a breath-taking experience. Over and over again, we marveled at the power and creativity of our God. As our mouths dropped, we asked each other, HOW did this happen? The answers from tour guides and brochures were “wind, water and time.” And, although I would agree with those answers, I do so with the knowledge that God controls all of those! He is the artist. He is the creator of the geological masterpieces of the world. What we saw in Utah was His canvas and we smiled and laughed with joy that He gave us the chance to see His museum up close and personal. I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Ps. 121:1-2 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Rom. 1:20 I love you, Troy
Small Groups, Big News What does Sunday Bible Study look like in a pandemic? Well, from my point of view, just a little different in attendance, but NOT in mission. Right now, we are averaging about 275 people in Sunday Bible Study, about 100 less than pre-Covid. HOWEVER, the mission of each class hasn’t skipped a beat. Each class is opening God’s Word and passionately discussing its truths. Each class is full of joy and laughter as friendships are deepened. Each class is reaching out to those who haven’t been able to attend and keeping them informed. Also, each class is faithfully caring for those who are hurting…praying… providing meals…collecting gift cards to share…driving members to doctor’s appointments…or helping members move into new locations. Bottom line, ain’t no Covid, going to stop the church from being the church! You go CHURCH!!
Piece Makers
Miracle Farm, a Christian residential facility for teenage boys, is a ministry supported by First Baptist Church. Pastor Ross is on the Board of Directors of Miracle Farm. For most of this year a new cottage has been under construction to house more boys and is now nearing completion. Denim and plaid quilts for all the beds in the cottage have been made by Piece Makers. In October, these quilts and a Cross wall hanging were presented to Miracle Farm staff and boys in a ceremony held in front of the new cottage.
Preschool Ministry Preschool Postal service is suspended for Christmas 2020! Well, our little elves should be gearing up for delivering Christmas cards by this point. However, because of all the crazy changes this year, we have to suspend our postal service for this Christmas season. I am so sadden by this, but with our classes at different times and a couple not even meeting right now, it just will not be feasible for our little elves to deliver. We look forward to serving you next Christmas. Sending you love from our little elves!
CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER UPDATE: Thank you again to everyone who showed our preschoolers their support in buying their recipes in a jar for “Christmas in September.” We had a goal set for $3,000 to go in support of our very own school. I am so excited to say that we made it to our goal! So proud of our teachers, preschoolers and parents for helping us in this month’s mission project. Thank you!
Memory Verse: “Jesus said …, “I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25 Big Picture Question: Where is Jesus now? Jesus is in Heaven.
Happy Birthday:
Gentry Wellmann Reagan Fratus
Student Ministry We’ve just about made it. Only two more months till 2020 is over which means it is fall here in Texas. So, Happy Fall Y’all! It has not been a typical autumn. My one front yard tree still hasn’t lost its leaves and “cooler temperatures” still seem like a distant fantasy. But, hey, it’s 2020 and anything could happen. Here’s to hoping we see snow this Texas winter. All I know is my heart is warm with seeing our students again in Sunday morning Bible study and “ALL IN” our Wednesday Bible study. I want to take some time to tell you what we have been studying so you might be praying for our students. On Sunday morning we have been in “Explore the Bible for Students” in the book of Isaiah. I have been teaching our 9th and 10th graders and they are bunch of hoots. High energy and full of questions, I never have a dull moment with this bunch. It has been eye opening to see the Lord teach me and our students of His love and plans he has for the people of God. At “ALL IN” on Wednesday night, we have been in the book of Matthew answering the question, “What are Jesus’ Do and Don’ts?”. What are the commands that Jesus give us through the Gospels? If you have a student or you see one around ask them about what they are learning to reinforce what God is teaching them. After all Jesus says in John “If you love me, keep my commands”. On another note, I have set a date for camp this coming summer. We will be going back to FUGE beach camp in Florida June 13-18, 2021. Sign-up will start this month so please be sure to sign your student up. Camp will cost more this year ($360 per student), because we are going out of state so I want to offer you a payment plan with $50 a month starting in November till we know how the Lord will bless us with our only fundraiser at the end of January at the Men’s Cake Bake on Sunday, January 24, 2021. I am not sure yet how D-Now 2021 in January will go this coming year with COVID-19 considerations, but I will make plans as we see how things progress. In Him, Bro. Chad
FBC School and EEC “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 This November looks a little different from those in the past. Usually FBCS is working on the Veterans’ Day Program. That is probably my favorite event we have. I love watching the kids prepare for it. At first, they may not see the value; but when the sanctuary is filled with Veterans, the reason becomes real. They look in the eyes of people who have truly sacrificed for our freedom. While we are not able to honor the Veterans in person this year, I pray that each of us will honor them with a spirit of gratitude. As some of you may know, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I try to be thankful year round, but thankfulness is brought to my mind more during this time of year. Many of us have had multiple trials recently, but it is all joy when we look through His lens. He is our constant guide and takes care of every little thing. May each of us be made aware of all the many ways he blesses us! On that note, I want to thank our church for being faithful to encourage, serve, pray for, and support the school ministry. The school has been so blessed by Brenham’s FBC. God is working in the families we serve. It is not by accident that these families are here; He has placed them here. Whether a child is part of our school family for one year or many, seed of salvation is planted and nurtured. Nothing prayed for is void from Him. He will honor those prayers. While we may never see the results first hand, He knows the outcome. That is all that matters! Blessings, Nancy Jahns
NOVEMBER 2 & 3 – Hearing & Vision Screening 4 – Report Cards 23-27 – Thanksgiving Holidays – School closed 23-27, EEC Open 23-24, & closed 25-27
Children's Ministry “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NIV) Good Morning, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” -John Lydgate later made popular by Abraham Lincoln Conflict. It can be such a dirty word. Who wants to be in conflict? I would venture to say no one. I think it is safe to assume not many people prefer to be at odds with others. As a natural instinct, I propose that people choose not to have a pit in their stomach when interacting with others. I would think that they would prefer to not have to duck, and abruptly turn in the grocery store when a person with whom there is conflict comes into their line of sight. I believe most people would choose to be at peace with family, friends and associates. So, why does conflict exist? It exists because we are not the Borg (Trekkies, you are welcome). If you are not a Star Trek fan, the Borg is an alien culture that assimilated other living beings of any culture they confronted to be a part of the Borg collective. Once assimilated, individuals were of the same mind, and all had the same objective. Since, the Borg has not yet made it to Earth, and we each maintain our own outlook on life, opinions will differ between us all. Since we know that conflict is going to happen, how do we prepare ourselves to face conflict when it pops up? Do we dig in our heels, or do we prepare to please everyone and waver to other’s opinions to avoid conflict? Let’s turn to Romans 12. This is the chapter in Romans when Paul turns the page of practicality. He first talks about presenting your whole life as an offering to the Lord. Now if you are there with me, begin reading verse 3 and continue through verse 21. Paul gives practical instructions for how we can face conflict and it all can be summed up in verse 18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” It is up to each of us to be at peace, and keep conflict at bay. So, examine your life. Is there a relationship in conflict? Remember, the responsibility is upon you to live at peace. Our Wednesday night attendance seems to grow each Sometimes that means making week, and this is so wonderful! This is creating a need the first move. Sometimes that for a greeter who can check kids in using a touchscreen means accepting the apology. computer. If you love kids, and have a great smile, Remember, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at we would love to bring you on our Wednesday night team to peace with everyone.” Go and do. welcome kids and families into the Kid’s Klub of Brenham’s FBC each week. Please contact Alex if you would be interested in His Servant & Yours, being this bright, up-front person. Bro. Alex
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